tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post1795340584809012013..comments2024-02-04T05:13:04.501-05:00Comments on Nik at Nite: Buffy Rewatch Week 6: Spoiler ForumNikki Staffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04463618183850438914noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-12623507561961050992011-02-11T12:31:57.992-05:002011-02-11T12:31:57.992-05:00@Nikki: How many people think the Dave character o...@Nikki: <i>How many people think the Dave character on Glee (the closeted football player who bullies Kurt while secretly wanting him) has his precursor in Larry? </i><br /><br />Definitely! When the whole plot with Dave Karofsky started on <i>Glee</i>, I had no idea what his name was, and referred to him on my blog as "Larry", since he reminded me of Buffy's resident bullying-because-he's-secretly-gay character. <br /><br />"Halloween" is easily one of my favorite stand alone episodes, and a great example of the show's metaphoric power (and the show's ability to be metaphoric and still tell a rip roaring story). <br /><br />Wonderful point about this batch of episodes being the start of Willow coming into her own. "Halloween" is obviously the zenith of this early migration towards self-confidence and superherodom, but the previously two episodes definitely show Willow growing stronger and more self-assured.Austin Gortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14281239771248780430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-72685650392254185132011-02-11T01:10:54.912-05:002011-02-11T01:10:54.912-05:00I don't quite know what to make of the fact th...I don't quite know what to make of the fact that, not only in previous episodes but even in Halloween itself, Giles still acts all nerdy/awkward/befuddled until he is confronted by Ethan and the Ripper side of him comes to the fore. Early in the episode, when Buffy is bullshitting him about Jenny calling him a burning hunk of something or other, he's anything but suave about it. Likewise when Ghost Willow comes through the wall and he comedically tosses the card catalog in the air. I guess Giles has really repressed the Ripper side of himself and completely embraced the tweedy stereotype persona so that even in his most unguarded moments, that's how he behaves.<br /><br />Buffy's accent when she turns into her costume is fairly appalling. But I guess it just reflects Buffy's own idea of what an 18th-century young noblewoman would talk like.<br /><br />It's fun to notice the chemistry between Angel and Cordy, as pointed out by redeem147. Cordy manages to stay quite cool and witty when things go crazy -- which, again, reminds me of some of her better moments on Angel.<br /><br />Note the vampire who somehow gets inside Buffy's house, who Angel ends up fighting. Who invited that guy in?<br /><br />I like Drusilla's line, "Do you like my insides?" It's an endearingly monstrous way of expressing something we've probably all felt at times.Tom D.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-65077632223130255042011-02-11T00:05:53.738-05:002011-02-11T00:05:53.738-05:00Buffy and Richard Alpert have a thing.Buffy and Richard Alpert <a href="http://www.bscreview.com/2011/02/losts-nestor-carbonell-a-ringer-with-sarah-michelle-gellar/" rel="nofollow">have a thing</a>.Page48https://www.blogger.com/profile/09728079057077761364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-71177715845997023982011-02-10T07:28:34.317-05:002011-02-10T07:28:34.317-05:00To Tom D, and others, I am not crazy about the lin...To Tom D, and others, I am not crazy about the line "When you kiss me, I want to die" either even though I do like Buffy and Angel together. I have been thinking about a lot of the complaints people have made about how they have no interest in Buffy being with Angel because of DB's lackluster early performances. After thinking about it, I have to agree that I didn't love the Buffy and Angel pairing on my first viewing. In fact, I remember thinking that I couldn't wait for Buffy and Spike to get together (unfortunately, I had read a few spoilers accidentally). What I now realize, though, is that I came to love Buffy and Angel together much later. The first time I felt it was when he came to her after Joyce's death and sat with her under a tree all night until the sun was about to come up. Then the time it hit me the most was in the Angel series when they had an episode where Buffy and Angel were able to be a "real" couple for a brief amount of time since he became "human" as a