Discussion of 8.12 "Wolves at the Gate Part 1" - Released 03/05/07 (Dark Horse)

[white avenger]

I think at least a fair amount of what caused the whole thing was Buffy's loneliness (okay, the "missing that sex" thing, so bad that it led to erotic dreams of Xander
probably contributed to it, too) the kind of loneliness only being in command of what amounts to an army can be. It was a bad idea, if not a potential disaster, to bed someone in her command, and I think there will most certainly be repercussions to be faced later for her moment of weakness.

 

[Rowan Hawthorn]

I think at least a fair amount of what caused the whole thing was Buffy's loneliness (okay, the "missing that sex" thing, so bad that it led to erotic dreams of Xander
probably contributed to it, too)

Of course, and for those who keep comparing Buffy's actions to how Parker Abrams treated her, this, IMO, is where the real similarities are: in both cases, Buffy was feeling lonely and out of place, and had been in a period of forced abstention for some time.[.quote]

It was a bad idea, if not a potential disaster, to bed someone in her command, and I think there will most certainly be repercussions to be faced later for her moment of weakness.

If there weren't going to be, I seriously doubt the situation would have come up to start with.

 

[Evilyn]

....So, um....

I just finished reading Antiqued, N4H and wished I had read it BEFORE reading WATG. Anyhoo, I'm still not sure if it's a glamour as much as it's how Dracula percieves himself. While I know in the next issue, he is physically older, he's not a bald and decrepit old man. He just looks like a homeless person. Long, shaggy, gray beard, and hair and yellowed teeth and nails. Just like someone who has let themselves go, as the little creepy dude in the preview insinuated. If it's as the novel intends, and he retains the essence of youth thru feeding, then he probably ate the peasant boy before Xander and Renee made it to the door. But it could be a glamour too, either way, he obviously thinks he's gotten too old.

And I'm thinking that he obviously has an affiliation with the werevamps, hence the fact that they have all the same powers he does. Could be they were once followers of his and turned on him, because they were tired of his "old" ways. He did say that all he had left was his manservant, his mansion and his carriage. I dunno, this is just me throwing stuff out there.

 

[white avenger]

Here's a theory: if Dracula cam morph into a wolf, panther, bat, vapor, or swarm of bees, changing his physical appearance as related to his age and physical condition should be a breeze. Maybe the various stages, from young, virile, and handsome (his hunting or game face, if you will) to a broken, aged old man, are just manifestations of hos mood at the moment, from alert, vibrant, and on the prowl, to beaten down, dejected, and really depressed. I know that fits nowhere into the various Dracula legends, but it might be a workable explanation. It could also depend on how often and how recently he has fed, except for the sudden aging in "Antique."

 

[nerd4hire]

I think referring to Dracula's transformations as a glamor was more an exaggeration on my part to make a point. Nevertheless, I think the implication in what we've seen so far is clear. It requires some act of will for Dracula to transform from old to young.

Interesting...is he doing it for the slayers, or is he doing it for Xander? The idea it's an expression of his mood seems a bit of a stretch, but even so would it be the slayers, who change his mood, or is it Xander?

 

[Evilyn]

I think referring to Dracula's transformations as a glamor was more an exaggeration on my part to make a point. Nevertheless, I think the implication in what we've seen so far is clear. It requires some act of will for Dracula to transform from old to young.

Interesting...is he doing it for the slayers, or is he doing it for Xander? The idea it's an expression of his mood seems a bit of a stretch, but even so would it be the slayers, who change his mood, or is it Xander?

I think he's doing it for Xander. If it is his mood that swings his transformations, then I think Xander probably makes him full like he was in his prime. Not in a sexual way, but more in a idyllic way. Instead of being the "old guy" that no one thinks is cool anymore, he's sort of like Xander's "cool big brother" and he has to live up to his reputation. So, there for makes himself appear as the hot, young Dracula. Either that, or Drac's got a "straight" crush on Xander.

 

[white avenger]

I think referring to Dracula's transformations as a glamor was more an exaggeration on my part to make a point. Nevertheless, I think the implication in what we've seen so far is clear. It requires some act of will for Dracula to transform from old to young.

Interesting...is he doing it for the slayers, or is he doing it for Xander? The idea it's an expression of his mood seems a bit of a stretch, but even so would it be the slayers, who change his mood, or is it Xander?

I think that he would do it for whoever came to the castle, especially as a first impression, which could be the case when answering the door to visitors. It's not just an ego thing, strangers are potential nourishment, and he wouldn't want to scare any away, especially sweet young things of the female variety (or, he might just have the hots for Xander. After all, they did go moon light motorbiking together. He seemed genuinely upset and dejected when Buffy came and rescued him in "Antique.")

