Buffy Challenge Post 32: Season 4: Episodes 10 - 11

Hush

SHHHHHHHHHHHH! Hush now, be quiet as were about to start the challenge. Now just a side note Hush is also the title of one of my all time favorite Batman stories, written by Jeph Lobe and Illustrated by Jim Lee! Check it out the art alone is awesome!

Anyways enough about DC comics, it's Buffy time!

Straight into class, it seems it is the only class that Buffy is taking at college. Typical? Buffy? I don't think so! Now this is awkward wait it's just another one of those wacky Buffy dreams that we keep seeing. The one thing that is constant in this show is that all the little kids in it are creepy. The old sleep though the important part of the lecture bit. Willow gives the I've got something to do line and they are off.

That was an odd start to an episode even for this shows standards. The eternal mystery that is Buffy's brain! Spike is still a "guest" at Giles house. Anya is giving Xander the 3rd degree about their relationship and she still hasn't got the whole tactfulness thing down yet. After an evil chant they are motivated to hold a back sale. So they are a bunch of witches that do nothing and are not witches. Did I mention I don't like the whole Willow the Witch story? I did, ok sorry. (Another DC reference "Clark Kent our way......").

Xander is taking caution to the whole Spike babysitting thing. I agree with Spike on this one, I wouldn't bite him either! Alright Giles, finally getting some action and over the whole Jenny Calendar affair. Now that was odd, the whole breath leaving thing. The demon has stolen their voices so it seems I'm going to have to concentrate more on what I see as I can't listen to dialogue. (I wonder if the subtitles work for this episode?)

OK FOLKS WELCOME TO THIS WEEKS INSTALLMENT OF BUFFY CHARADES!

The music is really picking up in this episode and has to be a real character in the show. You really feel the tense nature of the situation. (On a side note, where do I get one of those voice stealing boxes? I could really use it in some of my classes!) Kind of sucks when you can't speak into a vocal recognition program that is ready to kill intruders! Ah the wonderful sound of silence! The whole town is infected and the means for communication has become difficult. The highlighted verse is Revelations 15:1 "Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in the wrath of God is complete." Are they seeing this as a punishment from God? or that the end is now approaching. As in any great disaster there is always someone out to make a Buck! $10 for a mini white board!

Which Buffy and Willow bought! A city wide hoax? how does that work? Thank God for the computer talking software. No rioting? what kind of american town is this? Great time to steal a kiss Rily as you can't be verbally abused for doing so. What is with the Joker looking demons. I don't know but I still hate the way they make the demons look in this show. (Although this one is not too bad I have to admit.) "WHY SO SERIOUS?" Also the reason you don't see the feet of the floating demons is because they are on a board with wheels, how do I know this? simple, they showed the board for a split second. (Tighten up in post production)

Nice angle shot of the demons, When you have no voice, no one can hear you scream! Oh they are so happy with themselves with their own personal heart collections! Quiet please, class is in session with Mr. Giles, This is the reason overhead projectors are never used in schools anymore, as it always takes forever to get the sheet on the right way.

No Xander that is not what they want! close but wrong! Uh Buffy? I think you need to re think that gesture! Oh you mean stake them, right! Buffy and Riley are on patrol and are being attacked by the henchmen in straight jackets. They are so going to run into each other. Which they do!

Even without talking Anya still doesn't know how to be subtle! Willow is using the Force, wait this isn't star wars, she used her witch craft to move the vending machine. Buffy figures out that the box is needed to be smashed, which Riley does and Buffy's scream causes the demons head to explode, which was hilarious as it reminded me of the ending to the weird al video for Spy Hard. As seen below.

The moment of truth for our characters now as they are able to discuss the happenings of the silent times at Sunnydale. Which leaves us with what else but an awkward silence to end the episode!

Oh boy did I have a lot of fun watching this one! I think it's proberly the episode of the season so far! The acting was brilliant it is really hard to mime an episode and It had me intrigued. Very funny moments though out and the ending was great!

9/10

Doomed

Starts off 2 seconds from where Hush ends, and I like the line, We have to talk! seeing they did everything but in the last episode.

So talk already, Riley that was an odd question to ask, "WHAT are you?" Buffy knows exactly what Riley does, however Buffy's reputation doesn't proceed herself as the government has no Idea who the Slayer is. Oh Buffy when will you meet a nice normal guy as you put it? To think that a show based in California it took so long for an Earthquake to happen. However it seems it was no ordinary earthquake as it seemed too familiar. So Riley will be sticking around it seems as he has made the opening credits. Spike and Xander are the classical odd couple as it seems that Spike still can't harm anyone.

Giles is starting to put pieces together with the commando issue. So the slayer is on the same level as the Easter bunny. We have a goat man on the loose. A good baton to the back of the head does the job.

What better way to celebrate the earthquake than a PARTY! Doesn't anyone ever study at college in America? (not according to all the movies and tv shows I've seen!) Naked Limbo? *shuddering at the thought!* Percy is an old fashioned pig, Willow is a catch!

OH THE HORROR! Spike in a Hawaiian shirt! Xander is a big man when Spike is powerless against him! (gotta feeling that his little speech is going to haunt him!) Is it me or is Willow more upset about being called a nerd than waking up to a dead guy. It's the end of the world again, for the third time! Once again the demon looks horrible! who ever is in charge of designing them should be strung up! It is ruining the show in my opinion. You can't get a manlier code than Lilac!

Buffy is making the tough choice by not giving Riley the chance. He is rightfully confused by her action. His determination is commendable but at the end of the day he needs to respect Buffy's wishes, which he is. (Although I think that she is making a mistake.) I do like the intertwining storyline where we see Buffy and her crew discussing what their plan is and seeing the commando ops doing the same thing.

Spike is trying to commit suicide. He has lost his mojo and other than the scary shirt he is wearing he is not very threatening. I agree with Riley, Buffy's attitude is so negative and she is living deep into the past. Once again Riley has tried but if he really does care for her he needs to let her go. Spike really knows how to push the buttons of Xander and Willow. Isn't it convenient that Giles has what the demon is looking for and he gets a good beating for his trouble. Their opening the hellmouth again and were making the trip back to Sunnydale High which has seen better days. (Thanks to the big explosion of the season 3 finale)

Is it me or does Buffy like to go into things head first without thinking? which typically leads to Xander getting beat up. Spike is taking out all the vent up rage that he has built up inside for so long on the demon. The demons are the sacrafices to open the hell mouth and Buffy jumps in head first to stop the last one. The jig is up Riley, paintball indeed! Nice Yankee accent there Spike but I think it was the shirt that saved you.

Buffy finally comes to her senses and sees that Riley was right to some extent and she can't do things alone. Spike has turned to the good side, for the simple reason that he can kill monsters! His pep talk however falls on deaf ears.......

"OH COME ON!!!!!!"

This was a really average episode at best, if spike was not in it I would say it was terrible. Boring and pointless and it seems that when the "end of the world" is brought up in this show it doesn't seem that dreadful.

5/10

Half way though the season and we have Buffy now with another crime fighting boyfriend, who I can see why the people who are fans of the Angel character don't like him as he is nothing like Angel. Xander and Anya are hot and heavy. Giles is sitting at home watching TV! (oh and he has a new woman in his life, who we know nothing about!) Oz is gone and Willow is broken hearted and delving deeper into the dark arts. Oh and Spike can't harm humans but can beat the living daylights out of demons, monsters and other vampires which makes him a good guy now! I see how there is no real arch over the whole season (the commando thing doesn't really cut it.) However as stand alone episodes it hasn't been too bad a season.

Well second half of the season is coming up and if felt like episodes 10 - 11 could of been a season ender. I'm still here so this show is doing something right. See you next time Challengers!

Buffy Challenge Post 31: Season 4: Episodes 8 - 9

Pangs

It wouldn't be the challenge without a little controversy in my scoring system. But by now everyone should know that my scores are just that, my scores! Anyone has the right to disagree with it.

Lets move on shall we? Now you'd think that people living in Sunnydale would know that it's not a great Idea to go for a nightly stroll in the park alone? Doesn't anyone watch the news or read a paper in this town?

Oh it's ok, it's just a vampire. is it me or was that Angel stalking Buffy again? He can be really creepy when he wants to be. Anya you have so much to learn about being tactful. Willow is channeling her left wing wackiness. Anya is disappointed that Xander is not doing all the work, Oh boy is she one rowdy 1200 year old teenager who doesn't have control of her hormones! I better mention the plot point here, Xander finds a hidden town under the dig spot.

I am going to find it hard to relate to this episode as being Australian I don't celebrate thanksgiving. Willow doesn't like Anya? I wonder why? Spike is making his way back after his narrow escape from the last episode. The town underneath brings forth a spirit who kills the first teacher this season, slacking off on the teacher massacre this season as the first one gets it in episode 8.

Oh Angel is back hanging out with Giles. Looking out for Buffy, he is still creeping me out with the whole stalking Buffy thing. Spike is suffering from his Vampiric Impotence still. I don't get it either Willow, the whole leaving for her own good thing. Interesting that Angel hasn't got time to plug his own show. Spike is having no luck right now. The native American spirit claims to be vengeance for his people and how do we avenge his people? "Still trying not to refer you as bloody colonials" - Great line!

Is it me or are we seeing the first Willow and Giles fight. Is it stealing if your taking back your own stuff? Xander is looking really ill, it seems that he has been infected by the illness that his people were given. Too much argument and just when I thought that Buffy was going to end this bickering she wants to make pie. Vengeance is a dangerous thing and when hatred consumes a person it is really difficult to get out of the cycle.

Spike steals the show again! Giles is upset that when he suggested the plan of attack there was a fight, but as soon as Spike explains it makes sense. Why does everyone think that Angel is Evil again? The Native American spirit is attacking like crazy with the arrows, Spike's been hit three times and even Buffy has taken an arrow into the arm. Make that 4 arrows for Spike. Well it's hard to kill something that is already dead! She finds out that their own weapons are the key to victory. (I can't believe they used a real bear in the show. Although it only highlighted the costume shots!) Angel slinks back into the darkness.

