y - sometimes I can't tell if they are being subversively sarcastic or serious? A

I don't remember the particulars of those episodes, but in general, I had the same conflicted feelings. I think it can be a bit of both - perhaps tackling things in a way that would have been subversive then, less so now.

I also think they missed a huge opportunity to make the Inca character a Slayer, but I'm not sure how much Slayer lore had been established at that point. But it could have set up the idea that the Watchers really did use the Slayers essentially as a sacrifice. I don't know. I think the biggest issue with that plotline was the cultural sensitivity factor, and... yeah. Not gonna happen at that point. :/