Status Report - 8/29/06 - Trapped in a box with three hours of air.

Hey again, back at school, getting reacclimated. Emmys proved some usefulness despite some still questionable decisions (ie Ellen Burstyn's 14 second nomination). I'm thrilled 24 and Kiefer finally won, especially after a great season. Conan's opening skit and monologue were both great. He was a great fit. As to the controversy over the opening skit, I can understand people in Kentucky being upset, but I think they are overreacting. If this was immediately after 9/11, then it would be really inappropriate, but I think most people wouldn't have noticed if it wasn't for these people reacting to it. Anyway, on to my status report:

What I'm watching - Prison Break (back with a vengance!), trying to catch whichever episodes of Rescue Me I can, 30 Days, Colbert and Stewart. Giving Vanished a chance, but it kinda sucks. Maybe I'll check out Justice tomorrow to tide me over before Lost returns.

On DVD - Still Buffy S2. Along with Prison Break S1 and hopefully in the next few days Nip/Tuck and Arrested Development third season.

On Demand - Finished S3 of The Wire and I can't wait to see S4. Although a lot of it is over my head, I do love seeing the commentary on urban decay and political corruption. I probably won't be able to watch much else since this is at home and I'm way too poor to afford that kind of luxury here.

Reading - LFNY - (Close to 500/600) The late nineties, when Farrell, Shannon, Kattan, etc. were bringing some much needed life to it. I blew through a lot of this quickly since I knew I wouldn't be free as much this fall. This is a great piece of work.

Music - Nothing in particular. Just random stuff. I need a new "It" album or song pronto.

In a few weeks I'll be starting up my show, so there will be SCAN updates soon. Until next time, the remote is yours.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 2, Episode 3: School Hard Review

School Hard
Original Airdate: September 29, 1997
Writer: David Greenwalt
Story: David Greenwalt & Joss Whedon
Director: John Kretchmer

Up to this point, "Buffy" had been a show that was entertaining, with some solid episodes in the first season, but it had yet to show what it was fully capable of. Then Spike crashed his car through the "Welcome to Sunnydale" sign, and the show started to gel. With The Master and the Order of Aurelius, they tried to show old school vampire mythology as a bridge for what they eventually wanted to do. Spike seems to be the counter to that; someone who ultimately shot down the old standards as outdated. He's charismatic and brash, just what the show needed to get in its groove. As he said before taking out the "Annoying" One (an event that was overdue, I mean, we never see the kid vamp out), it's time for "a little less ritual, and a little more fun".

Originally, Spike wasn't going to be on the show as long as he was. Therefore, there are some discrepancies in Spike's mythology. Although it would come three years later, the flashbacks in "Fool For Love" are considered canon. This makes Spike being "nearly two hundred" and sired by Angelus not true, which in turn hurts this episode. Later episodes would paint Spike as a vampire whose notoriety is only exceeded by Angel, but Giles needs to consult his books to learn about him. Also, Spike knew of Angel's soul before, as we see in future "Buffy" and "Angel" episodes, but it doesn't come up here.

Regardless of the discrepancies, Spike's arrival does add to Angel's back-story as Angelus, his evil alter ego. They flirted with this concept back in "Angel", but it was fleeting as Darla was staked shortly afterwards. Now we have an on going representative of Angel's past, which would play a big role in the mythology of the show.

Drusilla and Spike are like the Sid and Nancy of vampires. They are decadent, and share a twisted romance. However, Spike's feelings toward Dru are far more intense. Had Spike been unwell, it's unlikely Dru would be as adamant about helping him out. She seems to see him more as a pet. Of course, vampires don't have the capability to love, but it seems that Spike actually has some of that in him. His de-vamping when he Drusilla entered in one of the early scenes is telling for that.

The other major piece of information in Spike's back-story is that he killed two Slayers before. This helps explain why he is fascinated with the Slayer lore. You have to wonder if he ever spent time between them looking for the latest chosen one. It certainly will come to play later with Buffy and Spike's dynamic. So far, he is a far more compelling nemesis than The Master and that status will remain untouched for some time.

