Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-19: The Price (written by David Fury, airdate 4/29/02)
Eeeewwww! Those translucent creepy-crawlies gave me the willies. And, man, talk about seriously deadly. Dark magic has a price and this one is nasty. I really enjoyed this episode a lot - especially that it brought back that whole creepy, terror kind of theme for an episode. Lots of great interplay with all the regulars. And even Lilah and Gavin got into some with their own one-upping each other. Of course, the ending was the shocker icing - "hi, Dad"???? Yowch.
B-19: Seeing Red (written by Steven S. DeKnight, airdate 5/7/02)
Lots of character interplay here too. Willow and Tara back together. Dawn ecstatic about it. Anya unable to focus on vengeance for others. And lots of needed talks - Dawn with Spike, Buffy with Xander, Spike with Buffy (though I could have done without the rape attempt), Spike with Clem, and of course Buffy finally facing the Trio. Nice of Jonathan to show his true side by tipping Buffy off, and Andrew showing his totally weenie-ness when his jet pack failed. Xander and Buffy make good as friends, but Warren isn't through yet. Damn! Another shocker ending. Two for two. Side note: Warren's stunt double is very obvious in the fight scene between he and Buffy. So obvious that it almost threw me out of the episode.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
DVD review - Angel season 3 / Buffy season 6 episode 18
Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-18: Double or Nothing (written by David H. Goodman, airdate 4/22/02)
While discovers that he has no place left to go after leaving the hospital, Gunn's past comes back to bite him. I enjoyed the idea of Mr. Jenoff and his casino - and how he basically contracts for souls. Interesting twist in that having someone fall in love with another is like promising their soul (here souls represent a future). Of course, Gunn goes too far in planning the perfect day with Fred, and she is way too smart to fall for the break up. Loved that Cordelia is back too and her first action is just to be there for Angel, waiting to listen when he is ready to talk and to help him over this hurdle. And, of course, she is key to the defeat of Jenoff when the cards don't go Angel's way. Great episode.
B6-18: Entropy (written by Drew Z. Greenberg, airdate 4/30/02)
I'm kind of getting sick of the Trio. They aren't a major threat yet their actions tend to cause personal mess-ups for the gang. Poor Anya and Xander - I wanted them to work it out but it just didn't happen. His poor communication and her scorned heart got in the way. Of course, having Halfrek around for guidance probably wasn't the best thing for Anya either (I'm really starting to hate Hallie). Interesting that Anya and Spike would end up comforting one another (in more ways than one) but that is just enough to ignite Xander's fury. And then, again with the poor communication, he not only manages to hurt Anya but Buffy too. Boy, he's going to out in the cold. On the plus side, Willow and Tara seem to be back to normal - but I have a feeling that Tara's decision to forgo the period of regaining trust is going to come back to bite them big time. That's just the way this season seems to be going. Can we get back to happy-monster-hunting please?
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-18: Double or Nothing (written by David H. Goodman, airdate 4/22/02)
While discovers that he has no place left to go after leaving the hospital, Gunn's past comes back to bite him. I enjoyed the idea of Mr. Jenoff and his casino - and how he basically contracts for souls. Interesting twist in that having someone fall in love with another is like promising their soul (here souls represent a future). Of course, Gunn goes too far in planning the perfect day with Fred, and she is way too smart to fall for the break up. Loved that Cordelia is back too and her first action is just to be there for Angel, waiting to listen when he is ready to talk and to help him over this hurdle. And, of course, she is key to the defeat of Jenoff when the cards don't go Angel's way. Great episode.
B6-18: Entropy (written by Drew Z. Greenberg, airdate 4/30/02)
I'm kind of getting sick of the Trio. They aren't a major threat yet their actions tend to cause personal mess-ups for the gang. Poor Anya and Xander - I wanted them to work it out but it just didn't happen. His poor communication and her scorned heart got in the way. Of course, having Halfrek around for guidance probably wasn't the best thing for Anya either (I'm really starting to hate Hallie). Interesting that Anya and Spike would end up comforting one another (in more ways than one) but that is just enough to ignite Xander's fury. And then, again with the poor communication, he not only manages to hurt Anya but Buffy too. Boy, he's going to out in the cold. On the plus side, Willow and Tara seem to be back to normal - but I have a feeling that Tara's decision to forgo the period of regaining trust is going to come back to bite them big time. That's just the way this season seems to be going. Can we get back to happy-monster-hunting please?