XANDER YOU AND YOUR BIG MOUTH!!!!! (Like the subtle oops at the end.)

Another Ok episode, Thank goodness for Spike as he is keeping this show together single handedly. (Also I do enjoy Anya when she is on the scene!)

5/10 - This episode was neither here or there, they tried to get some sort of moral dilemma debate about the plight of indigenous people and their rights but all that achieved was a long annoying shouting match of a scene.

Something Blue

Willow is not over Oz, seeing that his picture is everywhere. Life in an american college dorm is something I'd never understand. So Riley is a Lesbian, if that means he likes girls then I can see that. Riley is comparing Buffy to an exam? I can see him falling for the girl who is a mystery to him, girls who are a mystery can be a double edged sword. I disagree with Buffy here real love and passion doesn't go hand in hand with pain and fighting, real love is there it extinguish the pain and stop the fighting. She is so messed up in her definition of a true relationship, this to my opinion is due to her heartbreak of her previous relationships. But as I read today in an excellent book "The Sacred Romance" (check it out!) One of the most devious lies that Satan tries to convince us is that NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE! This is a dangerous line of thinking as we do not grow as a person if we believe we're going to be stuck in the same pattern of hurt and disappointment.

Anyway, Spike is still chained up and it seems that Giles is ready to take him and Buffy out, however the dynamic of the two is wonderful! Willow sees the last remains of Oz ripped away and she has finally relised that Oz is gone for good. What torture are they putting spike through, depriving him of "Passions" that is just cruel. especially when Timmy is stuck down the well!

Riley and Buffy are about to go on their first date, but poor Willow is really feeling the pain of her loss. What does she do? Willow goes wild! (man I thought I danced badly!) She has started to spiral out of control and is turning to alcohol to numb the pain. Sometimes I wish the pain can go away by just saying so. Amy the rat makes a cameo! I really don't like the fact that Willow has turned to the dark arts and in her state of mind that is more dangerous than alcohol.

Giles is not only a wonderful father figure for Buffy but for all the characters including Willow and his concern is really touching. How does Willow react? she accidentally blinds Giles! (that would be his worst nightmare if he can't see and read!) Spike gets away. There is no such thing as a good witch. Oh, she had Amy back to normal for a second only to rat her again. It seems that Willow's spell has worked.

That is just hilarious! Spike and Buffy are now engaged. Oh they make such a cute couple. Oh I'm laughing so hard from this scene that I've totally neglected to type anything. Oh no, the worst thing a guy can hear from a girl he likes is "I hope we can just be friends" Why oh why do all all demons look cheap and crappy in this show? Xander has put 2 and 2 together and figured out that it was Willow who has made things the way they are. Anya has also relised that Willow has been abducted by the same Giant smurf that took her all those years ago.

What a time to break the spell, with Buffy and Spike in mid lip lock! Nice little touch in the background with Anya embracing Xander. Very clever putting Willow in a "Speak no evil" tee shirt. Nice save by Buffy on the Riley part, and he ends it with a smooth line!

Well what an entertaining episode, very funny but those dam demon costumes still look really bad!!!!!!

8/10

Well I really enjoyed that last one, I do like it when they take the main characters and shake things up a bit! Oh and will Amy ever be cured of her problem of being a rat? I don't think so! But not a bad days work for the actress getting paid for ten seconds on screen.

See you next time for Hush.

Buffy Challenge Post 30: Season 4: Episode 6 - 7

Wild at heart

Outside Uni on a dark night, just a usually quiet time here in Sunnydale, of except for the standard vampire fight, Buffy leave the jokes and puns to the professionals. Oh it's Spike and he is not happy, I think he is really not going to be happy when he realizes he has been captured by the mysterious commando guys.

What is it with the blanky metaphors? Giles at the Bronze? He really must be getting bored. Giles is down with o-p-p! Once again Xander states the obvious and the chick that is taking Oz's fancy is singing again. Willow is starting to feel uncomfortable, and rightfully so. I think the days of innocent Willow are long over.

Buffy is getting A's and doing better than Willow? what has the world come to? Keep walking Oz, no don't sit down next to the cute singer who has you mesmerized. Now this is awkward, what is Oz doing? Okay it's that time of the month, for Oz of course. The werewolf FX is looking awesome this season and it seems that Oz has a bit of strength behind him.

WHAT? two werewolves? Is everyone in a band some type of monster? This is not a good thing, Oz get away from this vixen, she will unleash a beast that lurks inside. Poor Willow, rejected by a confused Oz. Giles is watching Jeopardy which means he has slumped to a new low. Don't ask for details Xander just help Willow, Good advice though. Oz has lied to Buffy this is a first, he is not acting normal for him. (which is a real stretch I know but even Buffy noticed.)

Don't have much time for the sappy "everyone is upset" song montage, just not my type of thing. Oz is this such a good idea? She is crazy and you will live to regret this. Told you, Willow walks into the room seeing a caged and naked Oz with another woman. Hold on Willow, weren't you doing the same thing with Xander? (except with your clothes on I guess) Who am I kidding, I should know by now that this show loves to screw with everyone's emotions. Willow has reached her lowest depth. Buffy, I don't think leaving Willow by herself in this state is a good Idea, call Giles or Xander. Wait don't call Xander.

There is a dark side to Willow that is about to come out, you mess with the dark arts it will have an effect on even the sweetest person. Never get a witch angry. Willow snapped out of it right at the last moment but she finds herself with the she-wolf just before sunset. The metamorphosis scene with Veronica and Oz is wonderful but is ruined by the corny dialog. Werewolf Oz kills the she-wolf but in doing so I think he has killed his relationship with Willow also.

The whole commando thing is just a distraction that is not needed in this episode. Why take Spike out like that without any explanation and Buffy running into the guy was pointless. Like all the main characters in this show "When the going gets tough, the tough pack their bags and leave." Oz leaves and in the process breaks Willow's heart as well.

This was a messy episode, many of the threads made little to no sense and it was illogical to remove Oz at this stage. They tried to play the emotional card on this one and it fell short.

4/10

The Initiative

Women are the greatest mystery never to be solved. "She's so HOT, she's BUFFY!" Cheesy! I don't think Buffy is Canadian but that would explain the strange behavior and her inability to use simple canteen food and beverage dispensing machines. Good morning Spike how does it feel to be a caged animal in a sterile facility? Hey Spike has made the opening credits, I guess that means he is a regular now?

Xander has just explained the standard structure for almost every episode of Buffy. Giles and Xander on patrol? Ah Spike, how many cosmetic companies experiment on vampires? Willow, Oz is gone, you need to face the reality of the situation. Way to go Buffy standing up to the mean professor with logic. Yeah ask Parker about Buffy, your going to get a real balanced answer there. I really like it when Parker gets hit! No one should compare a woman to a toilet seat, at that point I wanted to reach in and smack him around myself.

That's right boys take Spike out of the cage, he is playing possum as he is the smartest Vampire in this show, hence his escape from the monster confine. "How bout them Bronco's" is a great pick up line. Willow is not in the right frame of mind to get relationship advice from at this stage. I like this guy, he is noble and going around the whole Buffy situation the right way.

Ah man Harmony is still here. Putting up pictures of unicorns in a den, that is just wrong. Thank you Giles for telling Xander to shut up! he does waffle on too much on patrol. At the party Willow is getting into the wing man bit, but her poker face needs work. Is it me or did I just see a dramatization of me approaching every girl I like for the first time, although I usually run away before I get to offer them cheese, maybe that is where I go wrong?

Xander vs Harmony, is the woosie girlie version of Buffy vs Spike. (Xander really does fight like a 9 year old girl having a hissy fit.) I love the fact that they are giving the slow motion effect to the sissy fight. Harmony I can answer the question of why men always leave, it's because your annoying! Oz's song hits the player and there is a trigger to bad memories for Willow. She is however a really good friend as she is sacrificing her happiness for Buffy.

Ah man why does all the good guys have to have some sort of hidden agenda as it seems all is not what it seems? A demon hunter? looks more like some sick government facility trying to weaponize the monsters for their own purpose. Of course the leader of the facility is none other than professor Walsh. Why can't things be the way they seem in this show? Too many twists for the sake of too many twists.

They are not going to kill Spike off Buffy, They just put him into the opening credit sequence. For a guy who can only go out at night where does Spike get those cool threads? Buffy and Riley having an argument over who has to leave, they are just as stubborn as each other! As if Spike is not going to strike at Buffy's real weakness, which is her heart. He physically attacks Willow and takes a bite out of her or he tried but couldn't get his mojo working. Spike there is no shame to Vampiric impotence I'm sure there is some sort of nasal spray that could help. Willow's reaction is great thinking that she is the reason that Spike didn't wanna bite her. ("Your more like a sister to me..... or lets just be friends")

Commando's get Spike but all it takes is a small laps of concentration allows spike to escape. I like the way Buffy was able to use the fact that they were wearing night goggles against them with the flare. (See Xander does come in handy at times.) Walsh is as nasty as a commando leader as she is a professor. See Spike it wasn't you or Willow, it was some implant that was placed. Riley has made the first step to becoming closer to Buffy but with his extra curricular activities and her extra curricular activities crossing paths this is going to end in great pain for one or possibly both of them.

Not horrible by any stretch and the second half was so much better than the first. I can see how things can be difficult for Riley. However as a novel idea I'd like to see Buffy date a normal person for a while who was not a 400 year old vampire, or a sleaze bag, or some night time government operative. However this is Sunnydale and the most normal guy on this show is Xander and that is not saying much. (BTW no Anya in the last two episodes which is a shame.)

The Initiative was much better than wild at heart, but suffered from the slow start. (sometimes it's best not to force the humor.)

6/10

Well we're moving along at a reasonable pace this season. See you guys next time! (if anyone is actually reading this thing anymore.)

Buffy Challenge Post 29: Season 4: Episode 4 - 5

Fear Itself

After double checking, I am 100% sure that this is episode 4, I hope.

Nice camera angle through the pumpkin eyes to start it. Buffy is using the pumpkin for a metaphor for her life. Fantasia can be a frightening film, Come on Mickey being attacked by possessed mops, that is scary in any reality. Xander is feeling a little left out seeing that he is the only one not in college.

