Continuing with my viewing and reviewing of season 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and season 1 of Angel...
***SPOILERS***
B4-8: Pangs
Synopsis: Warned that Buffy may be in great danger, Angel returns to Sunnydale just as the spirit of a Chumash warrior rises to avenge the death of his people. (written by Jane Espenson, airdate 11/23/99)
Ah, nothing like a rousing Thanksgiving themed episode with heated debate about the wronging of the native Americans and anxiety over the perfect meal with friends to add up to a lot of fun. Throw in Angel, back because of Doyle's vision, to protect Buffy but remain unseen by her and you've got a nice recipe for a good episode. Anya once again delivers the goods - first with her lusty thoughts over Xander doing some digging for the groundbreaking ceremony and then her later providing caregiving, of sorts, when he comes down with ancient illnesses from the buried mission. And how about Xander - the only disease on the list that freaks him out is syphyllus (we know what Xander thinks with). Willow and Giles provide the heated debate over the wrongs to the ancient Chumash tribe, while Spike, now homeless and hungry - even Harmony kicked him to the curb, provides the only clear view of the situation (gotta love when Spike spills out the truth, whether you agree with it or not). Throughout, Buffy is like a woman possessed in trying to make for the perfect Thanksgiving meal (don't ever come between the chef and her meal, trust me). The seige of Giles' home brings all parties together - and watching as Spike helplessly gets shot with arrow after arrow tops it all off very humorously. Angel, of course, departs without a word to Buffy (which I am sure freaked out all the fan-girls with the "so close and yet so far" reunion) - but leave it Xander to spill the beans just before the fade-out. A nice crossover of sorts between the two shows.
A1-8: I Will Remember You
Synopsis: When exposure to demon blood causes Angel to become mortal, he must decide whether or not to renew his relationship with Buffy. (written by Greenwalt and Renshaw, airdate 11/23/99)
I guess the above mentioned fan-girls got what they wanted then with this episode, the follow-up of the crossover night. Buff comes to LA, upset that Angel was in Sunnydale but never spoke to her. They talk, they fight (a demon, that is), they talk some more, Angel fights solo, then Angel turns mortal. You know that allows the writers a chance to give the couple a taste of normalcy - and boy do they taste (not just talking about Angel being able to enjoy real food again either)! I loved seeing Cordelia being her usual snarky self where Buffy is concerned and her being concerned about her own possible unemployment. Way to focus on yourself, Cordy. Of course, Angel has to be the true example of selflessness - sacrificing his own new found mortality so that he can be there to save Buffy in the future when he is needed. The Oracles grant his request to turn back time 24 hours, but he will be the only one who remembers what happened. More angst and dark brooding for our vampire hero as only he knows what true bliss he and Buffy shared but cannot again. Tragic indeed, but a good episode.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Comics of the Week (5/06/09)
the Flash: Rebirth #2 (of 5) - I'm loving seeing Barry Allen with more of a CSI feel to his police business. That's a perfect fit for the character. The mystery continues with the Speed Force, Barry's return and what impact it has on the other speedsters. Johns and Van Sciver are doing a fantastic job on bringing this character back for a whole new generation and us old time fans from the Silver Age.
Power Girl #1 - I got this new series because of the JSA tie and a long time love of the character. The issue was okay - not thrilled with the art so much. Oh, and the breast jokes need to be toned down a lot. Yes, we get it - she has huge knockers. Don't beat us over the head with it, guys. I may give this book six months to gel - if it doesn't, it is drop city.
Solomon Grundy #3 (of 7) - this issue Grundy takes on Poison Ivy. I'm continuing to enjoy Scott Kollins's take on the character, but I am glad this is only a mini. Grundy could get boring after awhile as a full time series.
Strange Adventures #3 (of 8) - this follow up by Starlin and company is okay, but not great-great. Still, it is good to see DC's space heroes active regularly and these mini's seem a good vehicle for that. Starlin is definitely a big picture guy so it might not all make sense until we get closer to the end.
Trinity #49 (of 52) - okay, more battle with Krona but the end is a doozie. Trying to figure how Busiek and Bagley will resolve this one with three more issues to go. Looking forward to it ending in three weeks.
Power Girl #1 - I got this new series because of the JSA tie and a long time love of the character. The issue was okay - not thrilled with the art so much. Oh, and the breast jokes need to be toned down a lot. Yes, we get it - she has huge knockers. Don't beat us over the head with it, guys. I may give this book six months to gel - if it doesn't, it is drop city.
