tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post5967027134038025052..comments2024-02-04T05:13:04.501-05:00Comments on Nik at Nite: Buffy Rewatch Week 10Nikki Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04463618183850438914noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-46349029024778443682011-03-21T09:14:43.925-04:002011-03-21T09:14:43.925-04:00@Marebabe: Watching this show, I suspend my disbel...<br><i>@Marebabe: Watching this show, I suspend my disbelief every episode before we even get to the opening credits.</i><br /><br />Ha! Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.<br /><br /><i>@Marebabe: And now I have TWO episodes that I want to watch again right now!</i><br /><br />TWO! That is TWO episodes that you want to watch again right now! Ah ah ah ah ah...!<br /><br /><i>@Lisa(UFN): I so love good soundtracks/orchestrations (I own all of Giacchiano's LOST soundtracks), because when it's done right, when listening, it's like watching the show in your heart.</i><br /><br />Wow... So beautifully put!<br /><br />VW: <i>bininsic</i> — <i>phr.</i> [bin in <i>sik</i>] Quick explanation for lack of activity outside the home. <br /><br>Blamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07342343767763035991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-57047378134165816052011-03-21T09:10:22.848-04:002011-03-21T09:10:22.848-04:00@Steve: ... Mr Beck is relatively unusual in TV sc...<br><i>@Steve: ... Mr Beck is relatively unusual in TV scoring ... [H]e treats it like a film score ... Things Beck does in this episode also give some insight into his overall approach to scoring. We have episode specific themes (which are essentially restricted to a single episode, although even these do sometimes crop up in a later episode to remind us of something); cross-episode themes, which can go through whole seasons and even across seasons; and as a special category of that, we have love theme variations, reworkings of elements that belong to the love theme to say new things, not always about either Buffy or Angel, but always to do with love.</i><br /><br />You're so right. And none of this is nuance that one normally associates with episodic television. What makes these contributions so important to <i>Buffy</i> overall is that they reward constant, close viewing (and re-viewing — including listening, of course), even if one isn't directly aware of the detail, not just by enhancing each episode but by serving as another way, in addition to visual motifs, character bits, dialogue callbacks, and narrative themes, that the series proves to truly be a tapestry.<br /><br />I'm glad to have someone so knowledgeable writing about the music, Janet/Cheese/Steve, and to see you getting such a positive response from us'n in the peanut gallery, because hopefully it drives home how integral a good (or bad) score can be. Like black-&-white cinematography or color design, music — even though as nominally "artificial" as those visual approaches — can actually add a level of truth, of deeper realism, to what we're experiencing.<br /><br />VW: <i>prenect — v.</i> [pree <i>nekt</i>] Know in advance how you're going to put something together.<br /><br>Blamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07342343767763035991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-85121193529645845112011-03-21T09:06:12.122-04:002011-03-21T09:06:12.122-04:00I way OMG'd when Jenny's neck was snapped ...<br>I <i>way</i> OMG'd when Jenny's neck was snapped in "Passion" — a moment that echoed throughout the series for me in terms of both its pure tragedy and its (re)assertion that we should not get comfortable with the <i>status quo</i>.<br /><br /><i>Willow: ... I like you. You're nice and you're funny. And you don't smoke. Yeah, okay, </i>werewolf<i>, but that's not all the time. I mean, three days out of the month I'm not much fun to be around either.<br /><br />Oz: You are quite the human.<br /><br />Willow: </i>(smiles)<i> So, I'd still if you'd still.<br /><br />Oz: I'd still. I'd </i>very<i> still.</i> <br /><br />So good...<br /><br /><i>@Nikki: One of my favourite moments of ["BBB"] is where Cordy goes to her locker and quickly slips the necklace off her neck, and looks like she really loves it and it means something to her. For all her big talk and bluster, I think she’s very lonely.</i><br /><br />Ha! I read that as "For all her big talk and <i>bustier</i>..." (As a friend of mine said, they call it a bustier 'cause it boosts your tee-yays.)<br /><br /><i>@Nikki: Did the </i>Lost<i> fans out there notice that the fights in the graveyard always seem to happen next to the Alpert mausoleum?</i><br /><br />Yes! Like totally!<br /> <br /><i>@Nikki: Then Willow with her deep sobs falls into Joyce’s arms, while Angelus stands in the bushes, smiling and taking in the sweetness of what he’s watching.</i><br /><br />I "love" that moment because it does two excellent things at once: drives home Angel(us)'s creeptastic voyeurism and cinematically delivers the punch of the girls getting the news with far greater impact than if we were in the room with them.<br /><br />VW: <i>ovent</i> — <i>n.</i> 1. [<i>oh</i> vent] Exhaust valve for an egg. 2. [uh <i>vent</i>] Nickname for category in the Kitchen Olympics.<br /><br>Blamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07342343767763035991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-59187932068010254062011-03-12T07:42:15.290-05:002011-03-12T07:42:15.290-05:00@David,
