Buffy Reviews

Becoming, Part 2

Character - by Siobhan
Relationships seemed to be the main focus of Becoming, Part 2. We'll start with Buffy, since she, as always, figured mainly in this episode, then briefly touch upon Giles/Jenny and Xander/Willow.      Buffy's relationships with others got a major workout in this episode. Not only did she have to learn to trust Spike, someone whom has been a mortal enemy for the past year, but she also had to trust in her mother, despite their falling out. What I mean is that after her mother told her to leave, there was nothing stopping Joyce from calling the police and telling them where to find Buffy. Yet Buffy knew that even though they had disagreed violently about what she was doing, her mother still had that hope and trust she always had that her daughter would, and was, doing the right thing. It hurt them both that they couldn't just work it out over a tub of ice cream, but at the same time Joyce had to realize that life wasn't that simple any more and her daughter needed to work things out on her own, as Buffy made clear at the end of the show.      It was interesting to see the working relationship of Buffy and Spike. They both had to trust the other, and they both were definitely wary of the other, but they came through in the end. I know I'd look forward to seeing them work together again, but that more than likely won't happen, unless Dru goes on a rampage (which wouldn't be a surprise).      Finally, with Buffy anyway, there was her topsy-turvy relationship with Angel. For the past few months we've seen her deal with the fact that he'd gone to 'play for the other team', and up until recently, it seemed like she was waffling on whether she would take him on in a final battle or not. It took Kendra's death and the injuring of all her friends to bring her to the realization that she had to do it, otherwise he was going to cause a lot more damage than he already had. It suddenly seemed like such an easy choice in the end. As she put it, she knew she wasn't going to get 'her' Angel back, so she had to be resolved to do her duty. And that she did, up until Willow was able to return his soul to him. When that happened, she began to waffle once again. Here she had 'her' Angel back, something that she had been hoping for for months, but at the same time, she couldn't just forget what he had done, and what had to be done. It was heartwrenching to watch her as she held him tight, not wanting to let go, but feeling the pull of her duty to save the world from the hell that would come. Even after she put the sword through him, and he gave her a look of confusion and pain, it almost seemed like she was going to change her mind and take the sword out, or maybe even go with him. But, she stood fast and allowed what needed to happen. It was the most emotionally painful thing she had done in her life, and it was no wonder she left town. Buffy has a lot of things to sort out, and, for now, she has to do them on her own.      We got a brief glimpse of Giles' state of mind in this episode, namely that he very obviously has Jenny on his mind. It was bad enough he was being tortured physically by Angel, but then to use emotional torture on him to get what they wanted was beyond cruel. They used his love, guilt, and regret towards Jenny, turning him inside out emotionally, leading him to believe he was getting a second chance with the woman he loved. Then, when he found out that it was all a ruse, the look of pain and guilt on his face, as if he had lost her all over again on top of 'betraying' the world (by giving away the secrets), was enough to make anyone feel for him. This leads me to believe that Giles too needs time to himself to figure things out, so, in this way, it was kind of a good idea that Buffy left.      Finally, there is Xander and Willow. Xander's bedside confession of love, whether it was simply friendly or more, took a lot of guts on his part. He's more the type to toss out a joke than express his true feelings, especially when those feelings could hurt him immeasurably if they aren't returned. His look of disappointment, tinged with hurt, when she called out for Oz and not him, made it clear that he probably won't bring up his feelings again any time soon. He'd rather brood a bit, or else hide behind his jokes once more. I liked though that through him, we learned a few new things about their relationship, such as they talk every evening on the phone. Also, Willow showed a great strength of will against everyone, and especially Xander, in insisting on redoing the ritual. She has grown from being the 'weaker' (when she was mooning over him) in their relationship to an equal, if not having a bit more of an edge over him (by starting to make it clear that she is happy with Oz, alone).      All in all, an outstanding Buffy episode character-wise. This deserves 5 out of 5 'Ehs'.
