Parenthood has slowed both my TV watching and my writing. It's way past time to get back into both habits!
1.11
“Out of Mind, Out of Sight”
broadcast:
May 19, 1997
writer:
Joss Whedon (story) and Ashley Gable & Thomas A. Swindon
(teleplay)
director:
Reza Badiyi
Non-linear television is
rare enough that this episode's black/white flashbacks are
noteworthy. But otherwise, where the last episode succeeded by
abandoning Buffy's
established structure, this one works mostly because it follows the
blueprint so well. “Out of Mind” applies the monster-rific
metaphor of invisibility to a high school wallflower. The student
aims to avenge her condition by mutilating Cordelia for her
haughtiness and narcissism, which, coupled with the Hellmouth, has
caused her condition. Her motivations are relatable but ostracism
renders her psychotic (a classroom allusion to Shylock fits in here).
But this episode excels in its characterizations. Buffy remembers her
pre-Slayer popularity as May Queen and feels like a third wheel in
Xander and Willow's long friendship. And Cordelia, finally
centerstage, admits to her own streak of alienation but (again like
Shylock) uses it to justify her cruelty. In a bonus subplot, a
prophecy sets up next week's finale.
