Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 6, Episode 14: "Older and Far Away"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer:

Season 6, Episode 14: “Older and Far Away”
Grade: 8.5

A lot of people do not like this episode very much but I happen to love it dearly. Besides moments of truly atrocious acting by Michelle Trachtenberg (“GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT!!!”) and some weird tonal issues I really just love this episode.

It is very much an ensemble episode and my favorite parts of the episode are the initial stages of the party; the present exchange, the first night when nobody wants to leaves and everyone is having fun. It was really relaxed and funny and fascinating. We got to see Tara and Willow interact.

Tara is fucking awesome in this episode. Seriously, she rocks every single moment. Standing up to Anya, her little quips to Spike, everything. I was surprised by Anya’s behavior in the episode. It seemed a bit out of character but then I realized that was because we had never really seen anything with Anya having to act like this. It makes sense for her to be claustrophobic. I liked the conflict she brought out. She was piiiisssseeeedddd off. The way she confronted Willow about having to do magic, and the way she destroyed Dawn’s room was prett intense.

While I feel bad for Dawn in this episode, the way she handles the situation is pretty awful and childish. So they cannot leave the house and she takes it personally that they are not okay with that? Who are you Dawn? You are a moron that is who you are. Michelle’s acting here is at times not bad but she seriously has horrible moments like the one stated at the beginning of this review. That moment is easily the worst bit of acting in the entire series thus far.
Overall not a favorite with fans but a favorite with me. While objectively “Dead Things” is a better episode, I find that for me personally “Older and Far Away” is my favorite episode since “Tabula Rasa”.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 6, Episode 13: "Dead Things"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Season 6, Episode 13: “Dead Things”
Grade: 8.0

This is the episode that changes everything. The Trio dynamic changes completely and for the better I might add. Now we have clearly established positions that were very much evident before but are now solidified. Warren is the leader and Andrew is more enthusiastic than Jonathan is. They seriously are disgusting though. Seriously; sex slaves? What the fuck Is with these people? They are sickening and it’s so disturbing the lightness with which they take what they are doing. The way they decide to allow Buffy to take the fall for the murder was a bit stretchy but it ended up being something that brought out some really important issues.

Basically Buffy and Spike come to a head. They have a scene on a balcony inside of the Bronze where they have sex and it’s a pretty horrible scene because honestly I have never seen a more unrealistic depiction of sex in anything ever. They do it with all of their clothes on, she has pants on, nothing is unzipped and yet all of a sudden he is doing her from behind. It’s so lame. It’s interesting the way Spike treats her though He really goes out of his way to make her feel abnormal and perverted. But he does love her. Buffy beats the shit out of Spike is a great scene where she almost turns herself in before figuring out that Warren killed her. It’s an extremely intense scene. The other scene that completely stood out was the last scene of the episode in which Buffy confides to Tara about her relationship with Spike, breaks down when she finds out that she came back the same and begs Tara not to forgive her for it. Wow. Amazing performance from Sarah Michelle Gellar in this scene and in this episode in general.

I liked the interaction between Buffy and Dawn. Even though I’m not a big Dawn fan (I don’t hate her though) I do feel extremely bad for her. I know a lot of people think she is a big whiner and as we will see in the next episode she is, but seriously, nobody actually spends anytime with her and Buffy could not seem to give a shit about her. I really liked the scene when Buffy tells Dawn about what she did and that Buffy is willing to basically give Dawn up so that she can turn herself in.

Also Tara starts her period of awesomeness which lasts into the next episode as well where she is all sorts of awesome.

I wish I could write more about this episode but even this episode, I watched about 3 weeks ago.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 6, Episode 12: "Doublemeat Palace"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Season 6, Episode 12: “Doublemeat Palace”
Grade: 7.2

Call the presses! I actually enjoyed “Doublemeat Palace”. Some think this is a candidate for worst of the series. I think there are much worse episodes than this. I think it was going for a ery specifically off feel and I think it succeeded. I think people mistake this feel for a bad episode or for an unintentional feel. But I think it was intentional. It’s still not a great episode but it’s a curiously intriguing one. It is a very specific monotony.

I understand that she is going to desperate lengths to feel normal which is why she got the job at the Doublemeat Palace in the first place but seriously I do not see why that one bad experience at the Magic Box would totally turn her off from ever having to work there again. I don’t see why you would not want to work with your friends.

I enjoyed the stuff with Halfrek and Anya. I had not thought about the Anya/Xander stuff in these reviews because I cannot really remember much about what was going on between them besides the regular preparations for the wedding/anxieties they are going through. I had hears that a lot of people find the redundancy of the Xander/Anya stuff to be annoying but honestly I have found that it really does not disrupt the show that much and that it really does not take up that much time. Plus I really do like them a lot so I care about their stuff even if it is not as intense as a lot of the other stuff going on.

Buffy is definitely making some progress as is Willow at this point. Buffy decided that she does not want to die in “Gone” and now is taking an active interest in supporting herself and Dawn. Willow is still trying to get along with not having to do any magic but is succeeding. I like when Spike goes to visit Buffy at the Palace. I like when the other characters visit Buffy at her job as well. Honestly, fuck Amy. She’s so annoying. She has good comedic timing and I don’t mind the actress but I hate the character.

