March 2002 posts
On Cordelia,
Prophylactics and Prophesy (Spoilers for Sleep Tight) -- Isabel, 23:23:45 03/06/02 Wed
This is an idea that I've had for a couple of days that I thought I'd place before the board. I hope I'm
not repeating something someone else has mentioned. I tried checking as many threads as possible,
but I didn't see it.
Let me start with a coincidental non sequitur: Did you know that prophet and
prophylactic are right next to each other in my dictionary?
Back to topic: Why has no one at AI heard from Cordy in at least 2 weeks? (I assume the same
amount of time has passed for them.) She used to get at least a couple of visions a week if not more.
Yes, she's on vacation, but do we really believe that Champion-like seers get vacations from the
PTB? Ever? I remember hearing at least a couple people on the show asking if Cordy had called in
and she hadn't. We all presume she's comshucking her heart out, and we're probably right.
It got me to thinking. Did the Supernatural Prophylactic work? Did she lose her powers to Groo, and
that's why she hasn't had any warning about the kidnapping, assault, and (attempted,
hopefully) murder of her friends? She's hardly the self absorbed Queen C who'd put her
enjoyment over the welfare of her friends anymore. If she knew, she'd say something. Therefore she
doesn't know.
Why?
Possibility #1 is it didn't work and she lost her powers to Groo.
Unlikely, since the characters've gone through such trials to make sure she kept her visions. Plus,
Groo is a white hat. He doesn't have a manipulative muscle on his well sculpted body. If he had a
vision that the gang was in danger, he'd tell Cordy and they'd ride to the rescue.
Possibility #2 is there were no visions sent by the PTB. It's all written in stone and the PTB weren't
going to allow Cordy and Groo to mess up "What MUST Happen."
(portentous music in background)
I don't buy that. Like Fred, I don't believe in inevitable predestination. The Hamburger Loa said,
"The Vampire must devour the son." It could have come to pass already since Angel's
been fed Connor's blood or will in the future if Angel kills him and sucks his blood. I think that
there's a lot of wiggle room in the fulfilling of prophecies. I think the PTB themselves aren't 100%
sure which side Angel will be on in the coming Apocalyptic Battle. Plus, not everything that
happened was directly involved with the prophecy. Cordy could have gotten a warning about
something not related to Connor. Plus, something in the reading of the prophecy could have been lost
in the translation. Wes wasn't working from the original text and mistakes can be made. And finally,
I'd think it would be awful if the PTB set Wes up to be Judas.
Possibility #3 is the Supernatural Prophylactic worked just fine. Cordy kept her powers, the PTB got
involved and sent her visions about the danger to her friends, but she didn't get them.
What's a 'prophylactic?' A condom. Something that prevents the transmission of disease or sperm
from one person to another. A barrier.
When Angel went to the brothel they told him Cordy had to drink the whole potion at once and that
it would only be effective for a couple of weeks. I don't remember anyone asking HOW the
potion worked. What if it serves as a barrier around her powers preventing anything from getting at
them until it wears off? What if the PTB sent her visions that she couldn't receive?
What would that do to her? She's probably going to have some guilt that she was off having fun while
her friends had all those horrible things happen to them. But for her to know she was supposed to
make a difference in the tragedy while she "turned off her answering machine" so she
could have sex? If she were there, Wes would have had a confidante. She might have stopped Wes
from the kidnapping and assault. Connor would not have been taken to a Hell dimension.
What's that going to do to her relationship with Groo? With Angel? I agree she'd defend Wes if she
had to. What about Gunn and Fred?
I hope she enjoys this vacation. Life is really gonna suck for her when she gets back.
[>
I go for Poss #3 (spoil ST) -- bienbizare, 11:05:34 03/07/02 Thu
I think it was probably #3, that Cordy stopped getting visions for the duration of the potion's
potency. If she or Groo were getting them, I'm sure AI would be getting messages about them. C
may be on vacation, but it doesn't mean she stopped caring. Plus with all the stuff going down at AI,
I'm sure she would have, under normal circumstances, gotten some visions.
Yes, there will be some major guilt. And I bet she won't be taking any more vacations or mystical
prophylactics any time soon, which I think will lead her to say buh-bye to Groo.
[> [>
Or... (continuation of thought) -- bienbizare, 11:12:19 03/07/02 Thu
Maybe it's something else, like Cordy and Groo are not busy getting it on but have run into a big
demon (evil demons, not good demons like her :)) hideout somewhere and are in perilous danger.
Cordy's getting visions of what's going on in LA, but she's trapped fighting the demons and can do
nothing!
What turmoil.
Or maybe she's finally experiencing her demon-ness and it's having some really nasty consequences
so she's too occupied to deal with her friend's problems.
I seriously doubt it, but I thought that these possibilites had to be thrown out there, for speculation's
sake, ya know.
[> [> [>
Perfectly good possibilities... -- Isabel, 13:31:11 03/07/02 Thu
[>
Possibility #4 -- pagangodess, 11:48:15 03/07/02 Thu
Or maybe, she's only getting visions of things happening in the near vicinity of wherever she's at.
Like she did when she was in Pylea.
Kind of makes sence, because she never has any visions of demons in Sunnydale, if she did, they
would have tried to save Buffy and Dawn from Glory.
So, maybe, Cordy had a vision while on vacation with Groo of something happening in the nearby
area and are trying to help those in need (between the 'com' and the 'shucking', of course).
Although, I like your theories also.
:)
pagan
[> [>
That makes sense, except... -- Masq, 12:56:53 03/07/02 Thu
It explains how her visions have worked, for the most part. Except:
Doyle had a vision of Buffy in danger in Sunnydale in the BtVS ep "Pangs" while Doyle
was in LA (Bachelor Party). It is assumed because the PTB's wanted Angel to help the Slayer in that
instance.
Cordy had visions of everyone in pain in the world in To Shanshu in LA (although that was forced
upon her by the demon Vocah)
[> [>
Re: Possibility #4 -- Isabel, 13:00:37 03/07/02 Thu
That makes sense. It does no good to send a vision to someone who can't possibly intervene for the
victim. (Oh Cordelia, FYI, this person's being torn apart in Salt Lake City in, ooh, 8 minutes. Here's
the smells.) ;)
But I'm not sure they ever left Cordy's apartment. ;)
[> [> [>
Sure they did -- Vickie, 16:38:06 03/07/02 Thu
Left the apartment, that is. Would you want to comshuk with Dennis watching?
[> [> [> [>
thanks for the laugh of the day, Vickie! :) -- zargon, 20:33:55 03/07/02 Thu
[>
That Vision Thing (two contradictory theory fragments and spoilers for ST) -- matching
mole, 13:31:57 03/07/02 Thu
How exactly do the visions work? Do the PTB discern events about to happen and deliberately select
events for vision inclusion? Or is Cordelia some sort of clairvoyant signal receiver designed to pick
up a certain type of information? She only seems to get visions about supernatural danger. She's
never, to my knowledge, gotten one about an ordinary mugging, rape, murder, etc. (or maybe I've
just forgotten - corrections would be welcome). Also the time between vision and event seems fairly
random. Sometimes it is days or weeks in advance, sometimes only an hour. So consider the
following.
Most of the crucial events in sleep tight had no supernatural aspects. Wesley abducting the baby.
Justine attacking Wesley and abducting the baby. Holtz's gang attacking the Hyperion Hotel
(Cordelia's visions didn't warn AI of human attacks in earlier episodes either did they? I can't
remember any examples but that doesn't mean it didn't happen). These things just may not show up
on Cordelia's vision radar.
Cordelia may have picked up on the whole Sahjan opening up the portal and Holtz leaping through it
but might not have had time to report in before things went to hell. Of course none of this explains
why she didn't report any other visions during her two week absence. Given that they made a
specific point of mentioning that fact I think something significant to the plot must have happened to
her and Gru. But what?
Here is my own wildly improbable wacky theory. Sahjan is actually the child of Gru and Cordelia.
Neither of them are completely human and Cordelia's visions are a form of time travel. Perhaps
spoiled brat Connor is really mean to baby Sahjan throughout childhood and Sahjan blames Angel
for letting it happen. Sahjan has somehow lured his future parents out of the picture so that they
won't get harmed in ensuing events or prevent the events from happening. As several people have
pointed out it is very unlikely that Wesley would have acted the way he did if Cordelia was around to
confide in or simply to observe his bizarre behavior.
[> [>
Cordy's visions (poss spoilers/rumour) -- yabyumpan, 00:15:17 03/08/02 Fri
"How exactly do the visions work? Do the PTB discern events about to happen and deliberately
select events for vision inclusion? Or is Cordelia some sort of clairvoyant signal receiver designed to
pick up a certain type of information? She only seems to get visions about supernatural danger. She's
never, to my knowledge, gotten one about an ordinary mugging, rape, murder, etc. (or maybe I've
just forgotten - corrections would be welcome)" In I fall to Pieces from S1, Cordelia says
something to Angel about whether the Dr can see what the woman is doing with hidden cameras or
something, not everything is supernatural. Angel replies that Doyle got the message for him so it
must be supernatural (or something along those lines)
" Of course none of this explains why she didn't report any other visions during her two week
absence. Given that they made a specific point of mentioning that fact I think something significant
to the plot must have happened to her and Gru. But what?" I'm sort of going with the
theory/rumour that Cordy and Groo have been kidknapped. There is a rumour doing the rounds that
Lilah kidknaps them and plays Cordy a tape of Angel talking to Lorne about how he loves Cordy.
Not sure if i believe that part, i don't know why Lilah would do that but I can see her kidknapping
Cordy so she wont pass on any visions (lilah does seem to have a death wish when it comes to
Angel)
How will Wesley explain it
(spoilers for ST and beyond) -- JustAsking, 09:48:53 03/07/02 Thu
Here's the passage from the end of Old Gang of Mine:
--------------------
WESLEY
It's never easy. The pull of divided
loyalties. Any choice we do end
up making, we feel as though we've
betrayed someone.
GUNN
Yeah...
WESLEY
(after a beat)
If you ever withhold information
or attempt to subvert me again --
I will fire you. I can't allow any
one member of this team to compromise
the safety of the group. No matter
who it is. If you do it again, you will
be dismissed -- bag and baggage -out
of a job and on to the streets.
-------------------------
Of course, Wesley already knows he's meat; he told Justine it was a tossup on who he loathed the
most. Whacking Lorne and the "withholding information from the group" hypocrisy are
*much* more serious offenses than trying to save the baby. Which of course failed utterly, thank you
Greek drama Plot-Hammer o' Fun.
If Wesley had taken the Loa's advice and asked the question "When?", the Loa may well
have told him that vampire was *already* devouring the son in the form of his blood, and that the
prophecy was moot.
Maybe "Forgiving" will refer to Wesley's opinion of himself. It's going to take Lorne and
the others longer than one ep.
[>
Wonderful insight! (Spoilers for Sleep Tight) -- Scroll, 10:17:32 03/07/02 Thu
That is a wonderful parallel you've drawn between Gunn's situation in Old Gang of Mine, and
Wesley's dilemma in Loyalty and Sleep Tight. And it's very interesting and makes for much more
angst for Wes that he's the one who laid down the law for Gunn, and yet he has done exactly the
same thing by withholding crucial information from Angel and the others.
But I don't believe that Wesley will be forgiving himself anytime soon. In fact, I can see Cordelia,
Lorne, et al (maybe not Angel just yet) forgiving Wesley long before he ever gets over his self-
loathing. Wes has always had a very low opinion of himself and Connor's loss is definitely going to
drive him to despair. Considering how distraught and almost suicidal he's been lately, I wouldn't be
surprised if he does something desperate. Or, well, even more desperate...
I wonder how far Wesley will go to get Connor back. I can see him making a bargain with a devil just
to make things right again. Any other speculations?
[>
Re: How will Wesley explain it (spoilers for ST and beyond) -- mundusmundi, 12:56:54
03/07/02 Thu
Wow, thanks for reminding me of that little speech. Probably just one of the many things festering
subconsciously in me while I watched the last ep.
Was anyone bothered by the contrivance of having Lorne "read" just about everything
Wes had done and was going to do except for the reason why he was doing it? Or if Lorne did
know he kept it to himself. I'm just wondering how much Wesley is going to have to explain and how
much everyone will already know by the time we return. On the forgiveness scale, here's how I'd rate
them (a no-brainer, but here goes anyway):
1) Cordy, obviously, should forgive Wes first, esp. since she wasn't there. She may even feel guilty
herself.
2) Gunn and Fred. They seem the likely candidates to find Wesley and take him to the hospital. Who
knows, they may feel a bit remorseful for being overly preoccupied with each other and not being
there for their friend. (Not saying they should feel guilty, just looking at it from a dramatic
standpoint.)
3) Lorne. This one's going to take some time. In a way, for him, this may be even a worse offense
than having his club destroyed.
4) Angel. Last season, around this time, it was Angel who had to make amends to Wesley and the
rest. This year, it's Wes's turn. I can't even imagine how this is going to play out. Hopefully, it won't
involve Pylea.
