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Post by William the Bloody on Jan 15, 2004 22:23:00 GMT -5
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Post by RAKSHA on Jan 15, 2004 23:14:43 GMT -5
Well done, Vlad!
I particularly liked the concept of the Cordettes as a wolf pack (with Cordy as the Alpha female and leader) and the irony that Harmony has become a prey animal, no longer running with the predators, now that she is a vampire.
And I agree with your point that because Harmony had not killed anyone, and basically had a good heart, Angel loaned her his soul by becoming her judge, and looked favorably on her, restoring her to her place as his secretary.
I don't think you addressed this point, but I wonder why Wesley picked Harm out of the pool to be Angel's secretary? I personally think it was because Wes believed that working closely with Angel might set bring out the best for Harmony....
GAIL
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Post by Rachael on Jan 15, 2004 23:28:21 GMT -5
Oh, excellent review, Vlad. I also thought this was one of the best character-development episodes ever. And, in general, character-development eps are one of my favorite types on ensemble shows. With so many characters, we get very little of each one per week, usually. It's episodes like this one that enable us to know and love each character. I'll (maybe) have more coherent thoughts tomorrow. . .it's early here, yet, but I'm all talked out, I think. I'll work on some appropriate hyperbole.
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Post by Patti - S'cubie Cutie on Jan 15, 2004 23:49:50 GMT -5
Vlad, congratulations on an excellent review. When I saw the episode last night, I both enjoyed the humor and felt real heart tugs about Harmony. But you really saw a lot in it which - if it occurred to me at all, it was like a brief spark... First - yes - I knew it was about Harmony trying to be good - but I didn't get the significance of the title. I thought - as she kept pitching folk in the closet- whoa - better not get in Harm's way!
Your interpretation makes a lot more sense....
In reading your review there were so many points in which I found myself nodding in agreement or cocking my head with a 'huh!' reaction.
Just a few...
' I believe that we are finally getting a chance to see what it will be like for a soulless vampire to become good, for goodness sake.'
Oh definitely! It's the missing part of the question we (and Joss) have been asking/answering - what does being good mean? Does motive matter?
'Then she does the "Mary Tyler Moore" and heads off to the big city: Los Angeles. Maybe there she will make it after all.'
Oh now that's just clever...and weirdly apropos.
And then this....
'But, unlike her old Sunnydale High days, she isn't able to ingratiate herself with the wolves and finds herself now as one of the sheep. This is a role that helped the Scoobies bond. The herd mentality is what helped them survive their high school days,
Ok - that was a 'huh!' moment for me. I'd never thought of it quite like that before - and its a neat thought because the Scoobies were after all the stronger group - all the way through we see that their strength is AS a group - when they band together.
I agreed with you that Harmony was really trying hard, and doing some things that should have worked out well for her at work - she's really a much better secretary than Angel realizes. Maybe if she just weren't blonde...
Finally I really liked your interpretation of Spike's motives for returning without seeing Buffy. When I saw the scene the first time I bought it....I didn't think it 'lame' as some have put it - I thought it made sense - and so I am glad I'm not the only one who felt that way. And the motivation fits when you remember the 'message' of this episode - Spike was concentrating on getting a reward for his good acts - and yet, he has this season continued to do good when the reward doesn't come - saving Fred's life comes to mind quickly. So I thought it worked put alongside Harmony's frustrated efforts.
