Continuing with my viewing and reviewing of season 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
***SPOILERS***
Episode 5: Homecoming
Synopsis: As Buffy and Cordelia vie for the Homecoming Queen title, they are targeted by a group of killers preparing for "SlayerFest '98". (written by David Greenwalt, airdate 11/3/98)
This was a fun, fun episode. First, there the whole "how will I be remembered" angle that every high schooler faces at some point. Mix that with the competive angle of the annual Homecoming Queen competition and you have something any of us can relate to (due to our own high school memories). Now, mix in a different sort of competition - SlayerFest '98 (love that title) where a bunch of various loonies are out to bag the local slayers and that makes for a more interesting set of events.
I love the interplay between Buffy and Cordelia, both during the vote-getting campaigns and later when they are fighting for their lives. Cordie and the spatula - that was pure comedy. Throw in the return of the Goluch brother and his bride - and how Cordelia stood her ground to him (hilarious).
Two other great points - the first appearance of the Mayor and his bringing in Mr. Trick to be part of his "team". That can't bode well to be sure. And, most importantly, that "moment" between Xander and Willow as they can't fight that long building attraction between one another. Hopefully they won't give in to this right away as I like them coupled with Cordelia and Oz respectively, but I know eventually it will come back up.
Great fun! Awesome episode on a few levels. The comedy timing on the thing overall was fantastic. Particularly the montage scene during the campaigning. Great use of music for timeshifting. This was a great way for us to get a look at old (movie) Buffy, back from before her Sunnydale days, and how Cordy-like she must have been (RANDOM TRIVIA: Did you know that SMG got involved in this show because she came in to read for the part of Cordy?). And the rest of the gang having to be torn between the two of them - very funny. Imagine telling Xander and Willow in season 1 that they'd be helping Cordy out for homecoming and not Buffy?
ReplyDeleteLove how the gang got them together with the whole limo thing, but much more what that led to...Slayerfest!! LOVE that Mr. Trick and the way he thinks. Perfect setup, with the gals being pitted against each other all episode and now having to count on each other to stay alive (and loved the "Over there...by the PHONE?" thing). There was a great moment there that just slipped right past us - in the cabin, Cordy asked Buffy why she even cares about all the homecoming stuff with all the things she can do? That flew right by Buffy, too, but that was actually a pretty heavy veiled compliment. Buried in that comment was some slayer respect on Cordy's part.
So yes, fabulous "Defiant Ones" situation for the gals. And glad the surviving brother survived again (but needs to find a new fiancee). Great surprise ending (the tie that neither of them was part of). And yes, the mayor and Mr. Trick. This could well be a bad omen...