Episode 168 – Let’s Make with the Fun

Episodes discussed: BSG 2×9 Flight of the Phoenix and Buffy 6×9 Smashed

Time Stamps: BSG 00:00-1:01:20; Buffy 1:01:20 to the end

Flight of the Phoenix

Written by Bradley Thompson & David Weddle; Directed by Michael Nankin

While the CIC crew try to eliminate a computer virus which has infected the BSG, Chief Tyrol leads the deck crew in a project to raise everyone’s spirits. Discussion points include:

• Snapping under pressure
• Helo ostracized
• Sharon’s humanity
• The Chief’s passion project
• Telling them what they need to hear
• Tyrol and Sharon save the day

Smashed

Written by Drew Z. Greenberg; Directed by Turi Meyer

When Amy is turned back into a human she and Willow start experimenting more heavily with magic. Discussion points includes:

• Intuitive magic
• Willow unleashed!
• Where is everybody?
• Buffy and Spike’s relationship escalates
• Watch out for the responsible ones
• Buffy a demon?

Next time: Buffy 6×10 Wrecked and BSG 2×10 Pegasus.

Episode 167 – They Will Keep All Peril from You

Episodes discussed: Angel 3×9 Lullaby and BSG 2×8 Final Cut

Time Stamps: Angel 00:00-59:00; BSG 59:00 to the end

Lullaby

Written and Directed by Tim Minear

Darla goes into labor while Holtz comes to get his revenge on Angel. Discussion points include:

• Holtz’s tragedy
• The twisted lullaby
• The cosmic convergence
• Unpredictable prophecies
• Darla’s feels
• The Darth Vader moment

Final Cut

Written by Mark Verheiden; Directed by Robert M. Young

An investigative journalist shoots a documentary about the crew of the BSG. Discussion points includes:

• Investigative journalism in the fleet
• Kat’s emotional breakdown
• Tigh’s downfall
• Getting to know the secondary characters
• There are no replacements
• D’Anna’s respect for humanity

Next time: Buffy 6×9 Smashed and BSG 2×9 Flight of the Phoenix.

Episode 166 – Balderdash and Chicanery

Episodes discussed: BSG 2×7 Home: Part 2 and Buffy 6×8 Tabula Rasa

Time Stamps: BSG 00:00-1:08:23; Buffy 1:08:23 to the end

Home: Part 2

Written by David Eick and Ronald D. Moore; Directed by Jeffrey Woolnough

While on a mission with Sam’s resistance, Starbuck is shot and wakes up in an unknown hospital. Discussion points include:

• Nonbelievers interpreting scripture
• Roslin’s push to the finish line
• Acknowledgement and reconciliation
• Future President Billy
• Sharon and Helo’s reintegration
• Sharon, but a different Sharon

Tabula Rasa

Written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner; Directed by David Grossman

The Scoobies declare their innermost feelings in song when a demon puts a musical spell on Sunnydale. Discussion points includes:

• Silliness without resolution
• Giles breaks his sad news
• Buffy’s depression
• Willow’s betrayal
• Wacky hijinks ensue
• Everyone runs away

Next time: Angel 3×9 Lullaby and BSG 2×8 Final Cut.

Episode 165 – She Wants Her Baby to Live

Episodes discussed: Angel 3×8 Quickening and BSG 2×6 Home: Part 1

Time Stamps: Angel 00:00-56:40; BSG  56:41 to the end

Quickening

Written by Jeffrey Bell; Directed by Skip Schoolnik

While on a mission with Sam’s resistance, Starbuck is shot and wakes up in an unknown hospital. Discussion points include:

• Holtz’s tragic backstory
• The “chosen” family
• History download
• Wolfram & Hart nonsense
• The baby cult
• Angel and Darla reverse roles

Home: Part 1

Written by David Eick; Directed by Sergio Mimica-Gerzzan

The Scoobies declare their innermost feelings in song when a demon puts a musical spell on Sunnydale. Discussion points includes:

• The motley Kobol crew
• Zarek moves away from myth
• Lee vs. Sam
• Sincerity and ruthlessness
• The dissolution of rank
• Dee calls the family home

Next time: BSG 2×7 Home: Part 2 and Buffy 6×8 Tabula Rasa.