Episode 128 – Life is Long When You’re Eternal

Episodes discussed: Doctor Who Series 8 Recap and Angel 2×12 Blood Money.

Doctor Who Series 8 Recap

In our traditional recap, we discuss the broader themes and character development of Doctor Who series 8. Discussion points include:

• Including Christmas in the seasonal arc
• Clara’s almost-exits
• Favorite episodes
• What do we make of Orson Pink?
• Standalones and cliffhangers

Blood Money

Written by Shawn Ryan & Mere Smith; Directed by R.D. Price

Angel meets Buffy’s old classmate “Anne” while attempting to sabotage a charitable benefit held by Wolfram & Hart. Discussion points includes:

• The reappearance of Anne
• The continuing rivalry
• Selfish altruism
• Lawyers and vampires
• Lindsey & Lilah’s superfluousness
• The team starts to gel

Next time: Buffy 5×13 Blood Ties and Doctor Who 9×1 The Magician’s Apprentice.

Episode 127 – Interrogate Everything

Episodes discussed: Buffy 5×12 Checkpoint and Doctor Who 8×13 Last Christmas

Checkpoint

Written by Douglas Petrie & Jane Espenson; Directed by Nick Marck

The Watchers Council arrives in Sunnydale to advise Buffy on how to deal with Glory. Discussion points include:

• The Watchers try to regain control
• Set up for failure
• The power of information
• Is Spike trustworthy?
• The Knights of Byzantium
• “Well, of course he’s attractive!”

Last Christmas

Written by Steven Moffat; Directed by Paul Wilmshurst

Santa Claus appears on Clara’s roof, warning her and the Doctor that they are in danger. Discussion points includes:

• A dreamlike beginning
• Santa vs. the Dream Lord
• The crew (especially Shona)
• Tangerines and second chances
• Clara goes deeper into her lies
• Clara grows old

Next time: Doctor Who Series 8 Recap and Angel 2×12 Blood Money.

Episode 126 – Dead Already? Bad Soldiers!

Episodes discussed: Doctor Who 8×12 Death in Heaven and Angel 2×11 Redefinition

Death in Heaven

Written by Steven Moffat; Directed by Rachel Talalay

The ghosts of the dead rise as Cybermen while the Doctor confronts Missy. Discussion points include:

• Clara Who
• Danny’s despair
• Cybermen, death and ghosts
• Missy’s dangerous friendship
• Warrior in Chief
• A pair of lies

Redefinition

Written by Mere Smith; Directed by Michael Grossman

Angel sets off to kill Darla and Dru once and for all while his friends figure out what to do with their lives since their firing. Discussion points includes:

• Gunn’s changing attitude
• Cordy’s anger and Wesley’s acceptance
• The Host is in tune
• The problematic monologue
• Going medieval on Darla & Dru
• Advancing in Wolfram & Hart

Next time: Buffy 5×12 Checkpoint and Doctor Who 8×13 Last Christmas.

Episode 125 – They Have a Miraculous Love

Episodes discussed: Buffy 5×11 Triangle and Doctor Who 8×11 Dark Water

Triangle

Written by Jane Espenson; Directed by Christopher Hibler

Willow and Anya find their patience for each other wearing thin when they watch the magic store in Giles’ absence. Discussion points include:

• Humor and Buffy’s acceptance
• Giles appeals to the Council
• Anya vs. Willow
• Oafish Olaf
• The strongest couple in the Buffyverse
• Spike’s troubling obsession

Dark Water

Written by Steven Moffat; Directed by Rachel Talalay

In the wake of a tragedy, Clara and the Doctor take a trip to hell. Discussion points includes:

• Clara goes dark
• The problem of a boring death
• The Doctor’s forgiveness
• The revelatory Missy
• Exploring the Nethersphere
• The ghostly Cybermen

Next time: Doctor Who 8×12 Death in Heaven and Angel 2×11 Redefinition.