Buffy and Angel Rewatch part 17

B4.03 The Harsh Light of Day
When I first watched the episode I viewed it mostly just as a vehicle to get Spike back to Sunnydale and to start the first Buffy/Angel crossover (it was a neat way to do that with the Gem of Amara being more or less a legitimate reason for the crossover). However I've watched this episode a few times now and what struck me this time was that it was about 3 couples (Buffy/Riley, Anya/Xander and Harmony/Spike) and the rough way the women in particular are treated in their relationships as highlighted by the slightly hokey final shot of the 3 women. Seeing then that the episode covers so much material it makes it a very well written episode. Its also very funny as well. It does feel like the story wasn't quite finished, especially with Spike disappearing- obviously intentionally done so the story could carry on in Angel.
As for the couples, Spike and Harmony have a surprising amount of chemistry in this episode and they have an interesting dynamic together; Harmony is also more interesting as a vamp. Anya and Xander together were definitely funny and there was a certain amount of vulnerability about both of them. Buffy and Parker were probably the least interesting and that's probably because you know Parker is just spinning lines. I did like that Buffy has a one night stand so to speak, as it makes sense with her starting college to 'try' something new before she settles down with Riley. (8.5/10)

A1.03 In the Dark
A brilliant episode and a great ending to the first crossover. There was a lot happening in this episode, especially since the Sunnydale side of things needed to be set up for viewers both concerning the Ring of Amarra and the general story of Buffy and the gang. Oz and Spike made welcome additions to the cast, they're both great characters with a bit of an edge, who can both do comedy. Their connections to Cordy and Angel as well added a bit of history to the show. The B-story with Angel saving the girl from her druggie boyfriend was a nice touch, even though it wasn't centre stage, and shows Angel is not just good at the fighting side of helping people. One of my favourite aspects of the episode this time round was the growing bond between Cory, Doyle and Angel. They make a really good team and even though Cordy does keep Doyle at arms length, a friendship is obviously growing between the two. I liked Cordy recounting the tale of their drunken night out with Oz. (9/10)

B4.04 Fear Itself
In a weird twist of fate I actually ended up watching this episode on Halloween itself, which was kinda neat! As for the episode itself its fairly decent and an enjoyable Halloween episode though I must admit I preferred the season 2 Halloween episode. Playing on the groups individual fears was a good idea and in a way sets up for the rest of the season especially with regards to Xander's fears. I like that the show stuck to its Halloween tradition and kept all supernatural activity to the accidental one of a frat house. The ending was very funny and a nice contrast and inventive way to end the episode. (7/10)

A1.04 I Fall to Pieces

Another fairly standard damsel in distress storyline and it was a stalker one, which made it feel very similar to the first episode's plot. However the stalker was very creepy and the methods by which he stalked were suitably gross and interesting. The damsel herself was quite an interesting character and I liked what Kate mentioned about her needing to take back the power, as it showed that Angel couldn't just fight the stalker to protect her. The best bits of the episode were the Angel Investigation team banter. I love the way in which they are organically bonding this team together, in a way which is creating a lovely 'family' dynamic. (7/10)