Comments on AtS 5.09 "In Harm's Way"

[dlgood]

From the "All Things Philosophical" Board, I can't believe I didn't notice this.

In this episode Harmony's job is revealed to consist of constantly working to please bosses that (to her) seem arbitrary, cold, distant, and capricious. In some ways in this episode Angel reflects what the powers must seem like to him. Harmony works at her job and gets a nice desk and some perks, but for it is ostracized by everyone around her. But despite that another vampire struggles to take the position based on who "deserves it more".

Harmony vs. Tamika does read rather nicely as a sendup of Angel vs. Spike. I just wish it had been a little bit clearer in the text - I would have actually noticed it.

Comments

That was an interesting observation, wasn't it?

[masqthephlsphr.livejournal.com]

I remember thinking as I was watching the final show-down, "Tamika's a vampire. Why does Tamika have to be a vampire? No reason I can think of. This would have been a great opportunity to have one of the new slayers show up out of the blue. Then this confrontation would have had a fresh interesting angle. Vampire vs. morally ambiguous newbie slayer."

After reading Doug's post, I realized why Tamika had to be a vampire.

[theantijoss.livejournal.com]

Very interesting. I thought the ep was amusing, but I haven't given deeper matters than that much thought in a long time. But as you mentioned... it wasn't all that clear in context.

[romanyg.livejournal.com]

I think it's a loose analogy rather than a tight one. For instance, Tamika may actually represent Angel with her years long struggle in the steno pool reflecting his century long struggle with the soul. Along comes Harmony (and Spike, the new golden-boy) and throws everything out of whack.

Just thought I'd throw my monkey-wrench in. *g*

[dlgood.livejournal.com]

That's fine. It's all up in the air between Angel & Spike as to who is who and what stands for what anyway, so I don't see any reason why Harm & Tamika can't be a muddled comparison as well.