Continuing my viewing and reviewing of season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
*** SPOILERS ***
Episode 11: Ted
Synopsis: When Buffy's mother is romanced by a computer software salesman named Ted, Buffy's uneasy feelings cause her to launch a background investigation. (written by: Joss Whedon, airdate 12/8/97)
I loved the twist on the child from a divorced marraige not accepting a parent getting back into the dating pool. Like Buffy, I was not so sure about this guy from the moment we met him. Being a great chef and everyone loving his food - too good to be true (I so called the food being a key to the infiltration). Even then, I was not 100% sure what the deal was with him. I knew Ted was weird but why. When Buffy finally has to defend herself and puts him out, I thought "okay, this just got all weird - she killed him". It felt so surreal and that helped the viewer feel Buffy's confusion. Then, bam, Ted's baaaaaaack! That was freaky. Even more freaky, what lies under Ted's skin. John Ritter played this part perfectly, from nice guy to crazed killer robot. Loved the team (Willow, Xander and Cordelia) doing their own investigating and finding the hidden place in the cellar. Oh, and I loved that Xander and Cordelia know their love is "forbidden" (by high school clique standards) but they'll still go make out in the utility closet. I also enjoyed that Giles went out to pick up the slack of patrol, only to have Jenny follow him to apologize. Then, bam, she's in danger and he protects her so she can escape. Yet, she wants to help only to end up shooting Giles instead (so glad many layers of tweed are like kevlar). In the end, they make up which is nice to see. I'd hate to see her leaving the show so soon.
Episode 12: Bad Eggs
Synopsis: Willow, Cordelia, Giles and Joyce become drones for an ancient beast after its eggs are mistakenly given out as part of a health class assignment. (written by Marti Noxon, airdate 1/12/98)
Lots of coupling going on in this one - Buffy and Angel, Xander and Cordelia. I enjoyed the later pair's veiled fight in health class. Speaking of, this episode gives a whole twist on the "egg baby" exercise by throwing in little nasty parasite creatures. Ick indeed. A nice and creepy episode - giving the viewers the heebee jeebees right with the characters. A shame we lost one of the two cowboy-vampires to the egg-laying momma, but I have hopes that the other one will return in the future. He seemed too good of a character for a one-shot appearance.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
DVD review - Buffy season 2, episodes 9 and 10
Continuing my viewing and reviewing of season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
*** SPOILERS ***
Episodes 9 and 10: What's My Line parts 1 and 2
Synopsis: As career week at school has Buffy wondering what her future may have been like, Spike hires three professional bounty hunters to ensure she has no future at all. Then, Buffy joins forces with a mysterious Slayer named Kendra in hopes of saving Angle from Spike and Drusilla and the deadly ritual they have planned. (written by: Howard Gordon and Marti Nixon, airdates 11/17/97 and 11/24/97)
I'm reviewing the two parter together to make it a bit easier for me. This is the first one of these since season 1, and the story certainly warrants it. First, Buffy had a Dorothy Hamill obcession - nice. This is how you bring out rich backstory details of a character, in a logical and unobtrussive way. If that was SMG doing the actual skating (it certainly appeared like it in many of the scenes) then she is pretty good. We get to have some Willow and Oz time together - and even I caught the change in his hair color between episodes. Mistake? I think not! I am sure this is a clue to something I'll learn more about in a future episode. The debut of Kendra was surprising but logical (Buffy was dead after all last season). It played as a nice contrast between the two - especially since one goes by the handbook (to the letter) and the other didn't even know one existed. Also, I love how Kendra is continually surprised by how many folks know Buffy is the slayer; her American counterpart has no sense of secret identity at all. Nice to see the strain between Giles and Ms. Calendar - that makes sense given all she went through in the previous episodes. The bug guy was downright creepy - and Xander and Cordelia made an awesome team (and an awesome couple who eventually cannot deny their attraction, even though it is so "Pretty In Pink" in reverse - which would really make it "Some Kind of Wonderful", wouldn't it?). The scenes with Dru "playing" with Angel was downright sadistic. Then again, he did drive her crazy centuries back, so it is a little payback coming around. The whole Spike-Dru-Angel triangle makes for great tension. And, speaking of great, that final church battle that brought down the house - perfect. The end was even better, with the now healed Dru rising up and vowing to nurse her Spike back to health. She is one scary lady! All in all, a solid, well-round storyline.
