Buffy 3x16: Doppelgängland

Buffy 3x16 - Doppelgängland

I like the title here - it would be a feeble pun, except that it's the umlaut that makes it brilliant. Another episode I totally loved, written, not surprisingly, by Joss Whedon, written with his usual charm and occasional superficiality. I was thrilled to see Dark Willow back - I like her strength of character.

So why does her immorality delight me, when Faith's tends to disgust me? Because Dark Willow is true to her own nature - she's a vampire and it's a vampire's job to exploit and destroy people. (Unless you are Angel, who's playing another game..) As a human, Faith is frighteningly self-involved, losing or destroying her connections with everyone, even Buffy, whom she values. And as a Slayer she's... using her role to indulge in mayhem. Of course she likes the Mayor, and the Mayor likes her. Two self-directed souls with their own agenda.

Besides, the sad truth is I find Dark Willow sexy, but Faith isn't. Since she has her fans, I know - like Joss himself - I hope this will change in later episodes. ( Meanwhile... )