Joe Hellandback

Yeah, the fact that neither won was a nice twist, once again Buffy defies convention. I just wish the actual winners were recurring characters rather than one-offs, that would have been nice. That's the great irony of course, whenever things are going to work out for the characters then it all goes wrong, a recurring theme in the Jossverse. Personally I think what really makes the Mayor a great villain is; As for Scott, yeah, hanging around the Scoobs is seriously bad for your health. Love a larger role for Devon though who is always great. Something that will recur to great effect, especially in;

Personally I think Buffy will simply never be equalled, it was simply the perfect conjunction of writing, acting talent, premise and internet explosion, it was the Elvis/Beatles of fantasy TV.

That's not true, I mean look at He is more welcoming to Angel but that was due to his love for Buffy, he was prepared to put his own feelings aside, much like Buffy trying to make up with Jenny due to her love for Giles. Again it's the sort of thing they do in face of adversity, be he ne'r so vile, this day shall gentle his condition. Okay, next up, Revelations!

They didn't go to 'murder' him, they sought to kill him because they thought he was evil again.

ANGELUS murders DOZENS of people and the gang don't exactly embrace him with open arms. Angel is no more responsible for what Angelus does than Giles as Ripper in Band Candy, . Even Willow only accepts him back after he saves her. Plus remember Willow was tight with Jenny and loved Giles? I think people are forgiven in the Buffyverse partly because of the overwhelming threat they face and the fact they need to bond together the Battle of Barking Creek effect; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolph_Malan#Battle_of_Barking_Creek That's with the benefit of hindsight though, as far as Buffy knew it was life or death and Xander took the decision by himself rather than letting her know the facts. Many characters practice deception for the greater good, if Xander had still been lusting after Buffy rather than involved with CC it would have been different.

Very well pointed out although you could say that Buffy does suffer the gang's wrath and the consequences for Xander (the end of the world) compared to Buffy (Angel kept in chains and obviously unable to hurt anyone) is evident.

You don't like Joyce? For shame! FOR SHAME! Joyce is the best TV mum EVER! I think we should take it that the magic chocolate makes people act in an EXAGGERATED juvenile fashion. As for Ripper it's not age specific but I think burgling a store for his girl and knocking out a cop and stealing his gun is pretty badass! Not to mention exhibitionist handcuff sex on the hood of a police car? Also we only have Joyce's word for her high-school years, in actuality less yearbook nerd than can of Deep Heat (a muscle ointment frequently 'passed around the locker room'). Not to mention the traditional Summer's denial. Plus Kristine Sutherland is a GORGEOUS Milf, I've met her and she's just as lovely in the flesh. As for Cuffy, I like the idea but the network would have a fit. But then that's what fanfic is for, the stuff they never actually show on TV. Ethan is always great no matter what he's in, I was gutted when they I always took it that the idea was people would blame themselves rather than the Mayor? Yeah, Willow and Xander footsie always makes me go Awwwww! As for the rest, we'll talk when we get there. Yeah, Oz is always the bohemian unconventionalist. He saw the sexiness of Willow long before the rest of us did (took me until BBB). A bit much? A bit much GENIUS! Absolutely, agree 100%, couldn't have put it better myself. Next up; Revelations.

But only after watching 'That 70s Show'?

