Buffy: What's My Line? Part 2 (2.10)

Buffy and Kendra have an almost sitcom-like relationship here, Kendra kind of arrogant and opinionated about Buffy's flaws, and Buffy aggressively catty with the new Slayer in town. Their scenes together are a lot of fun, Buffy's put-downs hilarious in their broadness (from 'John Wayne' to 'Pink Ranger'). I also loved her obvious jealousy over Kendra's instant bonding with Giles ('volume six a-ha-ha!'), Kendra being sort of the perfect example of an obedient Slayer. But, for all her plusses, Kendra lacks the heart or personality that Buffy is so proud of. And as has been made clear so often on this show, it's those differences that make Buffy such a strong and worthy opponent of evil.

The Angel/Spike/Drusilla relationship is fascinating to see unfold. These three have so much history together that there's a lot of tension to depict. Angel especially knows how to get to Spike, and that's through his sexual history with Dru. The difference in the two of them, sexually, has never been more clear. Angelus and Dru appeared to be rough and aggressive together, both of them having a shared insanity, while Spike seems so infatuated with Dru that there isn't that sexual 'spark' between them anymore.

Romantic relationships are also springing up everywhere else. Willow and Oz have instant chemistry, and their scene at the end ('I mock you with my monkey pants') is ridiculously adorable. Equally adorable is the grand, sweeping shock (not really) of Xander and Cordelia making out while trapped by a giant worm monster. It was pretty inevitable that they'd end up falling for each other, especially since their recent insult banter has been a lot heavier than usual. Those crazy kids!

A lot of television two-parters drag events out a lot to fill in both hours, but What's My Line? features one long story that is well paced, stunningly executed and features enough material to actually warrant a two-part 'event'. Great work by Bianca Lawson, too, who makes an immediate impression in so few scenes. A

Credits
Guest stars Seth Green (Oz); Saverio Guerra (Willy); Kelly Connell (Norman Pfister); Bianca Lawson (Kendra); James Marsters (Spike); Juliet Landau (Drusilla)
Writer Marti Noxon Director David Semel