Others moments add to the canonical knowledge of vampires. Spike's brief memory of getting high at Woodstock (from eating a human who was high) shows that vampires can be intoxicated from the blood they drink. This will become the impetus for an entire episode of "Angel" a few years later. It's never said, but it would've been nice to know if drinking from a human with a blood disease like leukemia or suffering from some type of sepsis would affect a vampire.

This episode does show that while vampires can survive numerous things humans can't, they can get sick. What exactly did the mob in Prague do to Dru? A stake to her heart would've been much easier way of handling whatever problem she was causing.

Throughout the series, especially in this season, Buffy tries to balance her personal/school life with her duties as Slayer. Unfortunately, trying to save the world on a routine basis has her lumped together with burnouts like Sheila. This raises the stakes (so to speak) of this episode, as she tries to avoid suspension while thwarting a major vampire attack and keeping her mother unaware of the demons. This would be a major piece of the second season, and this episode serves to kick-start that arc in a big way.

This episode makes Joyce a lot more endearing. Previously she voiced some concern for her daughter getting into trouble, and seemed ready to punish her after she heard what Snyder had to say. However, during the vampire siege, we saw how much she admired her daughter. If you didn't cheer a little bit when she smacked Spike with the axe, I don't think this show is right for you. Go Joyce! This is a great example of why she became one of the few parents on this show who was genuinely good.

For Snyder fans, we have many funny moments as he puts the presses on Buffy and shifts the blame on "a gang on PCP". The major point in this episode is the revelation that Snyder is aware of the demons infesting his town, and his role is to help keep it quiet. One has to wonder if Flutie had any idea, or if those in power in Sunnydale aided Snyder's ascension to principal.

This is the first great episode of Buffy, and a great indicator of what the show would become. The themes of the season are in effect, but Spike and Drusilla's arrival make the episode. In this first episode so much of their characters are established, which is impressive considering how far they would go in the Buffyverse.

Score: 9/10

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 2, Episode 2: Some Assembly Required Review

Some Assembly Required
Original Airdate: September 22, 1997
Writer: Ty King
Director: Bruce Seth Green

As the show is about to hit its stride, there are still only hints of what would become the status quo. They're still using horror archetypes and applying them to high school settings. This has been the basis for many good and great episodes, but it doesn't quite work in this episode, at least the way they wanted to. In this case, they wanted to cover relationships, with a "Bride of Frankenstein" update as the central part of the plot. However, what happens in this plot doesn't match the character stories.

A better choice for this supernatural occurrence would've been to have Franken-Daryl symbolize those who still hang out around the high school long after graduation. We can all relate to that and know people like that. Unfortunately, this theme wouldn't really work until later, when high school ended for the gang. Instead, the episode uses the brother of said jock to build a girlfriend for his reanimated brother. Maybe if Franken-Daryl wasn't a popular guy it would work better, since Chris may feel guilty about him not finding someone in life. Or they could have the girls fawning over him in a satire of high school politics.

There is some nice follow up of Buffy using Xander to make Angel jealous. It worked. Although even Xander knows he can't be with Buffy, this piece of knowledge eludes Angel, which is fitting for his social awkwardness. It also hints toward the tragedy of their romance. Angel can't be around her during the day, much less relate to contemporary people well.

During this episode, Angel inadvertently garners Buffy's jealousy by helping Cordelia when she finds the body parts. It's interesting to see this, as it is essentially the real beginning of Cordelia and Angel's friendship, one that will become very important in Angel's series.

Of course, Willow is still pining over Xander, but now the writers are setting up a potential romance between him and Cordelia. Xander saving her from Eric the perv and Franken-Daryl obviously scored major points, even when he blew off her showing of gratitude. At this point, people unaware of the overall scheme would probably be hoping for Willow and Xander to see what's in front of them. Knowing what's ahead for the characters makes these speculations moot.

