http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pear_shaped "Pear shaped" means something that's gone horribly wrong. Not sure that it's a UK thing -- I've used it and I'm from the Southwest US.
Wikipedia doesn't list the explanation *I* was given for the term, which is that it's a reference to a mushroom cloud. (A pear upside down, if you use your imagination.)
It's one of those slang terms that have been making the rounds in writing lately. It'll probably be out of fashion in a few years ...
Re: Willow destroying the world -- Andrew probably told Spike. Andrew would.
Plus someone would need to tell Spike why Willow suddenly had a complex about magic.
My take on Bill is that he's *very* reserved and doesn't say much unless he has something important to say or has a question. He also is extremely observant. (He's Clark, if Clark had to learn to fly under the radar as a child and avoid notice to avoid abuse or, later, notice by the authorities.)
Lack of supernatural activity is also a problem if there suddenly IS an issue -- nobody around has the knowledge or practice to deal with it.
Re: Pavlovian response. I thought about having Spike tease Clark about drooling over Lois as well, but I'm not sure how many people would get the reference.
Originally posted by Terry Leatherwood:
This had the potential to go all pear shaped and nuclear boomy in a big hurry.
And Rayne teaching Lois magic like teaching a kid to drive with a Ferrari? That has tons and tons of potential! Maybe - just maybe - Lois is going to veer towards the 'dark side' during this story, surely without realizing what she's doing. Even if she doesn't, making her more powerful than Clark on some non-personal level is a very interesting twist.
And Spike not being around while Willow tries to destroy the world? Who could not tell him about that? He'd hear about it from anyone and everyone on either side of the Slayer-demon conflict.
I liked how Bill very calmly put himself in position to defend Lois without coming on all superhero-like. Another difference between Bill and Clark. And Clark's response when he flies in the window, that 'she screams, I show up, it's a Pavlovian response' was really funny. He's taking this whole situation very calmly, but after his experience in Buffy's world, I shouldn't be surprised.
The lack of supernatural activity actually bothers me. It may mean that things are going to heat up very quickly and very abruptly. I just hope everybody's insurance premiums are paid up.
