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Okay, may as well do a Buffy the Vampire Slayer thread, seeing as I've started doing that. Watched the pilot, it sure was a pilot. Those pieces are 100% in place.
Not sure how Sarah Michelle wound up with the part because she definitely stumbles on that Whedon-y dialogue a bit
Not sure how Sarah Michelle wound up with the part because she definitely stumbles on that Whedon-y dialogue a bit
Buffy S1E03: "The Witch"
I knew there was a swerve coming but I didn't know what so points for that. This witch who wants to relive her cheerleading glory days is the least ambitious evil monster in history though
I knew there was a swerve coming but I didn't know what so points for that. This witch who wants to relive her cheerleading glory days is the least ambitious evil monster in history though
It's weird to watch this knowing a lot of vague details already. I wonder how Willow's crush on Xander will resolve!
Buffy S1E04: "The Freshman"
This is very early on the show and I expect things to change and grow, but the constant, unceasing horniness of Xander Harris is going to be a problem.
This is very early on the show and I expect things to change and grow, but the constant, unceasing horniness of Xander Harris is going to be a problem.
Whoops, got my title wrong, Buffy s1E04 is "Teacher's Pet"
Buffy S1E5: "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date"
Boy I hope this trend of Buffy fallinv for dopey slabs of beef doesn't continue!
Also all the monsters so far have gone down like *punks*
Boy I hope this trend of Buffy fallinv for dopey slabs of beef doesn't continue!
Also all the monsters so far have gone down like *punks*
Buffy S1E6: "The Pack"
Xander gets possessed by a hyena. Small animals are scared of him, because he's a hyena. He eats a small scared pig -- hyena. It's the hyena episode
Xander gets possessed by a hyena. Small animals are scared of him, because he's a hyena. He eats a small scared pig -- hyena. It's the hyena episode
If Xander was really possesed by a hyena, shouldn't someone possessed by a lion go bully Xander off of the principal he just killed and eat it in front of him
Buffy S1E07 "Angel"
Gasp!!! Angel's a vampire??!
Gasp!!! Angel's a vampire??!
Much of the show in this stage is still dedicated to the Willow/Xander/Buffy/Angel love quadrangle which is very funny to me since through osmosis I know how all these plotlines resolve (not with Xander getting any, I know that much)
Buffy S1E08: "I, Robot, You Jane"
ahahahahahahahaha! oh joyous wonder. mirth and merriment. This was merely hilarious when it was just a "The Net"-style techno-paranoia thriller with demons but then we see the demon.... oh I love you all
ahahahahahahahaha! oh joyous wonder. mirth and merriment. This was merely hilarious when it was just a "The Net"-style techno-paranoia thriller with demons but then we see the demon.... oh I love you all
It's so wonderful. It looks like a sports mascot. a life-size version of one of the Small Soldiers maybe. those sumo suits you can put on at carnivals look more real
Buffy S1E09: Puppet Show
Give this show this, it keeps throwing twists, like "the puppet is actually a good guy," that I don't see it coming. That said, this is still an episode about a walking stalking puppet
Give this show this, it keeps throwing twists, like "the puppet is actually a good guy," that I don't see it coming. That said, this is still an episode about a walking stalking puppet
Also of note: this is the first episode where it's clear that Sunnydale's obliviousness is a purposeful artistic choice rather than just bad lazy writing. (Or at least, it retcons the earlier episodes' bad writing.)
Buffy S1E10: "Nightmares"
This cheesy WB show is starting to show real signs of ambition! Sarah Michelle Gellar has a real emotional scene where she cries and everything! Might be worth continuing this show
This cheesy WB show is starting to show real signs of ambition! Sarah Michelle Gellar has a real emotional scene where she cries and everything! Might be worth continuing this show
Buffy S1E11: Out of Mind, Out of Sight
Typically lame S1 villain (though well-cast with Clea Duvall). More interesting thing is it has the first signs of Cordelia becoming an actual character. Especially interesting since Buffy's original conception was much more of a Cordelia
Typically lame S1 villain (though well-cast with Clea Duvall). More interesting thing is it has the first signs of Cordelia becoming an actual character. Especially interesting since Buffy's original conception was much more of a Cordelia
In fact, most of what's good about the original movie is Buffy struggling with her desire to go back to her shallow plastic life, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what they do with Cordelia.