Another thought on "Sleep Tight." It was a flawed but strong episode, not quite up to the
winning trifecta of "Waiting in the Wings," "Couplet," and
"Loyalty," but damn good nonetheless. One distinction I've noticed between Joss Whedon
and David Greenwalt's storytelling styles is that the former often starts with a complex premise and
then parses the story down to its essence, whereas the latter usually starts simple and then lays on
the complications piece by piece. Greenwalt can get a bit overheated and have too many things going
on at once -- as in that anticlimactic final scene, which for me had the compounded distraction of
wondering what the hell had happened to Wesley immediately prior. But he and the whole
Angel writing team have stellar noir instincts, and because the film noir genre
has a long, proud tradition of contrivances, plot holes and not making much sense on a story level
but rather resonating on a psychological level, I find whatever "flaws" the show has
strangely appropriate and satisfying.
[> [>
Speculations for Forgiveness (spoilers for Sleep Tight) -- Scroll, 13:27:13 03/07/02
Thu
I wonder how much time will pass in the Buffyverse between Sleep Tight and Forgiveness? Sahjan
said "Have a nice summer" as if a lot of time is going to pass (the requisite three months
between seasons?) I'm hoping to see Angel's inital meeting with Wesley after he loses Connor... I'm
afraid if 3 months have passed, some of the impact will be lost. And I think Wesley will definitely be
the very last person to forgive himself, he's just like that.
Like you said, the plot contrivances in Sleep Tight seem glaring but the story is so gripping you're
willing to forgive them. I think this is the difference in quality between AtS and BtVS at this time.
While I enjoyed Once and Far Away and As You Were, they weren't as *gripping* as the last 3-4 AtS
eps, or Dead Things (Hell's Bells was good but in a different way, not a horror story way). At least
that's my opinion, you're free to argue that being left at the altar is the ultimate horror! : )
[> [> [>
Re: Speculations for Forgiveness (spoilers for Sleep Tight) -- mm, 14:48:35 03/07/02
Thu
I wonder how much time will pass in the Buffyverse between Sleep Tight and
Forgiveness?
I'm guessing it'll be pretty close to immediate, for maximum dramatic impact. I'm taking Sahjan's
funny-strange remark as an incongruous joke at this point.
And I think Wesley will definitely be the very last person to forgive himself, he's just like
that.
Hadn't even thought of that. Good call.
Like you said, the plot contrivances in Sleep Tight seem glaring but the story is so gripping you're
willing to forgive them. I think this is the difference in quality between AtS and BtVS at this
time.
I'd be willing to forgive contrivances on BtVS were the current storyline more compelling. For
me, "Hells Bells" was so blah-typical of this season that it probably explains why
I'm responding more to AtS threads at this point. I'm just responding more to the story.
[> [> [> [>
Re: Speculations for Forgiveness (spoilers for Sleep Tight) -- Arethusa, 07:30:11
03/08/02 Fri
This season AtS is plot-driven, while Buffy is being driven by character development, which is
usually a more static situation. Some prefer one over the other, which may be why some fans are a
little impatient with Buffy this season. I miss the old snake-spearing, demon-gutting
"Buffy" too, but maybe ME is prepping us for next season, which I suspect will have
apocalyptic action a-plenty.
[> [> [> [> [>
Re: Speculations for Forgiveness (spoilers for Sleep Tight) -- mm, 13:01:51 03/08/02
Fri
This season AtS is plot-driven, while Buffy is being driven by character development, which is
usually a more static situation.
Good observation. Though ideally I'd argue that the best shows are driven by both. This season, the
storyline for AtS has been propelled by much character development -- Angel's fatherhood,
Cordy's sense of responsibility conflicting with her desires, Wesley's estrangement, Gunn and Fred's
budding love affair. What's been thrilling about the last few episodes is how these characterizations
have affected the main plot -- e.g., how Fred and Gunn's romance inadvertently left Wes feeling
isolated, leading to his botched kidnapping of Connor and his appalling assault on Lorne. This is the
kind of ricocheting scriptwriting that the BtVS team used to do so devastatingly well. I really
wouldn't mind the increased emphasis on character development over on Buffy were it done
as vividly as in Afterlife, for example. But when I see our beloved Slayer reduced to
performing charades at a wedding ceremony, I begin to suspect that the writers aren't exactly firing
on all cylinders.
Next week's episode does look promising, though. And I'm confident that next season -- especially if
it's the last -- will rock, as you suggested. I want Buffy to go out a winner.
[>
Great stuff! Always assuming -- Vickie, 16:34:35 03/07/02 Thu
he hasn't bled to death.
Just because I haven't seen it
asked (AtS S3 Spoilers) -- Darby, 10:17:01 03/07/02 Thu
What are the odds that Connor grows up to be (wait for it)...Holtz? Dark, brooding,
powerful, a good leader and a good man...?
And what are the chances that Justine in an "unchosen" Slayer, given that Fray
explained that they have the Slayer powers before they get Chosen (or even if they don't). And that
twins (wasn't Justine a twin?) may get different aspects of the power, one the knowledge and another
the physicality.
Yes, it's idle speculation day here, a relatively efficient way to postpone doing too much real
work...
[>
Who Connor grows up to be.... Wild stuff here! (spoilers) -- Scroll, 10:31:18 03/07/02
Thu
What if Connor grows up to become Wesley? Sure, Wes doesn't look much like Angel or Darla or
seem to have any of their virtures or flaws, except the dark brown hair (from Angel) and blue eyes
(from Darla) and height (from Angel) and good heart (from Angel) and belief in destiny (from Angel)
and emotional reserve (from Angel)... You see where I'm trying to go here? (I'm not sure how much
I'm just poking fun at speculations and how much I really believe my own theory...)
Personally, I don't think Holtz is Connor for several reasons (least being that Sahjan seems to treat
them as two separate people, not the same person from different times). Also Angel, as much as he
may want to kill Holtz now, would never *eat* Holtz as prophesied. There's got to be something else
going on, I don't know what...
Anyone else see Wesley as being Connor? Obviously brought back in time so that he ends up growing
up in England with a neglectful and possibly abusive adopted father, Connor/Wesley is recruited into
the Watchers Council and sent to Sunnydale where he meets his real father, a vampire with a soul
who, two years ago killed his old lover who is later resurrected by an evil law firm and later sleeps
with said souled vampire in a moment of despair and conceives the poor confused ex-Watcher who
happens to be his own Uncle Wes...
I invite everyone to knock holes in my theory... or else applaud me on my insightful and accurate
speculation.
[> [>
You are a genius (comments on the crazy spec). -- bienbizare, 10:55:31 03/07/02
Thu
I don't know how it could be done or explained, that's what they have writers for, but I would love to
see this happen. Wes kidnapping himself! Angel being Wes's dad! Wes being the son of Vamps. It
has wonderful dramatic possibilities, but perhaps a bit too soap opera-y. Then again, I always love
the soapy long lost kid stories.
I really doubt this will happen, but it's something that would definitely be fun to see. If the brilliant
writers did come up with a way for it to happen with a legitimate explaination, it would definitely be
fab.
[> [> [>
Re: Thanks! : ) Should I recommend my plot to Greenwalt? -- Scroll, 11:07:32 03/07/02
Thu
I agree, Wesley as Connor would be *extremely* soap opera-ish but it would be so much fun! If they
could write it without sinking into Days of Our Lives tripe, it would be a totally fresh arena to plumb
for angst, completely changing the dynamics between Angel and Wesley. How would Angel deal with
the fact that the man who'd betrayed him was actually his son? And if in his rage over losing Connor,
Angel went ahead and *killed Wes* (thereby fulfilling the prophecy) how would he feel afterward?
(Okay, Angel would never kill Wesley, but hey this is speculation right?)
Anyway, I'm gonna have some fun with my theory until it gets Jossed to hell... hopefully! (I'm sure
Joss can come up with a better resolution to Connor's grown-up identity than I ever could!)
[> [> [> [>
Yeah, send them a script. -- bienbizare, 11:16:09 03/07/02 Thu
And while you're at it, why don't you send "Days" a copy? They need a little help.
[> [>
I was just thinking the same thing... -- Torisen (a newbie), 01:23:39 03/08/02 Fri
Hello. Long-time lurker, first-time poster, etc.
This is definitely the most intriguing of the Which-Already-Established-Character-Could-Connor-Be?
theories I've come accross. I don't see it as making any more sense or being any more likely to
happen than the others, just more interesting. Frankly, I find Connor-is-Holtz to be rather dull and
predictable, despite the potential for drama and angst - too many examples out there of characters
discovering their enemy is really their long-lost parent/offspring a la Star Wars. Connor-is-
Sahjan strikes me as overly-convoluted and too self-contained. Connor-is-Groo just makes me
shudder (visions of silliness not at all in line with the angst of the last couple eps.)
Connor-is-Wesley would be a tricky path to walk for the writers, but it would definitely provide for
some meaty character exploration. There's so much Angel and Wesley would have to reconcile.
Wesley:
Realizing the man he knew as his father and with whom he has serious issues is not his real father
after all.
Knowing his true father is a friend who respects him and is aware of his strengths and leadership
abilities.
Realizing his relationship with his true father may now be in jeporady due to his own actions.
Realizing that by trying to abduct his younger self, he may be responsible for whatever unpleasant
childhood he experienced.
Knowing that he, a professional demon-hunter and former Watcher, is descended from
vampires.
Knowing that he shouldn't rightfully exist.
Realizing that all the prophecy issues surrounding Connor now concern him (and that he could still
be in danger from Angel if the whole "The Father will kill the Son" thing still has any
bearing on anything.)
That's assuming, of course, that Wesley not only survives, but is in a state of mind where he can
ponder all this.
Could Angel's pain and loss of trust over Wesley's abduction of Connor cause even more father-
related trama for Wesley? Or will those issues abate somehow?
Angel:
Losing infant Connor, along with his dreams of watching Connor grow up.
Losing Connor due to the actions of a trusted friend.
Knowing that the adult version of his son is safe and close by and has turned out to be an intelligent,
talented friend he respects.
Knowing his own son is the trusted friend responsible for this painful loss.
Would discovering that Wesley is Conner make things better or worse in Angel's mind? Would
Angel's forgiveness be automatic where it might have otherwise been impossible (or at least long in
coming?)
Oh, the posibilities...
With all this speculation, the most surprising destiny for Connor may very well be that he grows up
to be... just Connor.
-Torisen
[> [>
Re: Who Connor grows up to be.... possible clue(spoilers) -- Darby, 05:28:13 03/08/02
Fri
To play vamp's advocate here, wouldn't Angel's "blood priming" that gave him a craving
for Connor have given him a jones for Wes as well? They would have both set off whatever detectors
vampires use for blood...
Hmm, now that I'm thinking about it, the vamp "blood thing" is a previously-used device
on the show; was there anybody else in the cast to whom Angel's attitude changed around that time?
We could have been given a clue...
[>
Re: Just because I haven't seen it asked (AtS S3 Spoilers) -- hmmm.. neaux, 10:37:47
03/07/02 Thu
I like the Justine/Twin scenario Its a very cool idea of sharing powers. Like one saying "Form
of an Iceburg" and the other turning into a "cheetah" (ok.. i'm joking here)
but still.. very interesting.
As for the Connor is Holtz theory.. I'm having "Back to the Future" Flashbacks, if that
makes sense. But I only get my brain in a knot trying to create a timeline in my head of how Connor
could be Holtz.. so I'd say No to that theory.
[>
Or if that's not nutty enough...(AtS S3 Spoilers) -- Darby (wild-eyed), 11:00:52 03/07/02
Thu
...Connor is Angel! No wonder his family didn't think much of him - he wasn't actually
theirs!
Ain't time paradoxes neato?
[> [>
Re: Wow, that's *really* nutty! LOL (AtS S3 Spoilers) -- Scroll, 11:12:35 03/07/02
Thu
Your theory is even nuttier than mine! I love it! Despite being bombarded with time paradoxes with
all the Star Trek I watch, I'm still really fascinated with the concept. But if the writers aren't careful,
they might end up painting themselves into a corner. Just remember, as Captain Janeway says to
Ensign Kim, "Don't think too hard about it, it'll just give you a headache." (or something
like that!)
[> [> [>
Too late. Time warp/paradox head ache has begun. -- Deeva, 12:10:15 03/07/02 Thu
[> [>
Wuh? I don't think I can handle that leap. -- bienbizare, 11:23:00 03/07/02 Thu
I think we're having a bit too much fun w/ time paradoxes. My little uncreative brain cannot work
out how one can be one's own father. But then again, two vamps having a human kid required an
mega jumbo leap of blind faith too.
Ultimately though, too dramatically unsatisfying. If we're gonna play w/ time, let's do it to create
some real havoc, right?
[>
How about Connor being Holtz' infant son -- Masq, 11:38:03 03/07/02 Thu
Angelus was the one who ate him up, right?
