Buffy - Season 5 impressions (episode 9)

[thalia_seawood]

Listening To Fear

For a summary click here.


- So Riley's interest in vampires isn't just a one time only thing. You just know Buffy will find out and will be deeply hurt by it.

- It makes sense that Riley calls in the Iniative to help. After all, the Scoobies have no experience with demons from outer space and it looks as if the Iniative with their advanced technology would be a good ally. Ironically, it turns out that there help isn't needed after all: All the patients in the mental ward have already been killed, Giles and the gang figure out the background of the demon and Buffy takes care of the demon itself.

- The strange changes to Joyce's character that are caused by her brain tumour are very well done. Saying things that don't make sense or mixing up the times of day, is something I've witnessed myself when my mom was sick. I can totally sympathize with Joyce when she wants to leave the hospital as soon as possible. I can also sympathize with Buffy when she starts crying while doing the dishes. I also felt sorry for Dawn who doesn't know how deal with her mother disturbing behaviour. The whole scenario is very realistic.

- I had to laugh at Spike being in the basement of the Summers' house looking for pictures of Buffy. It's touching and pathetic and stalkerish all at once.

- Dreg: Sir, forgive me. I just want to understand. Why summon the Queller?
Ben: What do you think? Because I'm cleaning up Glory's mess. Just like I've done my whole damn life.

So Ben has a connection to Glory. He doesn't appear to be pleased about it, but still is willing to put people to death. Interesting.

- Love it that Buffy tells Joyce the truth about Dawn. It's the right decision. Joyce is already so worried over her mental state that lying to her about this would be extremely cruel.

Joyce: She's not ... mine, is she?
Buffy stares at her Mum, then looks down. She comes to a decision and looks Joyce in the eye.
Buffy: No.
Joyce absorbs this for a moment.
Joyce: She's ... she does belong to us, though.
Buffy: Yes, she does.
Joyce: And she's important. To the world. Precious. (Buffy nods) As precious as you are to me.
Buffy smiles and nods again. Joyce nods back.
Joyce: Then we have to take care of her. Buffy, promise me. If anything happens, if I don't come through this-
Buffy: Mum-
Joyce: No, listen to me. No matter what she is, she still feels like my daughter. I have to know that you'll take care of her, that you'll keep her safe. That you'll love her like I love you.
Buffy: (teary) I promise.
Joyce: Good. Good.

Comments

[spikeylover.livejournal.com]

The big thing for the Spuffies in this episode was the over-long hand-holding moment between Spike/Buffy before Riley bursted in. Of course, this is after they bonded a bit on the steps, so as shippers, we got our high hopes from that one..

[thalia-seawood.livejournal.com]

Oh, I missed that. I have to watch the scene again. (Not a hardship. :-))

[spikeylover.livejournal.com]

ha!

[spikeylover.livejournal.com]

Oh, well, that was one cap..

[selenak.livejournal.com]

I can totally sympathize with Joyce when she wants to leave the hospital as soon as possible. I can also sympathize with Buffy when she starts crying while doing the dishes. I also felt sorry for Dawn who doesn't know how deal with her mother disturbing behaviour. The whole scenario is very realistic.

Yes, it is. These two episodes aren't that well liked, but I love them for the Summers women storyline, plus I think Riley's falling apart gives Marc Blucas a great chance to show his acting skills.

So Ben has a connection to Glory.

Once you've seen the rest of the season, specifically the last but one episode, you'll understand why that sentence is involuntarily funny.*g*

[thalia-seawood.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is. These two episodes aren't that well liked, but I love them for the Summers women storyline, plus I think Riley's falling apart gives Marc Blucas a great chance to show his acting skills.

The plot with the Queller demon is weak, but as you say the Summers story line and Riley are terrific.

Regarding Glory and Ben:
Yeah, by now I've seen the big revelation in Blood Ties. Not sure what to make of it yet.

[spikendru.livejournal.com]

But you must remember your specific words: So Ben has a connection to Glory

[thalia-seawood.livejournal.com]

*g*
Yeah, a couple of episodes later it all comes together. Love the reactions of the Scoobies, especially Xander's. :-)

[spikendru.livejournal.com]

That Abbott-and-Costello-esque riff is one of my favorites of the whole series. Just love it! AAnd later, when Xander almost remembers, Spike's "This is gonna be worth it" as he whaps Xander on the back of the head and they both clutch their heads in pain always makes me laugh.

[likeadeuce.livejournal.com]

another ep that's not a favorite of mine -- it's so bleak -- but I do like the way the Riley plot continues to advance. Is it this ep or the previous one where he stakes the girl after she sucks him? That's one of the most chilling scenes in the series to me --

[thalia-seawood.livejournal.com]

This scene takes place in the episode before (Shadow). And you're right about it being a chilling scene. I dig it, though, because it's the first time Riley does something that's totally questionable. Makes him more complex.

[spikendru.livejournal.com]

Although this episode isn't one of my personal favorites, I would love it even if it didn't advane the Summers women storyline and the Riley plot simply for Giles' line:

Because it's a killer snot monster from outer space. (Pauses) I did not say that.