Fun fact: in this episode the Master was actually played by David Boreanaz, presumably because the original actor, Mark Metcalf, was unavailable at the time of filming.
"Miss me?" The Sexy Dance of legend and lore. "Bitca." Buffy calmly torturing a vampire. That little cry Buffy makes on the first swing still tears at my heart a quarter century later. Willow's adorable smile at the end. Here's a spoiler: Buckle up. BTW, that was Boreanz in the Master's makeup.
I like how this episode took aspects of the fallout of S1 and incorparated them into the beginning of S2 rather than the episode just starting off with a S2 plotline.
One thing about this series -- and this isn't a spoiler to say, because you already noticed -- is that it often calls back to previous episodes. Things aren't buried and forgotten.
It's good they gave more closure to Buffy's traumatic experience of what she went through with the prophesy about her dying and then actually drowning for a few moments. One does not just bounce back all cheerful and ready to go after that sort of thing.
Absolutely. One of the things I love about Buffy is that the characters actually do have memories. They continue to carry these experiences with them, just as a real person would and will mention them again when it's relevant. It's just a dash of realism (and intelligent writing) that I've always appreciated that a lot of shows don't bother with.
While this episode is definitely about Buffy's PTSD, there is more to Buffy's emotions than just that. Buffy suffers from life-long depression, and it is easy to lose sight of this because of the immediate theme of PTSD. There are signs of Buffy's life-long depression in this episode and in other epiaodes, both past and future. In this episode, the cutting of her hair and her aloofness over the summer as her father described it, being the most present. It is easy to think those are simply tied to her PTSD, but they tie in more deeply than that. Depreasion and PTSD can share aome aymptoms in common, though. Buffy's hyper agreasion and her readiness to fight all the time are connected to her PTSD.
So excited for you finally starting Season 2!! I've always felt like the first couple episodes of Season 2 still retain some of those Season 1 vibes. Episode 3, I think, is when the show really kicks into a new gear. But, you'll have to see what you think! 😊Can't wait for you to get there!
A great opener from S2 Buffy obviously suffering from PTSD, and taking it all out on her friends. Interesting when Cordelia even tries to intervene referencing Buffy to Joan Collins as a type of 'Uber Bitch' because she knows that behaviour herself. All's well at the end and a bit of comic relief with The Anointed One ' I hate that girl' Another well written episode exploring psychological illness and how it can affect others. On re-watch you can notice so much more in each episode that was missed first time round. Good reaction again.
"If you'd worked with us for five seconds you could have prevented this." How, Xander? She could have just not gone to the Bronze, leaving Cordelia to her fate. Perhaps you would be okay with that, but Buffy couldn't (or anybody with a bit of human decency). Or maybe she should have taken you with her? That would have prevented the vampires from taking Giles and Willow how? Or maybe she would have taken you and Willow with her. That would have only left Giles vulnerable but you wouldn't know the correct translation leaving the vampires to pick up Willow at their leisure. Are you going to guard her 24/7 when you don't know she's a particular target? Yeah, Buffy was screwing up, but what happened here was not her fault.
Fun fact: in this episode the Master was actually played by David Boreanaz, presumably because the original actor, Mark Metcalf, was unavailable at the time of filming.
"Miss me?"
The Sexy Dance of legend and lore.
"Bitca."
Buffy calmly torturing a vampire.
That little cry Buffy makes on the first swing still tears at my heart a quarter century later.
Willow's adorable smile at the end.
Here's a spoiler: Buckle up.
BTW, that was Boreanz in the Master's makeup.
I like how this episode took aspects of the fallout of S1 and incorparated them into the beginning of S2 rather than the episode just starting off with a S2 plotline.
One thing about this series -- and this isn't a spoiler to say, because you already noticed -- is that it often calls back to previous episodes. Things aren't buried and forgotten.
SEASON 2! YES!! My favourite season. Prepare yourself for the amazing adventure that is this season. ❤❤
It's good they gave more closure to Buffy's traumatic experience of what she went through with the prophesy about her dying and then actually drowning for a few moments. One does not just bounce back all cheerful and ready to go after that sort of thing.
Buffy is a show where continuity is king! You also need an encyclopedic memory. ^_^
Absolutely. One of the things I love about Buffy is that the characters actually do have memories. They continue to carry these experiences with them, just as a real person would and will mention them again when it's relevant. It's just a dash of realism (and intelligent writing) that I've always appreciated that a lot of shows don't bother with.
Damn that vamp for showing up and ruining my Xillow moment!
Yay! Season 2! Get ready!
While this episode is definitely about Buffy's PTSD, there is more to Buffy's emotions than just that. Buffy suffers from life-long depression, and it is easy to lose sight of this because of the immediate theme of PTSD. There are signs of Buffy's life-long depression in this episode and in other epiaodes, both past and future. In this episode, the cutting of her hair and her aloofness over the summer as her father described it, being the most present. It is easy to think those are simply tied to her PTSD, but they tie in more deeply than that. Depreasion and PTSD can share aome aymptoms in common, though. Buffy's hyper agreasion and her readiness to fight all the time are connected to her PTSD.
So excited for you finally starting Season 2!! I've always felt like the first couple episodes of Season 2 still retain some of those Season 1 vibes. Episode 3, I think, is when the show really kicks into a new gear. But, you'll have to see what you think! 😊Can't wait for you to get there!
A great opener from S2 Buffy obviously suffering from PTSD, and taking it all out on her friends. Interesting when Cordelia even tries to intervene referencing Buffy to Joan Collins as a type of 'Uber Bitch' because she knows that behaviour herself. All's well at the end and a bit of comic relief with The Anointed One ' I hate that girl' Another well written episode exploring psychological illness and how it can affect others. On re-watch you can notice so much more in each episode that was missed first time round. Good reaction again.
I don't think it's a spoiler to say/write all 7 seasons are one flowing story. Enjoy the journey.
"If you'd worked with us for five seconds you could have prevented this."
How, Xander? She could have just not gone to the Bronze, leaving Cordelia to her fate. Perhaps you would be okay with that, but Buffy couldn't (or anybody with a bit of human decency). Or maybe she should have taken you with her? That would have prevented the vampires from taking Giles and Willow how? Or maybe she would have taken you and Willow with her. That would have only left Giles vulnerable but you wouldn't know the correct translation leaving the vampires to pick up Willow at their leisure. Are you going to guard her 24/7 when you don't know she's a particular target? Yeah, Buffy was screwing up, but what happened here was not her fault.