Although I think they've already explained that "vampire will consume the child" thing.
Just not the "Father will kill the son thing". They are two different things.
[> [>
Re: How about Connor being Holtz' infant son -- Scroll, 12:04:47 03/07/02 Thu
I'm hoping you're right about the "vampire will consume his child" being completely
different from "the father will kill the son" thing. If that is the case, then Connor might
be safe from Angel since Angel has already 'devoured' his child through Lilah spiking his blood. And
since anyone could be the father/son of the prophecy, it doesn't necessarily have to be Angel/Connor.
Of course, this would greatly reduce the dramatic tension and I doubt Greenwalt would let that
happen : (
I still go with my theory that Wesley is Connor as an adult. And even metaphorically speaking,
Angel has 'devoured' Wes ever since Angel took him under his wing in Season 1. Wesley has been
'taken in' and 'taken over' by Angel in so many ways... I'm harkening back to a post that mentioned
how parents 'devour' their children by living their lives through them a la Catherine (the Great)
Madison and Amy and her cheerleading.
[> [>
My Thoughts (Spoilers) -- Rand, 12:15:23 03/07/02 Thu
For me the only known person Conner could "be" would be Sahjan. I mean Sahjan
wants revenge for something that has yet to happen, has odd powers, and knows a great deal about
Conner. I mean being sucked into a hell dimension can do a lot to you. BTW, how come Sahjan
didn't use his magic powers earlier?
[> [> [>
Sahjhan's "powers" -- Masq, 12:51:08 03/07/02 Thu
Because he has no "magic powers" per se. Sahjhan is relatively powerless in our
dimension, as we have seen. As a dimension-hopping demon, though, he has one ability he can use
here--the ability to open and close portals so he can do the jumping.
How useful is this as a weapon, rather than a mode of transport? Not very useful, unless you can
trick or coerce someone to jump through. Under normal circumstances, it's unlikely Sahjhan could
tempt Angel through a portal.
[> [> [> [>
Re: Sahjhan's "powers" -- matching mole, 13:35:35 03/07/02 Thu
Sahjan did imply that he could greatly enlarge the portal and suck everyone into it. If he really
could do that he could have destroyed Angel, Connor, and everyone else in the Hyperion anytime he
wanted. Perhaps he was lying?
[>
BabyConnor is Holtz...(AtS S3 Spoilers) -- VampRiley, 13:36:26 03/07/02 Thu
Connor is Holtz? Hmm...interesting.
Original timeline:
1) Angel had sex with Darla and she gave birth to Connor, but died in the process, like we have
seen.
2) In the original timeline, Angel raised Connor with the help of his friends. Holtz was never put into
suspended animation. Justine and them never attacked Angel
Investigations.
3) Sometime in the future, Connor is sent back in time somehow and is found by somebody (the
church or couple [like Superman] ) Maybe Sahjhan did it. He can
travel back and forth through time. He could have manipulated someone or something becuase he
knows what Connor could have been because he saw it when he
was in another dimension. Imagine if Angel and Holtz were on good terms and Holtz believed in
things the same way that Angel did? Could have been a very,
very scary thought to Sahjhan.
4) Connor is renamed Daniel Holtz and grows up to be a vampire hunter and tracks Angelus and
Darla.
5) Sahjhan goes to Holtz after Darla and Angelus have killed his family and puts him in suspended
animation.
6) For whatever reason Sahjhan hates Angel, he figures that getting his own son to kill him would be
a very good idea.
7) Only Sahjhan doesn't like the way Holtz is doing things. And shifts his attention to BabyConnor
himself. Sahjhan gets rid of Connor/Holtz and hurts Angel in a
very bad way. He does go from wanting Angel killed to wanting BabyConnor killed.
8) Sahjhan does know that there is something that everybody else has overlooked about Connor's
blood. So he goes to Wolfram and Hart and conspires with Lilah.
9) He is pissed that Angel and Lilah seem to be conspiring behind his back. He does only get pictures
and not words sometimes. And the clinking of the glasses can
be taken the wrong way without the conversation before it.
10) Sahjhan is fed up with everything taking so long, so he accelerates matters and shows up when
the three teams are together wanting to keep the child for themselves and opens the portal.
11) He's surprised that Holtz would actually take himself into the "darkest of the dark
worlds". Only there is something else that happens that he doesn't realize
actually happens.
12) Holtz lands on the other side of the portal. He's taking in his new surroundings as soon as
possible. He knows that if Sahjhan was telling the truth, he needs to be ready at a moment's notice
in case something comes upon them. He sticks BabyConnor in a safe corner for a moment and jumps
something and kills them. He probably would snap his neck, hoping it would work. And before you
say anything, there are supposed to be thousands of species of demons according to Giles, and that is
just the ones the council knows about. There could be an untold number of other ones. There are
thousands and thousands of other dimensions besides the one this show is in. He most likely
wouldn't take on something really huge. Probably something small and take something of
their's: a weapon or a body part and use that to get something bigger and better. Holtz has
shown skill, stealth and and quickness that seems to be not human in origin. Sahjhan did say that
there was something that everyone else over looked. If BabyConnor is really Holtz, this might
explain it.
13) After sometime, he comes across a being who can help him get out of there. Holtz is looking worn
around the edges from trying to survive there and trying to
keep BabyConnor alive. He puts on his best game face, but the one he finds to help him knows he
can't back up his attitude.
14) Maybe Holtz knows of a dimensional or time travel spell, but doesn't have everything. Things
don't go as plan and the spell doesn't work exactly as it is
supposed to.
15) Holtz dies in Quortoth hoping that BabyConnor is safe and that someone will find him and take
care of him.
16) BabyConnor is sent back to his home dimension and back into the past. The same people that
found Holtz when he was a baby find him again (again at least from our perspective) and the cycle
starts all over.
That would actually be a rather sad story. He gets taken away from his parents, he becomes the
sworn enemy of two who are actually his parents, gets his human family killed by his parents,
travels across time (suspended animation) and ends up taken himself away from his own, real
father, only to die in a nightmarish
dimension.
Of course, if this were true, then my theory on how Sahjhan is really Connor in the Quick Thoughts
on...thread would be negated. If this theory is actually true, maybe Connor and Angel did something
to Sahjhan in the future and the Sahjhan we're seeing is actually FutureSahjhan and he wants to
get revenge on them.
Timeline/time travel speculation is fun.
VR
[> [>
Smoke coming out of my ears... -- Dichotomy, 16:50:00 03/07/02 Thu
Wow! I *think* I followed that scenario, and it actually sounds plausible! My question: In this
reality, why does Holtz keep Connor alive? Does he know they are one and the same? Or does he just
want to hurt Agnel by taking his baby and salve his own emotional wounds by having a son to
raise?
'Splain to me! I can't work it out!
[> [> [>
My guess...to punish Angel. -- VampRiley, 18:22:04 03/07/02 Thu
Instead of just killing Connor, with him alive, Angel suffers more knowing that he is out there
somewhere and Angel can't get to him. Angelus took his family, those he cared about, and now Holtz
is taking Connor (whom Angel cares about) from Angel. With Connor dead, it would not hurt as
much as if he was alive. Plus, there's that whole Connor being an innocent.
VR
[> [> [> [>
Just want you all to know, this thread made my head spin right off and away! -- Marie,
01:59:35 03/08/02 Fri
And can anyone tell me why, when Angel would've done anything he had to to get to Pylea and find
Cordy, he wouldn't do even more to find a way to open another portal and go find his son?
Or was that explained in the episode?
Marie
[> [> [> [> [>
We never got that far in the ep. -- VampRiley, 04:53:55 03/08/02 Fri
The last few minutes were definitly high emotionally for Angel. He just broke down, but not like
DawnBreakdown.
VR
[> [> [> [> [> [>
Ah, in that case, then... -- Marie, 08:23:13 03/08/02 Fri
...when you've thought about "Oh my god, what next will happen?!", as I'm sure you
must've, do you think that Angel will let it rest there? Speaking as a parent, I would never, ever,
give up trying to find a way to get to my son and bring him home. I can't see Angel doing it
differently, can you?
M
[> [> [> [> [> [> [>
At the moment, I see him being in shock... -- VampRiley, 09:19:56 03/08/02 Fri
...at the end of the ep. They showed it to us. Holtz took Connor through the portal and it closed.
Angel, and vampires in general, don't have a natural ability to travel through dimensions. There are
some instances where travel to certain dimensions have been seen by using certain items (Pylea by
reading from the textbook from the library, whatever demon dimension Acathla opened his mouth to,
the dimension that Billy was being held in by putting the coin and key together, etc.) But one way to
a particular dimension may not work on getting to another one. My money is on that it won't happen
when opening a dimensional portal by use of magick. If science was being used...maybe. But not
magick.
I see Angel as getting up and trying anything that he could. Quortoth may not be able to be accessed
except by certain individuals and Angel may not be able to get in contact with them. He might try
contacting the Powers like he did when they found out Cordelia's visions were killing her or try to
find some other sort of guide. But during his quest to try to find anything that could help, I definitly
see him being short tempered and very impatient (really on edge and wanting to a lot of violence),
like when he came back to the hotel from saving the world from the Lubber demons last year, only to
a much greater degree.
Unless he finds Connor dead, I doubt he would ever try to stop finding him. But if he were to spend
every, or at the very least most a majority, of his time, would probably depend on the world that is
happening around him. But I don't think he will ever get over losing Connor. He had gotten
something he had never expected to get and then losing it. It can't but have an effect on him.
But would they repeat a multi-ep arch where they travel to another dimension to save someone they
cared about. There definitly seems to be parallels that occur frequently, but would they repeat a
multi-ep arch?
If Connor will never appear in another ep again, except in flashbacks and the daydreams of the
others (and if Holtz, Wesley and Sahjhan are not really the adult version of Connor), I see Angel as
being more withdrawn, probably like he was back in season 1 of Buffy. The rest of this season could
be about their attempt about getting Connor back. I can definitly see a rift between Angel and
Wesley happening. He might take the summer off like he did last year, maybe longer. The Super
Bowl of Brooding looks like it is defintely in the cards for the near future.
I have faith that whatever they choose to do, that it won't suck.
VR
James Marsters in TV
Guide -- Lilac, 11:20:36 03/07/02 Thu
Since no else has mentioned this, I thought I would stick it in here. It's nice to see JM getting
recognition for the amazing job that he does. (I am trying a link I hope it works -- yay it seems
to.)
TV Guide
[>
Re: James Marsters in TV Guide -- Deeva, 12:03:08 03/07/02 Thu
Thanks for the link. I was going to look for the link but you've saved me a bit of time.
[> [>
James Marsters in TV Guide (Buffy in Soap Opera Digest) -- JIE, 13:01:14 03/07/02
Thu
Since we're on the topic of Buffy in the media, it also got a Thumbs Up! in Soap Opera Digest this
week. The complete review is at the Cross & Stake (It may be in the archives).
On topic - Good for JM! It's about time he got some recognition for his fabulous work.
Parallels wanted (spoilery for
HB, ST) -- Sophist, 12:29:38 03/07/02 Thu
Age has treated us to a series of fine posts about parallels between AtS and BtVS. I'm feeling starved
for more (and better than I can do on my own), so I'm starting a new thread. Let me suggest
some:
Xander/Wesley, especially their mental state, but I think much more, e.g., a tendency to self-pity, to
take things literally, and to act as they perceive the right without consultation
Anya/Angel, feeling of betrayal
There are also some parallels with previous seasons:
Xander/Oz, for leaving Willow in WaH
Xander/Angel, for leaving Buffy in The Prom
Anya/Willow or Buffy
Wesley/Giles, from Helpless
Wesley/Xander, from Becoming II (concealing the re-souling spell from Buffy)
Angel/Buffy in either episode
[>
Re: Parallel: Spoilers for BS6 and AS3 to Present. Some Speculation. -- Age, 21:25:24
03/07/02 Thu
Both arcs seem to be about growing up, suffering, and loss as Buffy has lost her mum; while
Holtz(and now Angel) and his gang have lost those dear to them(the cycle of vengeance seems to be
part of both arcs, and a questioning of whether human beings deserve retribution and not love and
forgiveness); it also is an examination of the darker aspect of Buffy and a re-examination of the value
and potential problem of Angel's demon.
Here are some parallels between 'OAFA' and 'Couplet':
The two eps begin and finish similarly in that the focus is on the parent and child: Dawn's feeling of
loneliness and rejection as Buffy, and generalized to the Scooby gang, all Dawn's family, seem not to
have any time for her; and Connor whose father, at the beginning of the ep, seems to see only Groo,
Angel's rival, when he looks at his son. In both eps the movement may be to strengthen the parental
bonds as Dawn makes her feeling of loneliness known and Buffy responds; and Angel, working
through his jealousy with Groo and letting Cordelia go, comes to understand that he never will be
alone as he is father to Connor. In shutting the door to the Scoobies as they are released from the
curse, Buffy comes to reaffirm her family in Dawn; and it is by shutting the door to romance with
Cordy and letting her go, literally out the door of the hotel, that Angel reaffirms his family in
Connor.
