Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-12: Provider (written by Scott Murphy, airdate 1/21/02)
Angel Investigations learns the hard way that not all cases are what they appear to be and that the lure of money isn't going to support their true mission. It is interesting to see the developing attractions that both Wesley and Gunn are getting toward Fred - but two guys and one girl...well, you do that math. Good to see Lorne getting into a regular role, but the man clearly has some alcohol issues to face. In the end, though, they save their own and make $50K for their trouble - not bad considering. Closing scene: what an interesting family Angel, Cordelia and Conner make.
B6-12: Doublemeat Palace (written by Jane Espenson, airdate 1/29/02)
First, any episode that starts out with Anya giving another installment of "Go, Money, Go" is all good to me. Of course, Buffy is getting her first job and finding out what many of us as teenagers already did - first jobs suck big time. Of course, she sees the weirdness in everything (and I'm not talking about that double "meat" burger of "cow" and "chicken"). Meanwhile, Anya gets a visit from an old friend (Halfrek, another vengeance demon) and she starts to have some doubts creeping in about her relationship with Xander. Willow has to face her own demons after Amy "gifts" her a little magic; Willow was so in the right to threaten Amy, but that just might come back to bite her later on. Kind of a fun episode that had an earlier season Buffy feel to it. Oh, and the featurette "Buffy Goes to Work" was cute too with everyone chiming in about first jobs. Mine was stalking ice cream half gallons in a giant freezer during the summer after my freshmen year of college. Brrrrr.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
DVD review - Angel season 3 / Buffy season 6 episode 11
Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-11: Birthday (written by Mere Smith, airdate 1/19/02)
I always enjoy Cordy-centric episodes, and this one was no different. I love how, though the return of Skip, that we're shown how Cordy's life would have changed had she not run into Angel at that party back in season 1, episode 1. I love how we're shown how much Angel cares for her, with his actions and his challenging the Powers That Be. And I most of all love how Cordy realizes what her true purpose is and what she is willing to do to make that happen. It is a testament to her character. Oh, and that birthday cake - awesome indeed. All around great episode - and they were smart to cut the sitcom-within-the-show portion (Charisma could no doubt do comedy, but they didn't get that writing down enough for it).
B6-11: Gone (written by David Fury, airdate 1/8/02)
The Trio is back and with it the campiness of the season. Sure we have heavy things like the harsh recovery of Willow from her addiction to magic and Buffy having to face the possibility of losing Dawn since she appears to be an unfit guardian, but then we get the silliness. Like immature invisible Buffy pulling pranks, playing with objects and seducing Spike (okay, Xander catching them in bed and Spike pretending to be doing exercises naked was kind of novel - is this like the third time this season James has been nude?). The invisible fight was kind of weak too. Just came across as sort of "let's save a little on the budget" here. I just wasn't very wowed by this one. Sorry, David.
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-11: Birthday (written by Mere Smith, airdate 1/19/02)
I always enjoy Cordy-centric episodes, and this one was no different. I love how, though the return of Skip, that we're shown how Cordy's life would have changed had she not run into Angel at that party back in season 1, episode 1. I love how we're shown how much Angel cares for her, with his actions and his challenging the Powers That Be. And I most of all love how Cordy realizes what her true purpose is and what she is willing to do to make that happen. It is a testament to her character. Oh, and that birthday cake - awesome indeed. All around great episode - and they were smart to cut the sitcom-within-the-show portion (Charisma could no doubt do comedy, but they didn't get that writing down enough for it).
B6-11: Gone (written by David Fury, airdate 1/8/02)
The Trio is back and with it the campiness of the season. Sure we have heavy things like the harsh recovery of Willow from her addiction to magic and Buffy having to face the possibility of losing Dawn since she appears to be an unfit guardian, but then we get the silliness. Like immature invisible Buffy pulling pranks, playing with objects and seducing Spike (okay, Xander catching them in bed and Spike pretending to be doing exercises naked was kind of novel - is this like the third time this season James has been nude?). The invisible fight was kind of weak too. Just came across as sort of "let's save a little on the budget" here. I just wasn't very wowed by this one. Sorry, David.
