Slaying 'em In The Aisles

Sydney Morning Herald

Monday August 16, 1999

Buffy

On Seven, Mondays at 10.30 pm.

DO you get the feeling we're kind of in a rut?" Buffy asks her 240-year-old vampire boyfriend in this week's episode. Sure, that could happen, considering their love was consummated just once, with the unfortunate consequence that Angel got sent to hell for a hundred years. This was after he turned evil and tried to kill Buffy, but she killed him first. If this is the rut they speak of, I must be in a deep pit on my way to the Earth's core.

This relationship drama can only be a passing concern for Buffy the slayer, as danger presents itself in the form of Mayor Wilkins and his imminent ascension to greater demondom. (Could this be his chance for presidency?)

Poor Buff is also in the middle of a teen crisis, and seeking her freedom from Sunnydale she takes the fight to the mayor. The drama unfolds around the arrival of the necessary tool for the mayor's ascension, being some kind of demonic force in a treasure-chest-like box. Agreeing attack is the best defence, the Buffy camp pits slayer against slayer, with Faith, sworn to the dark side as the mayor's evil helper, all powerful in leather and lace.

Plenty of feisty dialogue, including a fab quote from the Buffster wondering why she can't just be "proactive with pep". A line to be taken for a serious spin at the office. There are lots of fighting sequences worthy of a good hearty cheer, such as a roof entrance to City Hall in Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible style.

Even if the whole Angel/Buffy thing isn't enough to keep you fixated (could this be?), there is Willow's kidnapping, Faith's jealousy and a damn fine insult-slinging fest between Zander and Cordelia. Speaking of Cordelia, what's her deal? Could there be something darker bothering her other than flawless accessorising?

It's an episode that raises all the big questions: Will Buffy stay in Sunnydale? Will Willow escape? Will Angel keep wearing those leather pants?

One thing is certain: Buffy pulls it off looking sleek and fabulous. Girl power as it was meant to be.

Joanne Driscoll,

Balmain.

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