Solomon Grundy #3 (of 7) - this issue Grundy takes on Poison Ivy. I'm continuing to enjoy Scott Kollins's take on the character, but I am glad this is only a mini. Grundy could get boring after awhile as a full time series.
Strange Adventures #3 (of 8) - this follow up by Starlin and company is okay, but not great-great. Still, it is good to see DC's space heroes active regularly and these mini's seem a good vehicle for that. Starlin is definitely a big picture guy so it might not all make sense until we get closer to the end.
Trinity #49 (of 52) - okay, more battle with Krona but the end is a doozie. Trying to figure how Busiek and Bagley will resolve this one with three more issues to go. Looking forward to it ending in three weeks.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
DVD review - Buffy season 4/Angel season 1 episodes 7
Continuing with my viewing and reviewing of season 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and season 1 of Angel...
***SPOILERS***
B4-7: The Initiative
Synopsis: Buffy begins a relationship with Riley Finn unaware that he is part of a military organization tracking down and experimenting on the demons and vampires of Sunnydale. (written by Douglas Petrie, airdate 11/16/99)
Some really outstanding moments and scenes through out this episode. Let's start with Riley and his buddies - turns out they are part of the commando squad that is rounding up the monsters of Sunnydale behind Buffy's back. Their operations are located in the underground of the Frat house and who is in charge? That woman professor! Damn! Didn't see that coming. Of course, all hell breaks loose when Spike wakes up in captivity and wants out (thinking Buffy is behind it all with some heavy backing - gotta love his one-track hatred of the Slayer). He gets out with his usual style, showing he is out for number-one when he sacrifices an fellow captive to make good his escape. He runs back to Harmony and then dumps her butt again. That leads to the next funny stuff: Xander and Giles. What a team these two make! Talk about opposites attract. Love Xander's military novel narrative to which Giles responds "oh shut up". Then they split so Xander can have another great scene - a slap fight with Harmony, and he loses. Bwahahaha. Love that Xander. She spills about Spike being back, so Xander runs to tell Buffy (as a good follower would do). Where is she? Out at a party with Willow, trying to cheer Willow up after Oz left. Great scenes here and earlier between Willow and Riley - she giving the bitter woman's view but still helping him ("she likes cheese" and "she has a stuffed pig named Gordo"). She heads home before Xander arrives with the news. Buffy makes an exit. Riley and the boys need to go too due to Spike's escape. Riley and Buffy have that awkward "I'm pretending to be normal" conversation but each is really after the same thing - Spike. Where's our favorite villain vamp? Attacking Willow - but he can't. Loved that conversation - even in a deadly situation Willow is trying to make someone feel better about their performance (or lack thereof). Big fight in the dorm - no one can see so Buffy and Riley don't realize they are fighting one another. That's going to suck when the truth comes out, eh? In the end, we do find out that Spike's "problem" is due to an implant that suppresses his ability to do violence. Nice. He's going to be so pissed. Great episode all around. Oh, and James took Seth's place in the credits. That is with mixed feelings - yeah, more Spike but boo, less Oz. Ah well.
A1-7: the Bachelor Party
Synopsis: Doyle nearly loses his mind when he and Angel are invited to attend a bachelor party given by his ex-wife's new fiancee, an Ano-Movic demon. (written by Tracey Stern, airdate 11/16/99)
Revelations about this episode about Francis Doyle ("Francis" - LOL). First, he has a wife (of four years - not yet divorced), married when 20, presented as a demon at 21, used to teach 3rd grade and volunteered at soup kitchens (the later two Cordelia learns at the ex-wife's shower). So, he is more and more complex - like that. Doyle realizes as the episode goes on why the marriage didn't work - it wasn't that he was a demon (she's going to marry another one and she likes to study demon culture) - it was him. Cordelia too sees a new light in Doyle when her dull date who is rich and handsome (her usual) turns out to be a coward too - Doyle has to save her from a vamp. She fears she might be going down the 'Xander Harris road' again. Shout out! She needs a Xander-type, the yin to her yang. The bachelor party has a nice twist, thanks to the Ano-Movic tradition of the new husband to be eating the brains of the previous husband (so he can share the love the first two had as well). Ew, sick. And so casually presented here. Hilarious and sick. Doyle realizes he has to embrace his demon side to escape and help Angel stave off the demon-men, but it is the ex-wife who puts in the final blow - she won't marry someone who embraces such a pointless tradition. A good episode but clearly lacking in comparison to its lead-in (again).
