Topic: Tom's Buffy and Angel Marathon

[Tom]

21. Blind Date (2000-05-16)
Writer: Jeannine Renshaw (Writer)
Director: Thomas J. Wright
Cast: David Boreanaz (Angel), Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia Chase), Alexis Denisof (Wesley Wyndam-Pryce), Christian Kane (Lindsey McDonald), Thomas Burr (Lee Mercer), Stephanie Romanov (Lilah Morgan), Sam Anderson (Holland Manners), J. August Richards (Charles Gunn), Jennifer Badger Martin (Vanessa Weeks), Keilana Smith (Mind Reader #1), Dawn Suggs (Mind Reader #2), Charles Constant (Security Center Guard), Scott Berman (Vendor), Derek Anthony (Dying Black Man), Rishi Kumar (Blind Child #1), Karen Lu (Blind Child #2), Alex Buck (Blind Child #3)

Angel meets female Daredevil. An okay episode but nothing really exciting. And why is it so easy for Angel to break into Wolfram & Hart from the sewers? They stretch the fact so much in the show, that Angel is essentially able to get anywhere he likes by going through the sewers.

Rating:



22. To Shanshu in LA (2000-05-23)
Writer: David Greenwalt (Writer)
Director: David Greenwalt
Cast: David Boreanaz (Angel), Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia Chase), Alexis Denisof (Wesley Wyndam-Pryce), Elisabeth Rohm (Kate Lockley), Christian Kane (Lindsey McDonald), Stephanie Romanov (Lilah Morgan), Sam Anderson (Holland Manners), Todd Stashwick (Vocah), Carey Cannon (Female Oracle), Randall Slavin (Male Oracle), David Herman (David Nabbit), J. August Richards (Charles Gunn), Julie Benz (Darla), Louise Claps (Homeless Woman), Daren Rice (Uniform #1), Jon Ecklund (Uniform #2), Lia Johnson (Vendor), Robyn Cohen (Nurse), Susan Savage (Doctor), John Eddins (Monk #1), Gerard O'Donnell (Monk #2), Brahman Turner (Young Tough Guy)

An okay episode, but as a season finale too boring. Nice to see Darla again.

Rating:

[Tom]

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Four
Year: 1999
Director:
Rating: 15
Length: 931 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78
Audio: English: Dolby Digital Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: Danish, English, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish

Plot:
Season 4 sees the introduction of new character Riley as the boyfriend of Buffy and love blossoms in Sunnydale for the couple as they discover each other's powers. Romance is also on the rocks for Oz as he confesses he is still in love with Willow, while a bewildered Willow confesses her new-found relationship with Tara! Angel fans will also be delighted to see a return of Angel to Sunnydale in 'The Yoko Factor', leaving Buffy divided between old flame and new boyfriend Riley. The Scooby gang are forced to integrate themselves into university life and find it harder than they had thought, dealing with usual adolescent issues like homesickness and dating - not helped by blood-sucking vampires making their evil presence felt. This boxset is a gripping combination of teenage life and ghoulish heart stopping vampire action that make Buffy The Vampire such addictive viewing.

Extras:
Commentary
Featurettes
Photo Gallery
Production Notes
Scene Access
Scripts
Trailers

[Tom]

01. The Freshman (1999-10-05)
Writer: Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Marc Blucas (Riley), Dagney Kerr (Kathy Newman), Pedro Balmaceda (Eddie), Katharine Towne (Sunday), Lindsay Crouse (Maggie Walsh), Mike Rad (Rookie), Shannon Hillary (Dav), Mace Lombard (Tom), Robert Catrini (Prof. Riegert), Scott Rinker (R.A.), Phina Oruche (Olivia), Denice J. Sealy (Student Volunteer), Evie Peck (Angry Girl), Anil Raman (Earnest Fellow), Jason Christopher (Nonserious Guy), Jane Silvia (Conservative Woman), Mark Silverberg (Passing Student), Walt Borchert (New Vampire)

As usual the season opener is one of the weaker episodes. But this one isn't as bad. I just find it curious, that Buffy had so much trouble fighting this rather average vamp.