result of a curse. If it hadn't been for these later Buffy and Angel pairings (after DB's acting was vastly improved), I don't think I would have ever felt the love for Bangel. I guess that is the romantic in me! <br /><br />However, I still stand by an earlier statement I made that I kind of like the idea that she can be paired with both Angel and Spike at different times in her life. I don't think you have to be all Bangel or all Spuffy; you can like both! (I felt this way about Kate/Jack and Kate/Sawyer in Lost, too.)Suzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-23917071625136823702011-02-10T02:52:57.053-05:002011-02-10T02:52:57.053-05:00Senex, I see now that you're quite right about...Senex, I see now that you're quite right about Xander. I posted my previous comment before rewatching Inca Mummy Girl and Reptile Boy, and while watching those episodes I was surprised at how much of a teenage-lust element there still is, at this point, in the way Xander relates to Buffy (in both the writing and Nick's performance).<br /><br />EBeth wrote: <i>Re: Jonathan's first appearance. Love it! I also want to know more of the backstory of how he became a more major character. Did he acquit himself so well in Inca Mummy Girl that they just kept bringing him back? </i><br /><br />I just rewatched David Greenwalt's DVD commentary on Reptile Boy. It's not a very insightful commentary, but at one point Greenwalt does say something to the effect that yeah, Danny Strong did good so they kept bringing him back.<br /><br />Also: <i>HATE the line "When you kiss me, I want to die." and it was a big reason I was never a bangel</i><br /><br />Greenwalt takes credit for writing that line, and says that Joss loved it. I can see it being the sort of thing Joss would love. I think I've always had mixed feelings about it. It's kind of overwrought, but on the other hand, it's also pretty concise and forceful. I'd be interested to see what others think of it.Tom D.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-84762493317505985042011-02-09T22:32:32.531-05:002011-02-09T22:32:32.531-05:00@Tom D. said...(from my posting) "She cared f...@Tom D. said...(from my posting) "She cared for him - and I felt that Xander genuinely felt the same way. Not just being driven by his hormones or by lust as he has been with Buffy."<br /><br />(Tom's response) "I feel compelled to respectfully disagree with the idea that Xander is ever merely "driven by his hormones or by lust" towards Buffy. Yes, he notices her incredible hotness, but at the same time he almost always acts like a true friend."<br /><br />Tom, I am not disagreeing with you that Xander was not a friend to Buffy and that he had her back. What I am saying is that in these (still) early eps, he is a typical guy with the hots for the pretty girl. Just look at the way his eyes open up really big every time he sees Buffy. He has done that occasionally with Cordy - depending on how she is dressed - but, at this point, has never given the appearance of doing that with Willow who he sees as his friend and nothing else.<br /><br />For example, it is Xander's hormones and his early "teenage" lust for Buffy, augmented by the hyaena in him, that leads him to go after her in The Pack. It is this undefined lust that, as the leader of the pack, would drive him to want to mate with the strongest 'alpha' female around. That would be Buffy who he knows is the Slayer and therefore, the only candidate for mating.<br /><br />As a group, they are starting to mesh together. They now have all the appearance of the 'Scoobies'. But keep in mind, they met partway through the last school year and, again at this point, they are only partly through the current year. Xander has still not been able to put that part of himself away in relation to his male response to Buffy yet.<br /><br />It will begin to happen once he finds himself in the relationship he and Cordy will have. Then he and Buffy will come together even more as friends, companions and protectors of each other. It is already showing signs of beginning in Hallowe'en when Xander becomes Buffy's protector - even if it is under a spell.<br /><br />n: fraye - another of Joss Whedon's SlayersSenexMacDonaldnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-4587675048639072512011-02-09T21:22:48.071-05:002011-02-09T21:22:48.071-05:00I, too, am a huge fan of Willow and Oz. I really l...I, too, am a huge fan of Willow and Oz. I really liked Tara's character. I also liked Willow and Tara's relationship, but I think I would have liked them better as very close friends. Even if it was necessary for them to become more than friends, I always wished that Willow and Oz could have gotten back together after Tara died rather than having her end up with Kennedy. I am not into that pairing at all!Suzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-88380196475058799312011-02-09T13:48:23.211-05:002011-02-09T13:48:23.211-05:00VW: conar