It is the theme of loneliness, and loneliness in a crowd that is your family which seems to be the
main link between these eps. In the 'Buffy' ep it is the teenager's loneliness and suspicion of being
seen as less than human which is examined; and, to balance this out, it is the adults of 'Angel' whose
loneliness is examined, mostly through Cordelia, but really through them all.
I say mostly through Cordelia because it is her declaration of loneliness and wanting it to stop that
most attracted my associative brain to Dawn in 'OAFA'. But we do get representations of loneliness
and longing in Angel and Wes, particularly in the scene just after Groo has slain the demon. In that
scene the two older guys look on from afar as their younger replacements, Groo and Gunn, celebrate
with Cordy and Fred in a situation which could very well be described by the 'Buffy' ep title, 'Older
and Far Away.'
We have then Angel the father who seems to be putting his attention onto Connor, but is actually
preoccupied with Cordy and Groo; and Buffy the mother who is playing lip service(as the teaser
shows) to Dawn, but who hasn't come home properly so to speak, hasn't made the house into her
home. It's intriguing to note that in one scene of 'Angel' Angel mentions that the hotel was becoming
like a hotel. Perhaps the writer wanted to convey a similar idea to that in 'Buffy' wherein the father
still needed to reaffirm his bond with his son to make the hotel a home.
Another possible link between the eps is the desire on Cordy's part to have sex yet fearing that she
will lose something, and therefore keeping herself from it. It is Buffy who is keeping herself from sex
partly through the intervention of Tara, the latter having become what appears to be a mother figure
to her.
The idea of someone in the triangle of relationships in both eps being sweet is common to both: Groo,
the object of Angel's jealousy and fear, is portrayed as sweet; while Spike derides his rival out of
jealousy as sweet to Buffy.
Another intriguing point of comparison is part of the speech by Halfrek as she chastises the adults
for not hearing Dawn's pain. She says that the adults deserve to be cursed, that all they have now is
time and each other. This made me think of Angel as cursed vampire who has an eternity of time,
but, like the Scoobies imprisoned in the house, is still cut off from human society as is shown when
Angel cannot come out into the park in sunlight.
Moving on to 'AYW' and 'Loyalty.'
In 'AYW' we get to see Riley and Sam as operatives of a paramilitary operation; and in the 'Angel' ep
'Loyalty' we get our first real look inside the paramilitary organization headed by Holtz. This may be
a deliberate link between the two eps to highlight Holtz's desire for revenge. Riley plays the good
soldier, coming into Sunnydale to take out a demon, not for revenge, as Buffy asks him it might be,
but just because he is following orders. There seems to be a difference between Riley's and Sam's
attitude and that of the Holtz gang. R and S feel as though they are doing the right thing, saving
Sunnydale and the world from a breeding demon; while Holtz and his lot don't really put up much of
a facade over their feelings of anger and their need for revenge. Riley and Sam both felt loss in their
lives, but have overcome that through love for each other(perhaps); the Holtz players seem to have
been all consumed by the rage at that which killed their loved ones, and have banded together to
strengthen that hate.
It's intriguing to note the parallel of device usage in the two eps. Riley uses his locator gadget, while
Wesley locates the Loa Burger demon using a device also. While the Loa Burger character reinforces
the food consumption motif of the 'Angel' ep as Angel keeps drinking more blood and Wes is
consumed with/by his divided loyalties, the specific use of a burger place does harken to the Double
Meat Palace of 'Buffy' this season.
This week's 'Hell's Bells' and the 'Angel' 'ST' ep are linked together also as the vengeance aspects of
both arcs get played out. Angel loses Connor, his family, due to Holtz's desire to seek vengeance for
what Angel did when he was simply a demon; while Anya loses Xander, her family, due to the
person/demon Anyanka had cursed wanting to seek vengeance for what she did as a demon. It
remains to be seen how either Angel or Anya will react.(Just a note: while Xander does make the
decision not to marry Anya due to the fear that he's internalized his father's abusive way, the person
seeking revenge helps precipitate Xander's thoughts, and acts, as a supernatural metaphor, to
represent Xander becoming aware of a certain pattern internalized.)
Also, it is intriguing to note that some people have been speculating(and it's only speculation, not a
spoiler) that Sahjhan may be from the future, coming back to prevent something from happening. In
an 'Angel' episode where Sahjhan's action helps Holtz to take revenge on Angel by kidnapping his
son, Connor(possible allusion to the film 'Terminator II' as others have suggested), it's intriguing
that in the 'Buffy' ep we see this idea of a character from the future coming back to prevent
something from happening(although this turns out to be false.) It's as if through the 'Buffy' episode
we are being teased into speculating about Sahjhan, especially as he reveals so little about who he is
and where he's from. Is he from the future or is this false? And now we'll have to wait some weeks to
find out.
Age.
[> [>
Wonderful. Thanks. -- Sophist, 08:14:05 03/08/02 Fri
[> [>
More on Hells Bells and ST - Anya and Angel -- Caroline, 09:45:45 03/08/02 Fri
For me one of the most intriguing common theme of both shows this week has the the notion of
karma ripening. Anya and Angel both lost something they loved due to past actions - Angel lost his
son and Anya lost her relationship/marriage to Xander. This fits in with the wheel metaphor Riley
spoke of in As You Were. There is a Mahayana Buddhist text called the Wheel of Sharp Weapons by
Dharmarakshita which has a recurring refrain in its verses:
These are the wheels of sharp weapons returning
Full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.
For Anya, her 1000 years of being an agent of vengeance have finally caught up to her. But in many
ways, I think it would be a valuable thing for her. There were several times in Hells Bells where she
was going through different versions of her wedding vows. They became deeper and more authentic
at each pass, and she was obviously coming closer to the essential meaning of love. That's pretty
good for an ex-demon on her way to rediscovering her humanity. But just as she discovered
something valuable, her karma ripened at the exact moment to cause her maximum pain - the wheel
of sharp weapons. But I would speculate that because she has realized the meaning of love, she
would find the path of vengeance unrewarding. At least, this is my interpreration to Anya's path to
humanity. Up until now, she has learnt to love Xander but now her challenge is to learn to know
Xander.
And hopefully there will be a lot of soul-searching for her in terms of her vengeance demon identity
and actions. D'Hoffryn, Halfrek and co. are being presented to us not as evil demons but as neutral
agents of karma. But are they really? So demons are becoming more shaded in BtVS but can there
really be a reconciliation of their values with human values? How will Anya reconcile her past
actions and their consequences?
For Angel, he is still on his path to seeking redemption yet he has not negated his negative karma
and is still suffering the consequences. Unlike Anya, Angel has explicitly disavowed his demons
origins and actions, labelling them wrong and struggling to do good. That makes the ripening of his
karma even more painful. This really brings home the Buddhist point about all things in this life
being impermanent and ultimately, all that your attachments bring you is suffering. Maybe Angel's
karma is to work for the good of mankind, never having the comfort and solace of a more personal
kind of happiness. This theme is not a new one and it's amazing how he lost the one thing her turned
to (his son, his family) when he shut the door on the possibility of a relationship with Cordelia - the
wheel of sharp weapons.
[> [> [>
Great stuff. And all I had to do was ask. -- Sophist, 11:01:50 03/08/02 Fri
[> [> [>
Great stuff. And all I had to do was ask. -- Sophist, 11:02:30 03/08/02 Fri
[> [> [> [>
Oops. I liked it. I liked it a lot. But I only intended to say so once. -- Sophist, 12:29:20
03/08/02 Fri
[> [> [>
Re: Spoilers for All Seasons of Buffy to 'Hell's Bells.' A 'ST' -- Age, 22:36:58 03/08/02
Fri
Yes, I think that the justice demons are not simply the workings of karma(if such a cosmic
mechanism exists.) These people are attached to a certain way of dealing with emotional injury
caused by another, a way that involves reacting with aggression and anger. But the ripening of
karma certainly is common to both of the eps as you point out, Caroline, and whether karma really
exists Whedon can use it as a supernatural metaphor in a fictional series to represent the idea of our
being connected with one another; he can use it to portray at least the global idea that what we do in
society will affect others, and in turn their reaction (the vengeance demons as supernatural
metaphor portray this) will come back to affect us in turn. Without the need to believe in the
religious aspect of buddhism, the simple truth of our being connected, our being in a society, is
buddhist.
And I think this is what Whedon is doing, and it certainly has influenced my view of buddhism.
While he is using karma to some extent and has distributed prominently buddhist icons through
both his series, Whedon is stripping buddhism of its religious content in order to present his own
themes. And in doing that however he's gotten to the essense of buddhism itself. Buddhism isn't
about buddhism at all. It's about taking responsibility for oneself and having a practice to do such a
thing. The rest of buddhism is simply something one can either verify or throw out depending on
ones experience. But this is what Whedon is portraying in Willow's addiction, Xander's internalized
abusive pattern and Buffy's need to find a way of finding the source of herself. The management of
ourselves requires the daily taking of responsibility and effort. The Sunnydale way of dealing with
life and suffering is to do the opposite and deny the existence of what the metaphors of Sunnydale
represent. It is the dualistic way of dealing with life but a dualism that's in bad faith even with
itself: it uses dualism to separate the problem and bury it in the subconscious until its undead life
gains enough power to cause the conscious mind enough anxiety that it will have to deal with it as
an enemy. But the very dualistic way of thinking used to separate the problem and bury it is denied
itself as the conscious mind chooses to believe that the problem doesn't exist: all is just Sunny(of the
conscious mind) in Sunny/dale. It is denial about denial. Buddhism as Whedon has figured out is
about awareness.
And that brings us back to Hell's Bells. Xander hears the ringing, just as Buffy was bid to wake up
from her sleeping in 'OMWF' through the bell of the alarm clock. He became aware of something he
may have as a pattern, as Willow has become aware of an addictive nature. They have all been sleep
walking through aspects of their life because to do otherwise was made too painful for them through
the shaming of judgement. But, these young adults are taking responsibility for themselves.
Xander's internalized pattern of abuse won't be uprooted in some quick fix therapy session or
through simple analysis, it is something he will have to live with and manage. Willow's addictive
nature isn't something she can take a holiday from; it is something she takes with her and must
manage each day. Buffy herself seems to have internalized patriarchal ideas about how to define
herself. This is something she'll have to become aware of and manage.
One last comment to Caroline. I find it ironic that in recent postings my comments have been almost
arguing against your patriarchal reading of Buffy and Riley(I was really trying to find a balance
between the patriarchal content and the temporary help that Buffy and the Scoobies were given,
help perhaps that might set Buffy back, but may have been needed.) For a year now on this board
and previously on another, my postings have nearly always contained something about the
patriarchal theme of the series. It's only recently that they have drifted away from that and become
more buddhist in content as the buddhist icons gained more prominence.
In the thread I replied to from earlier in the week now in the archive, another poster made a good
point about Buffy's not seeing Buffy when she looks in the mirror. Buffy went from lollypop sucking
valley girl persona to Chosen One fighting vampires, experienced the disintegration of her parents'
marriage and their divorce, had her first sexual encounter with a patriarchal male of the worst kind,
and is still scarred from that, had to face the end of her relationship with her father and the death of
her mother, was forced to rearrange her view of homelife though the introduction of a sister, then
had to get on with adult responsibilities and leave university. Buffy hasn't had the time or the
emotional space to define herself. There is a societal component to this also as the definition of
women and men has changed over the last thirty years. It seems that Buffy, rather than being a
renaissance woman(yet), is more a cusp figure, one who has internalized patriarchal ideas, but also
has her identity defined by the new power that women have attained for themselves in society. This
is why back in November I did a posting about the danger of women now using power to mask their
problems, adopting the established patriarchal model as their own. That was before Willow's
problem with power became an addiction problem.
Age.
[> [> [> [>
War on Terrorism & Vengeance Demons -- withheld, 08:07:44 03/09/02 Sat
I may be opening a really large can of worms here but I was thinking back to OaFA when Halfrek
tells Tara that Vengeance demons prefer the more politically correct term, Justice demons. Then in
Hell's Bells, we have the OlderXander demon who comes to terrorise Anya on her wedding day as
payback for Anyanka ruining his life centuries ago (and supposedly turning him into a demon).
Before I go any further, I want to state that I truly believe September 11 was a horrific tragedy and
that I have incredible sympathy for those who lost loved ones in the terrorist attacks. But I can't help
but wonder if there isn't a parallel between the U.S./Middle East conflict and Anya &
OlderXander. The U.S. helped create the "demon" of the Middle East (perhaps
inadvertantly, but they still had a hand in it) and now are feeling the fallout. BTW, I am *not* in
any way, shape, or form, calling Muslims or Middle Easterners demons or evil. I'm simply drawing
the comparison that Anya had for 1000 years exacted vengeance/justice on the world, not of her own
free will perhaps, but as an agent of karma or at least human direction (Dawn locking everyone in
the house in OaFA). Now Anya is feeling a lashback from the people she has hurt in the past. Now I
don't know whether she deserves it because as far as we can tell, every man she's ever cursed did in
fact betray a woman (i.e. Xander with Cordelia). (But I certainly don't believe the U.S. deserved
being attacked.)
