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Post by Dalton on Jan 11, 2004 20:36:30 GMT -5
This thread contains the ScoopMe Reviews for the Fourth Season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Following is the Pre-Season "review'.
Buffy Pre-Season Primer: This Is Only a Test by Jen Sonstein 9/15/1999
What do we have to do to prove our love?
Like God tested Job, the network has been testing Buffy fans. First, they put us through major withdrawal by withholding a new episode for seven whole weeks.
Then, just when we expect to finally get a fix, they pull "Earshot" from its original air date out of supposed consideration for those affected by the Columbine tragedy. Others claim this move was more out of consideration for publicity than the victims. Either way, the episode is finally being aired on September 21.
Finally, as if the above-mentioned weren’t enough, they had the cajones to postpone the 2nd half of a two-part season finale originally set to air on May 25th. Ouch!
Well, if it was publicity they were looking for, they sure got it with that slick move. In case you missed all the media attention, "Graduation Part II" was the hottest thing circulating the web early this summer (pre-Blair Witch, of course). A generous Canadian who videotaped the final ep (I guess Canadian teenagers are much less affected by violence on TV) passed it around and posted it for all to view (until the network decided copyright infringement was unacceptable and pulled the episode off the Internet).
On the sidelines, upset fans banded together to form the Stand Up for Buffy Campaign (www.scoobygang.com/standup) raising hell and mucho dinero towards a venomous ad in Daily Variety supporting the creative freedom of Buffy architect and writer, Joss Whedon.
But when the dust finally settled, we all sat down in front of the tube to watch the gang graduate on July 13.
I have to admit I was a little underwhelmed, but I’ll attribute that to high expectations and lame special effects. However, the season finale (and I really consider "Part II" the season finale) contained many redeeming qualities as well—scenes ranging from suspenseful (where’s Faith?) to ridiculous (Cordy and Wesley’s long awaited kiss) to poignant (Angel draining Buffy).
The graduation scene (which was the supposed reason for postponement) was actually the lamest part of the episode. It seemed forced, unrealistic, and downright cheesy. Plus, the whole thing was over way too quick. For months, the Mayor’s been building up the Ascension implying, "Oooh, everyone better watch out for the Ascension. They’re going to be really sorry once I achieve Ascension." Give me a break! Was it worth it for the mayor in the end? Was transforming into that snake-thing for a millisecond before being killed really worth eating all those cat-sized cockroaches? I don’t think so.
But, the season finale did leave us with a few things to ponder. First off and foremost, who’s going to be around next fall? Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past year, you know the obvious—Angel and Cordy are off to L.A. Angel’s been giving subtle (and not so subtle) hints for a while now, and they’ve been setting up Cordy’s departure as well. Rumor has it they won’t be a couple on the new show (I gag at the thought), but that’s another story (see my comments under Angel).
According to various interviews and the rumor mill, Buffy and Willow are starting USC-Sunnydale this fall. Xander, will still be on a voluntary tight leash, but he won’t be matriculating with his best girl buds. Instead, he’ll be loafing about in the Hellmouth. Oz is on the roster as well and I’ve heard from my sources that he’ll be one of the crossovers between BtVS and Angel.
Speaking of crossovers, there’s been a great deal of buzz about Spike’s return (with or without Dru). Specifically, that Spike will be the first BtVS character to make the leap from 8 to 9 (in the 3rd episodes of both shows). Plus, there’s something floating around about romantic harmony between Spike and Harmony, Cordy’s on again-off again bud who bit the dust in the final ep. If you can’t figure it out, she comes back as a vamp.
I know I’ll probably get hate mail after saying this, but I think Spike is a lot better off without Dru, and so are we. She annoys the shit out of me (especially that hybrid of accents she employs…is it Cockney, Irish, or a speech impediment?). I’d love to see more of Spike, but only if he leaves Dru at home.
Of course, don’t forget about Mom (Joyce) and Pop (figuratively, Giles). They’re both still in the picture, but the only dirt I’ve heard about either is that Giles finds a new love interest to help him finally get over Jenny Calender. Could it be Joyce? I certainly hope not. The concept was cute for one episode; I don’t know if I could tolerate it much past that.
So, those are the definites. But, there’s a whole slew of "maybes". For instance, are they "keeping the Faith"? When we last saw the anti-Slayer we love to hate, Faith was in a coma making only guest appearances in Buffy’s dreams. To report the news from the rumor mill (and an interview with the actress, Eliza Dushku), the writers have purposefully left the character of Faith up in the air. Eliza was offered a role on either show, but was deciding between acting or going to college (in real life). No one’s asking my opinion, but I’d rather see her on Angel. One Slayer per show is enough for me and I’ve had about all I can take of the cat fights.
What about the uber-feminist, Anya? Her transformation from demon to darling was a riot. There’s significant room for character growth and huge potential for laughs if she and Xander make any attempt at a romantic relationship. They’re both great with the one-liners and their interaction in "Graduation Part I" actually bordered on sweet. Bring her back to Sunnydale for a while! After all, with Cordy gone, Xander needs someone to bait and be baited by.
And what about poor Buffy? Poor Angel-less Buffy? Even though I’m from the "Buffy loves Angel" camp, I can’t help forgetting how easily she rebounded and started dating Scott last fall. Something tells me that being buff, blonde, and fresh meat will hardly hamper her ability to get dates at college. My words of wisdom? College is the best time of your life B—and we’re not talking Jennifer Love Hewitt style here. You’ll be okay without him. Whenever you’re feeling blue, picture him as Angelus. That’s likely to make even the ugliest and drunkest frat boy seem appealing.
Whatever happens, when the WB finally rewards us with a new episode on October 5th after a tumultuous spring and torturously long summer, we the fans will be watching. If you ask me, we passed the test with flying colors and proved that loyalty is one of our best qualities. Now, do us a favor and hold the reruns for a while.
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Post by Dalton on Jan 11, 2004 20:55:33 GMT -5
by Jen Sonstein 10/6/1999 “A new beginning. New challenges.” Yeah, but more importantly, new boys. New living arrangements. New social pressures. New hair. College is all about change.
That’s what’s so great about college, you can be someone completely different. If you were a loser in high school, you get yourself some new clothes, a new attitude, and presto--you’re Joe Popular. By the same token, beautiful blondes that were fashionable, fearless, and witty in high school, can very easily become style-impaired, scared, and downright dorky in college. Believe me, it happens. I know…I mean, so I’ve heard.
And that’s the theme of the premiere of the 4th season of BtVS. Change.
Starts out with Buffy and Willow just hangin’ out in the cemetery waiting for a vampire to rise. Change #1: Willow’s new do. Yikes. I’m all for starting a new year off with a new look, but what made Willow chop of her pretty hair and try to match the color to her sweatsuit? And why the grunge look? She and Oz now appear more like twins than boyfriend and girlfriend.
Change #2. Buffy and Willow chatting about classes and trying to figure out Buffy’s new schedule. Up walks a vamp, sees weapons, and backs off. Helloooo…since when are there smart vamps in Sunnydale? A member of the undead willingly gives up a chance for fresh meat? I don’t think so. Something’s rotten in Dodge. (Please excuse the mixed metaphors.)
Fresh meat. Freshmen. Same difference. On campus at UC-Sunnydale, Buffy finds herself smack dab in the middle of a stereotypical freshman first day. We have bossy upperclassmen leading orientation, protestors assembling at some rally, a Jesus Loves You proselytizer, and a frat boy offering free jello shots to fresh women. All that’s missing is John Belushi and a horse.
Well, for any of you who were worried that the Buffy Summers in college was going to be Felicity Porter revisited; you were dead wrong. But like Felicity, Buffy is out of her element at first. She’s completely overwhelmed, and she keeps telling us over and over and over again. She’s so overwhelmed that every word in her vocabulary has been replaced with the word “overwhelmed”. And Willow’s no help. She’s in love—with Oz, with higher education, with the library. Change #3: Willow is radiating self-confidence. No more shy, demure, innocent Willow. This is the brand new and improved, I’ve had sex, hear me roar, Willow Rosenberg. It hit me like a ton of bricks when Willow and Buffy are in the bookstore and bump into the infamous Riley (according to the word on the streets, a new love interest for B). Willow’s all smiles and talky-talk with a cutie and Buffy’s turned bimbo, delivering one of the episode’s funniest lines, “The books were so high and then everything was bad.” Buffy doesn’t get off to a great start in the “new boys” department. Emphasized even more later on when she runs into Riley who has no recollection of her whatsoever at first and then refers to her as “Willow’s friend”. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.
Rewind. Buffy meets her roommate, Kathy. Okay, so she’s a little hyper, a little snorer, and she’s into, Celine Dion, but she’s not that bad. I knew people in college who had it a lot worse (Megan and her box? Cake compared to some of these psychos). And look at their dorm room for crying out loud. It’s so big they could go weeks without bumping into each other. Plus, it seems obvious that we’re supposed to find Kathy annoying so it won’t hurt so bad when she bites the dust in the next episode or two. I’ll bet good money that she’s either vamp or vamp meat by the fourth episode. It’ll give Buffy and Willow an excuse to be roomies. Although for the life of me I can’t imagine why Willow and Buffy aren’t roommates to begin with. Did they explain something while I was dozing off? (You have to admit this episode trekked along REALLY slowly.) Seriously, if Willow gave up going to an Ivy League school to stay in Sunnydale just to be near Buffy, you’d think she’d want to stay as nearby as possible.