I just thoroughly enjoyed both the episode and your review - so when are you going to do another one Vlad? *smile*
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Post by Rob on Jan 16, 2004 0:22:25 GMT -5
You do one Hell of a job here, Vladster. Lots of terrific points...you found a lot more depth in "Harm's Way" than I did. Now I see things a bit differently. I agree that Harmony's journey (if one could call it that without rolling their eyes at such a pretentious term) is unique in it's way. She is not the sort to deserve a Shanshu necessarily; but she confounds the rulebook somewhat. She was a pretty useless human overall. Her one positive action in human life - fighting at the side of the Scooby Gang on Graduation Day - resulted in an even worse debacle. Harmony is one of the most inept vampires we've ever seen...the girl didn't even get the Kung Fu attachments right away (see the hairpulling contest with Xander for reference). This, to me, begs an interesting question: Does the soul matter all that much in people who have no intellectual weight? Perhaps the deepest thing about Harmony is the very fact that she is not. Harm may not have enough DEPTH to reach great evil or goodness on her own. Harmony doesn't care WHO accepts her, just as long as they do. She's capable of going either way in terms of the Big Conflict. The only inner conflict in Harmony Kendall is which side might actually like and respect her. It's funny to watch at times...but mostly it makes me pity her. Good point about the villain of the episode...why wouldn't she fail the human blood test? Oh....wait a minute...Harmony knocked the guy out before she could be tested! Fanwank! Fanwank! The better question would be why the girl even told Harmony anything. Oh well...perhaps analyzing the plot too much misses the point. In conclusion, you do a really nice job keeping things interesting while reviewing Harm's rather limited characterization. Honestly, I've never cared much for Harmony one way or the other...but this review reminds me of some interesting things I'd forgotten. I hope you find the time to review another episode someday.
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Post by SpringSummers on Jan 16, 2004 7:21:19 GMT -5
Nicely done, Vlad - you even used my favorite Joss-quote, the one from Whistler.
I liked the "let's take a look at Harmony" approach. I have always found her to be a very interesting character, and like all Jossverse characters, to be more than she appeared on the surface.
As to your take on Harmony in the ep, I can only say, "exactly so."
Ditto to the take on the Spike & Harmony exchange at episode closing.
On the Buffy thing for Spike, I thought, given the fact that SMG may never return, Joss chose the best and least intrusive and most believable of the options he had.
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Post by Cal on Jan 16, 2004 9:35:55 GMT -5
Excellent review, Vlad! In particular, I agree with your view point on the whole Spike/Buffy situation. I think that the writers gave us the only reasonable explanation why Spike did not go to Buffy. Hopefully, we will get some closure, one way or the other, some time in the future. I am new to all this, so forgive me if my replies are a little short - give me time, and I am sure that I will find plenty to say! Your review covered everything I wanted to say any way! Well done!
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Post by Guest ellie on Jan 16, 2004 9:43:59 GMT -5
Job well done Vlad-
I enjoyed reading and re reading your review almost as much as I did watching the show itself-
Some of what you say about Angel and Harmony reminds me of what Angel said to the policewoman in Season 3- regarding how he could live with the possibioity that there was no higher Being or purpose animating the universe- "If nothing that you do matters than all that matters is what you do"
Thank you for reminding me of that quote from Whistler- it is beautifully phrased-
I have always liked Harmony but I never took her very seriously- the episode and thougthful responses like yours have deepened my appreciation of harmony and JW perspective on the true meaning of redemption
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Post by makd on Jan 16, 2004 14:23:17 GMT -5
Hi, Vlad
Enjoyed your review, and hope you'll write another - soon.
I particularly liked your introduction, which reminded us how Harmony had survived HS, and was trying, desperately, to survive and make something of herself in the big city.
I've liked her from season 4, and have always enjoyed her forays into the big wide world of growing up. She tries so hard...I just kept remembering two scenes from BtVS throughout this show: I remember the scene in Dracula, where Spike tells Riley that he'd like to see Riley TRY to kill him, then remembers the chip. So, Spike couldn't even try to kill Riley... I also remember Spike telling Buffy in Touched that he loves the way she tries.
Then, in Harm's Way, Spike thanks Fred for trying....so, it was really nice to see some closure later in the show when Spike visits Harmony and lets her know that, really, she matters - and the subtext being - that she's doing okay, and should keep trying.
And that's what Harm kept showing us in that episode - that she keeps trying, and that, without a soul, it's really hard.
Loved her: so vulnerable, so sweet, so wanting not to be evil.
Thanks for reminding us that shallow Harm has a lot more to her than we thought. Your review helped us love her more.