Poor Buffy, I'd hate to be anyone jumping in front of her with a Halloween mask on to try to scare her. Yeah like that guy, STUPID, YOUR SO STUPID!!!!! What is going on with Buffy? her life is spinning out of control she has no guidance. Still not a fan of Willow the witch. It seems that I'm not the only one as Oz and Buffy seem to agree with me. Oh look it's that jerk man-whore Parker. The worst monster that Buffy has faced in this show so far. I thought Halloween was the Vampires day off? Giles in a Sombrero, I think it could catch on! I could see all the kids at school wearing them! Wow Buffy must be really depressed as she just turned down chocolate.

What is Americans fascination with Halloween? I don't get it to be honest. Anya is back wondering why Xander hasn't called, I think his Uncle is just glad to see Xander has contact with an actual female. Anya does have a valid point he does have very little in common with Buffy, Willow and Oz at this stage of their lives. Professor Walsh is hard but fair. Marking papers is scary stuff, you should see some of the answers students come up with at my school.

Alright, evil symbol on the floor during Halloween, that is not going to cause any problems later in the episode. (Star Wars reference, with the disturbance in the force, nice.) Did that plastic spider turn into a real one? and if Buffy is that close to home why is she living at college? Little Red Riding Hood is a scary costume. It seems that the topic of Buffy's father is still a touchy one. She is having real issues with relationships with males, It seems that every time she gets close to one they betray her trust or end up leaving her. (Even Giles who is the closest thing to a father figure had betrayed her trust at one point last season.) Willow as Joan of Arc, also nice!

Hey didn't Little Red Riding Hood also carry weapons in her basket? Oz's costume is clever (sacrilegious but clever). All hell has broken loose in the house of horrors. Kids make sure you read the instructions before painting evil symbols on the floor of the attic. I loved Abbot and Costello, they made the funniest monster movies they did meet Dracula, Frankenstein and the mummy! Finally we see some bats in a show about vampires! it only took 4 seasons! What could be more frightening than a pink bunny rabbit. It seems that is the scariest thing Anya has seen in her 1000 years as a demon.

Oz turns off the annoying sound effects where Buffy remarks, "Thank the Lord!" to which Oz replies "Your welcome" -HA!

Now I have been really hard on the special effects in this show, but the skeleton looked fantastic! (not the plastic one but the hallucination one!) Senior Giles is waiting for Halloween trick or treaters unfortunately everyone learned from a few years ago and all he gets at his door is Anya who has her priorities on one saving one person only. Great comeback Willow "So's your face!" works for everything. Also she does have a point, she is not Buffy's sidekick. Is the deal here that their worst fears come alive? As Buffy thinks she is alone or is it that Xander is feeling he is not important and has disappeared?, Oz is turning into a warewolf which is looking even better than last season. Willow has conjured up her first guiding spell which goes horribly wrong. Buffy's fear seems to stem from her lack of trust, her feeling of not having direction in her life and oh and getting attacked by vampires (who would of figured?) GILES WITH THE CHAIN SAW!!!!! That's how you make a door!

They have snapped out of their fears but it looks like they were led to the attic. The fear of the people in the building is feeding the demon. That is the coolest entrance so far in the show, Great work Giles. Once again Buffy acts on instincts before thinking. Who's a cute little fear demon now? It is tacky, to taunt the fear demon. I love the symbolism of how our fears may seem huge to us and if we let it rule our lives it can consume us, however in the cool light of day fear is a really tiny thing and can be quashed easily.

What a difficult episode to give a mark to, the deep meaning behind it was brilliant. It was however really patchy at times. Not the worst I've seen however not the best either so I think due to the really great symbolism that we can't let a LITTLE thing like fear rule us........

6/10

Beer Bad

And now for a message on the dangers of excess alcohol consumption from Buffy Summers...........

Straight into the action for this one. The action in this show is really good and jerk face Parker has realized that Buffy is a real hero ....... in her dreams. One of my big regrets is not taking Psychology as a major during my studies in education. Why is Buffy hung up on this Guy? Is it the dashing good looks? It's most likely the hair I think. She really knows how to pick them doesn't she.

Xander has got a Job, as a bartender. Of course all you need to be a bartender is to see cocktail the movie. Willow what an imagination. (too much soapies I think?) I think Buffy has it wrong, guys don't have a bubble where they keep "The girl of their dreams" while they are playing around with others. Guys like that is just looking for the next conquest. Once again WHY IS SHE SO HUNG UP ON THIS GUY? Xander is doing it tough pouring beer for these pretentious tools who think they are better than us normal people. Buffy this is not your fault YOU ARE NOT A SLUT! HE IS A SLUT! (or the male equivalent of a slut. any help guys? anyone know what the right phrase is here?) Isn't the legal age to drink in the states 21? Another EMO CHICK singer. Is it me or is Oz looking at her oddly? I'd hate to say this but I think the beer is making people crazy and act out of character. This is really out of character for Oz.

Dumb Buffy week! (another spin off that didn't get off the ground "Buffy the Drunken Vampire Slayer!") Why do television shows have to over do the tubing in science experiments? The beer is spiked with some type of potion. The big evil of this episode "Binge Drinking" This is the first out of character episode for Oz I've seen. YOUR ALL STUPID!!!! Xander do something please, Stop this madness. Willow is confronting Parker about his romping around. What does he do? he uses his lines to pick up Willow. I really hate this guy. We are not animals who should go around mating with anything we see. There is no such thing as casual sex, Parker is what is wrong with the world, the whole "what is good for me attitude" is destroying society.

Talk about taking things literally, drink beer and become a Neanderthal. Jack the owner of the bar has got to be behind this. These guys look like and remind me of some of the kids I went to school with. Good thing cavemen have thick skulls. WATCH OUT WILLOW! Parker is pure evil and he will say and do anything to add you to the list. YES! ALRIGHT WILLOW! You legend, you saw though his little act!

Cave Slayer Buffy coming next fall to FOX!

Sorry going to deviate here for a second but this scene where the cave boys set fire to the bar reminds me of a great scene from "Final Crisis #1" by Grant Morrison (available at your local comic store! check it out it's a great read and the art by JG Jones is to die for) "You ask me Fire was our FIRST mistake" "Like everythin' else the sad, stinkin' human race ever thought of........ we take a good idea." "And we use it to KILL ourselves"

Cave Slayer Jumps into the fire on her instincts to save FRIEND! Xander bravely follows in. (I wonder how long it took for them to do S.M.G's hair like that?) Will Cave Slayer kill Parker? most likely not but it doesn't mean she won't give him a nice memento to remember her by whacking him over the head with a stick! Hit him again!!!! YES!

I've gotta say I have not been disappointed by the final scenes of each episode so far in this season. (only the commando ending of the first episode of the season I didn't like)

Another Meh episode, not great but not horrible. It had some moments that were good, Like seeing Willow see through Parker and Buffy whacking Parker over the head not once but twice! Didn't like where Oz was going in this episode and it didn't make much sense that kids under the age of 21 in America were freely served beer at a bar. (or able to get a job at a bar to be honest.)

5/10

So far this season has been OK, no real thread flowing through the first 5 episodes but they have been good stand alone tales.

Buffy Challenge Post 28: Season 4: Episodes 1 - 3

 

(quick notes folks, the order of episodes is a little different on the season 4 dvd so I watched the 1st and 3rd episode before I knew that I missed episode 2, So I've put episode 2 in and we have a super sized challenge this post. Other than wondering when Buffy and Willow became room mates I didn't really notice as there was no real major threads that ran through the 3 episodes.)

So after about a month and a bit we are moving on to the 4th season of the adventures of Buffy and friends. We move from season 3 which was April's favorite season to Season 4 which is her least favorite season. I as always kind of have a theory of why this may be so. The way I see it was that seasons 1 - 3 told a huge three part arch, introducing the characters in the first season, breaking them down mentally in the second and redeeming them by the end of the third. So it seems that the story almost starts again in season 4 and it may as well be a new show all together. The setting is different which brings new challenges as they are in a different stage of their lives. Also the ending of season 3 was so definitive it almost feels like they would have to reboot the show from here. It will be interesting to see if I agree with April or not on the merits of season 4. I've got a feeling that as per usual she will go mad trying to figure out the complexities of my scoring system.

Well that is enough babbling from me lets move on with the first episode entitled:

The Freshman

Oh Willow has a new spunky hair cut! I like it! Introduction to the modern novel, sounds like a great read. How do you get to be renowned? Images of pop culture sounds like a subject I'd like to do. Willow doesn't want to be caught unawares which means yep, she is about to be caught unaware. In the simpsons there is a theory that Homer get dumber every season, I think the opposite can be said here as it seems the vampires are getting smarter every season.

We start again with Buffy attending first day of College. I'd never understand how the American tertiary system works. Oh Willow once again you are the walking embodiment of the "That's what she said..." Joke. If your description of knowledge was said by any other character I don't think they could of aired it on national television. Hey Oz is still here and it seems that jello shots are the drink of the day.

Giles has lost his job, I guess that blowing up your library is not something you should put on your resume. Buffy drops books on this seasons love interest. Everyone's gotta brain, but not everyone seems to use it. Buffy runs into her room mate she seems nice and over stimulated. (yeah she is evil, come on anyone who owns a celine dion poster has to be evil!) I think I'm gonna count how many teachers they are going kill in this season. What a way to humiliate a student in front of everyone on her first day.

It seems this is the classic story of the big fish in the pond being placed in the ocean. So geology 101 is what the football players study. Mr. pointy is Buffy's security blanket, hah! This show wouldn't be about a Vampire Slayer if there were no vampires, now would there? You can't find good lackeys anymore. Giles you hound dog! Old people are not allowed to have a private life. So this season's villain is named "Sunday" and I didn't know that vampires could get stoned. (Failed spinoff show: Monster Sarcasm Rally) It seems that Sunday is not your average Vampire as she gave Buffy a bit of a beating. Ok I'm a little confused, did Celine Dion fan chick get abducted? or are they pre empting Buffy's downfall?