Cut to Buffy attending to her first college class. Yup, change #4: Buffy actually goes to class. I may be remembering incorrectly (and I know you super-fans out there will be quick to chastise me if I am), but I don’t think Buffy spent more than one episode last season in class (save for “Earshot” which technically wasn’t even shown last season). Poor Buffy. Learns the hard way that college professors are nothing like her buddy, Giles. They can be real dicks. And the pop culture professor is his own breed of dick. I would have gotten up and left the moment he said, “blonde girl, stand up.” Where does he get off using “blonde” pejoratively? It pisses me off beyond belief when people hold your hair color against you. That might have something to with me being a blonde. Doesn’t matter.
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Post by Dalton on Jan 11, 2004 21:20:46 GMT -5
Reflecting on Roommates that Suck
by Jen Sonstein 10/13/1999
"Learning to live with someone can be a challenge." Thanks a bunch Giles for the words of wisdom!
I'm curious to know if all you 16 and under Buffy fans out there have been feeling a bit alienated since the new season began. Both the season premiere and last night's eppy were truly hilarious for those of us out there who are going through or have gone through the potential hell that a new life away from home can bring. Don't get me wrong; going away to college is such an exciting and amazing experience (believe me, I wish I could go back there…like every day of my life!), but there are down sides, too. Major downs sides. Such as the roommate situation.
Who out there (except for those who chickened out and roomed with someone they knew from high school) wasn't scared shitless waiting to find out what their new roommate was going to be like? I know I was. It didn't help that I went away to a summer program in-between Junior and Senior year of high school and had a taste of just how bad my luck could be when it came to shared living quarters. The girl I lived with for three weeks that summer made really weird hiccupy noises and whispered all the time (even when she was mad, she'd yell in a whisper!) and spent lots of time just sitting in a rocking chair in the dark facing the window. Scary? Bet your ass it was. I almost took her for dead one night. I screamed her name, "Kelly?" "Kelly!" "KELLY!" Turns out she had her walkman on, but I thought I was THIS close to an automatic 4.0 and a single room.
I can totally relate to what Buffy was going through. However, Buffy had some strikes against her going in. First of all, being an only child didn't really prepare her for what it was going to be like to share anything with anyone, let alone a really tiny dorm room. Plus, disagree with me if you must, but Kathy is right about one thing: Buffy is majorly spoiled. Joyce spoils her rotten. You really can't blame her since any attempt she would make at disciplining her daughter went in one ear and out the bedroom window. What's the mother of a Slayer to do? Then there's father-figure Giles who also caters to Buffy in every way. Case in point--last week he tried his darndest to blow Buffy off and allow her to try her hand at independence. What happens in the end? He completely crumbles! And it's not just mom and dad. Everyone indulges her: Willow, Xander--even Oz in tonight's ep spent quality indulging time with Buffy while Willow's off-duty. There is no way that Buffy Sommers was going to deal with the roommate situation well. Even if she had been blessed with the absolute coolest girl in the world."
I figure we're almost like sisters now, living together and everything." --Kathy says to Buffy in the cafeteria. Oh, man! Did that make anyone else out there cringe? Kathy was exaggeratedly bad. A Celine Dion poster hanger. A mini-fridge-food labeler. An over-and-over-annoying-song player. A new-cute-boy-with-potential stealer. And, worse offense of all, a rude-crude-and-obnoxious toe clipper (who left the remains on the carpet, YUCK!) Like I predicted last week, Kathy wasn't long for Sunnydale. And what a relief. Every grating bad habit she exhibited, every attempt she made at forced bonding with Buffy, made me feel like it was my soul being sucked, not Buffy's.
I guess having Buffy and Willow live together from the very beginning would have been too easy. And letting the analogy between scary roommates and scary demons go untouched would have been too hard.
I don't think the roommate dilemma has ended with Kathy's departure though. I know firsthand that living with a good friend can be just as bad a living with a total stranger. Things you never knew about your bf suddenly creep to the surface when you're sharing closet space and bathroom time. I think we're already seeing a new evolved Willow. No longer virginally meek, Buffy's bud and W.I.T (witch-in-training) spent the summer becoming a confident and brassy college woman. And Buffy's still completely out of her element. Xander refers to Buffy as the "Buff-anator". I'd say "bitchinator" is more appropriate. Willow even hints at when she says, "Ok, so that was the evil-twin, right, 'cause she was bordering on Cordelia-esque." (Loved the Cordy diss, by the way.) I can't wait to see how their relationship changes now that Buffy and Willow are living together.
As cliché as the topic was, the execution was still brilliant. The slo-mo close-ups of the ketchup spilling on to Buffy's sweater, Kathy's incessant flossing, the pencil tapping, and the toe clipping totally added to the tension. I loved revisiting SMG's "Got Milk?" ad when she went into the fridge, grabbed the Kathy-labeled carton, and started chugging. Watching the milk run down her face had me rolling. When the cat fight finally came, we were ready for it and cheering it on. (At least I was).
On top of it all, I was delighted by the one-liners galore. Some of my faves:(Willow, about Giles) "He's our grown up friend, not in a creepy way."
(Buffy, about Kathy) "She's sorta like, I don't know, mini-mom of Mom-donia."
(Kathy to Buffy) "Maybe the world revolved around you where you used to live, but it's SHARE TIME NOW."
I wouldn't rank tonight's ep as the best ever (or even close), but I sure had a good time reminiscing about the hardships I faced those first few weeks as a college freshman. Sure, it's a real treat staying out as long as you want and hooking up with random guys at three in the morning, but when you're the Slayer, those kinda things are pretty routine. Buffy spent most of high school staying out all night. But isn't it reassuring to see that not even the Slayer can avoid a soul-sucking roommate from hell?
Spoilers and Predictions:
--Word on the street is that Buffy will have her 2nd intimate interlude (if you know what I mean) next week or soon thereafter with new "cutie patootie" on campus, Parker Abrams. IMHO, if he could tolerate talking to Kathy for THAT long, is he really "sponge-worthy"? (Or should I make that condom-worthy in this post-Seinfeld era?)
--Who was that mysterious blonde woman Oz exchanged momentary glances with? Could it be the female werewolf I've been hearing about? Ah-woooooooooooooooooo!
--For those of you who missed scenes from next week, get ready for a "Special 2-hour Buffy-Angel Crossover Event"!
P.S. Hey! Are you guys out there? I'd love to hear your worst roommate from hell stories. Do any of them deserve a ranking on the top ten demon list? Let me know. Post below.
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Post by Dalton on Jan 11, 2004 21:25:07 GMT -5
: Sex Me Up Before You Go(or Love Bites)
by Jen Sonstein 10/20/1999
I hope that when it's my time to leave this Earth, I can come back as the Guardian Angel of a naive college-aged female. It's pains me to know that time and time again young women fall for the same lame lines, make the same mistakes, and sleep with men made from the same vile mold.
If someone had only prepped Buffy before she started dating college men. If Harmony only had a brain. Where's a man-hating patron saint of scorned women when you need one? Oh, that's right, she's busy obsessing over a guy that barely knows she exists. Did losing her power give Anya amnesia as well? Has she forgotten her roots as a man-killing demon?
This week's episode brings us to "Chapter Three" of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Guide to College.
Chapter One: College can be overwhelming.
Chapter Two: Roommates can suck.
Chapter Three: So can men.
First of all, is it just me or is Parker Abrams simply a slimy version of Xander with bushier eyebrows? What was Buffy thinking? Like I said last week, her first clue should have been the fact that he was totally macking on her less than desirable roommate, Kathy. 2nd light bulb should have gone off when Buffy left the frat party to find Spike, and Parker didn’t follow her outside. When she returned later, he said he was worried about her, but any decent guy would have been a little more actively worried and should have checked to see if she was okay! Instead, he was probably scoping out the other ladies at the party in case she didn't come back. What a jerk!
Admittedly, Buffy is in need of a massive ego boost. Her boyfriend didn't just dump her; he moved to another town to get away from her. She's likely feeling extremely needy and any warm-blooded man with a reflection would have done it for her. Parker seemed to fit the bill. And he would have been okay if she was just looking for someone to do it for her. Instead she fell hook, line, and sinker for Parker's cheesy lines and eager lips (and hips). Parker Abrams should win an Oscar for his performance as the deep, dark, sensitive Romeo of UC-Sunnydale. "I'll regret being too nervous [to ask you out]. Think I can get a dance with the prettiest girl at the party?" Since Buffy apparently didn't have her jerk-o-meter turned on, he might as well have told her he had a fatal disease and only hot, juicy sex could cure him! Don't they teach girls about this kind of guy in health class anymore?