Thanks for your wonderful explanation of ...@David,<br /><br />Thanks for your wonderful explanation of the theory behind what Xander is experiencing in BBB. I have always wondered why Xander didn't seem to try to take advantage of it at first (before it became dangerous) since his reaction goes against the stereotype we usually see in movies and TV when suddenly a formerly geeky boy becomes the center of attention (think Can't Buy Me Love). However, your explanation really makes Xander's seeming uncomfortable attitude from fairly early on in the episode understandable.<br /><br />As for Buffy, Willow, Jenny, and even Joyce's behavior while under the spell, could it be that they are behaving in a way that a typical teenage boy would perceive as they way a woman in love should act after the boy has seen that stereotype portrayed so often in the movies? Since the spell was cast by a teenage boy (with the help of a witch), it might have impacted the women in a way that would suit his stereotypes of women and their behavior when in love.Suzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-81567257928017655272011-03-10T17:21:23.720-05:002011-03-10T17:21:23.720-05:00Oh my...
I loved, LOVED this weeks episodes. I mea...Oh my...<br />I loved, LOVED this weeks episodes. I mean, I have been enjoying watching the episodes each week and reading the posts and discussions but this week I think something clicked. Its like the awesomeness of Buffy has finally hit me. I can confidently say that if I wasn't hooked before, I am now.<br /><br />Phases<br />This is has to be one of my favourite episodes so far. For so many reasons. I love Willow and Oz. And yes, I was surprised that Oz turned out to be the werewolf, I was convinced it was going to be another monster of the week with Larry. Although when Giles said it could be anyone, and they may not even know it, it did cross my mind that it could be someone we already knew quite well. I even thought it could be Willow due to the emphasis Giles put on about it possibly being female and the fact it attacked Xander and Cody, a couple who Willow obviously has some resentment towards.<br /><br />It was also good to see the ‘proper’ type of werewolf- not the Twilight version that has completely changed their image in recent years. And although it obviously came before, the scene when he changed really reminded me of George’s transformations in Being Human.<br /> <br />But the highlight had to be the scene with Xander and Larry. Pure genius. It’s been a long time since I laughed so hard at TV programme. The acting was spot on and Nicholas Brendon’s expressions and reactions were brilliant. I look forward to a follow up with Larry and his possible Xander-crush…<br /><br />I also love the continuity between episodes, references to Witch and The Pack. Buffy questioning how Xander was able to remember what he felt when he possessed was especially amusing, oh and Xander’s staking of Teresa was badass.<br /><br />BBB<br />I love the character of Xander and all the Xander centric episodes and this one was similarly brilliant. It somehow managed to be both hilarious and heart breaking at the same time, knowing how all the mess had come from his simple desire to be loved. I also think it showed really well how despite the gang are often shown to be very heroic and the good guys they are essentially human. Xander is hurt badly and reacts like any normal person would with anger and hope for revenge. <br />The part with Cordelia and necklace was also beautiful and being a sucker for detail I just want to know if she got it back after all the spell casting!<br /><br />Passion<br />I can’t really say much more than how amazing and yet heartbreaking this episode was. The pain I felt when Giles started up those stairs…<br />Also I thought it would have been interesting (and heartbreakingly ironic) if it was in fact Jenny's death that restored Angelus' soul. Being a female descendant form the girl that he killed causing his curse in the first place, I thought it could be conceivable that the same could happen again. But the real question is will the floppy disk be found? :)<br /><br />Can’t wait for next week!EvaHartnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-47466806727930818732011-03-10T07:29:47.208-05:002011-03-10T07:29:47.208-05:00@Lisa (until further notice) and Suzanne: In my cl...