Buffy S1E12: "Prophecy Girl"
Welp, bye, The Master. I liked you when you were around but, as with every villain on this show, you went out like a punk.
Not really a fan of prophecies but I really don't like it when they just cop out of them too
Welp, bye, The Master. I liked you when you were around but, as with every villain on this show, you went out like a punk.
Not really a fan of prophecies but I really don't like it when they just cop out of them too
Buffy S2E01: When She Was Bad
I didn't think they'd play the Buffy Has PTSD card this early. Good on them for going there. Episode itself is a bit clunky though. Buffy dancing with Xander?
I didn't think they'd play the Buffy Has PTSD card this early. Good on them for going there. Episode itself is a bit clunky though. Buffy dancing with Xander?
Buffy S2E02: Some Assembly Required
Again with the swerve villain! And two episodes about resurrection in a row. Also: First mad science episode for the show, seems like the fact that some high school geek cured death should matter more.
Again with the swerve villain! And two episodes about resurrection in a row. Also: First mad science episode for the show, seems like the fact that some high school geek cured death should matter more.
I'm getting used to the Whedon dialogue (which was my biggest problem with the few eps I'd seen) but I will not be adding "Love makes you do the wacky" to my vocabulary anytime soon
Buffy S2E03: "School Hard"
I really don't care about school being hard, as Buffy only barely resembles a teenager, but the arrival of Spike really feels like a "shit just got real" moment for this show.
I really don't care about school being hard, as Buffy only barely resembles a teenager, but the arrival of Spike really feels like a "shit just got real" moment for this show.
Spike slamming the Anointed One in a cage is also great because that character has been just a big fat bust.
Buffy S02E04: Inca Mummy Girl
Second monster of the week to be sexually interested in Xander. Seems unlikely. Thank god we've finaly cut Willow out of the big love quadrangle though. Welcome to the show, Seth Green!
Second monster of the week to be sexually interested in Xander. Seems unlikely. Thank god we've finaly cut Willow out of the big love quadrangle though. Welcome to the show, Seth Green!
Buffy S2E05: Reptile Boy
This satire of fratboys being a demonic cult is... I don't know what it is. Maybe more biting in the '90s, now I'm just nodding and say yeah. But oh man, when the titular reptile boy shows up: Pure gold
This satire of fratboys being a demonic cult is... I don't know what it is. Maybe more biting in the '90s, now I'm just nodding and say yeah. But oh man, when the titular reptile boy shows up: Pure gold
Buffy S2E06: Halloween
Way too much going on in this episode! Overstuffed, actual main plot gets a little overshadowed. But we do get to see Giles KO the villain in two punches which was pretty sweet
Way too much going on in this episode! Overstuffed, actual main plot gets a little overshadowed. But we do get to see Giles KO the villain in two punches which was pretty sweet
More importantly, Oz has just noticed Willow, and Cordelia has started to notice Xander, which might mean we are close to ending this love pentangle and forming stable bonding pairs, at least for a short time
Buffy S2E07: Lie to Me
Ooh really good, really dark episode. Drusilla's backstory, Christ. Also I always like delving into the personal lives of vampire familiars/groupies/wannabes/Renfields. That main villain's story, wow. A+
Ooh really good, really dark episode. Drusilla's backstory, Christ. Also I always like delving into the personal lives of vampire familiars/groupies/wannabes/Renfields. That main villain's story, wow. A+
Buffy S2E8: The Dark Age
I like Giles with a dark past, even though the monster from his past is not that impressive. Also if this is Jenny Calendar's last episode it's a graceful way to write her out. Not a terrible character but didn't really add anything
I like Giles with a dark past, even though the monster from his past is not that impressive. Also if this is Jenny Calendar's last episode it's a graceful way to write her out. Not a terrible character but didn't really add anything
Buffy S2E9: What's My Line Pt. 1
A whoooooole lot going on here, but the important thing is: Buffy's friends got called the Scooby Gang for the first time! Whoooo they said the thing