Rating:



02. Living Conditions (1999-10-12)
Writer: Marti Noxon (Writer)
Director: David Grossman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Dagney Kerr (Kathy Newman), Adam Kaufman (Parker Abrams), Clayton Barber (Demon 1), Walt Borchert (Demon 2), Roger Morrissey (Tapparich), David Tuchman (Freshman)

I never really cared for this episode. I didn't like the whole evil roommate storyline.

Rating:

[Tom]

03. The Harsh Light of Day (1999-10-19)
Writer: Jane Espenson (Writer)
Director: James A. Contner
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Mercedes McNab (Harmony Kendall), Adam Kaufman (Parker Abrams), James Marsters (Spike), Jason Hall (Devon), Melik (Brian)

A good episode. Nice to see Spike and Harmony again. Though Spike is really stupid to challenge Buffy as soon as he got the ring instead of leaving town. Even stupider is, that he tells her exactly why he is now invincible giving her the chance to take the ring away from him.

Rating:



04. Fear Itself (1999-10-26)
Writer: David Fury (Writer)
Director: Tucker Gates
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Adam Kaufman (Parker Abrams), Lindsay Crouse (Maggie Walsh), Marc Rose (Josh), Sulo Williams (Chaz), Aldis Hodge (Masked Teen), Walter Emanuel Jones (Edward), Adam Bitterman (Gachnar), Michele Nordin (Rachel), Adam Grimes (Lobster Boy), Darris Love (Hallmate), Larissa Reynolds (Present Girl)

Really fun episode. Anya in a bunny costume, Giles with a chainsaw and the great reveal at the end about the fear demon.

Rating:

[Tom]

05. Beer Bad (1999-11-02)
Writer: Tracey Forbes (Writer)
Director: David Solomon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Adam Kaufman (Parker Abrams), Paige Moss (Veruca), Eric Matheny (Main Cave Guy), Stephen M. Porter (Jack), Lindsay Crouse (Maggie Walsh), Kal Penn (Hunt), Jake Phillips (Kip), Bryan Cuprill (Roy), Lisa Johnson (Paula), Joshua Wheeler (Driver), Patrick Belton (College Kid #1), Kaycee Shank (College Kid #2), Steven Jang (College Kid #3), Cameron Bender (Stoner), Kate Luhr (Young Woman)

Often regarding as one of the worst Buffy episodes. I can understand why. They hit us over the head with the message that beer is bad. I liked Buffy the cave-slayer though.

Rating:

[DJ Doena]

Xander: And was there a lesson in all of this? What have we learned about beer?
Buffy: Foamy!
Xander: Good. Just so that's clear.

I liked Neanderbuffy, she was still awesome.

[Tom]

06. Wild at Heart (1999-11-09)
Writer: Marti Noxon (Writer)
Director: David Grossman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Paige Moss (Veruca), James Marsters (Spike), Lindsay Crouse (Maggie Walsh)

I have the feeling, that this episode only serves to forcefully break-up Willow and Oz and write him out of the show. Even though they hinted at it the last few episodes, that does come too sudden in my opinion.

Rating:

[Tom]

07. The Initiative (1999-11-16)
Writer: Douglas Petrie (Writer)
Director: James A. Contner
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Mercedes McNab (Harmony Kendall), Adam Kaufman (Parker Abrams), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Leonard Roberts (Forest Gates), Lindsay Crouse (Maggie Walsh), Mace Lombard (Tom), Scott Becker (Lost Freshman)

A very fun episode. We are introduced to the initiative. We have a very fun "fight" between Xander and Harmony. And the best thing is Willow trying to cheer up Spike after his "under-performance".

