Commenter Lookup *Caution* Unless you see an ADMIN tag, the comments below may not all belong to the same person! "Ted" | View Comments2 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 19, 2011 The first thing that I thought about when Buffy was beating up the vampire rather than trying to stake him was Faith as well. It's a great parallel. It could have been great to see even more parallels if Buffy had actually killed a person. The way Buffy dealt with it could have been directly compared to Faith. I would suspect that Buffy would embrace the notion that she did something wrong and her friends, Giles, mother, and Angel would all have helped her through it. While Faith acted like it wasn't her fault and shunned responsibility. She had no one to support her so she turned to evil. It would have been a great comparison -- if only. It's funny because Buffy has always been a show about taking risks, some that work and some that might not, but it seems like they were hesitant in this episode and didn't want to "go there" at this point in time with a heroine that killed a human. I'm glad that they went to much darker places later in the seasons. "What's My Line? Pt. 2" | View Comments3 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 18, 2011 There are some inconsistencies with Kendra and she isn't the best character on the show but she did serve some important purposes: 1. She gave Buffy a ray of hope that perhaps she could have a normal life with a job and a future. Of course, this is not to be (at least not until Chosen) and it kind of makes your heart break for Buffy. On the other hand, it is pretty obvious that even if there were another slayer (Faith later on), Buffy wouldn't be able to not save the world. 2. Through Kendra we realize just how unique Buffy is as a slayer. Her relationship with her watcher is unusual, she doesn't study the books, her training is weird, her fight plans are creative and odd, she dates a vampire, and she actually goes to school and has friends, who know who she is and help her fight demons, no less! We knew that Buffy wasn't typical but we really see how weird her slayerness is through the eyes of Kendra. 3. When Kendra dies, we get Faith! Oh how I love Faith so thanks for dying Kendra! :P And, of course, this episode brings the first kiss in the Cordelina/Xander romance. I loved them together. Not as much as I love him and Anya but it is a great first non-demon relationship for Xander. And I love the recurring character of Jonathan even though he only really says one line an episode until Earshot and, of course, S6. What other show has characters that have a major impact on the show later on have such bit parts for many episodes early in the series. Just great. Michael Carruthers -- I agree with you that the fact that the Order just stopped coming made no sense. I said in the last episode that I liked the concept of assassins that just kept coming until the deed was done...if this was true, these would be good villains, indeed, even if some of them were lame. Knowing another one would just keep coming would be tiring and frustrating and it would have been interesting to see this explored. If they had managed to work in a plausible way of stopping it, this two parter could have had more bite. "What's My Line? Pt. 1" | View Comments4 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 18, 2011 Great misdirect by the writers to try to make the audience think that Kendra was part of the Order of Taraka at the beginning of this episode. In retrospect, her actions make no sense, but if you think of 1st time viewers, the end reveal that she is a slayer is quite shocking. The guy who turns into bugs is one of my favorite villains of the series. Not the most fearsome demon (I mean, they literally squish him to death like bugs) but he is pretty creepy and the bugs have a cool ick factor. The rest of the order is pretty lame but the thought that they would keep on coming until Buffy was dead is a good concept. Plus the ice skate kill is pretty sweet, lack of blood notwithstanding. The scene at the ice skating rink between Angel and Buffy is touching but there is something creepy about her making out with him in vamp face. It does, however, make it very clear just how much Buffy is in love with him -- all of him. She doesn't even flinch at him as a vamp. It's sweet in the way only BtVS could be. Buffy and Oz' first encounter is a classic. It is amazing how much character Oz has after only a few lines in the whole series. You already care about him through the brilliant way they introduced him to the show which makes the episode Phases really have meaning. I agree that these two episodes are good but could have been much better. "The Dark Age" | View Comments5 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 18, 2011 I like this episode a lot. I think I would have gone with a B. Cheers to the real introduction of Cordelia as a Scoobie. This is the first episode where she tries to help where she isn't the one in trouble, I believe (her unsolicited but spot on advice to Buffy in When She Was Bad notwithstanding). This was also one of the first times where you can tell that the fighting between Xander and Cordy could become attraction (when they are screaming nose to nose in the library). At least I felt it. And Willow's cute yelling reprimand is great. I love the notion of Giles as kind of a rebel. Upon the first viewing, it was quite shocking to see Giles with a tattoo, never mind a tattoo that is linked to witchcraft and demons! It was also unnerving to see Giles so unnerved and disheveled. Even in the face of all the dangers that came before, Giles still was always buttoned up tight. Here we see him a little sloppy and drinking. This is again a tribute to the show. Although they might have been a little two dimensional with him up until now (well, at least up until Halloween), I think it was intentional so that we are more disturbed by the difference of Giles in this episode. I think it's fantastically done. Not well done was the "melting" of the people into goo. But I won't let that ruin the episode for me. I also love how they come to appreciate how hard Giles' job is when they had to deal with Eighon on their own. Couple that with the fact that they actually realize that Giles is human, new found respect was gained, I believe. "Lie to Me" | View Comments6 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 18, 2011 I'm not s huge fan of this episode...probably would have given it no higher than a C. I don't love the story line and Ford is a bore, IMO (funny that I wrote this before even reading your review and see that you said the same thing about him, lol). But there are some good thiings about the episode. I like the continuity parts such as the introduction of Chanterelle who shows up again in Anne. Plus the fact that Willow invites Angel into her home in this episode. Something she will regret later on in this season. It's sweet how Jenny and Giles are getting closer and we see how much he really likes her -- I mean he went to a Monster Truck rally with her and tried to pretend he liked it! They are adorable together. The only two scenes I really like in the episode are the scene where Angel tells Buffy about what he did to Drusilla. We know that Angel was a bad vampire in the past at this point but what he describes to Buffy is truly brutal. Imagine hearing that the person (well, you know what I mean) who you love (and, boy, did they gloss over Buffy telling Angel that she loves him) tell you that they did something like that? Even knowing that he is different now with a soul, that's GOT to be hard to hear. The other scene I like is at the end with Buffy and Giles. This is the first time where I really felt like they have developed into a father/daughter kind of relationship, the kind you have when you have a good relationship with your father and you are older and have mutual respect for each other. It's touching. We get to see how truly creepy Drusilla is in this episode. Her trying to lure the young boy at the beginning is scary. Plus her talking to the dead bird in the cage is creepy too. "Halloween" | View Comments7 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 18, 2011 So many things to like about this episode: The humor is spot on - Giles' reaction to Willow walking through the door cracks me up every single time I see it. And Cordelia pretty much has me in stitches throughout the whole episode. We get to see the first boost of Willow confidence. When she leaves her ghost costume on the ground at the end, I find myself saying "Go Willow"! Buffy's support of Willow and her gently trying to get Willow to come out of her shell is sweet in this episode too. We have the introduction of Soldier Harris and there are many references to this later in the show which is awesome. There is the continued introduction of Oz to the show which is so well done that other shows should take note. We get to see some trademark Oz dry humor (i.e. "He's just going by Devon now") and we get more hints at the Willow/Oz relationship. We get a glimpse of how charasmatic Spike must be. I mean, within a short period of time, he manages to get together a little posse of the newly made monsters. He's quite the leader. And finally we get to see the first sign that Giles is anything other than a stuffy librarian/watcher. He also gets to be a little badass as he is kicking Ethan's ass. It's kind of sexy. I can totally see why Willow had a crush on him. The only thing I didn't like about the episode was that aristocrat Buffy was so annoying. I know that she was supposed to be meek and annoying but I seriously wanted to punch her in the face. Of course this is redeemed the moment the statue is broken and Buffy kicks Spike around a little. Plus I love how Angel reinforces that strong women are sexy. "Reptile Boy" | View Comments8 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 13, 2011 I can't believe the analysis I'm reading here about the line "When you kiss me, I want to die". I'm guessing that all the people discussing it have never been teenage girls. I thought the line was perfect given Buffy's age. To a teenage girl, everything is life and death. I don't think it was as deep as everyone is making it out to be. I think she is just saying that she's crazy about him in a teenage girl kind of way. I remember saying "I'll die without him" about some boy or other all the time as a teenager. It's just like that. Well that's my interpretation. And I'm not trying to disparage anyone else's thoughts, I was just honestly surprised at how intense the discussion was about this because I never took it as anything other than teenage angst hyperbole. As for this episode, I agree that it was a terrible plot. The episode did have some good things though -- Willow's outburst at Angel and Giles and Cordelia is hysterical in this. That's about it, I guess. "Inca Mummy Girl" | View Comments9 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 13, 2011 This is a middle of the road episode for me. I love the introductions of Jonathon and Oz. The way they bring both of these characters into the show is, indeed, quite ingenius. Strength of the show. Also, I like how Willow lets go of Xander here (although her feelings do