When She Was Bad - by Andrew (Hovis)

‘When She Was Bad’ has always been one of my favourite episodes… it felt like I knew and loved it before I watched it for the first time, when I got into Buffy. I’d seen a few isolated episodes all out of order, and this was the one that got me into the show big time. I feel it encapsulates all the elements of what makes the show great in one 45 minute package. Love, sex, relationships, school politics, teenage angst of all kinds, great dialogue, and of course kick-ass action and monsters!

It’s the dialogue and the depth of character that sets BtVS above all other shows, IMO. In a few posts on the old Beeb board, I remember saying I felt that these characters were my friends, and I felt every second of emotional turmoil as though I was going through it with them. All beautifully done.

There are so many good moments… the touching scenes between Willow and Xander in the teaser, before the vampire attack and Buffy’s timely intervention. How cool is that fight scene, and its ending?

Love Buffys

which is addressed as much to us as it was Willow and Xander.

The chat between Hank and Joyce is lovely too, adding just a touch more depth to Joyce’s character.

Loved the conversation too, between Snyder and Giles, and subsequently the flirting between Giles and Jenny. (I’m afraid Jenny would reduce me to a stammering wreck too, like Giles!)

But this episode is all about Buffy and her issues. How the hell does one cope with dying and being resuscitated, and coming face to face and defeating your arch enemy, with no outlet for weeks and no-one to talk to? That training sequence in the library was amazing… such pent up energy and aggression. Buffy’s frustration comes through so strongly.

Then of course there is the issue of her relationship with Angel, and how her problems affect this. Her dance with Xander in the Bronze is one of the show’s great cold shower inducing moments! Boy, she dances good! The scene is so beautifully played… Buffys issues of course, Xanders confusion, Angels jealousy and Willows jealousy too, which was brilliantly portrayed by AH and was actually quite hard to watch. (Cibo Mato’s ‘Sugar Water’ is one of the outstanding musical moment for me in the show, and is a very sexy song to accompany one of the show’s outstanding sexy moments!)

The highlights of the episode though are the exchanges between Buffy and Cordelia…

And of course, everyone’s favourite quote…

Another great Xander moment as we realise he can’t w**k out what B-I-T-C-H spells. “A bitca?” laugh.gif And why did anyone think Buffy would fall for the trout thing!

Love Willow’s line after Buffy reads the note on the rock thrown through the window…

The scene in the Bronze with the vampire girl is phenomenal… when she turns round and we see her face, well, it’s one of the scariest vampire moments I remember in BtVS. That smile…

Then Xander’s line when Buffy returns to the library…

That torture scene, where Buffy puts her cross in the vamp’s mouth. Scary or what, and sooo nasty.

That final fight scene was amazing as Buffy takes out the vampires and Absolom. And then of course Buffy able to take it out on the Master’s remains. Judging by what’s left, Buffy clearly isn’t any good with a sledgehammer, but hey, I’m not going to quibble.

I always love the little epilogues we get treated to. Here, we have too. First, the beautiful scene in the class room when Buffy joins Willow and Xander. I’m sure we can all identify with Buffy here… we’ve all done stuff we think our friends may hate as for. I felt for her as she worried before joining them. But as ever Xander saves the day.

Love the smiles, and the loving, and the knowledge everything is back to normal, or as normal Sunnydale can be!

Then we see the only scene involving the Anointed One that’s worth seeing so far, as Collin wanders through the scene of the Master’s final destruction...

The best of all the season openers, IMO. And has to be a good 8.5 out of 10, pushing a 9.

Andrew (HM)

Some Assembly Required - by Alex (Laughitupfuzzball )

Tough one to review, not one of my favourites, unfortunately they didn't make the audience empathise with Daryl enough. The tragedy of Frankensteins monster is that we feel its isolation and Daryl was just annoying. A couple of scenes near the end where he reminisces over his football days just isn't enough to feel any sympathy for him.

He comes across as a petulant arrogant Jock who misses his high school glory and probably wasn't very nice, as he says to Cordy he ignored her when he was alive so if he ignored her who is Miss Popularity what was he like with others.