Vincent Kartheiser before he was Pete C...VW: conar<br /><br />Vincent Kartheiser before he was Pete CampbellLisa(until further notice)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-75218484408344369582011-02-09T13:12:37.138-05:002011-02-09T13:12:37.138-05:00I meant 'she' started watching again. Darn...I meant 'she' started watching again. Darn lack of edit button.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-61253335041748853782011-02-09T13:11:45.950-05:002011-02-09T13:11:45.950-05:00When I started watching the show they had introduc...When I started watching the show they had introduced Tara and I loved her and Willow together. I like Oz, but I'm more into Robot Chicken. ;)<br /><br />My daughter, however, stopped watching when Oz left because he was her favourite character. Then I started watching again when I got into it and Tara was one of her favourites too.<br /><br />Honestly, I thought Willow and Riley had much more chemistry than Buffy and Riley (ptui). Maybe Willow has chemistry with everyone!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-32256349821605295202011-02-09T11:52:53.225-05:002011-02-09T11:52:53.225-05:00I'm another fan of Willow & Oz. When Oz le...I'm another fan of Willow & Oz. When Oz left in season 4 it broke my heart. When I started to see where they were going with Willow and Tara my reaction was: Oh no! I did grow to love Tara as well, but still feel like Willow and Oz are meant to be.<br /><br />And Jonathan! I had forgotten too, his parts are so small in early episodes.JavaChickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06816858010039395389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-82120578000586149542011-02-09T11:49:01.983-05:002011-02-09T11:49:01.983-05:00I love meeting Oz in this episode--to answer a que...I love meeting Oz in this episode--to answer a question raised in the non-spoiler forum, yes I was about as excited to see him as I was Spike last week! I love that we learn that Oz has discriminating taste in women, so when we learn he likes Willow, we know he sees what we see in her:)<br /><br />Re: Jonathan's first appearance. Love it! I also want to know more of the backstory of how he became a more major character. Did he acquit himself so well in Inca Mummy Girl that they just kept bringing him back? <br /><br />Also great glimpsing Larry's first appearance. I love how confident Larry is when he does come out, and that he generously wants to help Xander, too!<br /><br />I also forgot that there was such a strong Cordy/Angel attraction from the get-go, and in Halloween we see that maybe, there was some chemistry for him, too? It's funny seeing it after everything, when it's not so obvious that maybe Buffy and Angel are "destined", at least by the writers.<br /><br />I HATE the line "When you kiss me, I want to die." and it was a big reason I was never a bangel, but I'm not spuffy either. I love Spike so much, but I don't think that's a great match-up either. She's cookie dough.<br /><br />Speaking of Buffy's romantic life, Reptile Boy is the beginning of a long tradition on BtVS of introducing male romantic possibilities for her that turn up evil. They always make them seem really nice and charming so we don't think she's dumb or foolish for falling for them. But seriously, is it something wrong with Buffy herself as Anya posits after Riley leaves? Or is it something about trying to find love on the hellmouth, as our trio discusses at the end of "Teacher's Pet"? Or is it a cheap trick used by the writers to thwart Buffy? ARGH! No matter what, I think this is the first time we see it (well, outside of Angel who is not all that charming when we first meet him, all smarmy in his crushed velour shirt!)<br /><br />Can any uberfans explain the origin of calling the Scoobies that? Did it start with the fans and then get picked up by the writers, or was it in the show first?