Too much meaningless dialog; too difficult to empathize with the Riley character; too many BtVS episodes tipping the scale towards irrelevance. This episode has the distinct queasy feel of a cheap soap opera. And even considering the fact that Harmony is supposed to be obnoxious, the way she grates on one's nerves defies description. This is one of those shows that tries too hard -- hence the melodramatic feel. It tries too hard to be serious and it tries too hard to be funny. And it fails miserably at both.
This, unfortunately, has become a bad habit in this series. One can only wonder about the stubborn, sophomoric mentality that Joss Whedon possesses. Like his inability to really comprehend just how detrimental Dawn is to the fan base and the show. He seems to feel the problem lies in the audience, rather than in the writing/direction. Oh well...it's his sandbox. But rather than some creative genius being on display for all to see, it's more like the Emperor's (Nude) Clothes; he can dance around proclaiming how magnificent his wardrobe is all he wants -- most of the rest of us can see it for what it really is.
This, unfortunately, has become a bad habit in this series. One can only wonder about the stubborn, sophomoric mentality that Joss Whedon possesses. Like his inability to really comprehend just how detrimental Dawn is to the fan base and the show. He seems to feel the problem lies in the audience, rather than in the writing/direction. Oh well...it's his sandbox. But rather than some creative genius being on display for all to see, it's more like the Emperor's (Nude) Clothes; he can dance around proclaiming how magnificent his wardrobe is all he wants -- most of the rest of us can see it for what it really is.