No argument from me that it isn't the best written episode.
Frankly, it comes off as rather manipulative in terms of writing. I don't particularly buy that the Scoobs would actually do that (nor do I think it makes any sense how the complete 180 reversal takes place at the start of the next episode. The trip is so dizzying that it's hard to find it to be organic).
It's just that I've seen it argued in the past that this was the most terrible character assassination ever, and... er... no. It's bad writing. It's manipulative. And it isn't the best moment for the characters. But I've seen worse character assassinations (season 8 Twangel plot being a prime candidate. Though, I can't really feel bad for Dorotea. For the character formerly known as Angel? Yeah. But, I've seen the accusatory rants Dorotea has publically posted elsewhere, so I don't foresee my working up a lot of sympathy for her blind character loyalty when she is so free with posting blind frothing character hatred elsewhere.)
Re: Buffyforums - I'm sorry
Frankly, it comes off as rather manipulative in terms of writing. I don't particularly buy that the Scoobs would actually do that (nor do I think it makes any sense how the complete 180 reversal takes place at the start of the next episode. The trip is so dizzying that it's hard to find it to be organic).
It's just that I've seen it argued in the past that this was the most terrible character assassination ever, and... er... no. It's bad writing. It's manipulative. And it isn't the best moment for the characters. But I've seen worse character assassinations (season 8 Twangel plot being a prime candidate. Though, I can't really feel bad for Dorotea. For the character formerly known as Angel? Yeah. But, I've seen the accusatory rants Dorotea has publically posted elsewhere, so I don't foresee my working up a lot of sympathy for her blind character loyalty when she is so free with posting blind frothing character hatred elsewhere.)