BtVS season 8 issue 3 - summary and analysis

[moscow_watcher]

Summary:

Issue 3 starts with issue 2 most discussed plot point: who's the man in Buffy's dream. Spike? Angel? Giles? Oops!! It's... Ethan Rayne! He calls her "love", "pet" and explains that they're in her subconsciousness. Or, as he puts it, "we're not in your dream, we're in your dreamspace". They go on a tour and the first thing they discover is the image that "will burn into our heads" as we've been promised. I won't even try to describe it: a picture's worth a thousand words.



In real life Willow and Amy continue their fight (these are panels used in the promo. Amy uses some mojo, mocks Willow ("you can't even put up a fight"). Willow explains that she's just absorbing Amy's magic to decode it - which she does and, miraculously, all zombies turn into gentlemen and invite slayers to dance.

Meanwhile Buffy's still trapped in a labyrinth of her subconsciousness represented by rows of cubes. Each side of each cube represents a pic of her past. (BAers may start to celebrate: there is no a single Spike image but there is one Angel pic and one "BuffyAngel4ever" inscription.) All "cube pics" focus on early years and feature Scoobies with the only exception of dead Joyce in The Body. And, curiously, pic of Joss.

...Willow\Amy standoff continues. "Say it with me now", Xander says, " Fe fi fo..."
"F5$#ing fum" finishes on the next panel Giant!Dawn, putting her foot on Amy. But instead of bloody mess we get Amy lying in a white coffin (obviously Dawn has a magic foot. Or a magic shoe. Whatever.)

Back to Buffy's dream - she and Ethan find Amy's rat cage and Ethan hints that it's Amy who trapped Buffy. Once there, Ethan finds himself inside weird cube-like contraption - three "pseudo-walls", made of criss-crosed bars looking like letter "X", but the fourth "pseudo-wall" isn't there. (Maybe "fourth wall" is an escape for Ethan who is a priest of Janus Gos of doors and gates.) "I'm more an antique Roman than a Dane", Ethan says. "Just remember what you see here. Twilight is coming. You're going to need all the help you can get. Pet."

Back to reality, Buffy's still asleep. Willow, Xander and a bunch of slayerettes stand around her bed. Long story short, Willow says "Buffy needs to be kissed by someone who's in love with her. And someone in this room is. They might not even have realised it and they probably don't want anyone to know about it. So everybody's gonna shut their eyes and keep 'em shut - if they want to keep 'em - and that person will step forward and give Buffy a kiss."

Next pic shows Xander saying "Okay?"

Next pic - Buffy's awake and she says she feels cinnamon buns on her lips.

Next panel features Giles having a conversation with a demon. Their meeting takes place in some kind of armoury with sculls and torches. Again, long story short, they agree that somebody frames up both demons and humans. "Three of our brood slain!" - exclaims demon, obviously talking about Buffy's attack in the lab in the first issue. Giles shows him the symbol of The New Initiative. Demon doesn't recognise it. They agree to keep each other informed.

Two small interludes: Andrew playing strip pocker with a bunch of slayerettes in Italy and Xander pep-talking Renee in the hospital - and we move to the basement where Willow prepares to interrogate Amy with Buffy watching her preparations. Amy appears to be unconscious, she floats in the green mist. Willow says she'll try to trace where Amy came from. Buffy asks Willow about Kennedy. "She died" Willow replies, and seeing Buffy's horrified face, explains "She's fine. Mystical thing, only lasted a month". But, obviously, they're not together anymore. "She's sort of in her own space, but it's cool".

Xander joins them and sees Buffy and Willow hugging. He "wants in". "Slow year, Xan?" teases Willow, echoing Buffy's words from "that" panel. Buffy realises that she said "slow year" in her dream and asks "Hey! who kissed me?" Willow changes the topic - "Hold up guys, I'm getting a reaction".

Willow starts to "read" Amy's sponsors ("A military installation? Oh, if the Initiative is back...") while Amy opens a portal that sucks in both Amy and Willow. Willow finds herself tied to a table in a lab. Amy's boyfriend approaches. "I can't tell you how long I've waited for this," he says. "Well, I can. To the hour. Killing Buffy Summers is gonna be a party. She pissed me off more than a little. But you, Rosenberg..."

And - the last panel:

"You really got under my skin". It's Warren. Skin-less. With a saw in his hand.

(To be concluded)

Analysis:

"Back to school years" mood becomes more and more clear. Joss revisits his season 1 triangle - Buffy-Xander-Willow. Buffy's subconsciousness is focusing on school years. But, at the same time comics tries to be "very adult" with f-word and a panel with threesome sex. Why not? It's fun. Fun because for the first time in many years I'm interested in the story, not the characters. I'm equally happy with any ship Joss will throw into the mix. I don't worry for these drawed people. I know they'll be fine.

So...

In a newly_legion poll re "kiss of true love" I voted for Willow and here I'll try to explain why. First, I remember many fics that mention that Willow smells cinnamon. Second, after "that" image Joss needs something really sensational to one-up himself. Third factor is Willow's behavior. She's very fierce when she tells people to shut their eyes. She tells Buffy she isn't with Kennedy. She changes the topic of the conversation when Buffy asks who kissed her.