The most interesting development is the fact that Ms. Calendar and Giles are starting to see each other. It does help make Giles more endearing to have the usually composed Watcher bumbling through his crush just like the rest of us. It also doesn't hurt that Ms. Calendar is really cute (although that hairdo leaves something to be desired).

Another strength of the episode is that the gang is noticeably disturbed by what's happening. For a show that frequently involves the deaths of young people, the main characters shake it off rather well. Granted, this way it keeps the gang from perpetually cowering in fear, which wouldn't make for a good show. It's refreshing to see them acknowledging just how disturbing this grave robbing situation is.

Although these bits are good, this episode had some major faults. For starters, Eric is a supremely annoying character. I know, that's the point, but there is only so much annoyance one can take before it hinders enjoyment. If I ever have to hear him butcher a classic soul song (which wasn't disturbing in the way they would've wanted), it'll be too soon. If only they substituted Warren from the latter years for Eric, the story would've worked much better (and it could explain why Chris would want anything to do with him and some of Warren's feelings toward women). Eric is just a lame SNL skit, which takes me out of the action. Why Cordelia didn't punch him the second he uttered a syllable is baffling.

Also, who has ever dropped their car keys in a way that would send the keys halfway underneath the car? Is there some slope that scenes like this are filmed on that could explain this? I guess this fits into the standard horror marks early "Buffy" wanted to hit, but I wish we saw more of them satirizing this. Remember, this show premiered shortly after the first "Scream" movie, which offered some choice jabs at horror movie cliches.

The finale, with the fire burning down the old lab (along with Franken-Daryl and Bride of Franken-Daryl), is a little too contrived to work. Why is there a big container of gasoline among the things there? There are plenty of flammable things in a science lab, especially one that is old and likely using old appliances. How about a Bunsen burner is knocked over?

This episode is very reminiscent of the first season (down to that awful lighting during the locker search scene), but the places are set for what will become the second season. Relationships are what make this second season, and they do deserve development, but the connection between this and the monster of the week is rather sloppy.

Score: 4/10

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 2, Episode 1: When She Was Bad Review

When She Was Bad
Original Airdate: September 15, 1997
Writer: Joss Whedon
Director: Joss Whedon

While Whedon and his writers would craft some great season long storylines, often leading to satisfying payoffs, they would mostly stumble on these first episodes. Usually, episodes like this one serve to wrap up the previous season's loose ends and get the group ready for the current season's main event, rather than establish it.

In the first season, they had to prepare for possible cancellation. That meant a season finale that tied up most of the urgent plot threads, which would've given some closure to the experience. So with the second season a go, they had to wrap up the things that they did leave open.

Buffy was a bit dazed following The Master's defeat, and now she is in a full fledged funk, where even Cordelia (who sounds a little sick in this episode) expresses concern, albeit in her own way. Considering this may be the first taste some viewers had of Buffy, this may have not been the best first impression. Having her lash out at the other main characters with no provocation isn't going to earn sympathy points. However, for the sake of story continuity, they had little choice in the matter. And the "bitca" joke doesn't work (don't stake me!) It feels too forced.

The lack of vampires during Buffy's absence is interesting. Future seasons would allude to prior problems being there during the summer. If the vamps wanted to, they could've taken Sunnydale over during the summer (or The Master could've waited a few weeks). Perhaps this is just a result of Whedon's desire to keep the first season self-contained. Since Hellmouth is a unique trait of this world, they have some liberty to decide whether demonic activity would be there even when it was closed.

Relationships are incredibly important to the series and in this season probably the most. Many of them take up an added complexity this season, with ramifications that extend through both "Buffy" and "Angel". We saw mostly puppy love crushes in the first season, but this season they are growing up, and things are going to get heavy, with unrequited feelings, betrayal and lots of heartbreak.

Despite his rejection, Xander still harbors feelings for Buffy. Unfortunately, the moody Buffy uses this to make Angel jealous in a memorably sexy dance that only confuses him. Poor guy, he probably couldn't think straight for days after that, I know I wouldn't if that happened to me at 16.