Comics of the Week (7/1/09)
Justice League: Cry For Justice #1 (of 7) - after seeing the preview of this one a few weeks ago, I knew I would enjoy it. James Robinson is going a great job on the writing (and he's picking up the regular JLA book soon). Mauro Cascioli's art has an almost painted style to it. The cast is varied and should be a lot of great action.
Secret Six #11 - once again, Gail Simone makes you think while at the same time presenting some brutal villainy in this title. Loving the plot that is include appearances by Artemis and a certain big name hero next issue. Very solid and a must read for me every month (no signs of that changing any time soon).
Solomon Grundy #5 (of 7) - a great way by Scott Kolins to tie in an appearance by Amazo. This guy does villains so well - both in art and writing. Enjoying the mini.
Strange Adventures #5 (of 8) - Starlin is back on pencils, which is good, but the story seems to be dragging along a bit. We're getting close to the final act - I'm hoping for some huge fireworks.
Secret Six #11 - once again, Gail Simone makes you think while at the same time presenting some brutal villainy in this title. Loving the plot that is include appearances by Artemis and a certain big name hero next issue. Very solid and a must read for me every month (no signs of that changing any time soon).
Solomon Grundy #5 (of 7) - a great way by Scott Kolins to tie in an appearance by Amazo. This guy does villains so well - both in art and writing. Enjoying the mini.
Strange Adventures #5 (of 8) - Starlin is back on pencils, which is good, but the story seems to be dragging along a bit. We're getting close to the final act - I'm hoping for some huge fireworks.
Friday, July 3, 2009
DVD review - Angel season 3 / Buffy season 6 episode 10
Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-10: Dad (written by David H. Goodman, airdate 12/10/01)
Okay - Angel is a father is going to take some getting used to. Loving that Lorne has moved into the hotel - he needs to be full time on the team (as he showed here - he is invaluable). Loved the woman from Files and Records - she's so cool. And 35 file cabinets on Angel - way to blow Lilah's mind. I liked how the list of enemies kept growing and growing and growing. I see too that Holtz is recruiting with Justine, a vampire slayer (sort of). That should make for an interesting pair. Oh, and favorite line - Cordelia (to Gunn and Wesley): "trade in the DVD players and get a life!" Nice. I definitely am enjoying how this series keeps hitting on all cylinders every episode.
B6-13: Wreck (written by Marti Noxon, airdate 11/27/01)
Okay, the stuff with Rack and his little floating place of magical pleasure was just weird. I get the whole drug-analogy, treating Willow's growing dependence on magic like a heavy drug addiction. And it had to take a serious action - crashing the magically powered car and nearly killing Dawn to get her to snap out of it. But something tells me that withdrawal won't be that easy. Similarly too, Buffy realizes what she and Spike are doing is not a good thing (and, hey, James got to be totally naked twice in one episode!). Favorite line here came from Anya: "Martha Stewart is so a witch. No one could make all that decollage without using the dark arts." The episode had that weird feel to me - I think it was all of Rack's giving.
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-10: Dad (written by David H. Goodman, airdate 12/10/01)
Okay - Angel is a father is going to take some getting used to. Loving that Lorne has moved into the hotel - he needs to be full time on the team (as he showed here - he is invaluable). Loved the woman from Files and Records - she's so cool. And 35 file cabinets on Angel - way to blow Lilah's mind. I liked how the list of enemies kept growing and growing and growing. I see too that Holtz is recruiting with Justine, a vampire slayer (sort of). That should make for an interesting pair. Oh, and favorite line - Cordelia (to Gunn and Wesley): "trade in the DVD players and get a life!" Nice. I definitely am enjoying how this series keeps hitting on all cylinders every episode.
