I absolutely loathed that episode. Then it had lots of fans and I realized it was written by Jane Espenson, so I feel like maybe I could give it another chance.
Well, not even Joss had a 1.000 batting average with me, so it's unfair to hold Jane to a higher standard. Hated it.
I think Joss and Jane are both occasionally prone to the same flaw in their writing, which is to assume that everyone else is as crazy about a given character as they are, and go over the top in writing as if that's the natural order of things. Which works great for those who actually share their love of the character, but is very off-putting to those who don't. "Everybody Loves FredA Hole in the World" is another example of this.
So, how did you guys feel about Puppet-Angel?
Well, not even Joss had a 1.000 batting average with me, so it's unfair to hold Jane to a higher standard. Hated it.
Yeah, Joss wasn't 100% with me either (though he had a higher batting average on
Buffy
than on
Angel
(I wasn't as fond of "Spin the Bottle" as others were)), but when I did the Favorite
Buffy
Episodes By the Numbers meme (favorite first episode, second episode, etc.), Joss and Jane episodes made up the bulk of the list. I also didn't realize Drew Goddard had written so many S7
Buffy
episodes.
I think Joss and Jane are both occasionally prone to the same flaw in their writing, which is to assume that everyone else is as crazy about a given character as they are, and write as if that's the natural order of things.
And it's clear from the commentaries that everyone loved Tom Lenk the actor in addition to enjoying writing for Andrew the character.
So, how did you guys feel about Puppet-Angel?
Oh, I did love "Smile Time." I wasn't in love with all the lines everyone else was, but it was damn funny and very well executed.
So, how did you guys feel about Puppet-Angel?
Wanted one of my very own to love and hug and squeeze and name George.
"Smile Time" would singlehandedly justify the entire existence of Angel, as far as I'm concerned, even if I hadn't liked other parts of the show. It was fucking great.
I had major issues with Fred and found parts of
A Hole in the World
terribly anvilly, but the damn thing worked for me anyway, because of the overwhelming Wes-angst. Even the stupid musical montage, which I hated initially, has been growing on me with re-watch. I feel so cheap.
I had major issues with Fred and found parts of A Hole in the World terribly anvilly, but the damn thing worked for me anyway, because of the overwhelming Wes-angst.
The choreography of Fred singing/Lorne reading/Fred spitting up blood was superbrilliant.
oops. Ali-Baba (maker of miricles)...
oh, ok, Allyson. (big appologetic smile here.)
Joss on Buffy was almost always perfect for me. I think Joss writes Buffy and Spike better than anyone.
Joss on Angel - not as good. I forget the name, but ep1 of Angel S5 was totally flat for me. I couldn't believe Joss wrote it. Also, props to the actors, but A Hole in the World was flat for me.