Chris his brother comes across as the real victim, he has lost a brother, created a monster, is neglected at home, sad scenes with his mother watching the replays continuously and despite winning the science prize every year has no recognition for his talent. (Question - why isn't he arrested at the end)

We don't see how Chris' irritating friend gets involved with the brothers, frankly he isn't menacing enough, he has obviously been planning to kill for no gain to himself other than killing but he just comes across as a dork.

The Giles asking Jenny out laugh.gif is the most memorable scene for me. I do like them as a couple they w.ork well with each other, very funny. Loved her effortlessly turning the situation round and arranging a date without his hardly speaking laugh.gif

The scene where Buffy falls into the open coffin is quite a good way to introduce the story humour mixed with horror as Buffy does so well.

Glad to see Angel and Buffy still having issues from the previous episode, the others seem to have forgotten very quickly but again the age/dead/jealousy issue comes up.


QUOTE
Buffy: I don't love Xander.

Angel: Yeah, but he's in your life. He gets to be there when I can't.
Take your classes, eat your meals, hear your jokes and complaints. He
gets to see you in the sunlight.

Buffy: I don't look that good in direct light.


At this stage they both know there are big obstacles to overcome to have a relationship but they are both drawn to each and leave the problems unresolved again as they grow closer.

This episode is all about love, Giles & Jenny being the most successful, Chris doing anything but kill for his brother, Angel and Buffy wanting something they can't have, Daryl wanting the love he had when he was alive (shallow though it was), and for comic relief Xander missing out on his first chance with Cordy and ignoring Willow at the same time.

QUOTE
Love makes you do the wacky.
Indeed.



The main thing that saves this ep is the comedy, Giles & Xander are naturally funny.
QUOTE
Giles: Zombies don't eat the flesh of the living.

Xander: Yeah, I knew that. But did you see the look on her face?



love Cordy's
QUOTE
Stop it! What are you doing? We are under florescent light, for God's sake.


Question, would Cordy really hide in a dumpster to hide? Unlikely but develops the plot I suppose.

For developing the scoobies relationships this episode works well, for the Frankenstein's monster story it didn't, either more horror, more pathos or humour required but it falls into nowhereland.

One more lmaosmiley.gif @
QUOTE
Giles: No! I just think it's rather odd that a nation that prides itself on its virility should feel compelled to strap on forty pounds of protective gear just in order to play rugby.

Inca Mummy Girl - by Claire (Prophecy Girl )

not the greatest episode ever ... why? well we got a mummy ... that apart for sucking the life out of people is the nicest girl in town (kinda) that xander is attracted to (no surprise there)

and to add to that, the writer thought that in case we didn't notice the little similarity between buffy and ampata fate (they are chosen by the people ... yada yada yada )make them have a scene discussing about it rolleyes.gif also resumed by buffy and giles

of course there are a few good thing: the usual xander jealousy, poor willow dealing with xander attraction to an other girl

hard to believe these two didn't heard willow entering the library eermm.gif

the bodyguard is the lamest bodyguard ever, attack without thinking and have fighting skills of .... ponder.gif ... a girl shrug.gif

cordie got a book with every photo of every people coming to town and yet no one ever check about ampata rolleyes.gif

a first appareance of oz who notice willow in costum (who is that girl ? smile.gif , jonathan as our regular lucky victim rolleyes.gif , cordie and sven laugh.gif , a gross end for our mummy

i do like the end scene between buffy and xander

one of the worse episode, the idea was kind of good but the way of bringing it and developping it was badly done or is it the fact that the mummy was just a victim who didn't have much choice to kill to survive. shrug.gif

School Hard - by Maria

Sorry for the delay guys........



Season 2 is by far my favorite season.

As commented, School Hard really sets the scene and standard for great things to come.

The introduction of 'new blood' into the show in the forms of Spike and Dru are really refreshing and show a different side to vampirism and how relationships and bonds can be formed without a soul.

Spike stole the show in this episode and he has a whole aura of lovable badness around him that gets you hooked.

I can't think of a better charactor introduction than School Hard.

A very deserving 9/10 for me.

Halloween - by I am my thoughts (Sarah)

Halloween was the first Buffy episode I properly watched, so I'll try not to be too biased. It just brings back so many good memories!

