"Once More With Feeling"

[rm]

So, let me make sure I'm clear about this: the Scoobies were able to defeat evil because the demon didn't want to bang Xander?

Right, now that we've gotten that out of the way --

You know, I've heard about this episode for years what with the whole sing-along thing, and you know, that sort of gave me a false impression of this thing, because when I hear sing-along, I think happy! funny! Rocky Horror! Instead we got depressing, weird and often atonal. HOW GREAT IS THIS SHIT?

I certainly didn't think it would be the most important part of multiple narratives (Tara/Willow, Buffy's resurrection, Giles and Buffy, Spike/Buffy and possibly Anya/Xander), and yet!

Seriously, why do you people do sing-alongs of this? It's so not designed for that, well, with the exception of the "We will walk through the fire" song which is awesome, and it must have been SO AMAZING to be in fandom at that moment. I mean, Torchwood is the only experience I've ever had of being in TV fandom as the show was airing and that's been... well, the way it's been, although I wouldn't trade going through the Ianto thing as it happened for anything. But this! I can't imagine getting to burn up the Internet with your friends after this episode and see each other at school or work the next day and bursting into one of those songs! I'm so jealous of you all. What a remarkable thing!

*Random Baz Luhrmann-related noise* (it's late, I'll be thinky tomorrow) and wow, so many references to so many classic (and not so classic) musicals -- especially in the dance. And really great work with the all the random facial expressions and random stage business to create the right vibe of the whole thing. Wow wow wow. Also, this TOTALLY made me want to watch one of my favorite inexplicable movie musicals -- Absolute Beginners.

Also, Spike/Buffy totally. TOTALLY. Although, to be frank, I think I like it uneasy and impossible more than anything.

Also, how glad am I that the info about Buffy not having been in Hell is finally out there? Because that matters. Also, a part of me wants to point at this plotline and jump up and down when people are all "bring Ianto back."

Anyway! People! No one told me this episode MATTERED.

Comments

[ophymirage.livejournal.com]

One of the things I love most about this musical is how hard they worked to give solo pieces or at least lines to everyone, even if they weren't the world's greatest singers (sorry Alyson) or dancers, while still managing to showcase their star performers (Amber, ASH, "Sweet," JM, and Michelle, who was a total surprise as a *fantastic* dancer.)

Spike/Buffy.. you know, I will be curious to see where you are on that at the end of this season and next. It... argh. nope. just watch it. no spoiling with my viewpoints/preferences on what's upcoming.

I can say this though, as non-spoilery: I don't approve of Spuffy, never have, but that is because I adored Spike as a villain, an unrepentant punky BAMF, utterly devoted to his crazy-ass girlfriend, the whole Sid-and-Nancy-ness of their little arc. Spike as chipped neutered puppy drives me up the freaking wall.

[realtsunamigirl.livejournal.com]

Alyson flat out begged Joss not to give her a solo. Apparently she really does have a phobia about singing in public.

[heavenscalyx.livejournal.com]

When I heard about this, I totally understood the earlier episode (Season 1? 2? somewhere) where Willow gets to experience that nightmare.

[therealycats.livejournal.com]

lol yeah but that's because she knows she has a terrible singing voice. I'm trying to remember the HIMYM musical number; it was mainly all about NPH and the others had mostly sing-talk bits, but even in the ensemble numbers in OMWF you can tell that her voice is pretty flat, especially when you compare it to the ones like ASH and JM who had a background to begin with. Not to say that SMG's voice was the greatest either, but she did well enough...can't really have a musical episode where the title character doesn't sing.

Actually I think Michelle was the one who had the singing phobia, so they gave her that ballet instead. I don't know; I'll have to listen to commentary again.

[realtsunamigirl.livejournal.com]

No, it was Aly who has the singing thing. Michelle just *really* wanted to dance.

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

Amber Benson has a beautiful voice. And I love the character of Tara to no end. My only complaint in this ep is her awful posture. She slouches through it all.

The rest is awesome.