Episode 131 – I Want to Kiss It to Death

Episodes discussed: Buffy 5×14 Crush and Doctor Who 9×3 Under the Lake

Crush

Written by David Fury; Directed by Daniel Attias

Spike’s titular crush on Buffy results in a dangerous confrontation. Discussion points include:

• Who’s crushing on whom
• Chip vs. soul
• Can (or does) Spike love Buffy?
• Spike’s romantic misogyny
• Xander’s disappointment
• Victim blaming

Under the Lake

Written by Toby Whithouse; Directed by Daniel O’Hara

The Doctor and Clara confront a bunch of ghosts in an underwater base. Discussion points includes:

• Underwater science
• Artificial ghosts
• Clara’s disconnection from home
• The Doctor talks about feelings
• Talking without saying anything
• Cass’ contribution

Next time: Doctor Who 9×4 Before the Flood and Angel 2×14 The Thin Dead Line.

Episode 130 – He’s an Energy Sucker

Episodes discussed: Doctor Who 9×2 The Witch’s Familiar and Angel 2×13 Happy Anniversary.

The Witch’s Familiar

Written by Steven Moffat; Directed by Hettie Macdonald

Following the cliffhanger, the Doctor has a showdown with Davros in an effort to save Clara. Discussion points include:

• Who are the magician, the witch, the apprentice, and the familiar?
• The nationalism of good men
• Clara’s passivity
• The acceptance of the Hanged Man
• Why the Doctor always wins
• Compassion and mercy

Happy Anniversary

Written by David Greenwalt; Directed by Bill Norton

With the Doctor missing, Clara is forced to team up with Missy to find him. Discussion points includes:

• An awkward & unsatisfying relationship
• The melody of life
• The Host takes initiative
• Finding your path
• Growth and stagnation
• Wesley’s deductions

Next time: Buffy 5×14 Crush and Doctor Who 9×3 Under the Lake.

Episode 129 – Big Bad Looking Over Her Shoulder

Episodes discussed: Buffy 5×13 Blood Ties and Doctor Who 9×1 The Magician’s Apprentice

Blood Ties

Written by Steven S. DeKnight; Directed by Michael Gershman

Dawn enlists Spike in helping her discover her true nature. Discussion points include:

• Teenage paranoia
• Coming clean
• Spike tags along
• The YA aesthetic
• Glory = Ben, maybe?
• Willow’s powerful spell

The Magician’s Apprentice

Written by Steven Moffat; Directed by Hettie Macdonald

With the Doctor missing, Clara is forced to team up with Missy to find him. Discussion points includes:

• Would you kill baby Davros?
• The Doctor’s best friend
• “Cheap and nasty time travel”
• Meditation and silliness
• Davros’ powerlessness
• Opening with a bang

Watch the prequel “The Doctor’s Meditation.”

Next time: Doctor Who 9×2 The Witch’s Familiar and Angel 2×13 Happy Anniversary.