@Lisa (until further notice) and Suzanne: In my class, I usually use "The Witch" to talk about the issue of whether Buffy is too femme for the show to be feminist, as some critics seems to believe and, frankly, their argument is aided by the marketing of its star in "laddie" magazines and makeup ads. <br /><br />But when I teach Laura Mulvey and "gaze theory" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaze#The_Male_Gaze_and_feminist_theory), I use this episode. <br /><br />As Laura Mulvey puts it, whether “the beauty of the woman as object and the screen space coalesce; she is no longer the bearer of guilt but a perfect product, whose body, stylized and fragmented by close-ups, is the content of the film and the direct recipient of the spectator’s look.” (Mulvey, 490) Such a desiring gaze remakes individuals into products, perfectly repeatable by the industrialized processes of the dream factory. Note how "scripted" the scenes between the women and Xander are, with Buffy coming straight out of porn and Willow out of "Girl Next Door" genres.<br /><br />Does the series walk the line between acknowledging the appeal of femininity to 16 year old girls while still depicting it as the skillful adoption of a mask and a performing style, not a natural trait? Yes, for in “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered,” Xander’s hunched shoulders and shifting eyes draw reactions as varied as girls overtly looking him up and down, shaking their hand slowly as if to cool their heated bodies, the turned heads and the pursed lips all highlight, through comedy, what can be taken for granted in the course of the series. Scenes like this one are an important reminder of just how difficult a line all women have to walk, or strut, when it comes to the presentation of their sexuality. And how unused men are to bearing the desiring gaze.<br /><br />Or, as Mulvey put it, “According to the principles of the ruling ideology and the psychical structures that back it up, the male figure cannot bear the burden of sexual objectification. Man is reluctant to gaze at his exhibitionist like." (488) <br /><br />After admitting his attraction to the vampire version of Buffy in “Nightmares” (B1010), Xander says that he’s sick and that he needs help. In “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered,” he gets that help. Xander’s functioned as a viewer in the text to this point. He’s the ordinary boy to whom other characters provide the narrative explanations that the viewers of the series need. So, the series offers some of its male viewers the help it offers to Xander. The series looks at what happens to men who get addicted to this particular kind of desiring gaze.<br /><br />I'm generally not big into psychoanalytic and mirror phase based theories of media reception, but Whedon was almost certainly exposed to them as a film studies college student. Lord knows, I was in literature classes in undergrad and grad film studies in the late 80s through the end of the 90s. And he did study Hitchcock...David Kociembahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11392285155892307582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-78277626481964689662011-03-10T04:30:14.032-05:002011-03-10T04:30:14.032-05:00@Stacy
The Cellphone thing is a running gag that W...@Stacy<br />The Cellphone thing is a running gag that WILL be paid off.Missyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11352179063117525571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-39104502478660111212011-03-09T20:36:06.279-05:002011-03-09T20:36:06.279-05:00Some of my favorite moments from these episodes (...Some of my favorite moments from these episodes (many of which have been mentioned by Nikki and others) are when Willow reassures Oz in Phases that it doesn't change her mind about him knowing that he is a werewolf and Oz's reaction to her, which highlights what we all love about Willow -- she is so human; Cordelia's moment in BBB when she goes to her locker to "retrieve" the necklace, and we see her taking it out of her blouse where she had tucked it inside as if she were protecting something very precious to her with a fleeting look of regret on her face -- a moment that gives a real reason to finally love Cordy, not to mention her awesome speech to Harmony about sheep; Xander doing the Saturday Night Fever walk down the school hallway in slow mo and his look of regret back through the library window at Buffy when he realizes she was under a spell in BBB (I think this was when he first realized it was a spell by the way because remember they had set up a hint in an early episode, possibly phases, where Buffy said something that hinted at a very slight possibility for the two of them so he may have believed her at first); Joyce