surface again after Xander starts dating Cordelia). The rest of the episode is meh. Not much really to say about it. "School Hard" | View Comments10 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 13, 2011 The introduction of Spike. This episode almost can't be wrong because of that. Although I have to say that upon subsequent re-watchings of the series, it is hard to get worked up about Spike knowing his character development throughout the series. He just isn't nearly as scary as he was the first time through. He is still super sexy though. I never thought of Spike watching Buffy as sexual (although reading the quotes above, I realized that it was supposed to be). I always just thought that he was instantly fascinated with her as if he knew straight off that she wasn't your typical slayer. I think most slayers were focused and their lives were training and hunting. I think it was interesting to him that this slayer was out having fun with her friends. It made her more interesting to him. At least, that is what I believed, but I do like the thought that from Day 1 he had some attraction to her. Killing the Anointed One was one of my favorite parts of this episode. It was the final clue to let us know that "this isn't your typical vampire". He's special. He's Spike. "Some Assembly Required" | View Comments11 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 13, 2011 This is definitely toward the bottom of my list of episodes but I didn't dislike it. There are only about 3 episodes that I don't like and only 1 episode that I despise to the point that I almost can't watch it again (yes, I'm talking about you Where The Wild Things Are) in the entire series. Damn fine series. Giles/Jenny are cute and Angel/Buffy are awesome. They are definitely setting us up for Passion here. And they do so well at this. Even in plot driven episodes, there is always still such great character interaction. This is precisely why I love this series so much. Even if the plot is bad, there is enough character stuff that you want to watch the episode anyway. This is one of those. One thing that Buffy says in this episode struck me -- she tells Chris that she knows what it is like to lose someone you are close to. Do you think she is referring to her cousin Celia there? I can't think of anyone who Buffy was really close to that died up to this point. If so, this is a nice bit of continuity all the way through to Killed By Death! "When She Was Bad" | View Comments12 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 13, 2011 This was a decent episode. Not a blockbuster but not a bust either. This episode does have one of the most memorable scenes in the entire show IMO. The sexy dance scene has always stuck with me. I think of it often when I think back on the show. Not because it is sexy (it is) but because I think it a perfectly executed scene. The music is fantastic, the acting is superb (Xander, Willow and Angel's reaction are all totally on point and you can just tell so much about their characters just by their facial expressions - great acting), and the scene is so uncomfortable that it works. The scene delivers emotionally in so many ways -- you can feel Buffy's pain, you can feel Xander's desire coupled with confusion and knowledge that it isn't right, you can feel Willow's pain, and you can feel Angel's jealousy. I love that scene. The rest of the episode is pretty meh. Xander provides some good comic relief and Cordelia's line about spanking her inner moppet is great. When Buffy smashes The Master's bones, it is a great release for her and makes us all feel better, like everything will be alright again. My biggest beef with the episode is the end music. My god, it's awful. It's music straight out of a cheesy after school episode. If I turned on the TV and that scene was playing with Xander, Willow, and Buffy in the classroom, I would never watch the show. "Season 1 Review" | View Comments13 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 5, 2011 I said it in my Welcome to the Hellmouth comments but I'll repeat here: What I like about this season is that it had some fun stories but it really cemented the personalities of the characters and their dynamics. I don't mind that there wasn't a lot of growth in most of them. We just got to learn about them and find out their quirks through the series of stories that were told. I'm glad the formula was ditched in subsequent seasons but I really fell in love with the characters right from the get go with this series and from that standpoint, it succeeds. This sets us right up for their emotional development through the rest of the series. "Prophecy Girl" | View Comments14 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 5, 2011 @MikeJer --- In your pros you mention Buffy saying that she is really, really hungry. Yes, slaying does make her hungry, as we learn later with her and Faith, but there is more to the statement than that. In the episode, Joyce talks about how little Buffy has eaten recently (in fact that is how they can afford the dress!). Buffy is stressed out with the burden of saving the world on her shoulders and depressed about the fact she is likely going to die. I think her stating that she is hungry has a lot to do with the burden being lifted along with the fact that the world hasn't ended so life goes on (i.e. time to nourish). That's my thoughts anyway. "Prophecy Girl" | View Comments15 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 5, 2011 Well, it was nice to get some closure with the Xander/Buffy relationship. Even though he may still carry somewhat of a torch for her throughout (in a different way, I believe) he knows it will never happen at this point. I thought Buffy handled it extremely well. It's just funny that Xander doesn't see that what Buffy did to him is what he is doing to Willow. This episode has one of my favorite all time Buffy speeches "I'm 16 years old -- I don't want to die!" (Brilliant all around scene). Who can not sympathize with that? While Buffy has accepted her duty, this is truly the first time that she has thought about the fact that she could really die. OF course she does die multiple times throughout the show. Death is her gift. In this episode, she does what she must (very heroically) but doesn't particularly like it. While in S5, she embraces her role and what she must do to save the world. Great, great character development. Two season finales where Buffy dies but it is amazing the vast differences in terms of the growth of her character. SMG really does a fantastic acting job in this episode. The scene with her mother was great too. Where she is talking about how lucky her mother was for having her whole life ahead of her. That is a particularly gruesome scene in the RV room. Kind of reminds me of the Anya slaughter from Selfless (which Willow also finds). It was kind of nice to see one of the Schoobies so torn up by witnessing something so horrible. They get so desensitized to it later in the series (understandably so -- they have scene a lot). Think of Willow's reaction to finding this scene versus Selfless. Great difference considering the events that lead up to both. This is also the only episode where I like the Anointed One. The shot of Buffy walking hand in hand with this kid in her dress with a crossbow on her way to face the Master -- Excellent! Xander's feelings about vampires are put on full display in this episode when he goes to confront Angel (Stop looking at my neck - LOL) and this feeling is carried out consistently throughout the whole series. Nice bit of continuity. I do hate how apathetic Angel seems to be in this scene though. He seems to be saying "Well, what do you want me to do about it"? Very un-Angel like. Cordelia driving through the school to the library is a great scene too. Man, the damage repair costs alone for that school must be through the roof! I don't even know how the school managed to continue to be even before it got blown up! I love the Buffy theme music playing as Buffy strides off with Xander and Angel for the final showdown with the Master. It displays the theme of the show fantastically...female empowerment. The music with Buffy walking confidently with Xander and Angel trailing behind. Nice shot. I also liked the piano version of the theme playing at the end. Well integrated. Props to ASH in that scene too. The way he looks at Buffy with such obvious pride and affection when he says that he should have known that death wouldn't stop her brings a tear to my eye. Overall this episode is pretty close to a P for me. "Out of Mind, Out of Sight" | View Comments16 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 5, 2011 I liked this episode but it wasn't one of my favorites from S1. I like the theme of people being what society makes them, at least outwardly and that we all need to look beyond the surface. Marcy was a nobody in the eyes of the world and she, literally, became a nobody. Cordelia on the outside is just what society thinks but on the inside there is a lot more going on. There is growth for Cordelia and I love where they go with her for the next few seasons. She has great character development through this series and the first part of Angel (don't get me started on what they ultimately do to her on there though). "Nightmares" | View Comments17 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 5, 2011 There are so many things I like about this episode. But there are also many things I don't like. Things I like: 1. I like what we learn about the characters -- Buffy's feelings about her parents divorce is very typical to regular teens. Plus I love how their fears are carried through the episodes. 2. Buffy's nightmare about her father is heartbreaking. Poor girl. This episode is actually great when thinking about future episodes. We get a sense after watching this how much her parents divorce hurt Buffy and how much she would like her family together and the draw of having that. Also, she has a huge fear of being buried alive and that actually comes true (well she is brought back to life when she was buried) in Bargaining Pt 2. Terrifying. Then she becomes a vampire. These nightmares are all fantastic. 3. Giles getting lost in the stacks and not being able to read -- awesome! Followed by him coming upon the grave of Buffy. I can't think of a better nightmares for him at this time. 4. Xander thinking arachnids are from the Middle East. LOL -- Then being lured by chocolate bars. I think that is hysterical! I also share Xander's fear of clowns -- they are creepy. 