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05997191228899274706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-28097320664807933492011-02-09T08:46:46.134-05:002011-02-09T08:46:46.134-05:00I love that I'm not the only one who favours t...I love that I'm not the only one who favours the Willow-Oz pairing! Tara was OK - she actually is the character I most identify with - but I was never crazy about her. I can't really explain why. Maybe because I already adored Oz and she came next. Very possibly because Willow was still the sweet, awkward Willow who had immediately become a favourite character when she was with Oz, while her relationship with Tara found her in her lowest moments. Whatever the reason, Tara's loss affected me because of the effect it had on the others (mostly Willow) on the show but Oz leaving affected me because I would really miss him as a charcter. I love that Oz notices Willow when she is not confident about herself, and I think he is partly responsible for her gaining confidence.<br /><br />And Jonathan! Who would have guessed that the almost-victim boy on the stairs would come to be such a significant character! Rewatching the show, I love these first inconspicuous glimpses of future characters. <br /><br />I never minded that they never really delved into Giles' past as Ripper - I found Giles very interesting anyway. I mean, we got that information about him and saw how it had influenced his present identity, so I didn't need anything more.Efthymianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-71272165833455698782011-02-09T01:03:26.727-05:002011-02-09T01:03:26.727-05:00Season 3 of "Fringe" is channeling BtVS....Season 3 of "Fringe" is channeling BtVS. <br /><br />As Blam mentioned last week, the recent "Fringe" episode "Marionette" was eerily reminiscent of Buffy's "Some Assembly Required". <br /><br />This week's "Fringe" episode, "Concentrate and Ask Again" stirred memories of Buffy's "Earshot". Characters 'gifted' with the ability to read minds were overwhelmed by the constant din of other people's thoughts to the point where they were basically unable to function.<br /><br />Buffy's ability came as a result of being infected by the blood of a demon, while Simon's ability resulted from Walter's Cortexiphan trials.Page48https://www.blogger.com/profile/09728079057077761364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-71084479125481709872011-02-08T23:05:30.893-05:002011-02-08T23:05:30.893-05:00Page, Diet Dr. Pepper is my favourite.
Xander'...Page, Diet Dr. Pepper is my favourite.<br /><br />Xander's relationship with the Mummy continues his ongoing relationship with demons. Even in the comics he's now with Dawn who used to be a glowy key. I know it's a running gag, but at some point an explanation would be nice.<br /><br />Xander offering himself to the Mummy reminds me of him offering himself to Willow in the season 6 finale.<br /><br />I'd forgotten how many episodes Cordy was openly attracted to Angel. In Halloween, when he's with her at the Bronze, he actually seems to be getting comfortable with her, genuinely laughing at her joke. Shades of things to come.<br /><br />The staging when Buffy leaves Angel in the Bronze is almost identical to Buffy leaving Spike's crypt in As You Were.<br /><br />Buffy's 'It would be wrong' is the same reading as the line as Faith impersonates Buffy later on.<br /><br />Ethan = Chaos/ Giles = Order<br />Spike = Chaos/ Angel = Order<br /><br />"You're never gonna get between those two"... well...<br /><br />Buffy says to Spike, "Honey, I'm home." In season seven, he'll be living in her house.<br /><br />This rewatch is just... neat.<br /><br />I was late posting tonight because Glee's back. So yeah, I got the Larry thing too. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-37030774068923233752011-02-08T22:44:08.917-05:002011-02-08T22:44:08.917-05:00"Halloween" stands out as the best of th..."Halloween" stands out as the best of this week's episodes. It's downright hilarious at times and who doesn't love the emergence of The Ripper. <br /><br />While the <a href="http://blastr.com/2009/06/anthony-head-the-buffy-sp.php" rel="nofollow">rumour of that Ripper series</a> stubbornly continues to surface from time to time, I don't think I'll hold my breath. <br /><br />I think "Halloween" is the first BtVS episode where Seth Green is directed by Bruce Seth Green (I've never even met a Seth). <br /><br />More fizzy product placement (full screen Dr. Pepper, diet no less...blech!)<br /><br />About 8 minutes into "Halloween", Buffy says (to Willow in the cafeteria) "yeah, it's too bad that stuff is private", Willow's hands are not on her Dr. Pepper. Suddenly the camera faces Willow and her hands are wrapped around her Dr. Pepper. Before she finishes her sentence, camera is back on Buffy and Willow's hands are, once again, nowhere near Dr. Pepper. <br /><br />Buffy (SMG) is gorgeous.