Monday, July 13, 2009
DVD review - Angel season 3 / Buffy season 6 episode 17
Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-17: Forgiving (written by Jeffrey Bell, airdate 4/15/02)
Wow! Justine is angry for Holtz abandoning her and the gang. Angel wants someone to hit - and it'll either be Linwood from W&H or Sahjahn who opened the portal to Quor-toth. Loved the White Room (good brief role by young Kay Panabaker - who has gone on to do a lot over on the Disney Channel). Not surprising that Fred would be the one to try to keep the group together - to see why Wesley did what he did. With Cordelia still away, she provides that extra glue. But Angel wants none of that! Even when they all find out that Sahjahn altered the prophecy (as it originally implied that Connor would be the death of Sahjahn) to get rid of the child, Angel is still angry. That final scene in the hospital - powerful! And scary! I can see that though as that would be a typical parental response if someone close to them betrayed them, as Wes did, even if it was the wrong thing for the right intentions.
B6-17: Normal Again (written by Diego Gutierrez, airdate 3/12/02)
The Trio's demon stabs Buffy and makes her flip back and forth between Sunnydale and a mental facility in LA. Which is the reality and which is the delusion? I like how the story leaves that open for interpretation. Would Buffy be better off as the Slayer or a normal young woman? It is interesting that it is the talk with Spike that pushes her towards one road, and then the talk with Joyce pushes her towards the other. Meanwhile, Xander does return after last episode and realizes he still loves Anya but was not ready for marriage yet. A good episode.
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-17: Forgiving (written by Jeffrey Bell, airdate 4/15/02)
Wow! Justine is angry for Holtz abandoning her and the gang. Angel wants someone to hit - and it'll either be Linwood from W&H or Sahjahn who opened the portal to Quor-toth. Loved the White Room (good brief role by young Kay Panabaker - who has gone on to do a lot over on the Disney Channel). Not surprising that Fred would be the one to try to keep the group together - to see why Wesley did what he did. With Cordelia still away, she provides that extra glue. But Angel wants none of that! Even when they all find out that Sahjahn altered the prophecy (as it originally implied that Connor would be the death of Sahjahn) to get rid of the child, Angel is still angry. That final scene in the hospital - powerful! And scary! I can see that though as that would be a typical parental response if someone close to them betrayed them, as Wes did, even if it was the wrong thing for the right intentions.
B6-17: Normal Again (written by Diego Gutierrez, airdate 3/12/02)
The Trio's demon stabs Buffy and makes her flip back and forth between Sunnydale and a mental facility in LA. Which is the reality and which is the delusion? I like how the story leaves that open for interpretation. Would Buffy be better off as the Slayer or a normal young woman? It is interesting that it is the talk with Spike that pushes her towards one road, and then the talk with Joyce pushes her towards the other. Meanwhile, Xander does return after last episode and realizes he still loves Anya but was not ready for marriage yet. A good episode.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
DVD review - Angel season 3 / Buffy season 6 episode 16
Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-16: Sleep Tight (written by David Greenwalt, airdate 3/4/02)
Wes should have known that when Holtz offered him a bite of the apple that this was clearly a "Garden of Eden" reference. Still, Wes is blinded by concern over Connor that he fails to realize that his own betrayal of his friends would be quickly mirrored by betrayal by the enemy. Not good and something that is going to present a problem in future episodes (assuming Wes survives that slashing to the neck from Justine). Meanwhile, we see what levels Lilah will stoop too - tainting Angel's pigs-blood stock with the blood of his own son (twisted). Of course, everyone wants the baby except Sahjhan who just wants him dead. Still, the twist comes when Holtz does something no one suspected - takes the baby into another dimension, leaving a very grieving father Angel. This season just gets better and better.