The OlderXander demon has come for revenge on Anya. She may or may not deserve it, Xander
definitely doesn't deserve it, but it happens anyway. Halfrek calls herself a Justice demon, but is she
really? Is it really justice she is exacting or plain old vengeance? And whether or not Anya was
justified in cursing OlderXander, does she deserve to be punished now? Or does she need to suffer in
order to redeem herself? Perhaps Anya, like the parties on either side of the 9-11 conflict, has to take
responsibility for those she's injured. What she needs is to deal with the fact that the past *always*
comes back to haunt you. Especially if you're immortal or used to be. Just ask any Highlander
fan.
The question is how does she deal with it? Does she return to vengeance? Is it a matter of destroying
the one who caused the conflict? Certainly Xander would agree with this since he helped Buffy stomp
that demon into the ground (and more power to him, I say). But Anya's situation is that if she does
accept her powers back, who is she supposed to take vengeance on? There was another thread
dealing with this... Should she blame Xander? He only walked away to protect her (because he had
succumbed to his fears about himself, but that's another topic). Should she blame Xander's parents?
Or will she blame herself?
I welcome people's responses. If you feel this topic is too inflammatory, or if you think I've been
disrespectful in any way, I willingly withdraw this post.
[> [> [> [>
Patriachal symbols losing power in season 6 - in more way than one -- Caroline,
12:04:58 03/09/02 Sat
Age, I really do believe that we are in agreement here. I think that you are completely right about
Buffy. My posts about Buffy and Riley have always expressed the view that Riley represents some
kind of patriarchal idea that she has internalized. That being the case, it leaves little room for self-
knowledge on Buffy's part. She has a very dual identity - slayer and adolescent. As a slayer she is
powerful in a traditional patriarchal way, as an adolescent she has internalized society's views of
herself as a female, particularly in matters of sexuality and 'female' power. There has always been
that tension from season 1 but it's only when unconscious promptings about her identity as a woman
emerge that the duality is challenged and she struggles to integrate them. I think that's also why
I've been thinking much more about myths that involve transformation of some kind - e.g. the
Persephone/Hades myth - because that is so much more relevant to this season.
I also have been thinking much more about karma and duality and much less about patriarchy than
I was in seasons 4 and 5, precisely because a lot of the symbolism on the show has shifted. We've had
a brief return to patriarchal themes with Riley's return but this season I think we've moved beyond
that and to a more personal symbolism in season 6. While I still maintain that there one can do a
very credible patriarchal interpretation of Riley's return (this has been thrashed out earlier and I
agree was a mixed blessing) the power of the patriarchal symbols will, IMO, lose their power as the
scoobies and Buffy move beyond external and internalized expectations to greater self-knowledge
through and exploration of unconscious patterns. That takes awareness - the absence of denial. I
think one of the things Joss Whedon is trying to say in season 6 is know yourself, don't let anyone
else define you. This is an integral part of the growing up theme. Part of knowing yourself is
understanding the consequences of your actions and accepting responsibility. So we've moved from
the societal stage to the more personal stage.
[> [> [>
hijacked karma -- anom, 19:43:57 03/09/02 Sat
"And hopefully there will be a lot of soul-searching for her [Anya] in terms of her vengeance
demon identity and actions. D'Hoffryn, Halfrek and co. are being presented to us not as evil demons
but as neutral agents of karma. But are they really?"
That's a good question. I don't think they're neutral. I'm no expert on Buddhism, but as I understand
it the karmic wheels turn by themselves--the consequences of our actions naturally come back to us.
Vengeance demons, however, being demons, have their own agenda & advance it by taking
advantage of humans at their most hurt & angry to magnify the effects of "bad"
karma. Anya much preferred the Sunnydale that resulted from Cordelia's wish. D'Hoffryn offered to
make Willow a vengeance demon because he saw the destruction she was inadvertently wreaking.
He would have loved to see her go on to do more of the same for thousands of years. Even Halfrek,
though she put a PC face on her spell, didn't care that the child whose need called out to her would
never be able to leave her house & have a life, even if everyone in it resolved their issues,
& might even starve with the others when the food ran out. What kind of justice is that? Demon
"justice." It's more concerned with adding to the chaos than with keeping things in
balance. In fact, it's about tipping that balance to the evil side.
"So demons are becoming more shaded in BtVS but can there really be a reconciliation of their
values with human values? How will Anya reconcile her past actions and their
consequences?"
Anya must feel pulled in several different directions. Having learned to be open to love &
happiness, she is also open to pain. I have the impression she wasn't open to any of these even before
her demon days. Vengeance isn't a way to deal with pain, it's a distraction from it. The human-level
vengeance spells the original Anyanka used must have made her feel she had some power at a time
of great vulnerability. When she was offered even more power, she went for it. Now, though, she
looks much more hurt than angry. Part of her may want vengeance on Xander, but she also still
loves him & doesn't want to see him hurt. She may even realize how much he's already hurting.
Besides, now she's been on the receiving end of vengeance, having to take what she dished out for so
long. Maybe opening up to her own feelings makes her able to identify with the people she hurt as a
vengeance demon, & maybe she actually doesn't want to put anyone through that
anymore.
vengeance against whom?
-- skeeve, 13:15:16 03/07/02
Thu
Supposing that Anya gets her powers back, whom do you suppose will be her next victim? The one
at whom she is probably most mad is dead. I think that she is not mad at Xander. That leaves his
father as the most likely prospect. Somehow I think that vengeance against him wouldn't be all that
satisfying, even in anticipation.
The foregoing is one reason that I think Anya won't take her old job back. The other is that Xander
won't marry a vengeance demon.
[>
Buffy -- Charlemagne20, 13:45:49
03/07/02 Thu
Buffy ruined Anya's life
Buffy seduced Xander away from her
Buffy took her powers away from her
Buffy convinced Xander his life with her wasn't good enough
IT'S ALL BUFFY'S FAULT!
[> [>
Buffy did not seduce Xander, nor has she ever... -- Apophis, 14:11:17 03/07/02 Thu
...except for that one time she did... and that other time...
[> [>
You're kidding, right? -- Wisewoman, 14:28:57 03/07/02 Thu
Or have you been watching an alternate dimension version of BtVS?
[> [> [>
Re: You're kidding, right? -- Malandanza, 10:06:11 03/08/02 Fri
I think Charlemagne is speaking from Anya's perspective -- not that Buffy ruined her life, but that
Anya believes it to be the case -- much as Cordelia blamed Buffy for the Willow/Xander affair.
However, I do not believe that Anya will blame Buffy. Outside of Xander, Buffy seems to be the
person Anya is closest to. If she blames anyone, it will be Willow.
And not without reason. Willow has never been happy with the X/A pairing (although she hasn't
come right out and said so -- she snipes at the couple every chance she gets). Maybe she's "gay
now" and doesn't want Xander, but it doesn't mean she wants anyone else to have him. We
have seen Anya "allowing" Buffy and Xander to dance together (in expectation of a big
karmic reward) but can you imagine her being comfortable with Willow and Xander dancing
together? Especially since, in her role as a vengeance demon, she knows all about the Xander/Willow
Lovers Walk history. A typical Willow remark was "for the rest of your life" when
Xander complains about having to listen to Anya's capitalist rants on a daily basis.
More of a concern to me is why Buffy didn't make sure she was with Anya after the fiasco -- why
leave her alone (even if it was what Anya wanted) with no one to console her but a group of
vengeance demons?
So how would Anyanka go after Willow to get vengeance? My guess would be through Tara.
[> [> [> [>
Re: You're kidding, right? -- wiscoboy, 14:11:30 03/08/02 Fri
I think your premise for the Anya vengence vs. Willow is flawed due to the fact that Anya &
Willow made their peace in the Troll episode. Next week's ep may be the result of an Anya vengence
wish. My hope is that she ends the curse with her & Xander at the place before all last week's
hell broke out...at the beginning of the wedding ceremony(she would then be able to stop the
meddling demon).
[> [>
Re: Buffy -- Rob, 16:50:56 03/07/02 Thu
Um...Giles took away Anya's powers, not Buffy.
And...Buffy didn't only not ruin Xander and Anya's relationship, but is actually one of Xander's
inspirations for telling Anya he was in love with Anya (in "Into the Woods").
And Xander did not leave Anya because she wasn't the right woman for him. He left because she
was, and he worried that he would end up abusing her.
Rob
[> [> [>
Re: Buffy -- Philistine, 17:51:31 03/07/02 Thu
Anya knows the first one (she may be the only person in the "real" Slayerverse who
does), but does she know about the other two? I can just see the following scene tacked onto the end
of ItW:
A: "Why are you telling me this now?"
X: "Well, I just had a long talk with Buffy, and..."
SLAP!
I also don't think she really understands what it was Xander was afraid of - WE saw him look past
her to where his parents were squabbling, but did she? And would she have gotten it even if she
had?
Give Xander and Buffy a
chance... -- Charlemagne20, 13:54:17
03/07/02 Thu
In 6 seasons they have consistantly had Buffy overlook Xander's devotion to the Summer's
chickeyboo and I for one would like Buffy to look at the X-man for once as a person who is actually
wonderful and fun to be with. I find it difficult to believe among all the undead and even
reprehensible people that Buffy has dated she never considered Xander even once in her entire
career. While I doubt Xander is at present appropriate for her I think that come Season 7 it would be
a very good idea to explore the possibilities of these two.
[>
My mom thinks the same thing. -- bienbizare, 14:12:48 03/07/02 Thu
Hee hee. My mom when watching AYW (she's a sometime Buffy watcher, not obsessed like me) said,
"I think Buffy should be with a nice guy like Xander, not Spike,"
I'm kind of neutral on the whole subject. Wondering where the Spike thing is going or not, and if
Buffy has any sort of promising romantic future.
There's a part of me that thinks Buff and Xands would be good together, in a Monica and Chandler
kind of way. Buffy has always just thought of him as a friend though, and something big big big
would have to happen for that to change.
By the way, that comment of my mom's could just be a little way for her to give a message to me. No
evil vampires Jessie, just nice boys. See the messages she can send me just by discussing Buffy w/
me? Sneeky lady :)
[> [>
Yeah, but... -- King of Wands, 14:29:33 03/07/02 Thu
Your message contains the reason why it's a really bad idea:
"...Buff and Xands would be good together, in a Monica and Chandler kind of
way..."
The B/X pairing would be all white bread and stale doughnuts. If it happened everybody would
expect it to be the "real thing", but things aren't as simple in the Buffy universe as they
are in the Crayola world of Friends. Nor are they supposed to be.
Xander is a "good guy" and he's complicated enough in his way, but Buffy is much more
intense and ferocious than Xander could handle or would be right for him. She'd pull him apart.
Plus, it's too simple and obvious an answer. It reeks of bad melodrama, the type where everyone
ends up with the "right" person in the end. "Oh look, even little Willow is a lesbian
and no longer has intense sexual and romantic longing clearing the way for Buffy..."
The moment Buffy becomes this type of 32 flavors of vanilla tv show, we're all going to tune
out...
[> [> [>
Re: Yeah, but... -- Jimbo, 17:42:40 03/07/02 Thu
"Plus, it's too simple and obvious an answer. It reeks of bad melodrama, the type where
everyone ends up with the "right" person in the end. "Oh look, even little Willow is
a lesbian and no longer has intense sexual and romantic longing clearing the way for
Buffy...""
I've got it!!
A three-way B/X/W relationship!
[> [> [> [>
Now, you're onto something... -- Knight of Wands, 07:13:31 03/08/02 Fri
[>
Re: Give Xander and Buffy a chance... -- Apophis, 15:20:10 03/07/02 Thu
Far be it for me to come down on 'shippers, but I think there comes a time when one must give up
the ghost. The Xander/Buffy thing hasn't been an issue since the end of season 2. Neither character
has shown any indication of romantic intentions toward the other in years (on Buffy's part, the only
time she's shown any interest in Xander has been when she wasn't in her right mind). Xander's
"get lucky" comment was a joke, not an actual invitation. If Buffy and Xander ever get
together on the show, I will write a check for one million dollars to every person on this board.
[>
Do you mean the same Xander who -- Sophist, 17:01:41 03/07/02 Thu
lied to her in order to kill the love of her life in Becoming II?
sees the world in black and white terms, while Buffy can make nice moral distinctions like in
Becoming I and Revelations?
is judgmental and accusatory on the basis of his moral blindness in Dead Man's Party?
forgives himself for magic spells that cause heartache (B,B &B) and death (OMWF), but judges
Willow harshly for magic use (Gone)?
harbors deep-seated feelings of insecurity about his own adequacy even more than Riley, the guy
Buffy couldn't connect with?