I don't want you to confuse me with a man-hating patron saint of scorned women. I am perfectly aware that there are also good guys out there. Unfortunately, I fall into the "been there, been screwed over category." But, I think a lot of post-college-aged women are. It's unfortunate that Buffy had to find out the hard way. If only she had a Guardian Angel. Moral of the story? Tell her Willow, "He's a poophead!" If only Willow could have passed on some more helpful advice in the beginning of the episode instead of encouraging her best friend to sleep with a guy she only knew for two weeks. (Maybe it was that big pimp jacket she was wearing at the Bronze that caused Willow to encourage a sex-fest.) Try this instead. At college (and in the rest of the grown up world), there are a lot of immature men with bad intentions. They come in all shapes and sizes. "Does this always happen? Sleep with a guy and he goes all evil?" No, Buff, you just got be a bit more selective and a little less blonde.
Speaking of a little less blonde…we meet Harmony again who's looking and acting a little too Donna Martin for my tastes. (Isn't this the WB or did someone change the channel and transport me to 90210?) Dru has dropped Spike once again and he's obviously in the bitter barn. Problem is he's taking it out on Harm, who may be a bimbo, but she's still human for crying out loud! Oops, okay, so she's not human, but she seems to really like Spike. And all he does is snap at her, belittle her, and worst of all abuse her. He even tries to kill her. No one can really stand Harmony, so what's Spike doing with her? Did he lose a bet, as Buffy suggests? And why is Harmony staying with a guy who treats her like dirt? Is the social ladder upside down in the vampire underworld? Is Harmony having trouble attracting undead men? Every time Spike's mean to her, she pouts for half a second and crawls back to him. His response? "Love hurts." Uh-uh. Nope. Sorry. My Guardian Angel advice to Harm? Girlfriend, you gotta leave him. Spike's views on how to treat women are obviously a little outdated. And scary.
While we're on the topic of scary…Anya's trying a little too hard to dress Xander up in her love. Xander's not a hard one to woo. He's like a puppy dog: all he needs is someone to pet him and feed him every now and then and he's perfectly content. But even the most sensitive, sweet, kind-hearted guy would be frightened off by the way Anya acts. The whole clueless routine was comical for a few episodes, but it's starting to wear thin--on Xander and on me! I like Anya a lot. I like the idea of she and Xander being in a romantic relationship. When he says to Anya pre-i…i…intercourse, "and the amazing thing? Still more romantic than Faith," it's obvious that Xander's looking for something meaningful. She could easily have him in the palm of her hand. She's cute, even sexy. My Guardian Angel advice to her? "Anya, slow down. In fact, come to a screeching halt." Xander--the only decent guy in town (except for Giles who is so OFF LIMITS…I shudder at the thought.)--took the words right out of my mouth.
Time for a pop quiz. Take out your notebooks and a #2 pencil. Write down the questions below and circle the best answer.
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Post by Dalton on Jan 11, 2004 21:30:29 GMT -5
by Jen Sonstein 10/27/1999
Talk about a 180-degree turn. This week's episode spun me round, round, baby right round. It's amazing how a little fear itself can stir things up.
It all begins with Buffy feeling sorry for herself--again! She's been one unhappy camper as of late. Pouting, whining, and sighing. I'm starting to wonder: has someone been watching too much Dawson's Creek? Sure, she's had a lot to deal with: a broken heart (twice in 4 months), a bitchy Psych professor, a Watcher gone wacky. If only Buffy had a grandmother like mine who would say, "at least she has her health!" Someone needs to shake her and slap her. Umm...Buffy? YOUR LIFE'S NOT THAT BAD! Turn that frown upside down.
Maybe I've been a little too harsh on our favorite Slayer lately. Am I crazy here folks or has Buffy been uncharacteristically whiny lately? Or as Xander called her, "pushing away girl." IMHO (that's "in my humble opinion" for those of you not fluent in cyber-speak), she needs to snap out of this funk. It's affecting her work, for crying out loud! What do you think?
Well, another Halloween in Sunnydale's on it's way and the gang's carving Jack O'Lanterns in Xander's basement and discussing what should be on their plates for the big night. Willow's gung-ho for the frat party on campus where you're required to find your way through a haunted house before being permitted to get down and dirty on the dance floor. Buffy's not interested in socializing at all. She's too bummed out about Parker (or is it Angel? or her dad?) leaving her high and dry. She makes up some lame excuse about needing to patrol. Yeah, like the gang would go for that. No way is anyone going to let Buffy sulk all night. (Thank God!) Their mission becomes making sure Buffy goes to the party and has fun! What good friends! (Can I vomit now?) Problem is, this haunted house isn't like the one your neighborhood rec center used to make. It's a little more…realistic. It's a house of horrors, Sunnydale-style.
Despite the fact that Buffy's friends typically kiss her ass, things are finally starting to change in that department. Someone (other than me) is getting a little fed up with Buffy's 'tude. And that someone is none other than the queen of ass kissing herself, best friend of the snivelling Slayer, Wicca Woman wannabe, Willow Rosenberg. Willow's finally starting to develop a backbone. And I like it!
If I counted correctly, Willow had at least three bitchy anti-Buffy remarks tonight, not to mention that two were actually made to her best bud's face (a new tactic for Will):
"Being the Slayer doesn't automatically make you boss!" POW!
"I'm not your sidekick!" POW! POW!
And then, a stab behind her back. "Buffy, didn't find the stairs [nah, nah, nah, nah]." POW! POW! POW!
Okay, so maybe I added the nah-nahs, but even if they weren't actually said, they sure were implied! Looks like Willow's getting a little tired of being Buffy's welcome mat. Could this be a preview of more cat-fights to come? Meowwww. Can't wait for Willow to fully develop her powers. Now that would be an entertaining Celebrity Deathmatch.
Speaking of things to come, did anyone notice something funny when Willow screams, "Oz, don't leave me!" Her voice just echoes through the house, "Don't, don't, don’t, leave, leave, leave, meeeeeeeeeeee meeeeeeeeeeeee." I've never noticed such fancy sound effects on BtVS before. Those reverb techniques are usually reserved for Ally McBeal's fantasy sequences. Are the writers preparing us for Oz's departure? Maybe Buffy's right: men just don't stick around in Sunnydale. Well, except for Xander and Giles. And I suppose cases could be made for why neither can necessarily be considered "men." (Although I think both are attractive in their own sissified and simple ways.)
Anya would obviously be quick to argue the pro side when it comes to Xander's sex appeal. She's hooked. In a big way. I still think this thing she has for him is really cute. It's so nice to see someone be head-over-heels for Xander this way (and not like in season two's "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" when Xander's female fans were all actually under a love spell.) I was truly touched when she realizes what's going on in the house and is really concerned for Xander's safety. She runs to Giles for help. "Xander's trapped!" she says. "Where's Buffy and the others?" asks Giles. "Oh, they're trapped, too, but we've got to save Xander!" Anya emphatically replies. How adorable!
Giles has been in and continues to be in rare form. I'm loving how laid back he's been since becoming unemployed. Wearing sombreros, gorging on chocolate, wielding chain saws. Every week I look forward to seeing what new side of Giles' personality will be revealed. He's really been contributing to the laugh factor--majorly.
My only complaint about this episode was its anti-climactic ending. Although the twist at the end (there's nothing to fear but fear itself) is funny, I still feel like something needed to be resolved--like something was missing. A fight scene, perhaps? A kiss of relief from Anya to Xander or from Oz to Willow? A confrontation between Willow and Buffy? Oh well, I guess the writers had to leave something for next week, right?
And for next week we wait.
Vote for Fave Quote (this week only)!
(Jen's choice)
Xander sulking: "I might as well hang out with my new best friend--bleeding dummy head-- for all you dorks care."
Still Pondering…
Riley and the Psych teacher: What's the connection here? Was that just a pep talk he was giving Buffy? Or something more?
The commandos: Okay, so the gang practically bumps into them tonight. Can't Buffy sense that something's out of the ordinary with these guys? I'm less intrigued and more annoyed by these "Be All You can Be Wannabes".
Scenes for next week: Buffy drinking bad beer? It looks like Buffy's bound to have her first bad drinking experience. Maybe that's the way the writer's will make sure Buffy won't gain her freshman fifteen. By giving her a reason to keep off the beer.
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Post by Dalton on Jan 24, 2004 19:56:39 GMT -5
by Jen Sonstein 11/3/1999
And I thought my day couldn't get any worse. Today felt like Monday all day, I couldn't do anything right at work, and it was raining so hard in New York City I thought I was going to get washed away. My clothes were soaked, the wind turned my umbrella inside out, and I had to buy one of those $3 umbrellas off the street even though I knew it would also turn inside out five minutes later (and it did). Grrrrr….Argh.
I kept repeating to myself all day: "it's Tuesday night. Buffy night. It's Tuesday night. Buffy night." Has the prospect of watching a good episode of BtVS ever gotten you through the day? It was my only salvation. I was so looking forward to cozying up in front of the tube with a slice of pizza and a Dr. Pepper, and laughing my ass off at Xander's quips and the gang's silly college antics.
I was supremely disappointed. Tonight's episode was the worst this season. By far.
