This episode has a pretty awful reputation, and most of that is justified. The alternate-dimension slave-girls story feels entirely wrong for this show, and the female circumcision metaphor is too heavy-handed to truly work. There's also the problem of the episode's ultimate message feeling a little muddled. Jhiera is a strong warrior who we're supposed to like, yet she doesn't have a problem with humans being slaughtered. Jhiera's entire planet is ruled by oppressive men, yet she's clearly drawn to Angel. There are just too many plotholes in relation to the character.However, there are a couple of moments that are fun. I liked the 'detective show' feel to Angel's pursuit of Jhiera in the first twenty minutes, especially that great scene at the art gallery. Similarly, there were some fun character bits, like Wesley's officially joining of the team. And who doesn't love Angel and Wesley's big dance sequence at the top of the show?
Bai "I have enormous nipples and come from the moon" Ling is pretty good in the role of Jhiera, even if the character herself is hugely flawed. I also liked the heat omitted from her back-bone thing whenever she was aroused, that was a neat little idea. She had chemistry with Angel, too, but you can understand why the show decided against making her a recurring character.
She isn't at all a good episode, but I'm not sure it warrants the hatred it gets. I'd personally choose to watch this one again over, say, Sense and Sensitivity. But it's still blah-worthy. D+
Credits
Guest stars Bai Ling (Jhiera); Colby French (Tae); Heather Stephens (Shari); Sean Gunn (Mars)
Writers David Greenwalt, Marti Noxon Director David Greenwalt
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