Continuing with my viewing and reviewing of season 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and season 1 of Angel...
***SPOILERS***
B4-6: Wild At Heart
Synopsis: Willow's feelings of jealousy over a sexy singer at the Bronze are confirmed when she discovers the woman is a werewolf who has her on Oz. (written by Marti Noxon, airdate 11/9/99)
Marti's signature is all over this episode - strong characterization and relationship drama - and she does it so well. Add to that the acting of Allyson and Seth and we're treated a wonderful, heart-breaking episode. Kudos all around. Besides the culmination of the Veruca story arc (really, could it have ended any other way than Oz putting her down permanently? But even in death, she had the last laugh - putting a final nail in the relationship-coffin of Willow and Oz - for now, at least), we get some great smaller character bits too. Buffy's disappointment that vampires don't even enjoy her well crafted puns. Spike's big speech about being back, only to get tagged out by the Initiative guys. Giles hanging out at the Bronze and Oz's giving him props on his music collection. Willow going to see Xander for a guy's perspective and him giving her good, old friend advice - talk about the problem with each other. Finally, Giles watching Jeopardy and calling the contestant an idiot when he gets the question wrong. All outstanding stuff. A very solid episode all the way around.
A1-6: Sense and Sensitivity
Synopsis: A sensitivity seminar for Kate's police squad backfires with near disastrous results when Angel tries to discover who has taken a contract out on Kate's life. (written by Tim Minnear, airdate 11/9/99)
Ugh - this was not a good episode. Sure, I appreciate the focus on the character of Kate, the increased working relatiohship between she and Angel, and a futher look into the manipulative abilities of Wolfram and Hart. BUT, the whole sensitivity training and the use of that, with magic, to cause chaos at the police precinct just to break out Little Tony was kind of lame. And, did you notice: during the training session everyone else had their first name on their tags but moderator Allen Lloyd had "Lloyd" on his? Can you say "prop goof"? This one just didn't do it for me at all. The worst of the season so far by a mile.
2 comments:
BUFFY (WILD AT HEART): Noooooo!!!
(RE: Oz taking off)
Wow, heavy episode, huh? Could only come from Marti. First off, the actress playing Veruca? WORST LIP-SYNCER EVER!!! I wanted to throw stuff at the TV screen. Ian (lead singer of Dingoes) was bad enough, but she's just HORRible! Oh, here's a bit of neat trivia - she and Seth Green had a scene together in "Can't Hardly Wait", one of my favorite high school movies ever. She was the one who shot him down at the party with the "Chester Cheetoes" story. Also, the tattoos we see on Veruca are the actress' actual tattoos. A very tragic and gripping episode. Nice Faith/Buffy feel to the Veruca/Oz perspectives on power and responsibility. Did Oz make some bad choices here? Yeah, but apparently for noble reasons. But what an emotional wringer! This is the sweet love story (Willow and Oz) that all the fans get behind, and to see it torn apart like this - ouch! Fantastic performance from both of them, particularly Aly, who cries really, really well (I kept looking for a "hug" button on my remote so I could give her one). And then, after the big scary showdown, Oz must drive off into the sunset. Again, I say - Noooooooooo!!!
And yes, Spike back and then zapped. Hmmmm. He does seem like he might be around for more than an ep or two this time, doesn't he?
ANGEL (SENSE AND SENSITIVITY): I didn't hate it. Sure, kind of a goofy plot idea, but provided for some comedy. I was mainly stoked just to get more KATE - because I'm so, so in love with her and could look into those eyes all day! Eye candy element aside, her performance in this was amazing. She got to play a whole range, from the quiet, tired routine with her distant father to the goofy, drunk-seeming euphoria to the tears and revelations at dad's party. I felt her, man. She did good. And I really loved, when they beat Tony, the moment between Angel and Kate, still under the influence: "You." "No, you." Made me laugh. Not great, but I thought it was okay.
I'm not a huge Kate fan. Not sure why. Doesn't do much for me at all. I think it is how the character dresses.
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