Hey it's Xander, we can't have Buffy without "Mr. Point out the obvious." So Xander's life has sucked over the summer. (Marvel reference "Avengers Assemble" DC 14 Marvel 5) Oh Xander with the Star Wars quote, just not right but close! That is the thing Buffy is the same hero but fighting in a bigger world! "W.W.B.D" What would buffy do? not sure it would sell. So it was Buffy they were preempting her disappearance. Oh no never steal a Slayers diary. Sunday is looking like the cat who stole the cream when Buffy fell in. Not the umbrella! Stoner Vamp is gone. And Sunday didn't last long. So much for her being the big villain of the season, nice timing Giles, What is with the comando squad at the end of the episode?

Now as a season opener, this was the best one I've seen so far. It reestablished Buffy's role and shook things up nicely. Some really funny lines and a nice vamp kill at the end. Would of liked to see the Vampire frat house last longer though.

7/10

Living Conditions

At the dorm! The music reminds me of my IT class who have a thing for listening to crappy 80's music, including Cher! Man her roomie is so annoying, counting every drop of milk. I would be worried about milk theft at uni as well! All those kids running around getting off on milk. Buffy is having a winging to Willow about her room mate. And out comes our first corny looking demon for the season. (No real improvement from last season I see.)

Out comes annoying Kathy! She is a different type of annoying the won't shut up about every little thing type of annoying. (or a DVD commentary person) AH MAN SUBTITLES, why couldn't they talk english like all the other demons. "Motor bike and Scooter Magazine" still waiting for mine to come in the mail. Another spin off that didn't get off the ground, "Buffy the Old Cat lady" Kathy is a little snoop isn't she? and she has stumbled into Buffy's bag of goodies. Oh I think this guy is going to watch more than her back. Beware of random adorableness.

Xander has nothing better to do it seems so he is hoping for some vampire action. HOW DARE KATHY SPILL SAUCE ON THE SLAYERS SWEATER! She labels her eggs? Chewing gum the scourge of teachers everywhere! Why can't Buffy have normal dreams? Oh and Kathy is one to talk about making noises in her sleep. Kathy is just everywhere. toodles? I have an issue with people who leaves saying toodles. Hey I got a High Distinction in Napping 101. Giles looks worried that is never a good sign. Can't type reading subtitles. Oh and fellows I wouldn't be standing that close to the fire with all that plastic on your face.

Parker is a Mimbo! CAT FIGHT CAT FIGHT (in a verbal sense!) Buffy is spoiled? This can't be good! Share time is not really going to well for the two of them. Oz is a great guy, will do anything for Willow. (who seems to have issues of her own with the sleeping arrangements. More commandos! Oz is right again, no one does deserve mime! That bench had it coming to it! Wow, what a great way to highlight the annoyance of others! Even I'm sick of this song now! More freaky nightmares. Now Kathy is bitching to Willow who seems to be put into a corner. She is moving into Buffy's life. I TOLD YOU KATHY WAS EVIL!!!!!!! THE CELINE DION POSTER!!!! IT ALL MAKES SENSE!!!!!

Buffy has lost it! and the only way to stop it is to tie her up. Willow why are you trying to reason with someone who is clearly unstable. It seems that Oz and Xander failed rope tying at school. CAT FIGHT CAT FIGHT! Surprise Surprise Kathy is evil. I called it when I first saw it. Not Buffy's favorite sweater. Good thing Buffy has friends watching her back. Bye Bye Kathy, and Willow moves in. Wonder if "Dingoes ate my baby" will ever play a gig in Darwin?

What a fun episode, the whole dream sequence parts were a little too far in the horror side of things. But it was well directed and other than the dodgy make up the story was great!

9/10

The Harsh Light of Day

Back at the Bronz, you'd think they would of found a new hang out by now. Also if they are that close to the Bronz why are they boarding at college? Willow? Lusty wrong feelings? that is not the sweet innocent girl we knew from the first season. Well Harmony the really really annoying chick from high school is back and she has taken a bite out of Willow. Will we now see the return of Willvamp? I hope so!

Nope, Thankfully Oz was there to save the day. Well Buffy's hobbies, um I don't know. See today the dark and brooding guys I guess are called the EMO guy.  Do we have to live for today or is there a reason to live for not tomorrow. This Parker guy is smooth, I should take notes! The Alphabet what a crazy system. Anya is back with a new look and the same bad attitude. It seems that Anya is not waiting for things to happen seeing she is a 1000 year old demon stuck in teenagers body. I am going to enjoy this character the potential is endless!

ALRIGHT SPIKE IS BACK!!!!! HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!!

He has a new focus and a new plan, and a new pain in the butt girlfriend (Bring back Drusilla!). Does anyone at an American university study? Ever? So much for not letting anyone know that your here Spike. Dru left spike for a fungus demon! Poor Spike! Anya does scrub up nicely for a 1000 year old chick! Um ok that is taking things really fast (not that I think Xander is protesting!).

So Spike is looking for the Gem of Amara, which I wouldn't know what that was for if it wasn't someone who happen to SPOIL it for me only yesterday!!! I'm to blame at the end of the day. Parker is a History Buff, which I think is cool! He is a bit of a smooth talker also. Is it me or is there really a lot of hankey pankey in this episode? Buffy's post Angel bow. Anya's plan hasn't seemed to work out how she thought it would. Well Spike I love syphilis more than a person like Harmony. Typical females bragging about their conquests.  Spike has seemingly found what he has been looking for as Buffy mopes around the phone waiting for Parker to call. Spike has found the gem which seems to make him impervious to all vampire weakness!

How dare Giles have a tv? what could he be thinking? Parker is an jerk who used the sob story to get into Buffy's pants. What a jerk. Not only has he totally taken Buffy's dignity but he also made her apologies? People like that really really annoy me!!!!!! Just when Buffy is at her lowest emotional depths who happens to show up in the middle of the day? none other than the last person she would expect in Spike! I can see the adds now, "The Gem of Amara, the official sponsor of me killing you!" PLEASE KILL HARMONY NOW!!! I'm sure James Masters is finally enjoying shooting a scene in this show in daylight. Buffy gets the ring off Spike and decides to pass it on to Angel who is in his own show now. It is a hard reality that Buffy is facing, she has now slept with two guys and both of them turned on her. (although Angel was not his fault) Parker is just a predatory monster who thinks it's ok to play with peoples emotions. (He is a poop head Willow I agree!) Good thing Willow is there to be the voice of reason. What would Buffy be without her?

Interesting ending showing the three women who made a choice to sleep with someone for 3 different reasons all feeling the same emotions. (Other than Harmony who I could not care one iota about it was really moving.)

Another solid episode! I like the whole ring idea that makes a vampire truly immortal. Anya is a really interesting character who I hope develops more in this season (she was the focus of 2 of the 10/10 episodes from last season) and it is good to see Spike back!

8/10 - So far so good, however last season started with two mediocre episodes so that has me a little scared for the next 19 episodes to come!

Buffy Challenge Post 27: Season 3: Episodes 20 - 22

The Prom

Well we are at the home stretch for season 3 here at the challenge, and it is time for the second Prom based episode, I hope things work out better than last time for Buffy, I don't know what is worse being hunted or having to spend the entire episode with Cordelia!

I wonder how Buffy explained sleeping over at Angel's to Mum? Oh she is giving him the whole "maybe we better let me keep some stuff here" routine? Ah Buffy Angel is kind of allergic to the sunlight (he gets a burning sensation to prolonged exposure) Aniya is still stuck as a teenager and she needs a date to the prom. "Men are Evil, will you go with me?" Xander that is disgusting, keep the sock puppet of love to yourself mate!

So it's Buffy and Angel 4 ever, (or at least until the show is canceled.) Oh Mum has found out that Buffy has spent the night with Angel and she is grilling the boyfriend! I'm sure Angel has not faced such horror for 200 years. Joyce is laying down the law to Angel and letting him know that it is up to him to make the right decision. So the Ascension is more of a metamorphosis for the mayor as he jumps from his human form to a demon of some sort.

The Buffy wedding special, in her mind, wouldn't Angel have issues in the church with all the crosses and holy water around? I do like the 3/4 length coat. Buffy burns in the sun? Wait it was in Angel's mind. (My bad, I thought Buffy would be dreaming of her wedding day.) "I think we need to talk!" Famous last words, in the sewer no doubt! Sometimes the bad guys say the right things but they say it for the wrong reason. Angel is showing some spine by making the hard decision, he has let her go because he loves her. That is cold Buffy, Angel might be a Vampire but he has feelings also! Angel breaks up with Buffy in a sewer! (I guess that should of been her first hint. Ladies if your man takes you for a romantic evening to the local sewer, you know it can't be good.)

I wonder what is worse? Buffy losing Angel when he lost his soul or losing him because he loves her too much to be with her? It was never going to work out, she is a teenage slayer, he is a 243 year old Vampire. Now why does this show have to go down the whole cheesy looking monster route as a threat? and the "cage" it was trapped in looked so flimsy my puppy olive would of broken through.

Cordelia's secret has come out. Do I feel upset? NO!, do I feel sorry for her? NO! The creature is a hellhound that attacked the poor guy in the clothing store. (looks more like a hell-monkey) Another threat against students at the school on prom night by a fashion seeking hound. At the butchers Buffy runs into Angel as he is buying dinner. AWKWARD!

Buffy takes charge and is using the disappointment of being dumped by Angel and focusing on stopping the monster. While Xander is on a date with a monster, regaling him of gory stories from her past. Talk about not taking rejection well, this kid has issues as Buffy has taken out 3 of the hellhounds just in time. (It seems that the kids at school are not shaken up by the monsters that show up any more.) We are family is a touching song, it makes me tear up all the time!

What an achievement that the class of '99 has the lowest mortality rate in Sunnydale High history. I'm not sure if that should go in the advertising flyer. Finally Buffy is recognized for all the protecting she has done. I do like the umbrella and the award for class protector. Oh I didn't see that coming from a mile away, Angel shows up to give Buffy her perfect highschool moment. Even though it is not represented in the final moments of the show, but I do feel for Giles who is the only regular in the show who has no one to be with. (Minor point I know but it would of been nice I guess.)