I'm out of time and have to go, but others can add to this list.
[> [>
Re: Do you mean the same Xander who -- JBone, 19:04:10 03/07/02 Thu
You know Sophist, I don't think we could agree the color of the sky. But as Bobby Frost said,
"Thinking isn't agreeing or disagreeing. That's voting."
lied to her in order to kill the love of her life in Becoming II?
I believe you mean when he spared her a emotional wrestling match when she had to be ready for
the fight of her life.
sees the world in black and white terms, while Buffy can make nice moral distinctions like in
Becoming I and Revelations?
I always saw this as offering Buffy a perspective. Moral distintions are what those who have power
decide. The rest of use argue and vote.
is judgmental and accusatory on the basis of his moral blindness in Dead Man's Party?
I'm with you on this one. God forbid someone other than Buffy or Spike start spouting off about
what the world has done to them. The show would never end.
forgives himself for magic spells that cause heartache (B,B &B) and death (OMWF), but judges
Willow harshly for magic use (Gone)?
Actually, I really am with you on this one. It's a MIRACLE!
harbors deep-seated feelings of insecurity about his own adequacy even more than Riley, the guy
Buffy couldn't connect with?
Man, do I argue about Riley, Xander, or Buffy on this one? I believe Riley was the guy for Buffy, but
Buffy wasn't the girl for Riley. Riley is clearly better off without Buffy, and Buffy the opposite. You
should be better off being with the one you love than without. Ah, Xander, deep-seated insecurities
can be one b*tch of a mother f*cker to overcome. Nevertheless, I've seen Xander making giant
strides over the last 6+ years. There is still some backsliding here and there, but he has gained
much more ground than he's given up. And if I'd had known I'd go on this long, I would have
brought water. Beer will have to do.
[> [> [>
Actually, I like your posts. They force me to sharpen my thinking. But -- Sophist,
20:44:56 03/07/02 Thu
the sky is still blue and I'm stickin' to that.
[> [> [> [>
Except for during the night. Or is it??? -- JBone, 22:06:24 03/07/02 Thu
Read the "or is it" line with an overly suspicious tone. It's my little "Austin
Powers" joke.
[> [>
So, Is This How Joss Sees Himself? -- Rachel, 10:25:24 03/08/02 Fri
It's been remarked that Joss sees himself in Xander. That always leaves me wondering just how
much I like Joss, then, because the character of Xander has always walked a fine line between being
a decent guy and a real pain. Looking at it from JBone's perspective, I see the decent guy. And
that's what I try to do because I want to like Xander. But right under the surface are feelings that
Xander is not a good guy, that he's a needy individual who can wear one's patience thin.
[> [> [>
Joss may have modeled the original character after himself, but the storyline has moved
beyond that -- Sophist, 10:53:16 03/08/02 Fri
[> [>
Xander & Buffy, I'm thinking not -- Kevin, 13:06:34 03/08/02 Fri
I can't remember there ever being any chemistry between Xander and Buffy. He's her friend, she
depends on him, they're devoted to each other like family...but like xero chemistry. Even early on
when he asked her for a date, she flat out said that she didn't feel that way about him, and she never
has shown any change in her feelings.
And I agree that Xander is too black and white (annoyingly so, even when Spike is saving his life).
Humans (and ex-demons) good, Vampires evil. That outlook seems to work for him, but it's not going
to work for the increasingly shades of grey outlook on her world that Buffy has developed.
I'm not saying Xander's not a great guy in his way, but definitely in the brother catagory. In a
relationship you need passion and desire. Just head stuff doesn't cut it. If you have to sit around
and think about all of the reasons why someone would be good for you, but you're not feeling it, it's
not going to happen - they're not the right one. I always like that line by Spike in Lover's Walk
"Love isn't brains children, it's blood. Blood screaming out inside of you to work it's
will"...or something very close to that. I think that's the essence of Buffy's attraction to both
Angel and Spike. She comes up with a hundred head reasons why they're wrong for her, but her
heart says otherwise.
[>
Re: Give Xander and Buffy a chance... -- Eric, 19:31:30 03/07/02 Thu
I don't think Xander is all that bad a choice for Buffy. But in there are some serious indications in
the storyline that his place in the Buffyverse is as a brother (occasionally big, very often little).
Beating the drug metaphor to
death, but... (Spoilers for Sleep Tight) -- Amkath, 14:38:16 03/07/02 Thu
Watching Angel's behavior the first part of "Sleep Tight" I found myself thinking that he
almost seemed high, especially the overly hyper and cheerful mood he was in. Later in the episode
we find out that his pig's blood has been spiked with human blood (and a very small amount of
human blood at that). It seems that everyone blames his erratic and aggressive behavior on
this.
If drinking human blood changes how a vampire acts, wouldn't it be considered a drug for them?
Following this train of thought, I started thinking about Spike. Since the Initiative put the chip in
his head, he has (presumably) also beeen drinking pig's blood. His behavior right after he escaped
could almost be seen as withdrawal from human blood - he was depressed and weak. He still behaves
in an evil way for a long time, but gradually we see a gentler side of him emerge. He even begins
acting like William again (as a love sick whipping boy). Could these changes be the result of the
"drug" (human blood) being removed from his system?
Perhaps overly simplistic, but if drinking human blood changes Angel's behavior, why not
Spike's?
[>
Re: Beating the drug metaphor to death, but... (Spoilers for Sleep Tight) -- Vickie,
16:46:17 03/07/02 Thu
Great point! It's interesting that there doesn't seem to be a psychological element to the thrill of
human blood.
I'd always assumed that the human blood jones had to do with hunting and consuming a sentient (or
more sentient, or more like the vampire sentient) being as opposed to a "lower" animal.
That the vampire enjoyed the prey's fear and enjoyed stalking (or in Dracula's case, mesmerizing)
them.
But, in ST, Angel gets more violent simply from consuming Connor's blood, without knowledge of the
fact and without harm (relatively speaking) to Connor.
I think that human blood would change Spike's behavior. I guess we should be glad that
it hasn't occurred to him yet.
[> [>
Re: Beating the drug metaphor to death, but... (Spoilers for Sleep Tight) -- tost,
17:07:17 03/07/02 Thu
Spike seemed to have blood in medical sacks, which would seem to be human, in Giles fridge. On the
other hand i'm reminded that Angel got a bag of human blood the same ep that he turned evil.
[>
I respectfully disagree ... -- Earl Allison,
02:20:10 03/08/02 Fri
Excellent post, and by itself, it would explain a lot, but it tends to fly in the face of what we've seen
before with Angel and human blood. I just can't see human blood as a "drug" to them,
maybe more tasty (check vamp-Harmony's reaction to pig's blood in "Disharmony."), but
not a drug -- past experiences with Angel don't bear that out IIRC.
We saw no such behavior after Angel drank Slayer blood in "Graduation Day."
Admittedly, he was fighting off a serious vampire poison at the time, but we still didn't see the kind
of elation one would conclude from a drug. And this was SLAYER blood besides, an aphrodesiac
according to Spike!
Ditto again once Angel fed off Kate Lockley. He drained her, and it WAS pointed out by Wesley as a
Bad Thing, but nothing came of it. Nothing even close to the reactions from "Sleep
Tight," even with the insanity issues of the Shroud.
We also saw Angel drinking what almost HAD to be human blood the first time he came to the
Hyperion in the Fifties -- I doubt animal blood came in those medical bottles back then :) And he
was pretty meek overall in that flashback.
I guess what I'm saying here is, either there was more in the pig's blood besides Connor's blood
(which I would have expected Wesley to find, but since Fred was looking, she might well have missed
something, she's not the expert Wes is), Connor's blood ISN'T entirely human (and maybe has
mystical qualities), or the writers simply screwed up again, throwing continuity to the wind ...
Take it and run.
Xander, Restless, and OAFA (
spoilers up to OAFA) -- Alvin, 15:34:23 03/07/02 Thu
I've been lurking here for a while and have slowing become addicted to all the great posts here, and
have finally decided to throw out one of my own to see if anyone else thinks this: Will Xander die at
the of this season?
I ask this because elements of Restless keep popping into season 6. For instance, in Tabula Rosa we
had Giles and Spike as father/son ( Spike is like a son to me ) and a villain that's part shark (Like a
shark...with legs...and on land). So will other elements from Restless also show such as all the signs
linking Xander to death? Especially since there is something in each dream about him.
In Willow's dream while Buffy is in her anti-man rant (Men, with your urges....) Xander is lying
behind her while Harmony kneels beside him crying. In Xander's own dream he's told that the line
ends with him while in Giles' dream Xander makes the comment that he wanted to be there for Anya
on her big day, but instead it looks like he'll be pushing up daisies instead. Finally, in Buffy's dream
Xander shows up walking away from Buffy while she's talking to her mother who's in the wall. I
won't go into about the wall foretelling Joyce's death, but it seems odd that of all the Scoobies, only
Xander is also in this scene. Also, as in Willow's dream there's no conversation involving him or
about him; he's just there in the background.
And now to jump from Restless to OAFA. I read with interest when the episode aired how posters
here talked about who the party guests brought was more important than what presents they
brought. That Buffy brought Sophie (Wisdom) while Spike brought Clem (Mercy) but Xander
bringing Richard tended to get glossed over.
While I can see how the peoples's names have meaning, I saw who they brought as an extension of
themselves. Spike brings Clem who is obviously a demon, but once you get to know him turns out to
be a real swell guy. Clem moved through the party being pleasant but basically being uninvolved
sort of like how Spike is sort of a Scoobie but kept on the fringe of the group. Buffy brings Sophie
who appears to be a normal girl, but who has a long list of foods she can't have which shows she
actually is quite fragile. It's interesting that Sophie's only scene by herself is of her looking out the
window, crying because she wants to go outside but can't. It's sort of like Buffy looking at her old
life, wanting it back, but unable to move back into it.
And Xander brings Richard. It's been talked about earlier on the board that Richard has a red
shirt, that he's expendable, that of course the demon went for him. I think it's interesting that
Richard is even more linked to Xander than Buffy and Spike are linked to Sophie and Clem.
It's hard to think of Richard without thinking of Xander. He works with Xander; he and Xander are
the only fully human men there; on first meeting Buffy he's attracted to her like Xander was( I admit
Xander and Anya talked about Buffy to him, but he was still interested in her); and only Xander and
Richard are wounded by the demon.
Richard has two scenes where he quietly stands still while violence is offered his way. The first is
when Spike is talking about eating him. Richard may not understand what Spike is talking about,
but the end result is that he passively stands there while Spike talks of killing him.
The second time of course is when the sword demon attacks. Everyone scatters, but Richard stays
passively in place. He doesn't fight, doesn't run, only stands there like a lamb being slaughtered or
like a sacrifice.
Which brings me back to Restless where Synder tells Xander he's a whipping boy and a sacrifice. So
I ask "Does anyone else think Xander will die in this season?" What got me thinking this
was a previous post called "Once more with Joss" where the poster said that OMWF
implies that the season will take an unexpected turn. To me the unexpected turn will involve
Xander. And if Xander dies, how will it happen? For that I go back to OAFA where Anya says of
Richard that if he dies, it's partly her fault.
[>
Re: Xander, Restless, and OAFA ( spoilers up to OAFA) -- Jon, 16:49:52 03/07/02
Thu
All I can say is I sure hope not. That would be utterly heart-breaking. Thanks for the breakdown of
the Restless connections. I'm chilled.
How does this idea go with that great "Once More with Joss" post - the theory that the
musical suggests the arc of the whole season? There is the great mystery as to why Xander was the
one who invoked Sweet. And here's what Sweet says when Xander asks if he'll have to be Sweet's
"Queen": "It's tempting... but I think we'll waive that clause just this
once."
That's not particularly helpful I guess - unless there's a reason Xander would find himself in trouble
with Sweet a second time.
So obviously I don't know, but I sure hope not. Of course it is one event that would be certain to
shake everybody else out of their solipsistic states. Including me, I imagine.
Jon
[> [>
Re: Xander, Restless, and OAFA ( spoilers up to OAFA) -- Alvin, 18:23:04 03/07/02
Thu
To my shame, I forgot that Xander invoked Sweet, and I have no idea as to why him. On Sweet
coming back I will point out when Buffy comes in to her house and sees Xander and Dawn dancing to
practice for the wedding, Buffy says "Dancing? Are we dancing again?"
In regards to the "Once more with Joss" post, Cynesthesia points out at the end of the
post that Sweet tells us rough times are ahead. ("there's not a one who can say this ended
well") while it's alcibiades in a reply who says that the season is going to veer at the end. (My
bad, I didn't distinguish between the original post and the replies)
[> [>
Or -- The Hanged Man, 08:56:12 03/08/02 Fri
I think maybe what's more germane to your point is the fact that Xander is given an invite to the
underworld...