<br /><br />Giles: "Buffy. Excellent"<br />Buffy: "Nothing, Hi" (very smooth, Buffster)<br /><br />Buffy and Willow can't find a more comfortable spot to check out the Watcher Diary than sitting on washroom sinks.<br /><br />Who dresses Xander?<br /><br />Xander is, once again, very rude with Buffy after she prevents his pummeling.<br /><br />What's the official word on vampires showing up on film? I Googled but it's hard to get a definitive answer.<br /><br />Angel asks the Noblewoman Buffy for a stake so he can put away the other vamp. Didn't the other vamp require an invite to enter Camp Buffy? Maybe it wasn't a vamp?<br /><br />While Giles is talking to Willow about her ghost costume ("the ghost of what exactly?"), the box behind his head shows the number 206. "Halloween" is episode 2.06Page48https://www.blogger.com/profile/09728079057077761364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-82208109819666596032011-02-08T22:19:47.908-05:002011-02-08T22:19:47.908-05:00She cared for him - and I felt that Xander genuine...<i>She cared for him - and I felt that Xander genuinely felt the same way. Not just being driven by his hormones or by lust as he has been with Buffy.</i><br /><br />I feel compelled to respectfully disagree with the idea that Xander is ever merely "driven by his hormones or by lust" towards Buffy. Yes, he notices her incredible hotness, but at the same time he almost always acts like a true friend. Even after she rejects him in "Prophecy Girl." Even after she is a complete bitca to him in "When She Was Bad." OK, the time in "Becoming Part 2" where he lies to her about what Willow said is a low moment which is seemingly driven by jealousy, but there are few other such moments. To me, he comes across as quite mature -- arguably even unrealistically so, for a teenage boy -- in his ability to have a genuine friendship (as opposed to a fake one driven by ulterior motives) with a hot girl for whom he has strong romantic and sexual feelings.<br /><br />On an unrelated point, I totally agree that the show should have done more with Giles/Ripper over the years. Joss didn't give the character enough to do after Season 3. That was a missed opportunity.Tom D.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-11825988274133712192011-02-08T22:05:05.388-05:002011-02-08T22:05:05.388-05:00Thank you, Christopher, for the wonderful analysis...Thank you, Christopher, for the wonderful analysis this week. I really like your observations about the Halloween episode and the themes that come through because of the identities they choose to inhabit with their costumes.<br /><br />The photo of Darla next to the drawing from the Watchers' diary was really amazing. Even though I have recently watched the entire Angel series, it didn't even occur to me to think of Darla until I saw the photos side by side. There is even an irony in Darla being the one in the photo, though, since she was donning a new identity by shedding her prostitute persona in favor of that of a "lady." Apparently, she sheds identities easily since we learn in a Season 1 episode that she assumed at least one more before choosing her Catholic school girl image.<br /><br />Nikki, I totally had the same reaction to seeing Larry bully Xander as you did. I said to my son and husband, "hey, it looks like Glee took their storyline for Kurt and his bully from Buffy!"<br /><br />I also love Willow and Oz more than anything even though I like Tara's character very much. It was so much fun to see Oz again and to realize that it takes a few episodes for him to be slowly introduced. I like the way Willow's image begins to change when viewed through Oz's eyes. Suddenly, she is the girl of mystery rather than the wallflower. I adored Willow from the first episode I saw, so having Oz come on the scene and see what so many of us see in Willow was awesome.Suzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-68710666489967571752011-02-08T21:37:04.154-05:002011-02-08T21:37:04.154-05:00Hallowe’en - one of the best episodes for Season 2...Hallowe’en - one of the best episodes for Season 2. It was a complete package and such a great ride. I loved it then and I love it even more now. I felt like I was watching it for the first time and yet anticipating all the fun parts as I watched at the same time. Cool.