Much to Willow's delight, it appears that there may be something brewing between her and Xander, as he tenderly cleaned her nose and had a near kiss before the vamp ruined the moment. However, once Buffy returned Willow found herself having her affections fall unheard. Without Buffy, the two of them had time to bond the way they used to before she came to town.

They have amplified Giles and Ms. Calendar's feelings towards each other, which was only a hint late last season. Now Jenny's jabs at Giles' stuffiness are more overtly flirtatious, which is a nice change. It's funny to see the adult of the group acting like a child in front of the woman he likes.

Another major piece of the episode comes from Buffy's attempts to keep her identity secret from her unsuspecting mother (this is the last time we see Hank Summer as a dad who cared about his daughter). It is only briefly hinted in this episode, but it works as establishing a theme. Buffy unable to relate to her mother how she feels could explain why she's hesitant to tell her friends, who understand what she's going through.

Although his role in bringing Buffy down was ultimately lackluster, the remaining members of the Order of Aurelius (who should really consider a dress code more fitting of their group) remain close to the Anointed One. Perhaps they too wonder "is that it?" and think that there has to be more to the Prophecy than what was said in "Never Kill a Boy…"

It is interesting that the vampires decided to let Xander live when they took Willow and Giles. Usually, they would at least suck him dry or figure he was incapacitated. Why would they leave someone behind who could tell the Slayer what they were doing, inevitably leading to her foiling that plan? This is probably most likely the "he's a lead so he lives" syndrome, but it is a forgivable flaw.

The bones of The Master serve two purposes: the impetus of the main plot (I wonder if they could perform a ritual with just a vamp's dust) and as a symbol of the lingering emotional pain Buffy's dealing with in the episode. Throughout the episode her judgment is clouded by her anger towards The Master, who is present in her dreams and hallucinations. By smashing his bones into dust, Buffy manages to put that trauma behind her, but the denouement is still painful for her.

Unlike every other season, the first one was done before the first episode aired, so they were able to throw in bits of foreshadowing, like Buffy's dream in the pilot. Now in season two, they go in production like the typical TV show, but that doesn't stop the foreshadowing. Thankfully, they had someone in charge who knew what he was doing and where he wanted to take the show. In this first episode, two hints are dropped that become major parts of the season finale "Becoming" and an event mirrors a later occurrence.

This is a decent opener, but it serves more to wrap up the first season's loose ends than start what would come down the road. However, there are some bits that hint towards the bigger plan of the season, and that helps. And they don't use so many filler montages (the training one I liked, because I'm very simple).

Score: 7/10

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 1, Episode 12: Prophecy Girl Review

Prophecy Girl
Original Airdate: June 2, 1997
Writer: Joss Whedon
Director: Joss Whedon

Had things not gone along, this episode would've been the last episode of Buffy we'd ever see. It's hard to imagine as it is so close to what would make it a classic. There is enough resolution to the episode, but there are clearly hints of bigger places Mutant Enemy had to take the show in season two and beyond.

Xander finally gets the courage to ask Buffy out, but unfortunately for him, she doesn't feel that way about him (I know how that feels, but I never asked any high school crush I had out and I preferred mopey alternative music to country). It's clear that they do love each other, but Xander has to pass that pubescent phase and realize that that love isn't the puppy love teenagers have.

Despite his sour disposition and resentment towards Angel, he has no choice but to call upon him to help stop the Prophecy from happening. While it's always good to see people who don't get along forced to work together, it is the fact that Xander saves Buffy after she drowns that is most interesting aspect of this story. People sometimes wonder what Xander's ultimate role in the group is, but acts like these more than prove his worth. Buffy's arrival made Xander a bit braver and bolder, and here he returns the favor.

Buffy was created in part of Whedon's sympathy for the blonde girl who was always targeted for massacre in countless horror flicks. This episode, featuring Buffy's death, is that blonde getting revenge on the monster who killed her. The Prophecy that states that she is supposed to die could be interpreted as that standard cliché and Buffy defying it serves that this isn't the average horror fare.