Me too, we have to admire Oswald's inventiveness and quick-thinking. About time we had Ivy with some screentime, she's been MIA for ever! I liked her but her hair should be a bit more red (equally Selina is referred to as a 'brunette', I would call her a dirty blonde?) Love the scene when Selina storms out and Ivy looks crestfallen, knowing she's lost her only friend. Maybe she could hook up with Firefly? Interesting scene, very Great Gatsby, Harvey with a fowl (in league with Penguin?), Lee as Cleopatra, a scheming woman of power, Jim with a moustache AND partnered with Barbara (hope for Batgirl yet?), Bruce having his face cut off and handed to the Joker (who ALSO had HIS face cut off). As for Selina, the Sirens rip off drug-dealing biker gangs who had it coming, this family were innocent. I was scared she was going to do all of them but thankfully she only did the dad. But she kills the poor folks whose apartment she's squatting in instead. I rather hope Alfred just doesn't come running back I hope it takes some persuasion for him. Ju Jitsu Lucius? Love to see him do some fighting some time. When the whammied cops start doing their "Ivy's a psycho routine" Jim should have "I mean she's crazy beautiful". Nice to see Alvarez back. It's interesting how many people couldn't stand Lee in the first season but love her now she's crazy/evil. Love how she refers to Selina as an outdoor kitty, Tabby and her really do think of her as their pet. Don't forget Selina in her black push up pvc bra! Now that Camren's 18 the writers are all sitting around going "Great let's have her show more of her body now!". SAS Alfred looking like he's storming the Iranian embassy, complete with subdued Union Jack! Nice to see that Ivy's whammy can be cured with just a swift punch? Very cowboy. So who's Ivy going to bring back? Her dad (that would be messy)? Pyg? Falcone? Maroni? Lee and Sophia, is she threatening her or going to corrupt her further? Wracked my brain to find some significance to Oswald's and Cameron's inmate numbers E146 and E158 but couldn't come up with anything?

Band Candy The Good; The more Joyce in an episode the better it is. She and Ripper and all the adults are just hilarious. Also lovely to see Ethan Rayne (I always figured that if Giles was to die he would reform and become Buffy's new Watcher). Love to have seen Buffy's dream but that would be probably beyond the SFX department. Altogether fabulous. The Bad; Lurconis looks a bit lame but certainly better than the preying mantis. It rather spoils the surprise of Ethan Rayne being the villain when Robin Sach's name is in the opening titles Best line; Buffy (as Joyce produces the cuffs) "Never tell me!" Shot; Giles threatened with a gun and uses it on Ethan but no shots fired Tied up; Ethan and possibly Joyce or Giles in handcuffs Knocked out; for once Giles stays conscious but knocks out a policeman Kinky dinky; see Tied Up. Personally I always thought that Joyce and Giles Calling Captain Subtext; "Wanna swap?" What a shame we never got to see an Oz/Cordy relationship (not even in any fanfic I've ever read) I mean Cordy has dated plenty of guys in bands before? Also when Xander says he wants to marry Miss Barton (always had a thing for older women) Cordy replies "Get in line!" Guantanamo Bay; Buffy beats up Ethan for information Questions and observations; Joyce and Giles drink that awful Khalua stuff (or however you spell it) Could Joyce be the slutty pumpkin? (a prize to whoever can recognise THAT reference!). Whoa Summers you drive like a spaz! Nice to see that Buffy isn't necessarily good at everything, always annoyed me about Xena that she was brilliant at everything even if she was a demi-god (except cooking and music but Joxer and Gabby could each do both for her). Ethan obviously has a few reservations about what he's doing to judge by his expression when Trick kills the worker. Joyce like's 70s singer Juice Newton who's big hit was interestingly "Angel of the morning". Whenever I see a green 4x4 nowadays I always think 'the Geek machine' or 'The Joyce mobile'. You do feel pity for teenage Snyder, he apparently did Tae Kwan Do which is SMG's martial art. What happens to Ethan? They tie him up but then what? You can kill vamps with a pencil? Their skin must be a lot softer than human. Buffy refers to the 'Real World House' another modern reference she wouldn't know if she was really a mad girl in an asylum. According to the Sunnydale High Yearbook the Band Candy raised $600,000 for the band. Lovely to see Joyce and Giles take centre stage for once Xander and Willow, awwww. Buffy drives without insurance or a licence. But she spends her life walking around with offensive weapons so breaking the law should come naturally to her. No Faith this week, she's not even mentioned. Love the Mayor/Trick scene at the end, once again Harry Groener is subtly threatening (not what he says, how he says it) whilst Todd Freeman gives a great performance, trying to be cool and offhand but obviously scared witless. Love the reference to Death of a Salesman. Need you ask? 10/10

