First impression on Season 7 of Buffy

[thalia_seawood]

Yesterday, I watched season 7 up and including episode 12.


- In the beginning, all the characters felt like strangers. It bothered me a bit at first, but I got to know then again. I think it wasn't just my long break in watching the show that gave me this impression, it was that everyone has been changed by what happened in season 6.

Cut for spoilers in case someone hasn't seen the show yet...



- I love how the relationship between Buffy and Spike is changing and evolving. Love it. IMO, their interactions are the highlights of season 7 so far.

- I like the overall plot of Buffy versus the First and the introduction of the potentials.

- I find Wood quite fascinating. (Due to reading some fanfiction I think I've guessed who he is, i.e. to who he is related.)

- I really like Amanda.

- Also like Kennedy, because she's sensible and considers trying a viable option. (Not that Yoda would agree. *g*)
Am I imagining things or does Kennedy have the hots for Willow? (The look on the stairs, the sleeping arrangements, worrying about her when Willow has problems with a spell... Most interesting.)
Anyway, from what I've seen in polls, Kennedy is a character a lot of fans strongly dislike. We'll see if I change my opinion further down the line.

- What I not like in season 7, is that they are rushing through some plot lines. Sometimes I feel as if I missed some scenes...
E.g. we learn that the Scoobies know that Andrew killed Jonathan, but there is no scene where he actually makes this confession. Or is there? Because, IMO, this would have been a scene we needed to see.
Or we see that Giles gets attacked, but we don't see how he gets out of this difficult situation. I still kind of expect to learn that he is dead and that he's the First in disguise. Yeah, I know it's unlikely, but why don't we see how he defended himself. Weird.
I had the same rushed feeling regarding the Council Headquarter being blown up. It just didn't really hit me until I learned most of their books had burned.

- My favorites so far are "Selfless" and "Conversations with Dead People" - both first class episodes - followed by "Sleeper".



By now, I'm about 30 reviews behind. Since this week will be *very* busy and I will go on a road trip in Canada during June, there most likely won't be (m)any updates till July. I do plan to finish my series of reviews, though.

Comments

[sueworld2003.livejournal.com]

Intersting thoughts love. I personally couldn't stand Kennerdy. She felt too 'tacked on' for my liking. A case of the writers saying 'you will find her intersting..or else'!

'Conversations with dead people' was superb. Holden was a marvelous new take on the 'modern vamp' and the dialogue between him and buffy was superb.

I shall look forward to reading your other reviews when you get back from your travels.

[thalia-seawood.livejournal.com]

I'll see about Kennedy. It all depends on how she's developed over the next 10 episodes, on if I get to see some character flaws or if her only purpose is the new love interest for Willow - which I expect to see.

[(Anonymous)]

Hi!

I'm glad that you continue your reviews, because I really enjoy reading them, even if I only lurk and don't comment.
I wish you a beautiful wedding and a pleasant journey and hope to read the rest of your reviews. :-)

- Py

[thalia-seawood.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the kind words! Nice to meet you! :-)

[spikeylover.livejournal.com]

Nice to see you back.

YES, yes, yes.. Season seven has definitely got this rushed feeling to it. I imagine it would be hard to wrap up a series, especially after what occurred in season six.

That's why I put seven at the bottom of the list of favorite seasons. Joss needed to make his final statement so it became more plot driven than character. I would have liked more focus on the relationships but there really wasn't enough time to do smash everything in there. In many episodes, Buffy is wearing the same clothes from previous episode, and there seem to be a loss of time. (Which caused much speculation, especially after CWDP put up an actual date/time at the beginning of the episode) Nothing fishy, just faulty execution.

[thalia-seawood.livejournal.com]

Yes, I just want to see more, e.g. get to know the potential better. Right now, Amanda stands out with a very distinctive personality followed by Kennedy. And the rest are still a blur in my mind.

I don't think 7 will be at the bottom of my list; the overall plot does capture my interest or I wouldn't have watched 5 episodes in a row yesterday. :-)

Not sure if you saw it: I also posted my thoughts for "Dead Things".

[chelsearoad.livejournal.com]

Best wishes on your upcoming marriage!

[thalia-seawood.livejournal.com]

Thanks!
Oddly enough I'm feeling in LJ mode once again. Probably because my SO is back from his long trip abroad and has taken up organising some of the stuff. Am just in a good mood right now. :-)

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Count me among the very few who didn't have a problem with Kennedy, either. I decided I liked her in The Killer in Me, I think.

Wood: once you're a bit further down the line, I'll rec you some fanfic. There isn't much, but there is some, and again, I liked him. (Doesn't mean approval of all his actions, but that isn't the case for any of the characters I like.)

Rushed: yes. Though I find when watched in a row, s7 holds up far better than if dragged out in weeks. And there is a lot of it I like - the relationship between Buffy and Spike, Willow as a sader and wiser woman (Willow is probably my least favourite of the regulars when thinking about the series as a whole, but I really like her in s7, better than in any other season), Dawn, Andrew. And did I mention Andrew?

[thalia-seawood.livejournal.com]

Yes to all of your points!

[my_daroga]

I definitely need to go back to look through more of your reviews/observations, because I feel like I can't jump in here without "knowing" your previous experience. But for the record, I disliked Kennedy, LOVED Amanda (and think Vi is the cuteness), and CWDP is a great episode. Even if the season, as a whole, leaves me cold.