Hera informs Ares that when Zeus made her the chalice as a wedding gift he decreed that anyone who tried to steal it would be punished by death. With Zeus' protection of Hercules not immune to his past decree, he can't save his son from Ares unless the chalice is returned to the Phoenix's cave. While en route to deliver the chalice to his father's temple, Hercules and his friends come upon Strife. The god steals the chalice and takes it to Alcmene's house to lure the cadets into a trap.
While Hercules battles Ares and Strife, Iolaus and Jason successfully return the chalice to the cave. Ares tries to fry his half-brother with a lightning bolt, but Zeus prevents it from happening. Ares promises to return and get even with Hercules. The demigod decides to spend some time with his mother before returning with his friends to Cheiron’s academy.
Starring: Ryan Gosling (Hercules), Dean O'Gorman (Iolaus), Chris Conrad (Jason)
Guest Starring: Kevin Smith (Ares), Joel Tobeck (Strife), Sharon Tyrrell (Alcmene), Michael Daly (Tarus)
Teleplay by Hilary J. Bader
Story by Rob Tapert & Liz Friedman
Directed by Chris Graves