5. Willow is adorable as the opera singer. Things I didn't like: 1. Everything with Billy. It brings the whole episode down IMO. 2. Is the Anointed One really supposed to be scary in any way? He is so lame. 3. Maybe it is me but I actually thought the "coach" manifestation was the worst monster on the show. In the end, the good outweight the bad IMO. I always look back on this episode fondly as one of my favorites of S1. "The Puppet Show" | View Comments18 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 5, 2011 This episode was not THAT bad in my opinion. Yes, it was pointless and the story was cheesy but there was some serious comedy gold: The introduction of Snyder -- He has some great lines in this episode Giles' face when he is listening to Snyder tell Buffy, Xander, and Willow that they have to be in the talent show is PRICELESS! He is trying to hold his snickers back when they come back to sit near him. Great, great scene. The puppet stabbing the demon with the knife that is so obviously a prop since it is, literally, bouncing off the demon is hysterical. The final scene as the credits roll (I think this is the only time they do this in the show, right?) is probably my favorite comedy moment in all of Buffy. The "passionate acting" in the dramatic reading followed by Willow bolting has me cracking up every single time. I understand why you gave the grade you did and I mostly agree with your assessment but the comedy part of it would have me bump it up to maybe a C. "I Robot, You Jane" | View Comments19 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 5, 2011 Ok -- I've been a staunch defender of S1, but even I agree that this episode is terrible. I don't even have much to say about it. It does have a few redeeming qualities: The fact that it is Willow-centric and her desperation for a romantic relationship (a lot of which is brought on by Xander's rejection of her) is heartbreaking. The introduction of Ms. Calendar. The ending scene where they all realize they are never going to have a normal relationship. I think that sums up the good. Oh, I do like what I think is the moral of the episode: Internet dating can be dangerous. LOL "Angel" | View Comments20 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 5, 2011 I'd also like to note that I've liked just about all of the romances in the show (not just Buffy's), but I have never really felt the spark between two characters like I do between Buffy and Angel. I really feel like they love each other. "Angel" | View Comments21 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 5, 2011 This is a great episode. Tyipcal of Buffy's luck with men, just as she realizes that she is falling for Angel, she finds out he is a vampire. And she realizes that she may have to kill him...after all, that's what she does. I love that Buffy's mother questions Giles presence at the hospital. I stated this before but I love how there are certain points in the series where Buffy has to try to explain to people why she hangs out with the school librarian so much (even more so after they graduate HS). My only complaint is that Darla went down way too easily in this episode. She could have been a good threat for the rest of the season. She is scarier than the Master anyway. David Boreanaz is still very sexy now but he was stupid hot in his youth. He makes me melt in this episode. "The Pack" | View Comments22 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 4, 2011 I am honestly shocked by the score. even after reading the review. I'm glad to see some love for this episode in the comments. I LOVE this episode. It is definitely my first or second favorite of S1 (along with Nightmares). I can't believe that they "went there" and had the kids actually EAT Principal Flutie...daring and awesome! Though RIP Flutie. Plus it brought about Snyder who I love to hate! There may not be a lot of character development but this episode had me thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. Was it sad that I found Xander sexy in this episode? It wasn't because he was mean (I hated what he did to Willow) but he was exuding confidence. That's sexy. And I love the slo-mo scene. I loved how they were sniffing around the kid that they picked on. I thought it was well done. I also really liked the dodge ball scene that you point out in your "Pros". Cruel HS students at play there. I WILL agree with you that they could have done some parallels between the hyena pack and Cordy's group. That would have been great. "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date" | View Comments23 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 4, 2011 I realize that i didn't finish the second to last sentence in my last paragraph. It should read "She was kind of wishing that there was a page from Giles so she could assuage her guilt" "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date" | View Comments24 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 4, 2011 A little harsh again IMO. I really like this episode. Some great scenes: I loved the scene where Giles gives the whole speech to Buffy and then tells her they are going to battle--cut to the scene of them sitting bored in the cemetery. Very funny. I like when Owen gives Buffy his pocket watch and poor Xander looks down at his Tweety Bird watch -- oh Xander. LOL The awkwardness of Owens happening upon Giles in Buffy's home. I always like these scenes where Buffy has to try to explain to people why she hangs out so much with the school librarian. Cordelia's "Hello salty goodness" line is fantastic (and repeated in AtS!). They did a very good job of throwing suspicion on the crazy guy on the bus as the anointed one. The first time I watched it, I never thought it would be the boy. It was nice deflection. Buffy shows a lot of maturity in this episode. The sacrifices are becoming apparent. She chooses her duty over her crush which is a big step forward for her. I think I would have jumped Owen's bones before I dumped him. :P On a side note: I love Buffy's little tiger hoody. Also, I can see why Buffy would be attracted to Owen. He's adorable here. One other note: I don't think that it makes Buffy sad when Owen says that there are more important things in life than dating. I think she feels guilty (as she expresses at the end of the episode to Giles). Buffy realizes in that moment that she is putting dating above her duty and for a second it seems like she was kind of wishing that. Then she goes back to trying to live her normal life and enjoy her date. "Teacher's Pet" | View Comments25 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 4, 2011 I don't seem to think this episode is as bad as most others do. It is certainly toward the bottom of my list of Buffy episodes but I wouldn't give it an F. Maybe a D. I like the recurring theme of Xander being attracted to demons which starts here. I think it is cute how Willow seems so relieved at first that Xander has a crush on the teacher. I'm sure it is because she is thinking that he has no chance with her instead of with Buffy who she worries might just fall for him back. I also like how they call the vampire "Fork Guy" throughout the episode. It showcases the lighted-heartedness we have come to love in the face of danger. While in actuality he wasn't very dangerous, there was supposed to be a sense of danger, I'm guessing, since we learn that he took a nice gash out of Angels' arm. I totally agree with everyone that "cliffhanger" of the egg sack at the end is awful, particularly because they never follow up on it. That is one thing about later seasons that I like that are somewhat lacking in this season -- the follow through on thoughts or themes brought up in the episodes. That's okay though, the show was still trying to find it's rhythm. "Witch" | View Comments26 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 4, 2011 I can't believe how down everyone is on these S1 episodes (not really this episode since most people seem to like it, but in general) . I still love them! Even on my 7th play through the series. I love this one in particular too. I feel like these episodes set up the rest of the series quite well. They establish the characters and show the progression of them all working together as a team, all through fun, quirky plots. I mean the whole beginning of a show can't be all about character development. First you have to really cement who the characters are. We can't see the growth until we really know the characters. I think this first season does a great job of doing this despite all the detractors. "The Harvest" | View Comments27 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 4, 2011 @Michael Carruthers: The apocalypse wasn't the vampires feeding at the Bronze. The scene at the Bronze was just the vampires giving offerings to the vessel who was nourishing the Master. Once the Master had enough he would be able to break free of his dungeon and his plan was to open the portal to the hellmouth. THAT would have been the apocalypse. While the Master was not the scariest villain, the plan was supposed to be more sinister then you are giving the show credit for. "The Harvest" | View Comments28 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 4, 2011 And I didn't think as poorly of this episode as you did, MikeJer. I also liked the computer scene with Cordelia. We got a little glimpse of Willow standing up for herself. Very satisfying to see. "The Harvest" | View Comments29 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 4, 2011 How many times do you have a show where character themes carry through an entire show? The whole "Xander feels useless" characterization starts right here in this episode and carries all the way to the end of the show. That is so great. Are there some character discrepancies between these first few episodes and the rest of the series? Yes, particularly with Darla and Angel, but they get it so right with Buffy, Xander, and Willow. It is such a treat to behold. I have to say that I loved the story that Buffy was telling about the vampire with the thick neck and the exacto knife. LOL One thing that this episode did very well was to establish a feeling of discomfort with the main characters. I assumed that Jesse would be part of the main cast. When they turned him into a vampire, it was putting everyone on alert -- no character is ever really safe. This is reinforced with the devouring of Principal Flutie and the again, quite brilliantly and shockingly, with the death of Ms. Calendar in one of my favorite ever episodes. And someone mentioned in the last review that they were surprised that they didn't mourn for Jesse more. I have always imagined that they mourn the death of their loved ones (Jesse, Jenny, Tara, Anya) off-screen after the chaos has been dealt with. I never took it as them being cold or anything. We get to see totally bad ass Buffy for real this time. We know she is strong and athletic from the first episode but here we learn just how resourceful the girl really is. It's pretty fun to watch the last fight scene. Although what is really ridiculous is that where Xander accidentally staked Jesse is absolutely no where near the heart. It was more like in his collar bone. LOL And while I love the final scene because of how it really sets up what the whole series is going to be like --- they will face awful danger but there will be many laughs along the way -- the music in that scene is so terrible. It sounds like music out of an episode of Saved By the Bell - LOL. "Welcome to the Hellmouth" | View Comments30 | CoyoteBuffyFanFeb 4, 2011 This episode gets a P from me. In and of itself, is it one of the best Buffy episodes? No. But it is the first episode (other pilot excluded) of the best show ever put on TV. I watch this series over and over from Episode 1 to Episode 144. When I get back to Welcome to the Hellmouth I get excited knowing I have the whole series to watch all over again. So is it a false "P" that I'd give this episode. Yes but it still gets it