Now that was *so* much better than last week!
The pre-credits dream sequences were a laugh! ;0> Parker looked distinctively Mills & Boon-ish with that shirtless and flower-bearing thing going for him, huh? Knew the realisation of that dream was going to come up sooner or later - and though predictable, woo-hoo Buffy for smashing his head! ;0>
How obvious was it that Professor Walsh's "id" theory would come into play in this episode?! But you've gotta hand it to BtVS with their metaphorical depiction of the psychological, emotional, social and evolutionary impact of alcohol! Soooo much better than that crappy episode of Dawson's Creek when idiot-head got drunk on his 16th b'day, then vowed never to drink again. (Errr... my friends were watching it - I had no choice, I swear!)
OK, I hope "Beer Bad" wiped Buff's hands of the Parker problem. I mean, it's great to see Buffy's head finally shrinking and actually becoming confused in this new world of college, but - she got over Angel's departure sooner that this!
Sigh, Angel. Why doesn't she mention his name more? It's not so much to ask - just one little tine word - and instant boundless joy to multitudes of fans! I mean, wouldn't Parker's rejection make her reminisce about Angel? How wonderful she had it with him and stuff. This recent dilemma isn't about Buffy wanting Parker - but about Buffy in relation to men in general - and her search for love after Angel.
I liked how she seemed so clueless about what a user Parker was; naively hoping for reunion with his Sleaziness. It shows weak Buffy, Buffy who - shock, horror - doesn't know EVERYTHING anymore. And more importantly, it shows a Buffy who's been with someone who's completed and comforted her for so long that she is now at a loss as to how to cope with life alone.
Totally contradicting what I've just said though, I can understand, and am glad, that they haven't brought Angel up. Buffy (character and show) must learn to live without him and prove that she/it is strong in her/itself. Still, it doesn't been that us B/A shippers can't be friggin annoyed!
Congratulations to the writers though - they're doinga brillian job og introducing Riley slowly but surely into Buffy's life. Fingers crossed that they don't do a complete 180 later on though and make him suddenly really into her....
Go Willow! Yay, you tell that Parker off ;) Shamefully though, I have to admit, I found myself buying into his casual passion theory - plus, he's kinda cute! On the topic of the Willster, what *was* she wearing?!!! Ewww... No wonder she and Oz are having shippy problems.
And speaking of, how *hot* was the tension between Oz and Veruca! I'm sick of the puppiness of him and Will - bring on the wild animal in him, weregirl!
But boo Giles. They've totally stuffed up his character, (and wardrobe - where's that sexy tweed? :< ) - that's all there is to it. They've murdered Giles. Sniff.
Overall, an entertaining episode that contributed interesting insights into both character and plot development. Plus, great hair for everyone!
What's with Buffy this season though - she seems to be taking a rollercoaster ride in the personality theme park. First, she slowly loses her soul (Living Conditions), now she reverts to cave-Buffy, and later she gets infected by a love bug (Something Blue). Is this emotional chaos supposed to be metaphorical too?
Ahhhh! What's wrong with this season?! I'm ADORING Xander! He's just so *damn* SWEET! And not annoying. And funny. And supportive. And they *really* better not be pushing the him and Buffy together idea like it seems they are, because - ewwww!