Now what a pointless episode! Other than Angel saying that he is leaving if they survive the graduation, nothing much came out of this. Sure they tried to play with Buffy's emotions but I thought it was poorly executed. Even though the episode was pointless in the scheme of things for this season it wasn't a boring episode which I hate more. There were some nice moments but overall it was not necessary in the grand scheme of things.

6/10 (lots of little things bumped up the score.)

Graduation parts 1 & 2

Here we go the double length season finale, what we have been building up to since "Bad Girls" and been looking forward to since "Enemies". Now April has already pre-empted the score for the finale and there is no shock that she gave it a 10. However I do look at the season finale through tougher lenses as it is the culmination of the previous 20 episodes and this season in particular has really built up to a solid finale.

Get out the gowns, Cordelia is complaining about the colour of the graduation gown. "The power of positive giving up!" something that many students have mastered I must say. Oh Willow is missing everything including PE! Buffy will miss stuff! Ching Ching (product placement "coke-a-cola") Now talk about setting up the conflict! The mayor will be speaking at graduation, maybe he heard about the class of '99 having the lowest mortality rate in the history of Sunnydale High and he is going to do something about it?

For a professor he is not really smart letting Faith in. (no, you dope she is not hitting on you by asking you if you live alone!) Faith is truly a monster as she is killing in cold blood without any hesitation or asking why, and Whedon's revenge on teachers continue! (If I ever meet him I'm telling him I collect cans for a living!) Faith in a summer dress, the mayor has really got a strangle hold on her!

Ah, Percy a B- doesn't make you a scholar. Hangman, the classic way to kill time when the year is over. Anya is asking Xander out which must be hard for a chick who is 1000 years old. However her response to hearing about the ascension is a look of horror. Buffy has the line she is not going to cross, she will not kill Faith. Anya has attended the last ascension and is letting the gang know what is about to happen and it is not going to be good. Synder believes in order and the mayor is ready to reward him.

The mayor bursts in to let them know that they can't stop him and he is going to eat them, to which Giles shoves a fencing sword into his chest! Now here is a TELEVISON SIN!!! NEVER HAVE THE BOOM MIC IN THE SHOT!!!!!!! Joyce walking through the door and the boom mic is shown swung across, at 17:08 mark of the episode! not only is the boom clearly in the shot but you hear the sound of it hitting the ceiling. (Normally I would take marks off for such a crime but I will forgive it this once!) Anyway back to the episode.

Buffy is doing the right thing for her Mum by asking her to leave, her response was, "I wish I took you to a different school" Not sure that would of made a difference. Amy the rat makes a cameo in Willow's room. Ok it seems the best way to stop your hysterical girlfriend is to kiss her passionately. It's the end of the world so of course they are going to go all the way. Buffy however has her mind set on saving the world, as Angel makes a classy entrance, sure mate they were mopping in the hall. Even though the relationship is over Angel still has her covered.

You would think that after 200 years Angel would figure out how women think? I guess there is no hope for me then. Faith has sniped Angel with an arrow out of no where and she missed the heart on purpose, I think that she will pay for that in the future. (If you get an opportunity to put away your enemy then you should take it.) I didn't think vampires bled. The arrow seems to be tipped with some type of vampire poison which makes no sense to me what so ever. SHUT UP AND ENJOY IT WILLOW!

Faith has a blood lust! I find it interesting that she has lost her soul yet she is wearing a sacred heart tee-shirt. Has Anya found someone who has won her humanity over? Xander shows her that there is more to life than life itself and is willing to sacrifice himself for his friends. Angel is not looking in good shape. The council is useless to me a bureaucracy that only sees the slayers as employees. Buffy quit the council and Wesley is not amused. Whoa, a slayer has to die for Angel to live and now Buffy has a reason to cross her line about killing Faith. There is no coming back from this Buffy, we saw what taking a human's life has dome to Faith.

Faiths pad is sweet, it seems that being evil does pay! Buffy confronts Faith in a showdown that is highly anticipated since the last time they crossed paths. Slayer Vs Slayer, former friends going at it to the death and this time BOTH of them wants the other dead. Oh I forgot...... CAT FIGHT, CAT FIGHT! Giles may have solved the mystery of what the Mayor is about to become as we cut away to him enjoying a spider snack! (Even the vampire is freaked out!) Being regular is very important if your planning to become a demon.

I didn't think Buffy would go through with it, she plunged faith's knife into her stomach but Faith was able to escape through a conveniently passing truck, So now Buffy has potentially taken a life without achieving her goal as it jumps to be continued.........

To part 2

The one thing I have to say is I am enjoying the fact that they don't recap what happen on the dvd but it would of been nice to show both episodes together without going through the menu. Faith is missing, and the mayor wants to know where she is, he has a real affinity with her it is almost as if the man who cares for nothing, cares about faith. While this is happening Buffy escapes with the guilt of stabbing Faith holding the blood soaked knife.

Wesley is leaving the country because Buffy has quit and all Cordelia thinks about is surprise, surprise....... Her selfish needs! Angel is delusional and thinks that Willow is Buffy. Ah young love, not the best timing though as Buffy is clearly distraught from her actions and her inability to save Angel. Buffy is sacrificing herself for Angel yet he refuses to alow her to do so. What does Buffy do to convince him? Well she punches the living daylight out of him and in one of the more graphic and in a really weird way beautiful scenes that I have seen in this show Angel drinks from the blood of a slayer.

Angel runs Buffy straight to the Emergency Department for a blood transfusion as we see the fate of Faith lying in a coma in the same hospital, in the same ward. (is there only one hospital in Sunnydale?) The mayor and Angel show down in the hospital. Xander once again puts the boots into Angel without knowing the facts of the situation. Buffy and Faith are having an out of body conversation, the type of dream that seems real, this wakes Buffy up and she is ready for war!

Buffy has given a plan that seems crazy (when we find out I guess) But I like Oz's plan with the hummus. What is the Mayor's human weakness, germs is one but chasing after him with a box marked Ebola is not going to cut it. Another voice for the Hummus! Wesley is back and Cordelia is smitten. This is a great scene as we see both sides working and the mayor and buffy the general planning their strategy for the final showdown. Do we really need to see the two most annoying characters in this show make out really really badly? (At least they have realized what we all knew, they are not compatible. A poor attempt at forcing humor in what should be an intense moment.) More making out from Oz and Willow as they are putting Buffy's plan into action. The slow build up is making me anxious, the sound of the graduation theme signals the real beginning of the end! Synders welcoming speech is fantastic "You all proved to be adequate." That is excellent writing oh and the line under his breath "Spit out that gum!" Good Stuff! "I saw that gesture, you see me after graduation!"

Here comes the Mayor to deliver his speech and he points out that the kids couldn't care less about the 100 year graduation and he is truly evil because he is giving the full speech. There was the slight hint of his weakness when he mentions that Faith is not there. Eclipse happen and his metamorphosis has began, I really wanted to hear the bit on civic pride, but unfortunately we get the mayor turning into a giant snake thing! Nice work Buffy by getting the students decked out with weapons. This truly is a war! (where did they get those flame throwers?)

I just want to interrupt this Blog to to morn the devouring of Principle Synder, he was a good man ..... Oh who am I kidding, the one teacher I wanted dead is! I'm over the moon!

Back to the war, Angel is on the front line fighting his souless kin, Xander and Oz are rallying the troops. Even Cordelia kills a Vampire! Nice effect with the monster chase cam. Buffy leads mayor snake into the library where he is blown into kingdom come! Suck it up Wesley, if you want to be knocked unconscious I'd be more than happy to obliged, true to his word Angel is gone without saying goodbye. Giles hands Buffy her graduation scroll as Angel stares from afar and walk away never to be seen again ............... unless you bought his own series entitled (ANGEL!)

All that is known over the last 3 seasons is no more. The good guys won ant they survived high school. As we fade to black on the year book. Once again if this show had ended at this season then it would be a satisfying end. The finale of this show seems to have this type of pattern which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Really did enjoy the finale, a grand battle where the good guys win. Still a little slow in the first part of the finale which may hinder it getting the coverted 10 however this is without a doubt the best of the 3 finales that I have seen.

9.5/10

Well so ends another exciting season of the Challenge. Soon we'll move to season 4 and we'll see what the good people at Mutant Enemy have installed for me. For those who are wondering I will be watching the first season of Angel at least, but I doubt I will be able to blog it. (although, I might throw in an Angel special now and then.

For all my Vampire friends out there "Stay out of the Sun!" See you next season!

Buffy Challenge Post 26: Season 3: Episodes 18 - 19

Earshot

Did it really happen or were the last 3 episodes an illusion? no I think it did happen 3 10/10's in a row. All I can say is the next few episodes better live up to the standards that the show has set for itself.

Another episode where it starts out with the ugly looking demons. Who has milk for blood. One out of two is not bad I guess, and Giles is a cross referencing fool, who has no Idea what is going to happen with the ascension of the mayor. Wesley comes barging in with nothing to add. Buffy a little hint never marry an actor if you can't get over the fact that Angel was acting.

Buffy is suffering an allergic reaction to the milk blood and it may be an infection from the demon she killed. Hogan's Heroes are peping up the school but Buffy is starting to become a bit of a hypochondriac. I see how Oz and Xander are admiring the cheerleaders spelling ability as I am. As if Buffy has anything more to worry about with the whole "I might be turning into a demon" thing happening. It could be demon hype. You know what I'd love to see a rouge Buffy episode. However I'm not going to get started down the track of fan fiction. Cordelia is as tactful as they come.

The best Buffy came up with was a four legged demon which turned out to be a dog. Well Buffy is starting to read thoughts, that is a cool power. "Snyder has walk like an Egyptian stuck in his head." Well if you can read minds what would you do? what else but cheat in class. Question? when does Angel sleep? does he need to sleep? It seems that the whole mind reading thing doesn't work on Angel. He gives her the warning that she needs to know, absolute power corrupt absolutely.

