Xena quickly became way better than Hercules. The characters were just more interesting. Her outfit looks vaguely Japanese, but I never saw that season. It was hard to keep a steady watching schedule as a kid. I should go back and rewatch this! I hope it's not just nostalgia.
She also did a great job on Battlestar Galactica and Spartacus. And Parks and Rec! I'm glad she's the one that got more exposure instead of Kevin Sorbo. He chewed a lot of scenery in Hercules, and being a MAGA asshat didn't endear him to his old fans.