I am Aod...‏

Ok, so on to Buffy, or rather everyone but Buffy, which is why I think I like this season SO much so far. Last year, when Joss said it was back to the beginning, he really was not kidding. I mean, it's like the beginning, it feels like season two. Cryptic, weird foreshadowing; great, great, great character development; plots that keep you questioning and guessing. Watching an episode like last night's - by a new guy! - makes me remember why I have such an obsession with this show. So I have so much to say about the season as a whole, but I think I have to talk about 'Selfless' first. What a brilliant continuity episode. I have been basically spoiler-free, so imagine my surprise when I see Kubiak back as Olaf. And geez, I guess I never really gave much thought to D'Hoffryn (Will still had his amulet thing!) as an actual demon. But he's pretty nasty, huh? After always seeing him as a kindly-type pseudo-helpful demon, that final scene with him was pretty nasty (and heart-wrenching). And I guess that Hallie's "William?" comment was just a red herring.....or maybe they want us to think that. And good call by Buffy with the Angel stuff. Xander was due for a taste of his own medicine. Before she said it, I was saying, "But Angel, what about Angel in season 2, dammit?!" And then Buffy answered me. And I always wondered if Xander's "Kick his ass" comment would ever come to light, but I kinda forgot about it since it was 4 seasons ago....Not that I think they'll explore it, but for argument's sake, would knowing that she had a friend in Willow have prevented Buffy from leaving Sunnydale? And if so, what does that mean to Xander? And although he has a tendency to irritate me, let's get a Xand-man episode and show some character growth, or reflection on lack thereof for him. I really never thought I would say this, but I really like the way they are handling Willow. She wouldn't be the same without magic, but I like to see that she's not completely healed (And never will be?) That black-eyed nasty comment scared me. Obviously, she can't tell them (maybe Giles? Maybe Buffy?) cuz Xander will get on his high horse and trample all over poor Will. And that Aly is such a phenomenal actress. I've known it since season 2, but I realize again and again it week after week. Since I seem to now be talking about the season in general, Spike is going to drive me crazy. I did really like his scene this week (after I realized Buffy #1 was vision-Buffy), but last week, especially, his twitching and moping (from where comes my extreme hatred of self-deprecating, big ol' loser Angel) really irritate me. I honestly don't get it. So he has a soul. So what? It wasn't him killing all those people, it wasn't William who pillaged all those towns, it was the demon. The way I see it, it's just the demon surviving. Vampires have to drink blood to be functional, that's the way it goes. They kill and torture because that's how they get their jollies, they are demons. He just has to get over himself and stop being mopey, whiney Angel. And it's not a reflection on James, cuz I really enjoy him as an actor, but his character is an ass. Spike needs that edge to be cool again. So, back to 'Selfless,' the flashbacks were killer. "I am Aod." Loved that. And that song. That song. Poor Anya. Only a year ago. She was so happy. She doesn't smile anymore. She hasn't really smiled since 'Hell's Bells,' and Xander runs to her and tells her he's sorry? For once on this show, I'd like Xander to realize that other people have feelings. Either that, or everything should be as black and white when it comes to how he feels, like he thinks it should be with everyone else. Buffy loves Angel but Angel is a demon, therefore should die. Xander loves Anya but Anya isn't *quite* a demon, therefore she should live. I love when I love Buffy. And I love when Buffy's not about Buffy. The past few episodes, it almost feels like the Scoobies of old. Hey, and if they keep hearkening back to Sunnydale days of yore, I'll be thrilled. They did that a lot in 'Selfless,' with Spike mentioning Dru, Will calling D'Hoffryn, Buffy saying Angel's name, and the brief bunny appearance, to name a few. In future episodes, they should just briefly mention Jenny. I think I'd faint. Speaking of referring to the past, how incredibly sad was last week's scene in the cemetery? I think one of the saddest ever on Buffy. I knew they couldn't go without mentioning Tara, and I was hoping that they would do it sooner rather than later, but what they did (and what Alyson did in the scene) was perfect. TV and movies don't make me cry, I rarely even get misty, but I felt a lump in my throat during that scene.