OK, so I admit that I sometimes feel this show is formulaic and stilted, but this episode was simply amazing. I've watched since show 1, and this episode was a delight, a shock, and a real change for the regular cast.
After the first 20 minutes or so, I started to wonder if Joss Whedon had written the episode - or maybe Tim Minear or Jane Espenson. First, the appearance of Christina Hendricks who turned in outstanding performances on Firefly, and also Angel. (Joss likes his actors - once he finds one he likes, they tend to reappear...). Then the odd moments of humor, the completely out of context punch line delivered with a straight face that turns dialog into surprising chemistry. Finally, that finale, with "That's Amore" and cops and mobsters bowling. Well, it turns out that Diego Guitterez is no stranger to Whedon World, having served as an assistant to Joss on Buffy and Angel, and having written episodes of Buffy, and served as an executive editor for Point Pleasant (working with Marti Noxon & Ben Edlund - also Whedon World associates...). It would seem Mr. Guitterez has learned some of the best aspects of his craft from some of the best practitioners, and I cannot wait to see more from his pen.
After the first 20 minutes or so, I started to wonder if Joss Whedon had written the episode - or maybe Tim Minear or Jane Espenson. First, the appearance of Christina Hendricks who turned in outstanding performances on Firefly, and also Angel. (Joss likes his actors - once he finds one he likes, they tend to reappear...). Then the odd moments of humor, the completely out of context punch line delivered with a straight face that turns dialog into surprising chemistry. Finally, that finale, with "That's Amore" and cops and mobsters bowling. Well, it turns out that Diego Guitterez is no stranger to Whedon World, having served as an assistant to Joss on Buffy and Angel, and having written episodes of Buffy, and served as an executive editor for Point Pleasant (working with Marti Noxon & Ben Edlund - also Whedon World associates...). It would seem Mr. Guitterez has learned some of the best aspects of his craft from some of the best practitioners, and I cannot wait to see more from his pen.