Post by PreachCaleb on Sept 19, 2017 20:54:00 GMT
After the previous two episodes set the major events of the seasons in motion, these two slow things down through two different tones.
Family is a sweet episode in which Tara is now truly one of the scoobies. It's quite the crowning moment of awesome as the scoobies all stand up for her against her relatives. I love Xander's reply to Tara's brother Donny threatening to beat her: "I swear by your full and manly beard, you're gonna break something trying." Having faced off against all manner of hell beasts, Xander is not afraid to put down some abusive twenty-year old. But my favorite moment of this episode comes nearly at the very beginning as we Giles coming to grips with the truth of Dawn's origin. It's an incredibly touching scene, not just for Buffy knowing that what she feels for Dawn is as real as anything else, but for the fact that she tells Giles before anyone. In fact, this episode picks up right after where the last one left off. Meaning Buffy contacted Giles almost immediately. Even before Joyce knew, Buffy told Giles. She knew no one would be able to provide better advice and counsel (pun intended) would be Giles. At this point, the dynamic is no longer watcher/slayer, but father/daughter. It's a beautiful notion.
Over on Angel, we get a Wesley-centered episode, which of course means plenty of comedy. Alexis' timing is on point. Whether he's stumbling over his words or literally stumbling over his feet. It's hilarious watching him bluff his way through loaded guns and glasses full of blood and all the other vampire rules. And he even gets the first official relationship of the gang. On this show at least. Over in the subplot, Angel is still manic and pissed over the fallout following Darla's return, something that is only going to intensify over the season. There are hints of his coldness and detachment through this episode.
And one thing I'd never noticed until this viewing, both of these episodes culminate in a birthday party. Tara's on Buffy and Virginia's dad on Angel. And both daughters break away from their father's control by episode's end.
Coincidence? I think not. Actually, I do. It's just a fun coincidence.
Family is a sweet episode in which Tara is now truly one of the scoobies. It's quite the crowning moment of awesome as the scoobies all stand up for her against her relatives. I love Xander's reply to Tara's brother Donny threatening to beat her: "I swear by your full and manly beard, you're gonna break something trying." Having faced off against all manner of hell beasts, Xander is not afraid to put down some abusive twenty-year old. But my favorite moment of this episode comes nearly at the very beginning as we Giles coming to grips with the truth of Dawn's origin. It's an incredibly touching scene, not just for Buffy knowing that what she feels for Dawn is as real as anything else, but for the fact that she tells Giles before anyone. In fact, this episode picks up right after where the last one left off. Meaning Buffy contacted Giles almost immediately. Even before Joyce knew, Buffy told Giles. She knew no one would be able to provide better advice and counsel (pun intended) would be Giles. At this point, the dynamic is no longer watcher/slayer, but father/daughter. It's a beautiful notion.
Over on Angel, we get a Wesley-centered episode, which of course means plenty of comedy. Alexis' timing is on point. Whether he's stumbling over his words or literally stumbling over his feet. It's hilarious watching him bluff his way through loaded guns and glasses full of blood and all the other vampire rules. And he even gets the first official relationship of the gang. On this show at least. Over in the subplot, Angel is still manic and pissed over the fallout following Darla's return, something that is only going to intensify over the season. There are hints of his coldness and detachment through this episode.
And one thing I'd never noticed until this viewing, both of these episodes culminate in a birthday party. Tara's on Buffy and Virginia's dad on Angel. And both daughters break away from their father's control by episode's end.
Coincidence? I think not. Actually, I do. It's just a fun coincidence.