***SPOILERS***
B4-7: The Initiative
Synopsis: Buffy begins a relationship with Riley Finn unaware that he is part of a military organization tracking down and experimenting on the demons and vampires of Sunnydale. (written by Douglas Petrie, airdate 11/16/99)
Some really outstanding moments and scenes through out this episode. Let's start with Riley and his buddies - turns out they are part of the commando squad that is rounding up the monsters of Sunnydale behind Buffy's back. Their operations are located in the underground of the Frat house and who is in charge? That woman professor! Damn! Didn't see that coming. Of course, all hell breaks loose when Spike wakes up in captivity and wants out (thinking Buffy is behind it all with some heavy backing - gotta love his one-track hatred of the Slayer). He gets out with his usual style, showing he is out for number-one when he sacrifices an fellow captive to make good his escape. He runs back to Harmony and then dumps her butt again. That leads to the next funny stuff: Xander and Giles. What a team these two make! Talk about opposites attract. Love Xander's military novel narrative to which Giles responds "oh shut up". Then they split so Xander can have another great scene - a slap fight with Harmony, and he loses. Bwahahaha. Love that Xander. She spills about Spike being back, so Xander runs to tell Buffy (as a good follower would do). Where is she? Out at a party with Willow, trying to cheer Willow up after Oz left. Great scenes here and earlier between Willow and Riley - she giving the bitter woman's view but still helping him ("she likes cheese" and "she has a stuffed pig named Gordo"). She heads home before Xander arrives with the news. Buffy makes an exit. Riley and the boys need to go too due to Spike's escape. Riley and Buffy have that awkward "I'm pretending to be normal" conversation but each is really after the same thing - Spike. Where's our favorite villain vamp? Attacking Willow - but he can't. Loved that conversation - even in a deadly situation Willow is trying to make someone feel better about their performance (or lack thereof). Big fight in the dorm - no one can see so Buffy and Riley don't realize they are fighting one another. That's going to suck when the truth comes out, eh? In the end, we do find out that Spike's "problem" is due to an implant that suppresses his ability to do violence. Nice. He's going to be so pissed. Great episode all around. Oh, and James took Seth's place in the credits. That is with mixed feelings - yeah, more Spike but boo, less Oz. Ah well.
A1-7: the Bachelor Party
Synopsis: Doyle nearly loses his mind when he and Angel are invited to attend a bachelor party given by his ex-wife's new fiancee, an Ano-Movic demon. (written by Tracey Stern, airdate 11/16/99)
Revelations about this episode about Francis Doyle ("Francis" - LOL). First, he has a wife (of four years - not yet divorced), married when 20, presented as a demon at 21, used to teach 3rd grade and volunteered at soup kitchens (the later two Cordelia learns at the ex-wife's shower). So, he is more and more complex - like that. Doyle realizes as the episode goes on why the marriage didn't work - it wasn't that he was a demon (she's going to marry another one and she likes to study demon culture) - it was him. Cordelia too sees a new light in Doyle when her dull date who is rich and handsome (her usual) turns out to be a coward too - Doyle has to save her from a vamp. She fears she might be going down the 'Xander Harris road' again. Shout out! She needs a Xander-type, the yin to her yang. The bachelor party has a nice twist, thanks to the Ano-Movic tradition of the new husband to be eating the brains of the previous husband (so he can share the love the first two had as well). Ew, sick. And so casually presented here. Hilarious and sick. Doyle realizes he has to embrace his demon side to escape and help Angel stave off the demon-men, but it is the ex-wife who puts in the final blow - she won't marry someone who embraces such a pointless tradition. A good episode but clearly lacking in comparison to its lead-in (again).
Thursday, May 7, 2009
DVD review - Buffy season 4/Angel season 1 episodes 6
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.
***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.
Monday, May 4, 2009
DVD review - Buffy season 4/Angel season 1 episodes 5
Continuing with my viewing and reviewing of season 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and season 1 of Angel...
