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Post by William the Bloody on Aug 18, 2003 3:01:16 GMT -5
Written by Dean Batala & Rob Des Hotel
Directed by Ellen S Pressman
Air date: 5/5/97
Buffy suspects that a ventriloquist's dummy may be harvesting organs from classmates performing in a school talent show.
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Post by beccaelizabeth on Jul 9, 2004 4:30:08 GMT -5
Willow's running off in terror at the end of the episode, midway through the drama piece that she, Buffy, and Xander are performing, was not part of the script. THough it seems prophetic, considering that in the next episode, 'Nightmares', Willow's primary fear has to do with stage fright.
As Xander is trying to convince Buffy and Willow that Sid is just a piece of wood, he operates the dummy's mouth and cries "Redrum! Redrum!" The reference to Stanley Kubrick's The Shining was added by actor Nicholas Brendon and was not in the original script.
"Does anyone else feel like we've been Keyser Soze'd?"
Xander, in reference to the manipulative villain in the film The Usual Suspects
(be has never seen this film. if more info would be useful, someone say?)
Sid mentions that the Slayer in the 1930s was a Korean woman, with whom he had some "good times".
Sid is just one in a long line of terrifying puppets and tlaking dolls in film and television, from "Talking Tina" in a classic episode of The Twilight Zone to the horrifying dummy in William Goldman's Magic.
From the origial teleplay: (be leaves in the original typo)
The following two exchanges were cut from the script to "The Puppet show" because of length:
Buffy: And I don't think we'll be featuring Xander's special gift...
Xander: Okay, some people are jealous that they can't burp the alphabet.
Buffy:...so we're back to drama. We'll just do it quickly. Get in, get out. Nobody gets hurt.
Buffy: Pretyy good. I neve rheard 'Flight of the Bumblebee' on teh tuba before.
Lisa: Most people aren't up to it.
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Post by Lola m on Aug 17, 2004 20:06:47 GMT -5
OK, I found myself enjoying this ep a lot more than I remembered. * First, there's sooooo much Snyder-y goodness here. He's just so menacing and dorky and creepy and mean and bizarre. We know right off the bat that this is a whole new level of princepal-ing. Of course there is everybody's favorite lines about "the kind of wooly headed liberal thinking that leads to being eaten", but there's just a whole raft of great Snyderisms here. "Suicide, missing persons, spontaneous cheerleader combustion... You can't put up with that." "He was eaten. You're in my world now." His list of the 3 things he won't tolerate: kids loitering after school, horrible murders with hearts removed and smoking. Just priceless! * This is a pretty plotty little episode, gosh darn it! With the one, two, three, four, five, six "who's the bad guy" plot twists. First the gang thinks it's a human and Buffy thinks it's demonic. And she turns out to be right. Then the gang thinks it's one of the 7 demonic brotherhood who are hiding in Morgan and Buffy is trying to say that Sid is alive. And she turns out to be right. (They are right about the demons although not about Morgan, but hey, even a stopped clock is right twice a day. ;D ) Then the gang thinks it is the dummy. And Buffy is finding out Morgan is dead and Sid is really on their side. Then the gang and Buffy all think it is the remaining demon that Sid didn't kill yet. And they're all right. Then we are briefly tossed the hint that maybe it's Snyder. Then the gang thinks it's Sid (again) but they all help figure out it is still probably someone in the show because Morgan's brain wasn't what they needed. Plus, there's the whole parallel confusion where Buffy thought Sid was the demon and Sid thought it was her. Whew! All that in 40 some minutes with plenty o' witty banter and a couple of nice side stories to boot. How do they do it?! * Loved the little Cordy & Xander & Giles byplay we got. Xander "interviewing" Cordy and he's just in such pain doing it and she's sooooo oblivious. (Classic Cordy & Xander banter: "Emma was like my best friend" "Emily" "It could have been me!" "We can dream.") And LOL when Giles freaks Cordy out with the hair comment and it turns out it was Xander's advice! It's no wonder those two crazy kids ended up getting together.  * Can I just say - the dummy face in the window? Freaked. Me. Out. Seriously eeeeep inducing. And I even know that Sid is really an OK guy. I don't blame Buffy for practically acting like a 5 year old crying for mommy after a bad dream. Ventriloquist dummies are just creepy. ***brrrrrrrr - Lola shivers ***** Then again, the scene where Sid's smoking and telling them all about his demon hunting days and the whole gang is just kind of gawking at this . . . doll. Very very funny. And the "Nubile . . . . I'm back" bit was so funny that even Xander laughed. * Demon was gonna slice off Giles scalp while they were on stage. Shades of "Restless" and the first slayer dream to come, huh? Lola Sure to have more thoughts later when others have said some more stuff. |