B6-13: Wreck (written by Marti Noxon, airdate 11/27/01)
Okay, the stuff with Rack and his little floating place of magical pleasure was just weird. I get the whole drug-analogy, treating Willow's growing dependence on magic like a heavy drug addiction. And it had to take a serious action - crashing the magically powered car and nearly killing Dawn to get her to snap out of it. But something tells me that withdrawal won't be that easy. Similarly too, Buffy realizes what she and Spike are doing is not a good thing (and, hey, James got to be totally naked twice in one episode!). Favorite line here came from Anya: "Martha Stewart is so a witch. No one could make all that decollage without using the dark arts." The episode had that weird feel to me - I think it was all of Rack's giving.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
DVD review - Angel season 3 / Buffy season 6 episode 9
Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-9: Lullaby (written by Tim Minear, airdate 11/19/01)
Another outstanding episode - for a lot of reasons. First, major dimensions to the character Holtz (I just knew what he was going to have to do when he returned to his home in 1764's flashback - brutal). In the present, great stuff with Lilah interacting with Holtz and the translator, with Fred spouting off possible scenarios and continuiously have to slap Gunn, the deep emotion and discussions between Angel and Darla, the fact that Caritas gets trashed (AGAIN!!) and of course those final scenes in the alleyway. Man, Darla did something very redeeming in the end and Holtz's response was very interesting indeed. I love how this show continues to keep me hooked.
B6-9: Smashed (written by Drew Z. Greenberg, airdate 11/20/01)
This show waffles for me this season and even within this episode. On one hand, you've got the campiness of the Trio (I swear, they are like a lame version of the worst comicbook rogues gallery ever). Their only redeeming bit was when Spike shows up and threatens their Boba Fett. Too funny. Spike: "help me out, Spock - I don't speak loser". Bwahahaha. Of course, I put two and two together long before Spike and realized that it wasn't the chip that was the problem - that it is Buffy. The fact that the two fought hard and then fell into the passion that literally took the house down was rather interesting (and the way that they consumated the relationship - bordering on the graphic, of sorts). This stuff felt more like classic Buffy as did the stuff with the Scoobies as well. The Tara and Dawn scenes worked too - to show how maternal Tara had gotten for the teen while Buffy was dead. Then we get the very concerning side - Willow hanging with the now restored Amy (loved how she was disoriented after losing three years of her life) and the two throwing around magic as if it were no big deal. Uh...this can't be good at all. Willow is falling into the dark side - more so than Buffy's dallying with Spike (at least she's been with a vampire before and Spike does love her).
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-9: Lullaby (written by Tim Minear, airdate 11/19/01)
Another outstanding episode - for a lot of reasons. First, major dimensions to the character Holtz (I just knew what he was going to have to do when he returned to his home in 1764's flashback - brutal). In the present, great stuff with Lilah interacting with Holtz and the translator, with Fred spouting off possible scenarios and continuiously have to slap Gunn, the deep emotion and discussions between Angel and Darla, the fact that Caritas gets trashed (AGAIN!!) and of course those final scenes in the alleyway. Man, Darla did something very redeeming in the end and Holtz's response was very interesting indeed. I love how this show continues to keep me hooked.
B6-9: Smashed (written by Drew Z. Greenberg, airdate 11/20/01)
This show waffles for me this season and even within this episode. On one hand, you've got the campiness of the Trio (I swear, they are like a lame version of the worst comicbook rogues gallery ever). Their only redeeming bit was when Spike shows up and threatens their Boba Fett. Too funny. Spike: "help me out, Spock - I don't speak loser". Bwahahaha. Of course, I put two and two together long before Spike and realized that it wasn't the chip that was the problem - that it is Buffy. The fact that the two fought hard and then fell into the passion that literally took the house down was rather interesting (and the way that they consumated the relationship - bordering on the graphic, of sorts). This stuff felt more like classic Buffy as did the stuff with the Scoobies as well. The Tara and Dawn scenes worked too - to show how maternal Tara had gotten for the teen while Buffy was dead. Then we get the very concerning side - Willow hanging with the now restored Amy (loved how she was disoriented after losing three years of her life) and the two throwing around magic as if it were no big deal. Uh...this can't be good at all. Willow is falling into the dark side - more so than Buffy's dallying with Spike (at least she's been with a vampire before and Spike does love her).
