Buffy Reviews

Surprise, Part 1

Character - by Siobhan
Surprise held surprises not only for the characters but also for the viewers. We saw changes in relationships as well as some shifts in characters that were unexpected.      The relationship focused on the most in this episode was that of Buffy and Angel. You can tell that they're headed for further intimacy from the beginning of the episode by their continuous need to be touching and kissing each other. Events throughout the episode force them to rely further upon each other, leading them to the inevitable sexual encounter. It was interesting to note that when it came to the bedroom scene', Buffy was no longer the confident young woman that she normally is. She is covering herself up and hiding from Angel, unsure of whether she is ready to truly 'expose' herself to him. But through his assurances and his declaration of love, she is freed, in a sense, and she lets down her barriers, both physically and emotionally.      Another relationship that we see blossoming is that of Willow and Oz. For a long while now they have been dancing around each other, and finally Oz gets around to asking Willow out. Oz refers to Willow as unpredictable when she tells him that she can't go out with him after saying she would say yes. He, unconsciously, has discovered something about Willow that most have not. She may seem like the normal 'girl next door', but she truly has so many facets to her that you can't really predict what she will do next. I believe it bodes well that Oz is able to accept who she is so easily, and also how he handles the news of who Buffy is and what 'The Scooby Gang' [g] are up to.      Cordy and Xander's relationship is briefly touched upon also. Xander wants to take their relationship out of the closet (literally and figuratively ;), but Cordy is still too afraid to admit to anything serious. She's not only afraid of what her friends would say, but also of actually liking someone like Xander in any serious manner. This makes for a rocky romance, and if these two can make it through, it will make them stronger for it.      Another couple of characters, namely Jenny and Giles, have some major or minor shifts that come up. We find out that Jenny Calendar is not who we thought she was. We also see how torn she is between who she really is and whom she has been pretending to be since that person has become so real to her. On one side there is Janna, the gypsy woman who was sent to Sunnydale to make sure that Angel's curse holds and that he suffers for his sins. On the other there is Jenny, fun- loving computer teacher/pagan who has found an unconventional love with the school librarian. We see that she doesn't want to betray those who trust her, but she feels a sense of duty to her people that can not be ignored. Quite a dilemma.      Xander best describes Giles' change in this episode: "Looks like Mr. Caution Man, but the sound he makes is funny." Oh so true. When Buffy comes to tell him of a dream she had, instead of forgetting about everything except trying to interpret the dream, Giles tells Xander and Willow that they are still having their surprise party for Buffy. But this is a nice change for the Watcher, and whether this has come about because of his relationship with Jenny, or his dealing with his past, or a combination of both, it's a shift in character that has come about in a gradual way, not unrealistically. All in all a great episode for the characters. I give it 4.5 'Ehs' out of 5.
Story - by Wendy
Name of Episod Surprise, Part 1 Written by: Marti Noxon Directed by: Michael Lange Rating: 4 Eh's out of 5      Two main storylines weave through this episode and except for a glaring error at the end which I lay at the feet of the director, the scenes are played with subtlety and understanding, whick make this one of the more memorable episodes in the series. Sarah Michelle Gellar gives a remarkable performance as Buffy the teenager on the cusp of change rather than in her more customary role as Teen Slayer.      The more interesting of the two main threads is the culmination of the hidden promise in the majority of episodes to date when Angel and Buffy's love is consummated and the complexity of her feelings as they both become aware of undercurrents.      The delicacy of Buffy's insecurities as a normal teenage on the brink of her first physical relationship was handled adroitly, as too the breath-taking feeling of suddently being faced with perhaps one of the most important decisions of a young woman's life. On one hand, we have the lack of confidence that impels her to get Willow's advice and reassurance, on the other, the impetuous need to "seize the day" simply because the future is unknown.      The love scenes between the two, particularly in the early sequences were very well done, with the pace slowing, the narrative written in such a way as to imply a more passionate, sexually charged tension which lends far more credulity to the relationship that the frenzied clutching of recent episodes. However, Angel's feelings/thoughts as an obviously more experience man could have been explored with a little more depth to flesh out the character somewhat. The dock scene was a start but I think Marti could have given him meatier lines.      