***SPOILERS***
B4-5: Beer Bad
Synopsis: Buffy starts behaving strangely after sharing a pitcher of Black Frost beer with a group of fellow college students at the campus pub where Xander bartends. (written by Tracey Forbes, airdate 11/2/99)
Ah, the much-needed lesson of drinking in college (albeit a little heavy handed on the moral lesson). Buffy learns the hard way that feeling all depressed over Parker (constantly daydreaming about getting back together with him) combined with underage drinking can lead to no-good. Especially when the no-good is augmented by a magical spell by the bar owner to the Black Frost beer that some know-it-all guys like to drink. Beer bad indeed. The episode quicky digresses into all Quest-For-Fire-y in no time flat. But it gives Xander, now with on-campus purpose as a bartender at the local pub, a chance to play the hero/protector. Amazing how he is such a master of "caveman-speak", isn't it? Willow, meanwhile, is all worried about Oz's newfound interest in mysterious singer Veruca. However, she is willing to talk to Parker and tell him exactly what he has done to hurt Buffy. She almost seems to totally get where he is coming from, but he then tries to make a move on her. Luckily our Willow is too smart to fall for that neanderthal way of thinking. But, when the converted caveboys crash, all hell breaks loose with fire and smoke. Even in cave-mode, Buffy recognizes a friend in need and plays the hero - even if she has a little fun doing it (clubbing Parker once - novel, clubbing Parker twice - hilarious). Hopefully she's now gotten him out of her system and can move on. There are plenty of great guys on campus if she just looks in the right place (like Riley, perhaps?).
A4-5: RM W/A VU
Synopsis: While Doyle deals with a demon who has come to collect on his loans, Cordelia and a ghost battle it out for the right to live in a gorgeous rent-controlled apartment. (written by Jane Espenson, airdate 11/2/99).
Jane comes over to the Angel writing crew for an episode and gives a much needed focus on Cordelia with a little Doyle thrown in too. Doyle's past catches up with him as some demon heavies want repayment for loans. We don't find out what and why - Doyle isn't ready to spill the past yet to Angel. Meanwhile, Cordelia's life hits the rock bottom when her apartment is infected with roaches. After crashing at Angel's, he agrees to try to take care of Doyle's problem if Doyle can find Cordelia a place to live. He does find out, but it turns out to still have a leftover resident. We see Cordy attempt to be strong (girls from Sunnydale don't scare easy) but after the ghost tricks her into coming back and nearly kills her, Cordy loses it. The demons show up before the ghost can be disspelled and all chaos breaks loose. Cordy must face the ghost on her own and finds her inner strength (the bitch is back indeed). But that inner strength comes from another source - the spirit of Dennis, the son the woman killed and walled up alive. By destroying the wall she was going to take out anyway, Cordy frees Dennis to banish his killer mother. In the end, Cordy gets the dream apartment and a little ghostly roommate besides. Cordy is back! I'm so happy about that.
***SPOILERS***
B4-5: Beer Bad
Synopsis: Buffy starts behaving strangely after sharing a pitcher of Black Frost beer with a group of fellow college students at the campus pub where Xander bartends. (written by Tracey Forbes, airdate 11/2/99)
Ah, the much-needed lesson of drinking in college (albeit a little heavy handed on the moral lesson). Buffy learns the hard way that feeling all depressed over Parker (constantly daydreaming about getting back together with him) combined with underage drinking can lead to no-good. Especially when the no-good is augmented by a magical spell by the bar owner to the Black Frost beer that some know-it-all guys like to drink. Beer bad indeed. The episode quicky digresses into all Quest-For-Fire-y in no time flat. But it gives Xander, now with on-campus purpose as a bartender at the local pub, a chance to play the hero/protector. Amazing how he is such a master of "caveman-speak", isn't it? Willow, meanwhile, is all worried about Oz's newfound interest in mysterious singer Veruca. However, she is willing to talk to Parker and tell him exactly what he has done to hurt Buffy. She almost seems to totally get where he is coming from, but he then tries to make a move on her. Luckily our Willow is too smart to fall for that neanderthal way of thinking. But, when the converted caveboys crash, all hell breaks loose with fire and smoke. Even in cave-mode, Buffy recognizes a friend in need and plays the hero - even if she has a little fun doing it (clubbing Parker once - novel, clubbing Parker twice - hilarious). Hopefully she's now gotten him out of her system and can move on. There are plenty of great guys on campus if she just looks in the right place (like Riley, perhaps?).
A4-5: RM W/A VU
Synopsis: While Doyle deals with a demon who has come to collect on his loans, Cordelia and a ghost battle it out for the right to live in a gorgeous rent-controlled apartment. (written by Jane Espenson, airdate 11/2/99).