Monday, June 29, 2009
DVD review - Angel season 3 / Buffy season 6 episode 8
Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-8: Quickening (written by Jeffrey Bell, airdate 11/12/01)
Baby, baby, who is going to get the baby? Will it be the telekinetic ninja that Lilah sends? Nope. He became vamp food. Will it the cult of vampires looking at Darla's baby as the miracle child? Not with Angel and the gang standing in the way. Will it be the commandos that Wolfram and Hart sent to the hotel to lie in wait? Nope - Holtz and his minions turn them into ground-round. Will it be Holtz himself? I think he only cares about getting to Angelus and Darla themselves - though killing their child would be a nice form of vengeance for what they did to his in 1764. Will the baby boy be delivered in the backseat of Angel's convertible? Tune in next episode of "As the Womb Turns"... ;)
B6-8: Tabula Rasa (written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner, airdate 11/13/01)
Okay, if the Trio wasn't campy enough, now we get a loan shark demon who actually looks like a shark? Cheesy, guys, really cheesy. The bigger problem is Willow's over dependence on magic. After the gang is all concerned about their pulling Buffy away from Heaven, Willow offers to do another spell. Tara is again upset, especially since the woman she loves has already messed with her head once. Willow swears she can go a month without doing magic - Tara figures she should start with a week and go from there. Of course, Willow can't even go a day or so. She is using magic for simple things like getting dressed. And then she decides to use the forget spell again on Tara and on Buffy too, to help ease their pain. But, things go awry once more and everybody in the gang forgets who they are. Hijinx ensue. The funniest has to be Spike, in disguise to hide from the loan shark's thugs, thinking his name is "Randy" and son to Giles. Next funniest is Giles and Anya, believing they are engaged, and bickering like a disfunctional couple. In the end, Xander breaks the crystal by accident and returns all their memories. But the damage is done. Giles is still going back to England so Buffy can stand on her own two feet, and Tara is leaving Willow. Sad.
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-8: Quickening (written by Jeffrey Bell, airdate 11/12/01)
Baby, baby, who is going to get the baby? Will it be the telekinetic ninja that Lilah sends? Nope. He became vamp food. Will it the cult of vampires looking at Darla's baby as the miracle child? Not with Angel and the gang standing in the way. Will it be the commandos that Wolfram and Hart sent to the hotel to lie in wait? Nope - Holtz and his minions turn them into ground-round. Will it be Holtz himself? I think he only cares about getting to Angelus and Darla themselves - though killing their child would be a nice form of vengeance for what they did to his in 1764. Will the baby boy be delivered in the backseat of Angel's convertible? Tune in next episode of "As the Womb Turns"... ;)
B6-8: Tabula Rasa (written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner, airdate 11/13/01)
Okay, if the Trio wasn't campy enough, now we get a loan shark demon who actually looks like a shark? Cheesy, guys, really cheesy. The bigger problem is Willow's over dependence on magic. After the gang is all concerned about their pulling Buffy away from Heaven, Willow offers to do another spell. Tara is again upset, especially since the woman she loves has already messed with her head once. Willow swears she can go a month without doing magic - Tara figures she should start with a week and go from there. Of course, Willow can't even go a day or so. She is using magic for simple things like getting dressed. And then she decides to use the forget spell again on Tara and on Buffy too, to help ease their pain. But, things go awry once more and everybody in the gang forgets who they are. Hijinx ensue. The funniest has to be Spike, in disguise to hide from the loan shark's thugs, thinking his name is "Randy" and son to Giles. Next funniest is Giles and Anya, believing they are engaged, and bickering like a disfunctional couple. In the end, Xander breaks the crystal by accident and returns all their memories. But the damage is done. Giles is still going back to England so Buffy can stand on her own two feet, and Tara is leaving Willow. Sad.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
DVD review - Angel season 3 / Buffy season 6 episode 7
Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Angel season 3 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-7: Offspring (written by David Greenwalt, airdate 11/5/01)
Once more, we get a related flashback - this time with Holt torturing Angel until Darla comes to the rescue. In modern times, Darla ends up in LA as pregnant as can be. This seems to put a kink in the growing connections between Angel and Cordelia (heck, even Fred can see it - but then again, she is brilliant in an odd way so she tends to see patterns and flows of things). Cordy is upset at what Angel has done to Darla - having been pregnant herself (albeit by a demon). They all end up at Caritas - where we get another appearance by the Furies (gotta love them). Cordy luckily snaps out of her anger at Angel when Darla attacks her and he, once more, comes to her rescue. Angel finds Darla and stops her, owning up to the fact that this child (which has a heartbeat and thus a soul) is his responsibility. But all could be wrong about the prophecy - is it the coming of the child or the return of Holt of which it speaks? Looks like things have gotten a bit more complicated.
