Buffy for Beginners: 2.10 What’s My Line, Part 2
So last time we left off, Angel was trapped in a cage near a window and it’s nearly sunrise, Buffy gets attacked by Kendra the Vampire Slayer, and the gang is researching the Order of Turraca; things are about to get interesting.
Buffy has just found out that she’s no longer ‘the only chosen one’ and she and Kendra agree to ‘no kicko, no fighto’ until they can figure out what’s the what. Meanwhile, Angel’s preparing to fit into an ashtray. Giles and the gang meet Kendra while Buffy is less than thrilled about her presence. She’s stuck in the ‘80s with no last name, and pink ranger, as Buffy so affectionately calls Kendra, is confused about Buffy’s way of doing things. Buffy’s getting a little territorial as they figure out that even though Buffy was dead only a little, Kendra was called to be a slayer and not the slayer. Is anyone else perplexed about Kendra’s misguided accent and confusing nationality? There’s a great essay in Fighting the Forces: What’s at Stake in Buffy the Vampire Slayer about Kendra’s race and relationship with Buffy. But I digress.
Angel is saved by Willy, the bartender of demons and given to Spike. Cordy and Xander are attacked by the make-up selling maggot guy and run into Buffy’s basement. Cordy doesn’t do worms, so it’s up to Xander to barricade the cracks. As Kendra and Buffy go to Willy’s to find Angel, Kendra suggests they go back to Giles for their orders, but we all so clearly know that Buffy doesn’t take orders. She does things her way. “No wonder ya died,” Kendra replies.
We come to find out that Angel is needed because he is Dru’s sire, and killing him will restore her to her full strength. “You’ve been a very bad daddy,” Dru tells Angel. He has indeed. Giles and the gang figure out Spike’s plan to restore Dru, and Buffy grows angry at Giles and Kendra’s bonding over studying and slayer volumes. There’s even a slayer handbook, though Buffy gets even more jealous at the vibeing between them two. But she’s not too jealous, as she thinks that she could retire, and finally get to do career day stuff and have a normal life.
Cordy and Xan have a plan to wait for Buffy to save them, and they began to bicker like an old married couple. As they both scream that they hate each other, the music swells and…they passionately kiss! Perhaps the greatest unexpected kiss in television history. They make a run for it as Cordy as wormies all over her, but no fear, Xan sprays her down with the hose.
At the career fair at school, Oz talks to Will and tells her his ambition is E flat diminish 9, a man’s chord. Suddenly, Buffy gets attacked by the law enforcement lady, but saved by Kendra. Oh, and Oz gets shot. As Xander and Cordy head back into the library, Xander meets Kendra, who has eyes for him. Xander turns to Buffy and teases her about being the only slayer; “I knew this ‘I’m the only one, I’m the only one’ crap was just an attention getter.” Buffy gets pissed at Spike kidnapping Angel and responds “Nobody messes with my boyfriend!” Oh, and there are 43 churches in Sunnydale. Good lord!
Buffy and Kendra bond over weapon making, and Buffy gives her tips on how to use her emotions as power. This is an important moment in the show, as it adopts emotions as a strength, not a weakness. Traditionally, male power has been considered stronger because of their lack of emotion. But that’s what sets Buffy apart. Her emotions help her fight, give her imagination. As Buffy finds out where the ritual’s being held, she’s tricked by Willy and handed over to Spike’s minions. But Kendra charges in and gives Spike two slayers, no waiting.
Fighting ensues and Giles, Will, Cordy and Xander take on bug boy while Buffy and Kendra fight before Angel dies. “Welcome my little pretties,” Xander teases. Buffy gets Angel and Dru apart and Spike takes Dru and tries to escape, but not before Buffy knocks him down with a churchy thing and they get buried underneath the church organ. It looks like they’re left for dead.
Will thanks Oz for saving her life, and he tells her she has the sweetest smile he’s ever seen as he jokes that the monkey in animal crackers is the only one who gets to wear pants and he mocks the other animals with his monkey pants. Oh, and Cordy and Xander kiss again.
Buffy’s not the only freak in the world anymore, and Dru gets her strength back and carries Spike out of the church rubble. Uh oh.
About Sabrina: As a kid my dad would sneak scary movies past my mom and let me indulge in his horror movie fetish. I grew up watching V, Alien Nation, The Thing, The Fog (all originals) and then, in 1992 when Buffy the movie came out, I became obsessed with vampires, girl power, and all things gothic. I once stayed home from school, faked sick, and watched BTVS: the movie 6 times in a row. I know the beginning cheerleading dance by heart (still). Currently, I’m obsessing over Laurell K. Hamilton novels, and dream about Anita Blake being my best friend.
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I just wanted to tell you I loved this review and all your other ones. But this one was especially good.
Thank you! I’m glad to hear that there are people who think I’m doing a good job. I love writing about the show…I’m a Buffy fanatic.