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Post by Lola m on Aug 17, 2004 20:11:18 GMT -5
<snip> "Does anyone else feel like we've been Keyser Soze'd?" Xander, in reference to the manipulative villain in the film The Usual Suspects(be has never seen this film. if more info would be useful, someone say?) <snip> Buffy: Pretyy good. I neve rheard 'Flight of the Bumblebee' on teh tuba before. Lisa: Most people aren't up to it. Keyser Soze is the villian who no one is sure if he is really real or just a tall tale, plus the story is full of plotty twists about who Keyser really is. (Won't say more so as to not spoil for folks who have not seen but would like to someday.) The Usual Suspects is a very very good movie (IMHO). I always tell folks that it's not really a "who done it" but rather a "what did they do". Although my take on the possible interpretations you could make about the plot are rather . . . radical. Also, just wanted to mention that I've been enjoying these "case files / behind the scenes" bits you've been posting. Lola |
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Post by William the Bloody on Aug 18, 2004 4:52:51 GMT -5
Wow, as I entered this thread to post my review, I noticed that it was one year ago to the VERY day that I created this thread. Pretty nifty, if you ask me. Karmic? Anyway, I chose to do my review a little differently than some and it is hosted by the website in html format. So, instead of typing it in here, I will provide you a link to my review of PUPPET SHOW: Buffy For Dummies. soulfulspike.com/puppetshow.htmI hope you all enjoy. Vlad |
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Post by Patti - S'cubie Cutie on Aug 18, 2004 12:20:27 GMT -5
Wow, as I entered this thread to post my review, I noticed that it was one year ago to the VERY day that I created this thread. Pretty nifty, if you ask me. Karmic? Anyway, I chose to do my review a little differently than some and it is hosted by the website in html format. So, instead of typing it in here, I will provide you a link to my review of PUPPET SHOW: Buffy For Dummies. soulfulspike.com/puppetshow.htmI hope you all enjoy. Vlad[/quote wow! Great review Vlad, under pressure yet! You pulled a lot of themes from this much maligned episode. There really aren't any bad Buffy eps, when someone takes the time to look beneath the surface, as you did. This episode always scares me too. Hate clowns, hate puppets ever since I saw my first 'puppet in control' movie which was called....'The Puppet' I think. I'm glad you mentioned Cordy singing "The Greatest Love' - I'd forgotten that terrifically horrible moment, and now I recall we were reminded of this episode in the Angel season 4 ep when the gang reverts to their youth and she sings it again... Thanks also for taking the time to do this practically on your way out of town. |
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Post by Lola m on Aug 19, 2004 19:25:04 GMT -5
Wow, as I entered this thread to post my review, I noticed that it was one year ago to the VERY day that I created this thread. Pretty nifty, if you ask me. Karmic? Anyway, I chose to do my review a little differently than some and it is hosted by the website in html format. So, instead of typing it in here, I will provide you a link to my review of PUPPET SHOW: Buffy For Dummies. soulfulspike.com/puppetshow.htmI hope you all enjoy. Vlad One year exactly, huh? That is one heck of a coincidence. Or fate or karma or . . . yes, destiny! One man, in all the world, chosen to review any and all of Joss' puppet shows . . . ;D ;D Good point on this being an episode that points toward the future of BtVS. The issue of human versus demonic crime is one that Buffy always presented in a more straightforward and clear way than the grayer AtS. Both concepts are equally interesting but I appreciate how each response is appropriate for its particular hero. Snyder. So wonderful that you highlighted his appearance here. Because he brings such an interesting new arc to the show and this ep is such an amazing introduction of his character. As you say, there is that "a-ha" moment where we see how much of a threat he could be to Buffy. As we'll gradually learn, he brings the kind of "official/real world" power and interference to bear on her and the scoobies. Also loved how you pointed out the importance of "togetherness gets it done" in this episode. Like you mentioned, this stands out so much in the scenes where the gang is investigating, tackling their specific tasks, but especially in the rescue of Giles. Loved that Xander is the one who actually saves Giles by grabbing the rope, as it made me remember similar events we'll see in the future. Such as the rescue of Giles from Angelus' lair. Your final summary is just perfect, Vlad! Lola Plus, Cordy and the sparklers! Merciful Zeus! |
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Alexandra
S'cubie
Founder
"You never had it so good as me. Never."