Jane comes over to the Angel writing crew for an episode and gives a much needed focus on Cordelia with a little Doyle thrown in too. Doyle's past catches up with him as some demon heavies want repayment for loans. We don't find out what and why - Doyle isn't ready to spill the past yet to Angel. Meanwhile, Cordelia's life hits the rock bottom when her apartment is infected with roaches. After crashing at Angel's, he agrees to try to take care of Doyle's problem if Doyle can find Cordelia a place to live. He does find out, but it turns out to still have a leftover resident. We see Cordy attempt to be strong (girls from Sunnydale don't scare easy) but after the ghost tricks her into coming back and nearly kills her, Cordy loses it. The demons show up before the ghost can be disspelled and all chaos breaks loose. Cordy must face the ghost on her own and finds her inner strength (the bitch is back indeed). But that inner strength comes from another source - the spirit of Dennis, the son the woman killed and walled up alive. By destroying the wall she was going to take out anyway, Cordy frees Dennis to banish his killer mother. In the end, Cordy gets the dream apartment and a little ghostly roommate besides. Cordy is back! I'm so happy about that.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Comics of the Week (4/29/09)
Legion of 3 Worlds #4 (of 5) - after many long months we get the next chapter of this Johns/Perez epic. Well worth the wait. Last issue we got the return of a certain young speedster. Well, the surprises aren't over yet! Another hero returns this issue and we learn a startingly truth about an old time LSH foe. Lots of action, lots of character moments, lots of fun. Can't wait for the final issue. I know it will be good.
Green Lantern #40 - the second part of the Agent Orange arc continues as we learn more about this new branch of ring-wearers. All of this is building up to this summer's huge event - Blackest Night! Very enjoyable title, even if the monthly book tends to come out every six or so weeks. This huge epic should pay of nicely.
Justice Society of America #26 - Geoff Johns bids the JSA goodbye in this final issue of his run. It does not go out with a loud bang but, rather, with a nice character driven story about Stargirl and coming of age. Given that he created the character many years back, it is nice for him to focus on her in his final (for now) JSA script. Lots of great character moments here. And the three-part cover is nice too (I got the one with GL, Flash and Stargirl - among others - on it).
Teen Titans #70 - this issue is the third part of the "Deathtrap" crossover running through this title, Titans and the new Vigilante title. Not reading the other too, I felt a little lost with this one. In the past I would have been sucked in to the cross-title marketing but not now. I'm older and wiser. I'd rather be lost for one issue then to spend money on four more issues of books I don't read. Next issue should be better as we get back to normal.
Trinity #48 - this issue focuses mostly on the big battle with Krona (but it doesn't end here, that should be in the next issue or so). We're getting to the finale with, I would suspect, the 52nd issue focusing mostly as an epilogue of sorts. It has been a big ride, lots of characters, lots of action, lots of fun. It has been nice to read a weekly title again, but I am looking forward to the break over the summer (I'm not getting Wednesday Comics as the creative teams and titles in it don't thrill me too much).
Green Lantern #40 - the second part of the Agent Orange arc continues as we learn more about this new branch of ring-wearers. All of this is building up to this summer's huge event - Blackest Night! Very enjoyable title, even if the monthly book tends to come out every six or so weeks. This huge epic should pay of nicely.
Justice Society of America #26 - Geoff Johns bids the JSA goodbye in this final issue of his run. It does not go out with a loud bang but, rather, with a nice character driven story about Stargirl and coming of age. Given that he created the character many years back, it is nice for him to focus on her in his final (for now) JSA script. Lots of great character moments here. And the three-part cover is nice too (I got the one with GL, Flash and Stargirl - among others - on it).
Teen Titans #70 - this issue is the third part of the "Deathtrap" crossover running through this title, Titans and the new Vigilante title. Not reading the other too, I felt a little lost with this one. In the past I would have been sucked in to the cross-title marketing but not now. I'm older and wiser. I'd rather be lost for one issue then to spend money on four more issues of books I don't read. Next issue should be better as we get back to normal.
Trinity #48 - this issue focuses mostly on the big battle with Krona (but it doesn't end here, that should be in the next issue or so). We're getting to the finale with, I would suspect, the 52nd issue focusing mostly as an epilogue of sorts. It has been a big ride, lots of characters, lots of action, lots of fun. It has been nice to read a weekly title again, but I am looking forward to the break over the summer (I'm not getting Wednesday Comics as the creative teams and titles in it don't thrill me too much).
Saturday, May 2, 2009
DVD review - Buffy season 4/Angel season 1 episodes 4
Continuing with my viewing and reviewing of season 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and season 1 of Angel...
