cactuswatcher | Sophomoric

My favorite thing about this episode is the faithful continuation of Wesley's character. The man should be known as the Great Sophomore in the literal sense of “smart fool.' In terms of role playing games, Wes has high intelligence, but low wisdom. His loyalty factor is always in question, as well. Wes always means well, but one way or another he always gets isolated from those he works with most closely. He ceases to trust them and 'wackiness ensues.' This time it was his fixation on Fred/Illyria that's taken him out of the loop. It's interesting that Illyria specifically mentions that Connor is physically attracted to her, as if Wes by contrast is not. It would seem Wes' fixation is based on something else, something more cerebral and less connected to the reality in front of him. This time it appears that Wesley's lack of trust has only hurt himself. Connor seems content with his new life. Angel has long since resigned himself to letting Connor live that life. In fact, I think, it's supposed to be ambiguous whether Connor actually knows about his old life; whether he was close enough when the box broke; whether it was really memory or visceral instinct that ended the fight. For now it makes little difference. Wes on the other hand has to deal yet again with the fact of his disloyalty and lack of wisdom in making decisions for himself. His insistence on dealing with Illyria alone was a bad idea, and now she's comfortable with him. Not many episodes left, but lots of possibilities for Wes ahead.