from me. I love being introduced to the Scoobies all fresh faced and immature. Knowing what they mature into makes me all tingly. They are all still the same as they are at the end of the series. Just shows the brilliance of the writing. They managed to have the characters mature in a meaningful way. They keep the personality traits that make them who they are while still having them grow. Much like real people. It's just so great and this episode reminds me of it every time. I loved Buffy's begrudging acceptance of her slayer duty -- kicked into gear when her new friend Willow is in trouble. Even then Buffy was a loyal person. I don't think that Whedon went overboard with the Giles as stuffy librarian. I think that is who he is at the beginning of the series. While we know now about his troubled past, I think that by the time he is Buffy's watcher he is just that - a stuffy British watcher. I think the dynamics with the Scoobies caused him to be a looser Giles. The only real complaint that I have about the show is the way that Angel acts. It just doesn't seem in character (not to mention the bad acting by David -- who really does get much better later on). I love when Buffy says to Giles "I really didn't like that guy". LOL "Chosen" | View Comments31 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 24, 2011 One thing that I didn't see mentioned here that I liked was that at the end when Andrew is sitting on the bus, he says to himself "Why didn't I die?" or something like that. I think that a part of Andrew wanted to die for the cause to make up for what he did. Just an interesting note and more of the great character development that the show is known for but it was done in such a subtle way. "Chosen" | View Comments32 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 24, 2011 I thought the cookie dough speech was cute. I loved Angel mocking it later in AtS. Some great comical parts: Spike's drawing of Angel on the punching bag was absolutely hysterical.Faith getting ready to pull her pants down and throw down with Wood was pretty funny too. Giles playing D&D with Xander, Amanda and a red caped Andrew had me laughing along with crazy Anya sleeping. Andrew's "thank you" speech (love him!) I still hate Kennedy and that she is with Willow --- right to the bitter end, LOL. I disagree with you, MikeJer, that sleeping with Wood meant nothing to Faith. She pushes guys away from her before she can get hurt. She thinks that all guys want from her is sex so she tries to put up the walls. It is obvious that she cares for him given the ending. Loved, loved the Giles throwback to S1 with the "earth is definitely doomed line". I'm so glad that all four of them make it through. Although I have to say a big nooooooooooooooo for Anya! *sob* Brilliant final ploy by the Whedon with the spell to give all the Potentials the power of the slayer. It works fantastically IMO. (Although I do agree with you, MikeJer, that it was kind of unfair to those who didn't make the CHOICE -- and did they each really have a choice? Even if an individual said no, she would have gotten the power anyway - lol). And I love how they set it up with us not knowing the plan and then watching it unfold right before the big fight. Well done. Also, excellent touch to have WIllow bathed in light rather than darkness after the spell. @Alice -- I, too, imagined that girl basically destroying the ball with her swing. LOL The ending scene with Spike always makes me bawl like a little baby. Even knowing that he comes back in AtS. He IS a champion! In fact I cry my eyes out from that point all the way to the last line. They certainly knew how to play with the heartstrings in this one. Buffy's smile at the end - awesomeness. "End of Days" | View Comments33 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 24, 2011 The beginning part with the Potentials is the only part that I like Kennedy in the whole season. Those girls needed a leader at that moment and she stepped up. Her problem before that is that she didn't know when she wasn't the smartest/toughest one in the room and to shut up and let other people lead. That's one of the traits of a good leader and non-annoying person. When Buffy busted in to save those girls I always say a little "Hell yeah!" in my head and curse out all the stupid people who kicked her out. I have to say that Buffy was very gracious in coming back. I would have had a lot more resentment. She just let everyone off the hook. Kudos to her. My favorite part in the whole episode was Anya's speech about why she is staying and what she thinks of humans. (I wrote this before I read the review and see it is your favorite part too MikeJer!) So sad about what happens to her next episode but it was great to see her evolution. From running from the apocalypse to staying and fighting. Great scene (especially ending with the wheelchair fight). The moment between Buffy and Spike when they talk to each other about what happend in Touched is very sweet. But it takes away from it a little to know that she'll be kissing Angel just a little while later. I like Spike and Buffy together but I'll always believe that Angel is her one and only true love. She will love others, but never like she will love Angel. I totally buy the kiss between them. She isn't in a relationship with Spike, regardless of their feelings. And she knows she isn't going to have a relationship with Angel and in fact, she may never see him again. One more note since we aare just about near the end of Caleb -- I love Nathan Fillion. His character might have been one dimensional, but what a fabulous dimension it is because of him. "Touched" | View Comments34 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 22, 2011 This is a good episode, not great but well done. I always cheer a little bit when Spike tells everyone off for kicking Buffy out. Bunch of idiots. :P I also love the scene between Buffy and Spike. And I like how they contrasted everyone else going at it, presumably out of fear and the need to feel connected, while Buffy and Spike are content to just lay in each others arms. Their relationship is beyond the surface. This was done well. And Spike gave Buffy the love and encouragement that she needed to not feel sorry for herself which got her to get out there and kick ass Buffy-style. Her friends could learn a thing or two from Spike (imagine that!). One thing bothered me: How did Spike know that Buffy was arguing about the fact that Caleb was hiding something at the vineyard? He wasn't there for the whole ambush and isn't that where she was talking about it? Did I miss something? "Empty Places" | View Comments35 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 22, 2011 This episode can be summed up for me with 4 words: I DON'T BUY IT. I think this has all been touched on but I just don't believe that Buffy's friends would do this to her after everything that has happened over 7 years. And Dawn? Come on now. Just terrible. I can actually understand Robin turning his back. He hasn't been through thick and thin with her and she told him that she'd let Spike kill him. I can understand the Potentials not having faith in Buffy although it is ridiculous how quickly they follow Faith given that they were ALWAYS skeptical about Buffy. I can even understand Anya given that she is not prone to just following her emotions and has no problem saying what she thinks bluntly. But the rest of them? Now Buffy has not blameless in all this. Maybe she was a little reckless in going to the vineyard but her intentions were good. She hasn't been a great leader (she's been a pretty bad one actually) but that's natural because she has never really had to lead. but her actions did not deserve what they did to her. Yes, Xander lost his eye but he always knew that there was danger that is associated with helping the Slayer fight evil, especially as a mere mortal. I find it hard to believe that his incident changed his view 180 degrees from the speech he gave about trusting Buffy the last episode to basically telling her to go away the next. Giles and Buffy obviously hadn't been getting along up until this point. And I know that Buffy has rejected hims several times over the last couple of episodes but I still find it totally out of character that Giles would just give up on Buffy like that. Willow was probably the most in character. She was the only one who actually seemed concerned about Buffy. She just was questioning Buffy's judgement. However, given how quickly Buffy forgave Willow for her past transgressions, you would think that perhaps Willow might stand up for Buffy. As for Dawn, just totally horrific writing for her. Like she would ever order Buffy out of the house. Not even for a second did I consider that a remote possibility from her and there was nothing that really backs up why she did that. I mean, Buffy DIED for her! Good god! I can't tell you how angry this episode makes me. And not in a good way. If I felt that the writers had done a good enough job to make me believe why they would turn their back on Buffy, I would still be upset at them but in a good way because the episode could make me feel so strongly. Like in Angel whene Angel turns his back on Wesley (tries to kill him actually). I was upset because I love Wes and knew he was just trying to do the right thing but I could totally understand Angel's point of view. Not here. Terrible. "Dirty Girls" | View Comments36 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 22, 2011 Oh Nathan Fillion (sigh) how I love thee. I wish Caleb had been introduced earlier in the season. I would have loved to see his back story. Imagine seeing him before he met The First - preaching in a church, and luring the girls who were drawn by his sermon, then seeing him kill this "dirty girl". Would have been creepily awesome IMO. This episode was more shocking than really good. We knew some Potentials would die but the de-eying of Xander was a jolt. And hard to watch. I agree that the basement scene between Faith and Spike was well done. I remember thinking that I thought the two of them would become involved. I wouldn't have objected. Not much else to this episode. I liked it but it falls somewhere in the middle of the pack of episodes for me. "Lies My Parents Told Me" | View Comments37 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 21, 2011 This is a very powerful episode. I don't know if I'd give it a P but it is definitely an A. The scenes where they are flashing between Spike getting verbally abused by his mother and physically abused by Wood are fantastic. And it is clear at the end of this episode that any budding romance between Buffy and Wood has officially been squashed, LOL. And the ending is a bit heartbreaking when Buffy tells Wood that the mission is all that matters. Not long after he said that she reminds him of his mother. Poor guy is getting abandoned all over again in a sense. However, I do have a couple of problems with this episode (and I'm sure they are hashed out in the 110 comments above which I admit, I haven't fully read): It bothers me that Buffy says so casually that she would let Dawn die for the mission. It isn't so much that she said it, because I believe that if it really and truly was a black or white situation of Dawn or the