A whoooooole lot going on here, but the important thing is: Buffy's friends got called the Scooby Gang for the first time! Whoooo they said the thing
Buffy S2E10: What's My Line Pt. 2
...I knew Xander/Cordelia was coming but I expected it to happen much further down the line, like maybe after a loooot of character growth. It was so much worse than I was prepared for
...I knew Xander/Cordelia was coming but I expected it to happen much further down the line, like maybe after a loooot of character growth. It was so much worse than I was prepared for
Buffy S2E11: Ted
This is one of about four episodes I'd already seen. I'd forgotten how serious it is, with the gaslighting and abuse and guilt because Buffy murdered her mom's boyfriend. Hard to remember when you already know said boyfriend is a killer robot
This is one of about four episodes I'd already seen. I'd forgotten how serious it is, with the gaslighting and abuse and guilt because Buffy murdered her mom's boyfriend. Hard to remember when you already know said boyfriend is a killer robot
Buffy S2E12: Bad Eggs
This is… a weird one. A total "Saved by the Bell" plot about having to take care of an egg "baby" as a class assignment, the eggs turn out to be bodysnatchers, there's a second plot about cowboy vampires that collides with this plot…just odd all around
This is… a weird one. A total "Saved by the Bell" plot about having to take care of an egg "baby" as a class assignment, the eggs turn out to be bodysnatchers, there's a second plot about cowboy vampires that collides with this plot…just odd all around
Buffy S2E13: Surprise
Sex!
The surprise is sex!
Sex!
The surprise is sex!
Buffy S2E14: Innocence
Oh wait, the surprise was not sex. The surprise was that sex turned Angel evil. (That was not actually a surprise for me, I know a lot of this stuff already. I was surprised that "Bad" Angel is not so much evil as he is just a dick)
Oh wait, the surprise was not sex. The surprise was that sex turned Angel evil. (That was not actually a surprise for me, I know a lot of this stuff already. I was surprised that "Bad" Angel is not so much evil as he is just a dick)
Buffy S2E15: Phases
Sometimes you forget that this beloved program is still a cheap-ass WB show, and then sometimes you see Seth Green's werewolf costume
Sometimes you forget that this beloved program is still a cheap-ass WB show, and then sometimes you see Seth Green's werewolf costume
God I wish there was a good transfer of this show, BTW. I'd almost watch the apparently horrific HD Buffy because this version on Hulu just looks like garbage, especially the night scenes which are the majority of scenes on a goddamn vampires show. Grains the size of your fist
Buffy S2E16: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
Every woman in Sunnydale falls in love with Xander. I refuse to discuss this further.
Every woman in Sunnydale falls in love with Xander. I refuse to discuss this further.
This episode took me several hours to finish.
Buffy S2E17: Passions
RIP Jenny Calendar, victim of her family's extremely badly designed curse
I don't know why I didn't pick out Jenny Calendar as a sacrificial lamb, I gathered that she wouldn't be on the show for too long. Surprised how much I cared that she died
RIP Jenny Calendar, victim of her family's extremely badly designed curse
I don't know why I didn't pick out Jenny Calendar as a sacrificial lamb, I gathered that she wouldn't be on the show for too long. Surprised how much I cared that she died
Seriously, I have spotted a serious flaw with Angel's curse that in hindsight seems kind of obvious.
Buffy S2E18: Killed by Death
One of the four episodes I've seen already. I did remember that the monsters looked like Freddy Kreuger but not that horrible thing they do with their eyes
One of the four episodes I've seen already. I did remember that the monsters looked like Freddy Kreuger but not that horrible thing they do with their eyes
Buffy S2E19: I Only Have Eyes for You
This episode fucking ruled. A then-unknown John Hawkes as a nameless janitor! Buffy learning the power of forgiveness! A whole mess of crazy magic like snakes and shit! Spike pulling a Dr. Strangelove as the kicker! Loved it.
This episode fucking ruled. A then-unknown John Hawkes as a nameless janitor! Buffy learning the power of forgiveness! A whole mess of crazy magic like snakes and shit! Spike pulling a Dr. Strangelove as the kicker! Loved it.