pounding on the back door and saying "Let Joycee in" and then his encounter with Drucilla where she says to Angel "If you harm a hair on this boy's head ..." followed by a pack of wild girls with Lunch Lady in tow carrying weapons "saving" him from Drucilla in BBB; and finally all of Passion because as Nikki said, "it is sublime." <br /><br />If I had to pick a favorite scene in Passion even though it is really an impossible task, I think it might be the frightening exchange between Joyce and Angelus. No matter how many times I see it even knowing the outcome, I am always scared to death for Joyce. Also, as a mother of teenage girl myself, I find the concept of having a scary, stalker-like older man confronting me in this way about my daughter deeply frightening. The scene was played so well by both DB and the actress who plays Joyce. Moments like this are what make Buffy so great; it is supposed to be a show in the "horror genre," yet none of the monster/demon elements are what make it scary; the situations that could be real are the ones that stay with you and rock you to the core.Suzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-41520052441411589952011-03-09T20:34:34.060-05:002011-03-09T20:34:34.060-05:00Thanks to Nikki, Steve, Rhonda, and David for all ...Thanks to Nikki, Steve, Rhonda, and David for all of the wonderful discussions of Buffy this week. As usual, I am finding Steve's analysis of the musical themes very interesting even though I don't have a background in music, and I have never put as much thought into the musical themes as I have into the visual aspects or especially as I have put into the thematic aspects found in the word play. Yet, this is a new angle to viewing Buffy that I find fascinating.<br /><br />I was excited to see David's comments about BBB and the way that he interpreted the looks on many of the faces of the men in the hallways as indicating they were under Xander's spell, too. I also interpreted it that way the very first time I saw BBB, one of my favorite humorous episodes. However, after my family and I watched it the first time, we thought that maybe the men weren't under his spell since they never chased him or seemed to hit on him the way the women did. My son teased me a bit the next time we watched it, saying "Mom, I can't believe you thought the boys were under the spell -- look at how angry they look. They are jealous." I agreed with him at that point and chalked their looks up to jealousy or disbelief; however, it nagged at me a bit that the first few faces we see were smiling faces that seemed to be ogling him in the same way the women were doing. Then, watching it this last time, I also wondered about Oz's statement, which David pointed out, when he says something about feeling an urge to hit Xander. Now that I have read David's interpretation, all of the pieces seem to fit so much better. I definitely agree that the men were having subconscious feelings that most of them were displaying as aggression in an attempt to hide their true feelings.Suzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-32069539927263464212011-03-09T14:47:11.521-05:002011-03-09T14:47:11.521-05:00Phases and Bewitched are both fun episodes. We see...Phases and Bewitched are both fun episodes. We see Willow and Oz finally get together in Phases (right there with you on the Willow & Oz love), and then in Bewitched we see Xander and Cordy become a real couple. I was thinking last night, as I sat down to watch Passion, that it almost sets you up to expect a happy ending for Giles & Jenny as well. Knowing what's coming, no matter how many times I've seen the episode, I can feel my heart start breaking as soon as I see Giles finding that rose on his apartment door.<br /><br />Also heart breaking is Buffy decking Giles, then hugging him, in tears, saying that she needs him. There is no doubt that he is more that just her watcher.JavaChickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06816858010039395389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-3035961762338449192011-03-09T11:51:31.237-05:002011-03-09T11:51:31.237-05:00Well I'm a new watcher and I am gasping at lea...Well I'm a new watcher and I am gasping at least once an episode. No idea Oz was a werewolf. I keep wishing they had cell phones to keep in touch with each other more efficiently. ha. <br /><br />I have forged ahead into season 3 and am dying to read/discuss season 2 finale. I am SO glad I started this show. Also, kudos to cheesemaster? and the ones doing the music analysis. LOVE THAT.Stacynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-47276250747261666212011-03-09T10:56:40.659-05:002011-03-09T10:56:40.659-05:00@Lisa (ufn): 3-6 months is the typical lead time t...@Lisa (ufn): 3-6 months is the typical lead time to get a grave stone engraved and in place. This is just another example of TV efficiency, like a trial and conviction happening in one day. I guess we're just supposed to go with it.Marebabenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-40686106753182641692011-03-09T10:36:54.283-05:002011-03-09T10:36:54.283-05:00@Lesley