World then she would sacrifice Dawn. However, the way that she said it without hesitation bothered me. I mean, I would think it deserves some thought after everything that has gone down. Perhaps she was just saying it like that to convince Giles that she could make the hard decisions but the response just felt wrong to me for some reason. I can understand Buffy being upset at Wood for tampering with the mission by trying to kill Spike but the harshness she shows towards him is unsettling to me. I get that she needs to be a general and all that to save the world but she was just downright cruel. This could be pre-meditated to try to set up Empty Places, although they never quite set it up right IMO. Now maybe I'm just clinging to the past too much but I feel that I'm aware of Buffy's evolution throughout the seasons, and these scenes just felt wrong to me. I know many disagree. I think I said something in the episode where Giles arrived with the Potentials that it seems that Buffy and Giles are equals now instead of mentor/mentee. I feel like this is further reinforced in this episode. I don't see Giles as the villain here. Both Giles and Buffy believe that they are doing what is necessary to save the world. Giles feels that he needs to get Spike away from Buffy to do this (by any means necessary) while Buffy feels she needs him and will do whatever is necessary to keep him by her side. I guess I just don't see how Giles is the bad guy here. Has he betrayed her in the past? Yes. Will he betray her in the future? Yes (the poorly constructed Empty Places). However, I don't see this as a betrayal. I see this as a misguided attempt to help. "Storyteller" | View Comments38 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 21, 2011 Oh how I love Andrew! I think I might have mentioned this before but I do. This episode is fantastic because of him. Right from the get go with the Masterpiece Theater opening, I knew it would be a great episode. I liked that Anya and Xander connected again. I also liked how the tension between Wood and Spike grows in this episode (I mean, Wood really was going to kill Spike until he got tackled by that girl!). I only have two small complaints with this episode: 1)I find it hard to believe that Willow and Kennedy just sit around in the middle of living room making out amongst all the chaos (although Andrew's indifference to it is great!) and 2) Jonathan doesn't have enough blood to open the seal but 3 tears is enough to shut it down? I like how the whole end scene plays out with a little redemption for Andrew (even though his convenient retellings of the murder are hysterical!) but that just seemed a little hokey. Overall a great episode -- mostly because it featured Andrew -- and it was a good comedic episode before lots of heartache. "Get it Done" | View Comments39 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 19, 2011 This episode is ok in my book. MikeJer -- The First almost got Angel to kill himself so I don't have a problem believing it could talk Chloe into doing it. They showed her as vulnerable right from the get go. Also I agree with you when you say "Buffy has never been successful in the past by just ordering everyone around. Buffy is at her best when she's working with her allies the best she can. Sure, Buffy should be the leader, but she isn't at her best in the role of a bossy general. Just saying everyone should blindly follow her isn't necessarily right or fair. Buffy's earned devotion from her friends without needing to resort to such measures, but the Potentials don't know her well enough to see the whole picture." But I think it is BECAUSE the Potentials don't know Buffy that she takes the dictator role. She doesn't have TIME to earn the respect and devotion from them because they need to be ready SOON. I think that she believes that this is the best way to get them to respond to her quickly. Obviously she is wrong but I can follow her thinking here. The tension between Wood and Spike is palpable. I love the scenes between those two. Spike has animosity because of the Wood/Buffy relationship. I can't blame Wood for his hatred and lust for revenge. Soul or no soul, I'd want to kill the thing that killed my mother too. Kennedy running the training class for the potentials...ugh. She is so freakin' annoying. She takes a little too much pleasure out of calling someone a maggot. (Is it wrong that I was cheering for The First a little bit when it called her out on that?) Then saying to Principal Wood "Who the hell are you?" and telling Spike (Spike!) that the Potentials are better equipped to fight a demon than he? She is just too much (in a bad way). Yuck! When did Dawn learn Sumerian? This episode is tough because I can see both sides. I can totally understand the gang's anger at Buffy for leaving them there to fight whatever (I mean she had to know that the "exchange" wouldn't be fluffy bunnies -- sorry Anya!) and forcing her friends into a situation where they are scrambling to get her back without any discussion on the matter. On the other hand, I totally get Buffy's sense of duty. She realizes that she has to go in there -- that it may be important to the fight to save the world. A Slayer's duty. I love the scene with Buffy in the portal...the thought that the Slayer's powers come from the essence of a demon is a great concept. I think Buffy rebeled against the demon essence because she didn't want to admit that she had a little demon in her. It harkens back to "First Date" where she wonders, again, if she is attracted to evil in some way. I think letting the demon into her would be an admission that she has darkness inside her and she doesn't want that. Also, the fact that Spike goes to get the very coat that he took from Wood's mother in order to get his mojo back is tasty. Then the exchange with Wood as Spike walks by is brilliant. "First Date" | View Comments40 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 19, 2011 The best parts about this episode are the comedic bits. Anya and Andrew are both awesomely funny, as usual, and the miscommunication with the new potential is amusing but Giles' drawings and everyone's reactions to them take the cake in this episode. Fantastically hysterical. I do like the set up of Wood's role in the final episodes. That his mother was the Slayer and turns out to be one of the Slayers that Spike talks about killing in Fool For Love was great. I enjoyed this story line. I just wish that they didn't just stop the relationship between Buffy and Wood so abruptly. It's almost like the date didn't happen for the rest of the season. I suppose it is because Buffy took Giles' warning seriously about not getting distracted and by the time everything was over, the attraction wsa gone. Ashanti is the worst actress I have ever seen. Terrible. And Xander dating a demon YET AGAIN was old and boring. And how Xander was about to text Willow is a horrific plot hole. But the most egregious thing about this story is just what you said, MikeJer...the whole concept that each time blook is poured onto the seal ONE ferocious vampire is released into the world is cockamamie ridiculousness. I don't even have words to say how stupid I think this is. It bothered me upon the first viewing and now it just pisses me off. @DFAS Giles - Wow...you are so right. I can't believe I never picked up on that. Robin clearly looks in the rearview mirror at Spike. He shouldn't have seen him! "The Killer in Me" | View Comments41 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 17, 2011 Zerrible episode. Why in the heck would Willow go to the college Wicca group (who did zero witchcraft when last she saw them) for help? Why wouldn't she call up the coven? Normally I can overlook things but this was just absurd. The one thing that I did like is that the episode was somewhat reminiscent of earlier Buffy episodes in that normal teen angst (in this case young adult angst) manifests itself through monsters or magic. Willow feels guilt for moving on from Tara, an emotion that many of us can probably relate to in some way (moving on after a loved one dies) but, of course, in Buffy world this guilt becomes a physical manifestation in some way. I love that about this show. That said, the way that it was set up (punishment from Amy) and the resolution (a fairy tale kiss from Kennedy - barf) sucked. The other thing I liked about the episode was the cliff hanger at the end -- will she or won't she decide to have Spike's chip removed. Now that he has a soul, it seems to make sense to remove it, but as we know from Angel, there are ways to lose your soul again. It's an interesting decision. Of course, we all know what Buffy ultimately decides but I like the way they left it in this episode. So a small couple of bright spots in an overall abysmal episode. D grade seems about right. "Potential" | View Comments42 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 17, 2011 I like Amanda. I like that she is kind of goofy looking and awkward. And I like that, unlike the rest of the slayers, she doesn't just whine 24/7 snd cracks quips in the face of danger and actually LISTENS to Dawn since she realizes that Dawn knows more than her sbout fighting vampires. Nice to know the students think their counselor is a high functioning schizophrenic. LOL. Buffy must not have a lot of respect at the school. It was cool to see Dawn taking care of herself (and Amanda) and the maturity that she shows when she finds out that Amanda is actually the Potential is great to see. However, she is still a total idiot for sneaking out in the middle of the night by herself when she thinks she is a Potential and knows that the Bringers are after them. I like that Buffy is taking charge and training the Potentials but the way she teaches the lessons are awful IMO and the lack of respect that the Potentials, in general, show for her is annoying. Although I guess that Buffy showed some irreverance to Giles in the beginning as well so I guess I shouldn't be so hard on them. I love Xander's talk with Dawn at the end. Even though we know it isn't true that Xander is this "all seeing guy", it is a truly sensitive and sweet moment that touches me and makes me tear up every time. "Showtime" | View Comments43 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 17, 2011 I had just finished watching this episode and saw the score that you gave it and was coming here to stick up for the episode and make an arguement for a higher score. However, after I actually read your review, I find myself agreeing with you. I think I was romanced by the final two scenes. I am a sucker for big, sweeping moments and speeches and the whole fight at the end and the statement that Buffy made had me emotional. Then the final scene with Spike is especially touching. However, as you so expertly wrote in your review, that is about all the episode had going for it. I'm not one to nitpick and can easily let things go (like the fact that no one noticed that Eve didn't touch anything for at least two days) so this didn't detract from the episode for me. However, in retrospect, I just feel that the episode was really pretty boring until the final scenes. I really don't like the potentials (and Kennedy particularly grates, even in successive viewings) and the whole