I also really liked Dawn saying that Buffy is never going to do anything important career wise because her career is slaying. She will always have a job that pays money that won’t be anything important.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 6, Episode 11: "Gone"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer:

Season 6, Episode 11: “Gone”
Grade: 5.5

I really really did not like this episode. I mean basically nothing about it made it enjoyable for me. It felt out of tone and like a failed attempt to meld the old aspects of the show with the new tone. There are some pretty important issues that come up in the episode but because of the immature way they are handled later on in the same episode, it makes it feel like the issues are not as serious as they actually are. For instance the whole thing with the social worker. This, like other scenes in the beginning of the episode start out well but only end up getting overshadowed by really bad scenes in the rest of the episode.

I do like the scene in which Buffy cuts off her hair.

So we get more of the Trio which means automatic points taken off for the episode. The way Buffy acts when she is invisible was what I hated about the episode. It held no comedic value which the episode clearly wanted it to hold. I like the idea of her enjoying the fact that she is invisible because she does not have to answer to anyone and it very clearly reflects where she is at that point on the show but it’s just handled again so poorly. The Ghost of Fashion Victims’ Past scene made me wince. Everything at the social workers’ office was just so childish and annoying. Again I understand that they are trying to showcase Buffy’s immaturity and inability to handle anything that comes along but honestly I was just bored and annoyed by the whole thing.

The scene with Xander and Spike was amusing though but Buffy in it was just so immature. It’s ridiculous.

Well at least Buffy finds out about the identity of The Trio in this one. And then of course we get Willow going through withdrawal and drinking lots and lots of water. Ugh. Overall the aspects I liked, the opening scenes, Willow doing an old school investigation and Buffy cutting her hair are just not enough to save this episode for me which I really felt was just not good at all.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 6, Episode 10: "Wrecked"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer:

Season 6, Episode 10: “Wrecked”
Grade: 6.3
Some think this is the worst of the season along with “Doublemeat Palace”. Personally I enjoyed this more than “Smashed” and “Gone” but this episode had serious serious problems. It starts the Willow’s magic addiction /drug addiction analogy which could be the most horribly handled aspect of the show. I have been looking forward to Willow’s addiction to magic since I started watching the show and they had done such a good job up until this episode when they change the entire dynamic of Willow’s addiction. It became not even an analogy in this episode but a literal drug addiction. Magic has become a drug on the show and it’s absurd. Willow goes to Rack’s and has trips. It’s ridiculous and lame and dumb. Then Willow totally fucks Dawn over and causes them to get into a car crash. Her characterization here seems really out of whack and inconsistent. I could believe her behavior after she is on the drugs even though it’s still pretty ridiculous; I’ll suspend my disbelief. I cannot however believe that Willow would go there in the first place with Dawn. That was so out of character for her. While the episode had bigger problems that “Smashed” I personally enjoyed watching it more only because it was such an important episode and Alyson Hannigan turns in a stellar performance.

Spike and Buffy continue their sexual relationship which further causes her to completely disregard everyone in her life and isolate herself further.

I like that Xander and Anya are completely aware of Willow’s problem and its stupid that Buffy is so unwilling to see the parallels between her and Willow’s situation that she will not even acknowledge that Willow has a problem.

Overall it’s an interesting episode in that the series had been building to this rock bottom that Willow has gotten to but it is so poorly handled, so out of character for Willow and so unsubtle in its analogy it does not even feel like the same show.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 6, Episode 9: "Smashed"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer:

Season 6, Episode 9: “Smashed”
Grade: 6.2

It’s been over a month since I’ve seen this episode so bear with me.

This is pretty much where the slump of Season 6 begins. I have no idea what I think of this season so far. I get why the pacing and tone are so so different. The stuff that is going on would have absolutely no meaning of it did not affect the tone of the show. But after a while it starts to drag you down as well. Even though it is the intended feeling, it’s not something I am completely huge on when it is not done right. This episode marks the beginning of some serious issues that the season has and when you combine the issues together into certain episodes it makes for an actively bad episode. While many think “Wrecked” is worse and while I think that episode has larger problems, I got pretty bored with “Smashed”. The end scene is definitely fantastic though.
Something I do really like about the episode are the parallels it draws between Buffy and Willow and the inability each of them have to connect with each other because of their isolation. They have the scene where Buffy wants to talk to Willow about what is going on with her and Spike but they really just are not connecting and are interrupted by Amy.

I don’t really care for Amy. Willow at this point is really incapable of understanding why Tara dumped her. I just really could not care less about their story in this episode. Their shenanigans at the Bronze were so trite and immature. Again maybe that’s the point but it came off as really lame.

Then we have Spike and his discovery that Buffy can be hit. This involved The Trio; lots of the Trio. Again I really was not that interested in any of this because I hate the Trio. Although I understand that it needed to happen; that Spike needed to find this out.

Besides the last scene which I really did like a lot as it had been building for ever now, I really liked the scenes with Tara and Dawn. Tara has proven to be more mature than most of the characters on this show and has grown into being own of my favorites. Her and Dawn were in the same outsider position in the show and Tara is really the only one that really understands how Dawn feels and she goes out of her way to spend time with her.