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Post by Alexandra on Jan 2, 2005 18:02:52 GMT -5
Others have mentioned the "I hate ventiloquist's dolls, clowns, etc." I agree wholeheartedly. I also don't like the Chucky movies (although I do see the resemblance to John Gruden, coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he's angry.) This seems to be a widespread human reaction to perverted or distorted human forms, where the most successful horror movies are the ones with monsters who are like people but not. Zombies, Jason, Freddy, et al. What I don't understand about myself is, if I can't stand clowns, why do I not at all mind vampires? They are perverted evil human forms just as bad as the fictional characters that upset me. Is it because sometimes they revert to a normal human look? Am I that shallow  ? Well, maybe that's it. Perhaps someone can explain the difference to me. I'm drawing a blank. Alexandra |
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Post by Queen E on Jan 2, 2005 18:18:25 GMT -5
Others have mentioned the "I hate ventiloquist's dolls, clowns, etc." I agree wholeheartedly. I also don't like the Chucky movies (although I do see the resemblance to John Gruden, coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he's angry.) This seems to be a widespread human reaction to perverted or distorted human forms, where the most successful horror movies are the ones with monsters who are like people but not. Zombies, Jason, Freddy, et al. What I don't understand about myself is, if I can't stand clowns, why do I not at all mind vampires? They are perverted evil human forms just as bad as the fictional characters that upset me. Is it because sometimes they revert to a normal human look? Am I that shallow ? Well, maybe that's it. Perhaps someone can explain the difference to me. I'm drawing a blank. Alexandra No, I think it has something to do with the fact that "dolls" of any sort do resemble human form, except they are inert and lifeless...those empty, glassy eyes, etc. In "I've Got You Under My Skin" from season 1 Angel, there is a really subtle parallel to a speaking doll Wes finds in the trash, and Ryan, the sociopathic boy. It's the empty human form thing I find creepy... |
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Alexandra
S'cubie
Founder
"You never had it so good as me. Never."
Posts: 108
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Post by Alexandra on Jan 3, 2005 16:21:27 GMT -5
There are definitely creepy dolls in the movie and on TV. Of course, Chucky comes to mind first. But dolls in general are not necessarily creepy to me. I had my share of dolls as a girl child, so they don't give me just a single type of reaction.
It is very nasty when the movies manage to present the "nobody's home" sociopathic type of character, whether it's a doll or a real person portraying the character. The actor Bruce Dern was especially good at that type of character. My personal reaction to Scott Peterson (our California double murder) is similar - "sociopathic".
The Puppet Show ventriloquist's doll turned out to be more sympathetic which actually was a relief to me. I wasn't looking forward to watching an hour of evil ventriloquist's dummy vs. Buffy.
I guess for all that vampires are perverted human forms, they are not "lifeless" looking. They have definite personalities and "animation" to them. Maybe it's more the lack of differing expressions on a face which makes it more monstrous. Vampires leer, smile (evilly), frown, etc. The Chucky doll has some facial movement but it's not much, and Jason and Freddy can't do too much facial movement either. Ditto a ventriloquist's dummy and most clowns.
Or --- I measure all vampires against Spike so none of them can be too evil. He makes hope spring eternal about all of them changing the way he did and Angel did. Or Buffy dusts them.
The episode I really hated was "Ted". Hmmmm, I think I see a pattern.