Buffy, still sulking about Poopy Parker (GET OVER THE ASSHOLE ALREADY!) and wooed over by a couple of imbecilic, yet pretentious frat guys appealing to her needy side, starts drowning her sorrows in beer at the local pub. Thankfully, Buffy's got boobs and Xander's the new bartender at the pub so she doesn't have to worry about the fact that she's underage. However, she should be worrying about the fact that Jack (the owner of the bar), sick of the frat guys acting as if they're better than he is, asked his warlock brother-in-law for a way to get revenge. The bro-in-law told Jack how to spike the beer with a potion causing anyone who drinks it to revert back to their most basic, primal ways. "That's the great thing about beer; it makes all men the same," Jack tells Xander. Especially when it's magic beer.
What piques my curiosity here is this: what was so bad about the result of drinking the beer? Who doesn't wish every now and then they could just sit back and regress a little? Not worry about societal restraints? Jump up and down and bang people over the head with sticks? Speaking for myself, I'd be pleased to indulge in "The Pleasure Principle" every now and again. It beats going to work in the pouring rain! The only ones who really suffered from this "evil" plan were you and I: forced to listen to grunts and obvious metaphors for a whole hour. And please, do the writers think we're idiots? I got it from the title, thank you very much, beer bad. You didn't have to club me over the head with your point.
I should have been prepared by the previews last week and the spoilers I had been hearing. How much can the writers milk beer gone bad? What are we supposed to find so funny about watching a couple of drunken frat guys mumble, grumble, and fumble? Especially those of us who already experienced this for four full years in college? Watching drunken people act drunk is only funny when you're drunk. And as bubbly as Dr. Pepper can make me feel, I wasn't quite there.
I am so tired of coming home on Tuesday nights excited for an uplifting episode of BtVS only to find myself more depressed after watching. Wasn't it implied in some interview with Joss that the show was going to be lighter now that Angel was out of the picture? And someone remind me, when did Buffy become so oblivious? Hasn't she ever heard of the term gang rape? What was she thinking getting wasted with these guys? What's next:
Jager shots with the Hockey Team? Just remember, Buff: beer before liquor never sicker.
Since the first four episodes of the season were excellently written, I can forgive the fact that our strong, confident Slayer has been temporarily replaced by a whiny, insecure nitwit. And I can forgive the writers for letting me down tonight. But, I'm really hoping that tomorrow's going to be a brighter day for Buffy. Now, that she's experienced some closure with Poopy Parker, can she finally move on? And is she going to be set back like this every time she has casual sex?
In an attempt to find something good about "Beer Bad", I have to say, seeing more of Xander was "Good, good." It's nice to see Xander doing something with himself other than following Willow and Buffy around like a lost puppy. It's about time that the non-college guy wandered away from campus and found a non-job (no offense to the perfectly content bartenders out there!). I can totally see him becoming the eyes and ears of the gang. Bartenders hear the best stories and always seem to know what’s going on. Plus, once Xander starts offering a bartenderly shoulder to cry on to the women scorned on campus, he's bound to get some more play. This was definitely a smooth move for Xander. He's finally put himself in a position to have his choice of the ladies. I'll be really interested to see the romance that develops once Oz takes off and both Willow and Xander are single again. Will old flames be rekindled? Will there be a return to the early love triangle of Willow wants Xander wants Buffy? I'm not so sure that the scenario can repeat itself seeing how much Willow has grown and changed since then. (BTW, didn't you just love it when she just slammed it to Poopy Parker? He didn't know what hit him.)
My suggestion is that everyone just stays single for a little while. Work on themselves for a change. You know…evolve a little.
** Well, we saw in scenes from next week, that Oz and Willow's troubles finally bubble to the surface next week. Turns out Veruca, the female singer from Shy, who isn't so shy herself, is a fellow werewolf. And if you haven't heard by now, next week's episode, "Wild at Heart" marks Oz' departure from Sunnydale and BtVS for a while. Oz fans are obviously bummed and have been appealing to the powers-that-be for his swift return. But he'll at least be out for the next five eps. Look for Willow trying to use her magic to keep him faithful.
**Word has it that the big evil on campus is the Professor of Demonology. Riley may or may not be one of his henchmen. The henchmen may or may not be those army guys we continue to see tiptoeing around.
**Are you as excited as I am for November sweeps and a Buffy-Angel reunion? I've heard that the sparks fly and they get down and dirty before realizing that they have to part ways forever.
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Post by Dalton on Jan 24, 2004 20:02:44 GMT -5
What Becomes of the Broken-Hearted?
by Jen Sonstein 11/9/1999
Oh, jeez. Does anyone have a hankie? I haven't been this weepy over a Buffy episode since…well, since Angel dumped Buffy. Maybe, it's sympathy pains. You know, like a universal, female response to break ups? Ouch, my heart really hurts.
I have to admit I'm a little embarrassed. Even though I've known about it for weeks, I never thought that I would feel anything when Oz finally left Willow. I've always thought their relationship was fleeting. You know, an innocent first love sorta thing. A romance that just wouldn't last much past high school when each found his or her own niche--Willow with her witchcraft and Oz with his music. I just didn't think they had the ties that bind. And now, Oz has left the picture (at least for the moment). But somehow, I'm left all tearful from their parting. Imagine that.
The signs have been there for a while. No one's been hiding anything. The attraction between Oz and Veruca was not so subtly intimated early on in "Living Conditions." Since then, we've been watching Oz's eyes stray, and we're not the only ones. Willow's been noticing, too, and tonight it becomes apparent to everyone.The gang's hanging out at the Bronze again, talking about how nice it is to have a security blanket like the friendly old Bronze. Something they can always count on. Oz gets a little upset when Willow talks about the hangout that way. He always assumed he was Willow's "big, comfy blankie". For a moment, we think it's all going to be okay, but, that moment is quickly over when Oz begins drooling over Veruca, who's getting all slutty on stage. (Isn't she the same actress who went all psycho on Kelly Taylor from 90210?) What does he find attractive about her? Her bedroom eyes? Her short skirts? Buffy tries to distract him with questions about Dingoes, but it's no use. It's apparent to everyone at the table that Oz's attention wasn't where it should have been.
I'll tell you. I've never been a huge Oz fan. It's not that I've been suspicious of him all along or anything. I actually really like him as a secondary character and he's always added a certain color to the scenes he's in, but in general, I prefer when he's on the sidelines. Luckily, being so monosyllabic and all, Oz usually remains on the periphery by choice. The thing I've always liked about Oz was how great he treated Willow--and people in general. He's such a perfect male role model. Cute (but not in a gorgeous sorta way), smart (but not in a stuck up sorta way), deep, yet down-to-earth, and talented and trustworthy. A genuine, good guy. In tonight's episode, we really got an inside look at how deeply Oz and Willow care for each other and how much their relationship means to them. Something we only saw in bits and pieces before when Buffy and Angel's relationship took center stage. Wasn't Oz sweet when he woke Willow up from her nightmares? But, as good as a guy as Oz might be, he still ends up really hurting Willow. Badly.
Even good guys can screw up every now and then. What really bothers me about this situation with Oz is that he doesn't really apologize for his actions. And, I don't mean just saying that he's sorry. Saying you're sorry is too easy. It's just a silly word. Oz doesn't seem regretful at all about what he's done. At first, when Willow walks in on he and Veruca lying together naked in the cell (oh, poor Willow), Oz acts as if he was being noble. "She's like me, a wolf…She was going to hurt someone…I didn't have a choice." I don't buy that. And neither does Willow. He did have a choice. He invited her into the cell knowing full well what had happened the night before--even if he couldn't remember every single, dirty detail.
Then, he attempted to use the tried and true excuse: the "it's not really me, it's the animal inside of me" tactic. Do they teach that one to freshman males in orientation or something? It didn't work for Parker, it doesn't work for date rapists, and it shouldn't work for Oz, even if it's more literal than figurative.
Since Willow's not about to buy that defense either, Oz tells her he's "sorry" and then tries the "well, you hurt me at one point in time in our past, so it's okay that I've hurt you now" strategy. I agree with Willow on that point: what happened between she and Xander does not compare to what Oz and Veruca did.
First of all, Oz and Willow's relationship has developed so much, both emotionally and physically, since the Willow/Xander incident last year. First, Willow has since lost her virginity to Oz. Secondly, Willow and Xander have been good friends for years. They were in a life or death situation when they ended up kissing. Veruca's just some tattoorific whore who lip syncs really badly. Lastly, Willow and Xander's interlude was rated PG. Oz and Veruca fucked. Like dogs. There's no comparison.
Oz screwed up and he has no excuse.
And he knows it. That's why he runs away.
Poor, poor Willow. She deserves more. Oz should be crawling back to her begging for forgiveness right about now. Instead, he's running away from her. He's left her behind to dwell on everything that's happened. By herself. And by leaving, he's taken away from her any hope of closure. She can't scream at him, she can't talk things out with him, she can't follow him around campus trying to see if he's hanging out with other girls, she can't try to make him jealous by hooking up with other guys in front of him, and she can't even call him and hang up when he answers the phone! They can't even have make up sex…what kind of break up is this?