Buffy S2E20: Go Fish
Everyone warned me about the episode where Xander got possessed by a hyena but not the one where Wentworth Miller became a fish monster
Everyone warned me about the episode where Xander got possessed by a hyena but not the one where Wentworth Miller became a fish monster
Buffy S2E21: Becoming Pt. 1
Two-parter so I'm waiting to see where this one goes, but, uh... bye Kendra. What an unceremonious end and what a cheap way to raise the stakes, we barely knew her
Two-parter so I'm waiting to see where this one goes, but, uh... bye Kendra. What an unceremonious end and what a cheap way to raise the stakes, we barely knew her
Buffy S2E22: Becoming Pt. 2
Sarah Michelle is a better actress than I realized. Also she straight up murdered Angel! Intense. Can't wait for Season 3, which promises big changes. Buffy gone from Sunnydale! Angel deader than dead! Can't wait
Sarah Michelle is a better actress than I realized. Also she straight up murdered Angel! Intense. Can't wait for Season 3, which promises big changes. Buffy gone from Sunnydale! Angel deader than dead! Can't wait
Buffy S3E1: Anne
Best season opener so far. Really feel like Buffy's coming into her own as a character. One minor quibble though is the bad guys... feel like too often the show just slaps the same makeup on them and kinda handwaves that they're demons or something whatever
Best season opener so far. Really feel like Buffy's coming into her own as a character. One minor quibble though is the bad guys... feel like too often the show just slaps the same makeup on them and kinda handwaves that they're demons or something whatever
Buffy S3E2: Dead Man's Party
I guess it's necessary but I hope we're done dealing with the fallout of Buffy running away. First two eps were about that, let's start the new plot arc already. Will it involve Angel? Call me crazy but I don't think we're done with him yet
I guess it's necessary but I hope we're done dealing with the fallout of Buffy running away. First two eps were about that, let's start the new plot arc already. Will it involve Angel? Call me crazy but I don't think we're done with him yet
Buffy S3E3: Faith, Hope and Trick
Ooh, I like Faith immediately, already a good foil to Buffy as as a Slayer who talks bigger, acts tougher, isn't actually as good and is real insecure. Great introduction, which is good bc I am led to believe she will be a recurring character
Ooh, I like Faith immediately, already a good foil to Buffy as as a Slayer who talks bigger, acts tougher, isn't actually as good and is real insecure. Great introduction, which is good bc I am led to believe she will be a recurring character
Buffy S3E4: Beauty and the Beasts
The Monster of the Week is a Jekyll & Hyde kid, which lets the writers get into topical domestic abuse that feels a little beyond their depth. Feels like it got left half-baked so they could focus on Angel's return (he's back btw! gasp)
The Monster of the Week is a Jekyll & Hyde kid, which lets the writers get into topical domestic abuse that feels a little beyond their depth. Feels like it got left half-baked so they could focus on Angel's return (he's back btw! gasp)
I want to mention, Seth Green is just far too good an actor for this series. I haven't looked up when he gets written out or why, but it doesn't surprise me he left the show for bigger better things before it ended.
Buffy S3E5: Homecoming
Good: Buffy and Cordelia. I really like it when they delve into Buffy's existence as an ex-Cordelia, and whether she misses it, and the tension between her and Cordelia makes good television.
Bad: Willow/Xander. No
Good: Buffy and Cordelia. I really like it when they delve into Buffy's existence as an ex-Cordelia, and whether she misses it, and the tension between her and Cordelia makes good television.
Bad: Willow/Xander. No
Buffy S3E6: Band Candy
So it is written, so it is law: All genre shows must remake "The Naked Time" and the most buttoned-up characters have to fuck
Also, Willow/Xander: Still no
So it is written, so it is law: All genre shows must remake "The Naked Time" and the most buttoned-up characters have to fuck
Also, Willow/Xander: Still no
Buffy S3E7: Revelations
You know, considering that most of this episode hinges around whether Angel, and by extension Buffy, can be trusted, I have absolutely no idea what his deal is this season.
Also, curious that the Watchers are all stuffy Brits for an int'l organization
You know, considering that most of this episode hinges around whether Angel, and by extension Buffy, can be trusted, I have absolutely no idea what his deal is this season.
Also, curious that the Watchers are all stuffy Brits for an int'l organization
Buffy S3E8: Lovers Walk
Holy shit everyone broke up! Even Spike and Drusilla who haven't even been on the show since last season! I don't know how to feel about that.