B6-16: Hell's Bells (written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner, airdate 3/5/02)
Man, talk about dysfunctional family. It is a wonder Xander turned out halfway decent given his parents and such. Sad. Even sadder - the gushing bride Anya gets left at the altar. She clearly loved Xander, but his own fears of what he might become - even if those future images were faked - lead to a very unhappy ending for the couple. Loved how Dawn is very uncomfortable around Halfrek now. A shame Halfrek didn't get a scene with Spike before he and his skank date took off. Oh, and Buffy cannot stall/lie worth a darn. And, in the end, we are left wondering - will Anya, now scorned, go back to her path of being a vengeance demon? I hope not as I really enjoy this secondary character a lot.
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-16: Sleep Tight (written by David Greenwalt, airdate 3/4/02)
Wes should have known that when Holtz offered him a bite of the apple that this was clearly a "Garden of Eden" reference. Still, Wes is blinded by concern over Connor that he fails to realize that his own betrayal of his friends would be quickly mirrored by betrayal by the enemy. Not good and something that is going to present a problem in future episodes (assuming Wes survives that slashing to the neck from Justine). Meanwhile, we see what levels Lilah will stoop too - tainting Angel's pigs-blood stock with the blood of his own son (twisted). Of course, everyone wants the baby except Sahjhan who just wants him dead. Still, the twist comes when Holtz does something no one suspected - takes the baby into another dimension, leaving a very grieving father Angel. This season just gets better and better.
B6-16: Hell's Bells (written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner, airdate 3/5/02)
Man, talk about dysfunctional family. It is a wonder Xander turned out halfway decent given his parents and such. Sad. Even sadder - the gushing bride Anya gets left at the altar. She clearly loved Xander, but his own fears of what he might become - even if those future images were faked - lead to a very unhappy ending for the couple. Loved how Dawn is very uncomfortable around Halfrek now. A shame Halfrek didn't get a scene with Spike before he and his skank date took off. Oh, and Buffy cannot stall/lie worth a darn. And, in the end, we are left wondering - will Anya, now scorned, go back to her path of being a vengeance demon? I hope not as I really enjoy this secondary character a lot.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
DVD review - Angel season 3 / Buffy season 6 episode 15
Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-15: Loyalty (written by Mere Smith, airdate 2/25/02)
I'm not liking the road Wesley is taking in this arc. I get that he's now concerned about the prophecy and having, literally, Connor's blood on his hands. But he's going from his usually likeable self to a much darker place. Now, his conversation with the animated burger-order-unit was rather interesting (liked the animation on that). Still, he's going to be looking for signs all the time and reading way too much into everything folks do and say. Plus, he's giving Gunn and Fred a hard time for coupling and that's wrong. They make a cute couple. Meanwhile, I liked how Lilah has one up on Sanjhan - seems lawyers are worse than century old demons.
B6-15: As You Were (written by Douglas Petrie, airdate 2/26/02)
You know it's bad when the vamps say you stink. The mundane work life is the least of Buffy's problems though. First Riley is back and needs your help - yeah. Oh - he's married to Sam - boo. Buffy turns to Spike to feel "loved" - yeah. Oh - Riley catches her - boo. And Spike is "the Doctor" - bigger boo. At least Buffy realized that she was using Spike for her own needs and is ready to do something about it. Hopefully though he won't take no for an answer. Love the tension with the two. I did enjoy the stressing of Xander and Anya as the wedding is only a week away. A lot of couples go through that - even when you don't have to deal with drunkard family members and demon friends. Looking forward to the nuptuals.
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-15: Loyalty (written by Mere Smith, airdate 2/25/02)
I'm not liking the road Wesley is taking in this arc. I get that he's now concerned about the prophecy and having, literally, Connor's blood on his hands. But he's going from his usually likeable self to a much darker place. Now, his conversation with the animated burger-order-unit was rather interesting (liked the animation on that). Still, he's going to be looking for signs all the time and reading way too much into everything folks do and say. Plus, he's giving Gunn and Fred a hard time for coupling and that's wrong. They make a cute couple. Meanwhile, I liked how Lilah has one up on Sanjhan - seems lawyers are worse than century old demons.