*** SPOILERS ***
Episodes 9 and 10: What's My Line parts 1 and 2
Synopsis: As career week at school has Buffy wondering what her future may have been like, Spike hires three professional bounty hunters to ensure she has no future at all. Then, Buffy joins forces with a mysterious Slayer named Kendra in hopes of saving Angle from Spike and Drusilla and the deadly ritual they have planned. (written by: Howard Gordon and Marti Nixon, airdates 11/17/97 and 11/24/97)
I'm reviewing the two parter together to make it a bit easier for me. This is the first one of these since season 1, and the story certainly warrants it. First, Buffy had a Dorothy Hamill obcession - nice. This is how you bring out rich backstory details of a character, in a logical and unobtrussive way. If that was SMG doing the actual skating (it certainly appeared like it in many of the scenes) then she is pretty good. We get to have some Willow and Oz time together - and even I caught the change in his hair color between episodes. Mistake? I think not! I am sure this is a clue to something I'll learn more about in a future episode. The debut of Kendra was surprising but logical (Buffy was dead after all last season). It played as a nice contrast between the two - especially since one goes by the handbook (to the letter) and the other didn't even know one existed. Also, I love how Kendra is continually surprised by how many folks know Buffy is the slayer; her American counterpart has no sense of secret identity at all. Nice to see the strain between Giles and Ms. Calendar - that makes sense given all she went through in the previous episodes. The bug guy was downright creepy - and Xander and Cordelia made an awesome team (and an awesome couple who eventually cannot deny their attraction, even though it is so "Pretty In Pink" in reverse - which would really make it "Some Kind of Wonderful", wouldn't it?). The scenes with Dru "playing" with Angel was downright sadistic. Then again, he did drive her crazy centuries back, so it is a little payback coming around. The whole Spike-Dru-Angel triangle makes for great tension. And, speaking of great, that final church battle that brought down the house - perfect. The end was even better, with the now healed Dru rising up and vowing to nurse her Spike back to health. She is one scary lady! All in all, a solid, well-round storyline.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
DVD review - Buffy season 2, episodes 7 and 8
Continuing with my viewing and reviewing of season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
***SPOILERS***
Episode 7: Lie To Me
Synopsis: Buffy is lured into a trap by a group of vampire wannabes who hope Spike will thrun them into vampires in exchange for giving him the Slayer. (written by Joss Whedon, airdate 11/3/97)
Nice - lies upon lies upon lies in this episode, making the life lesson that things aren't always what they appear really drive home. Buffy sees Angel in the playground with Drusilla, but it isn't what it seems. Buffy's old friend Ford shows up in town, but it isn't what it seems. The wannabes have this vision of what vampire life is like, but that isn't what it seems. Buffy has to set up Ford only to follow him, but that isn't what it seems. Ford makes a deal with Spike, but that isn't what it seems.
I liked Xander's jealousy continuing to be a center point. And right after Angel mocks the wannabes dress only to have one come by dressed just like him - very funny. Learning more about Drusilla was good - and that scene with the bird just shows how crazy she is. I am curious too to see what Spike will do with the book stolen from the library. Good episode all around, but that's to be expected as it was one of Joss'.
Episode 8: The Dark Age
Synopsis: Giles' past comes back to haunt him when a demon he and Ethan Rayne summoned in their wild days come looking for them in Sunnydale. (written by Batali and Des Hotel, airdate 11/10/97)
So, what was hinted at in "Halloween" is revealed two episodes later. I was expecting something a bit more serious and lasting, but I guess this works. The connection of Ethan and Giles to their college days of demon summoning comes back in a deadly way. The casualty, alas, is the relationship between Giles and Jenny Calendar. I'm sorry to see that. But I guess it hard to forgive someone after they lead to your being possessed.
Some great Cordelia moments, and Willow and her speech about shaping up or getting out of "her library" was fantastic. And, I love Giles' last line "The Bay City Rollers - now that's music".
