In which Kate gets a lesson in the cruelty of evil evil things and we get flashbacks of Angel’s birth as a vampire.
I didn’t like Kate and I didn’t like her father. This episode didn’t change anything. It’s hard to care about a character’s sorrows when you don’t care about them. Now Angel’s sorrows during the flashbacks, those were interesting, albeit a little hard to understand at times. The vampire who birthed him was all cryptic and stuff and I didn’t really understand what she meant at the end. Vampires are soulless entities who don’t give a damn about humans. What was she going on about who you were is what you become and whatever and whatnot? I don’t know. Really, none of it seemed to really matter all that much in the long run, and was just a loose tie into the present day scenario happening between Kate and her father. Again, I don’t really care about those characters so it’s kind of lost on me. I didn’t really care too much about this episode, either, especially since those weren’t Wolfram and Hart guys and instead just simple vampires and a drug lord.
I disagree here. It has some fantastic episodes, even if others are weak. I think season 4 is the worst, personally, because it has a pretty weak overall story arc imo.
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Angel killed her in season 1 of Buffy. She was in the very first episode of the series.
I know the name, but I didn't recognize her. It would make sense, though.
From: SlymDayspring | #054 Season 1 is certainly the weakest season.
I disagree here. It has some fantastic episodes, even if others are weak. I think season 4 is the worst, personally, because it has a pretty weak overall story arc imo.
We'll have to see how I feel. I think, for me, most of the time any consistently present overarching storyline (that isn't completely absurd which I trust will never be an issue with either series) is enough for me to prefer it over a season of one-shot episodes. I like continuity far, far more than I like episodic.
Darla was the vampire chick from season one of Buffy. Worked for The Master. Got killed in the episode where Angel's identity and basic back story was revealed.
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Demons disliking Spike because he’s embraced his ability to hurt and kill demons is an interesting plot that I didn’t even think about. It was fun hearing of a “demon code” that states demons and the like don’t kill other demons and the like. However, it’s a code that Spike seems to have already broken before and nobody seemed to care. But maybe the code is different among vampires. Plus, I don’t think people cared too much about The Annointed One. Either way, it’ll be interesting to see if this forces Spike’s hand in fighting on the side of good.
Vampires are seen as second class citizens among demons. When it was a vampire killing vampires they could care less. Now he is killing other demons. And Spike could care less about anybody's code.
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"Hope is allowed to be stupid, unwise, and naive." ~Sir Chris
I too dropped the show for a bit at that time. I since returned to it and....still have a few episodes left to go. It certainly did a few things I did not expect, but I think it worked out well enough.
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There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out
In which Angel "participates" in a demon fight club.
This was probably the best non-completely series altering episode of the show thus far. The plot was highly engaging, and it showed some things that may become a factor later on in the show. For one, we saw Wesley show a "darker" side of sorts, going cold steel when demanding information from the bookie. It was rather enjoyable to see, really. Also, you saw Angel's conversation with the Wolfram and Hart associate. They still exist, and we still have no idea if they have a motive outside prosperity through the representation of demons. But still, we see they are willing to try and work with even Angel to meet their goals.
But yeah, the fight club plot was pretty neat. I don't have that much to say about it since it was what it was and there isn't much to elaborate on, but it was well-executed. It was fun seeing all the demons band together at the end and take out the ring operators, and it was rewarding seeing Trepkos disintegrate the head weasel. Good show. Also, the ending scene with "we did good here...by setting free a bunch of demons... <_<"
Very enjoyable. I can forgive lack of a main plot with episodes like these. But with only six episodes remaining, they have to find some way to give this season some closure. Hopefully that's something I can start looking forward to in the next episodes.
This episode started off feeling like it was going to be really, really dumb. It was obvious that Oliver was behind everything all along, and with the way he was acting, it kind of seemed like they had more planned regarding that. But they turned it into a "actually the chick is pretty crazy too" storyline by having her unwittingly bring about Angelus. Good show.
The best part of the episode was Cordelia's little speech towards Angelus. Charisma Carpenter did a great job delivering it and it was highly believable and I could sense the fear and pain and all that would come from have your boss be a vampire. The beginning was pretty fun, too. We got to see a little more "Wesley has nuts" deal, too, which Angelus pointed out to us. Hopefully a recurring theme through the rest of the season and the series.
