Yes. After some of the intensity of suffering in the relationship between Buffy and Angel, it's a nice change of pace, to get an episode where the romantic issues - though strong - aren't deep. And the menace is simple magic.
I was worried it was going to make Xander look bad, but I don't think it really does.
Really not.
I really liked that he caught on so fast
Yes. I think what came through to me, in terms of Xander's characterization, is that he has grown and matured. Instead of thinking of himself as a punching bag for life (and a doormat for girls), he's thinking of himself as someone who deserves more than what Cordelia is offering. So he acts stupidly, but from that action shows maturity in dealing with the consequences - realizing that he doesn't want Buffy if she doesn't want him, for example. (Bringing to mind Oz's recent comments to Willow about wanting her to want to kiss him.)
from that moment, there isn't the slightest hint that he would think about taking advantage of any of them.
Not in the least. Proving, among other things, that Xander is essentially a decent guy, just has trouble expressing it sometimes.
Spike goes for romance and Angel goes for the macabre.
I like the way that works.
I find it very sweet that she was wearing the necklace he gave her after they split up.
Implying that she has mixed feelings - and that's confirmed when she wants Xander again.
Did you catch: "Willow: Force is okay..." Interesting quirk.
Yes. My thought: "Oh, you want that, girl?" There are strange hints of darkness to Willow - I'm not sure if they are increasing or just random. Willow seems quite complex and it isn't necessarily easy to guess what's really in her head.
what a great non-reaction to Buffy being turned into a rat!
Oz is so good. But I can see it: a guy who's a wolf can be cool about a girl being a rat. It's just one of those things. Stuff happens.
He even keeps his wits with Drusilla.
But feels himself outclassed - all the more reason to try to fight or resist.
her normal level of disturbing
Good phrase. I'm sure Angel can imagine her carrying Xander back to share their home with him and Spike. Four's a crowd.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2008-05-05 03:39 pm (UTC)Yes. After some of the intensity of suffering in the relationship between Buffy and Angel, it's a nice change of pace, to get an episode where the romantic issues - though strong - aren't deep. And the menace is simple magic.
I was worried it was going to make Xander look bad, but I don't think it really does.
Really not.
I really liked that he caught on so fast
Yes. I think what came through to me, in terms of Xander's characterization, is that he has grown and matured. Instead of thinking of himself as a punching bag for life (and a doormat for girls), he's thinking of himself as someone who deserves more than what Cordelia is offering. So he acts stupidly, but from that action shows maturity in dealing with the consequences - realizing that he doesn't want Buffy if she doesn't want him, for example. (Bringing to mind Oz's recent comments to Willow about wanting her to want to kiss him.)
from that moment, there isn't the slightest hint that he would think about taking advantage of any of them.
Not in the least. Proving, among other things, that Xander is essentially a decent guy, just has trouble expressing it sometimes.
Spike goes for romance and Angel goes for the macabre.
I like the way that works.
I find it very sweet that she was wearing the necklace he gave her after they split up.
Implying that she has mixed feelings - and that's confirmed when she wants Xander again.
Did you catch: "Willow: Force is okay..." Interesting quirk.
Yes. My thought: "Oh, you want that, girl?" There are strange hints of darkness to Willow - I'm not sure if they are increasing or just random. Willow seems quite complex and it isn't necessarily easy to guess what's really in her head.
what a great non-reaction to Buffy being turned into a rat!
Oz is so good. But I can see it: a guy who's a wolf can be cool about a girl being a rat. It's just one of those things. Stuff happens.
He even keeps his wits with Drusilla.
But feels himself outclassed - all the more reason to try to fight or resist.
her normal level of disturbing
Good phrase. I'm sure Angel can imagine her carrying Xander back to share their home with him and Spike. Four's a crowd.