B6-15: As You Were (written by Douglas Petrie, airdate 2/26/02)
You know it's bad when the vamps say you stink. The mundane work life is the least of Buffy's problems though. First Riley is back and needs your help - yeah. Oh - he's married to Sam - boo. Buffy turns to Spike to feel "loved" - yeah. Oh - Riley catches her - boo. And Spike is "the Doctor" - bigger boo. At least Buffy realized that she was using Spike for her own needs and is ready to do something about it. Hopefully though he won't take no for an answer. Love the tension with the two. I did enjoy the stressing of Xander and Anya as the wedding is only a week away. A lot of couples go through that - even when you don't have to deal with drunkard family members and demon friends. Looking forward to the nuptuals.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
DVD review - Angel season 3 / Buffy season 6 episode 14
Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-14: Couplet (written by Minear and Bell, airdate 2/18/02)
Both Angel and Wes find themselves odd men out when Cordelia focuses her attentions on Groo and Fred gets closer to Gunn. Some great character stuff in this one - like Cordy wanting Groo so much and how she gives him a makeover to look exactly like Angel (clearly Freud would have something to say about that!), Angel constantly down-grading Groo (his height) and being protective of his weapons and clothes, Gunn and Fred being such a cute couple - so much so they fail to miss the man they were sent to observe, and of course that nasty tree-life-sucking thing (ick!). Love how Angel got to take his frustrations out on Groo and at the same time save the day by making himself the bait. The last bit with what Wes uncovered from the prophecies is concerning: the father will kill the son. Yipes!
B6-14: Older and Faraway (written by Drew Z. Greenberg, airdate 2/12/02)
Buffy's birthday once again turns out chaotic, this time thanks to Dawn's tired of being left alone all the time. Love how Spike showed up with Clem, and the guy Xander and Anya wanted to hook Buffy up was clearly a "red shirt" (even dressed the part). Good to see Willow and Tara getting some needed reconciliation of sorts - loved how Tara stood up to Anya when things got really hairy. Of course, the best part was how Anya figured it all out and got Halfrek to appear (and how Halfrek called Spike "William" - clearly she knew him from his pre-vampire days). All in all, a decent episode - as Dawn's kleptomania gets addressed as well.
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-14: Couplet (written by Minear and Bell, airdate 2/18/02)
Both Angel and Wes find themselves odd men out when Cordelia focuses her attentions on Groo and Fred gets closer to Gunn. Some great character stuff in this one - like Cordy wanting Groo so much and how she gives him a makeover to look exactly like Angel (clearly Freud would have something to say about that!), Angel constantly down-grading Groo (his height) and being protective of his weapons and clothes, Gunn and Fred being such a cute couple - so much so they fail to miss the man they were sent to observe, and of course that nasty tree-life-sucking thing (ick!). Love how Angel got to take his frustrations out on Groo and at the same time save the day by making himself the bait. The last bit with what Wes uncovered from the prophecies is concerning: the father will kill the son. Yipes!
B6-14: Older and Faraway (written by Drew Z. Greenberg, airdate 2/12/02)
Buffy's birthday once again turns out chaotic, this time thanks to Dawn's tired of being left alone all the time. Love how Spike showed up with Clem, and the guy Xander and Anya wanted to hook Buffy up was clearly a "red shirt" (even dressed the part). Good to see Willow and Tara getting some needed reconciliation of sorts - loved how Tara stood up to Anya when things got really hairy. Of course, the best part was how Anya figured it all out and got Halfrek to appear (and how Halfrek called Spike "William" - clearly she knew him from his pre-vampire days). All in all, a decent episode - as Dawn's kleptomania gets addressed as well.
Comics of the Week (7/8/09)
Booster Gold #22 - another mission into the past - this time to save Dick Grayson. Booster ends up in the early days of the New Teen Titans. Dan Jurgens does a pretty good job with this. The only obvious thing I noticed - he doesn't do anything with Changeling and very little with Kid Flash. Expected more out of those two during the fight. Ah well. The Blue Beetle back up was okay - seems to be a little rushed as the transitions between scenes seem non-existent.
Green Lantern #43 - the prologue to Blackest Night is here, and we get a detailed look into the past of Black Hand. Once again, Geoff Johns takes a classic villain with little to them and turns them into a very interesting and exciting character. Nice. This crossover event is going to rock!
Green Lantern #43 - the prologue to Blackest Night is here, and we get a detailed look into the past of Black Hand. Once again, Geoff Johns takes a classic villain with little to them and turns them into a very interesting and exciting character. Nice. This crossover event is going to rock!
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