BtVS: 3.03 Faith, Hope and Trick

Alisa says:
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say there's a new slayer in town.

I'm loving Oz so much in this rewatching. I think that's a sign of a good ensemble cast show that you can watch it over and over and enjoy the storylines from different character perspectives each time. I love how Oz is so unflappable, often steps in as referee and whilst so cool and calm, finds empathy for most people in most situations.

Whilst this is another Monster of the Week episode, and random boy of the week (is Hope in here purely for the use of his name in the episode title?) there is much meta arc development afoot. Firstly the most divine Faith joins the cast - yay! Secondly we see Joyce start to accept Buffy for who she is and the enormity of the role she plays:

When did you die? You never told me that you died.

I've tried to march in the Slayer Pride Parade

And finally we get the unbelievable hot naked and sweaty Angel leap onto the screen at the very end! Angel! He is not dead!!! And wouldn't you know it, just like they tell me all the time, just when Buffy is starting to move on and past him, he shows back up. Typical!

Rachel says:
Yeah, a new slayer in town wearing the worst outfit ever committed to film. That's a seriously unfortunate first impression, but you know, it's meant to be. We're not supposed to like her. And even though we do, I think it's only because of all the weight the character has built up over the years. Here, not so much. She's shallow and self-centred, tough, but not lovable.

The character I really love in this episode is Mr Trick. And I'm so glad, out of all the bit parts (Scott especially), he's the one that we get to see more of. His big picture, high tech approach to everything is very inspiring.

As for Angel returning from the undead/dead? Thank goodness for it. I was sick of all the dream sequences to justify Boreanaz's spot in the opening credits.