I love how Oz really confuses everyone with his deep analogy about the power. Xander is only thinking about one thing, Wesley has Cordelia on his mind, Willow is doubting her need now and Cordelia well she just says what she thinks. I can't even think about the amount of times that I wish I had this power. (only if I could switch it on and off when I need it, who knows what my students are thinking about. I guess my year 10 class would be thinking the same way Xander does, and I don't need to read minds to know that.)

Buffy has overheard a death treat thought but the issue is it was in a crowded cafeteria. The stress is getting to her and also finding out her mothers secret from Band Candy has made her cringe in a very funny scene. Willow taking charge! Good for her. I think it might be the kid hiding under the desk who writes the school paper. They need the heart of the second demon to cure Buffy before she becomes crazy. Her thoughts are killing her but luckily Angel has the antidote. I wonder if anything can insult Oz? No he was just a red herring. It was Jonathan, yeah I'm not sure who that is also, I think that is the point. But it was not him as he was going to kill himself. It turns out that Xander was right, it was the lunch lady trying to kill everyone.

Nice ending to a mixed bag of a show, Suicide is a serious issue and I would be interested if this episode ever aired in the states after the horrors of the many unfortunate school shootings. If anyone is having personal problems please speak to someone about it, taking your own life is the cowards way out, also you can check out organizations like Beyond Blue here in Australia at http://www.beyondblue.org.au

as for the episode even though it brought up a very important subject it could of been handled with a little more tact.

7/10

Choices

Were back with Faith in the mayor's office and he has a little gift for her, but Faith needs to know that the mayor runs the show. A new knife for Faith and she already knows what she wants to do with it. Buffy is kind of upset that Angel doesn't take her out to any nice places anymore. Since when doesn't taking your girl out to kill vampires good enough anymore?

Buffy got into college! isn't that great? Synder is in a snarky mood. Willow got into Oxford which is great and Xander is reading "On the road" the guide to teenagers who think they want to flee the world but go nowhere. Buffy is ready to quit again, is it episode 19 already? Yes Buffy you do need a plan as proactive with pep won't cut it. Faith has become a cold blooded killer with no remorse. What is in the box? Even Buffy is asking and Mr. Pointy is back! Wesley is a toothless tiger. Why does Xander still care about Cordelia and where she is going?

This has become mission impossible, unfortunately the music doesn't match the mood of the show. Willow does her Magic literally and Buffy does a really bad Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible impersonation trying to get the box, why do Vampires insist on fighting in areas that have so much wood around? We've gone from mission impossible to a scooby doo chase scene. The mayor is so chipper for someone who has lost his box, luckily for them Faith has captured Willow. Which leaves us with the eternal question, is one life worth the price to pay to save thousands? Oz thinks so and so does Buffy.

That is one of the coolest Vampire kills I have seen, the old floating pencil in the back trick. I still don't know why Willow has such self esteem issues as she is handling this escape really well, also her detective work has helped her crack the secret of the mayor and his evil plan. Check out Willow standing up to Faith, she is showing her inner strength. We are ready for the exchange, the box for Willow.

The Mayor and Buffy meet for the first time. I do agree that immortality is a curse but I'm not sure if the Mayor is getting to Angel though, Synder bursts in thinking that he has a big drug bust on his hands and the mystery of what was in the box has been solved, its a badly looking CGI bug thingies. His lunch for after the ascension. "Why couldn't you be dealing drugs like normal people?" yes Synder why not indeed?

Willow is safe and telling her story of bravely and she rules big time as she swiped a few pages from the book of ascension. Willow is giving up her future to be with Buffy, but she is also has a taste for fighting the good fight. What was the point of the scene with Cordelia, am I meant to feel sorry that she has a Job? The Mayor has put the seeds of doubt in Angels mind with his speech on the curse of immortality.

The pieces have been slowly moved into place for the final 3 episodes yet this was another slow episode that felt a bit muddled in places. Willow's character has grown immensely in this episode and her stand against Faith was really well done.

7/10

Buffy Challenge Post 25: Season 3: Episodes 16 - 17

Doppelgangland

Oh what a mouthful for a title, but I do like the idea right off the bat of having a fake buffy running around causing trouble!

Why is it when they break out the makeup department I kind of lose a little interest in the show? I'm not sure about that one it might be the fact that I hate horror, or I just hate bad special effects. Oh well looks like were stuck with Guru Goat Guy to start this one. Oh the wish chick is back. What horror to be stuck at Sunnydale high. Now the floating pencil effect is nice, and even tough I don't like the whole Willow the witch line of things, I still love her naiveté (cool spellchecker gave me the french thinggie!) For the record I never wanted to be a floweriest, although many of the people who meet me think that I already am one. Buffy is blaming herself for what has happen to Faith eventhough it was not her fault.

Synder is back and is making Willow to tutor the big dopey jock who is lazy. Well it seems that Faith playing both sides here after the shocking ending of the last episode. Cool, Faith sells her soul and gets a playstation. Willow is feeling pressured from all sides, and it seems that she is about to break at any moment soon. Oh Xander, your great at making a bad situation worse. Willow you rebel, eat that banana girl and don't look back.

Aniya the demon not the band has got Willow to help her try to recreate the amulet and Willow sees the horror alternative reality that was the wish. But it seems that something has happen as Vampire Willow has been transported from her reality to the real buffy world. Her first stop is what she thinks is the vampire hangout of the Bronze. Willvamp is struggling, and Buffy just saw her vampside and Willvamp is ready to change things to the way it was back on her earth.

Earth 1 Willow is surprised at the reaction of her friends when seeing her. Great work describing the situation Giles "Strange things are happening" Isn't it great that an 11 hundred year old demon can't get a beer! Willvamp has taken over the Bronze which conveniently happens to be where Aniya is who knows exactly what is going on. Angel is ready to break the bad news to everyone and Earth 1 Willow and Willvamp meet up for the first time. Great work Willow, smart thinking knocking out Willvamp with the tranq, I'm sensing there was a part of Willow that kind of liked the idea of being a skanky evil lesbian vampire. (Delivery was great of that line BTW) I see where Buffy is going with this and it will be interesting if Willow can pull this off.

This is great, I almost want to stop typing so I can watch this scene as Earth 1 Willow tries to pull off Willvamp. Not doing the best job I might say but great to watch. Just as earth 1 Willow is getting into the role, along comes Cordelia to stuff everything up as Willvamp wakes up in the hellish attire that is a pink sweater and skirt combo. I can see what is going through Willvamps mind, it seems it's like when your really hungry and the only food store in town is closed but has the most delicious cake in the window. It seems Cordelia has let the monster out of the cage.

I'm sorry I'm enjoying this episode so much that I forgot to comment. anyway, Willvamp gets sent back to her earth right at the moment that she gets killed, (nice touch, knowing what was about to happen and about to drop the F-bomb)

Wow, what a fun episode, I love the fact that it fit seamlessly in with the wish, it was full of action and extremely funny, Well done Alyson playing the duel role. There is so much to like about this episode and as a fan of the DC Universe that has 52 different realities which sees Doppelganger's come in and out of story lines all the time this was really well done!

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that this show would get back to back 10/10's

But it has

10/10

Enemies

Buffy and Angel start this one out seeing a racy french film (does Angel get a senoir citizen discount, he is over 200 years old?) Not the best choice of film considering their history together. (Kids, read the synopsis of the movie before seeing it, just to be safe.)  Is it me or is there a lot of making out in this show. Thankfully Faith is there to pour cold water on the two. Out on patrol and there is something that is making your local demon scared out of their minds and wanting out of Sunnydale and the hellmouth. Too bad he spilt the beans to the Mayors new lap dog. (Another DC reference! Buffy and the Superfriends! DC 13 Marvel who cares anymore!) Nothing kills stress like a good tall glass of milk.

So Faith's mantra of "See, Want, Take" continues with Murder. Faith kills the Demon for the book and she is struggling with the darkness inside her. She is trying to find comfort (and a little sugar) with Angel. It seems that people have a knack of walking in on Angel at the wrong time and seeing the wrong thing happening. Also it seems that Faith has not only fooled Angel with her sob story but yours truly. Angel looks to be the Mayor's new target. Giles is really upset about the drop in standards of demons these days!

Arabian demons are cool. Just a thought what happen to the link between The Mayor and Synder? Willow once again is the voice of reason in this show. Well Faith is trying again with Angel and has removed his soul (the hard way) This is getting nasty and I don't think Buffy will know what will hit her. Get over it Xander, I agree with Evil Angel, Xander does bug me at times.

This is going to be messy. As they lead Buffy into a huge trap and she gets hit with the reality of what has been happening since Faiths decent. and like all great villains they spill the beans on the whole plan when they think they have the hero tied up. Only to fall for the old we know what you've been doing since the start. This brilliant, the demon who "restored" Angel to his evil self was working for Giles all the time. (The whole Angel act has put a little doubt in Buffy's mind though)

The Mayors idea of a pick me up for Faith? Miniature Golf. There relationship is so Star Wars Episode III (although the emperor was not as corny and Aniken was really whiney) I see now that Faith has found the father figure that she was craving for and her decent  to the dark side is complete. (Although there is always a possibility for some kind of redemption I guess.) There is 2 minutes left please don't spoil this episode by giving a sobby ending. Buffy needs some time which is fair enough.

WOW! This is another brilliant episode that had many different twists and turns that I didn't see coming, I can't believe I'm doing this but........

10/10 (3 Brilliant episodes in a row, I see now why this is April's favorite season of the show.)

Well the stage is set for either a great run to a conclusion to this season, or a horrible train wreck. With 5 episodes to go we shall see.

See you next time Challengers, Same Buff time, Same Buff channel!

Buffy Challenge Post 24: Season 3: Episodes 14 - 15

Bad Girls

What does a title tell you about a show? You've been a bad girl Buffy? I doubt it.

I'm not sure that having a heart to heart while killing vampires is a great idea Faith. And as every female likes to do, she is bragging about her conquest from the last episode and wondering why Buffy hasn't joined the Xander Club? (once again I know, I know, cheesy!) What are friends for Faith? Leopard skin pants is not the best of looks also Faith. The Vampires that they were taking on seemed to be from the crusades.