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Post by Dalton on Jan 24, 2004 20:03:27 GMT -5
by Jen Sonstein 11/17/1999
Riley's a stereotype. He's really into school. He's the teacher's pet. His head is in his books all the time when it could be on hot campus coeds instead. He's a decent dresser, I guess, but did he even make an effort to look good for the party? He's completely oblivious. He's clueless when it comes to women. He says corny things like, "I've never courted anyone like Buffy before." Who uses the word "courted" anymore? This isn't Jutland. It's California. He's supposed to be using phrases like, "bagged a babe", "hooked up with", "scammed on." Unless, of course….
Riley is just a nice guy.
Could it be? Has a semi-good looking, good-intentioned guy just stumbled into Buffy's life? Is complete and utter happiness in Buffy's future?
Just in case your electricity went out last night between 8 and 9 (at least for you folks on Eastern Standard Time), here's a brief recap of the Buffy-Riley situation. Even though his friend has a bad case of the hornies, Riley's completely oblivious to any of the attractive freshman women romping around campus in tight, stringy outfits. Until he has a run-in with skanky male-slut Parker Abrams, who starts bad mouthing Buffy (she's clingy, whiny, compares her to a toilet). What do you know? Riley's blood starts to boil. Before you can say knight in shining armor, Riley punches Parker out. And suddenly, we're seeing hearts circle around Riley's head. It's rather cartoonish.
All of a sudden, Riley realizes he has a crush on the Buffster. Apparently, his friends knew this all along. (It must be all the time they spend crouched down together in the woods.) In a matter of thirty seconds, Riley decides to run over to Buffy's dorm room to start being her boyfriend.
I don't want to be too hard on the guy. After all, I've spent the past couple of weeks complaining about all the walking dicks that are enrolled in UC-Sunnydale. I should be happy that there finally seems to be at least one honorable male specimen on campus. However, that task becomes rather difficult when Riley acts like such a tool.
Luckily, for every Clark Kent on this Daily Planet, there's a Superman.
Riley Finn, Loser-at-Large, just so happens to have an alter ego. Special Agent Riley Finn: defender of damstrels in distress due to demonic disturbance. (Thought I'd throw in some alliteration to prove I'm not completely illiterate. Did it work?) Riley's a dork by day, but by night he's a high ranking official of an underground movement to sweep UC-Sunnydale clean of bloodsuckers and the like. A movement led by none other than Professor Walsh. Turns out the "evil bitch monster of death" is actually just the opposite. She seems to be in charge of the commandos and spearheading a Pavlovian experiment that could change vampire behavior forever. The treatment involves placing an implant inside vampires that gives them a headache every time they try to feed. Hence, Spike's impotence when he tries to feed on Willow.
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Post by Dalton on Jan 24, 2004 20:03:59 GMT -5
by Jen Sonstein 11/24/1999
Oh no. Oh no. Oh no.
It's just not fair.They're playing with our emotions. They're tugging at our heart strings. They're putting us through hell! When are they going to let us move on with our lives?
We were happy. We were just beginning to live some semblance of a normal life. We were starting to focus our attention on ourselves. We were even on the verge of liking another boy.
Wait a minute! I think I've let the sympathy pains go to my head. Am I mistaking us for Buffy? Or Angel? They're the ones who've been to hell and back (both literally and emotionally). What's a loyal fan to do? Simply sit back and watch? Try to remember that it's just pretend? ...that they're all just poor players that strut and fret their hour upon the stage and then are heard no more?
I don't think so.
Every step forward Buffy has taken in her attempt to move on, to try to forget her love for Angel, and heal her broken heart, we've taken with her. Even those of us who know deep down to our core that Angel and Buffy are soul mates wanted Buffy to be happy. We don't want her to be miserable and pouty week after week, because when she's down, we're down and this isn't Dawson's Creek for chrissake!
There we were: sitting on our couches, anxiously anticipating the much-hyped Buffy/Angel Crossover event. Many of us had some inkling of what was going to take place. Spoilers suggested that Angel would turn human (which he did) and he and Buffy would finally get to "do it" like bunnies (which they did). With cookie dough coffee fudge chip ice cream to top it all off. The problem that lurked in the wings was that there was no way it could end blissfully with Buffy and Angel sharing vows in front of all their friends and family (well, her family, since he killed his own). They're both the stars of their own shows! Same channel, yes, but different times and even different demographics. While some of us would be perfectly happy to have a Buffy/Angel Crossover EVERY week, I don't think Joss & Co. would be up for it. So tonight was bound to end badly. Lucky for me, I have good intuition. I bought a few boxes of tissues on my way home from work tonight in preparation.
The "event" begins on BtVS, business as usual. Angry vengeance demon is let loose (by Xander) and is looking to avenge the deaths of his people--the Chumash, a Native American tribe indigenous to southern California. For many reasons, Buffy's heart is only half devoted to the pursuit and slayage of this Chumash spirit. For one, she's gung-ho on making her first Thanksgiving alone a good one. She decides to prepare a lovely Scooby Gang gathering at Giles' bachelor pad. Secondly, Willow's the bastion of PC on the scene, reminding everyone of the havoc and destruction white men wrought on Native Americans throughout history. Willow's conscience is taking its toll on Buffy, and she feels guilty about going after him. Lastly, Buffy senses something. She feels like she's being watched by someone. Little does she know (but we do! we do!), it's Angel.
For any of you who missed Angel last week, Doyle had a vision of Buffy in danger. Now, Angel's in Sunnydale trying to protect her. Everyone ends up finding out except Buffy. It's not until the final scene of BtVS that Buffy discovers who helped them fight the Chumash spirits and defeat them. Of course, it's Xander who lets the cat out of the bag.
"It was like old times," says Willow wistfully.
"Especially since Angel was here…oops," Xander responds oh-so Xanderly.
Buffy's pissed, and rightfully so, in my oh-so-humble opinion. Who does Angel think he is? He struts into her life, then struts out, struts in, struts out, in, out, all on his terms! When does she get to do a little strutting? How about…now?!? She struts her little butt to L.A. to give her "ex" a piece of her mind (and a piece of ass as it turns out).
The real crossover begins on Angel. When Buffy and Angel finally meet again face-to-face after months apart. And it isn't easy for any of us.
At first, Buffy tries to be strong--copping an attitude with Angel and trying to be friendly cool with Cordelia. You know that on the inside she must be dying. Angel seems to be having an easier time acting comfortably numb. It's harder to wear your heart on your sleeve when you don't have one. At least one that beats. But it isn't long before we get down to the heart of the matter--they still love each other. Truly, madly, and deeply.
Tonight's crossover event was one of the most poignant moments on television. At least one of the most intense and heartfelt I've ever seen. The acting was truly amazing (and that's not a compliment I pay too easily). I was glued to the set, wondering how each moment would play out. Wondering who would break first. Wondering how either of them could ever feel whole again.
Each scene was both so masterfully constructed and yet so genuinely moving. Starting with Angel realizing he's human again, and continuing with Buffy and Angel reuniting in the light of day and then kissing. We experience every heart-wrenching moment with them.
We're in the kitchen with them during their discussion of the pros and cons of consummating their love, and we all realize that there was no way they could not.
We sigh out loud when Angel leaves Buffy to sleep and courageously walks off to pursue the demon in his weak human form; we cheer when Buffy comes to her boyfriend's rescue.
We painfully try to understand Angel's decision to sacrifice the chance at a happy human life in the hopes that one day the two of them will be together again.
And finally, we weep with them as Angel breaks the news to Buffy and says goodbye to her once again. But, while Angel thinks he alone carries the burden of the bittersweet memory of their night together once time rewinds, he's wrong. We share it with him.
I was truly, truly touched.
This event was everything I could have hoped for and more. While it left me with an ache in my heart, it also planted the seeds for a brighter future. In the long term, there is hope for Buffy and Angel. But in the short term, there is hope for Buffy. And there is hope for Angel. And that must suffice for now.
Without love, both shows can go on, but without hope...well, that would be a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
PONDERINGS:
·Four words: Buffy. Spike. Ay. Carumba. ·The demon in Angel mentions something about the End of Days, an impending war that Angel and Buffy would both need to fight in. And that together the two are strong, but separately they are weak. Makes it seem like this X-over won't be the last. And that Buffy and Angel may just be destined to be a superhero power couple again. ·Aren't you curious to know more about the "powers-that-be"? I am. These shows is getting more and more X-Filesish by the minute, don't you think?
FAVE QUOTES TONIGHT?
"Imaginary Xander is quite the machine." Buffy to Anya
"I don't think you want to help. You just want to slay the demon and go la la la." Willow to Giles
"Everything's different now." Buffy to Willow
"Everything's different now." Angel to Willow
"It was like old times." Willow
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Post by Dalton on Jan 24, 2004 20:04:22 GMT -5
by Jen Sonstein 12/1/1999
It's feels good to be laughing again. Yes, I warmly welcome humor back into my life. One more Tuesday night of weepers and I was going to stake myself. Thank you for putting a little Spike back into my life!
