Nocti can we talk about She? Can we talk about how the plot of the episode is actually really good? That the dialogue is good? And that I think fandom hates it because of Ling's accent. I really do feel like there is a lot of racism at play in the hatred of the episode. I think if they cast some blonde white model with acting experience, it would be one of fandom's favorite episodes.
I've always had affinity for this episode. It has lots of fun scenes, and you are right, the dialogue is good. I love the bored warlock invented cellphones talk and Angel's art lecture.
I've never really had a problem with the plot of the episode but I'm someone who is still rather unknowledgeable about a bunch of things and certain lack of nuance and heavy handedness regarding social issues doesn't always bother me that much. So what that they have a heavy handed message that female gennital mutilation is bad? I don't see that much talk about that in media in general.
I also like Bai Ling and I think she played her role as dimension-jumping, refugee saving denounced princess well. Her speech about that, the whole 'I was a daughter to a king, sir' is really affecting to me. BL definitely gets lot of shit whatever role she plays that I have no problem assuming is at least partly racial.
If the actress who played Shari the captured refugee had played Jhiera I'm sure the reaction would have been different. I think the episode would at least be more talked about that way, since these days it only gets acknowledged on 'worst ep' lists and for the Angel and Wesley dancing stuff.
Another thing, I found it interesting how Angel really straddles the line between white savior or not in this episode. I don't feel it's my place to say whether he is or isn't ultimately but it was interesting to note that aspect in the episode.
It is an important, interesting episode that I wish people talked about more because it deserves it. I always like watching it.