***SPOILERS***
Episode 7: Lie To Me
Synopsis: Buffy is lured into a trap by a group of vampire wannabes who hope Spike will thrun them into vampires in exchange for giving him the Slayer. (written by Joss Whedon, airdate 11/3/97)
Nice - lies upon lies upon lies in this episode, making the life lesson that things aren't always what they appear really drive home. Buffy sees Angel in the playground with Drusilla, but it isn't what it seems. Buffy's old friend Ford shows up in town, but it isn't what it seems. The wannabes have this vision of what vampire life is like, but that isn't what it seems. Buffy has to set up Ford only to follow him, but that isn't what it seems. Ford makes a deal with Spike, but that isn't what it seems.
I liked Xander's jealousy continuing to be a center point. And right after Angel mocks the wannabes dress only to have one come by dressed just like him - very funny. Learning more about Drusilla was good - and that scene with the bird just shows how crazy she is. I am curious too to see what Spike will do with the book stolen from the library. Good episode all around, but that's to be expected as it was one of Joss'.
Episode 8: The Dark Age
Synopsis: Giles' past comes back to haunt him when a demon he and Ethan Rayne summoned in their wild days come looking for them in Sunnydale. (written by Batali and Des Hotel, airdate 11/10/97)
So, what was hinted at in "Halloween" is revealed two episodes later. I was expecting something a bit more serious and lasting, but I guess this works. The connection of Ethan and Giles to their college days of demon summoning comes back in a deadly way. The casualty, alas, is the relationship between Giles and Jenny Calendar. I'm sorry to see that. But I guess it hard to forgive someone after they lead to your being possessed.
Some great Cordelia moments, and Willow and her speech about shaping up or getting out of "her library" was fantastic. And, I love Giles' last line "The Bay City Rollers - now that's music".
Saturday, March 28, 2009
DVD review - Buffy season 2, episodes 5 and 6
Continuing with my viewing and reviewing of season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
***SPOILERS***
Episode 5: Reptile Boy
Synopsis: When Buffy and Cordelia attend a frat party, they find themselves being offered up to a reptile-like creature as human sacrifies. (written by David Greenwalt, airdate 10/13/97)
High school and college boys - it is the age old combination. Girls mature faster than guys and want more mature guys. Not these guys! I love the whole fraternity as a cult angle - they always seemed to have that kind of mystique. Some outstanding dialogue in this. Cordelia needing Buffy lead to some great moments, and then her flip-flopping the blame - classic. Love how Xander crashes only to become a mockery only to become one to help save the day. Perfect balance. Willow chewing out both Angel and Giles was also a great scene. The special effects with the reptile-demon were pretty well done too. A very solid episode. Enjoyed it.
Episode 6: Halloween
Synopsis: After renting Halloween costumes from an unusual shop, Buffy and her friends literally begin turning into whatever costume they are wearing. (written by Carl Ellsworth, airdate 10/27/97)
Awesome episode all the way around! Love the premise, love Xander as the hero and Willow coming out of her shell and taking charge. Buffy as the demure worked to allow the others to shine nicely. We get more of Oz too. Good to see Spike again, taking advantage of someone else's chaos. And speaking of - this Ethan and his knowing Giles from the past - there is the kicker of the episode! We get a teaser that something isn't quite as it seems, and I am so pumped by this. I love the twists and turns, and this is a great one. Can't way to see how this unfolds in future episodes.
***SPOILERS***
Episode 5: Reptile Boy
Synopsis: When Buffy and Cordelia attend a frat party, they find themselves being offered up to a reptile-like creature as human sacrifies. (written by David Greenwalt, airdate 10/13/97)
High school and college boys - it is the age old combination. Girls mature faster than guys and want more mature guys. Not these guys! I love the whole fraternity as a cult angle - they always seemed to have that kind of mystique. Some outstanding dialogue in this. Cordelia needing Buffy lead to some great moments, and then her flip-flopping the blame - classic. Love how Xander crashes only to become a mockery only to become one to help save the day. Perfect balance. Willow chewing out both Angel and Giles was also a great scene. The special effects with the reptile-demon were pretty well done too. A very solid episode. Enjoyed it.
Episode 6: Halloween
Synopsis: After renting Halloween costumes from an unusual shop, Buffy and her friends literally begin turning into whatever costume they are wearing. (written by Carl Ellsworth, airdate 10/27/97)
Awesome episode all the way around! Love the premise, love Xander as the hero and Willow coming out of her shell and taking charge. Buffy as the demure worked to allow the others to shine nicely. We get more of Oz too. Good to see Spike again, taking advantage of someone else's chaos. And speaking of - this Ethan and his knowing Giles from the past - there is the kicker of the episode! We get a teaser that something isn't quite as it seems, and I am so pumped by this. I love the twists and turns, and this is a great one. Can't way to see how this unfolds in future episodes.
