Overall Rating: 5.5
Not that this episode is completely without enjoyable moments, but it's filler and it lacks pizazz (or a clear message, for that matter...though what message there seems to be is arguably interesting to discuss)
Plot Synopsis:
A full recap can be had at BuffyGuide.com.
The Skinny:
If this script was created with any idea toward conveying the message that parents have become very poor at listening to their children and have taken to social "causes" in their name rather than spending real time with them as they should...then that's an admirable message executed extremely poorly. If the script was just intended to be filler material (thereby explaining the peach cobbler consistency of the plot - chunky and slapped together), then it's not the brand of filler I think is best suited to a show like this, since it doesn't do a lot of heavy-lifting for any of the characters...not even Willow, who finds herself at the center of the storm at home.
I also think the acting was off this week...I was not particularly impressed with anyone's attempt to show the influence of the demon taking hold subtly over time. In fact, not only are the actors largely unsubtle in their portrayal, but the script is written too obviously as well. As soon as you see the two kids appearing to people, you know something supernatural is going on and you have no reason to really be scared. If we were led to believe, for example, that Willow's mother found out about her witchcraft practice and reacted this poorly on her OWN...now THAT would be scary. I think the plot was a bit spoon-fed...and a bit lacking in creativity.
Writing: 5.0
A failure of imagination plagues this offering, I fear. The demon is not exactly a formidable adversary, the plot unfolds in too conventional a manner to bring forth any emotion, and the show fails to do any real work for the main characters. Oh...and the dialogue is largely flat.
Acting: 5.0
Elizabeth Anne Allen is a major weak spot in the guest cast, and the regulars seem a little too melodramatic and obvious in their approaches this week. All in all, a flawed showing.
Message: 6.5
I like the attempt to point out how important it is for parents to know everything about their children's lives so that they're not overwhelmed when information surfaces all at once (and so that they don't overreact to changes...and of course...so that they can help steer their kids away from dangerous behaviors)...I just don't think they actually developed that message fully.
Highlights:
Buffy: Hey. Is Willow around?
Xander: (exasperated) How can I convince you people that it's over? You assume because I'm here, she's here, that I somehow mysteriously know where she is.
Buffy: (points) Those her books?
Xander: Yeah. She's in the bathroom. (ROTFL) But the fact that I know that doesn't change that I have a genuine complaint here. Look. I'm getting sick of the judgment, the innuendos. Is a man not innocent until proven guilty?
Buffy: You *are* guilty. You got illicit smoochies, gonna have to pay the price. (too true)
Xander: But I'm talking about the future guilt. Look, everyone expects me to mess up again. Like Oz. I see how he is around me. You know, that steely gaze... that pointed silence.
Buffy: 'Cause he's usually such a chatterbox.
Xander: No, but it's different now. It's more a verbal nonverbal. (LOL) He
speaks volumes with his eyes. (Buffy finds the book in question and picks it up. Underneath it is a spiral notebook. On the exposed page is the triangle symbol. Buffy picks it up and stares. Willow comes out of the bathroom and over to her.)
Willow: Hey, Buff. What cha looking for? You wanna borrow something?
Buffy: (holds up the notebook) What is this?
Willow: (takes and closes it) A doodle. I do doodle. You, too. You do doodle, too. (LOL...aww...how cuuuuuute)
Buffy: This is a witch symbol.
Willow: Okay, yeah, it is.
Buffy: Willow...
Willow: (defensively) What?
Buffy: That symbol was on the murdered children. (nice...)
Sheila: Willow, you cut off your hair. Huh, that's a new look.
Willow: Yeah, it's just a sudden whim I had — in August. (LOL...ouch)
Giles: (to a computer) Session interrupted? Who said you could interrupt, you stupid, useless fad! No, I said fad and I'll say it again!
Xander: At that point I will become frightened. (heh)
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