Disappointment on the lack of Angelicness, but this episode, although being so predictable that I found myself reciting the lines before they were spoken on the screen, was one of the better season one attempts so far.

I'm guessing this was the token Xander episode of the season, and although that should ordinarily get my hand drawing a big black cross, I actually (cough) liked him in this ep! Now, before you go holding me to that, understand that the reason for that is because he was possessed by a hyena spirit thing and became non-Xander cool-guy. We got to see this regular geek's coolio potential, and wow! Even with that daggy gear on, his stare could melt a girl - yes, I found myself almost drooling. Shame - Xander, ick! Fave scene would have to be that of Xander and the pack walking through the courtyard: slow-mo mood music. Everything in that scene worked really well, and it almost reached real Buffy quality level; a hint of things to come.

But what the heck was Xander talking about when he said that Angel was "mean"?! In all our sightings of 'The Messenger', he's been kind at best, suave at worst. Get a life and a sense of perspective, Xander you idiot. Some things just never change. Have to say though, I really like the scene where he attacked Buffy; haven't seen that predatory, sensual side of him before. (Gee, I wonder why.)

Willow: awww. Felt so sorry for her when Xander inulted her "pasty face", bastard. But sooo glad she's upping on the self-esteem nowadays! Oh, and anyone else notice the parallel with Xander, possessed by a killer animal, being locked up in the library cage, and a certain future guitar-playing/werewolf boyfriend? Hmmm...

Buffy: What is *with* her wardrobe?! OK, I know early 90's fashion was bad, but *come on*! Technicals - Buffy fighting. Hahaha! Did ya notice when she was fighting the zoo keeper at the end, how her hair conveniently covered her face for the frontal shots? Well, at least they were *trying* to convince us it was she who was fighting, back then. Cf. the shocking stunt work in the latter half of Season 3!

Bitties: Giles - ouch! But get used to the battered and beaten look, hunny; you're gonna be seeing a lot of it. OK, who the hell was that gorgeous brunette guy leading the Pack?! It was driving me and my friends *crazy* all through the episode, but we still haven't figured it out. Aaaaahhhh!

Glad they got rid of Principle Flutey: he was really annoying me. Just missing Snyder, I guess. If we're going for a deep and meaningful analysis of this ep, I guess it was supposed to portray the brutal mental and social victimisation which takes place among the youth of today, in a society where one is defined by the image they assume and the people, or lack thereof, with whom they associate. But really, I guess it was just about a bunch of hypnotised teens who were hungry.