I really cannot remember a ton of the episode so that is all I have for this one.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 6.8: "Tabula Rasa"

Season 6, Episode 8: “Tabula Rasa”
Grade: 9.5

I had no recollection of having seen this one before until I started it and realized it was one of the ones Amanda had shown me. This has some of the funniest stuff I’ve ever seen on this show and also some of the most intense. Let us start with the funny:
- I’m just about obsessed with everything involving the memory loss in this episode. Anya and Giles thinking they are engaged, Spike thinking he is Giles’ son. These interactions are things you will only see in this episode and that is what makes it special. Spike thinking his name is Randy. I could go on forever about how many times I laughed out loud during this episode.
- I liked that Buffy picked out the name Joan for herself.
- I actually liked the shark guy. It was really corny but it reminded me of early Buffy so I enjoyed it.
- Spike as Randy thinking that they wanted spiked instead of Spike.

The Bad:
- The episode lost steam about 30 minutes in for a few minutes and then picked it up again for the end.

The Serious:
- A really really intense scene gets cut because of Willow’s stupidity. Buffy was actually having a breakthrough or breakdown when it got cut off. Ugh. That stuff was insane.
- Giles telling Buffy he was leaving is depressing. I don’t even know whose side I am on for this one.
- Love the conversation between Willow, Xander, Tara and Anya about Buffy being in heaven and what they did. Willow suggesting a spell to fix it was absurd and seriously she’s retarded. Way to completely avoid dealing with any life issue Wil.
- Enjoyed the Willow-Tara break up scene. It’s so interesting how Willow really just immediately tries to solve the problem with the spell. She really does not take anything Tara says seriously. I like how Tara applied it to her violating her mind and brining up Glory.
- It was really depressing to see when Buffy remembers everything again. That realization and overflow of emotions must be insane.
- Everyone’s reaction in the tunnel with Willow and Tara
- The end scene with “Goodbye to You”. Don’t like the song but it worked well in the context of the scene.
Overall this was a great great great episode. One of my all time favorites of the series to be sure.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 6.7: "Once More, With Feeling"

Season 6, Episode 7: “Once More with Feeling”
Grade: 10

What can be said about this episode that has not already been said? Like “The Body” there’s really not much to say because it’s just a work of perfection. I saw it years ago and it’s so nice to finally see it in context. Every single song is a knockout. Seriously. Even the Sweet song which I did not think I liked, I actually really like. The way the episode is not just a throwaway in plot is incredible. So much actually happens in this episode. Each song deals with the inner torment of the characters. Even though Willow gets nothing to sing because of Alyson Hannigan’s lack of a singing voice, it also unintentionally makes it really messed up that she has nothing to sing about. She sees no problems with anything she does. Buffy being forced to deal with her issues through song. The Disney-esque “Going Through the Motions” juxtaposed against the really depressing lyrics. “I’ve Got a Theory” rules. The ridiculousness of “The Mustard” and “The Parking Ticket” “Rest in Peace” gets slightly lame at times both in visuals and in music but it’s still pretty solid. I love how short Dawn’s song is; it’s like 10 seconds. It’s almost as if the show does not even respect Dawn’s lame inner emotions. “I’ll Never Tell” is a really light and fun way to expose the issues that won’t be so light when they come to a head. “Under Your Spell” is simultaneously romantic, beautiful, depressing and pornographic. The literalness of what Tara is singing and the fact that she has no idea that the song is literal is so sad. It such a beautiful song though and Amber Benson’s voice is absurdly stunning. “Standing” is a beautiful scene and even more beautiful is the “Under Your Spell/Standing” Reprise. Holy shit, Anthony Stewart Head and Amber Benson singing together is incredible. Willow’s reaction to Buffy being in heaven is amazing. “Walk Through the Fire” and “Something to Sing About” are songs I cannot even talk about because they are so perfect. I just cannot handle this episode and its brilliance. Tara figures out that Willow has made her forget, Spike explains his feelings for Buffy again, Giles decides he has to leave, Buffy tells everyone where she was and Buffy and Spike kiss. Insane stuff. The best thing about this episode is the absurd watch ability factor of it. I could watch it all day and not get bored. Incredible.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 6.6: "All the Way"

Season 6, Episode 6: “All the Way”
Grade: 6.8

This episode was not as bad as I thought it was going to be but there are a lot of things here that are just really underdone and annoying. Basically the over focus on Dawn is fine. I don’t really like her but I don’t have a problem with her being the focus; IF THEY ACTUALLY DID SOMETHING WITH IT!! They do nothing with her here. Just her being rebellious. I mean there is some intense stuff going on with her willing to be bitten and her trying to have her own friends and stuff. But nothing is done with it because Buffy never even talks to her about it. I know that has to do with Buffy simply not putting the effort into doing anything but because of that we get no aftermath with anything Dawn did in the episode. They have the opportunity to develop her but instead it’s just all “I steal things and nobody cares about me”. Seriously writers; that’s the best you can come up with? I expect better character development from this show. In the meantime we get handfuls of good stuff with everyone else but we keep leaving those conversations to go back to Dawn and her lame ass friends which by the way, her having them as friends makes me like her less because they are really stupid. But there is some really good stuff here:

The Good:

- The dance of capitalist superiority
- Everyone helping Anya at the Magic Box
- Xander picking that moment to tell everyone they are getting married. You can see that even though he is not going to go through with it that he really does love her.
- Everyone’s various reactions to the engagement announcement
- Willow’s decoration spell and Giles and Tara’s reaction to it.
- The ridiculousness of Willow attempting to transfer everyone at the Bronze to a different dimension quickly to search for Dawn. And Tara standing up for herself and telling Willow she is worried. Great scene but seriously Willow is such a bitch. It’s crazy how much I love Tara after she stops stuttering and comes into her own.
- Everything involving the creepy old man. The audience being fooled into thinking that he was the bad guy. He’s just a lost soul. I don’t know. I just liked the randomness of his presence.
- Buffy telling Spike “good fight”
- Buffy: “Is that why you always clean your glasses?”
Giles: “Tell no one”
- How fucked up it is that Willow erased Tara’s memories.

The Bad:
- I did not like how much time was spent on Dawn with their being no real point to any of it or any real consequence or character development. It’s a huge detractor. Huge.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 6.5: "Life Serial"

Season 6, Episode 5: “Life Serial”
Grade: 7.8

Overall I liked this episode. It got off to a shaky start but once it got into the swing of things it established a good pace and The Trio was slightly less annoying only because I liked the concept of the episode. The episode had some humorous moments with one really great scene. Definitely some shaky parts but overall I enjoyed this episode quite a bit.

The Good:
- Buffy not knowing what to do with her life and not looking like she really cares even though she is pretending to. That whole scene.
- The structure of the episode is great as we get to see Buffy try out construction, college again and working at the Magic Box.
- The first sequence with time rushing by was really great. It forces Buffy to become active. I just like the way this sequence was done.
- The idea of playing poker for kittens amuses me even though its awful.
- Buffy’s face every time she takes a swig of alcohol.
- Even though everyone complains about Buffy not being the same I still find that the humor is very much in place even with Buffy although it’s slightly more morbid. She’s retained this sense of humor. I expected Buffy to be a walking zombie in this season and while there is definitely some of that, she is more active than I thought she would be. Even if she’s doing not so good things with her activeness.
- By far the best part of the episode was the time loop sequence. Another of my favorite scenes of the season so far. Hilarious. I love all of the different things she goes through in order to break the time loop.
- The way they introduce Giles seeing that Buffy depends too much on him.
- Drunk Buffy trying to fight.

The Bad:
- The Trio although they were slightly less annoying and I like the idea of each of them having a specialty and testing it on Buffy. Still though….ugh.
- The second sequence with Buffy working at construction with Xander was not bad or anything but it was not very good.
- Something that pisses me off is the idea that Buffy never works at the Magic Box again just because of the time loop thing. Yeah, I know she hates working there anyways; yeah I know she helps out during certain busy days. But why not just suck it up and work there? I don’t get it. It’s better than where working eventually at the Doublemeat Palace. I just hate that.
- I thought the idea of Spike and Buffy spending a night out was interesting and the way it goes is amusing but I thought it went on for too long and was overall underwhelming.
- “Free Cable Porn. Ooooh” Shoot me.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 6.4: "Flooded"

Season 6, Episode 4: “Flooded”
Grade: 7.3

I am so confused as to what to do with this episode. There are things I loved (anything and everything involving Giles who very well might come out of this series as being my favorite) and things I hated (slow pace, The Trio, The Trio, The Trio). So let’s start with the things I liked.

Good:
- While it could have been handled better I very much like that they are addressing the fact that Buffy needs to have a stable income and that they are bringing money issues into the show because it is very realistic.
- Anya being the one to figure out the state of Buffy’s financial situation
- Willow trying to purposely upset Buffy to get some emotion out of her. Willow does not want to do that for Buffy. She wants to do it for herself so she can feel that what she did was right. What a selfish bitch.
- Giles and his return were the highlight of this episode. His reunion with Buffy, his conversation with Buffy. Him trying to reach out to her and her rejecting it. Everything.
- One of my favorite scenes in this series ever was the one with Willow and Giles. We have never seen them clash like this and Giles is absolutely furious over what she did to Buffy. She is ridiculously arrogant and the way she talks about how cool the spell was is really messed up. While I do not think Willow would have gotten to a point where she would have said “Maybe it’s not such a good idea for you to piss me off”, it was such an intense moment that I didn’t even care about whether or not she was at that stage yet. I just love how pissed off Giles is because seriously, he should be. Also Willow and Giles have always had a special bond and to see it crumble like this is very substantial. He lost respect for her because of what she did.
- Spike and Buffy’s conversation on the back porch.
- Love the end with Buffy going off to see Angel.