eye thing with Anya and Giles was pointless, save for a couple of laughs. As usual in the episode, Anya and Andrew still tickled me. I love them both. Anya's "those were entrails" line had me rolling. As for the telepathy, I liked the way that it was done but agree that it really only works with the first viewing. When you see the scene and don't realize that they are communicating telepathically then it looks like they are kind of defeated. They slink out of the kitchen and it appears that they have looks of despair on their face. That makes the fight scene and the revelation that it was all set up to teach the potentials a lesson all the more powerful. Upon successive viewings, it may seem kind of unnecessary but I can still remember what I thought the first time. @John -- Even when Willow made the spider demon stop with a wave of her hand, there was some darkness that got hold of her (remember how her eyes went black and she yelled at the girl in the closet to quit whining?). That was used to set up her fear of using magic for this season so that we have an explanation why all powerful Willow can't just do something to stop the big bads. "Bring on the Night" | View Comments44 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 16, 2011 Oh god, they're here. Ugh, Kennedy (the worst of the lot). She and they really brought down this season for me. One thing that strikes me in this spisode is that it seems to be the first time that Buffy and Giles are equals. Even though Buffy often called the shots in the past, she has always really needed Giles. When he first left, it was like a mother pushing her little baby bird out of the nest. He was trying to get her to do things on her own. When he came back later in S6, Buffy needed Giles because of Willow and she was just getting herself together after her rough season. This time, it feels like Giles is just there for additional support but it is all the Buffy show. She greets him like an old friend. It was great work by the writers to develop their relationship like this throughout the series. This episode has the first of a few great speeches in S7 (Buffy's speech at the end). Some people might think the speeches are cheezy but I'm a sucker for cheese so I love 'em! I also love the scene where Buffy and Principal Wood bump into each other in the basement. I did appreciate the writers casting of suspicion on Principal Wood. It was well done. I have to comment on a couple of things though. MikeJer wrote "Wood's got to be a little suspicious of Buffy." Doesn't he reveal later that he already knows who Buffy is? I think that he is just trying to see if he can get anything out of her. And as for Wood being in the basement, I am not sure why he went there in last episode but since he found Jonathan's body on the seal, I always assumed that in this episode he went down there with a shovel to cover the seal realizing that it was something evil. Of course, what he would find when he gets there is that it is already buried (by Buffy). I'll throw in one more line here about my love for Andrew because I love him. :P "Never Leave Me" | View Comments45 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 14, 2011 Again, this episode is not among my favorites but it was pretty good but it had some great comedic moments. Andrew stomping around in the leather coat has me rolling. And then the pig scene -- holy cow I almost peed my pants. And then the butcher scene. Buffy using him as a weapon! Andrew through the whole episode was just awesome. Oh how I love him so. I love how even The First calls Andrew "what's his name" at first. LOL And one of my other favorites -- Anya as "bad cop" is hilarious! There are many things that I didn't like about this season, but one of the things that I did like was the is he/isn't he evil thing going on with Principal Wood. I really couldn't tell the first time I watched it. Even knowing his story in subsequent viewings, I still get a twinge of "maybe he IS evil" (lol). I mean, what kind of principal buries a body that he found in the basement of his school? It was well done. "Seeing Red" | View Comments46 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 14, 2011 Funny thing - I actually just saw guy who played Warren in another show and I realized that I still hate him, even when he is not Warren. LOL "Sleeper" | View Comments47 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 14, 2011 This is not among my favorite episodes. It's an ok one IMO. My favorite scene is Anya getting caught searching Spike's room and then pretending to want sex. Hilarious. I'm pretty sure that I have never seen so many people in Sunnydale as there were when Buffy was trying to follow Spike. LOL (After I wrote this I saw that others had commented on this too...glad I'm not alone because it is one of the first thing that I thought about when I watched this episode.) Spike is so hurt that Buffy doesn't believe him. Kind of sad. I love Spike's search for the girl that he had a flashback about. It really highlights what souled Spike is like. Doing the right thing. Aimee Mann's line about hating playing vampire towns is kind of reminscent of The Lost Boys to me. It's kind of silly though because the entire town of Sunnydale doesn't believe that vampires exist but Aimee Mann does? I agree with others that The First does not necessarily want Buffy dead in this episode. I think it was more hoping that either Buffy would kill Spike or that this would irreparably destroy their relationship so they wouldn't work together anymore. Just a thought. "Conversations with Dead People" | View Comments48 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 11, 2011 I agree with your score MikeJer. This was a great episode. Just from opening montage with the song, that is hauntingly beautiful, I knew it would be a good one. Thanks for your interpretation of the song. Very insightful and nothing I ever thought about before. I always just assumed that the song was about the face that, in the end, Buffy is always alone. I have to give Dawn a lot of credit here. The First puts her through hell but she holds her ground and fights. I would have been out that door in a heartbeat! This episode actually gave me respect for Dawn. I am with the crowd who would have loved to have had Tara in the scene with Willow. I think that would have been one kick ass powerful scene. However, since Amber Benson wouldn't do it, I think the writers did a hell of a job with the reasoning of Willow being punished for her bad deeds. The parts with Willow were heartbreaking but I love that Willow realizes immediately that Tara would never ask her to kill herself, no matter what. "Him" | View Comments49 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 10, 2011 Not nearly one of my favorite episodes but it is cute and has its charm. I liked how they used RJ spraying water on his face as a sensual moment for him. That's usually a typical trick you see when a guy is looking at hot girl and she is flipping her hair and pouring water on her head. I like how they flipped the script on that one. Poor Dawn in this episode, so uncomfortable to watch her when she approaches RJ and his friends in the hall at the beginning. Makes me cringe every time. And her cheerleading routine -- good god. LOL My favorite line of the episode: "Now get off the boy, Buffy. We're going home". Hysterical. @Jermzy -- Anyone pushing Kennedy through a window would have been a nice touch. :P "Selfless" | View Comments50 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 10, 2011 I love, love, love this episode! Anya is one of my favorite characters on the show. I remember when I first watched this, I couldn't believe that they "went there" with her. I mean, I knew she was a vengeance demon again but it still caught me way off guard. I loved seeing little flaunty Aud with her bunnies all the way through to tough Anyanka who fights with Buffy towards the end. The Mrs. song was perfectly put into the episode (and total props to the writers for putting in the mustard on the shirt part -- great touch!). The song really showed that even though she might have had a few doubts, she was ready to marry Xander and be with him for the rest of her life. It highlighted just how hurt she was by his leaving her. And then the stark cut off to the song with her with a sword through her chest was a stark reminder of how much things have changed. Brilliantly done. I never noticed the foreshadowing of Anya's death before. Pretty cool (well not that Anya dies but that D'Hoffryn says it). I agree with your P grade for this one MikeJer! @Keaton: I think you see Buffy make the decision without much hesitation because she has given this so much thought before. I assume that she has already wrestled with this in her mind and had come to accept that if Anya goes full out vengeance demon then she has to kill her. It does kind of seem that she is cavalier about it but I think it is because she had made up her mind already and was just trying to be matter-of-fact about it so she doesn't get all emotional and change her mind. At least that is how I believe it to be. "Help" | View Comments51 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 1, 2011 This is an ok episode. I did like Cassie right away and I find it interesting that she actually becomes a form for the First later on. Her speech about the things that she wants to do but is never going to get to is really touching. I have to say that I was very impressed at Dawn's reaction to getting picked on by that jackass kid. I probably would have cried at her age but she just blew it off. Spike looks great at the end. And when Cassie says "She'll tell you. Someday she'll tell you." I knew what she meant immediately. Great line and great job by the writers for not spelling out but just leaving it out there like that. "Same Time, Same Place" | View Comments52 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 1, 2011 This is one of my favorite S7 episodes. The monster is super CREEPY (creepiest since Hush IMO) and the episode is full of metaphors. I think MikeJer did a a great job reviewing so I won't repeat everything. I love the scene where Spike is talking to both Willow and Xander/Buffy. I appreciate that they did it separately as it really adds to the effect. Much better than if they had everyone in the same room at the same time. Willow and Anya asking each other if they killed the guy and then saying no at the same time was hysterical. Anya is so great in that whole scene. I still love her, no matter what she does. I can't help it. "Beneath You" | View Comments53 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 1, 2011 I liked the Run, Lola, Run homage at the beginning. Plus, I like how they have established a little recurring opening. It ends soon but it was kind of fun anticipating the next opening. I was just thinking about how I never thought that Spike was being made crazy by an outside force. Even with the First doing its thing at the end of the first episode, I think that when I first watched it I thought the First was all a figment of Spike's imagination. I thought Spike was just crazy because of the trauma stemming from the guilt of all his past deeds upon getting a soul. This was reinforced when he started acting crazy