But, alas, happy happy joy joy for me does not mean happiness for all. Willow's still miserable. Not that I blame her. No one should expect her to just wake up one morning and forget all about Oz. Getting over old boyfriends can take months, years even. Plus, Oz isn't just some guy. He's the one. Not necessarily THE one, folks, but you know, the one who deflowered her. Yes, THAT one. And for nice girls like Willow, being THAT one means a lot.
Finding out that your boyfriend (the one you lost your virginity to) is having hot, wolfy sex with someone else can be pretty painful. Unlike Buffy, Willow doesn't welcome the pain. She wants misery out and happy back in. Willow's sick of trying to take it like a man. She wants a quick and easy solution. Her remedy? Whip up a batch of relief: straight from the bowels of Hell.
On a trip to the witch version of the A & P with a shopping list meant to cast a truth spell on Spike, Willow picks up a few materials to help her out with a more personal spell. She's going to try to will herself to get over Oz. Tonight we learn that while practice is needed to make perfect in her case, Willow does have the energy within her to become a pretty powerful witch. Using a "spell to have her will done", she unintentionally causes lots of mayhem.
Angry at Giles, she accuses him of not being able to see anything. Immediately, Giles begins to lose his sight and eventually goes completely blind. Next, Willow gets pissed at Buffy for leaving to look for Spike, who has escaped instead of staying home to comfort Willow. While bitching to Xander about it, Willow obnoxiously claims (in her annoying baby voice) that Buffy should marry Spike if she likes him so much. Guess what? Every Buffy/Spike 'shipper's dream comes true. Buffy and Spike suddenly fall madly in love with each other. He proposes and she accepts. Back on campus, while Xander is trying his best to comfort her, Willow calls him a "demon magnet". He becomes one--literally. See what I mean? Mayhem. Willow's got major potential.
A possible employer sees the potential Willow has for wreaking havoc. While Sunnydale has become a scene out of that old 60s show Bewitched, Samantha, I mean Willow, is snatched and whisked to an alterno-universe populated by a demon Greek chorus. The head choir member offers Willow a job as a vengeance demon where she can spend the rest of her days putting boils on penises that have gone astray (thank you Anya for that lovely image). My question is: what's a benefit package like for a vengeance demon? Stock options just aren't gonna do it. I'm thinking bad STDs for all the men who've ever cheated on me. A little syphilis here, a little gonorrhea there. Nothing fatal, just a little discomfort.
Must not have been that good of a package because Willow declines the offer. Instead, she returns to Sunnydale to reverse the effects of her spell and restore normalcy. Problem is, for those of us on the other side of the glass, life in Sunnydale can't go back to normal that easily. Before they do, I'll have to get the image of Buffy and Spike sucking face out of my mind.
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Post by Dalton on Jan 24, 2004 20:04:49 GMT -5
by Jen Sonstein 12/15/1999
I've been known to talk a little too much. When I was little, my mom taught me The Quiet Game. Her rules were simple enough. See how long you can keep quiet. Sometimes, for kicks or to convince me that the game was real, she'd actually try to trick me into talking. But most times, The Quiet Game was simply used to shut me the hell up.
In "Hush", the residents of Sunnydale are forced to play The Quiet Game. But they're playing by a different set of rules; rules set by a demon force known as The Gentlemen-- abnormally tall men outfitted by Undertakers R Us. The Gentlemen, aided by Igor-like assistants in straightjackets, are in Sunnydale to steal seven human hearts. But no one can hear the victims scream because The Gentlemen have stolen all of their voices. As usual, it's up to Buffy and the gang to solve the puzzle and rid the town of this latest evil.
Ah, but there's the rub. There's nothing usual or normal about this episode. In fact, "Hush" is one of the most unique and revolutionary moments in television history. For those of you who didn't count or missed the press releases on the subject yesterday, "Hush" contained twenty-nine minutes (2 and 1/2 acts) of action-packed BtVS fare without any dialogue.
I'll admit, while I think Joss Whedon is extraordinarily talented, when I first heard about this experiment I was skeptical. What appeals most to me about Buffy (and I think many would agree) is the witty banter and artful execution of dialogue we witness each week. How good could this script be without Spike's sarcasm, Giles' nonchalance, and Xander's comic relief? The ensemble is quite talented, but they're also young (save for Anthony Head) and somewhat inexperienced actors. Would they be able to pull off such a challenging feat?
Well, Hallelujah, call me a believer! And someone call Emmy because these people deserve multiple awards. There's no excuse for overlooking this amazing cast and the gifted Joss Whedon this year. They've reached a new level. With this script, the actors had the opportunity to show doubters that they're not just the executors of clever words, but skilled performers as well. In the director's chair, Whedon proves that he's not just a cult leader, but also a director and amazing storyteller. The sets, the visual artistry, and the musical score were all eerily beautiful and much more characteristic of movies, not television.
Joss sends his message across loud and clear--silence is golden. Gradually, over the past twenty-some years since I learned to talk, I've begun to understand why, in some cases, this idiom is true. Like Buffy, I've been known to shoot my mouth off at the most inappropriate times. Like Willow, I tend to speak my mind even when no one asked for my opinion. Like Anya, I've berated a boyfriend or two for not discussing his feelings. In my twenty-some years, talking has gotten me detention, groundings, and a broken heart or two.
However, I still have difficulty advocating restraint when it comes to sharing feelings. I still haven’t learned when to shut my mouth. But I think inadvertently, our friends in Sunnydale have learned there are times in life when actions speak much louder than words.
Exhibit A. Anya thinks Xander is using her because he doesn't tell her how he feels about her. When he thinks Spike killed Anya, Xander shows her just how much he cares by beating the crap out of Spike. Editor's Note: Go Xander! Either that cat's been working out, or the blood they're feeding Spike is seriously lacking essential vitamins and minerals.
Exhibit B. Giles, who is usually so verbally adept, but so uncomfortable expressing his emotions out loud, reaches out to Buffy (literally) by touching her shoulder and to Willow by hugging her when they first arrive at his apartment after all the mayhem. Editor's Note: His role as father-figure to the girls makes it even more unbearable to watch his makeout scenes with Olivia. Not to mention the fact that the two completely lack chemistry. Bring back Jenny Calender!
Exhibit C. Tara, a timid member of the Wicca group, is uncomfortable speaking out in support of Willow. Later, while working together to keep the demons away, Tara is finally able to reach out to Willow and together they recognize their combined strength , as well as the strength of their own individual powers. Editor's Note: I'm curious to see how this new bond between witches affects Buffy and Willow's relationship.
Exhibit D. And, duh. Buffy and Riley--the couple who can't move forward because they can't get past the hemming and hawwing. For as much as they're talking, they're not really saying anything. They can't--they both have secrets to hide. "Every time we talk, I have to lie," Buffy complains to Willow. It isn't until neither is able to speak, that both are able to convey their feelings for each other.
Up until now, Riley's come off as a real dork. Especially when he's talking to Buffy. He's nothing like our dark, brooding, and silent Angel. Girls go ga-ga over the mysterious types--the guys they just can’t figure out. But when Riley’s forced to keep quiet, he's actually not that bad. All muscles, sweat, and smiles, Riley actually has some romantic lead potential. His and Buffy's long talked about, but never executed kiss is timed perfectly. Later, Buffy finally realizes what we've known for a while--Riley has a mysterious side, too.
The most amazing aspect of tonight’s episode was the fact that the show was as funny, if not funnier, without the usual sharp repartee. In fact, some might argue that the repartee remained even in the absence of dialogue. The scene in the classroom where Giles presents the gang with an overhead presentation about The Gentlemen is brilliant in it’s use of physical comedy. Willow pointing to her heart and Xander mouthing "boobies", the strange looks on everyone’s faces as Buffy jerks her hand up and down in a supposed staking motion, and Buffy reprimanding Giles for his "hippy" representation of her. I couldn’t stop laughing.
In perusing the posting boards immediately after the show (I taped Angel, of course), it became apparent to me that I'm not alone in my admiration. Fans are raving about "Hush": "This is the best ever!", Tonight’s ep was phenom!", "How is Joss going to top this?"
While the show might still deserve the label "teen-angst TV", it has broken barriers beyond any other show in its genre. Each week we’re treated to a special blend of drama, humor, action, suspense, and romance. If it wasn’t obvious before now, "Hush" proves that BtVS is far and away the best show on the WB, if not the best show on television right now. The only WB contender that comes even close is Angel, which will remain a distant 2nd until the characters are a little more developed. I’m even glad the next couple of weeks are filled with BtVS reruns because topping "Hush" will be a challenge. Thanks guys, for a rare holiday treat. You rock!
OTHER INTERESTING TIDBITS
·The actress who played the Slayer, Kendra (Bianca Lawson), will be appearing as a character on Dawson’s Creek on 12/15. ·There’s an interesting thread at The Bronze about some lesbian undertones in last night’s ep regarding Willow and Tara. What are your thoughts on this? Did you guys sense this? Are people reading too much into it?