[>
Re: Xander, Restless, and OAFA ( spoilers up to OAFA) -- Veronica, 19:54:07 03/07/02
Thu
You've made some really good connections and observations in your post regarding Restless...I just
saw that episode again recently and was thinking that there were many loose ends, especially with
Xander. I really don't want him to die, though. I think his character has really developed and grown
since Season 1.
[>
Re: Xander, Restless, and OAFA ( spoilers up to OAFA) -- Etrangere, 06:04:13 03/08/02
Fri
Yeah, I'm one of the people who thinks Xander gonna die and probably turned into a vampire :)
The point Jon made about Xander having summoned Sweet and thus being supposed to come to hell
with him is also very good. You made a good point about Richard's role also.
About Xander walking in the back of Buffy in Restless, it's interresting to note two people's been
walking up a stair in Restless : Buffy, Joyce, Xander. Two of those has already died.
And the stair was again used as a symbole of walking up in heavens in the Gift, and down from it in
Afterlife.
[>
Note to delurkers -- Darby, 07:50:18 03/08/02 Fri
Alvin, you've been getting good responses here, but I just wanted to point out something to those still
lurking and hesitant to step out. I'm not absolutely sure that what I'm about to say is the truth, but
it's how I feel.
Sometimes, someone puts something up that is just so incredible that, after picking my jaw up off
the keyboard, I realize that I just can't add to substantively. I will only occasionally acknowledge
that fact with a response (others on the board are better at praising than I, for sure). Alvin, yours
was one of those, and there have been some others recently, and I just wanted to say that you
shouldn't assume that a short list of responses in any way indicates a lack of interest.
If you stay tuned, you'll notice that the good ideas percolate in the other posters' heads and re-
emerge as a new inspiration that is uniquely theirs - is it safe to say that recent discussion of
Restless here led you back to it, where you found these intriguing insights? The really good
posts here always get my head slithering toward new ideas.
Of course, this could all be a massive rationalization I've invented for when my posts get meager
response...
[> [>
You're absolutely right, Darby. Sometimes there's nothing to say but... -- Solitude1056,
07:57:11 03/08/02 Fri
could you do that essay in html & put it up on the (non)fictionary pages with the other essays?
it belongs there!
;-)
[> [>
Re: Note to delurkers -- Teri, 12:45:05 03/08/02 Fri
Yup this was definately a jaw dropper...
Hate that. You're like reading it then it's like..Oh..OH! Omg..! OMG! He's so right..BUT..OHHH OH
no!! PLEASE don't let him be right. But...but...
Hows that for a NON SUBSTANTIVE response.
Thanks Darby for giving me ground to at least air it..I feel better now!
[> [>
Oh, I completely agree. -- yuri, 20:59:45 03/09/02 Sat
I (generally) respond to posts I can fully comprehend and build upon, not to ones that just blow me
away.
[>
Don't Scare Me Like That! Re: Xander, Restless, and OAFA ( spoilers up to OAFA) --
vandalia, 08:59:08 03/08/02 Fri
Though you do make good arguments... and it would also correlate to the Wesley=Xander arguments
posted here earlier... and Joss has always said he's Xander if he's anyone and his touch has been
absent from the show lately according to some people's opinions...
Say it ain't so, Joe!
[>
I've noticed those connections, too... -- Belladonna, 09:06:06 03/08/02 Fri
I just watched Restless a couple weeks ago, and was worried about all the Xander dying references.
I'm glad I'm not the only one! I do hope he doesn't die. I believe he's signed on for next season, so if
he did, he'd have to be a vampire, or something. Personally, I hope they don't kill anyone this
season. I've heard rumors that one of the Scoobies will die. I don't know if it's just a crazy rumor, or
if it's true. But, I think it would be kind of...hmmm...for lack of a more intelligent word...dumb to kill
someone else off. What, are they going to kill someone every season now?
[>
For what its worth (kinda spoiler) -- Dochawk, 13:08:17 03/08/02 Fri
In an interview with AB, we are told the BSD (if there even is one) is not Xander. oh well.
[> [>
Yes, I am begining to doubt the BSD is real myself, though I'm probably wrong (NT) --
Goji3, 15:45:15 03/09/02 Sat
Buffy glowing? Spoilers --
Ishkabibble, 16:13:37 03/07/02 Thu
I'm out of town, so not able to access the board often.
Has there been any speculation that Buffy might be pregnant and that is why she is glowing?
I see a debate that Connor is possibly going to grow up to be one of the other characters on Angel,
and both baby and grown-up version are existing presently via time travel.
Could ME be doing another parallel? Could Dawn be the grown-up version of a baby that Buffy is
carrying in utero?
Any discussions about this?
[>
I sure hope not -- Vickie, 16:19:30 03/07/02 Thu
This may be a little too meta, but a pregnant slayer is just not the item. Way too dangerous for her
and for the world. Can you imagine her fighting in a near-term condition?
If Buffy's smart (and she sure seems to be) she's had a Norplant or something similar. Why would
she take that chance?
[> [>
Re: I sure hope not/ Vamps can't have babies, Can they? (Angel notwithstanding) --
Dochawk, 16:49:40 03/07/02 Thu
[> [> [>
Riley could -- Vickie, 16:55:57 03/07/02 Thu
[> [> [> [>
That would mean the baby had been gestating for over a year. -- Apophis, 19:18:08
03/07/02 Thu
[> [> [> [> [>
Well, the death and decomposition would seriously affect the gestation period -- d'Herblay,
20:11:42 03/07/02 Thu
[> [> [> [> [> [>
That's just...ewwww! And can I say again, ewwwww! -- LadyStarlight, 20:21:13
03/07/02 Thu
[> [> [> [> [> [> [>
I'd like to second that...and add a "Blech!" and a "That really gave me the
wiggins!" -- Rob, 21:34:45 03/07/02 Thu
[> [> [> [>
Re: Riley could -- Wiccagrrl, 19:21:24 03/07/02 Thu
Yes, but when she was with Riley, they used protection ;) And besides, that was well over a year ago.
I think it's safe to say nothing that could have gotten Buffy pregnant happened between her and
Riley in AYW.
I've heard the theory that Buffy could be pregnant, and frankly I think it's pretty far fetched. Spike's
comment was about her being happy for a change. Unless I missed something, the only person she's
been with in a sexual way during the past year is Spike, and he can't get her pregnant. The
Angel/Darla thing was a major exception to the rule, and I am doubtful they'd repeat the storyline
with B/S. Plus, a pregnant Slayer? Logistically difficult to say the least. And in Buffy's current state,
can you imagine her taking care of an infant? She can barely cope with her and Dawn, let alone a
baby. So, no, I personally don't think there's any way she's pregnant.
[>
I think it's a more simple explanation... -- Rob, 21:48:15 03/07/02 Thu
Buffy had said this episode that Xander and Anya were her symbol of hope for the future. And she
pointed out the fact that Xander was glowing. He said because he was happy.
Their happiness lead Buffy to be extremely happy, more happy than she's been in months.
And thus, when Spike mentions she is glowing, it is out of her happiness for Xander and Anya, which
she is owning as her own happiness as well. Like someone taking on sympathy pains (sorry, I know
that's a bad example), Buffy feels so happy for her friends that she's taking on some of their
happy...um...symptoms.
And I think that's all the explanation that's needed...Xander and Anya happy, Xander and Anya
glow, Buffy happy for Xander and Anya, Buffy glows. It's just like math or something!
Rob
[> [>
Re: I think it's a more simple explanation... -- beekeepr, 23:33:03 03/07/02 Thu
rob, dear-i thought we weren't going to use the m word...
[> [> [>
Oh, my God, I did say the "m" word! Aliens must've sucked up my brain! What can I
do to repent? -- Rob, 07:53:48 03/08/02 Fri
[>
Effulgence -- Anne, 04:16:02 03/08/02 Fri
Also might be worth noting that "glow" is more or less a synonym for
"effulgence". So this line can also be taken as an echo. And while Spike obviously has a
long way to go in the field of love, he at least got a better reaction from this compliment than he did
from Cecily with his "effulgence" poem.
[>
Re: Buffy glowing? Spoilers -- Etrangere, 06:10:06 03/08/02 Fri
As I said in another thread, there's definitly been a number of "birth" symboles recently
(eggs, cow, and the glow)
I don't think we should take that litteraly to mean that Buffy's pregnant, 'cause, been there, done
that and Dawn's already playing the role of children responsability.
So I think it's a metaphore for something. Maybe it's simply a symbole of Buffy finally coming totally
back to life after her death. Maybe it's something else. But, please !, no babies in BtVS :)
[>
Re: Buffy glowing? Spoilers -- Etrangere, 06:15:12 03/08/02 Fri
As I said in another thread, there's definitly been a number of "birth" symboles recently
(eggs, cow, and the glow)
I don't think we should take that litteraly to mean that Buffy's pregnant, 'cause, been there, done
that and Dawn's already playing the role of children responsability.
So I think it's a metaphore for something. Maybe it's simply a symbole of Buffy finally coming totally
back to life after her death. Maybe it's something else. But, please !, no babies in BtVS :)
[> [>
Sorry for the double posting -- Ete, 06:18:25 03/08/02 Fri
[>
Re: Buffy glowing? Spoilers -- neaux, 06:43:58 03/08/02 Fri
Why cant the glowing just mean that Buffy is accepting of her new motherly role whether it be over
Dawn or the rest of the scoobies.
She's glowing like a mother watching her Xander get married. Maybe She's is finally being the adult
now.
[>
Aren't we forgetting... (Spoiler) -- Darby, 07:59:29 03/08/02 Fri
The "The dress is radioactive" response?
Hey, when you get a punchline that good, who cares about the implications of the set-up?
But I gotta say, love the symmetry of "glowing" and "effulgence." Thanks,
Anne. Spikey's really gotten unpretentious, but William's boppin' around in there somewhere. Let's
just hope he's not rhyming with events from Gone...
[> [>
Let's see.... -- Sophist, 08:17:20 03/08/02 Fri
indulgence rhymes. And I guess "glowing" does with.......
OT: James Marsters 4.20.02
show info and 14 Below site launch -- Liq,
02:18:04 03/08/02 Fri
Tickets for JM's upcoming performance on 4.20.02 at 14 Below in Santa Monica, CA will be going on
sale tomorrow night at midnight (3.9) to coincide with the launch of the brand new 14 Below website
featuring authorized video/audio of James Marsters' musical performance from 2.9.02 along with his
new photo gallery. 14 Below is a 21 and older venue.
Coincidently, this new site, as well as another related site was designed by yours truly and has been
a project I have been working on for about 6 months. Spending time with alot of great people from
this project, including that blond guy friend of mine has been a serious chore, but hey, someone had
to do it.
And speaking of friends.... I would have gone stark-raving mad several times if not for another of our
own - Sheri. She has spent hours with me, squished among screaming fans for the perfect video and
pictures; endured long hours while I was hob-nobbing with the client; more hours proof-reading and
beta testing all of the programs on this very extensive site. She has given me moral support when I
was freaking about deadlines and much needed company while I was in Los Angeles. I can't thank
her enough.
So, if you want tickets to see James on 4.20.02, be sure to visit http://www.14below.com at midnight 3.9 (Friday night)
because tickets are extremely limited and expect to sell out within a couple of days. The ticket also
include's Adam Busch's (Warren) band Common Rotation, Four Star Mary and Urban Family Dog.
Surprise guests are always a possibility.
If you just want to see some unique JM pics and hear him sing be sure to visit soon. I'll be adding
new video clips weekly. Please email me offline if you have any specific OT questions.
[>
Re: OT: Blushing -- Liq's Loyal Minion, 02:31:01 03/08/02 Fri
Thanks for the love fest, liq :)
--Sheri, who just loves feeling all warm and fuzzy.
[>
Re: OT: James Marsters 4.20.02 show info and 14 Below site launch -- Cynthia,
04:02:46 03/08/02 Fri
Well, congradulations on a job well done.
How was it working with JM? Or am I wrong in reading that he had a hand in content etc.?
May your latest accomplishment lead to more work and satisfaction.
[> [>
... just wait til you see the site! -- Liq, 04:31:27 03/08/02 Fri
Thanks Cynthia!
James has personally authorized the video and audio content in the new gallery. And yep, he's a
sweetheart.
[>
that's midnight PST ... -- Liq, 04:22:40 03/08/02 Fri
[> [>
Or 2afriggenm Texas time...But thanks for the heads up Liq! -- Teri, 11:48:05 03/08/02
Fri
[>
Re: Sheri the Wonder Minion -- LadyStarlight, 14:28:00 03/08/02 Fri
Sheri, you've worked really hard, so congratulations to you. (And of course to Liq. :))
[>
Re: OT: James Marsters 4.20.02 show info and 14 Below site launch -- Dochawk,
00:41:46 03/09/02 Sat
Great Job on the site. Looks and feels wonderful
[> [>
Re: OT: Yippie! -- Liq's Tired Minion, 00:48:52 03/09/02 Sat
The site is up at last! It was great fun helping Liq beta test that thing... and man am I exhausted!