That's a great idea, have a sort of time warp ep where we have the characters in each era; 1950s; I Only Have Eyes For You-In the closet Kurt, Blue Velvet-bobbysoxer Santana, Rock around the Clock-Sam 1960s; Sugar Sugar- Marilyn Monroe dollybird Sugar Motta, Eve of Destruction- hippie Blaine, Paint it Black-soldier Finn, 1970s; Hotel California-Artie, I Will Survive-Mercedes, Stairway to Heaven-Puck 1980s; If Looks could Kill-Santana, Walking on the Moon-Finn, What's Love got to do with it?-Tina 1990s; What's going on?-Mercedes, November Rain-Rachel, You Only Get What you give-Everyone,

Homecoming; The Good; Buffy and Cordy's campaign is the funniest thing ever! Jonathon! Love the ending, love the hunting, love Cordy facing off with Lyle Gorch, love the Mayor and Mr Trick, love everything about it, truly fantastic. The Bad; Find me some? Actually, why bring back Lyle Gorch who is a stupid villain if there ever was one? Best line; The Mayor; "Oh no, that wouldn't be a problem" (wonderful line from Harry Groener, it's all in the way he delivers it, perfectly polite and reasonable but with all the menace in the world) Shot; no, despite all the lead flying around. Odd to see Buffy using a gun although it seems to run out of ammo awfully fast. Knocked out; yep, Giles again and Buffy Women good/men bad; Scott dumping Buffy but he has his reasons. Faith and Buffy plan to pick up a couple of studs, use them then dump them as revenge on the male of the species. Although I'm sure they won't be complaining! Kinky dinky; Willow and Xander, awwwwwww. Even the most dedicated of can't help but be charmed by this scene, especially the music. How does Buffy get her SDH 'letterman' jacket for her campaign? Borrowed from Larry or as a gift in return for her favours? "That thing with her mouth that boys like"? Or is it Xander's from his time on the swim team? Buffy describes Cordy as a 'vapid whore'. Xander refers to Cordy as his 'conquest' whilst Oz and Willow are 'rounding 2nd' which is apparently slang for heavy petting. Calling Captain Subtext; just as they're getting serious Scott dumps Buffy. But in Willow's attraction to Xander gives more credence to her status as bi. Xander refers to Buffy and Faith in the library 'Getting all sweaty' whilst Oz suggests that Buffy and Cordy have been mudwrestling. Essentially in this ep Faith asks Buffy out on a date to the Homecoming dance and Buffy says yes. She also says 'Boys should break up with you more often' Plus half-naked musclely German men wrestling for no apparent reason. Questions and observations; Love the list of Buffy's rivals set of strengths and weaknesses especially that going out with Xander is considered one of Cordy's weaknesses. What does PB crazy mean? Playboy? Just what are the chances that the shack that Buffy and Cordy stumble upon has a working phone? Love Faith's little trick against Scott. There is no Vulcan deathgrip. Wonderful introduction for the Mayor, Harry Groener is just amazing. Nice line where Mr Trick tells him that the whole 'not fitting in' concept was old even before he became a vampire (although one ventures that the undead really couldn't care less about human concerns such a racial politics just as Spike The picture scenes are smashing and lovingly recreated in the SDH Yearbook. Faith believes rage 'gives you an edge'. Buffy asks if she's invisible, well Xander refers to his relations with money, presumably not Uncle Rory. The only time we see Faith all dolled up at the dance and she looks beautiful. Buffy tortures the hunter in the trap. The SDPD seem to overcome Mr Trick very easily. Joss basically reuses this storyline for the second episode of Dollhouse, it's derived from the famous short story 'The Most Dangerous Game' which in turn inspired real life serial killer Robert Hansen who hunted and murdered over twenty people after kidnapping them, releasing them into the Alaskan wilderness and giving them a head start. 10/10 no question

Yeah, he does act irresponsibly but that's the whole point of Xander, he's not fully developed yet, he acts like an irresponsible kid because that's exactly what he still is and remains so until season 6. That's one interpretation, are we sure that's what they meant to signify? I've no problem with Faith hanging around the school, everyone will just assume she's a new pupil, I really wonder what people make of; I buy the Buffy/Dead Platt scene except that it goes on too long to be plausible. You're right that he is 'the disposable black guy' although he's such an instantly likeable figure I forgive it. I also buy that Buffy asks Giles as he is the expert. I'll have to check for the 'school kiss' as I rewatch. However by far not the worst in the first 3 seasons, lightyears ahead of Bad Eggs, IRYJ and Reptile Boy. That's a good point although possibly you could argue that a werewolf would return to somewhere familiar afterwards? Buffy in therapy would rapidly lead her back to a padded room! As for Angel well he still put his shorts on whilst losing his soul?

You do have a point, it (or Selfless would have been the ideal time really) but I think it makes the series more realistic if some things are left unresolved (and another point against Normal Again).

1. I kind of like it that they take it slow, gives it all the more impact when it does occur. 2. To hang out with his younger, junior girlfriend no less! Like I said the whole series is an ephebophile's dream. But remember Oz is the man who will; 3. Demons, not really the type for economics, that's why humanity rules.

Really? I still don't see any Will/Xander subtext, that comes later, we see CC and X both insecure reconnecting. As for Oz, I always took it as just an excuse to spend more time with Willow. We only ever see a dozen slaves in the demon dimension and Lily was absolutely worth it. I always figured Giles was too busy looking for Buffy so he lets the Scoobs patrol alone.

I must say I didn't get that impression from the first Willow/Buffy meeting and I'm normally pretty up on subtext with being an old Xena fan. Buffy/Faith however it was there from the beginning. Unfortunately I was not online at the time and missed a lot of the reactions to the series at the time (didn't hit the Bronze until the last 4 eps of season 6). Good call on the rainbow and the outfits, especially apparent at the end of Revelations, they even comment on it in the commentary. As for ED's booyiliciousness just wait to see what they have by late season 6.

And please no mention of anything which happened to actual cast. 1. Mr Schue-takes over Kurt's father's political role after he has another heart attack and uses it to promote the arts and research into curing OCD. Eventually when Britney Spears becomes president she appoints him special secretary with responsibility for Broadway. He will eventually marry Ariana Grande. 2. Sue-becomes Donald Trump's secretary for Homeland security but is forced to resign after she physically attacks the SNL cast for mocking her over her affair with Robert Meuller. She becomes a hobo/street preacher wandering the highways and byways of America performing the poetry of Bob Dole for money. 3. Rachel-gives up her big Broadway dream and takes up sports, winning a Gold at the Baghdad Olympics before becoming the first woman to canoe across the Caribbean only to tragically be later lost in the Bermuda triangle on her return journey. 4. Emma-submitted by Will to the CIA for mind control experiments which has the unforeseen side-effect of giving her x-ray vision. She gets back together with Carl and becomes his assistant, saving him a fortune as he doesn't need an x-ray machine any more. Their kids are not only ginger but telepathic. 5. Puck-becomes a roadie for Slipknot but becomes a national hero after he goes for help when the tour bus is trapped in a snowstorm whilst the rest of the party resort to cannibalism. After coming as runner up in 'Dancing with the Stars' he undergoes a religious conversion and emigrates to Israel where he becomes an orthodox rabbi.

Yeah, the series gets a bigger and bigger ensemble cast over the seasons so that makes sense.

Beauty and the Beasts; The Good; Faith dancing, Buffy hunting and capturing Angel, Buffy's scenes with the counsellor, Willow's concern for Oz. The Bad; Pete's makeup is pretty stupid looking, I think the writers probably had more in mind a Bruce Banner halfway through his Hulk transformation rather than the rather daft way he is portrayed Best line; Oz; (mid fight with Pete, seeing the moon rise) " Times up. Rules change!" Great line, very similar to Roddy McDowell's exchange with his vampire foe in Fright Night as he sees the sun rise "Daylight Mr Dandridge, you're out of time" Whedon Clichés; Character death; Platt becomes the 7th member of the SDH faculty to die in 3 years. Lord knows how many SDH students have died, I think Hellmouthcentral did a survey once, I'll look it up Shot; yep, Oz again and Giles Tied up; Angel. In case you're wondering the chains Buffy uses aren't her own, she knocks Dru's dolls off the chest they're contained in. Knocked out; Oz, Giles and Angel whilst Willow faints. Buffy tells Faith to knock herself out but not literally. Women good/men bad; the entire episode, about as close as Buffy ever becomes to being truly misandrist (the rumoured original title was 'All men are beasts'). Whilst Pete is obviously the villain here you have to blame Debbie to some degree, she knows what's going on and doesn't do anything to stop it, even though people are dying. Whilst it's worthy to tackle spousal abuse you do feel slightly bashed over the head by the not so subtle point. Faith says "All men are beasts" which seems a little unfair. She also refers to Manimal which again seems weird for a 17 year old in 1998 to refer to a TV show that lasted exactly 8 eps in 1983 (thank you IMDb). Again, something a bunch of 30 year old scriptwriters might be big fans off. Kinky dinky; Naked Angel in chains. OK, miraculously Angel seems to have acquired himself a pair of trousers despite his feral nature, keeping his dignity, like the Hulk. Willow says she's seen Oz 'half-monty', as Xander says, which half? Xander has seen Oz 'full-monty', presumably in the school showers but who knows? He seems very panicky explaining the use of his term 'handling'. Faith refers to the 'good lowdown tickle'. When Oz refers to two students 'fooling around' Faith automatically assumes 'They were screwing', shows how her mind works! Jerk Pete calls Debbie a whore as an insult. Calling Captain Subtext; Buffy is horrified at the idea of a girls school with uniforms and 'no boys' but I think that would make a good series in itself (and certainly the slashficcers agree). Scott asks if Barbie ever wonders why Ken doesn't come around any more now he's got an earring. No wonder she always dumped him for Action Man. He also says that you never really know what's going on inside someone. Hmmmm? Questions and observations; Mr Platt smokes, probably the last time we'll ever see that in a teen show. Willow's reading from 'Call of the Wild' is interesting when you compare it to . It could also apply to the Slayer's nature when we later see what Faith and Buffy get up to and What happens to Oz's clothes when he transforms whilst fighting Pete? Sunnydale High's marching jazz band is mentioned which . Platt's remarks about being love's dog are interesting in comparison with . Cordy is missing for most of the ep. It's a good enough ep but it's not terrific 6/10

Absolutely, the series hits its' stride here and some would say it peaks, never really so good again. You can catch K Todd Freeman on A Series of Unfortunate Events these days. Yes, just like SMG this was the role ED was just born to play but both have tried to distance themselves from it ever since, understandably enough. The thing about Echo was she wasn't ONE character, I just wish we'd seen more of her as Tru. I liked Scott too although we perhaps didn't have enough time to really get to know him. So strange but that's showbusiness and why you get so many twins playing babies/toddlers and 30 year old CC playing a 16 year old. .

6. The Rat Pack; One for my baby-Artie, Mr Bojangles-Puck, Little Old Wine Drinker Me-Mercedes 7. Superior covers; The First Cut is the Deepest-Santana, All Along the Watchtower-Sam, Jealous Guy-Tina 8. Stadium rock; These Dreams-Britney/Santana, Turn back time-Rachel (and everyone else dressed as sailors), Radio Gaga-Kurt