 

[CharmedSlayer85]

I'm wondering if Xander and Dracula had sex during the time Xander was in Dracula's control. I mean we've seen so much girl on girl action in the Buffyverse but no guy on guy action. I mean when is Andrew gonna finallly come out the closet and hook up with Xander? That should have been the experiment not Buffy and Satsu.

I don't know maybe it's just me but I'm finding this whole storyline of Buffy feeling alone and not connected VERY redudant. I mean I'm still enjoying it, but again all of this is kind of like been there done that throughout Season Six and really through the entire run of the show. And I thought what made "Chosen," such a great ending is now she's connected again, she no longer has the weight of the world on her shoulders cause she can share it with the other slayers. I understand the saying that as a leader "it's lonely at the top," but geesh, I don't know. It's just looking to me that Buffy had sex with Satsu just to feel something, cause she knew Satsu had feelings for her so she took advantage, just like she took advantage of Spike in Season Six.

 

[GATEGOD]

If they have the Scythe, can they potentially cancel the spell giving all the other slayers their power and taking it back to just Faith and Buffy. ~~ I'd like that. Buffy/Satsu's relations was the best part of the issue, opens up so many possibilities. The ending was hilarious Xander going to Dracula and calling him Master is priceless!

 

[white avenger]

The bad guys having the scythe could very well be a plot to try and reverse the Slayer activation spell. Good point.

As for Andrew and Xander, how would it have been if the girls (maybe Renee and a couple of others) had busted in on Buffy and Satsu, then after the initial sputtering with Willow and Dawn, (plus not having them jump up and get dressed with Xander there watching,) they'd all rushed over to get Xander, and found him in bed with Andrew?

 

[alexa]

Well can we think of a hotter guy for Xander to sleep with? 😉

I just have to put this quote somewhere from him, funniest I've heard in ages.

Buffy: This isn't what it looks like!
Xander: Oh thank god it's a dream.
Renee: I don't think it's a dream.
Xander: No, I've had this one before. You're here. They're here. I'm just gonna sit in the corner and wait for Willow to arrive.

 

[sosa lola]

Oh, no, I'm glad that never happened :lol: I don't like the Xandrew pairing, now if they found Xander with Spike, that would be hot 😀

I can't wait for the Xander/Dracula parts! 🙂 Also the plots sounds interesting.

 

[Allycat]

I think it would really suck if the vampires succeeded and reversed the world back to just two Slayer. That would make everything that happened in Season 7 pointless. I doubt they will succeed though, since that would also make Twilight as a villain lose his purpose.

 

[Clem Rocks]

You lot are debating that they might be trying to reverse the Slayer spell, when Buffy herself pointed it out that that's probably what they want the scythe for in this issue?

 

[Spike Angelus]

Good point Clem Rocks.

 

[Joyce Summers]

Well just finished reading my copy. I got it delivered yesterday but had a tired mood on me and so went to bed early without reading it. And now, today I'm an early riser. Figures. Either way this means I've read the issue before 8am. Hehe.

I really liked this one, besides the Buffy/Satsu strangeness. I think that could have been really wiggy but the way comedy was thrown in constant offset any potential wigouty-ness. 🙂. My favorite walk-in line has to be Willow's with her "I think we're under attack....why are you naked in bed with Satsu?"
Poor, poor Buffy. I thought she was going to implode with the French farce of it all. Hehe.

But ooh PantherVamp got like drool all over the scythe. Ew. I do like how Drac's being brought in and how Xander deals with it (As for example 'What? Why are you all looking at me?...Oh crap').

I know the scythe could be used to reverse the every-potential-a-Slayer thing, but now I'm definitely wondering- especially with the Fray issues coming up and such- if it isn't the key to the whole magic destruction thing. I mean if it can distribute so much power it can also take it away right?

And you people stop creeping me out with talk of Xandrew!! Wrong! Wrong! ::runs off in horror:: haha.

 

[Clem Rocks]

I was laying in bed last night, thinking of this issue, and i realised something. I think Xander knows more than he's letting on

Xander: For all I know, it's a swarm of bees.

Don't you think it's funny he chooses bees when later on, the vamps turn into bees? Or do you think it's just a coincidence?

 

[Spike Angelus]

I was laying in bed last night, thinking of this issue, and i realised something. I think Xander knows more than he's letting on

Xander: For all I know, it's a swarm of bees.

Don't you think it's funny he chooses bees when later on, the vamps turn into bees? Or do you think it's just a coincidence?

Maybe Xander knows something subconsciously?

 

[Clem Rocks]

Maybe Xander knows something subconsciously?

I think he might be having premonitions, he also says he's dreamt about Buffy sleeping with Satsu, with him, Renee, Andrew and Dawn there with Willow then arriving.

 

[Lyri]

OMFG! Xander's having visions? i can't believe i never picked up on that in this issue! *goes back to look for more clues*