The Bad:
- First of all I had read this comment somewhere and I am totally in agreement. If Tara and Willow live there shouldn’t they offer to get jobs as well instead of leaving Buffy to figure out the money problems? They live there now and it should be just as much their responsibility. That is such a ridiculous plot hole that carries throughout the season it seems and it’s just absurd.
- I thought that the whole money issue thing with her getting a loan could have been handled better. I was pretty bored by the whole M’Fashnik thing.
- My big issue with the episode was the introduction of The Trio. I know we are going to be seeing a lot of them and I am not excited about it. They had so much screen time in this episode. So much. Andrew is ok. The other 2 I hate. Hate hate hate hate hate. I hate Johnathan and I hate Warren. I don’t think they are funny. At all. I find that I feel like I need to take a shower when I see a scene with them. They are disgusting sexist misogynistic pigs. All they care about is objectifying women and porn and sex slaves and its sick. I know the show is not sympathizing with them but at the same time it’s supposed to be funny how obsessed they are with it all and how completely undersexed they are because they are all geeks but to me it’s not funny; it’s sick. Their bantering annoys me and actually makes me ashamed to be a geek. I like the concept of the Trio and it really has nothing to do with the actors although I just find that they go waaaay over the top with it. I know they try and its nothing against them in particular. And I like the idea of these villains being human and the motivation behind their goals is interesting and it’s a different spin on things. But I am just not a fan. I cannot wait for Warren to get flayed. Color me excited.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 6.3: "After Life"

Season 6, Episode 3: “After Life”
Grade: 8.3

This is a very good follow up to “Bargaining” as we see Buffy try to adjust to being alive and everyone’s reactions and feelings on the matter. I think it’s interesting that everyone just assumes that Buffy went to hell. How nice of them. Seeing Spike’s reaction to Buffy being alive was very touching while everyone else just pesters her and sucks. And I love love love that Spike knew she had to claw out of her own coffin. One of the only things that Dawn has done that I have praised on the show so far is when Dawn tells everyone to leave her alone. Dawn showing Buffy around the house was a nice scene as well.

Some observations:
- I love that Anya is the one who points out (just to Xander) that she does not seem normal at all.
- Love love love the scene between Xander and Spike outside.
- I like how the demon is something that was brought back. The possession scenes were quite effective, particularly Anya’s and Dawn’s was funny in the not so good way.
- Buffy saying “I miss Giles”
- I really appreciate the time taken to have Buffy be drawn to Spike be totally believable, because it is, under the circumstance a completely natural thing.
- The scene between Xander and Tara was really nice because we never really see interactions between just the two of them.
- Of course, the final scene was fantastic as Buffy explains to Spike that she was in heaven.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 6.2: "Bargaining: Part 2"

Season 6, Episode 2: “Bargaining Part 2”
Grade: 6.0

I had a lot of issues with the second part of the episode however. The only reason it is even this high of a grade is because of the fact that there are some really important and nice moments. Basically “Bargaining” was supposed to be one episode but the network wanted two. So they drew it out and this is what we get; a half assed attempt to draw the story out into 2 episodes when it could have been a lot better. The episode is essentially a lot of people running around and lots and lots of stupid biker demons that suck. But there are nice moments:

- Xander questioning what Willow went through and what just happened. Their scene by the tree was my favorite of the episode.
- Willow thinking the spell did not work.
- Buffy clawing out of her coffin.
- Buffy seeing the BuffyBot get ripped apart.
- Buffy’s interaction with the other Scoobies.

Buffy thinking she was in hell was pretty disturbing. However another of my problems with the episode was that this was one of the rare instances where I did not buy Sarah Michelle Gellar’s acting. It was a little much for me and parts of it felt slightly reminiscent of “Beer Bad”. Sorry folks. Another problem I have is that while I liked the scene with Dawn and Buffy atop the tower, I really cannot take Michelle Trachtenberg seriously when it comes to doing anything serious. I am 100% always aware that she is acting. And I wonder if people would have liked Dawn better if a different actress could have brought some serious acting skills to the table. Also the scene went on far too long.

Something I do like however is the immediate sign that protecting Dawn and being there for her is no longer Buffy’s priority at all. She is way too disconnected to even think about that.
Also Buffy’s face when Dawn hugs her is not what you would expect although I expected it because I know what happens. It’s still a powerful moment though and it is when you realize that things are not going to be the same.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 6.1: "Bargaining: Part 1"

Here we go. I am 8 episodes into Buffy Season 6 and I would like to do each episode review now if I can. A lot of people are split between Season 6. The cast basically did not like it; a lot of fans don’t either. I actually like it a lot. However the freshness is certainly gone. The cast essentially hated each other or at least Sarah at this point and the chemistry between everyone is not as lively as it once was and I think in addition to the change of tone in the show that the onset tension contributed to that as well as a lot of people simply not enjoying their time on the show anymore. I can understand everyone’s frustrations about the show the direction it took. That is not the problem for me actually. I always like it when series evolve and take risks; for me it’s like dealing with the people who think Lost was the best in the beginning. I respect it but I think Seasons 4 and 5 are incredible and it’s because of the evolution of the show. While the show definitely has some problems at this point in the game I will always respect the naturalness of the characters and their evolutions. It’s always done with respect. That being said; let’s get into it.
Also it’s been as long as 3 weeks since I have seen some of these.