I don't know, not too much else to say her. Who knows if we'll ever even see Angelus after this episode. I'm split on which I'd prefer. On one hand, it's hard conceiving of many other situations in which Angelus could come back in a temporary fashion. On the other hand, Angelus is fun to watch. Ahh well. Come what may.
Hey, Tara is my number one favorite character and Anya is second favorite (followed closely by Spike in third) so let me just tell you that they are fantastic characters.
Still don't know why you don't like Willow though. She's like my sixth or seventh favorite.
It's been awhile since I've seen a good two-parter. I mean, Graduation Day was okay, I guess. But this is probably going to end up being better, and I'm disappointed that I have to go to work now and can't immediately watch the next episode until after. Ahh well.
So Faith is back, and I actually don't mind her now. This whole revenge thing is a good look for her and I'm liking her more than I liked her throughout season three. The tenseness in all the scenes between her and Buffy were well done, and her reveal to the Buffy and Willow was pretty neato. It was also nice to see more Mayor action. He's still delightfully evil.
Riley's potential reaction to finding out Buffy was/is in love with a vampire could have some legs down the road, too. We'll see if it gets brought up again, though I don't see how it wouldn't.
And the ending. It appears we've got the good ol' fashioned switcharoo plot here. Should be interesting. Also, I noticed that the next episode I watch of Angel is titled "Five By Five." I think I know where that's going. But first, we've got three more Buffy episodes to watch.
From: PerfectChaosZ | #073 Hey, Tara is my number one favorite character and Anya is second favorite (followed closely by Spike in third) so let me just tell you that they are fantastic characters.
Still don't know why you don't like Willow though. She's like my sixth or seventh favorite.
Jury is still out on Tara, and I'm hoping she is saved when she gets her grand (and I'm assuming evil) reveal and cuts out the awkward, lesbian vibe crap. Anya is fun, though she could use a little more substance in the hopeful near future. Willow just rubs me the wrong way sometimes. Not sure how to explain it.
From: Ness26 | #078 Check the first post for his viewing order.
Right. I knew that. >_>
Anyways, there is an obvious connection in the storylines you've already pieced together, but I guess there is some time elapse there that makes that viewing order technically more correct than not. (Technically correct would be always alternating this season, but meh at that.)
However, since you already saw the next Angel episode's title (I would have kept my mouth shut if you hadn't), I would consider watching the next 2 Angel episodes in sequence after the next Buffy episode. They don't ruin anything in the Buffy episodes you would have otherwise already watched, and watching them in that order ties that plotline in a nice little bow.
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kevwaffles posted... From: Ness26 | #078 Check the first post for his viewing order. Right. I knew that. >_>
Anyways, there is an obvious connection in the storylines you've already pieced together, but I guess there is some time elapse there that makes that viewing order technically more correct than not. (Technically correct would be always alternating this season, but meh at that.)
However, since you already saw the next Angel episode's title (I would have kept my mouth shut if you hadn't), I would consider watching the next 2 Angel episodes in sequence after the next Buffy episode. They don't ruin anything in the Buffy episodes you would have otherwise already watched, and watching them in that order ties that plotline in a nice little bow.
Does anybody else have an opinion? I'm sure it doesn't matter too much, but I want optimum viewing experience!
Season 6 just at times seem really rushed to me, moreso the last half of it. Could just be me though. Not trying to really go into too much detail. Season 4/5 are moreso the weaker ones for me.
But then i'm again I'm also one of those crazies who loved Season 7
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Well, since it's kind of out in the open, as you already know the next episode of Buffy has Faith, and so does the next Angel episode. The next Buffy episode after that doesn't have Faith at all, watching it just catches Buffy up to the corresponding episode number of Angel. So if you want to keep going with Faith (and why wouldn't you?) you might as well just switch tracks to Angel after the next Buffy.
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Oh, and about this season drama, I actually just finished my watchthrough of all of Buffy and Angel (well actually I still have 3 Angel episodes left but I know what happens anyways)
MY END SEASON RANKINGS
Angel:
Season 5 > Season 1 > Season 4 > Season 3 > Season 2
Buffy:
Season 7 > Season 5 > Season 2 > Season 3 > Season 6 > Season 4 > Season 1
COMBINED
Angel 5 > Buffy 7 > Buffy 5 > Angel 1 > Buffy 2 > Buffy 3> Buffy 6 > Angel 4 > Angel 3 > Angel 2 > Buffy 4 > Buffy 1
Pretty much, I loved Angels Season 1 and 5, and Buffys Seasons 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. I didn't really care for Buffy Season 1 or 4, or Angels Seasons 2, 3 , or 4.