Friday, March 27, 2009
DVD review - Buffy season 2, episode 4
Continuing with my viewing and reviewing of season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
***SPOILERS***
Episode 4: Inca Mummy Girl
Synopsis: A beautiful Inca princess who was buried alive in a tomb 500 years ago is accidentally brought back to life in the Sunnydale Natural History Museum. (written: Matt Kiene & Joe Reinkemeyer, airdate 10/6/97)
This one was enjoyable. The writing was very snappy and funny in parts, the premise another classic horror comic spin, and it dealt again with teen romance. A perfect combo. Poor Xander. Can't catch a break. He should learn the rule: if he's attracted to a hot, new stranger in town then she's probably some kind of killer. ;) I love the continuity nod with the line "You're not a praying mantis, are you?". Perfect. And, Seth Green shows up in the band as Oz and he's interested in Willow. About time she had somebody mooning after her.
***SPOILERS***
Episode 4: Inca Mummy Girl
Synopsis: A beautiful Inca princess who was buried alive in a tomb 500 years ago is accidentally brought back to life in the Sunnydale Natural History Museum. (written: Matt Kiene & Joe Reinkemeyer, airdate 10/6/97)
This one was enjoyable. The writing was very snappy and funny in parts, the premise another classic horror comic spin, and it dealt again with teen romance. A perfect combo. Poor Xander. Can't catch a break. He should learn the rule: if he's attracted to a hot, new stranger in town then she's probably some kind of killer. ;) I love the continuity nod with the line "You're not a praying mantis, are you?". Perfect. And, Seth Green shows up in the band as Oz and he's interested in Willow. About time she had somebody mooning after her.
Comics of the Week (3/25/09)
Batman: the Brave and the Bold #3 - the cover is that of a 60's comic, with a little bait-and-switch about Batman being sworn in as President. Instead, he has to protect the President and he brings along buddy Green Arrow to help. The rivalry of Bats and GA from the cartoon episodes (of which GA has appeared in a number so far) was not there so that felt a little disjointed. Other than that, it was a fun little romp and a good book for new, younger readers to enjoy as well as oldtimers like me.
Justice League of America #31 - the first page was confusing. Either the art was wrong or the dialogue was wrong, because Zatanna was talking to "Dinah" but Wonder Woman (Diana) was shown. That was jarring. The rest of the issue was okay. Basically this is the JLA dealing with the ramifications of Final Crisis and the loss of the Big Three. Another bad point - this issue references events from a mini coming this summer (we actually got a footnote caption!) but we're preceeding that story by months. Not a smooth transition there either. Ah well.
Trinity #43 - the big three strike at the villains, but they seem to still be in "God mode". Will they revert back? Of course they will. But hopefully we'll see that soon as these versions of the characters are pretty cold and sterile.
Showcase Presents: Ambush Bug - DC's zany hero who debuted in the 80's gets the b/w treatment in a nice volume covering all of his early appearances and mini's. Nice to see DC could strike a royalty deal to put out this collection of 80's and 90's issues in one place. Though I own most of the floppies, I got this one for the collection. Just a lot of fun. Looking forward to reading this one soon.
Back Issue! #33 - this issue sports a Perez cover of the New Teen Titans and focuses on teen heroes. Again, haven't read it yet but it is on my weekend enjoyment list. This magazine is always a pleasure to savored every two months. If you are a comic fan of the 70's and 80's, this is one that should be on your list. Rarely am I disappointed by an issue - there is always some great articles to fill in my knowledge of the Bronze age era of comics.
Justice League of America #31 - the first page was confusing. Either the art was wrong or the dialogue was wrong, because Zatanna was talking to "Dinah" but Wonder Woman (Diana) was shown. That was jarring. The rest of the issue was okay. Basically this is the JLA dealing with the ramifications of Final Crisis and the loss of the Big Three. Another bad point - this issue references events from a mini coming this summer (we actually got a footnote caption!) but we're preceeding that story by months. Not a smooth transition there either. Ah well.
Trinity #43 - the big three strike at the villains, but they seem to still be in "God mode". Will they revert back? Of course they will. But hopefully we'll see that soon as these versions of the characters are pretty cold and sterile.