Story - by Wendy
Name of Episode: Becoming, Part II Written & Directed by:    Joss Whedon Rating: 6 Ehs out of 5 Ehs      Well, what can you say about a episode that wraps up a season long storyline with a very surprising yet convincing climax, as well as lays the groundwork for yet other continuing themes? In a word, awesome!      It opens with Buffy on the run from the law for the mayhem unleashed in the library seen in part 1 as she surreptitiously visits the comatose Willow in hospital and learns that Giles has disappeared. In Giles' apartment, Buffy meets the mysterious Whistler, Angel's demon mentor, for the first time and learns that he mistakenly believed that Angel was there at that point in time to stop Akafla not to bring him forth but that the affair with Buffy was totally unexpected. He questions what she is willing to sacrifice to stop Angelus.      This brings up an interesting concept in the series. From the sequences in Part 1 and Whistler's latest admission, all actions todate by everyone seems to be a part of destiny. Whistler is apparently the front man for a nebulous group of demons "sent down to even the score between good and evil", and who had precognition of certain events in the future. We know from the climax that it was as predicted by Whistler and it seems that while the road taken may be different, the destination or end result is the same and is already set. Will the destiny thread continue next season? Only Joss knows.      The first and in the opinion of some, the best surprise was the unlikely partnership of Spike and Buffy to thwart Angelus. Spike was undoubtedly the scene stealer of this episode. He proposes a temporary union with Buffy in a sometimes funny repartee scene, interspersed with cracks both verbal and physical. Spike, telling her that Giles is now in Angelus' torturing hand, explains that he really likes the world, "filled with people like Happy Meals with legs" and is unwilling to help destroy it but most of all, he wants Druscilla and their relationship back. Realizing that she alone cannot stop Angelus, Buffy accepts his proposal to help in exchange for his leaving the country with Dru on the proviso that Giles is kept alive.      During the scenes with Spike, Joyce finally learns of Buffy's calling when the trio are attacked by one of Angelus' vampires and is summarily dispatched by Spike and Buffy in her presence. The subsequent scenes where Spike and Joyce indulge in small talk in the living room are hilarious as well as totally realistic. Joyce, in shock and having a difficult time accepting the Slayer/daughter scenario, gives Buffy a rashly said ultimatum to stay home or never come back, one she later regrets as she reads Buffy's farewell note. Again, the groundwork for a wonderful relationship to be explored next season.      Meanwhile, Xander talks to the oblivious Willow and finally confesses his love for her. She awakes calling out for Oz and is determined to continue the interrupted ritual of returning Angel's soul with the help of the others.      After Angelus gleefully tortures Giles to learn the secrets of unlocking the vortex of Akafla, all in vain as the Ripper even in great pain resists him with scorn and contempt, Dru's hypnotic powers convince Giles to reveal that Angel's own blood is the key. A scene emphasizing the mental strength and will power of the Watcher.      This was the only part of the story that was questionable. What made Angelus/Angel the key to Akafla? What made him different from every other vampire in the series? Surely, he was not more "worthy" than the others, yet it was apparently preordained in the ritual. Not even Whistler explained the singular significance of Angel. Perhaps this also will be explained in the future.      Buffy, armed with Kendra's sword and the knowledge of Akafla supplied by Whistler, sets out for her final battle with Angelus, accompanied by Xander, as Willow begins the incantations to restore the soul. In an action filled battle sequence, Spike momentarily deactivates Angelus and then has to fight off the wrathful Druscilla before dragging her away unconscious to make their exit. As Xander escapes with Giles and Buffy is distracted, Angelus removes the sword and opens the vortex. There is a well orchestrated sword fight between the two that culminates in Buffy with an upraised "sword of Damocles". Simultaneously, the rapidly weakening Willow is infused by a mysterious spirit who completes the restoration incantations.      Angel returns. In an emotional, bittersweet scene that words may be too trite to fully describe, the two lovers once again are joined as they profess again their love for each other. Buffy, realizing that she must kill him to close the rapidly opening vortex, runs him through with the sword and Angel, betrayed, is pulled into Hell as the door closes.      A cliffhanger bar none. Obviously, we don't know whether Angel is dead or not nor whether or how he will return fully. Joss has in one episode settled the question of Angel's return, his possible expiation for Angelus' sins by a sojourn in Hell and given the opportunity for the show to take a different direction. I hope however that we have not seen the last of the Deadly Duo, Spike and Druscilla who made this season's episodes so fascinating.      For the storylines that opened and closed, for the unforeseen climax, for the brilliant performance of Spike, for the promise of stories to come, I gave this episode a 6!