Angel/us is quite Artistic
Expect it to sh...@Lesley<br />Angel/us is quite Artistic<br />Expect it to show up again and again :)<br />In the near future another Character will display some rather amazing drawing skills too.Missyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11352179063117525571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-30381714485368746282011-03-09T10:03:46.584-05:002011-03-09T10:03:46.584-05:00Thanks, Missy! I knew Angel must have gone to Gile...Thanks, Missy! I knew Angel must have gone to Giles' house but I couldn't remember when. So, Xander's house and Cordelia's house should be Angel-proof, right? I think if I were Buffy and Willow I would have found a way to have a sleepover someplace else until Giles had researched a reversal the vampire invite clause.<br /><br />Also - if I ever find a cream-colored envelope sitting someplace in my condo I AM NOT OPENING IT. Is the art ability of Angel/Angelus something we'll see more of?Lesley Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05542182248820875369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-45332349696125069862011-03-09T08:49:57.050-05:002011-03-09T08:49:57.050-05:00One more thing, I downloaded BtVS soundtrack by Ch...One more thing, I downloaded BtVS soundtrack by Christophe Beck and the Angel soundtrack "Live Fast and Die Never" by Robert J. Kral (with one song by Christophe Beck) last week as a gear up for these episodes. I was listening last week to the music and loved the Xander violin music from BBB, the title is "Twice the Fool", and I had a hard time remembering where it came in the episode, as I had not started watching this week's eps yet. When I watched the episode a few days later, it was so much fun to listen and see where the music really fit in. The song entitled "Remembering Jenny" is haunting and beautiful. Thanks to Steve Halfyard for the wonderful music analysis. I so love good soundtracks/orchestrations (I own all of Giacchiano's LOST soundtracks), because when it's done right, when listening, it's like watching the show in your heart.Lisa(until further notice)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-71548330962804148952011-03-09T08:31:39.812-05:002011-03-09T08:31:39.812-05:00I so loved watching Phases and BBB again. My favo...I so loved watching Phases and BBB again. My favorite scene in Phases was the one when OZ was on the phone with his aunt...really adorable. Seth Green is really wonderful as OZ. It was also heartbreaking when Cordy broke up with Xander. You could see on her face in the Bronze that she really didn't want to do it. And she commented on how good Xander looked. I found that to be a heartbreaking moment for both of them. <br /><br />BBB is so much fun. I so love the scene when Xander is walking in the hall with all the girls hot on him and all the guys with the WTF look on their faces. HILARIOUS. Sunnydale's day to night issues remind me of LOST and how it would be daytime in one scene and all of a sudden, it's night. One minute, the Xanderites (Willow with that ax again...) are about to take out Cordy and Xander outside the school, and the next? It's dark out. The lunch lady, Joyce and Drusilla are highlights for me in this episode. In the basement, Cordy: "If we die in here, I'm gonna kick your ass...I mean it." And when it all finally comes to an end, I love Cordy's line in Joyce's house: "Boy...that was the best scavanger hunt ever." And taking on Harmony and the sheep..."and I'll date whoever I want to date. No matter how lame he is." Cordy rules.<br /><br />In Passion, again, the continuity of BtVS is great when Jenny goes to the magic shop to buy the orb of thesela and the shopkeeper says, "Oh, you're in the business. Around Valentines Day, everyone is looking for love potions." Well, it was Valentines Day in Phases, and the love potions (spell) happened in BBB. <br /><br />I adore David Boreanaz as Angelus. When he is pleading with Joyce to let him see Buffy like a true stalking psycho college boy...it's wonderful. I love his demeanor and self assurance, I love how he looks. Yummy eye makeup and those leather pants...<br />I think Spike is a little less Spike(ish) due to his confinement to the wheelchair. He's getting tired of Angelus' schtick and mentions he liked the souled one better. If Spike were SPIKE, he may be able to deal with all of this a bit better. But again, Spike has so much humanity in him he's having difficulty dealing with Angelus' "passion" for what he does. His thoughts are, just kill the slayer already, what's with all the drama.