Buffy Between the Lines

A Review of Episode 7 – Fractures, Frogs & Fuzzy Sweaters

In the wake of their first loss following Buffy, the Scoobies seem shaken. None more so than the gang’s newly appointed leader, Willow. In the latest episode, “Fractures, Frogs and Fuzzy Sweaters,” we watch as she continues to delve into magicks that are growing steadily blacker. Meanwhile the Trio accidentally unleashes a plague of frogs onto the town of Sunnydale.

But this episode isn’t just magic bones and funny frog fears. There’s something dark running below the surface. Willow’s magick addiction has taken a hold of her. And people are noticing. While her friends may still tiptoe around the subject, there’s one individual who certainly won’t hold his tongue. The confrontation between Spike and Willow is heated. And Spike’s vehement concern for Dawn’s safety is heartfelt and sincere.

And in a rather shocking turn of events, we also learn that it was in fact Xander who first broached the subject of bringing Buffy back. “Chapter 60, onwards.” He says quietly to Willow while she lies in bed, stunned. “Think about it.” Well, I certainly will.

We all know what a huge project Buffy Between the Lines is, made particularly more difficult by the time frame of season one. Buffy’s season six is most notably the darkest of the series. So to preface that, can’t exactly be a walk in the park. So far through the show’s seven episodes, this extremely talented team of writers has managed to bridge the gap between seasons five and six; continuing and building relationships, foreshadowing, and throwing in a few surprise twists. And they deserve huge thanks and recognition for all their hard work and skill. If these crazy kids can do this much with season one, I most certainly can’t wait to see what they come up with for season two!

Quote of the Episode Award goes to:

Andrew: Ever since Candyce died, I…I mean, It’s like Luke was abandoned by his Leia. It’s like Mulder with no Sculley. J.D. without a Dr. Cox. I’m a broken man, I tell you! I’m broken and aimless without, without aim!

Kim and Tabz catch you up on some news about Buffy Between the Lines and read/answer some feedback!

Links:

DragonCon Live show! at DragonCon – Saturday, August 30th in Atlanta, GA @ 2:30 p.m. in the Podcasting Track

BBTL Fanfic Contest! Deadline May 15th!

Undead America

Promo: SteamPod

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by Tabitha Grace Smith

The Scoobies are still on their search for Dawn while the foundations of the group fracture even more. The Navajo Spirits continue to watch and are troubled by Javert’s progress. Meanwhile, Dawn makes a plea that could lead to the end of the Scoobies as we know it. Oh, and there are kittens… Really.

The full script is available as a PDF.

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A Review of Episode 6 – Followed Footsteps

Sunnydale has been home to more than one wanna-be-bad. So when the Scoobies meet up with Javert and finally get the scoop on his plan o’destruction, it’s not surprising that they don’t immediately start quaking with fear. (Get it? Quake…oh, never mind.) After all, what’s a little earthquake when you’ve already faced down 5 apocalypses?

In Episode 6, “Followed Footsteps,” we finally learn the story behind this season’s Big Bad. After a night of heavy drinking back in 1940s France, we learn that Spike got a little more than he bargained for from his midnight snack.. After unknowingly siring the young Javert, he disappears and sets into motion the chain of events that will lead to tragedy for the Scooby gang.

While in the present, the scoobs continue to spin further away from each other as they squabble and pick petty arguments. And they realize far too late just what sort of threat Javert truly poses. With the death of Candyce Wells on their shoulders and the prospect of California sinking into the ocean, the gang is going to have to put aside their differences and pull out that old Team Scooby magic if they want to make it through this one.

But this episode isn’t all doom, gloom, and untimely death. We’re also given a glimpse at the presentation of the famed “Boss of Us” plaque that Xander made for Willow. And an amusing little scene where we find out just how much Andrew loves … sprinkles.

From highs to lows, this episode hit all the right marks. Writer Emma Rawlin takes you from giggles to gut-wrenching in true Joss Whedon form. And you know it just wouldn’t be Buffy without a few fallen soldiers along the way. (Here’s a tip: Listening to the episode again after the BBtL extra “The Tara and Candyce Chronicles” makes the ending even more heart-breaking.) So, here’s to you Candyce. We’ll miss you.

Quote of the Episode award goes to:
Anya: I know what’s happening here. You’re trying to make me feel inferior, to diminish me in front of everyone else, because I dare to question your authority.

Bloopers for Ep 6-10

Music Used:

America’s Funniest Bloopers by Nalts

Smacked 70s Style by Juan Sanchez

Captain Mal Renoylds by Possible Oscar

Original Music by Austin Wintory

Buffy Between the Lines Theme – Beatnik Turtle

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A Review of Episode 5 – She’s More Than That

The Scooby Gang has always been a family of sorts. And an exceptionally strong family at that, because they’ve had each other. But now that Buffy is gone, we’re starting to see holes where she used to hold them all together. In episode 5, “She’s More Than That” we begin to see that as hard as they try to pretend that everything is alright, our rag-tag group of heroes are not coping as well as they would like others to believe.

Xander, hurt that Buffy chose Spike to protect Dawn above himself, has been throwing himself into his work. Meanwhile, Willow continues down her path toward magick addiction. And Giles and Spike both continue their separate mourning, convinced that Buffy’s death lies on their shoulders.

The gang drifts further apart, hiding their feelings from one another, while struggling to con Child Protective Services in order to keep Dawn safe. All the while the vampire Javert reveals his own plan to turn Sunnydale into the Atlantis of the 21st Century. Can the Scoobs do it? Can they pull themselves together before it’s too late and Sunnydale becomes the world’s largest waterpark?

It’s no surprise that nearly every episode of the original Buffy had an underlying theme. And a theme that we’ve seen time and time again within the Buffyverse, is that of family. This family not always be functional, and they’re certainly not normal. But they are a family. Even if they’re missing a member. They’re certainly lost without Buffy, but they also have the capability to be that family without her. I think this episode manages to capture that particularly well within one of its final scenes, when the group visits Spike in his crypt with housewarming presents. So let’s hope that the gang can keep it together, because if Buffy has taught me anything, it’s that you’ve got to stick by one another. Because when the chips are down, and an evil vampire is trying to sink your state, you’re going to want someone fighting by your side.

Quote of the Episode award goes to:

Dawn: He’s just moody because we caught him watching Dawson’s Creek.

Giles: Has Dawson reconciled with that Joey girl?

Spike: Well I’d know if the lot of you would button it. And any blind fool can see she’s going to end up with that Pacey bloke.

I didn’t realize people were vidding us!

Here’s a video of our promo from fravelnator:

And the first 8 minutes of episode 1, with pictures, by MyCaliCat:

I just got the first draft of one of our covers for Buffy Between the Lines Season 2 … and I HAD to share. By the extremely talented Scott Tofte:

Join Kevin Bachelder (Firefly Talk, The Signal, the Scapecast) as he talks with Tasha (Dawn), Emma (Writer), Cliss (Tara), Scott (Zach), and Kim (BuffyBot) about episode 10 of Buffy Between the Lines.

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Buffy Between the Lines had a very nice write up in the tech blog, “Download Squad”. Here’s a clip from the article:

If you named your dog Spike, dream of vacationing in Sunnydale, and never quite got over what happened to Jenny Calendar, then you’ll love the gem of a podcast we’ve uncovered for you. Buffy Between the Lines is original fan fic written and produced by a group of volunteers who probably know more about Xander, Willow, and Buffy than Joss Whedon himself. To read the rest please click here and leave a nice comment!