Villian - by Kaboo
In Becoming, Part 2, we find the main vampire villains of Buffy the Vampire, Spike, Dru, and Angel, realize the potential that each has been working toward throughout the season. We also see the regular mortal villain, Principal Snyder, wreak his final revenge on Buffy. Each of these villains challenges Buffy's strengths in new ways, leading her to fulfil her most painful duty as Slayer.      Angelus has distinguished himself as the most dangerous foe that Buffy and her friends have fought. We see the fruition of the plan begun in the first part Becoming. Angel, having tortured Giles emotionally with the gruesome death of Jenny Calendar, takes a more literal approach with the Watcher, physically tormenting Giles to extract the information he needs to awaken Ichathla. Angel's passions rule him, as they have in previous episodes: when he becomes angered at Giles' refusal to answer and decides to use deadly force, Spike has to remind him that he may lose the answers he seeks that way. Angel's joy in destruction, and his dedication to complete a "project," make him the evil visionary who really could bring about an apocalypse. In what seems to be his victory, Angel removes "the sword in the stone," proving that he is worthy to unleash Hell on Earth.      Spike, too, reaches a point that he has been working toward all season, that is an alliance with Buffy. Although he is evil, Spike is ruled by his dedication to Drusilla, and he will do anything to win her back. Unlike Angel, Spike uses logic to compel Buffy to work with him. Now that his strength is restored, he uses it in oddly productive ways, such as rescuing Buffy from a police officer and saving Joyce from one of Angel's cronies. Strangely, Spike is willing to give up his vampire ways in Buffy's presence, forgoing making a kill, trying to make polite conversation with Joyce, and even acknowledging that Buffy's view on Kendra's death may differ from his own. To his credit, Spike keeps his bargain. He attacks Angel at the appropriate time, and gives Buffy her chance to defeat him. Of course, he doesn't go farther than keeping his bargain. When Spike has the opportunity to help Buffy when it looks like Angel might win, he chooses escape with Drusilla, rather than helping!      Buffy more than he has to. Drusilla is all to him, and he will fight anyone, even Drusilla, to guarantee her safety. Buffy's alliance with Spike shows her determination to stop Angel, whatever the cost.      Drusilla, on the other hand, in coming into her strength even more, shows an uncommon devotion to Angel. She is Angel's partner in performing the ritual, she uses her psychic powers to get the information from Giles, and she attacks Spike when he turns on Angel. Only when she is unconscious is Spike able to get her away from Angel. One wonders whether Spike's dream of restoring his relationship with Dru is possible.      While Spike becomes Buffy's ally, Principal Snyder shows that he is her enemy. He condemns her to the police, and expels her from school, and gloats to the mayor on accomplishing this task. Snyder reveals himself to be petty and cruel, expelling her at the moment she is about to save the world yet again. Again, he is a reminder that the world which Buffy guards against evil is often ungrateful for her sacrifices.      Finally, Buffy and he friends, unintentionally become villains. Their quest to restore Angel's soul, they're willingness to use wild magic to bring back their friend ends in disaster. Buffy's wish for Angel's return is granted too late. He must be sacrificed to close the portal to hell, the portal which the evil within him unleashed. Buffy must betray with her love with a kiss, damning him to a fate worse than anything he would encounter in the ether. This, too, is the moment that Buffy and Angel have been working toward for the past two seasons. Heart-wrenchingly, we see Angel redeemed too late, and Buffy as both a savior of the world, and a traitor to her love. She has truly become the Slayer.      I give this episode 5 out of 5 Ehs.