Overall Rating: 6.7
An interesting episode that I was prepared to give high marks for its' clever plot twist, but that on second viewing, concerns me on a couple of levels.
Plot Synopsis:
A full recap may be found at BuffyGuide.com
The Skinny:
The twist in this one was actually orchestrated quite nicely, but feels a bit convenient in the bright light of day. I also don't feel that the "rage" angle with Faith is a good follow-up to her turning to the dark side in the big two-part feature. We knew she had rage issues, but I think they simplified her evil impulses here, and I'm not sure they ever quite recovered the complex version of Faith that led up to this. Rage is not the root of evil...evil is the root of rage, and I'm not as confident that the writers get that after this episode.
This episode also comes across as more of a functional piece than a work of art. We needed to get Faith's treachery out in the open before the season finale, we needed to put to rest any concerns about Angel before his spin-off, and we needed to plant some seeds for Angel and Buffy's impending separation. Otherwise, this one is basically cobbled together. The dialogue isn't all that fresh or moving, and it's a little short on the message front as well. Don't get me wrong...it's entertaining to watch, but it's brain candy, really...not a balanced diet.
Writing: 6.5
High praise for a creative plot twist and a story that moves well...mediocre marks for the pen being about as might as the scabbard, rather than the sword. A small demerit for Giles' involvement in the story being extremely convenient and still further concern for Faith's characterization becoming a bit simpler.
Acting: 7.5
Kind of a ho-hum all around performance...SMG and David Boreanez were particularly unconvincing during their romantic scenes, though DB did get better while pretending to be evil - I don't think he telegraphed the twist at all.
Message: 6.0
I'm a little ambivalent about the direction they took with Faith's frustration stemming from jealousy over Buffy's reputation and flock of loved ones. On the one hand, I do understand my co-author's point about the missing element for Faith being trusted loved ones supporting her through the tough times and keeping her grounded...on the other hand, I don't think Faith quite grasped that as the source of her misery just two weeks prior to this...I think she was pretty convinced that her way of life was perfectly fine, even if she did feel lonely...and she just now acquired an ally and confidante. I think Faith was a better lesson for the viewers when it wasn't about rage and jealousy...when she had real character flaws that defined why she went bad.
Highlights:
GILES: Demons after money. Whatever happened to the still-beating heart of a virgin? No one has any standards anymore. (BWWAAHAHAHAAAA!!!)
BUFFY: You're right, Faith would never do that.
WILLOW: Faith would totally do that. Faith was built to do that. She's the do-that-girl.
BUFFY: Comfort, remember? Comfort here?
WILLOW: Please, does Angel come up to Faith's standards for a guy? Let's see, is he breathing? (LOL!)
BUFFY: Actually, no. (heh)
WILLOW: Buffy... Angel. There's no way he would ever do that. You're the only thing in the world to him.
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