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.
Love both "Storyteller" and "Smile Time" a bunch.
Jane's my second favorite writer on BtVS.
Fury or mere would be my second fav on Angel, after Tim.
For me it would depend on how you define favorite writer. Jane's "Rm w/a Vu" is my favorite Angel episode, and I think I liked "Smile Time" as much as "Reunion" in an apples and orages way, but based on overall body of work Tim definitely takes the prize for me.
SMILE TIME was Edlund, right? Despite the actual presence of Fury in the episode.
That is correct. (With some help from Joss, IIRC)
I think Joss wrote the non-puppet continuity scenes (Gunn and the doctor, Wes and Fred, etc.).
I watched both final seasons in total non-critical mode, and had a ball! Just savored every moment. The good I ate up like warm, gooey pudding cake, the less good I let wash past me like it didn't matter. And it didn't. :-)