Regardless, this news devastates Buffy, in the best scene of the first season. Her anger and sadness are palpable and the change between is seamless. Although she constantly faces death and the worst of the world, she's still sixteen. Like anyone else her age, it fits that she doesn't want to be struck down so early in her life. This is a hint of some of the great insights into life the writers would come up with later.

This also mirrors the premiere, where Buffy hoped to shed her slayer identity and live a normal life. Then she realized she couldn't, but learning of her imminent demise is enough to revive that dormant feeling. This also plays out well when she considers that her friends and family may die in future battles. Sarah Michelle Gellar plays it out so well that we don't see her feelings as selfishness, but as that moment where innocence is lost.

Death also shakes another member of the gang, as Willow discovers the mutilated bodies of kids in the A/V room. This piece is a major factor to what gets Buffy to go back on her resignation, knowing that she can't leave her friends to slaughter.

The Master does kill Buffy, but apparently no one read the fine print that it would only be temporary. Although it may be considered a cop out by some, this moment would prove to be influential for the rest of the series, and play a key role in the series finale. For now, there are hints that Buffy is shaken by her brief death, although The Master killing her somehow gave her strength to kill him (and thankfully they never used the theme music in the show after this episode, since it didn't work here).

There is some cheese, as The Master goes a little over the top during the earthquake, but he does add some humor to show that Whedon isn't taking himself too seriously. Also, they continue to borrow influences, like The Master's Nosferatu-esque walk out of his invisible barrier after drinking Buffy's blood.

How The Master's demise closes up the Hellmouth isn't clear, but it could work. However, why do the remaining vamps disperse after? Unfortunately, they could have The Master's death trigger the death of his army (whose approach resembled "Night of the Living Dead") because they would have to explain how Angel managed to survive since he is no different than them physically.

This is probably one of the weakest apocalypses they face. Although they hint at it with an earthquake and blood coming out of the faucets, the budget restricted them from any major fireworks. Subsequent battles would be handled much better, probably in part because they had more time, a bigger budget and network confidence to tell a realized story.

The Master's dusting is obviously the most sophisticated and slow, but what is worth noting is that despite others who burst into a cloud of dust, leaving nothing behind, The Master leaves behind a skeleton. This could be because of his advanced age, or because it'll be used as a plot device later.

This episode adds to the size of the gang, as Jenny, Angel and even Cordelia help out fighting off the monster that emerges from the Hellmouth and the vampire horde once The Master rises. We knew Jenny had some knowledge of the supernatural; Cordelia had recently been saved and lost her boyfriend (who she seemed to actually care about) to the vamps; Angel has also been helping Buffy with The Master all season. Now they all have a reason to help them. These final episodes of the first season do a decent job of setting up what we can expect in season two.

In retrospect, it wouldn't have been too hard to bunch together the two hour pilot, "Never Kill…", "Angel", "Nightmares" and this one as a six hour miniseries as the start of the series. It would've been a more cohesive narrative. That way The Master's threat would've been more believable than when he shows up every couple episodes. Also, the god-awful "'Manos': the Hands of Fate" has totally ruined "The Master" as a title for a bad guy for me. This first season was more throwing out ideas for the audience to get an idea of what the show would be about. Luckily, future seasons would have an easier time balancing story arcs with the self contained adventures.

As this was the final episode of a mid-season replacement on a fledgling network, this episode would've doubled as a series finale. Renewing the show for season two was pivotal in creating the massive world (Whedon-verse as fans call it) that has become beloved by many viewers. While many shows show greatness on the onset, it would take "Buffy" some time to find its groove. Had that not happened, we wouldn't have classics like "Hush", "Becoming" and "Once More With Feeling". The great characters we'd meet later, like Spike, Drusilla and Anya, would only be figments of Whedon's imagination. Not to mention "Angel" and all its great characters and episodes wouldn't exist. Although WB is still the thorn in the side of many fans for canceling "Angel" (a topic I'll discuss later), they wisely decided to give this show a shot, and they would return the favor by reaching the greatness the show has become known for. This is the best episode of the first season, and sets the stage for the future well.