Yep.
I loved Angel season 1, but I can definitely see someone who doesn't like episodic seasons not ranking it so high. I love a good season long arc, but I don't think its a requirement.
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The batman villians all seem to be one big joke that batman refuses to laugh at - SantaRPG
Cly's placement of Angel S1 is weird to me. Outside of it he pretty much consistently puts the strongly serial seasons toward the top and the more episodic ones toward the bottom.
But Zazi, I'd jump to Five By Five and Sanctuary immediately after the next Buffy episode. It isn't like it aired, but the next two episodes of Buffy would definitely break from things in a jarring manner.
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Hey guys, let's keep the season talk quiet until after he finishes said seasons.
They may not be spoilers but they affect the mindset and how you go into the season. Less is more in this case.
I don't have a stong opinion on episode. There is a gap of time between the next Buffy and your next Angel, as in they don't take place one after another timeline wise. So I'd just keep going with your order.
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"Hope is allowed to be stupid, unwise, and naive." ~Sir Chris
First things first, hats off to Sarah Michelle Geller for the acting job (I loved the touch of "Eliza Dushku as Buffy" by the way). She's shown great range throughout the series, and this is another example. That said, it was just weird seeing Buffy act that way. I'm quite attracted to SMG, but holy crap it felt weird getting slight feelings of arousal watching her work in this episode. It was just different and kind of uncomfortable seeing this character I've grown to know get a complete 180. I'm a fan of characters being forced to act differently in situations, but this was just an extreme I don't think I was ready for. I was prepared going in for lots of concealing of attitudes to keep her identity secret, but instead I got full-blown sex kitten.
Also, am I missing something between Willow and Tara? Is their relationship supposed to have such strong lesbian undertones? If that's where they are going with this, I wish they'd be a little more forward about it. "I am all yours." What the hell does that mean? Part of me thinks that Willow may be getting slowly possessed and that's what leads to these conversations or something. Slowly but surely she's being altered or something. I don't know, but it's just weird at the moment. I really, really want to know what the deal with Tara is just so things can stop being so subdued and awkward.
The stuff with the Spec Ops guys was kind of lame. Didn't get much screen time or development and just kind of went away with a whimper. That's okay I guess. This episode wasn't really about "Buffy."
The ending scenes were weird, too, with Faith's sort of epiphany and all. That scene during and after sex with Riley, and then the fight with Buffy where she starts cursing herself out was sudden and unexpected. I couldn't tell if it was an effect of being in Buffy's body or a genuine change of character through seeing how people were reacting to Buffy. Maybe both, and that would make sense.
I'll assume that the Faith saga ends come these next two Angel episodes, which I'd be fine with. Let her find atonement.
Next up: Angel 18 (that really is kind of a random gap, but yeah it probably makes sense if you are thinking in a timeline manner. Plus, it was probably neat to assume that Faith had just run off again not to be heard of for awhile and then have her appear suddenly on Angel.)
From: Maniac64 | #096 Hey guys, let's keep the season talk quiet until after he finishes said seasons.
They may not be spoilers but they affect the mindset and how you go into the season. Less is more in this case.
I don't have a stong opinion on episode. There is a gap of time between the next Buffy and your next Angel, as in they don't take place one after another timeline wise. So I'd just keep going with your order.
Eh, I've said it before and I'll say it again: season rankings for this series haven't really bugged me too much since there seems to be such a wide variety of opinions. As long as absolutely nothing specific is mentioned or even hinted at, I'm fine with it. I skim over it all, anyways, for that reason. I couldn't tell you anything about Cly's rankings.
I will take this opportunity to say I'm both pleased and impressed with most everyone's ability to not even so much as hint at stuff unless I've made indication that I'm sure of what comes next. Bravo to all of you, and thank you. This is going better than I expected.
Is this due to something yet to be revealed, or through some intended social statement set up by Joss Whedon that never gets addressed?
I guess just answer by saying whether or not it's addressed during the series. It's seriously bugging me. And if it is a social statement, please elaborate on the why it's being made. Maybe it'd make more sense if this were 2000.
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