Dana, that's no friend. That's a freak.

I hope it doesn't come as too much of a shock that I strongly disagree-that I think much of the season has been about showing Spike's rocky path to redemption (and Buffy's gradual acceptance of same), that imo it has done so both convincingly and often brilliantly (starting with the church seen in Beneath You, which I consider one of the ten greatest scenes in the entire series).

Well, it comes as no shock that you strongly disagree.

What comes as a shock is that you think you've been shown things when you've been told things.

Showing things happens when you DON'T use words.

This season has been all about too many damned words.

There has been almost no show, and almost all tell this season, and there are six other seasons previous to this, full of much more show than this one is. I'm utterly boggled that you've watched any of the previous seasons and can't tell the difference.

Cereal to try and doblerize...

I think I came on very strong in the last post, which is maybe unwarranted.

But while I agree that "like" and "dislike" are completely and utterly subjective, and matters of personal taste, "show" and "tell" are much, much less so. They are actually sort of quantifiable, and this season, this ending arc in particular, is all about the telling, with almost no showing.

If you like, that's fine. Just don't tell me I've been shown something when I haven't.

Showing things happens when you DON'T use words.

Sean, I'm going to nitpick this a little--I think it would be better to say "speeches" rather than "words." Because I think it's perfectly possible to reveal character through dialogue, without ever violating the "show, don't tell" rule.

For an excellent example of Good Television, watch the last few episodes of 24. Or the whole damn season. But definitely last night's episode. I was literally on the edge of my seat. The entire time.

See my own subjective test for good television is whether I look at my watch and think, "How much longer do I have to endure this", or I look at my watch and think, "dammit, there's only 8 minutes left, where has the time gone?" For me Buffy has been more of the former, and 24 the latter (without the watch part b/c 24 gives you plenty of time cues throughout.) And this depresses me because BtVS used to be the One True Show on television.

Valid nitpick, Susan.

What is it with all the nitpicking today???

Can't a guy just make some blanket, declarative statements in peace around here???

(sorry)

But yes, I see your point. However, I feel my position still stands:

"Like" and "dislike" are very subjective, "show" and "tell" much less so. You can tell me you like this season and this ending arc, but don't try to tell me I've been shown things when I haven't. I've seen how the writers can show, and this ain't it.

For an excellent example of Good Television, watch the last few episodes of 24. Or the whole damn season. But definitely last night's episode. I was literally on the edge of my seat. The entire time.

Word, Wolf. Word.

Loved the Python shoutout, makes me want to watch both that and Cutting Edge. Perhaps when I get home from the Matrix showing tonight. :-)

Wolfram, I too am a slave to 24, I adore that show, but I still get the "damn, only 8 minutes left" thing of Buffy now and then. I'm a sucker, but I liked the Angel stuff...I rewatched the show today just to validate all my opinions. When Angel appeared, did anyone else notice the glint off his tooth? Like something out a cheese commercial? Although I have to agree with whoever said DB looked super yummy when they did that. Destiny, I tell you, destiny. IMO, Spike belongs with Dru anyway.

Hmm. I watch 24 pretty avidly, but I do my special TiVo watch for about half of it -- fast forward with CC on. I don't look for nuanced or consistent characterisation. I don't look for any sort of plausibility. I look to be startled. But the most startling thing they could do is write Jack's daughter not as a moron.

It's fun TV (for me), it's often exciting, and last season it was innovative, but right now, no, I'd not call it Good, not even remotely.

Such is the power of relativity.

Great commentary folks. I have only one ...... that the Buffy/Angel kiss appeared to me to be only one of old friends re-uniting. I didn't get anything really erotic from it. Loved the look on Spike's face at the end. That is all. Looking bitterlysweet forward to next week.