***SPOILERS***
B4-4: Fear Itself
Synopsis: A Halloween party at a campus frat house takes a firghtening turn with the sudden appearance of blood-sucking bats, zombies and a demon that plays on everyone's innermost fears. (written by David Fury, airdate 10/26/99)
Halloween episodes are so much fun. This season we get the patented haunted house ala a frat house party where the guys accidentally paint the symbol to summon Gachnar and Oz's blood is enough to start the spell. The fears of the gang, as illustrated by earlier in the episode come to manifest nicely: Oz fearing his becoming a wolf and going to a dark place, Willow fearing her skills as a wicca have peaked and that she may not be able to go to next level, Xander fearing him being invisible to the others because he isn't attending college, and Buffy fearing being alone after Parker's rejection of her. But with all this fear and scary, we get great humor too. Frat guys using any holiday (except Arbor Day) to get laid, Giles and his costume (replete with sombrero that looks like a fringed chandelier), Anya gleeful to date Xander and then dressing up as a bunny (bunnies frighten her), Giles with the chainsaw (how else do you make a door in a house that seals the gang inside?) and, of course, the arrival of Gachnar himself (actual size indeed - bwahahahaha). A fun episode all around.
A1-4: I Fall To Pieces
Synopsis: Angel aids a woman being stalked by a deranged surgeon who has the unnatural ability to track the woman's every move with the aid of his detachable body parts. (written by Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt, airdate 10/26/99)
Leave it to an obcessive doctor stalking a woman he only had one date with to provide a weird case for Angel Investigations. This Ronald Meltzer knows all about Melissa, where she goes and what she does. How does he do it? Does he have his eye on her constantly? The answer, in a very sick way, is yes. And his hands too. Creepy creepy creepy. He takes psychic surgery to a whole new level. The whole firm gets into the act with Doyle providing security, Angel doing some undercover work and Cordelia too (though her lousy skills as an actress come showing through - good thing she has this business management to fall back on, if the firm can only get paid). No amount of duct-tape can keep Dr. McCreepy out though. But when his victim confronts him finally and tells him she is no longer afraid of him and what he can do, he goes to pieces - literally. Sick sick. Hey, Dr. Ron, you do realize that Arms-Fall-Off-Boy was a LSH reject, right? Guess why? Yeah, your powers sucks. LOL.
***SPOILERS***
B4-4: Fear Itself
Synopsis: A Halloween party at a campus frat house takes a firghtening turn with the sudden appearance of blood-sucking bats, zombies and a demon that plays on everyone's innermost fears. (written by David Fury, airdate 10/26/99)
Halloween episodes are so much fun. This season we get the patented haunted house ala a frat house party where the guys accidentally paint the symbol to summon Gachnar and Oz's blood is enough to start the spell. The fears of the gang, as illustrated by earlier in the episode come to manifest nicely: Oz fearing his becoming a wolf and going to a dark place, Willow fearing her skills as a wicca have peaked and that she may not be able to go to next level, Xander fearing him being invisible to the others because he isn't attending college, and Buffy fearing being alone after Parker's rejection of her. But with all this fear and scary, we get great humor too. Frat guys using any holiday (except Arbor Day) to get laid, Giles and his costume (replete with sombrero that looks like a fringed chandelier), Anya gleeful to date Xander and then dressing up as a bunny (bunnies frighten her), Giles with the chainsaw (how else do you make a door in a house that seals the gang inside?) and, of course, the arrival of Gachnar himself (actual size indeed - bwahahahaha). A fun episode all around.
A1-4: I Fall To Pieces
Synopsis: Angel aids a woman being stalked by a deranged surgeon who has the unnatural ability to track the woman's every move with the aid of his detachable body parts. (written by Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt, airdate 10/26/99)
Leave it to an obcessive doctor stalking a woman he only had one date with to provide a weird case for Angel Investigations. This Ronald Meltzer knows all about Melissa, where she goes and what she does. How does he do it? Does he have his eye on her constantly? The answer, in a very sick way, is yes. And his hands too. Creepy creepy creepy. He takes psychic surgery to a whole new level. The whole firm gets into the act with Doyle providing security, Angel doing some undercover work and Cordelia too (though her lousy skills as an actress come showing through - good thing she has this business management to fall back on, if the firm can only get paid). No amount of duct-tape can keep Dr. McCreepy out though. But when his victim confronts him finally and tells him she is no longer afraid of him and what he can do, he goes to pieces - literally. Sick sick. Hey, Dr. Ron, you do realize that Arms-Fall-Off-Boy was a LSH reject, right? Guess why? Yeah, your powers sucks. LOL.
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