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Post by Karen on Jan 16, 2004 14:39:32 GMT -5
*Gorsh darn log-out timer.*
I loved your review, Vlad. Really made me think - and I had a lot of good thoughts all written down about 5 minutes ago and poof they were gone in the ether as I was logged out while typing. poo You wrote: Of course it takes her one split second to change her mind when Fred tells her that it would be okay, but still, there is the spark there, the knowledge of right and wrong and a willingness, no matter how feeble, to try and do the right thing.
Harmony is trying real hard to do good, and she gets upset when she is blown off by Angel and Co. But she keeps trying. Amazing. I think Angel had already decided that all Harmony was good for was fetching his blood and answering his phones - or that's all he trusted her to do, because he only knew her as evil. And she is still a vampire. Parallels his feelings about Spike. I think Spring drew a parallel between Harmony and Spike. It's going to take a while for the gang to trust her (and Spike, too). I think she made a good start. Especially after drinking human blood and showing that she could resist the urge to kill afterwards.
You also said: It is interesting to note the secondary story that is going on in this episode. The two demon clans are all about form but are not about real justice. They are about doing things because form must be adhered to, yet seem to care little about why that form exists in the first place.
Oh, oh. Why did think of Angel and Co. when I read these words? When Angel chopped off that accountant's head because of the zero tolerance rule (who thought up that rule, anyway? Gunn?), it was to prove a point and show everyone that he's boss. "All about form and not real justice?" W&H's little recruitment movie at the beginning was all about form and image, and very little about truth.
Getting into murky territory. Both Angel and my thoughts.
Great review!!
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Post by RAKSHA on Jan 16, 2004 18:43:32 GMT -5
Vlad, congratulations on an excellent review. When I saw the episode last night, I both enjoyed the humor and felt real heart tugs about Harmony. But you really saw a lot in it which - if it occurred to me at all, it was like a brief spark... First - yes - I knew it was about Harmony trying to be good - but I didn't get the significance of the title. I thought - as she kept pitching folk in the closet- whoa - better not get in Harm's way! Your interpretation makes a lot more sense.... In reading your review there were so many points in which I found myself nodding in agreement or cocking my head with a 'huh!' reaction. Just a few... ' I believe that we are finally getting a chance to see what it will be like for a soulless vampire to become good, for goodness sake.' Oh definitely! It's the missing part of the question we (and Joss) have been asking/answering - what does being good mean? Does motive matter? 'Then she does the "Mary Tyler Moore" and heads off to the big city: Los Angeles. Maybe there she will make it after all.' Oh now that's just clever...and weirdly apropos. And then this.... 'But, unlike her old Sunnydale High days, she isn't able to ingratiate herself with the wolves and finds herself now as one of the sheep. This is a role that helped the Scoobies bond. The herd mentality is what helped them survive their high school days, Ok - that was a 'huh!' moment for me. I'd never thought of it quite like that before - and its a neat thought because the Scoobies were after all the stronger group - all the way through we see that their strength is AS a group - when they band together. I agreed with you that Harmony was really trying hard, and doing some things that should have worked out well for her at work - she's really a much better secretary than Angel realizes. Maybe if she just weren't blonde... Finally I really liked your interpretation of Spike's motives for returning without seeing Buffy. When I saw the scene the first time I bought it....I didn't think it 'lame' as some have put it - I thought it made sense - and so I am glad I'm not the only one who felt that way. And the motivation fits when you remember the 'message' of this episode - Spike was concentrating on getting a reward for his good acts - and yet, he has this season continued to do good when the reward doesn't come - saving Fred's life comes to mind quickly. So I thought it worked put alongside Harmony's frustrated efforts. I just thoroughly enjoyed both the episode and your review - so when are you going to do another one Vlad? *smile* High school survival is always influenced by your choice of social affiliation, at least for girls. One has the choice of joining a clique or going it alone, there isn't much middle ground.
Buffy and her slayage mission were very good for Willow and Xander. Before her arrival, they formed a sad little losers' tribe with Jesse - not that they WERE losers, but they felt like they were and the more popular cliques characterized them as such. By teaming up with Buffy, Willow and Xander became part of something far greater than high school, and their self-esteem was justifiably raised. Although Willow would have probably bloomed in college without a friendship with Buffy, Xander would have probably ended up a copy of his father, working in a menial or not-too-great job, never being happy with himself. And Buffy of course, got to survive five years of Slayage and have loyal friends.