Rating:



08. Pangs (1999-11-23)
Writer: Jane Espenson (Writer)
Director: Michael Lange
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Mercedes McNab (Harmony Kendall), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Leonard Roberts (Forrest Gates), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Tod Thawley (Houss, Chumash Spirit), David Boreanaz (Angel), Margaret Easley (Curator), William Vogt (Jamie), Mark Ankeny (Dean Guerrero)

A episode I never really liked. Though it has some fun stuff in it. I love all the scenes with Spike. And this episode is the reason for a funny line in the Buffy musical.

Rating:

[Tom]

09. Something Blue (1999-11-30)
Writer: Tracey Forbes (Writer)
Director: Nick Marck
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Elizabeth Anne Allen (Amy Madison), Andy Umberger (D'Hoffryn)

One of my favorite episodes. A lot of fun with Willow's spell going awry. Especially with Spike and Buffy betrothed

Rating:


10. Hush (1999-12-14)
Writer: Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Leonard Roberts (Forrest Gates), Phina Oruche (Olivia), Amber Benson (Tara), Brooke Bloom (Wicca Wannabe #1), Jessica Townsend (Wicca Wannabe #2), Lindsay Crouse (Maggie Walsh), Doug Jones (Gentleman), Camden Toy (Gentleman), Don W. Lewis (Gentleman), Charlie Brumbly (Gentleman), Carlos Amezcua (Newscaster), Elizabeth Thuax (Little Girl), Wayne Sable (Freshman)

One of the best episodes in the entire series. Joss, who is known for his witty dialogues, proves that he can write a very fun episode where hardly any word is spoken. And the gentlemen are one of the creepiest demons in the entire series.

Rating:


11. Doomed (2000-01-18)
Writer: Marti Noxon (Writer), David Fury (Writer), Jane Espenson (Writer)
Director: James A. Contner
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Leonard Roberts (Forrest Gates), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Ethan Erickson (Percy West), Anastasia Horne (Laurie), Anthony Anselmi (Partier)

Not a bad episode, really. But a disappointment following the great "Hush".

Rating:

[Tom]

12. A New Man (2000-01-25)
Writer: Jane Espenson (Writer)
Director: Michael Gershman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Robin Sachs (Ethan Rayne), Amber Benson (Tara), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Lindsay Crouse (Maggie Walsh), Elizabeth Penn Payne (Waitress), Michelle Ferrara (Mother)

I enjoyed this filler episode very much. Giles feeling sorry for himself because he is being neglected by the gang. It's also fun how Riley learns about Buffy's daily slayage quota

Rating:

[Tom]

13. The I in Team (2000-02-08)
Writer: David Fury (Writer)
Director: James A. Contner
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), James Marsters (Spike), Amber Benson (Tara), George Hertzberg (Adam), Leonard Roberts (Forrest Gates), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Jack Stehlin (Dr. Angleman), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Lindsay Crouse (Maggie Walsh), Neil Daly (Mason)

It is fun how Buffy gets to see the Initiative. Otherwise an average episode.

Rating:



14. Goodbye Iowa (2000-02-15)
Writer: Marti Noxon (Writer)
Director: David Solomon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), James Marsters (Spike), Amber Benson (Tara), George Hertzberg (Adam), Leonard Roberts (Forrest Gates), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Jack Stehlin (Dr. Angelman), JB Gaynor (Young Boy), Saverio Guerra (Willy), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Amy Powell (Reporter), Andy Marshall (Scientist #1), Paul Leighton (Rough-Looking Demon), Karen Charnell (Shady Lady)

Too much focus on Riley to be enjoyable.