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Post by Dalton on Jan 24, 2004 20:05:14 GMT -5
by Jen Sonstein 1/19/2000
It's all about keeping a positive attitude. I just got back from sunny California and I gotta wonder how Buffy and the gang manage to be so dark and dreary all the time when they spend most of their days in the company of beautiful weather and palm trees. So there's an earthquake every now and then. Or a Hellmouth. But, come on, they wake up most mornings to the sun shining and birds chirping. Which is a lot more than those of us here in the Northeast can say. I don't know about you, but I'm freezing my ass off in New York.
But, let's get back to keeping a positive attitude. Even those of us with icicles hanging from our noses can find reasons to smile, right? Here's one for starters. After what seemed like a small eternity, there was a brand, new, rip-roaringly funny, action-packed episode of BtVS last night. For those of you who didn't notice, Marc Blucas (aka Riley Finn) is now in the opening credits, and our most dreaded guest star, the Hellmouth, was in for a special cameo performance. While Heather Locklear and Luke Perry may get celebrity status perks, not all special guest stars are center stage. The Hellmouth took a back seat to Buffy and Riley trying to figure out the "you and me thing", Willow reverting to her old self-confidence issues, and Xander and Spike bickering like an old married couple. All that was missing was a padded couch and we could've been in the New Jersey office of Dr. Jennifer Melfi watching the Scooby Gang discuss "their issues".
I'm a big proponent of therapy. Sigmund Freud should've been voted Man of the Century. Riley Finn should be voted Man of the Year in the life of Buffy Summers. We can already see the effects of having a psych grad student in her life. It's working wonders.
The eppy starts where "Hush" left off: with Buffy and Riley facing each other in her dorm room with dumbfounded looks on their faces. Let's imagine what's racing through their minds:
Riley: "Oh, gee. I thought this girl was special, but I didn't know she was super human. She's stronger than me. My fantasies of carrying her over the threshold just flew out the window. Ouch! My back is killing me."
Buffy: (internal sigh, pout, sigh again) "And I was just starting to get warm fuzzies for him. Now, he knows about me. And what will complete and utter honesty lead to? A good, healthy relationship for Buffy…blech! Wait, who am I talking to? Why is he squinting? Do I have something in my nose?"
Buffy breaks the silence and braces herself with a sarcastic comment. Riley gets up, looks in the mirror, and speaks. He has such a way with words. "What are you?" he asks. "Capricorn on the cusp of Aquarius," she replies.
Hmm…that's insightful.
Let's see. Combo of Earth and Air signs. Practical, yet unpredictable. Teeming with creative energy. Trying desperately not to go off the deep end. Yeah, that sounds about right. Buffy's all over the place--a perfect candidate for once-a-week down time on the couch. Instead, her new boyfriend's a psych major. At least she gets analyzed for free.
All of Buffy's fears and anxieties bubble to the surface this week. She's suffering from Post-traumatic syndrome (she died the last time an earthquake shook Sunnydale), nihilism ("It's just doomed," referring to her relationship with Riley), and has a knack for self-deprecation ("Death. Carnage. Must be a Buffy party."). Who wouldn’t be depressed? Fortunately, Riley steps up to the podium and gives Buffy that much-needed, long-awaited speech on GETTING OVER HERSELF!
First, he tells Buffy she's stupid. Then he gives her a harsh what-for about her "doom and gloom" mentality. And, then, after she tries to give him every reason in the book why she should be allowed to walk around with a permanent pout on her face he bowls her over with such a powerful comeback that I have to relay it here:
"Welcome to the story of the world, " Riley says, "things fall apart, Buffy. Evil--it comes and goes, but the way people manage is they don't do it alone. They pull each other through. If you weren't so self-involved, you'd see that!"
CHA-CHING. There's the big break-through folks and Buffy knows it. It's written all over her face. This guy has her figured out--down to the core. In a matter of days since discovering her secret identity, he's managed to see through her Dolce & Gabbana covered shell. Better yet, he lets her know that he knows. He's possibly a better friend to Buffy than Willow or Giles, because he has the balls to tell her off. Dr. Riley's honesty is like a slap in the face for Buffy. But just like a damsel in distress in the old West, Buffy's in desperate need of it. Riley knocks some sense into her. Figuratively, of course, and thank goodness, since Riley's as gentle as a mouse.
By the end of the ep, I felt like someone had just fed me a Prozac. I was all smiles. And I wasn't the only one. Spike feels like a man (uh, I mean animal) again. Willow and Xander are both reassured that they do in fact play a valuable role in fighting evil and they're not the losers they once were. Riley gets the babe. They only one who doesn't appear healed by the time the episode ends is Giles. It seems loose ends were left untied in anticipation for next week's ep where (SPOILER ALERT!!!!) Giles becomes a demon.
I can't attribute my positive attitude entirely on the air of optimism that permeated by the time 8:59 pm EST arrived. That was only half of it. The rest of my delight spawned from the delicious wordplay. Xander's quip about the demon sign resembling the CBS eye logo; Giles' "Oh, as usual, dear"; and I especially enjoyed the antics coming from Spike's corner. Lovely Spike. He who with even a glance toward the camera has me falling off my seat in hysterics. He who has this amazing ability to make me laugh out loud with a simple, yet artful inflection. "No, sir, I'm just an old pal of Xander's here." He who would have me in tears if he ever succeeded in staking himself. Don't do it, Spike. You've become a much-needed part of the mix.
"Doomed" was just the fix I needed after hibernating in my small, cold apartment over the holidays waiting for the electricity to fail, the looters to raid, or for this over-populated, stinky island I call home to explode. Thanks to my brief trip to the sunny coast and an hour of watching the gang, my winter doldrums have disappeared for a while. Let's hope this dose lasts me. At least until next Tuesday.
A FEW LAST MINUTE, UNRELATED THOUGHTS
1. Where's Anya?
2. Buffy's got a little problem with keeping secrets from her friends. Was she really not going to tell them about Riley? Seems vaguely reminiscent of when she decided to keep Angel's return from them. Can't see the gang being as forgiving a second time around.
I've got lots more unrelated thoughts, but I'll save those for the message boards. In case you haven't visited them, please drop by. There are a few lonely topics there that need an argument or two to keep them warm.
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Post by Dalton on Jan 24, 2004 20:05:38 GMT -5
by Jen Sonstein 1/26/2000
One of the many fascinating elements of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and part of what makes the show so successful) is the fact that it attracts such a diverse viewing audience. It’s amazing how many "mature" Buffy fans have come out of the closet to me, as if they’re supposed to be ashamed of watching the show once they hit a certain age.
"Jen, I’m afraid to admit this to my coworkers, but I watch the show religiously. They think I’m a dirty old man."
When did it become a crime to watch a show that’s perceived as directed toward an audience outside your age bracket? It’s not as if you get undressed and handcuff your wrists to the bedposts every Tuesday night before the show begins, right? (Or do you? Because if you do, then YES! YES! You’re a dirty old man!) Look, I’ve had a few strange looks shot in my general direction when I mention (proudly, I might add!) that I write this column. But more often than not, people get really excited when they find out that I watch the WB as much as I do. Because you know what? They do, too!
Imbedded in tonight's storyline is subject matter familiar to that "mature" section of the viewing audience. Think about it. Every episode this season has touched upon how graduation from high school has changed the structure of the Gang in some way. We’ve watched Buffy and Willow settle into to campus and dorm life, and Xander adjust to being the non-college guy. But, what about Giles? Where does he fit in?
It appears that Giles has been asking himself that very same question. "Where do I fit in now? Do I even fit in at all anymore? Do they even need me?" Sound familiar, parents of college-age children? It certainly rings a bell for me. I've been out of my parents' house for almost seven years now and I still feel the ties that bind tugging at me. "Why don't you call? What's going on in your life? What do you mean you're engaged?!?" (Just kidding, mom!)
Although I know there is a small contingency of fans out there still clinging to the small hope that Giles and Buffy's relationship will take a romantic turn, I think it's time to TAKE A REALITY PILL and admit that (at least for now) Giles is a surrogate father figure for Buffy. He's been her mentor, her advisor, and even her caretaker at times. He feels unconditional love for her. In fact, this season more than ever, he's represented family and stability for her. Witnessed most evidently by how she's taken his love for granted. She's like every kid who goes to college: she's fallen madly in love with the great rush that comes from new found independence, and has forgotten all about the people that helped her get to that point in life.
Giles isn't completely blameless. He would do himself a great service by admitting to the role he plays and cozying up next to the fireplace with Letting Go: A Parent's Guide to Understanding the College Years. As much as he might wish he were, he's not a freshman in college. He's not one of them. He's an adult they all respect and look to for direction and advice (even if they don’t realize it or acknowledge it themselves). Contrary to what he thinks at this somewhat depressing time in his life, he’s not a has-been. There's still pleasure to be found. He just needs to realize it's not going to be found at surprise birthday parties on a college campus.
