You might remember me mentioning One Bit Shy before - he always has the most fascinating insights in this comments on Arbitrar Of Qualty's posts (I reposted his Spike/FFL thoughs a while ago). Well a few weeks ago AOQ reviewed 'Hells Bells' (and he *really* didn't like it). OBS sprang to the the defence writing what is the most indepth and insightful analysis of the episode I've ever read. So here it is.
If ever you hated Xander for walking out of the wedding - if ever you wanted to kick the writers for what they did - read this! Actually read it even if you love the episode - I'm sure you'll find something new! (Quotes from AOQ's original post in italics.)
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
Season Six, Episode 15: "Hell's Bells"
This may prove to be the most difficult response I've had to compose yet.
For, you see, contrary to the typical reaction to this episode - including
yours - this is a clear Excellent for me. And not just that. One of my
favorite BtVS episodes of all time - currently sitting #7 on my BtVS top ten
list. Having a contrary view isn't such a deal - I just rated the much
despised As You Were a Good - my guilty pleasure - fully understanding the
disdain so many have for what surely is a ridiculous episode. I get that.
I don't get this. Mind you, I don't expect the rest of the world to see
this as a top ten episode. But I don't get how something as moving as I
believe this episode is can be trashed as readily as people do. And I don't
get people's overwhelming focus on Xander when there is another half to this
partnership - Anya - who plays a thunderously important part in this
episode, in the foundation of the whole situation, and in where this points
to the future. It's like half of the episode and most of its foundation and
purpose is being blacked out. Weird.
So it is with some trepidation that I leap into this fray. Hopefully I'll
get out of here alive.
( Read more... )
If ever you hated Xander for walking out of the wedding - if ever you wanted to kick the writers for what they did - read this! Actually read it even if you love the episode - I'm sure you'll find something new! (Quotes from AOQ's original post in italics.)
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
Season Six, Episode 15: "Hell's Bells"
This may prove to be the most difficult response I've had to compose yet.
For, you see, contrary to the typical reaction to this episode - including
yours - this is a clear Excellent for me. And not just that. One of my
favorite BtVS episodes of all time - currently sitting #7 on my BtVS top ten
list. Having a contrary view isn't such a deal - I just rated the much
despised As You Were a Good - my guilty pleasure - fully understanding the
disdain so many have for what surely is a ridiculous episode. I get that.
I don't get this. Mind you, I don't expect the rest of the world to see
this as a top ten episode. But I don't get how something as moving as I
believe this episode is can be trashed as readily as people do. And I don't
get people's overwhelming focus on Xander when there is another half to this
partnership - Anya - who plays a thunderously important part in this
episode, in the foundation of the whole situation, and in where this points
to the future. It's like half of the episode and most of its foundation and
purpose is being blacked out. Weird.
So it is with some trepidation that I leap into this fray. Hopefully I'll
get out of here alive.
( Read more... )
