Beneath You Rant

(Warning: Spoilerish talk about this week's episode.)

- Now this is what I'm talking about. Great episode with a lot going on, most of which was interesting and some of which made me want to through my ham sandwich at the television. 1+1=2, great TV.

The Plus --

- Dawn's "Do you sleep?" speech to Spike....WOW. I was actually scared of Dawn. Call me a sissy, but Michelle T is turning into quite the little thesbian.

- The Spike/Anya fight scene. Who thought Spike was actually going to hit her? Man alive, that's what I call an equal opportunity boxing match.

- I liked Nancy. I don't yet love Nancy, but she could develop.

- People on the board think all these girls getting attacked are slayers. Whatever happened to the line, "One girl in all the world, the chosen *one*"? Something doesn't add up.

- I heard people talking about the girl being attacked this week was a joke about "Alias". I watch that show, and maybe they're right...it even had the bass-heavy beat in the scene. Does Joss have a personal grudge against J.J Abrams? Maybe someone should clue me in.

- The final scene...I'm indifferent. I love the cinematography, the direction, the "out of the darkness he speaks" feel. I LOVED the acting, and I LOVED the dialogue. But I don't think this road to redemption for Mr. William should feel rushed, and that's what I felt after the scene was over. "Well, that was quick" is exactly what I said when the ep ended.

The Minus --

- Xander. What the HELLMOUTH are they doing with Xander? It's been 5 years, why must they continue to have him be the face of "I wish I was back in school" and "I'm the one with no life". Why? Because I don't think even the writers respect the character of Xander Harris, let alone the characters respecting him on the show. I just wish they'd give him more, and something more respectable than always being the dumb ass in the conversation.

- Anya. I loved some of her lines this week, but I wanted to punch her myself. Xander is right, she needs to quit making the alter fiasco her excuse for everything she does. She needs to just come out and say, "I'm a demon, this is what I do...I'm evil, you twit" and leave it at that. Let's get over the old "You left me Xander, and this is why I'm doing this" speech. It's not flying anymore.

- Willow is slowy but surely starting to irritate me. I've never been a huge fan of the "powerful wicca" vibe, because we already have the slayer. Willow needs to get back to her roots and start being what she was in "Gone" - the chick you call when you want something done. Maybe Buffy's new watcher, perhaps? I miss happy Willow...zanny Willow...smart girl who can kick ass only when it's totally neccessary Willow. Not this shallow wiccan chick who can feel the earth in her solace.

- I miss Clem. Where is he? Someone please bring him back. I just ran out of bugles, and I know this really spunky demon who always has some around.

Final Verdict: I loved this episode...for the most part. There were some soon-to-be classic lines. I just wish some of the characters would grow out of the funk they're in, and hope to holy hell that Spike isn't crying all season. That might make my ham sandwich taste like television screen.

Rating: 3 STAKES

- Mac