<br /><br />Most of this episode left me breathless. I had forgotten how brutally quick Angelus finished off Jenny in the end. Much more effective than sucking her dry. I felt the fear and dread throughout the episode while he stalked Buffy and her friends. I love his artistic ability showing up so early in Angel lore. It was like I was in a trance. When Giles got home and saw the rose on the door, I tensed up and truly dreaded what was coming. I was watching with my hand over my eyes. I remember looking at how much of the episode was left after Giles called Buffy's house and Buffy and Willow broke down, thinking...it's over. I had forgotten that there was the big fight scene and gravesite scene coming. <br /><br />One thing I find amazing in Buffyverse is how quickly everyone gets a headstone. When I watched "Dead Like Me", I remember it taking about a year to get the headstone made and placed after death. Who knows what's right, but I don't think it happens as quickly as it does here in Sunnydale.Lisa(until further notice)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-38016360978669490162011-03-09T07:33:12.341-05:002011-03-09T07:33:12.341-05:00@Question Mark: Bravo, sir, on your Alpert mausole...@Question Mark: Bravo, sir, on your Alpert mausoleum theory! I'm sure that is exactly what happened. One day, Joss had lunch with Damon and Carlton...Marebabenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-47328130667588591532011-03-09T06:24:05.481-05:002011-03-09T06:24:05.481-05:00I really enjoy 'Phases'&'BBB' ...I really enjoy 'Phases'&'BBB' they are among my top funny eps.<br />Not my top 20 overall but in the really great funny ep list they rank HIGH :).<br />I've been listening to Potentialcast(I'm assuming quite afew here know of Steph and her "Potentials")and I said that 'Passion' doesn't hit me as much as some later episodes.<br />Epiphany time....I've realized the reason I can say that is because the first time I saw 'Passion' way back in 97' it drained me....it took all of my emotions for it and just cut them out of me....I am void of feelings when I rewatch 'Passion'.<br />(Which is a scary thought)<br />Compared to an ep in S5 called 'The Body'(which comes across as a formal exercise,Intended! if I understand what Joss says in the Commentary for it)...Which I can watch numerous times cry(and I do mean CRY) and still feel the need to rewatch just days later...'Passion' KILLED my Passion for the ep.<br />(There's no other way to explain how I can sit & watch it without dying alittle inside).<br />@Lesley<br />I've found myself having to remind people in late S1(I may be remebering when wrong but I'm certain of the fact it happened) Giles tells Angel to meet him at his house....hence the need for the disinvite.Missyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11352179063117525571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-68692905225446484372011-03-09T05:40:46.857-05:002011-03-09T05:40:46.857-05:00"Phases": I knew that Oz was a werewolf ..."Phases": I knew that Oz was a werewolf before I watched BtVS for the first time, so I'll forever wonder if I would have been surprised or if I would have figured it out.<br />I have already expressed my love for Oz numerous times, and Willow/Oz is one of my favourite TV couples ever, so the new thing I have to say is: love the continuity (1), hate the SFX (2).<br />(1) There are references in "The Witch" and in "The Pack" in this episode, and I love how they continuously seem to include past happenings in BtVS -it's only one season apart this time, but continuity is strong during all 7 seasons (unlike some shows, where for instance a character dies and then two episodes away it's as if they never existed).<br />(2) The werewolf costume/effect/thingy/whatever is horrible, and it does take the viewer away from the story (because all you can think about is how fake it looks).<br /><br />"Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered": Diana-godess of love? (the "and the hunt" part is OK). In greek mythology, it is Aphrodite (Venus) who is the godess of love and Artemis (Diana) is the godess of the hunt, a virgin who always hangs around with her girlfriends. Maybe that's why the spell went wrong, because Amy invoked the wrong godess?<br />The scene where Cordelia removes the necklace behind her locker door is indeed very sweet and sad, and I believe generates an affection for Cordelia that many viewers probably didn't feel before.<br /><br />"Passion": Excellent (but very painful) episode!<br />I find that there is a real sense of threat throughout the episode -the staging, the music, the lighting, I can't explain it, but I can feel it in my bones every time.<br />The scene where Giles climbs up the stairs and finds Jenny lying dead feels like a stake through my heart every time I watch it -and I think it's worse when you know what to expect. The impact of this scene is proof of the talent involved in BtVS.