Reviewed by Sanguine
Jane Espenson, I love thee. Let me count the ways.
There was much rejoicing in the Sanguine household last Tuesday night. First, we had a new Buffy episode. Second, it was a really, really good Buffy episode. It was, dare I say it, vintage Buffy--that wonderful combination of humour, drama, and action that made me love the show. The dialogue was sharp as was the characterization. The conceit of the episode? The Scoobs are all concerned with their love lives and have gone on dates even though the end of the world is nigh.
Seems just like old times.
The episode "First Date" was great because it advanced the plot and it did so in funny, entertaining, sometimes poignant ways. Centering on the disastrous dates of Xander and Lissa and Buffy and Principal Wood, "First Date" ironically, given the subject matter, seemed to reaffirm that this season would not be about romance and relationships. The First is coming to kick their ass. Indeed, Andrew, almost-reformed Andrew, is visited by the First, so we know Evil Incarnate is back from holiday. As Giles points out, complete with hilarious bloody flashcard illustrations, "There isn't time for fun and games." But is Giles right? Is it possible that love can save the world and can vanquish evil?
Xander has always been a demon magnet, and his date with Lissa is no exception. Surprisingly, Brendon and Ashanti had excellent chemistry and the soulful singer wasn't a complete disaster as an actress. I'm almost sad to see her go, but frankly, the last thing we need on Buffy is another new character. Anyway, Xander opens up to Lissa, telling her he's still stewing about the wedding that wasn't. We also learn that Xander isn't sleeping very well (thus, the hot cocoa). Beyond the obvious (the ultimate evil is on the warpath), I wonder if there's anything else causing Xander's insomnia. He seems so melancholy and I still remember his heart of darkness speech. And why are demons attracted to the Xand-man? Hmm, food for thought.
Buffy is doing some dating of her own, taking the hot Principal up on his offer for dinner. I must admit, Principal Wood is awfully yummy and D.B. Woodside does have sparkage with Gellar. Of course, this whole date was just to set up what will inevitably be a nasty, emotional showdown later in the season. You see, Spike killed Wood's mother. I feel an icky moral quagmire coming on and I like nothing better than icky moral quagmires.
Just so we don't forget that Buffy Has Feelings For Spike and that she'll have to make a Big Emotional Choice later in the season, Giles has a little heart- to-heart with the Buffster. She tells Giles that her relationship with Spike is different. Giles points out that even if they're not sleeping together, they still have a connection. Buffy confirms this connection in her conversation with Willow, as she grows defensive with Willow. Willow tells her that it's good she's moving on and Buffy snaps, "Why does everybody in this house think I'm still in love with Spike?" Of course, Buffy told us more than once last year that she didn't love Spike, so this line was a bit puzzling. Either a) it was a throw away line and we shouldn't read too much into it; b) Buffy loved Spike, but has gotten over it; c) Buffy still loves Spike and it being defensive. In any case, the Buffster has misinterpreted Willow's comment. Willow actually was referring to Buffy's emotional isolation, telling her she should "move on from this imposed super self-reliance. Let someone get close." I couldn't agree more. Buffy's strength was always her worldly attachments (a Slayer with friends and family). Increasingly, over the years, she's isolated herself emotionally. Maybe that's making her weak. Maybe she will need to choose love to save the world. That would be kinda neat.
Besides the major plot points that were revealed in this episode (the First is back, the chip is out, Wood is the son of Nikki and Spike killed his mother), this episode was full of subtly effecting moments. Anya tries to remove a spot from Buffy's clothing (what is it with Anya's Lady Macbeth complex? We saw this in Selfless too). She reveals her jealousy about Xander's date: "Observe my bitter ranting! Hear the shrill edge of hysteria in my voice!" Anya's always been a character that is simultaneously humourous and poignant. She still loves Xander (although I'll never understand why she doesn't just hook up with Giles) and this line perfectly articulates that in a perfectly Anya-esque way. I'm pleased to report the return of witty dialogue to Buffyland!
Buffy's scenes with Spike also were
emotionally complex, a blend of suppressed passion and remorse. Spike sees
Buffy in the hall and comments on her date, trying to act nonplussed. After
a short conversation, Buffy leaves and we see the pain inscribed on Spike's
face. He wants to her to move on, but it's killing him. Marsters plays
this to perfection and his silence is more eloquent than pages of dialogue.
Spike and Buffy's final scene together was also quietly affecting. Spike,
having learned that he's not through being the First's whipping boy, offers
to leave. After all, Buffy has another demon fighter to help (Wood). Buffy
responds, "No you have to stay . . . I'm not ready for you to not be here."
"And the Principal?" Spike asks. "How does he fit in?" Buffy has no answer.
She is attracted to the Principal (and really, who wouldn't be). Perhaps
she's also attracted to the fact that Wood is a human who can truly understand
her calling. But she still has an undeniable connection to Spike. And I'm
sure that connection will be tested in the weeks to come.