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.
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
posted by Matt @ 8:35 PM
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