This episode is basically one of the highlights of season 2. It's characterisation is spot-on, plot gripping enough for both newcomers and avid Buffy watchers, and introduces new arcs for future episodes to explore. Plus its the perfect companion to every halloween night smile.gif

Its a nice touch that Halloween is a vampiric national holiday, which goes against all expectations. Its also not really a scary episode (except for the sweet hungry little ones wink.gif ) and therefore relies more on character studies.

Every character's insecurities are highlighted in the episode, brought to the surface but interestingly, not all of them are resolved. For instance, Buffy faces the trouble of finding out how men like their women. The fact that Angel seems apparantally taken with the well groomed and (seemingly) submissive Cordelia presents her with the dilemma that many women face - should they become more 'feminine' to get a man? The eighteenth century noblewoman is the perfect icon for Buffy, who would have been physically, emotionally and socially weaker. The fact that Buffy falls in love with this eighteenth century dress emphasises the sacrifice that even the Slayer would undertake to please her love.

Of course, becoming 'the weaker sex' is proved dangerous by the end, as Buffy's new found weakness in becoming a 'lady' renders her open to attacks from Spike. She can only defeat him by throwing off her pretty wig and therefore, her submissive feminine role.

Willow also doesn't know how to act around men, and so chooses to hide her femininity behind a genderless ghost sheet to avoid the problem, despite Buffy's typical efforts to dress her in revealing attire and introduce her to Xander. The episode impressively charts Willow's development from shy young girl to confident young woman, as she is forced to realise that there are some things that she just can't hide from. And the shot of her secret admirer, Oz, also hints at a future romance that may distract her pining for Xander.

If the girls use their costumes to support their feelings about their femininity, then Xander certainly uses his to express his self-perceived masculinity. His soldier outfit is none too subtle, and he has a VERY big gun after the spell has been cast. Watching Xander (i laugh in the face of danger then I hide until it goes away) Harris try to take control of the demonic threat and face every danger without fear is both interesting and funny, as it doesn't happen often.

There's also an interesting scene between him and Cordelia, where he gives her his jacket when she announces that she is cold. There is a nice suggestion of chemistry between the two bitter enemies.

Speaking of Cordelia, she doesn't really have a lot to do within the episode, apart from annoying Buffy and Angel, moaning about Devon and dressing as a cat, not turning into one and therefore providing the Scoobies with the clue to why the costumes have gone wacky. Maybe the point of her not changing into anything was a sign that she is confident about herself, but then again OMOS showed that she was pretty insecure about more or less everything, and that her behaviour was an act. Maybe the writers could have gone beyond her bitca stereotype in this episode.

The hint that Giles has a less than perfect past is a great cliffhanger. Ethan is menacing, not just as the chaos worshipper, but as the key to Giles' darkest secrets, which you know and want to be spilled. It comes as a shock to find that Giles is not all tweed and books, and that there is a lot that we, nor Buffy, actually know about him.

So much actually happens in the episode that it would take forever to discuss everything. It's very enjoyable; not flawless, but one that can easily be rewatched. It ends on a happy note (Buffy/Angel) but also a cliffhanger (Ethan's note), which encourages the viewer to catch the next episode. And surely that's what makes great television?

9/10

xSarahx

What's My Line Part 1 - By Jo otherwise known as Jo :thumbsup:

Reet- where to begin?

I should probably begin by saying I very much enjoyed rewatching this episode as season 2 is probably the most under watched season in my collection...not quite sure what the reason for this is- but, to me, it still felt fresh and new and it was thrilling discovering the whole plot of the episode again. When I think of this episode- it does not spring to mind as an immediate favourite, however- it includes a great deal of the Buffy charm that made the show so appealing in the first place.

The opening scenes is, what I consider, a classic Buffy scene- Buffy, Willow, Xander discussing their futures- great, comedic banter between the trio. As a student I can identify the fustration with multiple choice career questionnaires! A favourite line...

"Do I like shrubs?"
"That's between you and your god."


Spike and Dru are on top form in this episode- despite my phase of being a Spuffy fan- Spike is so much better (and fitter wink.gif ) as an big bad in season 2- the chemistry between Juliet Landau and James Marsters is also very watchable- not to mention successfully eerie.
A great, but swift Buffy patrol scene follows- which are always entertaining for the but-kicking action.
"Does Rest in Peace have no sanctity to you people? Oh I forgot, you're not a people." Pow!