<br />Poor, poor Giles never had a chance to enjoy the relationship with Jenny: just when things had started heating up, Ethan Rayne appeared, his meddling resulting in Jenny's distancing herself from Giles, then just as she forgives him the whole Angel thing happens and the entire Scooby gang (including Giles) is angry at her, and when they finally decide to move forward... *sigh!*<br />However, how AWESOME was Giles ferociously attacking Angel with the torch!!? Angel is a big bad vampire, and he is so surprised by the attack that he just sits there getting beaten up at first! And from the brief awesomeness (including Spike enjoying the beating and stopping Drusilla from interfering) to heartbreak again, as we see Giles break down in Buffy's arms.<br />By the way, Willow crying always has me cry as well. She could be crying because she spilled sauce on her favourite shirt and I'd still well up...<br /><br />@Colleen/redeem147: I personally like that the tombstone reads "Jenny Calendar"; this is who she was to Giles, who loved her so, and I think this is how she saw herself by the time she died.<br /><br />@Marebabe: Yes, Drusilla does call him Spoik! And of course, this is how we always refer to Spike with my sister :)Efthymianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-58800781797127919262011-03-09T01:18:43.434-05:002011-03-09T01:18:43.434-05:00It's late, my eyes are red and puffy, and I ca...It's late, my eyes are red and puffy, and I can't even process all the "hurts so good" pain from Passions. For now, I'll second Question Mark and thank Joss for making me cry like a baby. What a fantastic trio of episode...<br /><br />I plan to rewatch BBB and Passions tomorrow just to pay attention to the music - though I did pick up on the hints of the Angel/Buffy LT that was were used in the Giles/Jenny theme. I need to pay more attention to Xander's music, though.<br /><br />@Marebabe: I, too, had no idea Oz was the werewolf. He and Willow are rapidly become my favorite TV couple ever.<br /><br />@Redeem: I love your thoughts on each character's passion, especially Angel's apparent lack of passion. Maybe his love of inflicting pain is a passion. Watching from his point of view has Giles delivers the news of Jenny's death to Buffy and Willow by phone was heartbreaking.<br /><br />When was Angel invited into Giles' house? Was it an earlier episode that I don't remember?<br /><br />Why doesn't everyone in the Scooby gang carry a cross with them at all time? It wouldn't have saved Jenny but it would have bought her some time as she ran from Angel in the school halls.<br /><br />I know there's more but excuse me while I go blow my nose and blot my tears again...Lesley Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05542182248820875369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-38662973857491421082011-03-09T00:36:53.665-05:002011-03-09T00:36:53.665-05:00Unfortunately, even though this is my first time e...Unfortunately, even though this is my first time ever watching Buffy, I've always known through word of mouth that Oz was a werewolf (kinda the same way people who haven't seen Star Wars still know that Vader is Luke's father). So I didn't get to experience that twist. But still, great episode, and the bit with Larry coming out to Xander in the locker room was the highlight! It was so funny and awkward and touching at the same time, and Xander's reaction is priceless.<br /><br />"BBB" was great, a stellar example of how Joss Whedon can take characters who at first seem villainous, like Cordelia or Jayne Cobb, and then turn them into some of the most likeable and sympathetic people around.<br /><br />And "Passion"...thanks, Joss. Thanks for making me cry like a little girl when Buffy punched Giles & then they both just fell to the ground in tears. Thanks a lot.<br /><br />@NIKKI: That Alpert mausoleum is hilarious! And it's always so prominent! My theory: during one of Richard's trips to the mainland back in 1996, he visited Sunnydale, California while recruiting new Others. Once there, he secretly vowed to one day break free of his eternal life curse and die peacefully in a nice location away from the craziness of the Island. So he had the mauseoleum constructed to be ready for him when that time came.<br />But upon returning to the Island, Richard was told by Jacob that Sunnydale is on a Hellmouth. So Richard was all like,"FML", and he abandoned the idea altogether.<br />So nobody's actually buried in the Alpert mausoleum, but if Buffy goes in there, she'll see 4-8-15-16-23-42 written on one of the walls, and she and Giles will spend several hours trying to decipher its meaning before giving up and moving on to simpler puzzles, such as the Theory of Relativity.The Question Marknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-67188102858420487512011-03-08T22:16:27.282-05:002011-03-08T22:16:27.282-05:00I did notice the "Alpert" mausoleum, jus...I did notice the "Alpert" mausoleum, just as I noticed the "Hurley" headstone in "What's My Line?:Part 1" (about 19 minutes in).