Buffy and Angel Rewatch part 14

3.17 Enemies

Another terrific episode as the gang finally finds out that Faith has switched sides. The fake-out element of this episode means its very different re-watching it than watching it the first time, but its still enjoyable anyway. I still love all the Faith scenes especially with the Mayor. They have a fantastic chemistry together. The way in which Buffy and the others figured out about Faith being rogue did happen a little quickly however and didn't quite ring true; I would have liked to get more exposition afterwards about how they figured it all out. Since there was so much Faith/Angel/Mayor stuff in this episode there isn't much of the rest of the gang apart from some inappropriate Cordy/Wes flirting, plus a rather enjoyable (but I don't know why) scene where they're in the Hall of Records researching the Mayor. I think I liked Oz's line "Like exact same guy, like exact same guy." Don't know why but that just tickles me! (8/10)

3.18 Earshot

This is one of the best episodes for mixing the dark and light storylines. There are lots of humourous bits in this episode, Buffy listening to people's thoughts, the Scoobies interrogating their suspects and Giles walking into a tree at the end. These are well interspersed with more serious moments, Buffy going insane from the voices or that very touching speech to Jonathan, which is one of my favourite pieces of dialogue from the show- it was just so touching and poignant about life without being too mawkish. I love that we're getting some high school storylines at the end of the season and I think this is the last proper high school story we get. They've moved away from storylines that hugely involve the high school students to some extent and I like that its returning before the school disappears (literally and figuratively!). Some surprisingly nice Buffy and Angel moments in the episodes as well. (8/10)

3.19 Choices

Another strong episode in the lead up to the finale. Buffy's desire to get out of Sunnydale is set up against the others Scoobies plans for the future, apart from Oz's whose choices aren't actually mentioned in the episode. In a way this is a good way to set up the fourth season, with so much other material to cover in the final episodes. I have a small problem with Willow choosing UC Sunnydale though. She is hugely intelligent and as shown by the episode could go anywhere. It seems a waste that she doesn't choose a better university, but I understand that they had to do this as a plot device to keep Willow on the show. I did like the subtle hints to Cordy's future in this episode, revealing that she has a job as a shop assistant and not completely revealing why. Its a good setup for her character in Angel season 1.
As for the main plot, the stealing of the box from the Mayor and the Willow trade made for exciting stuff. The Faith/Mayor stuff is good and I like that he shows some proper emotion- as does Oz when the groups argues what to do. Nice to see both characters show some anger for once. I didn't like the bugs in the box though- they were very spider like and I am not a fan of spiders!! That scene creeps me out a bit.
I don't know why but this episode felt cut for some reason; I expected more Cordy stuff and the Mayor actually eating the critters from the box, but of course both things happen in later episodes. There is a lot of continuing arc stuff in the final episodes that they seem to run together a fair bit. (8.5/10)

3.20 The Prom

Aw, such a cute episode. Lots of shows have proms, but most of them usually end up in disaster for at least some of the characters, so I like that this was the other way around. The Hellhound storyline is pretty boring and so I'm glad that Buffy dealt with it swiftly and without the need for too much research. I actually really enjoy the Buffy/Angel stuff here (maybe its because they're breaking up!). Despite that the break-up was just a set-up for the spin-off, it makes perfectly logical sense within the story. It was also very apt that Joyce would have a hand in this, as a lot of the Scoobies have issues with Angel (mainly Angelus issues) that would maybe make their judgment on the relationship less convincing but with Joyce it is out of pure concern for her daughter. Buffy breaking down with Willow was a pitch perfect scene and such a sad moment.
I also really liked Cordy and Xander's scenes. Her father losing all his money is a a great setup for her going to LA and living in squalor but it also allowed Xander and Cordy to finish the season on a good note, with the past put behind them.
My favourite bit of the episode is obviously the prom itself. There are a lot of funny bits in this, especially to do with Wesley's 'fluttering' and Anya's blunt comments but there's also a lot of emotional stuff too. Angel showing up was just brilliant and such a touching moment and the Class Protector speech was just perfect; it makes me cry every time I see that scene (including this time). It was a good way to explain why in the past people haven't always acknowledged the Sunnydale weirdness, or Buffy's knack of saving the day. (9/10)