I may be wrong, though: Xander also is a very strong candidate. I'm still looking forward for Bander.

I think my dear chani and other Githan shippers are ecstatic and I congratulate them! It would be great to see Ethan Rayne's redemptive arc. I suspect that Joss had it in mind for a long time and planned his story for TV show Ripper in 2001. I hope Ethan repeating many Spikisms in Buffy's dream isn't a coincidence but is an indication that he'll follow Spike's route and first will become Scoobies reluctant ally and then will get full redemption.

Ethan's cube with three X is an intriguing charade. Criss-crossed bars looking like letter "X", may be virtual walls that confine him within the cube. The fourth virtual wall isn't there. The fourth wall is a theatrical term : it's the imaginary invisible wall at the front of the stage in a proscenium theater, through which the audience sees the action in the world of the play.
Interestingly, Ethan worships Janus the god of gates, doors, doorways, beginnings, and endings.
Maybe "fourth wall" is a promise of an escape for Ethan?

"I'm more an antique Roman than a Dane"

Hmmm... I'm as clueless as Buffy here.

Edited:
mrs_underhill identified a quote from Hamlet. Horatio says it to Hamlet while trying to drink poison in the end, but Hamlet wants him to live and tell the tale.
I couldn't recognize the quote because I read Hamlet in Russian translation, where this phrase sounds differently: "I am a Roman but my soul is Dane". I should have made the connection, though...


The most interesting aspect of the comics is the groundword for human\demon cooperation against the new Initiative. So far, all the bad guys are\were humans who have been playing both demons and slayers and them fight each other.

I wonder if we'll find out who kissed Buffy at the end of issue 4 or we'll have to wait till the issue 50.
...

Comments

[lusciousxander.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed this issue, it's my favorite so far. It has my favorite Buffy panel (the last one of her, pissed, messy hair, on the floor and pouty because she couldn't save Willow, she looked so cute!) More hints at Andrew's sexuality prefernces, a cuuuuuuute Xander/Renee scene, and interesting Giles subplot, ETHAN!!!!!!!!!! I'm not sure how I feel about Warren coming back, but he sure scared me skinless.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

I enjoyed it too. I love the cheesiness of the plot and I think I start to get used of the pace of the development of the story. After the first issue I was gnashing teeth, but now I'm OK with month-long waiting. Although I'd love to know the ending right now.

[red-sunflower.livejournal.com]

Great review, I think you managed to answer the questions I had about this issue.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Thanks - I think this season will be funny!

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

I'm incredibly cynical re: Joss so I never take any of his shipping references the least bit seriously any longer. They're all there to tweak and titillate shippers and will never amount to a hill of beans.

I said I was cynical, right?

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Funny, when I saw "that" panel I hadn't thought about ships. My first thought was "Joss has a midlife crisis".

[cellardor.livejournal.com]

I am hoping for Xander's kiss but am being swayed by the possibility of Willow. I don't remember the cinnamon stuff and have being trying to place it, seeing as it must be there for a reason. I'm thinking Xander may be too obvious now.

Is it me, or do Spike and Angel not look like they're enjoying themselves in that pic? Angel looks almost pained, Spike a bit bored.

Looking forward to finding out where Willow has been and what's up with her. (Hopefully Kennedy is long gone.)

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Is it me, or do Spike and Angel not look like they're enjoying themselves in that pic? Angel looks almost pained, Spike a bit bored.

I've got the impression that B\A pose parodies their classic promo pic from season 2. Angel always looked pained and broody back then. As to Spike he looks mildly amused to me. :)

Hopefully Kennedy is long gone

Who's Kennedy? *evil grin*

[mrs-underhill.livejournal.com]

Two things: I guessed when Dawn crushed Amy Willow interfered and put her in the magic force field, to keep her alive. So Amy was saved with magic.
And these words: "I'm more an antique Roman than a Dane" - are from Hamlet. Horatio says it to Hamlet while trying to drink poison in the end, but Hamlet wants him to live and tell the tale. What does it mean for Ethan? Have no idea.
But I'm glad Ethan's back. Not sure about his redemption though. But now I see Giles having something interesting to do, and that's great!
That image... Ah. Folks are already making icons. :) I think Buffy is a nurse in that picture not just for kink but for comfort also - that's how she might see herself. And the boys do look broody and in need of comfort.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Thanks for "Hamlet" quote - I edited my post.

Ethan... I don't know. I like the guy. I want to see Gitan as a Watcher version of Spangel.

I think Buffy is a nurse in that picture not just for kink but for comfort also - that's how she might see herself.

I remember Buffy being fond of "doctor and nurse" kink with Riley... Pity they cut her line "I'll nurse you back to health. I'll wear the nurse outfit!" in her scene with Spike in Intervention

[uglybusiness.livejournal.com]

Thank you both for the spoilers and analysis. I love reading your reviews, and this one wasn't an exception :)

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Thanks, sweetie!
Joss will always give something to talk about, won't he? :)

[shapinglight]

As a Spangel 'shipper, I feel all justified by this comic. Angel only has eyes for Spike in that piccy.

