PARTING GIFTS: Ugly, Grey Blobby Thing

[Queen E]

post away

[Lola m]

Wow, Erin! The theme of sight, or the lack thereof. I never really thought of this episode that way, yet it is an obvious metaphor for the lack of Doyle.

Liked the way you pointed out the misdirection and comparisons in the triangle of Cordy, Doyle, and Barney. I was particularly struck with your idea that:

The reason why Cordelia keeps the visions, in my view, is to gain greater insight and empathy with those around her. Blind to Doyle until it was too late, blind to the hurt she caused others in high school, she now has the “vision” to see beyond the narrow scope of her experience and perceptions.

Nice comparisons between Angel and Wesley – neatly summed up as you point out that Wesley does best when “going with his strengths” and that “he is a work in progress”. We’ll really see in seasons to come how his loyalty to Angel is a strength that can be used against him when he lets it pull him too far from himself.

I also very much liked how you started the paragraph about misdirection with a reference to the Oracles – masters of misdirection.

And once again, you created a truly lovely closing summary – my favorite being:

So at the end of the episode, the Fang Gang has moved into a new iteration, one that will pretty much hold for the next four seasons. The last shot of the episode is a literal “breaking of bread” together (Angel hands Wesley toast), underscoring that Wesley is now part of the family, as “Dad” makes and serves “the kids” breakfast.

Thanks again, Erin.

Lola

[Queen E]

Lola said:

Wow, Erin! The theme of sight, or the lack thereof. I never really thought of this episode that way, yet it is an obvious metaphor for the lack of Doyle.

Liked the way you pointed out the misdirection and comparisons in the triangle of Cordy, Doyle, and Barney. I was particularly struck with your idea that:

In a lot of ways, though, I find I miss the old self-centered Cordelia. Is that crazy or what?

Nice comparisons between Angel and Wesley – neatly summed up as you point out that Wesley does best when “going with his strengths” and that “he is a work in progress”. We’ll really see in seasons to come how his loyalty to Angel is a strength that can be used against him when he lets it pull him too far from himself.

I also very much liked how you started the paragraph about misdirection with a reference to the Oracles – masters of misdirection.

And once again, you created a truly lovely closing summary – my favorite being:


Thanks again, Erin.

Lola

Definitely, and Wes is all over the place in the episode, really underscoring how lost he is. He gains more confidence and footing as the season goes on, but, then again, he doesn't face another challenge to his newly formed idea of himself as a part of AI until the Watchers come to town in search of Faith. Can't wait to get to those two episodes; they really set the tone for Wesley and Angel's arcs...

Thank you so much!

[Patti - S'cubie Cutie]

I beta Erin's reviews, so I get to read them all, and tell her how great I think they are, but it occurred to me today that what is said in 'public' is sometimes even more meaningful than what is said in private, so Erin, I think you have real gifts in discerning the intention of the writers, finding all the ways they present their meaning, and describing that for the reader. I've enjoyed each of your reviews more and more as they go along. They have made me see the episodes in ways I never thought of in multiple viewings. Thank you so much for this and all your talents you share with us. *Hug*

[Queen E]

PattiT said:

I beta Erin's reviews, so I get to read them all, and tell her how great I think they are, but it occurred to me today that what is said in 'public' is sometimes even more meaningful than what is said in private, so Erin, I think you have real gifts in discerning the intention of the writers, finding all the ways they present their meaning, and describing that for the reader. I've enjoyed each of your reviews more and more as they go along. They have made me see the episodes in ways I never thought of in multiple viewings. Thank you so much for this and all your talents you share with us. *Hug*

Oh, wow...thanks Patti! That means a lot to me!

{{{PATTI}}}

(And wouldn't my lit professors be amused to see me using the inductive and deductive skills they drilled us on for television...actually, I think there should be a new word for Jossverse shows, maybe "Whedonvision"?)

You're the best, you know that?

[Patti - S'cubie Cutie]

D. said:

Oh, wow...thanks Patti! That means a lot to me!

{{{PATTI}}}

(And wouldn't my lit professors be amused to see me using the inductive and deductive skills they drilled us on for television...actually, I think there should be a new word for Jossverse shows, maybe "Whedonvision"?)

You're the best, you know that?

you're my hero, Erin...you're everything I want to be....

[Queen E]

PattiT said:

you're my hero, Erin...you're everything I want to be....

Yeah, well, I can fly higher than an eagle, 'cause you are the wind beneath my wings...