again after he stabbed the human Ronny. It is interesting to watch it again knowing what the First is and what it is doing. I do like how this episode tries to get us to think that this monster is the one that is referred to in "From beneath you, it devours". So tricky, those writers. And I loved Dawn telling Spike that she'd light him on fire if he hurt Buffy. I think Spike liked it too! Is it wrong that I still heart Anya even though she is making horrible things happen in the world? I mean, who else says "Oh penis!" LMAO. Xander was absolutely right though that Anya could only use the "you left me at the alter so I'm lashing out" excuse for so long. And that time has passed. Someone mentioned Spike's reference to being a champion. I liked this touch since the word "champion" is used quite often in AtS to describe Angel. It was a good use of it here. The ending scene between Spike and Buffy is fantastic. Although this isn't my favorite season, it has some of my favorite isolated scenes. "Lessons" | View Comments54 | CoyoteBuffyFanJan 1, 2011 I love that on the very first day of the new Sunnydale High that there is all kinds of supernatural stuff going on. No need to wait and see, lol. And poor Dawn getting freak status right off the bat. On the other hand, it is great to see her in sort of a leader role. She has the upper hand on pretty much the whole school in terms of knowledge about things that go bump in the night (or day if you are in Sunnydale). And I love how she imparts her lessons to her new friends. I think that Buffy's reaction to Spike was tempered because she was hypnotized by his hair. :P Two silly notes from me: I loved Buffy's outfit in this episode. I also love Robin Wood. He is very charismatic and sexy as hell. While I agree that the plot was very weak, I think of this as just an introductory episode for the season. It sets us up for what we need to know: Something really big and bad is coming (we learn this from Halfrek and Willow, Spike is back with his soul and seems to be tortured by it (tried to rip it out), Sunnydale High is back and as cursed as ever with a mysterious new principal and Buffy will work there, Xander will work there also as a contractor, and Willow is getting control of her magic. That's a lot of stuff to cram into an episode...who has time to work on plot? LOL "Season 6 Review" | View Comments55 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 30, 2010 Oh, and Season 7 was easily my least favorite season. There are still some very good episodes and some really great scenes but just overall it was really disappointing for me. I can't wait to see if my perspective on this changes after reading your reviews! "Season 6 Review" | View Comments56 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 30, 2010 Great review! I probably don't rate S6 as highly as you do but I did like it overall. I really agree with something that you said at the beginning of the review. The reason that the writers could take these characters on such a journey for this season is because we are so attached to them after the first 5 seasons. We are able to see some huge flaws from them now and still love them. They could not have tackled such things earlier because of this. I also like Dawn (although I admit she does annoy me at times). I also agree with most of your episode "awards" with some exceptions: Worst: As You Were - Sam---ugh! Most Disappointing - Again, I'd have to go with As You Were. The return of Riley could have been so much better! I almost said Hells Bells here because I would have loved for Anya and Xander to actually get married but upon further reflection, I love the "Anya as Vengeance Demon again" angle. Most Boring - (I actually liked Older and Far Away!). I'd have to go with Doublemeat Palace. Pretty ho hum episode if you ask me.SV "Grave" | View Comments57 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 30, 2010 I disagree about this not being a mind-blowing finale. This is one of my favorite finales, after Becoming, Part 2. The first time around, Spike getting his soul back was a stunning and excellent ending. Very emotional finale for me in many ways. Side note: Boy that Magic Box was left in complete ruin! I loved how Willow references back to when Giles called her a "rank, arrogant amateur" in the opening. You could tell that really hurt her at the time and the fact that she brings it up here speaks to that. Giles bursting into laughter after Buffy tells him all the horrible things that have been going on in Sunnydale is priceless. Out of necessity, Buffy allows Dawn to help her fight. The look on Buffy's face is great when Dawn kills one of the monsters. You can see the pride and the realization that Dawn is not just a little girl who needs protecting anymore. Great scene. Although it is followed by that annoying speech about showing Dawn the world. Could have done without all that. Giles does such a great job of manipulating Willow into taking his power even as he is getting the crap knocked out of him by her. I thought this was a brilliant way to start to bring an end to Evil Willow. It would have been unrealistic to just have Xander be able to talk Willow down given her actions over the last two episodes but the detail where she takes in magic that makes her connected to humanity is a great bit of writing. Finally the end, I love Xander's speech. The whole scene makes me cry every damn time I see it. I sometimes forget how much history Xander and Willow have. This scene makes me forgive Xander for all of his mistakes this season. Great ending IMO. My heart totally breaks for Willow, even after all she has done. "Two to Go" | View Comments58 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 30, 2010 More Evil Willow! Yay! Random thoughts about the episode: I liked how Willow pretended to be intimidated by Rack at first and then totally owns him and takes his power (and gets all veiny). I loved Spike's reaction to the flaming hands of his first opponent...lol Poor, naive Dawn. Thinks she can do something and tracks down Willow...such a bad idea. She didn't realize how far gone Willow was. I loved the trip to the Magic Box during Willow's speech. And as awful and harsh as the things are that Willow is saying, she does speak the truth. It's a very revealing scene, first with Willow and Dawn and then with Willow and Buffy starting at Rack's and ending at the Magic Box. The interactions between Anya and Xander throughout these final episodes are really well done, both in writing and acting. Yay Johnathon for finally sticking up for what is right! Giles' entrance is fantastic. "Villains" | View Comments59 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 30, 2010 I know I probably shouldn't be saying this but, my goodness, Evil Willow is so freakin' cool! Lights breaking as she walks into rooms, the power she has, making people bend to her will, extracting the bullet, pulling the axe out of her back. Everything -- just so bad ass! Made all the more fascinating because it is WILLOW! Mousy little Willow from high school. It is even more interesting because you can FEEL the rage that is driving her and can even empathize with her even as she is doing naughty deeds. And the killing of Warren was certainly gruesome, it was shocking and raw and awesome in the context of what was happening. And it is hard to feel any sympathy for him, even though he is a human. He was giddy at the thought that he killed the slayer and felt no remorse for killing Tara or Katrina. He only had concern for himself. He even left his "partner in crime" to rot in jail. He is just as bad as those soulless vamps and demons IMO. The thing she does with the bullet to Warren is twisted but appropriate. Perfectly done killing scene (I know that sounds bad). Dawn finding Tara is heartbreaking. As annoying as she can be, no young girl should have to find a friend like that. I really, truly felt horrible for her in this episode. I also love the scene where Xander finds out that Anya is a vengeance demon again. Just that simple statement "No, not left over". It is understated, which I think it has to be given the other events going on but a great scene nonetheless. And for those who thought the reaction of Buffy and Xander about the death of Tara was disappointing, I didn't see it that way. I think they didn't have time to let themselves grieve because they needed to stop Willow from destroying herself. It can happen that people distract themselves from thinking about something painful by concentrating on something else and in this case that something else is a big problem. I like to think that in the time between Grave and Lessons, they do some heavy grieving for Tara. This episode would get a P in my book. Love it, love it, love it! "Seeing Red" | View Comments60 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 30, 2010 This was a good setup episode for the final three episodes. It resolved a bunch of lingering issues (Buffy's will she/won't she with Spike, Xander/Buffy tension, EVERYONE finally knowing about Buffy/Spike) before the big battles ahead. With the whole rape scene, I don't think Spike really realized what he was doing at the time. He just thought that if he could just have sex with her again, then she would fall in love with him. This is NOT an excuse by any means. Just what I think his thoughts are. It's a tough scene to watch but an important scene. I think it is a stark reminder that Spike does not have a soul and it is the catalyst for him to go get one. LOVED Andrew jet packing into the roof. So hysterical and so Andrew. I think Andrew is my favorite side character of the series. I liked the scene with Xander and Buffy at the end. Xander starts to realize what an ass he has been. Nice to see. And, of couse, the big end scene. I remember the first time I watched this episode. I was shocked that they did this. Of course this kicks off three of my favorite episodes (behind Hush) in all of Buffy. Evil Willow is so badass. (More on that in my next comments). "Normal Again" | View Comments61 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 29, 2010 Sam L -- I never really noticed that this episode isn't mentioned again after Entropy. It is a good point that no one ever brings up her past stay in a mental institution again afterwards. I was focused on it never having been discussed or alluded to in any way in the past but it is never really mentioned again in the future either. I actually like this episode as far as it is the point where we are clearly told that Buffy wants to live in this life and it kind of documents her final struggle with this and brings it to a conclusion. "Entropy" | View Comments62 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 29, 2010 I love Xander. Yes, he is flawed but I still love him, in part BECAUSE he is flawed. However, he does infuriate me in this episode. I was so mad at him starting in Hells Bells and it lasts until Grave. I love his talk with Willow at the end of Grave. That is what brings me back to loving Xander again. What I found interesting about this episode is the totally human mistake that Anya and Spike make. While Anya does spend most of the episode trying to wish (or get someone to wish) an unhuman curse upon Xander, in the end the comfort they