<br /><br />My thoughts: At the Bronze with Angel and Cordy - too early, girl, you need to be patient. He will come … to see you differently soon enough.<br /><br />Willow and Buffy looking at the ‘book of Angel’. Darla in ink … and Buffy wanting to be like her - except she has no idea at this point what that book is really talking about. Maybe she should have read more of the book BEFORE she got in to deep.<br /><br />Ethan Rayne - wish we had seen more of him, especially with Giles. This is a role that needed to be explored more, if not to allow Giles/Ripper to be fleshed out. It has always been a shame that the Ripper series never did get off the ground. I think it would have been great.<br /><br />The complete flip with Buffy being the "victim", Xander being the hero (and using his new found skills to great advantage later) while being more confident, taking charge - and so buff!, and lastly Willow starting to take her place as the 'go to' girl on the team. <br /><br />Giles’s reaction when Willow appears through the wall. I can understand how he would feel - I am sure I would not react much better if someone came through the wall. LOL<br /><br />A dream come true - Xander to the rescue; protecting Buffy and saving the world. Since meeting Buffy, this is what he’s always wanted.<br /><br />This was a fun, and yet scary episode. Well written, acted, and directed. A great jumping off point for the rest of the series. :)SenexMacDonaldnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-71399489909797564332011-02-08T21:10:32.834-05:002011-02-08T21:10:32.834-05:00I am doing each episode for this week's rewatc...I am doing each episode for this week's rewatch as a separate post:<br />Reptile Boy - my highlights!<br />Classic horror opening with a girl in the white outfit being chased by boys with robes. Joss - watch horror movies much?<br /><br />Cordy telling Xander in the hall about his future. All I could think of was “You die, and he goes on - even with one eye.” Am I bad for thinking that?<br /><br />Giles trying so hard to look like he really can fight - except for the fact that he is truly able to handle himself. Can’t wait until the Ripper shows! Then we can finally see the genuine Giles.<br /><br />Product placement! Xander and his coke… Xander - give it up for goodness sake! We get the picture, and your saying that you want Buffy with your words and your eyes - give it a rest already. Oh, and before I forget - Didn’t Cordy tell Buffy not to wear black to the frat house?<br /><br />Is it my imagination or does Willow look more mature in this ep for some reason. Xander’s entrance - loved it! But, oh, my, he also looks more mature. Interesting …<br /><br />Now that curly headed frat guy that Cordy took a shine to - who else thinks he would be perfect as a ‘sparkly’ vamp? Did you see his hair! Doesn't it make you think of Robert Pattinson (aka Edward)? Really - look at his hair!<br /><br />Jonathan … again!SenexMacDonaldnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892649.post-89954853409025761932011-02-08T20:58:03.949-05:002011-02-08T20:58:03.949-05:00I have always felt that Inca Mummy Girl was a weak...I have always felt that Inca Mummy Girl was a weak episode. However, seeing it back to back with the previous eps , it has suddenly become an ep I think I love! I liked how the Mummy’s life echoed Buffy’s; how she wanted to be a normal girl like Buffy. Except for the having to suck the life out of someone - Buffy and her could have been great friends - maybe?<br /><br />I liked how she resisted kissing Xander and even when they did kiss, she found she could not take his life. She cared for him - and I felt that Xander genuinely felt the same way. Not just being driven by his hormones or by lust as he has been with Buffy. They made a really cute couple - for a bit.<br /><br />Cordy not seeing through her exchange student - seeing him for what he was and how one of her group made that discovery. Cordy missed out as he might have been a really nice guy.<br /><br />OZ!! I love how he zeros in on Willow from the stage and not other girls in the Bronze and how he just misses meeting her. Xander’s loss! <br /><br />JONATHAN!! I had completely forgotten that this is when we first meet Jonathan and not later when he is armed in the school’s tower. For such a short scene, his character goes on to such bigger things. Joss must have been impressed even at this stage - or already knew where Jonathan was heading even then. Who would have thought it at this point?SenexMacDonaldnoreply@blogger.com