Also when they did the fakeout with Cordelia's funeral I screamed "OH FUCK YOU" loud enough to scare the dog
Holy shit everyone broke up! Even Spike and Drusilla who haven't even been on the show since last season! I don't know how to feel about that.
Also when they did the fakeout with Cordelia's funeral I screamed "OH FUCK YOU" loud enough to scare the dog
Buffy S3E9: The Wish
If I didn't know Anya comes back, this would just be a hilarious one-off shaggy dog story. No one learns anything! Wonderful. Also killing off Cordelia was an amazing move (two eps in a row!)
If I didn't know Anya comes back, this would just be a hilarious one-off shaggy dog story. No one learns anything! Wonderful. Also killing off Cordelia was an amazing move (two eps in a row!)
Buffy S3E10: Amends
Almost distractingly ambitious, this is a Serious Episode about Angel wrestling with his demons and without a real Monster of the Week to kill. I don't know if I give it high grades just for the effort at being a high-minded Gothic Horror but I appreciate it
Almost distractingly ambitious, this is a Serious Episode about Angel wrestling with his demons and without a real Monster of the Week to kill. I don't know if I give it high grades just for the effort at being a high-minded Gothic Horror but I appreciate it
I'm not sure it's entirely successful, honestly. I respect it but it's very heavy which I'm not sure this show can pull off. I don't know how it was received at the time but I wouldn't be surprised if it's very polarizing.
Buffy S3E11: Gingerbread
I apologize for using this overused meme, but there is not another way to put it: Joyce gets the Curse of Karenhood. Likely this was written with late '90s discrimination against Goth kids on the writers' minds, but boy does it feel timely
I apologize for using this overused meme, but there is not another way to put it: Joyce gets the Curse of Karenhood. Likely this was written with late '90s discrimination against Goth kids on the writers' minds, but boy does it feel timely
Buffy S312: Helpless
Nice to see the show confirm what I had already suspected: The Watchers are for shit
Nice to see the show confirm what I had already suspected: The Watchers are for shit
Buffy S313: The Zeppo
Look, I'm trying not to be too harsh here, but "Xander is useless" is one of those problems that doesn't get better when you say it out loud and try to address it, it actively gets worse.
Look, I'm trying not to be too harsh here, but "Xander is useless" is one of those problems that doesn't get better when you say it out loud and try to address it, it actively gets worse.
That said, the Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead structure of this ep is hilarious. I don't want to be too harsh on Xander, he has his moments. But the character is just too annoying to sympathize with or relate to, I don't want to see him bone out of his league AGAIN
Buffy S3E14: Bad Girls
I have a vague sense of where the Faith storyline is headed through nerd osmosis and a couple future eps I've already seen, but I didn't know that one of the precipitating events was Faith straight up murdering a random person
I have a vague sense of where the Faith storyline is headed through nerd osmosis and a couple future eps I've already seen, but I didn't know that one of the precipitating events was Faith straight up murdering a random person
Buffy S315: Consequences
Wow, shit got real *real* quick!
Wow, shit got real *real* quick!
Buffy S3E16: Doppelgangland
This was fun! A really good episode for Alyson Hannigan as both Willow and lesbian vampire Willow. A fun stretch for her, too bad they killed her off so we won't get to see Willow be evil or gay again
This was fun! A really good episode for Alyson Hannigan as both Willow and lesbian vampire Willow. A fun stretch for her, too bad they killed her off so we won't get to see Willow be evil or gay again
Buffy S3E17: Enemies
I didn't realize how much I didn't want to see Angel be evil again until they revealed it was a swerve the entire time. That's good writing. Am curious when they pulled this whole scheme together though
I didn't realize how much I didn't want to see Angel be evil again until they revealed it was a swerve the entire time. That's good writing. Am curious when they pulled this whole scheme together though
Buffy S318: Earshot
I've seen this one (which, as I understand, makes me unique in that most Buffy fans would not have seen this until much later in the run). Incidentally this episode spoiled me that Joyce would fuck Giles at some point, but it's nice to have context now
I've seen this one (which, as I understand, makes me unique in that most Buffy fans would not have seen this until much later in the run). Incidentally this episode spoiled me that Joyce would fuck Giles at some point, but it's nice to have context now
