Far and away the best episode of the year. In fact, before I forget the way it made me feel and react...this is one of the best episodes of Angel. Ever.
And, thanks to syndication, I've now seen 'em all.
Any doubt that remained regarding Marsters's value was erased for anyone other than the most virulent Spike-hater. He has already turned everything up a notch. In this ep, he cranked it up several notches.
Now for the thoughts:
1. David Fury, a much maligned writer in Spike-centric circles, wrote LMPTM, which painted a pretty sympathetic picture of Spike overall. "Destiny" makes Spike look unbelievably favorable in comparison with Angel. If there is a hatchet between Spike fans and Fury, I think it's clearly time to bury it.
2. "Lindsey!! You're covered in sexy runes!!"
3. I've seen Paris, I've seen France, I've seen Eve's underpants. Yeah, baby!!!
4. I missed Wes...but then, AD was off getting married when they filmed this one, I think. Gotta forgive him for that.
5. Wait a minute. If Angel made Spike into a monster, what sort of vampire WAS Spike right after he was turned? He still killed people. What, he was a kinder, gentler murderer who wanted to save his Mum by killing her? One who feel foolishly in love with Dru because he believed she loved him? I'm starting to develop a theory on this. I'll get back to you.
6. So...Eve and Lindsey are working together against W & H and the Fang Gang? That can't be a wise idea. Maybe Eve is working undercover (so to speak).
7. I think the plan here appears to be making Angel doubt himself, though I'm not sure why he would take losing that fight in that sense. I mean, Angel vs. Spike seems like it could go either way. If they fought ten times, each would probably win five.
As Angel said, Spike wanted it more...but perhaps not in the way Angel believed. Spike was fueled by jealousy and revenge. That ain't gonna get you Shanshued if you ask me. Seems like both of them still have a ways to go.
10. In the midst of all the great stuff, there were some moments that didn't ring true for either Angel or Spike as far as I'm concerned. I had enough of a problem with Spike telling Wesley about something as private and painful as the story of he and his mother. There is no way I could ever believe he would shout it to the rafters in front of an entire office. That was ridiculous.
Also, how exactly would Buffy feel if she knew Spike wanted a quick roll in the office with Harm before heading to Europe? I mean, it was cute and all...but when you really look at that for what it was, Spike doesn't look too good there.
The biggest problem for me may well be colored by the fact that I'm a guy, so most of you will have to bear with me. I fully believe that both of these men are mature individuals who truly love and respect Buffy. Let me reemphasize the word RESPECT. I cannot imagine either Angel or Spike referring to Buffy - even to one another - the way they did. "Getting into her pants." "Puttin' it to her."
That pissed me off.
Now, I realize it was one of those male "biggest dog in the yard" penis-measuring contests...but this is Buffy. You don't talk about someone you love so crudely.
Y'all were right. Let's kill Fury!!
And yes, it probably IS my inner Xander slipping through here, so I'll move on.
11. I've criticized Boreanaz's acting before, though he is vastly improved over his early days on BTVS. This is his strongest performance of the season so far, so I hate to nitpick, but...God, I wish he would get himself a dialogue coach for the flashback sequences. It's a little distracting, and that is a shame. He does such an amazing job as Angelus otherwise.
12. The discussion regarding the circumstances of their ensoulment stands as one of the best single scenes in Jossverse history, because it had been discussed in so much detail by fans. I don't know if anything was settled, necessarily...but it sure was brilliantly written and acted.
I have more thoughts, but this is running long because the episode was so thought-provoking and vital. Great performances all around...here's hoping they can keep up the amazing work.
P.S. You know, after all the ranting about disrespect I reviewed this post and saw myself making comments about Eve's underwear. I am such a hypocrite. On the other hand, I would never say something like that if I saw Buffy's underwear. Interesting...