Season 6, Episode 1: “Bargaining Part 1”
Grade: 8.4
I very much liked this opener because it addresses a lot of the issues within the Scooby group that are going to be staples for the season. Most importantly is Willow’s magic addiction. A lot of people hate this whole story but actually it’s the most fascinating thing for me in the season just because I love Willow so much so it’s sort of fun as a viewer to see your opinions about her change and to see how they pull of her descent into the dark side. We get to see what life is like without Buffy and that it has been 5 months. They use the BuffyBot which was great and really creepy and disturbing that someone that acts like Buffy is still in their presence. Her interaction with everyone is interesting so it was a nice element. I enjoy that Spike kept his promise to protect Dawn.
I had a lot of favorite parts; one was the scene in which Willow kills the fawn because it was so unexpected. The other one was Giles at the airport and everyone rushing there to say goodbye to him. It was so touching and will surely be one of my favorite scenes in the series. The Buffy resurrection scene was really messed up as I did not expect it to go that far with the pain that Willow went through. Her determination for this to work and confidence was quite off putting. I really liked the time that they put into addressing the groups reservations about the spell particularly Xander. We learn that Xander and Anya have not told anyone about their engagement which is not surprising. The unfortunate thing about this plotline is that they set it up too early; even if I did not know how this would all end, you can see where they are going with it. Also at the end of the episode it was really really disturbing to see a 5 month decaying version of Buffy. I am glad they added that touch.
Detractors:
- I know that the biker demons are there so Buffy thinks she is in hell once she gets out but seriously they were way lame and took up way too much screen time.

Random Moment:
Tara: “Grr. Arrgh”

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 19

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 19: "New Moon Rising"

Grade: B

“New Moon Rising” marks the official end of Willow and Oz’s relationship. This was one of those episodes that I feel I would have been much more invested in if I had no idea what was going to happen. At this point in the show I had already gotten over the Willow/Oz relationship pretty much. Not over it in the sense that I did not like them anymore obviously; I still adore them. The fact of the matter is that I had mourned the relationship and was ready to move on and knowing what was going to happen in the episode when Oz comes back. So my opinion is pretty affected by that. This sounds like a lead up to this being a bad episode. It definitely is not in any way bad. It is actually quite good. It is just that considering the magnitude of the events in the episode, my enthusiasm for it does not match with the importance of it. That being said, this is a solid B episode with some great interactions and moments.

Something I’d like to point out is the parallel of Buffy and Riley’s story and Willow and Oz/Tara’s. By the end of the episode, Buffy deals with the fact that she has to tell Riley about Angel after he makes a comment about Willow having dated Oz because he is a werewolf. Where Riley has to accept Buffy for who she was involved with, Buffy has to accept Willow for who she IS involved with. Buffy’s reaction to Willow telling her she was involved with Tara was interesting. If the show had been made today, Buffy would not have had the reaction she did; one of surprise, hesitancy, discomfort and the slight suggestion of incapable understanding. I thought it was an interesting decision to have Buffy dealing with having to tell Riley about her past on the same episode as Willow Is finally making her break with Oz.

I don’t really know what to say about the episode since I watched it about 2 days ago. I’m excited about Willow and Tara to finally be a couple now. I just wanted to get past that awkward fist stage because it felt a bit forced. I think Amber Benson does a fantastic job and I’m so happy to have her on the cast. However, when she stutters it comes off as someone acting. I wish she was a little better at that.

Of course I cried during the episode. Everyone did a great job especially Alyson Hannigan. The scene in the truck at the end was a great end to Willow and Oz. I am happy they do not leave of on horrible notes. The episode is also notable for Riley officially leaving the Initiative and joining the Scoobies side. I’m sorry I do not have more to say but it’s been a couple of days and I have many other entries to post. : )

Quotes

Buffy: Stay back, or I'll pull a William Borroughs on your leader here.

Xander: You'll bore him to death with free prose?

Buffy: Was I the only one awake in English that day?

- Adam: Scout's honor.

Spike: You were a boy scout?

Adam: Parts of me.

-Oz: It was stupid to think that you'd just be ... waiting.

Willow: I was waiting. I feel like some part of me will always be waiting for you. Like, if I'm old and blue-haired and I turn the corner in Istanbul and there you are, I won't be surprised. Cuz ... you're with me. You know?

- Oz: I think I better take off.

Willow: When?

Oz: Pretty much now.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 18: "Where the Wild Things Are"

Note: Sorry this picture conveys nothing about the episode and is misleading about the fact that this is NOT a Giles centric episode!!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: "Where the Wild Things Are"
Grade: D+

I feel harsh giving this a D+ but I cannot deny that this was a below average “Buffy” episode. There were aspects I enjoyed such as the interaction of Spike and Anya, Anya and Xander’s conversation on the ice cream truck and Giles’ singing. However I thought the execution of several aspects of the episode were misguided such as the jungle stuff, the orgasm spot on the wall, the whole execution of the house being haunted was silly. I also just thought it had no real purpose. Buffy and Riley were not in much of the episode. Honestly I am just personally not in the mood to see Buffy and Riley going at it for an entire episode. It’s not what I need in my life right now. And Anya getting upset with Xander and assuming they were breaking up because they hadn’t had sex in 2 nights was just not a plot I was in a mood to deal with. So maybe it’s just the concept of the episode hitting too close to home but I just did not care for this episode. However again I did think that the Spike/Anya interaction was very interesting and entertaining. The scene when she brings him to the party and realizes why the Initiative people look familiar was particularly enjoyable. The girls’ reaction to Giles singing and Xanders’ response to their reaction was another highlight.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 17: "Superstar"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 17: "Superstar"
Grade: B

I’m typing as I watch. This is new. I love that this episode starts out with the alternate reality already. I expected it to be the way these types of episodes usually work. About 10-15 minutes of intro and then some alternate universe stuff. What I love about this episode are the little touches of Jonathan worship sprinkled throughout the show without there being a lot of attention being called to some of them. The intro to the show (genius by the way), the shrine Willow and Tara are making throughout a scene that you don’t see until the end, the poster of him in Riley’s room. It’s all very strange and bizarre and this is the type of episode that could only really be done on this show.

