Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered Warning: If SPOILERS make you "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," you might want to turn back now...

In short: A fun romp.

Let's face it, the last three or so episodes of Buffy have been rather dark. And while I am not complaining about this in the slightest (in fact, I love the way the show is able to maintain a dark tone without it being overwhelming, mainly by our heroes being able to find the perfect sarcastic comment to throw in at the properly timed moment!), I have to admit that BB&B was a nice change of pace. Don't get me wrong here--it still had the characteristic elements of what makes Buffy great, but it also took a chance to give us an episode with the emphasis a bit more on the humor that usual.
As some of you may know, I am a big fan of "Star Trek," and one of my biggest complains there is when a "Trek" series decides it's time to have a funny episode, it usually comes off as being outside an inside joke. You know the writers and producers must think the jokes are funny for some reason, but you just don't quite get it. So, if I hear an epiosde of a drama series is going for the humorous side, I get a bit nervous.
And the best thing is that just as "Innocence" lived up to the promise of being an intense, series changing episode, BB&B lived up the promise of being a funny episode of Buffy.
And who better to structure a humorous Buffy episode around that our good friend, Xander?
But the best part of this episode is that the humor came out a serious situation. Whedon and company were able to take the a story about peer pressure in high school and take it from being an afterschool special to a story that had me absolutely falling off my couch laughing. And with all great jokes, the humor comes in the set-up. Joss is willing to take the entire first act to put Xander at a point in which he would ask for this spell. It works well, and it shows a bit of the dark side of our good friend Xander. If anything, this season has shown us a bit more of the dark side of the male leads on this show from Giles to Angel to now Xander. His first converstation with Buffy as they wait to slay the vampire about the present for Cordy to his rejection by her are wonderful moments to watch. And his seriousness as he threatens to expose Amy's secret is wonderfully realized.
However, once the spell actually backfires and every woman except Cordy wants him, the show is absolutely hysterical. The scenes in which Buffy, Willow, and Ms. Canlendar all come on Xander are some of the funniest scenes the show has had in quite some time. But underlying them is a sense of how serious this is. As when we saw the dark side of Xander when he was hurt, here we see that side of Xander we really know nad love--a nice guy who made a rash decision and must pay for it. But also that is not willing to take advantage of the situation. He was willing to try and hurt Cordy because, let's face it, he loves her and to try and win her back. (I don't seriously think he'd have used the spell to get her back and then dump her. I think his nice guy side would have taken over. But that's just me!) But his reaction to what might be some of his wildest fantasies (Buffy offering herself to him, Willow wanting him to be her first time, etc.) is truly Xander. He wants to give in, but the part of him that cares about these people and is their friend won't do it--no matter how long he's had a thing for Buffy. All of that worked so well.
I also have to admit that Ms. Calendar and Joyce finding Xander irrestible was a nice touch as well. Sure, it rings a bit of the on-going plotline of Pacey and his teacher on "Dawson's Creek," but it works here because it's never meant to be serious. (Whereas DC seems to get further and further away from believability with that story each week!)
However, if this had been all that was going on in the episode, it might have been a bit more of a disappointment. But, Joss and company add a lot more. Outside of Babylon Five, Buffy is one of the few shows on TV that has a sense of continuity and building to something in each episode. (High praise from since I love Babylon Five!) And I get the feeling that something is building here.
Mainly in the threesome of Dru, Spike, and Angel. Spike's only scene last night really showed this--with his jealousy and anger at Angel for commanding so much of Dru's affections. I get the feeling Spike is used to being the biggest bully on the block and now a bigger one has moved in and he's not quite sure what to do next. I get the feeling a major battle within the vampire leadership. Or at least a showdown betwen Spike and Angel. (Maybe in the season finale, perhaps?)
And the fall out from "Innocence" continues. We see that in Angel's plotting to stalk and destroy Buffy but also in Giles's reaction to Ms. Calendar. And I have to admit that while at first I didn't like Jenny much for what her actions or lack there of in turning Angel back, I have to admit that I did see her logic in wanting to try and talk to Giles about what had gone on. I hope we get to see the conversation in the near future.
And speaking of Giles, we really got to see his dark side again last night. His anger at Xander for what using amy to invoke the spell seemed like some the same anger he had in "Dark Age." It also served as a counterpoint for his scenes with Buffy and how he was willing to be more forgiving and protective of her in dealing with Angel while being very upset and venting his anger on Xander. I wonder if we may see Giles begin to get a bit darker as the pressure builds up toward the end of the season. It will be interesting to watch.
About the only thing that really got me in this episode was Cordy's big speech at the end. Because while I'd like seeing her give in to the peer pressure and dump Xander and then realize she's made a mistake, I just didn't quite buy her "Afterschool Special" moment at the end. Yes, it was nice to see her character develop to a person who can think for herself, but it might have been more interesting to end it on a bittersweet note with Cordy watching Xander walk away or maybe meet up with Buffy. Of course, if you keep that going on too long, you get "Who's the Boss?"
So, that about wraps it up, except for a few minor things....
--I loved Willow's scene in the beginning when she told Amy that Oz was in the band. Very cute and funny.
--Also on the Willow front, her attempted seduction of Xander was a hoot, as well as Oz's reaction. ("I just felt I had to punch you in the face.")
--I haven't commented much on Amy's part in the story, but it worked out well. I have not seen her first appearance so I can't comment much on the continuity there. However, I do wonder if she might have some way to put the curse back on Angel or a spell to curb Oz's werewolf transformation. Just a thought.
Overall, this was a fun episode and one I enjoyed a great deal. It has some humor, some serious moments, and most of all, it gave us a unique look into Xander. Chalk up another success from Joss and company.

Final Rating: 8.0 (out of 10.0)

Next up: A repeat of "Dark Ages."

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