Rating:



15. This Year's Girl (2000-02-22)
Writer: Douglas Petrie (Writer)
Director: Michael Gershman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Amber Benson (Tara), Leonard Roberts (Forrest Gates), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Chet Grissom (Detective), Alastair Duncan (Collins), Harry Groener (Mayor Richard Wilkins), Eliza Dushku (Faith), Jeff Ricketts (Weatherby), Kevin Owers (Smith), Mark Gantt (Demon), Kimberly McRae (Visitor), Sara Van Horn (Older Nurse), Brian Hawley (Orderly), Jack Esformes (Doctor)

The start of a great two-parter, though this first half is not that great as there is so little Faith and too much Riley.

Rating:



16. Who Are You? (2000-02-29)
Writer: Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), James Marsters (Spike), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Amber Benson (Tara), Leonard Roberts (Forrest Gates), George Hertzberg (Adam), Chet Grissom (Detective), Alastair Duncan (Collins), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Eliza Dushku (Buffy), Rick Stear (Boone), Jeff Ricketts (Weatherby), Kevin Owers (Smith), Amy Powell (Reporter), Rick Scarry (Sergeant), Jennifer S. Albright (Date)

Faith's role is now much bigger and it is fun how Buffy and Faith are switching bodies.

Rating:



17. Superstar (2000-04-04)
Writer: Jane Espenson (Writer)
Director: David Grossman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), James Marsters (Spike), Danny Strong (Jonathan Levinson), Amber Benson (Tara), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Robert Patrick Benedict (Jape), John Saint Ryan (Col. George Haviland), George Hertzberg (Adam), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Erica Luttrell (Karen), Adam Clark (Cop), Chanie Costello (Inga), Julie Costello (Ilsa)

I always found this episode fun. An alternate reality where Jonathan is the center of everything. But even though it is a nice idea, it was dragged out too long without any additional fun ideas.

Rating:

[Tom]

18. Where the Wild Things Are (2000-04-25)
Writer: Tracey Forbes (Writer)
Director: David Solomon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), James Marsters (Spike), Amber Benson (Tara), Leonard Roberts (Forrest Gates), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Kathryn Joosten (Mrs. Holt), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Casey McCarthy (Julie), Neil Daly (Mason), Jeff Wilson (Evan), Bryan Cuprill (Roy), Jeffrey Sharmat (Drowning Boy), Jeri Austin (Running Girl), Danielle Pessis (Christy), David Engler (Initiative Guy), James Michael Conner (Scientist)

I never liked this episode. Though it has some good moments like Xander announcing "Hostile 17" at the frat house. But I never liked the "Riley and Buffy are humping each other thoughout the episode" storyline. And I liked Giles singing at the café and the gang's reaction to this.

Rating:

[DJ Doena]

And I liked Giles singing at the café and the gang's reaction to this.

[Tom]

19. New Moon Rising (2000-05-02)
Writer: Marti Noxon (Writer)
Director: James A. Contner
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), James Marsters (Spike), Amber Benson (Tara), Leonard Roberts (Forrest Gates), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Robert Patrick Benedict (Jape), Conor O'Farrell (Colonel McNamara), George Hertzberg (Adam), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Seth Green (Oz), James Michael Conner (Scientist #1), Mark Daneri (Scientist #2), Doron Keenan (Commando #2)

Nice to see Oz again. And I am glad that we got the chance to see Willow choosing between Oz and Tara. Though I am glad about the choice that she made, it also means that it was the last time that we got to see Oz (okay Seth Green probably wouldn't have come back often anyway, as he is a very busy man).

Rating:

[Tom]

20. The Yoko Factor (2000-05-09)
Writer: Doug Petrie (Writer)
Director: David Grossman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), James Marsters (Spike), Amber Benson (Tara), Leonard Roberts (Forrest Gates), Conor O'Farrell (Colonel McNamara), George Hertzberg (Adam), Emma Caulfield (Anya), David Boreanaz (Angel), Bob Fimiani (Mr. Ward), Jade Carter (Lieutenant)

A good episode. It is a good idea that Spike tries to split the Scoobies up by creating a rift between them. Though in my opinion this happened too easily.

Rating: