Buffy/Angel update

[rm]

Angel 1.10 "Parting Gifts" - I new that demon was bad news when he showed up, but I actually thought he was leading someone to Angel; especially when we first saw that cross boy. Oh Wesley! You fucking dork. And you can't weather leather pants _and_ a leather jacket. Fabulous suit though when that reappeared on the scene. I also got the first glimmer of why people say I will identify with this character, but gee, I hope there's more to it than the self-hatred defense mechanism thing. Also the eye stuff was really hard to watch.

So did Doyle really give his gift to Cordelia or was this just one of those things that TPTB decided on and everyone is being romantic and making it about Doyle? That all was handled in a really lovely way.

Once again: we may be pissed at Whedon for who he kills, but he walks us through the aftermath process. On one hand, we can argue that that's both good, and responsible, TV. On the other hand, I feel like it does keep us at a distance. Whedon deaths are never deaths that happen to us, because we watch the aftermath for those who get left behind. Not us. I'll need to watch this episode again for my paper even though it wasn't all that -- because Doyle had no possessions to leave behind, and that gets discussed that all that is tangible in his death is his absence.

Angel/Cordelia/Wesley is my new OT3.

Also, I thought Angel's initial confrontation with the Oracles at the beginning was interesting, because jeez, that's one of the conversations we've been having about Ianto in Torchwood fandom, isn't it?

Buffy 4.10 "Hush" - I'd actually seen this episode randomly long ago and far away. I'm not even sure I knew it was Buffy. It's creepy and well done, and I imagine it was a PitA to film, in terms of getting people to remain quiet and move their mouths clearly enough that non lip-readers could get it. Also the camera work and effects for the Gentlemen was probably a big hassle too. Great TV, and I loved that Buffy's scream was a girl's scream and it was powerful, but ultimately, this wasn't necessarily about the themes that move me.

But I did like that Giles's girlfriend was back, but wow I was surprised she wasn't in some way connected to the occult/the Watchers or SOMETHING. I didn't expect her to be a mundane sort of bad girl (because she does give off the vibe of totally being able to keep up with Ripper's ways).

Buffy 4.11 "Doomed" - While this episode advances the larger arcs in a meaningful way, it's just not very good. Especially at the end there where we know the demons are the sacrifices, and Buffy jumps into the hellmouth and then whatever happens happens off-screen and all we get it a shot of Riley pulling on some rope. It's really a TERRIBLE episode, and only isn't widely regarded as TERRIBLE because it's not "Inca Mummy Girl" which will live in infamy FOREVER.

Buffy 4.12 "A New Man" - I love when random people know random demon languages on these shows! I also love Spike leaning against walls and smoking cigarettes and pouting like he's a rent-boy. And no matter how many times I"ve almost decided I like Buffy's psych teacher, no, no I actually hate her. When demon!GIles chased her, I literally exclaimed "go paunchy middle-aged demon Giles!"

Also, Ethan Rayne, what the fuck?

1. You never have more than half a plan.
2. You never have more than half a reason for your plan.
3. You can actually throw a decent punch, but won't at Giles.
4. THAT SHIRT.
5. Dude, you're like John Hart if John Hart was a pathetic washed-up impotent drunk.

Also, interesting to see we have a potential Gitmo narrative long before 9/11 actually happened.

Comments

[realtsunamigirl.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure if you actually have the DVDs on hand or are pulling them off of the internet, but if you can get them listening to Joss's commentaries is always worthwhile and no more so than on "Hush". He goes into an amazing amount of detail about motivation, both the characters and his own for writing what he does and how. He also comments on things that most commentaries seem to feel are too "technical" or boring and has a phenomenal amount of respect for everyone who worked on the shows. If you're a Joss junkie like me, you know the names of the DP, costume designer, production designer and every writer or director. If you're Joss, you also remember all of the stunt crew, camera operators, day players and probably the PA who brought you your coffee on the morning in question.

Actually any of the commentaries are worth listening to, because that level of appreciation and respect filtered down through everyone who worked on the show. It is the only place I have ever heard actors comment with real sincerity and admiration on the crew they worked with. Not just the "we have a great crew, but now let's talk some more about me", but "yeah, this is my big scene, whatever, just look at the amazing lighting on this, you would not believe how fast Ray got that set up. Ooh! and check out that chair, Carey found it himself at a garage sale. He is such a genius, you would not believe how detailed our sets out. Whenever I was having trouble with a scene I'd just go down and sit on the set and it got me in the space every time. Check out that shirt..."

And I'm babbling again...Joss Whedon is the only person associated with film or TV that I wish I could sit down and have dinner with based on his work in Hollywood. There are others that I think would make dandy dinner conversationalists, but he's the only one I want to talk shop with.

[rm.livejournal.com]

We have the actual DVDs. I'll definitely go back to the commentary for certain episodes for my Bristol paper, but have no idea if beyond that what I'll get to.