[mrs-underhill.livejournal.com]

Also - we can't see the boys' other hands, so who knows what they are doing with them? ;)

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Hee! I think Joss has given slashers much, much more than they could even dream of! Naughty Joss.

[aheartfulofyou.livejournal.com]

SERIOUSLY. I was so excited, purely for my Angel/Spike shippiness.

The first thing I said was, "Where's Angel's other hand? Where's Spike's other hand? Oh, I THINK I KNOW." Actually I said this directly to my father, who was concerned. And then asserted he'd prefer to see a girl/guy/girl threesome. And then I went away. :D

[cursedfire.livejournal.com]

I think Joss is having because he has no tv censors in front of him.

That "panel" is definitely awesome.


It's definitely awesome. It's all I can say. I'll be back though.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

I think Joss is having because he has no tv censors in front of him.

I agree. I wonder how censorship works in publishing industry. Obviously you can feature a threesome if all the danglies are hidden. Obviously you can imply a f-word if you code it. :)

That "panel" is definitely awesome.

Bwahaha! Especially the erupting volcano in the backbround!!!

[fenchurche.livejournal.com]

Willow was actually my guess, as well... especially since Joss seemed to want to hint that it could be Xander with the following panel and I can't see him being that straightforward about it. Plus, Xander had a chance earlier to kiss her and break the spell and, knowing the requirements, didn't take it.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Hee! Just imagine how all the previous seasons may be reinvented in this new light! It's even bigger than the Fool For Love retcon about Spike loving Buffy from season 2. It imparts a new spin to all seven seasons!

[yourlibrarian]

Yes, I'm also looking forward to more Ethan. One thing that's so great in the comics is that anyone can come back at any time as the story suits -- not always possible in live-action.

Yes, there have been a number of Shakespeare quotations in the comics so far, and I don't know if that's a clue or just Joss getting to write as he wants.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

I suppose Robin Sachs would have agreed to come back to the show any time. Joss just had to ask. But, of course, making him fly though Buffy's dreams would have been more difficult...

I hope Ethan is reluctant good guy of season 8.

[liliaeth]

Honestly, everything I hear about this comic makes me happy I'm not wasting any money on it. It sounds like crap and what I've seen of Buffy in it, makes her sound like an emptyheaded bimbo with little or no redeeming facets. And that definitely is not the Buffy I liked in the show.

To not even start on the scoobie love that makes me want to vomit. The first three seasons of the show were my least favorite, and I'd much prefer a focus on later seasons. Though not on either Warren or Andrew.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

What I can say? Thank God we have fanfics. There are many excellent Spuffy archives, great Spuffy writers and awesome Spuffy communities!

[aheartfulofyou.livejournal.com]

Hm. Your argument for the Willow/Buffy kiss is interesting, even though I don't know how I'd feel about it. I guess it'd be okay, but... Willow in love with Buffy? Eh. I never got that from them. But I wouldn't be horrified if it happened. I'd just empathize with Willow less. I'm not in love with my best friend who's a girl, I'm in love with my second best friend who's a girl. That sort of thing. XD

I literally screamed (a little) when I saw The Picture. And then I cracked up.

I like your review! :)

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

A kiss of true love in a room with one guy and a bunch of girls *needs* to be subverted. :)

[2maggie2.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the summary and analysis! I've got my money on Willow as the secret kisser, too.

One other comment:

Meanwhile Buffy's still trapped in a labyrinth of her subconsciousness represented by rows of cubes. Each side of each cube represents a pic of her past. (BAers may start to celebrate: there is no a single Spike image but there is one Angel pic and one "BuffyAngel4ever" inscription.) All "cube pics" focus on early years and feature Scoobies with the only exception of dead Joyce in The Body. And, curiously, pic of Joss.

There are other late-season cubes. One of Caleb; one of some slayerettes and eye-patch Xander; one of Buffy and Riley. Given this, I think the absence of a Spike image is significant, but not the way B/A shippers would like. Spike was too important not to be there, even if Angel is her twu wuv. I mean, Spike saved the world, had the flaming-hand moment with her, sided with her when *everyone* else abandoned her, got his soul for her, etc. etc. If *none* of that registers, and all she takes away from her five years of engaging with Spike one way or another is him as a co-star in her personal porno flic, then she's an intensely shallow bitch. Since I don't see that either, I'm thinking there is something up with his absence.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

You're right about Caleb! I totally gorgottrn about him!

As to Bangel vs Spuffy, we can always counter that there are two cupids at Spike's side and only one - at Angel's side. Spike's cupids are enjoying the show while Angel's cupid keeps his watch with a bow in his hands. :)))

[yaycoffee.livejournal.com]

I thought the "antique Roman than a Dane" line was in reference XXX being either porn or Vin Diesel line... suggesting porn over action. As a funny. But I didn't really think about it much.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Hee! I assumed Ethan wanted to say that Buffy's reference to Vin Diesel is as obscure for him as his Shakespeare quote for him. On a second thought, could it mean that physically he's still impisoned in The Initiative? Vin Diesel's first big movie, Pitch Black, had opened in USA shortly after Ethan's capture.