<br /><br />In "Bad Eggs", Xander said "you've gotta be cruel to be kind". If that's the case, "Passion" was all about the kindness. Buffy was uncharacteristically cruel during her last encounter with Jenny. Angelus was cruel from wire to wire. <br /><br />As a viewer, it's such a pleasure to sit back and have so much pain and suffering inflicted in such a short period of time. The writers know which buttons to push and when to push them. I mean, just think of the burden on Buffy (having skewered Jenny earlier in their final meeting), as Buffy slumps to the floor upon learning of her death at Angel's hand.<br /><br />Even though I know I'm being used emotionally, that's exactly what I signed on for. To feel so deeply for the plight of characters in a series as outrageously unrealistic as BtVS is one of the reasons that the show is so endearing.<br /><br />I love the poster at school advertising 'self defense' classes. What, in Sunnydale??<br /><br />I love Dru's taste in puppies.<br /><br />For a show that features a lot of death, Jenny's was shocking and memorable...but in a good way.<br /><br />"The local boogedy, boogedy store". Ha, I love Angelus (sort of).Page48https://www.blogger.com/profile/09728079057077761364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-10699806609597493512011-03-08T22:03:20.596-05:002011-03-08T22:03:20.596-05:00I also wanted to say hi to Rhonda. We were on the ...I also wanted to say hi to Rhonda. We were on the Magic, Science and Technology panel together at Writercon in Atlanta.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-7398626951709821732011-03-08T21:53:05.588-05:002011-03-08T21:53:05.588-05:00Buffy bends the rifle - like Superman. It's sh...Buffy bends the rifle - like Superman. It's short form for 'Buffy is a superhero'.<br /><br />I loved the scene with Willow and Cordy bonding over complaining about Xander. Doctor Who will later borrow it with Sarah Jane and Rose.<br /><br />I'm sorry, but the werewolves on Buffy are the worst looking werewolves I've ever seen. They always take me out of the moment. Not that I much care for werewolves anyway (but I love Oz.)<br /><br />The Bronze set is really beautiful. It looks so much like a real club, especially when they get into the back hallways. Unless the back hallways are a location, in which case ignore me.<br /><br />For a moment when Oz is transforming he looks like he's wearing his Buffy the movie pointy ear makeup - he was cut from the film but he's on the cover art.<br /><br />I really feel sorry for Theresa. Doomed at defense class (Larry) and just plain doomed (Angel.) Though are is that just a shoddy funeral parlour not filling in the neck wounds, or have they given up trying? BTW, how do vampires survive embalming?<br /><br />Oz' house looks a lot like Buffy's.<br /><br />Oz can't control the wolf the way Angel can't control Angelus - though apparently Oz is the bigger badass.<br /><br />Why did Amy turn to witchcraft when she hated it? Does she still have a little mommy in her?<br /><br />The Cordy/Xander love story is a lot like the movie Valley Girl.<br /><br />Oz is a gentleman. Why didn't he give naked Buffy his shirt?<br /><br />I know Passion is a very serious episode, but someone really needs to buy Buffy some makeup remover for bedtime. At least Willow has given up wearing it to bed.<br /><br />If Buffy and Joyce are eating dinner and their plates are full, why isn't the chicken carved?<br /><br />When Dru was ill, Spike brought her a nice big girl. Dru eats the girl herself and brings Spike the puppy.<br /><br />When Angel 'confessed' to Joyce, she could have called the police and had him arrested.<br /><br />In real life, Giles would have been the main suspect. And didn't the police find the weapons in his bedroom?<br /><br />It saddens me that Jenny is buried in a tomb with her false name.<br /><br />This is something about Passion I noticed for the first time on this rewatch. Angel narrates the story, explaining passion. But Angel is the one person in the story without any. Spike is jealous, Buffy is angry, Willow is terrified, Giles is griefstricken - but Angel very coldly manipulates their emotions without apparently having any. The root word of passion means to suffer (like the passion of the Christ). Angel loves to make people suffer.Colleen/redeem147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-16994494575571078912011-03-08T21:37:55.495-05:002011-03-08T21:37:55.495-05:00This trilogy of episodes had it all - I was intrig...This trilogy of episodes had it all - I was intrigued, I laughed, I cried. <br /><br />Joss Whedon is a master!!TomWillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871121276027540139noreply@blogger.com