Showcase Presents: Ambush Bug - DC's zany hero who debuted in the 80's gets the b/w treatment in a nice volume covering all of his early appearances and mini's. Nice to see DC could strike a royalty deal to put out this collection of 80's and 90's issues in one place. Though I own most of the floppies, I got this one for the collection. Just a lot of fun. Looking forward to reading this one soon.
Back Issue! #33 - this issue sports a Perez cover of the New Teen Titans and focuses on teen heroes. Again, haven't read it yet but it is on my weekend enjoyment list. This magazine is always a pleasure to savored every two months. If you are a comic fan of the 70's and 80's, this is one that should be on your list. Rarely am I disappointed by an issue - there is always some great articles to fill in my knowledge of the Bronze age era of comics.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
DVD review - Buffy season 2, episodes 2 and 3
Continuing with my viewing and reviewing of season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
***SPOILERS***
Episode 2: Some Assembly Required
Synopsis: A series of grave robbings leads to a science club member who is trying to create a girlfriend for his brother, whom he has just brought back from the dead. (written by Ty King, airdate 9/22/97)
First, love the title! This episode again harkens back to those old comic horror stories - assuming a kid could actually figure out how to resurrect his recently killed brother. The fact that he and a friend would then keep a promise to make a patchwork-woman for the lonely, recently dead just kicks up the ick factor. What works mostly for me in this one is the continuity points with the main cast. We see Giles getting up the nerve to ask Miss Callender on a date, only to find himself asked out instead. That was fun. Plus, we get the tension of Buffy/Angel/Xander carrying over from last episode into this one nicely. And, finally, more Cordelia in the center of danger - the damsel in distress role. Those are the bits that made this one a little better than average. But, hey, the season is still young.
Episode 3: School Hard
Synopsis: Buffy's mother gets trapped inside Sunnydale High School when a vampire named Spike arrives in town and launches an attack against the Slayer. (written by Joss Whedon, airdate 9/29/97)
This one kicks it up the notch I wanted. First, there is the introduction of Spike and Drusila, a set of adversaries that'll make things a lot more interesting. I love Spike's style and attitude. And I like that there is that connection to Angel, providing another level of tension for that character. The whole nightmare of school meets parents meets slayer added a good bit of conflict. Clearly more people are getting an inkling of what is going on. And the fact that the new principal and the police officer allude to something in their brief conversation in the end has me thinking they both know a lot more than are letting on. Oh, and I love Armin Shimmeran (Quark) in this role - nice casting. All in all, a solid episode that advances the continuity and premise nicely. Me like!
***SPOILERS***
Episode 2: Some Assembly Required
Synopsis: A series of grave robbings leads to a science club member who is trying to create a girlfriend for his brother, whom he has just brought back from the dead. (written by Ty King, airdate 9/22/97)
First, love the title! This episode again harkens back to those old comic horror stories - assuming a kid could actually figure out how to resurrect his recently killed brother. The fact that he and a friend would then keep a promise to make a patchwork-woman for the lonely, recently dead just kicks up the ick factor. What works mostly for me in this one is the continuity points with the main cast. We see Giles getting up the nerve to ask Miss Callender on a date, only to find himself asked out instead. That was fun. Plus, we get the tension of Buffy/Angel/Xander carrying over from last episode into this one nicely. And, finally, more Cordelia in the center of danger - the damsel in distress role. Those are the bits that made this one a little better than average. But, hey, the season is still young.
Episode 3: School Hard
Synopsis: Buffy's mother gets trapped inside Sunnydale High School when a vampire named Spike arrives in town and launches an attack against the Slayer. (written by Joss Whedon, airdate 9/29/97)
This one kicks it up the notch I wanted. First, there is the introduction of Spike and Drusila, a set of adversaries that'll make things a lot more interesting. I love Spike's style and attitude. And I like that there is that connection to Angel, providing another level of tension for that character. The whole nightmare of school meets parents meets slayer added a good bit of conflict. Clearly more people are getting an inkling of what is going on. And the fact that the new principal and the police officer allude to something in their brief conversation in the end has me thinking they both know a lot more than are letting on. Oh, and I love Armin Shimmeran (Quark) in this role - nice casting. All in all, a solid episode that advances the continuity and premise nicely. Me like!
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