This week’s Episodes in Focus are The Initiative and Bachelor Party. From Monday, your time, get sharing anything and everything based on these two - we can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Episode in Focus: The Initiative
This is the episode where we start to get to the meat of season four. What is this Initiative thing? Are they right that all demons are monsters that must be destroyed? How is Riley connected? That Professor Walsh, too? Plus we have our Big Bad back. Or do we? Spike’s had a little trip to the vet, but he’s only just working that one out, with Willow’s help in one of my single favourite scenes of this season. There’s great funny in this ep: Willow’s very un-vague disclaimer to Riley, and the worst fight scene ever on BtVS when Harmony and Xander meet at last.
Key quote:
Spike : Mmm. I hate being obvious. All fang-y and "rrrr!" Takes the mystery out.
Willow : But if you could...
Spike : If I could, yeah.
Willow : You know, this doesn't make you any less terrifying.
Spike : Don't patronize me.
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Theme prompt: Blast from the Past
Spike’s back. Didn’t we always know he would be? But our characters certainly didn’t know that. And Doyle’s ex Harry is suddenly back in town, though to be fair the baggage she comes with is something no one could have predicted.
So, your theme for this week is history bites back. Who else could have turned up in these episodes, and how might that have gone? Romance, evil, cringey embarrassment: it’s all good.
(Anyone want to step up to the place with an ‘Angel(us) gets chipped’ crossover story? I’ll write you a bonus drabble if so!)
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Episode in Focus: Bachelor Party
Poor Doyle. As though the lovely ex getting remarried isn’t enough trauma, she’s marrying a demon who wants to eat his brain. In the nicest possible way. I love these demons: they are so three dimensional, and so darn nice. Apart from the ritual murder. But Cordy’s softening up towards Doyle, so just maybe there’s something good in their future? *la la la, fingers in ears, no spoilers here*
Key quote:
Doyle: "Why don't I just give you that hug and we can call it even?"
Richard: "You're not trying to back out, are you? Not after you gave your blessing."
Doyle: "Yeah, yeah. I take it back!"
Richard: "Oh. Well. I see. Now I'm not so sure I even *want* to eat your brains!"
Dad: "Don't be petulant, Richard. You'll eat his brains. He can't take back a blessing. Now, apologize to your friend."
Richard: "He's right. That was rude. I'd be honored to eat your brains."
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You still have a week's grace if you're late posting for Wild at Heart or Sense and Sensitivity. We can always stand a little more of the good stuff!