Oh, and I really like Buffy's dress.

Score: 8/10

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 1, Episode 11: Out of Mind, Out of Sight Review

Out of Mind, Out of Sight
Original Airdate: May 19, 1997
Writers: Ashley Gable and Thomas A. Swyden
Story: Joss Whedon
Director: Reza Badiyi

As the season winds down, the writers finally decide to shed some light on Cordelia, the least developed of the lead cast. Her function so far has been to personify what is keeping the gorgeous Buffy from being one of the most popular kids in school. This episode fleshes out her character, while giving her a reason to become a member, albeit reluctant, of the soon to be dubbed Scooby Gang (a title perhaps hinted with Willow's shirt).

Like the previous episode, this episode touches upon Buffy's past. Before her calling, Buffy wasn't that different from Cordelia. Had she moved earlier, she would've likely been among the Cordettes like Harmony. This episode is much like a bookend to Buffy and Cordelia's initial meeting in the pilot, addressing some elements that haven't been mentioned much since they occurred.

Cordelia wouldn't be one to forget Buffy accidentally attacking her, and that is the incident that would've put Buffy on Cordelia's bad side for a long time otherwise. However, this episode shows her that there is a lot more to this town than she ever realized, which places what Buffy did in a different context. Of course, Buffy saving her from being mutilated appeals to her sense of vanity.

It's remarkable to see these early episodes of vain Cordelia, knowing what is in store for her in future episodes. Her maturity is one of the more rewarding character arcs, and this episode is the first step in that. While she is beautiful and popular, she is lonely because her friends don't offer anything substantial for her or care for anything besides what their status will become by hanging out with her. She only maintains this role out of fear of being alone.

While "Buffy" is a show about social misfits, Marcie is in another league as far as alienation goes. It’s never specific why she is such an outcast. Perhaps because Clea DuVall (of Carnivale fame), doesn't resemble a supermodel. Being a band geek isn't going to help her much either. It still doesn't explain why she is more reclusive than Xander or Willow. Then again, they're friends, whereas Marcie manages to live in the crawlspace (that manages to support three teenage girls) for months without anyone noticing. Maybe she was mentally unstable before her change.

Whatever the reason, we knew, so to speak, someone like that from high school. Invisibility is a perfect to the point of cliché metaphor for the person who feels like no one notices them. This concept can be corny if it isn't delivered properly, which is common when the villain is invisible. It can be hard for them not to make it look like someone is clearly not there. They pull it off rather well, not focusing too heavily on special effects.

One of the underdeveloped elements from this episode comes from Buffy trying to focus her powers so that she doesn't need to see her opponents to attack them. This could've been a good point to feature more prominently, as it makes a big point in the climactic showdown. However, the climax was well done anyway, using the slow motion rather well.

Of course, Marcie as a secret assassin is as odd as it is a cute epilogue for the story. It doesn't appear to help that her textbook is nothing more than Beatles lyrics with the title phrase changed (OK, that was an Easter egg). Like many of the early episodes, this one is another sampler piece, likely to appeal to fans of "The X-Files", the most popular sci-fi show on when "Buffy" came on. Beside that, it makes sense that the government would want to learn about supernatural occurrences in hopes of using it for their objectives, but we wouldn't see much of that until later.

Angel's appearance in this episode may be a bit detached from the main plot, but it does offer hints to what will come in the finale. The Prophecy plays a crucial role, and in this episode, we learn a bit more about vampire mythology, like that they don't have to breathe and they can't cast a reflection. The first one plays a big part in him rescuing Giles, Willow and Xander and a major part of a pivotal scene in the finale. One thing of notice is that they lie to Buffy about Angel, partially in hopes of keeping them apart, but it later they don't take such measures and just let it happen.

This episode is another piece of theme episodes that feature throughout the first season, before they started the overarching stories of future seasons. It is the start of Cordelia's main arc, as well as bringing in elements from The Master arc into fruition for the finale.

Score: 7/10