It is interesting to see the world of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer revolve around Jonathan and how he functions within that. He helps Buffy and Riley out with advice, he is in charge of covert operations within the Initiate, he is in charge of the Scoobies, etc. He is everywhere. I like that in this alternate reality the problems and situations of all of the characters still exist. He helps Buffy and Riley genuinely work through their problems even if it is just him wanting to have people want his advice.

I need to point out that I was skeptical about Adam because I did not like the way he looked. It looked hokey and frankly sort of dumb. But I am impressed by him solely because of the acting and writing. I still think the appearance is ineffective. But the actor has a great voice and the dialogue he is given makes him an interesting character.

I also find it interesting that Jonathan actually did all of the things that Buffy actually did in addition to everything else. Buffy is different in this universe where everyone else is the same. I mean she’s basically the same except she is a bit of a wuss, can’t fight, let’s Spike touch her and is afraid to question the authority of Jonathan, for a while that is.
The wipe effect at the end was lame haha.

While this definitely is not an essential episode and it is ultimately pretty pointless, I actually found it much more entertaining than I thought it would be and a lot of fun.

Moments:
-Tara’s line: “Oh my God, I think he is going to play something off the new album!”
-Buffy’s conversation with Jonathan at the coffee shop
-The reveal of the Jonathan shrine
-Adam: “These are lies. None of this is real. The world has been changed. It’s intriguing but it’s wrong.”
-Buffy and Anya’s conversation when she visits Anya at Xanders’.
-Buffy: Giles, do you have Jonathan’s music calendar?
Giles: “No”
Buffy looks in confusion
Giles: “Yes. It was a gift.”
-Xander’s reaction to Buffy being right. “No!” (Hilarious if you see it)
-Giles: "Jonathan won't be Jonathan. Well, not our Jonathan anyways."
Xander: "No, no, no! World without sunshine! World without joy!"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 16: "Who Are You?"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 16: "Who Are You?"

Grade: A+

The second part of the Buffy-Faith story in Season 4 is easily one of the best episodes of the series. Top 5 episodes objectively speaking. I actually think it’s better than the series favorite, “Hush”. It explores every issue between Faith and Buffy in an extremely effective way boasting 2 unbelievable performances by Sarah Michelle Gellar and Eliza Dushku. It’s disturbing, entertaining and sets up issues that I know are going to be prevalent in future episodes. Oh and it’s written and directed by Joss Whedon.

I do not even know where to start since in my opinion there may be episodes as dense as this one, but none that are more dense. “Who Are You” packs in everything that was explored between Buffy and Faith and does it in one episode. I have to spend some time on these performances because I was expecting them to be good but I honestly felt I was watching Faith and Buffy in each other’s bodies. It felt completely real. Sarah and Eliza had all of the mannerisms and speech patterns down so perfectly, it was uncanny. These are two of the best episode performances I’ve seen on any show period. When Faith (Buffy) beats up Buffy (Faith) and starts screaming “You’re nothing! You’re disgusting!” it’s actually Faith beating up herself and it’s a pretty disturbing moment accentuated by Sarah’s performance as she screams and beats up Faith as Faith. This episode rested on these two performances. If they did not work then the entire point to the two parter would be well, pointless. I am still reeling from the absolute success of this episode.

Faith (as Buffy) hitting on Spike was an interesting scene and one that sets up Spike’s interest in Buffy that will continue into other seasons. It was interesting to see Spike’s reaction to Buffy deciding not to yell at him. He got upset, he was upset that he was not considered a threat anymore but really because he likes the banter between him and Buffy. I could not believe the dialogue that they got away with in this episode. “I’ll ride you until your legs buckle together. I’ve got muscles you wouldn’t believe. I’ll make you pop, etc” Holy crap how did that get on the air? Shocking. Really great scene though due to James Marsters work there as his reaction said volumes and I love his response “Later, you and me are going to have a confrontation”. Great line and great delivery. Sounds like it’s supposed to be funny but the way he says it really is not and he is upset after she leaves.

I wonder if this Riley having sex with Buffy but actually Faith will effect things short term. Faith actually having someone make love to her as opposed to fucking her was insane. Her reaction to having someone love her even if it wasn’t her was too much for her to take. To feel that love was something she could not handle. Sarah is so phenomenal in this episode that I literally am thinking of Sarah’s performance as somehow Eliza’s which it is not.

Eliza’s scene with Giles is very funny seeing her play at the banter they usually have.

So Willow and Tara’s scene when they perform their ritual to locate Buffy’s energy is one that is latent with sexual overtones. This ritual they go through basically looks like they are having sex while sitting next to each other and it was a really clever way of getting around the censors and giving something with more sexual tension than something that would have been a lot more blatant. I wish that the Willow-Tara transition had been better because I’m excited for them to be a couple but the transition into it has been a little rocky and forced. I really liked them in this episode though.

