Killed by Death

Killed by Death
3/3/98
guest stars: Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Richard Herd (Dr. Stanley Backer), Willie Garson (Security Guard), Andrew Ducote (Ryan), Juanita Jennings (Dr. Wilkinson), Mimi Paley (Little Buffy), Denise Johnson (Celia), James Jude Courtney (Der Kindestod)
Writer: Rob Des Hotel & Dean Batali
Director: Deran Sarafian

synopsis: not written yet.

.......... review: After the last four episodes, Killed by Death really didn't have a chance. It was the last episode before a long break, and came on the heels of Passion, one of the most emotionally charged episodes to date. That's not to say it was bad, it just wasn't quite up to the same standards as previous outings. After the death of Ms. Calendar, I would have rather seen an episode more along the lines of Halloween and BBB then the Freddie Kruger sendup offered tonight.
.......... The plot was really my only problem with the episode. It was entirely predictable, not particularly inventive, and the surreal parts were kinda boring. The monster was clearly taken right out of the Nightmare on Elm Street handbook, and his death was rather anticlimactic, plus it brought back painful memories of Jenny Calendar. (Not that I believe she's really dead.) I thought the writers should have better taste then another neck snap. There were some other references I would have liked to see: when they discussed the invisible creature, Cordy should have mentioned Marcie, and it would have been funny if one of the Doctors had looked quizzically at Giles or questioned him as to how Buffy knew about the vampires. Also, where has Oz been these past two weeks?? Willow hasn't even mentioned him. Finally, Willow and Xander seem to be okay again, when did that happen? I wanted to see them have it out. Maybe in the wake of Ms. Calendar's death and Buffy illness, they realized they couldn't fight amongst each other anymore.
.......... This episode was the plot driving the actions of the characters, and the plot was weak so the show suffered. But the characters were still charming, and made the show enjoyable.
.......... Angelus was used sparingly, thank god. I still want Angelus to die (Die, Angel, Die!!) But he was funny in this episode, in the cemetery with his taunting of Buffy. I loved his confrontation with Xander in the hospital also, Xander is becoming quite the man. I thought it was great to see Willow, Xander, and Cordy all band together to help Buffy, and I loved seeing them attack Angelus.
.......... I liked that Ms. Calendar was mentioned on several occasions, and I loved the scene between Joyce and Giles. This is two straight eps that I've liked Buffy's mom in, I don't know what's going on. I thought she was sweet to Giles, and I loved seeing her play servant to Buffy and Co. at the end.
.......... Alyson, as always, gave an amazing portrayal of Willow. The doctor scene had me rolling on the floor, and the frogs...And her reaction to the coffee, and hence to the doctors death made me feel for her. Everything she does, she does well. Sarah Michelle gave a consistent performance, although not as much fun as the rest the bad ass at the end was good. Delirious Buffy was humorous, I especially liked Giles reaction, though. Nicholas Brendon was excellent is his face off with Angelus, his relationship with Cordelia, and his devotion to Buffy. Xander is growing up, and becoming very responsible. There is definitely a Xander/Buffy future, anyone who doesn't see it is blind. Cordelia cares for Xander a great deal, but can't take back seat to Buffy forever.
.......... Speaking of which, the play between Cordelia and Giles was the highlight of the episode tonight. It is not a paring that you see often on this show, and they were so funny. Giles asking about tact (loved her response, btw), the gift (traditional among...people), and, the best, the "why do I have to have..." I guess Xander wasn't making fun of her enough so someone had to. I loved to see Giles get his digs in. Anthony Stewart Head was also good during the scenes where Ms. Calendar came up, his grief was still there, very real, but not overdone.
.......... Charisma gave an exceptional performance tonight. Loved the flirting with the security guard, ‘cause he was such a dork, and thought it was so sweet to bring Xander donuts (um, Krispy Kreme...will continue later after I dream of Krispy Kreme, especially with Charisma involved...)
.......... Anyway, she was so sweet also when she told Xander to "be careful," and so exciting to learn about all the monsters, and then to tell Buffy what she found out. She was almost as excited as Willow to learn the stuff, but of course would never admit to it. Charisma was definitely the highlight of the episode tonight, she is fast becoming an integral part of the group and valuable ally. Furthermore, her knack for the obvious and willingness to state it actually is an asset, even if it's not very tactful.
.......... All in all, the episode was enjoyable for being Buffy, but failed to grab me as past episodes go. The writing was good but the story was just too perfunctory. I never really liked Nightmare an Elm Street and didn't think the send off was really anything to write home about. Still, it kept me entertained for two viewing, so it didn't suck and it had a high Charisma quotient. 7/10

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