GAIL
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Post by LadyDi on Jan 16, 2004 20:10:18 GMT -5
I go back and forth on the ending btwn Harm and Spike. Replying to Nan's review, I was disappointed by it. I felt ME bent it a little to fit w/Harmony's "not mattering" rather than go for the much stronger Spike's in L.A. for a good reason (he knows something's up). On the other hand, Spike is trying to do what's right for the right reasons. He gave Buffy her freedom, and it wouldn't be fair to turn around and take it away again (shades of Pangs). It is interesting that Harmony is struggling to do what's right sans soul. I wonder if this has to do with her femininity. Harmony can't hack the evil, Dru was pure and chaste before Angelus corrupted her, and reduced to an irresponsible child-like state by his torment. Darla's the only female vamp we've gotten to know who was down with the evil, but she'd been a whore in her mortal life and badly used.
Interesting line Angel: "Tell Buffy you're a moron." At first I took this as an unwarranted insult to Spike, but it could also be interpreted as a diss on Buffy herself. Just thought I'd throw that in the mix.
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Post by Patti - S'cubie Cutie on Jan 16, 2004 21:11:33 GMT -5
I go back and forth on the ending btwn Harm and Spike. Replying to Nan's review, I was disappointed by it. I felt ME bent it a little to fit w/Harmony's "not mattering" rather than go for the much stronger Spike's in L.A. for a good reason (he knows something's up). On the other hand, Spike is trying to do what's right for the right reasons. He gave Buffy her freedom, and it wouldn't be fair to turn around and take it away again (shades of Pangs). It is interesting that Harmony is struggling to do what's right sans soul. I wonder if this has to do with her femininity. Harmony can't hack the evil, Dru was pure and chaste before Angelus corrupted her, and reduced to an irresponsible child-like state by his torment. Darla's the only female vamp we've gotten to know who was down with the evil, but she'd been a whore in her mortal life and badly used. Interesting line Angel: "Tell Buffy you're a moron." At first I took this as an unwarranted insult to Spike, but it could also be interpreted as a diss on Buffy herself. Just thought I'd throw that in the mix. Oh now that is just FUN! I had not thought of that interpretation LadyDi - how cool if the writers threw that in after SMG decided not to 'show'.....
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Post by Karen on Jan 16, 2004 21:49:08 GMT -5
Oh now that is just FUN! I had not thought of that interpretation LadyDi - how cool if the writers threw that in after SMG decided not to 'show'..... WAY funny! I hadn't thought of it that way, Ladydi - but it sounded odd when he said it, and your explanation makes alot more sense. hee, hee ;D
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Post by Julia, wrought iron-y on Jan 16, 2004 22:05:56 GMT -5
I go back and forth on the ending btwn Harm and Spike. Replying to Nan's review, I was disappointed by it. I felt ME bent it a little to fit w/Harmony's "not mattering" rather than go for the much stronger Spike's in L.A. for a good reason (he knows something's up). On the other hand, Spike is trying to do what's right for the right reasons. He gave Buffy her freedom, and it wouldn't be fair to turn around and take it away again (shades of Pangs). It is interesting that Harmony is struggling to do what's right sans soul. I wonder if this has to do with her femininity. Harmony can't hack the evil, Dru was pure and chaste before Angelus corrupted her, and reduced to an irresponsible child-like state by his torment. Darla's the only female vamp we've gotten to know who was down with the evil, but she'd been a whore in her mortal life and badly used.Interesting line Angel: "Tell Buffy you're a moron." At first I took this as an unwarranted insult to Spike, but it could also be interpreted as a diss on Buffy herself. Just thought I'd throw that in the mix. My emphasis I dunno, Sunday, in "The Freshman" was pretty full of happy bouncy evil... Julia, not thinking analytically today, need to come back when the higher neural functions are, uh, functioning
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