Phew! What a relief. After last season's dreary opener, I was afraid that Buffy's 4th Season Opener would be another snoozefest. Her malaise at the beginning of the episode had me sweating it out.
Luckily, Sunday and her pack of slacker vamps showed up just in a nick of time to put some bite in the proceedings. Sunday’s bitchy comments about freshmen reminded me of the scariest sorority girls from my college days.
Of course, the most frightening aspect of the show had to be Buffy’s roommate from hell. Anyone who’s lived in a dorm can relate to the insurmountable dread of living with a Celine fan.
My favorite moment of the episode, though, was Xander’s pep talk. When he told Buffy that she’s his hero, I admittedly teared up. This guy can really be a sweetie when he puts his mind to it. And what about that Ladies Club story? Can we hope for a flashback sequence (don’t forget how good he looked in that speedo from the “Go Fish” episode!)
Overall, a great setup to a challenging new season for the Buffster. This show really looks like it’s up to the challenge of allowing it’s characters to grow and move through their lives while retaining the chemistry and wit that makes it such a joy to watch in the first place.
Rating: 
Okay, I definitely had my doubts about Angel’s ability to carry his own show. In the final episodes of Buffy’s previous season, his scenes with the Slayer sucked all the life out of the show. They had simply hit the point of no return in their relationship…and it showed.
However, the series opener of his new show reminds me of what I liked about him in the first place. The character of Angel is a great mixture of Batman, Lestat and James Dean. The fact that creator Joss Whedon has thrown in a little humor only adds to the fun. For example, when Angel attempts the cool move of saving the damsel in distress by jumping into his sleek open-top hotrod, he instead jumps into the wrong car. That, and the fact that the girl in question actually gets killed adds up to a hero who is anything but perfect. And let’s now forget his desire to dine on the lasses that he’s actually saving. Talk about an inner conflict!
Of course, the thing that really guarantees I’ll love this show is the presence of Cordelia. What a perfect fit! Her character seems less forced in the dark and dangerous world of Los Angeles. Let’s face it, the only reason she hung out with the Scooby Gang, was that she’s turned on by violence.
As for the little Billy Baldwin lookalike demon, only time will tell if he develops into more than an annoyance. Some advice: less mystery; more humor.
My favorite moment would have to be when Angel called Buffy and hung up without saying a word. Talk about a clever crossover. If you could watch that without feeling something, then you’re more heartless than a universe-destroying demon.
Okay, after only one episode, I’m totally hooked.
Rating: 1/2
