(Season 3, Episodes 1-4)
So it looks like our “werewolf in love” is a regular cast member in the new season. And David Boreanaz is still there, as well. Does that mean Angel’s not dead (OMG; for realz?!).
I appreciated the slow burn to bring things back to a semblance of normalcy, though I found myself wondering if Joss and company are going to just dump all over Buffy through this whole show. It’s almost sadistic of them. And absolutely heartbreaking to watch the pain overwhelming Buffy.
3.1 – “Anne” – SEASON PREMIERE!
(Original Air Date: September 29, 1998) I rather enjoyed the first day of school sequence, which appeared to be a single camera shot meandering through Sunnydale High. It was a unique look at all the chaos of high school. And it was a stark reversal from the shots of Buffy all alone in her apartment.
It was fun seeing the Scoobies all decked out with their vamp killing gear and walkie-talkies, taking on the mean streets of the Hellmouth in Buffy’s absence. It’s just too bad that Oz is uncontrollable in his werewolf state. I’d love to see a werewolf/vampire battle.
As for the main threat Buffy was facing, it was quite a departure from the dangers we’ve seen before. I know Angel was sent to a demon dimension in the second season finale, but I believe this is our first trek there. It also was our first extended stay in Los Angeles, where Angel is set, which made me wonder if any of these characters, or settings, will be in his show.
The idea of the dimension itself was pretty harrowing: a work camp in which you can spend a lifetime, in little more than a day in our world. Which means that the old crazy homeless people we see may have been crazy party-going kids the day before.
Still, the bad guys were dispatched pretty easily. Isn’t that always the way? If the oppressed would just rise up and work together, oh the things they could do. But why did the portal close after they came out of it? And what about all the other workers still down there?
3.2 – “Dead Man’s Party”
(Original Air Date: October 6, 1998) At the end of the prior episode, Buffy finally came home, having given up her fancy life as “Anne,” to the girl she’s saved twice now. So this time around, we have a party thrown in her honor.
And, an evil that’s based simply on chance, rather than some evil plotting or planning. Joyce brought home an ugly resurrection mask that brings back a dead cat, and then later enough zombies to make Romero proud.
But really, the point of the episode was so that everyone could reconcile their anger and frustrations about Buffy running away. And since it’s hard to talk through your problems, work them out by killing bad guys.
The big thing about this episode was the struggle with Principal Snyder to get Buffy reinstated. And while it hasn’t been accomplished, Snyder seems incredibly smug about his ability to keep her out. Plus, there are a lot of hints about the mayor, as if there’s something going on there that Snyder’s in on.
3.3 – “Faith, Hope & Trick”
(Original Air Date: October 13, 1998) Hmm … should have seen this coming. With Kendra killed last season, of course another one would be called. And of course she’d find her way to Sunnydale. But who knew she’d bring so much baggage with her. And nasty vampires.
I’m kind of glad that Kakistos didn’t last; he reminded me too much of the Master. But Mr. Trick, I like. He’s got a coolness to his demeanor that reminds me a bit of Spike. Plus, he knows when to make an exit. Which means he’s smart.
As for Faith, Eliza Dushku was clearly having fun with this role, being everything badass that Buffy just never quite manages. It’s all that psychological torture Whedon keeps putting her through. Even better was finding out that Faith has had some torture of her own, namely watching her Watcher get murdered by Kakistos.
It’s still a bit disconcerting seeing Joyce involved in Slayer-related conversations. She’s clearly come to terms with her daughter’s destiny, even if she doesn’t really appreciate it. I think it’s good for their relationship, though, as it allows Buffy to be more honest.
3.4 – “Beauty and the Beasts”
(Original Air Date: October 20, 1998) Unfortunately, honesty is still something Buffy clearly struggles with. First, it took her forever to finally confess that Angel had been cursed/cured just before she impaled him, and now that he’s back, she’s keeping that a secret, too. Of course, she’s also keeping him chained up because he’s more animal than man, but that’s normal, right?
By the end of the episode, Angel may or may not be fully restored to himself. We know he remembers Buffy, and how to enunciate her name, and that he’ll fight to protect her. Other than that, I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Scott, though, I feel sorry for. The poor kid who’s been interested in Buffy forever finally starts to date her, only to have Angel come back, and suddenly she’s ditching him again. Because nothing can be easy in Buffy’s life. It’s like she’s the main character in a television series, or something.
At least she got back into school, though the school board had to get involved to make that happen. It really makes me curious as to what this show will start to look like next season, when everyone’s graduated. The school has been such a big part of the identity of the series.
Like the closet where Pete made a chemical potion that made him crazy jealous of anyone talking to Debbie. Crazy enough to kill. Too bad he took out one of his jealous rages on Oz … just before the sun sets on the full moon. I was glad to see the improvements in the costume itself, though.
Clacked by Jason Hughes 
on Jul 27, 2009 @ 17:05 EST5EDT