The other storyline concerns the Deadly Duo's return with their latest idea for worldwide destruction, the Judge. I must admit that although I was glad to see this fascinating couple back, I found the Judge story a tad weak, e.g. I don't think, newly awakened or not, that demons feel any loyalty or gratitude and I can't believe he was afraid of Spike in a wheelchair.      Other interesting sub-plots were Oz's new relationship with Willow and his introduction to the Inner Circle knowledge; Jenny secretly being from the Gypsy tribe that originally cursed Angel; the continuation of Xander's frustration with Cordelia's insistance on not publicizing their relationship; and Buffy's dreams as a more potent forewarning of events to come.      Vignettes I particularly liked was Willow's charming, wide-eyed reaction to Buffy's confidences and her shyness in approaching Oz, who in his few scenes has the promise of becoming one of the more interesting and likeable characters on the show.      Now for the glaring errors that made me give this episode less than full marks. That appalling mistake at the end of the episode when Angel leaps from the bed he shares with Buffy, screaming with pain and is next seen FULLY dressed with boots and coats completely distroyed the ambiance and was a major distraction for me. More appropriate would have been for him to appear as he did earlier, i.e. clad in pants only. On a lesser note, Jenny's promise to do something concrete about separating the lovers fizzled out into a simple, timid suggestion for Angel to get out of town ... most disappointing. Wendy/Zoombie
Villian - by Kaboo
Surprise, like other episodes of BtVS, gives viewers a menagerie of interesting and complex villains. As the title suggests, a number of surprising plot twists are introduced via our villains. In addition, an unexpected revelation transforms one of Buffy's friends into a secret foe.      The episode delightfully shows the return of Spike and Drusilla, as the couple copes with the consequences of the fire in What's My Line, Part 2. In a strange role reversal, Drusilla has recovered her physical strength, if not her sanity. No longer the frail, melancholy waif, Drusilla is now full of manic vitality. As she takes on more leadership within the vampire community, Dru shows she can be just as dangerous as Spike. For example, it is Dru, rather than Spike, who threatens Dalton with physical violence when he loses one of her "presents". Like the powerful Master, she haunts Buffy's dreams, threatening Angel's destruction.      In contrast, Spike's confinement to a wheelchair and his obvious facial scars demonstrate the toll his war with Buffy has cost him. Frustrated with The Slayer's constant foiling of his plans, Spike wants to leave Sunnydale. This character development is certainly unexpected considering the brash confidence Spike showed when he first arrived at the Hellmouth. Spike remains constant in one way; he is still devoted to Drusilla, and will do anything to please her. Hence, Spike sacrifices his own preference to escape Sunnydale, helping Dru arrange her party instead.      Courtesy of our favourite vampire couple, we are party to a monster mash, which includes the introduction (as both present and guest) of The Judge. At Druscilla's whim, the unassembled pieces of the The Judge are reunited like pieces of a puzzle, to reveal a threat to humanity tantamount to the Apocalypse. Once assembled, the indestructible Judge shows just how brutal his decrees are. Initially he confronts Spike and Dru by chastising them for sharing "affection and jealousy."      Spike and Dru are given a (perhaps temporary) reprieve as The Judge resumes his merciless mission to eradicate all traces of humanity, even within fellow demons. Thus, Dalton, the bookish vampire, receives The Judge's first sentence: painful, burning destruction. When Buffy and Angel are discovered at Druscilla's party, they barely escape The Judge's verdict. Their near-fatal experience with The Judge becomes the catalyst for Buffy and Angel's decision to "seize the day" in showing their mutual love.      In addition to Buffy's foes, we also see a darker side to one of her allies, Miss Calendar. It is revealed that Jenny is a member of the gypsy family who cursed Angel. Although Jenny has been a friend in the past, she reluctantly follows her family's orders: she secretly works to destroy Buffy and Angel's happiness together. Her persuasive argument that Angel should leave the country with The Judge's arm leads to its recovery by Spike's lackeys. Jenny's secret agenda and shocking betrayal are indeed surprises.      Surprise, does an excellent job at giving us a new demonic villain, while also providing unexpected character developments in established villains. It also surprises us with the discovery of Jenny's dark secret. Each of these villains propel the plot, driving Buffy and Angel toward their inevitable, yet startling choices at the end of the episode. In short, the villains and their surprises in this episode give us "just what we want." I give Surprise 5 out of 5 'Ehs'.