Posts
Creatures called "The Gentlemen" take the voices of the residents of Sunnydale, leaving Buffy and the gang in silence.
***
WOW.
I've seen it before but I think maybe, because I was younger, some of the impact of this episode passed me by. I've always loved it, but holy crap this is amazing.
Joss Whedon is always applauded for his dialog. That's his calling card. So here, he's crafted an episode devoid of dialog for a full 30 minutes. The talking we get at the beginning is really only housekeeping, after all. There's no huge revelations for plot developments that take place in the first 14 minutes of this show.
But once the silence gets going, what amazes me watching it now is that it still feels just like Joss Whedon, even without the dialog. And it goes beyond that. This is probably the strongest show mythology episode we've seen this season. In one silent 30 minute period, we find out more about Tara, Tara and Willow share a connection, and Buffy and Riley find out about each other. Not to mention that we have all the hallmarks of a Buffy episode without there being speaking: Giles filling them all in on what they are facing and how to destroy it, Anya being horny, and Spike being defiant.
And how creepy are The Gentlemen? The way that they float along, the silver teeth, the constant smiling.
This really is an amazing and exceptional episode of an amazing and exceptional show. It's rare to get something so smart on television.
Rating: 10/10
2 comments:
what's too say. great episode, almost won an emmy. Awesome musical score. Very funny with the misunderstandings. And scary! But, for me it had a perfect ending..After everyone's voice is restored, Riley and Buffy (who couldn't speak all episode mind you) sit down and say "we have to talk" and then like 30 seconds of more silence and out. Perfect.
one of my favorite episodes so far!!!
I loved it,. it was down-right creepy!
COmedy with the over-head projector.
good good stuff.
Post a Comment