Angel is just gorgeous in this episode, makes every teenage girl see him as the perfect boyfriend... wub.gif Ok- girly moment over with! Love the Angel bonding with Mr Gordo moment.
We also get to experience more about Buffy's past before she became the slayer- which I feel is key to the theme of the episode- What if she wasn't a slayer? We don't get to ponder on that question long- and neither does she- before the big evil of this double wammy appears... The Order of Taraka (how creepy is maggot guy?)
However, we do get a glimpse into the life of pre-Sunnydale Buffy, with the ice skating and her adoration of Dorothy Hammel. Buffy and Angel's date to the rink is also a great buffy moment- respect to Sarah for doing the skating herself. smile.gif

The library scene between Giles and Buffy includes some typical Sunnydale lingo- which borders on annoying on Buffy's behalf! "Have a cow Giles!" ???

"Trouble, she's the gnat in my ear, the gristle in my teeth. She's the bloody thorn in my bloody side!"
I believe this statement was true to Spike's obsession with Buffy throughout the show, from when he wanted to kill her, to when he loved her. That's another thing I noticed in the rewatch- this episode contains some great and memorable lines.
For example "The vampire that she slayed last night...or is it slew?" "Both are correct." That's probably just a personal fav!

The introduction of Kendra is great- 'She's a bad guy, no wait! She's a slayer! But is she an evil slayer??'
The accent as many have said in the past- is truly awful, but one can grow to love it...I'm sure...

There are so many little moments in this episode that I could focus on in this review- but I fear this is already a bit long winded and somewhat confusing so I'll try and conclude as best I can!
Oz and Willow thumbsupsmileyanim.gif
Angel and Buffy wub.gif
Cordy and Xander gunthug.gif but laugh.gif
Spike and Dru devilsmiley.gif
I will echoe other reviewers opinions by saying 'True Buffy at its best'. This is the Buffy that we all grew to love back in the day and for this episode's mix of humour, wit, tension, romance, reflection and fear, it makes for a very impressive Buffy episode.
8/10

Passion - by Maria

Waking up to discover your ex (who you are still madly in love with but has gone phsyco) has left a drawing on your pillow will not exactly start anyone's day off with pleasant thoughts.

From the beginning, right through to Jenny trying to restore Angel's soul you just knew this wouldn't be the happy ending we all wanted.

Angelus visiting Joyce had us on the edge of our seats not merely because of the potential of him killing her but of what he might reveal. Slayer or no Slayer, no one wants their ex lover to start confessing to their mother that her little girl is not so 'innocent' anymore! The way in whch Joss handled this scene was something any girl can relate to or at least cringe to!

The whole Angelus stalker storyline up to this point has been fairly low key compared to what we expected Angelus to have been like pre curse. This is where things step up a level or two.....

The scene in the school with Jenny trying to restore Angel's soul only to be confronted by the thing she was trying to banish was a powerful scene to say at the least. I can imagine every Buffy and non Buffy fan on the edge of their seats as we all wondered would he kill her?

The moving scene where Giles arrives home and slowly walks up his stairs with a big smile on his face ensures not a dry eye is in sight as we all expect something to be there but cannot quite graps it until we are confronted with the truth. Giles blinded by rage goes to confront Angelus and put an end to it all but can this really be as simple as it sounds.

The harrowing scene portraying Willow and Buffy learning of Jennys death whilst Angelus looks on must be one of the most chilling scenes in the Buffyverse.

Willow taking over Jenny's class and realising that Jenny will not be returning leaves a lump in ones' throat as the disk falls.....................


Passion, It lies in all of us. Sleeping, waiting and though unwanted, unbidden, it will stir. Open its jowls and howl.

If we could live without Passion, maybe we'd know some kind of peace. But we would be hollow. Empty rooms shuttered and dank.
xxxxxxxxx

By far one of the most pwerful episodes that portrays the extent of waht Angelus is. A killer. The problem is, we all know that somewhere inside him Angel lies, seeing all but unable to speak up.

10/10. Giving this score is a rarety for me but it really doesn't get much better than this.
Without Passion, we'd be truly dead.