back to episode 7.16 - Storyteller

by Taramisu

Go Jane. Go Jane. Go Jane. Have I mentioned yet how much I love her writing?

This was a great premise. Not only did she give us a new format for telling this week's story, but she used it to portray Andrew in a new light. This was so perfect to tell his story.

And the collection of items around the room in the opening scene was priceless. A vintage Star Wars poster over the mantel, an open comic book illuminated by a spotlight, plus little items like the skull. I was laughing from the get-go.

Andrew:

Oh, no. I think I like Andrew. This can't be happening. Someone call 911.

But seriously, Tom Lenk is great in this role. During his little narration in front of the hand drawn "Hellmouth" poster:

...he really conveyed a sense of realism. Andrew seemed like a normal guy making a geeky home video. He stood in the way of the poster, fiddled with the remote way too much and made the narration boring and lifeless. And that's the key - to act nonchalant, yet convey a message.

And we all have to wonder. What made The First choose Andrew? There are tons of impressionable people right there in Sunnydale. Why try to convince a guy all the way in Mexico to come back and kill his best friend? Seems like a lot of work when one of the SDH students would be much easier to manipulate.

Okay. I'll just go ahead and say it. Is he gay or not? He makes comments about Spike, Warren, and even Xander. Yet, he seems a little smitten for Dawn and Anya. He's an equal opportunity kind of guy, huh? Personally, I think it's best if he plays both sides of the field. He doesn't really have that many prospects for love given his nerdy personality, and that will give him better odds.

Andrew's Redemption:

He finally learned a good lesson. His redemption does not lie in some silly fantasy, it lies in himself...doing what's right. Not making it all up in his head.

Buffy:

What a little actress! I really thought she was going to kill him. It did seem a tad out of character for her, but I would have supported it for the most part.

But the look in her eyes after she revealed to Andrew that she wouldn't have killed him was beautiful. She's really come far this year. She's getting closer in touch with her feelings...and that can only lead to good things.

Oh, BTW, the tears to close the seal? Lame. Lamola. Now how do they close the hellmouth permanently? Sweat on it? Maybe it takes the sweat of two enemies coming together in pure love as they consumate their... (Okay. I'll stop dreaming now.)

Xander:

Okay. Does the guy ever do anything but eat?

Oh, yeah. He has sex with Anya.

Not too sure how I feel about all that yet. It seems obvious that, in their own ways, they each want to get back together, but don't want to admit it. Xander, because he doesn't want to be rejected and Anya because she doesn't want to admit she wants the 'big jerk who left her at the alter' back. <Sigh> And sadly, I'm not really caring what happens with them. I know. I'm a heartless, Spuffy whore.

And, did they have to have sex in Spike's bed?! Major ewwwww. Not only is that probably the filthiest bed in the place, but now Spike has no choice but to sleep amidst Xander!spooge. <Tara shudders violently>

Ah, but one interesting bit (something we've known all this time anyhow) is that Xander is the heart of the Scooby Gang. Even Andrew notices it. I'm not so sure how I feel about this either. I guess his heart is fine, it's his Holier Than Thou judgy attitude that I resent.

Spike:

HELLO! If this guy isn't being tortured, he's half naked. And if he's not either, he's both. My pleas are not being heard, oh gods of Buffy, Slayer of the Vampeers. Put some clothes on the guy and treat him with the respect he deserves!

Okay, that said...again...let's move on, shall we, gentle readers?

Spike's video scene was uproarious! Shades of Victor/Victoria. James Marsters acting as Spilliam acting as Spike. And I just realized that this was probably a bit more poignant than I originally thought. The whole Big Bad. It's all an act. It always has been. This is what I've been saying for years. I'm vindicated! I'm vindicated! Woo hoo!

And I bet those aren't even real cigarettes either. They're probably herbal ciggies. Hah! I have your number, Mr. Big Bad puppy with bad teeth. ;0)

Dawn:

No teenager who lives with several "of age" men should be showing that much cleavage, or belly.

Mr. Gordo's Cousin "Porkly":

The pig lives! Yes, he does. A testament to all the brave little piggies out there.

But I have to wonder. Does the double appearance of the pig have anything to do with the letter I sent to ME on Mr. Gordo's behalf? Discuss amongst yourselves.

Jonathan:

Death really means nothing to the actors of BtVS, does it? We've actually seen more of the guy post mortem than in the first 5 seasons combined.

And I just have to mention the distinct similarities between "Superstar" and "Storyteller". They both envisioned themselves in a much more important and prominent position than they actually were in real life. Jonathan and Andrew was a match made in heaven. Too bad he killed his soulmate.

Anya:

She was looking awfully old in this episode. The make-up artists need to do a bit more work.

Buffy/Wood:

Physical contact. There was physical contact. NNNOOOOO!!!!!

And smiling. There was smiling. And joking. I order you to stop it this instant, or I will summon a demon/dog to eat off your private parts, you evil, evil Spike deflector you.

BTW, did you notice that Buffy called him "Robin" throughout the episode...until she was distracted in a heated moment. In the school, she clearly called him "Wood". Ha! Take that, you B/Wo shippers!

Spike/Wood:

And I don't mean it that way! I'm not Andrew.

I just mean, wow. Wood actually almost dusted my boy (tee, hee...wood...dust). And, ironically, Spike was saved by (essentially) a demon.

I want to sit down and have a little conversation with this dude, Robin Wood.

*************

Tara: "Look. You're new here, so I'll cut you some slack. See that incredibly hot vampire over there?"

RW: "Yeah. The one who brutally murdered my mother and orphaned me at the tender age of four?"

Tara: "Yeah, that one. I understand your anger. But really, you gotta give it up. Spike's a little different."

RW: "The soul? I heard that one already. He still seems like a dangerous beast to me."

Tara: "Well, see, that's the thing. He's been around since the second season, and you..."

RW: "Season? What are you talking about?"

Tara: "Well, you're not real. You're in a television show....oh, never mind. The point is, there are people - very powerful people - who have a lot invested in that vampire. You kill him, you make us mad. Do you really want that, Mr. Fake Principal?"

RW: "And what are you and your little friends going to do to me? Huh?"

Tara: "Ever heard of Riley Finn, Mr. Wood?"