10 Little Warlords The Good; how brilliant is Hudson as Xena? If LL had ever decided to not return to the role I would totally have bought her as Xena. Human/drunk Ares is also funny. The Bad; The Joxer/Gabby double act is never as funny as it should be. Callisto/Xena in hell is funny but you shouldn't think about it too deeply. Xena clichés; Dr Xena patching up Ares, Funeral dirge; 1 Doubles; 2 “I have many skills’; 2 10 years ago; 1 Dead Gabby suitors; 3 Dr Xena-10 Xena in bondage-5 Loyal advisor who is actually the villain-4 Gabby captured-11 Village in peril-8 Duel to settle things-2 The Pinch; 11 Xena animal skills; 2 Xena fire-breathing; 5 Hurt/comfort; 2 Back from the dead; Gabby-1, Callisto-1 Xena inventions; CPR Kills; 3 Xena; 23 Best quote; Joxer; "I have a message for Callisto… I mean Xena…. I mean... have you got the hang of this yet?" Gabby; "About half the time" Greek myths; No but very similar to Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians/And then there were none. Xena also quotes Mark Twain. Subtext; Gabby jealous that Xena has taken off with Ares. Notches on the Chakram; Gabby; 1 Xena; 1 Ephiny; 1 Meg; 1 Joxer; 1 Callisto; 1 Ares; 1 Other; a lot of fun, the novelty of seeing Hudson playing Xena so damn well is terrific and also we begin to get to know Ares more and more and he's oddly likeable. His explanation that he was born a god and totally suited to his role is quite plausible, the ancient world actually needs Ares in charge of its' conflict but this will change over time. Hades' revenge on Ares over the whole Callisto/Xena bodyswap? Gabby uses the term 'bastard' which was quite the eye-opener, Xena stabbing the warlord who tries to sneak up on her and Ares is also quite graphic. Rating; 8/10

Seconded, the first couple of eps are still dealing with the leftovers of season 2, when Faith appears then we're really off and running.

Faith, Hope and Trick The Good; Faith. Need I really say any more? Faith dancing and fighting is great but also the scenes where we get to see her terrified, more vulnerable side. Love the scenes where Buffy is being single-white-femaled by Faith which she takes with surprising good humour. And Angel's back, yay! Love Joyce sticking it to Snyder and the uncoupling scene at Buffy's picnic. The Bad; The idea of Mr Trick being able to order children online as food is just too horrible for words Best line; Mr Trick "Admittedly not a haven for the bruthas, strictly of the Caucasion persuasion here in the Dale" just beating Xander's wonderful "People say kids don't learn anything at High School. well I learnt, I learnt to be afraid!" Tied up; no but presumably Faith was handcuffed when she was arrested Kinky dinky; Now that Faith is on the scene I expect to have a great deal more to write in this column. She starts off with naked slaying and alligator wrestling and saying Slaying makes you 'hungry and horny' And of course, the writers find an excuse for nude Angel too. According to Willow, Buffy has a thing she does with her mouth that 'boys like'. Hmmmmm? Xander calls Buffy a slut. Cordy refers to Faith as 'Slut-o-rama' but also suggests that she dress up as a Slayer and put a stake to Xander's throat, a sex game he seems keen on. Calling Captain Subtext; Faith obviously hungers for both a mother and father figure, commenting on Giles' 'youth and beauty' and obviously enamoured of Joyce, saying she's really cool Joyce says she likes Faith and Buffy describes Joyce as the 'best mom ever'. Faith's line about her 'Dead mother hitting harder than that' is loaded with not so hidden meaning. Faith has not only never knew her dad but lost her mother and also her female Watcher making her pretty desperate for some maternal/paternal love. So I pronounce this Jaith and Gaith. She also starts putting the moves on Scott Hope, the beginning of a long tradition of stealing Buffy's boyfriends (Buffy is still touchy when Faith mentions Angel). BUT even Buffy describes Faith as 'personable' the beginning of the biggest subtext in the series. Joyce actually refers to marching in the 'Slayer pride parade' again likening being the Slayer to being gay. Questions and observations; The introduction of Mr Trick and Faith, the series just never looking back from this point. Kakistos seems to not be killable with a regular stake. There are no leprechauns in the Buffyverse but judging by DB's attempts at an Irish accent and Charmed's efforts in that direction we should be grateful. Faith's dead Watcher was female, the first we've heard about. Giles loves to kayak. Couldn't the Watcher's Council pay for Faith to have a better apartment? Mr Trick is right, not many visible ethnic minorities in Sunnydale but I've been to Santa Barbara which it's apparently based on and it's a pretty accurate representation. Giles warns Willow for the first time about abuse of magic. You can make fire from ice and it doesn't take magic. Why no commentaries on all these brilliant episodes? Crap like Reptile Boy gets them but not classics like this? Please Joss, if you need a few million dollars to finance your next project just sit down with the cast and do some commentaries for Buffy; Special Edition Bluerays, we'd all buy them. 10/10