I loved how the “Because it’s wrong” quote came back around at the end.

This episode explored what happens as Faith slowly sees herself from Buffy’s point of view through her experiences as Buffy and dealing with people caring about her. Eventually she begins to question everything as she quickly starts to lose it. When Buffy was transformed back to her own body she felt for a second what Faith was just feeling. This is all incredibly dense stuff as it only scratches the surface of everything. I don’t think there will be a better episode of this show. Some will match it but nothing will beat it. A masterpiece in television.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 15: "This Year's Girl"

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4, Episode 15: "This Year's Girl"

Grade: B+

This past episode I’ve watched of “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” is the first part of a two-parter in Season 4, entitled “This Year’s Girl”. Basically Faith wakes up from her coma and is looking for revenge.

This won’t be an episode review as much as a gathering of basic thoughts. I could go on forever about Buffy but I won’t. It’s a show that I had been meaning to watch for years and as a consequence of that through time I discovered so many spoilers that it is absurd. So basically I know everything that happens on the show. And the fact that it can still be this compelling even though I know most of the plot developments is amazing. So my best friend Amanda and I started watching it a few years back. She grew up on Buffy so it was a sort of show sharing activity of ours. Because college takes up so much tme, it took us 2 years to get through 2 and a half seasons. Since school started this year, I am continuing on my own and am now a little bit more than half way through Season 4. Amanda is not huge on the show in its later years, meaning Seasons 5, 6 and 7. She thinks that they definitely have their moments but it loses its freshness. While I am looking forward to the later stuff, I already know I’ll be pining for the earlier seasons. I see what she means and I’m already mourning the loss of those days in a way. However I credit the show for evolving when so many others do not take that chance and don’t grow with its characters.

Anyways, Season 3 is my favorite and will always be my favorite. Nothing will defeat it. I don’t know if I’ve seen a more solid season of television than Season of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer. Season 2 comes next, Season 4 and then Season 1 (by default). I’ve been really impressed with this season so far. I felt that the transition from high school to college was seamless and natural, a near impossible feat accomplished in my opinion.

Ok, so this episode is a sort of throwback to Season 3 because it is dealing with Faith who is essential to that season. Faith was never one of my favorite characters on Buffy, even though I know a lot of people love her. What I’m about to say is contradictory. I love what she brings to the show in terms of how she relates to Buffy and exploring the role and power of the Slayer. I love what they did with her in terms of her learning that she loves to kill and becoming one of the villains. I could write pages upon pages of the issues and themes they explore through Faith’s character. And Eliza of course does a great job. I love Faith’s psychology. The character herself though annoys me. If I have to hear her say “B” one more time I’ll bash my head against a wall. She comes off as quite dated today I feel. A bit too late 90’s for me. Too much of her aggravates me. I do like her; I just don’t love her character by any means. It’s weird that Season 3 is my favorite based off of that information but it is. As I said, what she brings to the show is far more positive than the frustration I get from her character.

This is a really good episode. I really like the fear and emotion that Faith’s return brings to the Scoobies. Faith’s dreams were the best part of the episode. The writer’s willingness to be ambiguous and explore Faith’s subconscious in an unclear way, but in a way that goes very deep was impressive. Another highlight for me was Faith’s conversation with Buffy’s mother. It really revealed Faith’s imbedded envy for Buffy especially dealing with her having a mother to be there while Faith does not. This was something that was explored a bit in Season 3 and it was nice to see them come back to it. Faith also had some interesting and sort of valid points regarding Buffy’s neglect of her mother. The last big highlight was Faith and Buffy’s fight on the college campus. Awesome.

Willow and Tara’s relationship is something I’m really enjoying. I was worried about how this would work but it does. I do think things are going too fast though and I wish they had slowed it down a bit. If they had slowed it down then the relationship would have seemed like a natural progression instead of coming off a bit like the writers would like to be at a certain place at a certain time with the two of them. And it does come off a bit like that. Nevertheless I am enjoying them.

Xander and Anya are really great together. Each have great moments both together and separately. But I know that 3 more seasons of them is going to get on my nerves. I guarantee this.

Spike is another character that I always loved but never really grabbed onto the way other people did. But now I love him. I love his role in Season 4. Love it. I think it is so interesting, funny and creative. But again the idea of him and Buffy being together is just…meh I don’t know. I’m sure it will work but it seems a little off to me. I know why she’ll go with him and I know they start the hinting of it early on but…I’ll just wait and see what I think of it.
I love what they did with Giles this season. He’s neglected, unemployed but he’s awesome.

Ok so Buffy and Riley as a couple. I really like them a lot but I’m starting to feel like I’m ready to move on from it even though I know we have a while to go with them. I’m not complaining but it’s just not my favorite story at the moment. But I think I’d be much more interested if I did not know what was going to happen so I can’t fault the show for that.

So this was not really a review of the episode and not really a review of Season 4 so far. I could have gone on forever about this season and about the show but I guess this will have to do as an introductory of my thoughts on what is going on in the show right now and subsequent reviews will be much more episode specific and hopefully shorter.