B6-7: Once More, With Feeling (written by Joss Whedon, airdate 11/6/01)
Ah ha - the musical episode. This one clearly must have been fun for everyone involved (except Allyson who does not appear to sing much). This one was fun in that it did two things: first it moved along the plots by exposing everyone's deep-seated secrets - Spike's love for Buffy, Giles' concern of standing in Buffy's way to growing up, Willow's use of magic on Tara to forget the fight, Xander and Anya's concerns/fears about marriage, and Dawn's stealing; and then second, why not do it in a genre never done before - a musical. Loved the numbers, especially Anya's rocking out about "Bunnies". And, wow, can Amber and Emma sing! (we already knew Anthony could and I had an inkling about James) I enjoyed this one a lot - definitely instantly in my Top 5 Buffy episodes easy. Is it number 1? Sorry, I still have to give that one to "Hush" right now. But, if I do go back and review them again after the entire first viewing run is done, I might reconsider...maybe...
*** SPOILERS ***
A3-7: Offspring (written by David Greenwalt, airdate 11/5/01)
Once more, we get a related flashback - this time with Holt torturing Angel until Darla comes to the rescue. In modern times, Darla ends up in LA as pregnant as can be. This seems to put a kink in the growing connections between Angel and Cordelia (heck, even Fred can see it - but then again, she is brilliant in an odd way so she tends to see patterns and flows of things). Cordy is upset at what Angel has done to Darla - having been pregnant herself (albeit by a demon). They all end up at Caritas - where we get another appearance by the Furies (gotta love them). Cordy luckily snaps out of her anger at Angel when Darla attacks her and he, once more, comes to her rescue. Angel finds Darla and stops her, owning up to the fact that this child (which has a heartbeat and thus a soul) is his responsibility. But all could be wrong about the prophecy - is it the coming of the child or the return of Holt of which it speaks? Looks like things have gotten a bit more complicated.
B6-7: Once More, With Feeling (written by Joss Whedon, airdate 11/6/01)
Ah ha - the musical episode. This one clearly must have been fun for everyone involved (except Allyson who does not appear to sing much). This one was fun in that it did two things: first it moved along the plots by exposing everyone's deep-seated secrets - Spike's love for Buffy, Giles' concern of standing in Buffy's way to growing up, Willow's use of magic on Tara to forget the fight, Xander and Anya's concerns/fears about marriage, and Dawn's stealing; and then second, why not do it in a genre never done before - a musical. Loved the numbers, especially Anya's rocking out about "Bunnies". And, wow, can Amber and Emma sing! (we already knew Anthony could and I had an inkling about James) I enjoyed this one a lot - definitely instantly in my Top 5 Buffy episodes easy. Is it number 1? Sorry, I still have to give that one to "Hush" right now. But, if I do go back and review them again after the entire first viewing run is done, I might reconsider...maybe...
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