In the mayors office with Trick and I agree Marmaduke is cool! The Mayor has a plan it seems, when Evil has a plan in this show it seems it can't be a good thing for our heroines. Willow is aiming high for Uni, she is one smart cookie. The dynamics of Xander and Cordelia's relationship is very interesting and as much as I hate to say it, Xander has no right to make any snide remarks about her, Especially comparing her to a Hooker.

"Chemistry is easy, it's a lot like witchcraft" well to me Chemistry is witchcraft. So the new watcher is here and he is another snooty know it all Brit! I hate him already. (another DC reference Kryptonite DC 12 Marvel 4) Love Faiths response to the new watcher! Faith has Buffy's measure she knows that deep down Buffy kinds of enjoys her after school job. Which seems to include grave robbing.

Faith is a free spirit that dives into situations head on without thinking twice. It strikes a great balance with Buffy's over cautious think everything out attitude. They make a great team and they get the prize they were looking for. It seems that Faith is bringing out the animal in Buffy, the raw emotion of slaying. Also she springs her from the test, kills some vamps and go disco dancing to the techno version of the show theme song. Faith is having too much fun.

From beauty to a disgusting looking demon who makes Jabba the Hut look like a super model. Faith has turned Buffy into a petty thief, there has to be something wrong with Faith as she is going though a destructive path and taking Buffy down with her. It seems to me that Faith is using this as an outlet for her lack of trust. She is rebelling against society and law. It is sort of sad in a way.

Ok, I find the make up and special effects for the demons in this show so ridiculous they are almost unwatchable. Willow is losing Buffy to Faith and her wild streak. This new watcher sucks. He is annoying and pretentious. It was bound to happen, Faiths reckless behavior has cost a man his life. Why is it so easy to kidnap watchers? The demon scene is crap, it just looks ridiculously corny and not menacing as a threat at all. Angel and Buffy go and save the watchers and Buffy shocks the demon to death.

The Mayor in his wacky sort of way summons the power to become invincible, and only has two more things off his checklist to complete. Buffy confronts Faith over her fatal mistake, it seems that she has taken the easy way out by dumping the body in the harbor and the ending was shocking in my opinion. Her lack of remorse is surprising. What will Buffy do?

Now this was a very interesting episode. All the Faith and Buffy scenes were wonderful, but the whole thing with the new watcher and the demon made the episode hard to watch.

so It gets a 6/10 due to the strong characterization of Faith and her decent into darkness. (if that was not in this episode it would of received a lower score a 2/10 since I thought the threat was terrible)

Consequences

Seeing what happen in the last episode with Faith, this is a wonderful title as I am eagerly awaiting the consequences of her actions.

Buffy has a real thing about water and drowning, and it seems that the actions of Faith in the last episode have haunted her. Love the PJ's Buffy. It seems Faiths attempt to drown the evidence of her killing a man wasn't good enough as the body has been found. Also the Deputy Mayor being killed is something that people will notice. Cordelia is hooking her claws into the new watcher. He seems to be smitten.

The new watcher wants to know who killed the deputy mayor and Buffy now has a moral dilemma on her hands. Faith has crossed the line now and she has forced Buffy into a corner. Amy is still a rat for those who don't know. (that way they don't have to pay the actress I guess.) CSI Sunnydale, staring Angel.

Trick has found evidence of a Slayer murdering the man and that has made the Mayor a happy camper. Buffy and Faith are now wondering why would a man in his position be in an alley at night? Buffy is haunted by what happen, Faith feels that this is a war that they are waging and there is bound to be civilian casualties. "we're warriors and better than others"

The detective on this case has interviewed both the girls and their stories do not match. Angel is piecing the pieces together from the shadows. Buffy is finally confiding with Willow as she has this eating away at her. FAITH YOU B****! how can you do this to Buffy. Good thing for Buffy that Giles can see though Faiths lies. Wesley Price over hears the conversation and Mr. Straight from the book is ready to spill the beans. (really like Willow's response to finding out that Xander was used by Faith)

Xander is fortunate that Angel was there to save him from the the black widow that is Faith. She has gone over the deep end and it seems that she has gone too far over to the dark side. Wesley has taken Faith into custody which lasted all of 30 seconds. Buffy confronts Faith about her change, this leads to an ambush by Trick and it almost ended in a disaster for Buffy if Faith didn't end us of Trick. This however has pushed her over the edge and Faith is now fully emmersed into the dark side of the Buffyverse.

This is by far the best episode of this show I have seen. It's emotionally strong and where it has placed Faith makes me really anticipating the future episodes.

10/10 (Truly Amazing writing and acting!)

So we have our second 10/10 in the Challenge and well deserved as this episode had everything that is good about this genre of shows.

Well the bar has been lifted quite high now Challengers. Until next time!

Buffy Challenge Post 23: Season 3: Episodes 12 - 13

Helpless

After the debacle of the challenge last night I feel it is only right to make it up with ....... Another Challenge entry.

Why can't a slayer and a cursed vampire train without any sexual tension? Now there finishing each others sentences. Angel is still hung up on Buffy, and Buffy is still letting him know that she is not going to fall in that trap again. So it's Buffy's birthday, and her gift from Giles is studying crystals, It seems that they read the script wrong as Buffy is ment to stake the vampire not the other way around. (I think it has something to do with the aura around her). The old put the stake in position and let the vampire fall on it and kill himself trick. I wonder if Vampire dust is easy to get out of your clothes?

Buffy seems to be in some bad shape vampire wise. Oh, Willow threw up on Woodstock, that is classical! So Xander really an Ice show is a show on ice? I would of never thought. So Dad breaks Buffy's heart and the trip to the Ice show is off. This episodes villain, evil brick layers? It makes sense that Buffy would like Giles to go instead as he is the closest thing to a father figure she has. Buffy looks like she is out of it big time and needles are never good what is going on? What is going on with Giles, if that really is Giles?

So Amy is still a rat and Willow is keeping her as a pet, that is hilarious. Buffy is losing her slayerness? (is slayerness a word? spell checker doesn't think so?) So there is a ritual for slayers have turned 18 and it does not look like fun at all. (DC comics reference Kryptonite talk between Xander and Oz, for your information Oz is correct, Red changes Superman's DNA, Gold Removes him of his powers. for more on different kryptonite check out Action Comics Annual 10, DC 8 Marvel 4 GO DC!) I better get back to the episode as I could be distracted by talk of kryptonite. It seems the Straight Jacket vampire has got loose.

So we find out the fate of Mr. Pointy, he was bronzed in the memory for Kendra. Angel reveals the first time he saw Buffy (it was a little creepy then and even so now with him explaining it.) So I've gathered that you should never keep a vampire for a pet as they have a tendency to bite you and turn you into a vampire. Didn't know there were red necks in Sunnydale. Without her powers it seems that Buffy even runs like a girl! Giles to the rescue in his rust bucket or the Gilesmobile. Giles is the one who has done this to Buffy? how can she trust him ever again? "if the world doesn't end, I'm going to need a note." I'll make sure that excuse is never used.

What a crappy birthday Buffy is having, Dad skips his annual trip to the Ice Show, she gets drugged and betrayed by the one man she trusts, which causes her to lose her power and now her mum has been kidnapped by a psycho vampire who ate his mother. This is intense, dark and down right scary until the vampire opened his mouth. Still this is showing the real strength of the character as she is a real hero by going into a situation with a monster without her physical strength but it shows her inner strength. I always wanted to go down a laundry shoot. it looks like so much fun. (maybe not when chased by a psychotic vampire.) That is a great way to defeat the problem, not by sheer strength by using her wit. Brilliant way of killing the vampire.

WHAT? GILES JUST GOT FIRED? That sucks! The council are wrong and I agree that Buffy is fighting the war while they are sitting back and waging one. At least he still has his librarian job to fall back on.

I have really mixed feeling about this episode, kind of slow but the last 10 minutes was intriguing loved the original vampire kill, and also the show of inner strength by Buffy was wonderful. (well done to Sarah Michelle Gellar on a fine job acting in this episode.) The ending was surprising to say the least but I would of liked Giles not to be fired and the tension of him being her watcher and Buffy not fully trusting him. We will see where this leads us.

7.5/10

This leads us to.........

The Zeppo

It must be a dream sequence as there is way too much smoke for it to be real. I hate the look of the demons in this show. No not a dream sequence, just a spell from Willow. Hey Faith is back! So Giles is still aloud to hang out with the kids. Xander leave the Slaying to the real strength of the show, the women. (Another DC comics reference!!!!! Xander pretending to be Jimmy Olsen! DC 10 Marvel 4, OK NOW I AM OFFICALLY A FAN OF THIS SHOW!) Why am I not surprised that Giles has no Idea what Xander is talking about. (Nothing better than a good Jimmy Olsen Joke BTW!) I've got a feeling this show will be about the emasculation of Xander. Someone seems to have  anger management problems. Now Xander is coping it. (Another Jimmy Olsen reference! DC 11!) He is the Jimmy Olsen of the group, Superman's pal, but for those who know Jimmy has had his share of misadventure with powers. I still think his power is annoying comments! I've lost count how many demons ultimate goal is to end the world. It's a full moon time already? I thought the full moon only come once every season.

I've got to say that the werewolf costume looks better every time it pops up. So Xander is looking for a Thing, the problem is it is not 1957. It seems to have the right effect on the ladies though. (yeah she must be evil!) Oh boy, lesson one kids, what not to do when you are already on the bad side of the school bully. That's right, hit his car with yours. First sign you not the watcher anymore, they don't leave you any jelly donuts. Xander what are you getting your self into? I know if I was dead for 8 months the first thing I would want to do when rasied is to catch up with my Chuck Norris fix in Walker Texas Ranger.

Whoa Willy is really messed up, this can't be good. I'm not sure where this episode is going. Xander is finding the whole car thing is not as good as it seems, Man Undead Jocks are so annoying. Yeah Xander are you too good to be dead? or do you have a problem with dead people? I am so losing the plot here, what is going on? Faith is one tough cookie! and she is making the moves on Xander! This episode is making no sense what so ever! Typical female! loves em and leaves em. We are not pieces of meat that you can use for your pleasure and then throw away, men have feelings also, I hate it when we are objectified for our bodies. Now this doesn't makes sense the guy is already dead, why would it really hurt to be dragged by a car?