Looking forward to going to bed at a decent hour :)
[>
Re: OT: James Marsters 4.20.02 show info and 14 Below site launch -- LeeAnn,
03:25:22 03/09/02 Sat
Great site, Liq. I can see all your hard work.
Just a question, I could only get two songs, Goodbye and Fire. Will the others be linked soon?
[> [>
They are all linked... there was over 10,000 hits the 1st 1-1/2 hrs... -- Liq, 12:20:08
03/09/02 Sat
The Future of Buffy, Inc.
(Mild Spoilers) -- Hauptman, 07:06:59 03/08/02 Fri
Good morning my friends. I got up much too early this morning, so I thought I would write a little
about my feelings on the Buffy thing in general. I have to say that I am personally disappointed in
this season, but I am very forgiving. While I will watch whatever the Buffy-folk put on the screen
(can someone say "rabid fan"), I also kind of wish they would end the Buffy run.
Buffy Inc.:
Buffy is great, amazing, stunning and, even in it's current run, somewhat better than most of the
stuff on t.v., BUT where we once had Josh to oversee and create, we now have a very creative fellow
who is somewhat stretched out, spread thin. He is involved with Buffy, Angel, Giles' series, the
comic book, doing rewrites (or writing) the Iron Man movie and I have heard talk of a Buffy cartoon.
He has to delegate some of the duties that created the pace and passion we once loved
wholeheartedly. Some thing has to give and I think this season is where it has become obvious. Joss
is now the CEO of Buffy, Inc. Which I think is a good thing for us in general, but not so good for the
Buffy show.
Shades of the X-Files:
Look at Fox's other hot series, the X-Files. That poor show was run into the ground by letting it go
on much too long. 'Course, it's a different type of show and was carried by two talented and much
loved actors. Buffy, I think, is a much more rich and useful universe. While the X-Files could not
get along without one of the stars that made it a hit, and while it has failed to spawn a successful
spin-off (i.e. The Lone Gunmen, Millenium) I think Buffy can do both. Angel is clearly a successful
spin-off and has proven itself even in an atmosphere that prevents it getting a drama injection from
the original series (in other words, it's good despite a lack of crossover fun and frolic).
The problem with Buffy, as I see it this fine morning, is that the characters have grown up, which I
have heard was the premise for this season. While it has been interesting to see the Scoobies grow
and change, there isn't much more for them to do dramatically. The dynamics we are familiar with
have all changes. The kids have become the adults. They no longer have Giles, Joyce, the W.C. or
even Principal Snyder to play off of. There is no one to rebel against. And the more they grow up, the
more we ask the tough questions I see on this board all the time like "Is Willow paying rent at
Buffy's house?" It was easier to accept that there was this group of kids running around saving
the world when we were somewhat sure that there were adults taking care of them, buying them the
fab clothes and putting food on the table. Now that the kids have to adopt these rolls for themselves,
I find myself bored. It's good television, but nothing compared with having to kill your lover to save
the world; merging your essence with three other people to save the world; or stabbing a former
friend in the gut to get the blood to save your lover before fighting a giant snake thingy to save the
world.
Crush Kill Destroy:
There is no bang this season. The violence is way down and, though I know I will be called
bloodthirsty, I miss it. In fact, the show is just getting a bit too nice. Now instead of cheering a good
slay we have to settle with marveling at how well, how mature Buffy and Spike (formerly sworn
enemies) are getting along after breaking off whatever that was they had. Instead of a "big
bad" we have the geeks from hell. I am sorry if I am not evolved enough to be totally
entertained by the coy, knowing looks Tara and Willow share as they take cover during an
inexplicable brawl between demons and humans (why the demons didn't wipe the floor with the
humans I will never understand). As several of you folks have mentioned on the board, the attempt
to be more "realistic" about the lives of our heroes come off as very unrealistic somehow
because it's still the Buffyverse.
Worst of all, I feel like I am being made to wait for something to happen. And, even if the end of the
season is spectacular, with all the verve, vigor, passion and pain I loved in previous seasons, I am
still going to be a bit peeved about being made to wait. Yes there were great individual stories.
"Once more with feeling" was a triumph, but I can't grip the few gems this season
without holding the worthless bunch of rocks they come with. Am I alone here? Maybe I am just too
much of the "Crush, Kill, Destroy!" camp.
The great thing about Buffy, Inc. is that it is unlimited. Like Star Trek, Buffy, or rather the
Buffyverse, could go on forever. Even if they wiped out the entire cast--which would suck, but think
of the drama-- they could be doing a new slayer show within a year. I mean, they would have to
bump off Faith, too, but what the hey. It's not like we are seeing a whole lot of here now anyway.
And, as next week's episode indicates, just because you die on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it doesn't
mean you won't show up every now and then. We could have a different slayer every season. Edgier
stories could be told in different locations with guest stars from the old series. Xander could be a
watcher for example. Willow could be a big bad. Dawn a rogue demon hunter. All I am saying is
that the potential is limitless and that this particular incarnation of the Slayers' saga may be
nearing the end of its days. Opinions?
[>
Re: The Future of Buffy, Inc. (Mild Spoilers) -- neaux, 07:42:57 03/08/02 Fri
I would be very sad if Buffy ended.
But If they continued the Buffyverse with a new series like they do with Star Trek, I would still tune
in.
And speaking of The Lone Gunmen... hmmm could Buffy have an Evil Troika spinoff??
Where every week they plot to take over the world a la "Pinky and the Brain?"
[>
Oh, Kick ASS! -- Knight of Swords, 09:30:16 03/08/02 Fri
I think you have a LOT of really good points. The season started off with a lot of momentum and
right through Tabula Rasa I was hooked, but then it all fell apart for me with Smashed and though
there have been some good stuff since then, not enough to make the difference.
But, really I think the problem is that previous to Season 6 a drama was hidden within an epic
fantasy/action world, now elements of an action/fantasy are stuck within a drama.
Remember how jarring it was to watch the realistic tone of the The Body? Now that everything is
more "realistic" it just feels fake. It shouldn't but it does.
And there are two other problems, one is that the plotlines are dragging out forever...so that in
episode after episode we're stuck waiting for some sort of development. The other problem is that
these same plotlines are, of all things, predictable. Of course, Buffy and Spike will break-up. Of
course, Dawn will feel neglected and then receive more attention. Of course, Willow will hold the line
on the dark magic.
And even if all these things break loose, and I think some of them will, haven't we been waiting too
long?
Too much of the plot is generated from within the gang themselves. What happened to the Slayer
who's "on the front lines of a nightly war?" She used to slay demons on sight, now she's
too busy making cocktail chitchat?
What happened to "...only she can stand against the vampires and the demons..."
They should change that to "...only she can drink with the vampires and the demons..."
Some clever person nicknamed her Buffy the Vampire Layer?
If the demons are acceptable companions then why has she been killing them? If demons people, to
be invited to weddings and drink with at bars, then don't they have rights of some sort? Why is it ok
for Xander to murder one at his wedding in front of other demons who clap at the murder?
Huh?
I'm all for artistic freedom and the Buffy writers have always been artists, but "artistic
freedom" and "breaking every rule you established for your world" are two
different things. One is creative and iconoclastic, the other breaks down the necessary suspension of
disbelief.
This year's theme was "Oh Grow Up." I hope next year's is "Oh, Kick
ASS!."
[> [>
Re: Oh, Kick ASS! -- luvthistle1,
12:51:46 03/08/02 Fri
why is it ok for Xander to kill a demon at his wedding?
Because all the demon are not the same. They are all not friends, or know each other. The demon
that Xander killed was a uninvited guest, who was trying to kill Anya. All the demons there were
friends and family of Anya. They clapped
when Xander killed that demon, because in doing so, he save "Anya's life.
[>
Re: The Future of Buffy, Inc. (Mild Spoilers) -- Apophis, 09:58:31 03/08/02 Fri
I agree. Though I'm loathe to see any good show cancelled, it's better to end things on one's own
terms than to be mercy killed by the network. Things have gotten too soap opera-y. There's not
enought cool stuff happening. I've been missing season 3 for months now (my favorite season). I'd
love to see BtVS make it an even 10 years, but not if we have to settle for exponentially decreasing
quality.
[>
disagree -- gds, 11:16:35 03/08/02 Fri
Some one has to say it, so I will. This season is different, but it is good. Last year many people were
complaining about how the series wasn't worth watching anymore. They said that all the good stuff
was on Angel. I don't hear anyone complain about last season anymore, but now they complain
about this season the same as they did about the last one - although it may be a different group of
people. Next year I suspect they'll be complaining that season 6 was great, but season 7 is crap.
One of the great things about both BtVS & AtS is that they evolve. They grow. The people
grow. If they didn't we would see each season repeating the previous seasons because they couldn't
go anywhere new. Growth is painful both to experience and too observe. This does mean that good
shows are not always the most enjoyable shows - and vice versa. I enjoyed the high school Buffy, but
I would be totaly turned off if 6 years later she was still acting like she was still in high school.
[> [>
Re: disagree -- Page of Pentacles, 12:00:37 03/08/02 Fri
Ultimately, how we view this season will be dictated by the season's climax.
Yes, there were a whole bunch of filler episodes in the middle of Season 5––the giant serpent, the
quellor demon––and I wasn't a fan of Into the Woods, but last season's Feb. sweeps contained The
Body and I think everyone was too blown away to criticize after that, then the final 6 episodes were
such a roller coaster....Well, you know the rest.
There's still room for that, but Hell's Bells certainly wasn't The Body...
[>
forming the Secret Society of Season Six Supporters -- ponygirl, 12:48:16 03/08/02
Fri
Well, no, I'm not going to form a support group but Season 6 does seem to need some lovin! Sure it's
not the red-headed step child of season 4, which I finally grew to love after it had hung around and
annoyed me for so long. No season 6 is my black-clad friend down the street, the one I like to have
drinks with until the wee hours of the morning, with old Cure records in the background, shaking
my head over tales of woe and bad choices. Maybe we won't be taking it out on a picnic, but doesn't
it make life so much more interesting and frustrating?
The one thing I will say about s6 is that I have never found it boring. I never have any idea what's
going to happen to these characters each week. And if the kick ass type of action has quieted of late,
then the emotional risk has doubled. Watching Buffy each week makes me realize how safe the rest
of network tv is, how the audience can watch characters make mistakes only if their actions are
telegraphed and autographed BAD. With other television I never leave my comfort zone, as a viewer
I'm not at risk. This year with Buffy, I've never had a chance to settle down, never felt at ease. It's
not always easy but I'm grateful. Very much so.
[> [>
Secret Society of Season Six Supporters + I'll add you one -- Kathy, 13:06:26 03/08/02
Fri
I agree with what you said and I'll go one more step. I firmly believe that the lack of a comfort zone
this season is an ingenious device by the writers to have the audience feel as uncertain and
frustrated as Buffy does about her life. I've never known a show to grab the audience and put them
directly in with the characters like that before. If for no other reason...i say season 6 is great!
[> [>
Secret Society of Season Six Supporters + I'll add you one -- Kathy, 13:07:59 03/08/02
Fri
I agree with what you said and I'll go one more step. I firmly believe that the lack of a comfort zone
this season is an ingenious device by the writers to have the audience feel as uncertain and
frustrated as Buffy does about her life. I've never known a show to grab the audience and put them
directly in with the characters like that before. If for no other reason...i say season 6 is great!
[> [>
sorry about the double post -- Kathy, 13:09:32 03/08/02 Fri
[> [>
Where do I sign up? -- Jon, 13:17:22 03/08/02 Fri
I agree wholeheartedly. Season 6 has surprised me repeatedly, delivering sudden, sharp, emotional
blows that speak to me very directly (I think I must still be processing the events of my own stint
living as an early 20-something). It has not been escapist - it has not provided fantasy catharses -
but it has had epiphanic moments more along the lines of an alcoholic's moment of clarity.
I may be going way over-the-top - or into territory no one wants to go - but one of the most moving
moments from this season for me was when Buffy confessed to Spike that she thought she'd been in
heaven. "I was torn out of there. My friends pulled me out. And everything here is bright and
hard and violent...Everything I feel, everything I touch... this is Hell. Just getting through the next
moment, and the one after that...knowing what I've lost ..."
Here's the thing I'm loathe to bring up about this scene...but here goes: that scene spoke so directly
to my feelings in the wake of 9/11 that I could hardly believe it had been written and shot long before
that day. And frankly I had never been a big fan of Buffy herself (my character fanhood started with
Willow, went through Xander, and has pretty much settled with Spike) until that moment - she had
always been too big and heroic and other. Suddenly I empathized - and identified - with her.
Okay, sorry, retreating from confessional moment. But HB too brought me up short for breath -
before anything hugely dramatic happened, just that instant before Xander has to go out to
"meet and greet" - his pause before the closed doorway, the deep breath he tries to
take...I guess it's fair to say I'm getting a lot of the minutiae this season.
All that said, I must add that I'm glad t