Buffy 7.16 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Storyteller.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to Jane Espenson (“First Date”).
What does TV Guide say?
“Andrew (Tom Lenk) irritates the Scoobies by filming their activities for a documentary on Buffy as Sunnydale High is rocked by a sudden outbreak of student violence; Xander and Anya reconsider their relationship. Crying Girl: Corin Amber Norton. Stressed-Out Boy: Alan Loayza. Feral Teen: T.W. Leshner. Jonathan: Danny Strong. Warren: Adam Busch.”
Does Andrew irritate all the Scoobies or just Buffy?
Just Buffy.
Is it safe to assume Dawnie needs rescuing from the growing student violence?
Sort of. “Amanda, Dawn,” orders Buffy, “you're gonna stay home from school today.”
Xander and Anya have exhibited a great horniness during the last two episodes. Is there “ex sex”?
Yes. “It felt, um, it felt like a one-more-time. I think maybe we're really over. Which is - it's good, right? I mean, we, now we can move on.”
The other Nerds of Doom are back?
Yes, but not via Morphy. There are flashbacks, and many amusing Andrew fantasies!
Any news on the “potential guy” front?
Kennedy clearly isn’t as freaked out about the spooky side of Willow. There is much lesbianic making-out.
Are there even more potentials this week?
Maybe. The only speaking slayerettes we see this week are Kennedy, Amanda and Rona. Two or three silent potentials are also glimpsed.
Does Wood stake Spike?
There is motive and almost an opportunity. Wood finds himself with stake in hand, and Spike’s back turned.
Have Willow and Kennedy progressed beyond smoochage?
There’s no real evidence.
Is Giles off collecting more potentials?
Giles’ absence this week is just as mysterious as his absence last week.
Does Herc think there will be a spinoff next season starring Eliza Dushku as Faith?
No. He believes Team Whedon will be shopping another kind of “Buffy” spinoff this spring.
What’s good?
Andrew generally, and the peeks into his rich fantasy life in particular. (What is, was and could have been look very difference through his eyes.) “We are as goddddds!” “In my plan, we are beltless!” Buffy’s efficiency (and frustration) as she puts out the fires at school, her actions so evocative of “Life Serial.” And, speaking of past episodes, there a nifty – if fleeting - homage to season one’s “Out of Mind, Out of Sight.”
What’s not so good?
This is a comic episode, but I think “First Date” might have been a little funnier.
How does it end, spoiler-boy?
“There's a big fight coming, and I don't know what's gonna happen. I don't even think I'm gonna live through it. That's, uh, probably the way it should be. I guess I..."
Herc’s rating for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” 7.16?
***1/2
The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
- ***** better than we deserve
- **** better than most motion pictures
- *** actually worth your valuable time
- ** as horrible as most stuff on TV
- * makes you quietly pray for bulletins
8 p.m. Tuesday. UPN.
- ***** better than we deserve
- **** better than most motion pictures
- *** actually worth your valuable time
- ** as horrible as most stuff on TV
- * makes you quietly pray for bulletins
8 p.m. Tuesday. UPN.