Alexandra
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Post by Queen E on Jan 3, 2005 19:54:07 GMT -5
There are definitely creepy dolls in the movie and on TV. Of course, Chucky comes to mind first. But dolls in general are not necessarily creepy to me. I had my share of dolls as a girl child, so they don't give me just a single type of reaction. It is very nasty when the movies manage to present the "nobody's home" sociopathic type of character, whether it's a doll or a real person portraying the character. The actor Bruce Dern was especially good at that type of character. My personal reaction to Scott Peterson (our California double murder) is similar - "sociopathic". The Puppet Show ventriloquist's doll turned out to be more sympathetic which actually was a relief to me. I wasn't looking forward to watching an hour of evil ventriloquist's dummy vs. Buffy. I guess for all that vampires are perverted human forms, they are not "lifeless" looking. They have definite personalities and "animation" to them. Maybe it's more the lack of differing expressions on a face which makes it more monstrous. Vampires leer, smile (evilly), frown, etc. The Chucky doll has some facial movement but it's not much, and Jason and Freddy can't do too much facial movement either. Ditto a ventriloquist's dummy and most clowns. Or --- I measure all vampires against Spike so none of them can be too evil. He makes hope spring eternal about all of them changing the way he did and Angel did. Or Buffy dusts them. The episode I really hated was "Ted". Hmmmm, I think I see a pattern. Alexandra Ah, Ted. (Hey, does that mean you didn't like the Aprilbot in "I Was Made to Love You" too?) You know, Ted always struck me as kind of a metaphor for people trapped in a frame of mind regarding relationships and basic human interaction. Also, coming so close to "Surprise" makes me think that Ted/Joyce are almost Buffy/Angel-lite. The person you think you love with (literal) skeletons in the closet and whom you don't really see clearly for who they are or what they're capable of. |
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Post by Lola m on Jan 3, 2005 20:12:36 GMT -5
Others have mentioned the "I hate ventiloquist's dolls, clowns, etc." I agree wholeheartedly. I also don't like the Chucky movies (although I do see the resemblance to John Gruden, coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he's angry.) This seems to be a widespread human reaction to perverted or distorted human forms, where the most successful horror movies are the ones with monsters who are like people but not. Zombies, Jason, Freddy, et al. What I don't understand about myself is, if I can't stand clowns, why do I not at all mind vampires? They are perverted evil human forms just as bad as the fictional characters that upset me. Is it because sometimes they revert to a normal human look? Am I that shallow ? Well, maybe that's it. Perhaps someone can explain the difference to me. I'm drawing a blank. Alexandra I also think that ME was deliberately playing with those feelings that most of us have - disliking and finding ventriloquist dummies and so on "creepy". They use Xander and Willow to represent us - alternately finding the dummy to be icky and then making fun of that. Then they make you think the dummy is the evil guy and them making him be this guy - trapped and yet trying to do good - find and fight the demons. Lola |
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Post by SpringSummers on Jan 3, 2005 23:49:53 GMT -5
I also think that ME was deliberately playing with those feelings that most of us have - disliking and finding ventriloquist dummies and so on "creepy". They use Xander and Willow to represent us - alternately finding the dummy to be icky and then making fun of that. Then they make you think the dummy is the evil guy and them making him be this guy - trapped and yet trying to do good - find and fight the demons. Lola I thought the dummy was very Angel-foreshadowy. Very B/A foreshadowy. |
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Post by Queen E on Jan 10, 2005 15:44:57 GMT -5
I thought the dummy was very Angel-foreshadowy. Very B/A foreshadowy. Hmm. I have some ideas what you mean, but I want to hear your thoughts on this. |
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Alexandra
S'cubie
Founder
"You never had it so good as me. Never."
Posts: 108
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Post by Alexandra on Jan 22, 2005 19:06:52 GMT -5
Ah, Ted. (Hey, does that mean you didn't like the Aprilbot in "I Was Made to Love You" too?) Actually , No. I just never liked John Ritter. He always creeped me out as unpleasantly androgenous, even when he was younger. I first saw him on a Hawaii 50 episode where he played a bad guy, and he bothered me way back then. The Aprilbot and the Buffybot I had no problem with. They were both sympathetic if pathetic creatures. I had more trouble with Warren and his callous abandonment of the Aprilbot. Luckily, he got his later - ouch!! Alexandra |
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? Well, maybe that's it. Perhaps someone can explain the difference to me. I'm drawing a blank.