Xander is trying to stop the bomb, while Giles is dealing with the funny looking snake demon from the end of the first season. (Another lesson learnt folks, an ax is for chopping.) Xander it's not the best idea to disarm a bomb with an Ax. WAY TO XANDER!!!! nice way to turn your fear around use it to your advantage. This Episode reminds me of my favorite episode of Justice League Unlimited, called "The greatest story never told" where my favourite hero Booster Gold saves the day without any recognition!

Well that was a fun episode, made little to no sense but fun!

8/10

Until next time......

Buffy Challenge Post 22: Season 3: Episodes 11 - and what I mistakenly thought was episode 12 but isn't

Ginger Bread

Lets get straight into this one shall we, a different start for this one, Mum thought she would hang out with Buffy while she slays and like all good mothers she has to give a running commentary on everything that is happening. I've got a feeling that Joyce should of stayed at home. "Won't somebody please think of the children!!!" and the teachers as they seem to be the real victims of this show. Dead kids with weird occult signs on their hands is never a good sign.

Is everything going to be ok Buffy? How are we going to solve the mystery of the dead kids in the park? As horrendous as this crime is I have to agree with Giles with on this one, you can't take this personal. Oh, Buffy's birthday is coming up, what to get the girl who kills vampires for a hobby? What is scarier than vampires and ghouls? Mum showing up unannounced at school that is what.

Mum has been busy and called all of Sunnydale to a protest of sort. Oh things are still awkward between Joyce and Giles. Is it me or does Willow's mother know NOTHING about her daughter. Mayor McSleaze is playing the crowd perfectly. Joyce is becoming a vigilante in her own right and is willing to tackle the evil head on! Did I mention that I hate the whole Willow is a witch thing? especially seeing that the symbol is on the rug that they are practicing their witchcraft. Get over it Xander, no one cares that you feel guilty about the whole Willow thing.

Buffy sees the symbol in Willow's notes and alarm bells ring while Synder pronounces this as "A Great day for Principles everywhere!" while the cops are cleaning out everyone's lockers at school, so that is what they mean by the saying "Witch hunt" as they arrest Amy and Willow is panicking as she is next to go. They're hitting the library hard and it seems Giles is ready to hit Synder hard. Couldn't the Mothers Opposed to the Occult come up with a better name? MOO indeed.

Willow is grounded for being a witch. There is a real difference between Buffy's relationship with her mum and the lack of one Willow has with her. So Joyce is the leader of MOO, good for her. Why are all the kids on this show so creepy? Buffy finds a shoulder to cry on in the form of Angel, it must be hard when your main purpose in life is being threatened by your mother. Angel gives some great advice to Buffy telling her that she needs to continue the good fight! The thing is Good always has to win, where as Evil only has to win once.

Some nice detective work there Buffy these kids are not just your normal run of the mill kids. It seems this has happen before. Me too Xander I'm spinning on the whole fairytales are real thing also. Willow is in serious trouble as it seems that the kids are demons who thrive on human predacious. I was just about to ask the same question as Cordelia, how many times has Giles been knocked out?

Never get a real witch angry as Amy shows her power, and turns herself into a rat and runs off! I wonder where they got those authentic looking stakes? If the whole popular girl act doesn't work for you, you could become a fireman instead. Uh the demon looks tacky but nice kill Buffy. It seems that Willow hasn't yet mastered the spell to change Amy back. Oh well I guess the wheel thingies will just have to do.

Not a bad episode, nice look at how mass hysteria over a different type of person can be disasterous. Also a good little mystery in the show with a nice tight ending. Crummy demon costume spoils it though.

7/10

Special Features

What an odd name for an episode..........

wait it is the special features on disk 3 of the 3rd season.

I think I'll leave it as a one shot for this post. Just so the balance doesn't get thrown out of whack.

Will have the next two up soon, PINKY SWEAR I PROMISE!

Buffy Challenge Post 21: Season 3: Episodes 9 - 10

The Wish

My wish is that this is a good episode and doesn't have any bad costumed monsters.

Oh boy, 15 seconds in and my hopes are dashed! That just looks terrible, squid head cops it with a knife from Buffy. Where is Faith? still moping. Don't try to project the blame for what you and Willow did Xander. It is not their fault, it is YOUR FAULT! Willow you must realize that you made your bed now lie in it! Cordelia is taking this really hard and I don't blame her! It is more than seeing her boyfriend making out with another woman but he endangered her life, and is showing no remorse for that part.

Willow is reduced to waiting for a non showing Oz. Cordelia has a new found attitude (I know this because of the heavy electric guitar music as she gets out of the car.) Or an old found attitude. THAT DRINK IS HUGE!!!! It's bigger than the guy's head. Cordelia's old friends are nasty! So Willow has approached Oz, and he wants nothing to do with her. Leave the man alone Willow, Oz has enough on his plate which doesn't include making you feel better.

Cordelia is coping it left, right and center. Introduce the new girl (yeah she is EVIL!) Here is the thing, Oz is not wanting revenge. He wants to be left alone, Cordelia on the other hand is making Xander suffer and rightfully so! When all else fails eat chocolate. Xander needs to know that he has crossed the line of friendship with Willow, they will never ever be the same again.

Never thought I'd see the day that Buffy would be giving life advice to Cordelia, Thank God that Vampire came right on time! But all it did was make Cordelia angry! Buffy now has a target on her..... what just happen? Ok now we are getting the "It's a wonderful life" episode of Buffy. (BTW if you haven't seen "It's a Wonderful Life" stop reading this and go hire it and come back, it's ok I'll wait!")

Cordelia is not going to like what her wish has brought her. (this reminds me of the saying "Be Careful what you Wish for..........You might just get it!) So Sunnydale has become a nightmare reality kind of like back to the future II! (another great film but a must after the first one, ok go and watch back to the future 1,2 and 3 back to back to back. it's the only way to see it!) Oh I like the look of vampire Willow! Vampire Xander not so much. (Bizarro Land another DC reference! DC 7 Mavel 4) At least Giles is the same.

The Bronze becomes a Vampire hang out! where Humans are on the menu. Ah crap the Master is back because Buffy wasn't here to kill him. What kind of hell is this? Cordelia is in trouble as Xander and Willow feed. So Cleveland is full of demonic activity, no wonder they built the Rock and Roll hall of fame there. Willow is a naughty vampire isn't she? Well it seems that even in this reality Xander hates Angel! Here comes Buffy of this reality who seems a lot like faith with her anger, the scar on her lip is a bit much don't you think. Also she is the real loner and it gives us a view of what this show would be like without the supporting characters to help her. (Also without the supporting characters the show wouldn't of lasted more than a season.)

Ok that is one of the most disgusting things I have seen, but it is pretty cool also! Human on tap! (for that fresh human blood taste.) Angel is dead, Xander is dead, Willow is dead and Buffy dies just as the alternative reality Giles sets things right on the faith that the world he lives in can't get any worse. And were back to the way things are just in time for the closing credits.

In the DC Universe we would call this an Elseworlds tale, or a What If? in Marvel, they are stories where things change to characters we know. I really enjoy those types of stories. This was a fun romp and I really did enjoy them looking at an alternative future!

8/10

Amends

Dublin, 1838, and Angel has a wonderful Irish accent and a cool mustache oh it's just a dream. I didn't know vampires dreamed. So it's a very Buffy Christmas episode. Is it me or does Buffy have a new hair cut? Angel is such a boring good guy, I liked "No soul" Angel much better. Anyway he sees the guy he killed in Dublin and freaks out.

Thank you Willow for reminding us that you are a Jewish Witch and you don't celebrate Christmas. Oz is such a good bloke, "It's a history that is in the past!" what a great line. Willow is lucky that she has a person like Oz in her life, I'm not sure I would be so forgiving. It seems that Joyce still remembers what happen during Band Candy as Giles is not invited to spend Christmas with the Summers.

More Angel nightmares as Faith is having problems with her T.V signal as she turns down Buffy's invite to dinner with the "party" excuse. It seems that Giles is not overly thrilled to see Angel (he did snap the neck of the woman he loved after all!) I wonder if Giles trusts Angel or not? I think the crossbow suggests not. Oh boy the torture continues for Angel as he sees the lives he took in this guilt trip that seems will never end. As we go back to the days of big side burns, Well I wanted to see Angel with a Mullet but I never thought it would happen in 1838. Ok shared dreams are never a good thing.

I wonder Buffy do you think that the thing that is wrong with Angel is that he is a Vampire with a soul? Xander surprises us by wanting to help with the Angel problem and Giles surprises no one by letting them know that they start with research. Great advice to Willow, Buffy. Oz does have to come first. Ok, who is this guy? they are just more people who suffered their fate at the hands of Angel. He is slowly going mad it seems. Who or what is behind this? is this the revenge of Jenny Calendar from beyond the Grave as it seems that she was the most vicious of all his kills.

Back to Willy's bar, for information. and all they get is go underground. Okay, Willow is trying really hard to impress Oz, break out the Barry White. (Btw the lemonade in the wine cooler is hilarious.) Willow throws herself at Oz and any normal teenager would of jumped but Oz is not a normal teenager (not only because he is a werewolf) he is a real man who loves Willow so much that he doesn't want to spoil it by meaningless sex. Faith comes around and hopefully this is her first step to trusting others. Angel has lost the plot. However Angel is willing to sacrifice himself to save Buffy, but that seems to be the ultimate goal of the Harbingers of Death. Is it me or did Buffy figure out what is going on before Giles? Oh and Buffy's smart comments before attacking are still not up to scratch.

So Buffy is dealing with the Ultimate Evil or the first Evil. Angel is dealing with the sins of the past and has lost hope. He feels that his only redemption is in death. Buffy does not accept that and will not let him take the easy way out of his pain. Of course in television, snow means a miracle and Angel is saved.

Such a let down to an emotional episode.  Too Angel centric for my liking but really deep looking into the area of guilt and how to deal with the sins of the past.

6/10

Till next time Challengers!