both get is a human one. Pretend for a second that neither is a demon, their drunken comfort sex is exactly what I would expect to happen if two young scorned people seeking solace bumped into each other. I do like Buffy's reaction. She is clearly hurt but, even though she gets in a snark or two outside of the Magic Box, she realizes that she doesn't have a moral ground to stand on. I love this episode and the all of the episodes for the rest of the season. I can't wait to read the review on those and comment! "Normal Again" | View Comments63 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 28, 2010 @Garland -- You wrote almost exactly what I was going to write. We all know that BtVS is a work of fiction created by writers. It doesn't make the story and characters and show any less interesting or fantastic to me if it turned out that it was all in crazy Buffy's head. That being said, I am not going to argue about which "reality" is "real", I'm just going to talk about a few other things about this episode. I like this episode a lot because of the fact that in it Buffy is forced to choose whether to live in the world that she knows or not. It really is a big turning point. Buffy was given an out which, if this happened in any other episode in S6 prior to this one, she would have taken. You can even tell at the very beginning of the episode that she is more like herself -- worrying about Xander, sympathizing and comforting Willow, conversating with Spike, hunting down the Trio. I almost forgot all her angst from the previous episodes and the hallucinations actually REMINDED me of them. This was just the perfect timing and set up for her to have to face the choice. I loved that when push came to shove, she chose the hardest thing in this world, to live in it. I would give this episode high marks indeed but three things keep it from being perfect IMO: 1. The plot is so stale that it has mold on it. I do think that BtVS probalby did this plot better than most shows but it still is a tired plot. 2. I usually tolerate, even sympathize, with Dawn but in this episode I really wanted to smack her silly. The whole "I don't even exist your perfect fantasy world" (not verbatim) line makes me want to kick her, HARD! I know that teens have an "It's all about me" complex but that was really just too much. I suppose it was done to further frustrate Buffy and push her towards the asylum world, but man it still pissed me off. 3. Sorry MikeJer, but I wholeheartedly disagree with you regarding the revelation that Buffy was once in an asylum. It seemed forced into the plot and not realistic at all. It did not jive with anything else from the whole series. As people brought up, it was not consistent with Bargaining. You'd think that when Willow or Xander or any of the other regular people found out that vampires or monsters were real she would have given some inclination that people in her past didn't believe her. Even if she never told anyone about the institution she would have probably let on that she was doubted in the past. Anyway, I'd probably give the show a 90 but that's still a great score! "Hell's Bells" | View Comments64 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 18, 2010 This is such a heartbreaking episode. It's so hard to watch the end but in a good way because we only care so much since we love the characters. I agree with those here who said that they wished Anya and Xander didn't split up. I think I said it in my comment from the previous episode that it would have been nice if ONE of the romantic relationships on Buffy worked out and this would have been a good one to do it. Although, there is something to be said that although the romantic relationships are a failure in this series, the friendships are so strong. On the other hand, I think it was more plausible for the ending to be the way it was than for Xander to have just been like "Ok, that was all fake, I'm fine now, let's get married!". It definitely worked better for the episode to have him back out and leave. Also, the episodes with Anya's return to vengeance are so good that it makes the breakup worth it. But we'll get to that when discussing later episodes. There are some episodes that make me teary eyed. This one makes me openly weep. Emma does a great acting job in this episode. I can feel her nervous excitement in anticipation of the wedding and her utter despair after it is over. And while I certainly understand Xander's issues and I forgive him later on, unlike Willow, I can't help but hate him a little at the end of this episode and that feeling lingers for a few more episodes. I know he is hurting too but I am still so angry with him. "As You Were" | View Comments65 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 18, 2010 Loved the beginning when the vampire won't bite Buffy because of the smell -- hilarious! Also loved the exchange with Riley where Buffy says "Did you die?" "I'm going to win". The thing I like about this episode is that you can actually FEEL the embarrassment when Buffy sees Riley for the first time at Doublemeat Palace and then the shame when Riley catches her with Spike. Watching her flirt and get all flustered with Riley before she meets his wife actually makes me cringe every time I see this episode because I know what is coming. I never feel so bad for Buffy as I do in this episode. Riley telling her that she is a hell of a woman at the end always makes me teary. I also like the harsh reminders the show provides that Spike is soulless and evil. It is easy to forget at times but the show does a good job of bringing us back to that. I love when Spike tells Buffy "You know what I am". Of course, as has been said, the main issue that I have with this episode is that Sam is my least favorite character throughout the entire length of the show. I don't even like her one little bit. And I can't stand that all the Scoobies seem to like her so much in the few hours that they knew her. I couldn't stand her. It annoys me that Riley loves her. It's just...ugh! The scene with Anya and Xander in the bathroom is also hard to watch knowing what happens the next episode. I wish they could have kept those two together throughout the series. One relationship that worked would have been nice to see. "Older and Far Away" | View Comments66 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 18, 2010 I'm glad to see others sticking up for this episode. I liked this episode a lot. Yes, Dawn was super annoying but that's intentional, I think. Teenage girls are seriously annoying and self involved. I remember being one of them myself. I give Dawn a lot of credit in some ways. Can any of you imagine finding out they you aren't a "real person" and your mother dying in the middle of your teenage years? I think I'd be pretty messed up, way more so than Dawn. That said, the whole "get out, Get Out, GET OUT!" scene is not well acted and is irritating, I agree. I agree with everyone that Tara was great in this episode. She was protecting Buffy, not just being mean to Spike. It was another example about how far Tara's character has come in this series. Her friendship with Buffy has obviously gone beyond the association through being Willow's girlfriend. And she is so assertive with Spike and with Anya. A far cry from the mousy girl from S4. I found it interesting that Buffy says to Spike "I don't know why I ever thought you could hang out with my friends" or something to that effect. It was almost like Buffy was considering whether she could have a real relationship with Spike. Would he be able to be part of the gang? Of course, things didn't quite work out the way she wanted as all Spike wanted to do was sneak off with her for a little boom boom. Not the best Buffy episode ever but I'd put it in the "B" category. I enjoyed it. "Dead Things" | View Comments67 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 17, 2010 I really liked this episode but I don't rate it nearly as highly as some here do. There were some great moments in the episode: The conversation between Buffy and Spike at the beginning, the development of the Trio characters from silly foes to more serious adversaries, the touching moment between Buffy and Spike at the crypt. The best part of the episode is the end and the raw emotion from Buffy which was lacking all season from her. Dead inside no longer. I guess I just didn't walk away with an overall sense of "great episode!" like I did from my favorites like Hush and Passion. I appreciate your insights though Mike. I'm so happy that I found this site. And thanks to Logo for replaying the series! My favorite episodes of Season 6 are the last 3 so I can't wait to get there and read your review...although I see you didn't rate any of them as Ps. "Once More, with Feeling" | View Comments68 | CoyoteBuffyFanDec 17, 2010 This is really a great episode. I always cry a little bit during "Walk Through the Fire". The part that sticks out the most to me in the episode was the great job of showing emotions from Willow during "Something to Sing About". You can see her face going from just watching Buffy to getting confused as the message of the song starts changing to utter disgust/horror at the revelation that Buffy was torn from heaven. Just brilliant. I think what I loved best about this episode is that when I first heard that there was going to be a musical episode, I expected it to be campy and fun but I never really expected that the episode would have such a major impact on the plot of the show. I guess I should have known better than to underestimate Joss. I think my favorite comedy moment from the episode is when Giles tells Anya and Tara to backup Buffy. Talk about double meaning. I also want to give total props to SMG. She obviously isn't a singer but that didn't detract from the show at all for me because of her acting. |
Latest News  Delays... MikeJer - Feb 24, 2013 Hey all!I just wanted to let you all know that I'm looking forward to getting going on my Season 2 review updates. I recently started a new job, so life has been extra bu... View Full Post Latest Comments Ryan ONeil [Gingerbread] *in reply to Vishal (#60) The popular theory on the forums is that:Before Buffy showed up, ... View CommentMay 21, 2013 Ryan ONeil [Consequences] *in reply to James (#30) Probably public property View CommentMay 19, 2013 Waverley [Family] This episode makes me cry like a big girly man every time. That bit where Buffy says 'Take h... View CommentMay 18, 2013 Latest Forum Posts Arachnea [Once Upon a Time] Thanks for your answer ! Actually, you're quite right about Disney; what I really meant was... View PostMay 24, 2013 Stake&Cheese [Game of Thrones] The Theon stuff has been stupid, and I don't like the fax that's they've apparently made Lor... View PostMay 23, 2013 Jeremy [Mad Men] Wow. I’m astonished that you can pick favorite episodes from Season Four. I mean, this is on... View PostMay 23, 2013 |
I didn't care much for this episode. The Gorch brothers are useless although it is kind of neat that Lyle comes back for revenge as part of Slayerfest '98. It was just kind of a silly episode but one that didn't interest me that much. I honestly don't even have too much to say about it. Probably because I'm just giddily looking forward to the next few episodes.