Giles is in for a rude awakening. At Buffy's birthday bash, Giles is feeling a little out of place, partly because there are new people he doesn't recognize (though, neither do we), and partly because he realizes that he doesn't really have anyone to talk to. He's the only mature adult around. Buffy introduces her new "boyfriend", Riley, to Giles, who is shocked that Buffy has a new boyfriend who Giles knows nothing of. His insecurities deepen when Buffy starts raving about how brilliant Prof. Walsh is and Giles asks why the professor isn't at the party. Buffy responds with, "She's like 40. She has better things to do than hang with a bunch of kids." Ouch. Anyone request a wakeup call? Worse yet, Riley returns with a piece of cake and hands it to Giles with a staunch "Here you go, Sir." That's gotta hurt. I'm certainly not looking forward to the first time someone calls me Ma'am.
All starts to spiral downward for our friendly unemployed librarian. It turns out Giles is oblivious to much of what's been going on lately. Buffy not only failed to mention her new love interest, but she also forgot to tell Giles about Riley's involvement in the Initiative. In fact, she hasn't mentioned the Initiative to Giles at all! He finds out from Willow and Xander. Plus, Spike knew about it before he did! Giles is visibly hurt. But not as hurt as he is when he pays a visit to Prof. Walsh in search of Buffy and is the recipient of an unexpected lecture.
The two talk about Buffy. It's very telling to hear Giles call Buffy a "girl", while Walsh refers to her as a young woman. It becomes even more interesting when Walsh unknowingly (or possibly even knowingly) tells Giles she thinks Buffy is lacking a father figure in her life. This really upsets Giles, but it's like a light bulb going off in his head: "Buffy needs a father? What about me? I want to be her father. Well, maybe I should act like her father." For the rest of the episode, Giles starts acting very protective of Buffy, trying to shield her from the weird events that begin to affect him very personally. His old mate in crime, Ethan Rayne, turns him into a demon.
The usual mayhem ensues, but "A New Man" wasn’t the comic relief episode I expected when I saw the trailers. Rather than being particularly funny, it was more informational: providing us with little tidbits on the Initiative (they have a master key to Main Street, full-service from 911, and are definitely aligned with the military in some way). Plus, plenty of seeds were planted. Specifically, who's behind the Initiative and what's behind door #314. And what about possibility of a new love interest for Giles? Maggie Walsh rivals Giles in intelligence and shares two of his main interests--mentoring Buffy and fighting demons. But, like parents do, they just might have to battle for Buffy's affection.
Despite what Maggie may say and what may happen this semester, Giles can take some credit for how well Buffy has turned out (and the fact that she even survived her teenage years). Plus, he continues to play a pivotal role in her development as a strong, independent young woman. Along with that, comes a great deal of responsibility that doesn't end when the child leaves home. Buffy still needs him. And he’s just beginning to realize that he needs her, too.
MINOR SPOILERAGE
·So it seems as if Riley is here to stay, for the time being, at least. And I'm not really complaining since this week's episode begins to show the potential for an interesting new romance. In one of the next few eps, more info about Riley's background bubbles to the surface with possibility of some Iowan relatives dropping by Sunnydale for a visit. I'm most interested to see how Riley happened upon the Initiative--or how they happened upon him. ·Plus, for all you naysayers out there, Wanda at E!online insinuates that they're might actually be some lesbian experimentation between some major characters. A little bit of a foreshadowing tonight when Willow says to Tara, "We'll start out slow"?
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Post by Dalton on Jan 24, 2004 20:06:04 GMT -5
by Jen Sonstein 2/9/2000
I had to make a really tough decision recently. It involved breaking off a long-term relationship and changing my Sunday night routine. Maybe you can relate.
Mulder vs. Tony.Yes, I've heard of VCRs. Yes, I know in this modern age of technology I don't have to divide my loyalties. I could play the field. The fact of the matter is that I just couldn't handle it all. I felt over-extended. I already have so many commitments during the week: juggling Homer and Felicity from 8-8:30, flirting with Sam Weir and occasionally Ally on Mondays, focusing my attention completely on Buffy and Angel on Tuesdays, and still spending quality time with Max, Liz, Chandler, and Joey. And don't forget the occasional Friday night dinner date with Paul and Annabelle.
So, I had to choose. I chose Tony. He was new, sexy, and exciting. Sure, he has issues, but he makes me laugh. Mulder hasn't done that in a really long time. He was starting to get on my nerves with all of his idiosyncrasies and obsessions. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss him.
Luckily, Buffy's started to fill the void that's persisted since I gave up The X-Files. The intricate plot lines. The conspiracies. The question of "Who's good?" and "Who's bad?" constantly hanging in the air. The romantic tension and sexual deviance. In fact, I'm sure there are many major X-Files fans out there who could make direct comparisons between characters and current plotlines in BtVS and those in The X-Files. I choose not to go down that dark path. Instead, let's try to stay focused.
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Post by Dalton on Jan 24, 2004 20:06:29 GMT -5
by Jen Sonstein 2/16/2000
Smoke screens, mirrors, crystal balls. A sweeps segue. A tasty transition. That's what we were fed tonight.
Instead of learning the answers to many outstanding questions, we were intravenously supplied teasers of what we can expect from the final days of season four. However, I’ll be the first to admit that all the foreshadowing completely took my mind off the wackiness that's taking place in Sunnydale right now.
Wait! Did I just commit blasphemy? Here, it's only February and I'm already talking about the season's end. Chalk it up to pure anticipation. Add onto that curiosity (to know why Forrest sees Buffy as such a threat); eagerness (to catch the final showdown between Buffy and Faith); and the possibility of witnessing Xander finally getting some Buffy booty. Plus, way too many people are keeping secrets. I want to know what those secrets are.
Last week, in "The I in Team" we discovered the secret behind door #314. This week, I could care less. So Maggie Walsh was some mad scientist with a personal agenda. So she created a freak of nature determined to play copycat to Mary Shelley's horrifying progeny. None of it matters to me anymore. Yes, I'm still slightly interested in learning the origins of Riley's involvement with the Initiative. I still want to know the secret ingredient in the vitamins the boys are taking. But, mostly, I'm sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what's going to happen next week. And the week after. And the week after that.
In "Goodbye, Iowa", Riley goes off the deep end. Walsh is discovered dead: skewered like a bitch-kabob. In Forrest's mind, Buffy's a likely suspect, seeing as she somehow got on the professor's bad side. Riley's hesitant to accuse his new girlfriend, but he's also mourning the loss of his mentor, and determined to get to the bottom of her murder. Plus, he's going through withdrawal from the happy He-man pills he's been taking. Although it's not clear to me whether his alarm clock stopped working all of a sudden, or if, with the loss of Walsh, he also lost his dealer. Regardless, he's experiencing involuntary rapid detox and it's not doing wonders for his complexion. Riley looks like shit. I must extend kudos to Marc Blucas for his portrayal tonight. His shakes were mighty realistic.
Speaking of the shakes: why is Riley the only one who seems to be suffering from withdrawal symptoms? Doctor Angleman mentions that all the commandos were accounted for save for Agent Finn, but that doesn't really explain why no one else seems to be jonesin' for a vitamin. Unless you consider Forrest's 'tude and resentment toward Buffy the result of a vitamin deficiency. I happen to think it's much more than that, but I'm not exactly sure what. Is Forrest more informed about the Initiative than Riley? It seems unlikely since he's an inferior officer. Does he have more at stake? Or is his bitterness simply the result of jealousy? I can't quite figure it out.
Forrest isn't the only one harboring suspicion. Anya's antennae are pointing every which way trying to pick up a love signal from Buffy or Xander. She's never been one to hide her feelings for Xander or the fact that she's possessive of him. But, tonight it was in my face--her jumpiness seemed out of character. It's as if she already suspects Xander of cheating on her with Buffy or that Buffy's developing romantic feelings for him. Does Anyanka, former demoness, have a sixth sense? Is she picking up vibes of things to come? Check out my review of "The Freshman" ("A Top Ten List of Ch...Ch...Changes", 10/6/99). I've been predicting a B/X "thang" since school started. Something tells me that Faith and Xander's former sexual relationship might actually help him get the girl he's always wanted--the Slayer. Or, at least a taste of her.
Faith finally shows her mug next week and it's gonna be good. Word on the street is that Faith and Buffy switch places and faces a la Freaky Friday hence freaking out Xander, Anya, Riley, and... Joyce! This will be an extra special treat for those of you who were wondering where Mommy Summers has been hiding out all year. Scenes from "This Year's Girl" show Faith coming out of her coma swinging. Doesn't this girl ever give up?
Since I've been forcing Willow and Tara down your throats for a month now, I won't go into it again tonight. But I must mention the fact that Tara is either stashing powders and potions under her bed or she's up to no good. What is she hiding from Willow? When is Tara going to show her true colors?
We may be on the final stretch to season's end, but from where I'm standing things are just getting started.
SPOILERS ANYONE?
Okay, I'll admit it. A lot of my excitement is derived from the rumors that are circulating. The biggest one being that a major player will die by the end of the season. Not that this hasn't happened before. In Sunnydale, death isn't always the end of the road. But, who will it be? Someone in the Scooby Gang?
A CAREFUL EYE
Did anyone else notice that Buffy walked into the Initiative elevator a civilian and walked out a lab technician? Do they leave white coats in the elevator for people to put on? Where did she get it?
Did Xander's basement seem a little brighter than it has in the past?
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