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Post by Dr Regina Phalange on Nov 29, 2013 5:49:56 GMT -6
So my mother has finally allowed me access to my birthday present ... BUFFY. Who knew that all it would take was to do 3 exams on one day!
I shall try and endeavour to some quick reactions/grades for the episodes, if I can stop watching it for a second.
Note: spoilers ahead, but I think I'm one of the few who hasn't watched Buffy.
S1/EP1: Welcome to the Hellmouth. B+
I cannot stress how much fun I had watching this episode. Granted, it also proved how much of a wuss I am, but oh well. Doctor Who already taught me that years ago!
I quite enjoyed the troupe subversion off the bat, which is always refreshing. And of course, it's always lovely to see Alyson Hannigan and Anthony Head on my TV.
S1/EP2: The Harvest. B
To say that I was pretty shocked to see episode 1 end on a cliffhanger was an understatement. I may or may not have started yelling at the TV. Never the less, solid follow up to the first episode. Sassy Buffy is always welcome in my books.
S1/EP3: Witch. B+
I probably should begin to keep a gasp/OH MY GOD count for each episode. By my count, this episode hit around double digits, because OH MY GOD. Past television experiences have taught me that there are a lot of plot-heavy episodes early on in a shows run, and normally I get frustrated by this. Thank you Buffy for proving me wrong.
Also: I may go on about my love for Giles just a little bit. To me, he kind of plays a similar function on the show as Walter Bishop did on Fringe. And we've both been called books with arms! Huzzah!
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affrosponge88
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Post by affrosponge88 on Nov 29, 2013 13:26:35 GMT -6
This is a wonderful thread. As wonderful as Rupert Giles.
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Post by Dr Regina Phalange on Nov 30, 2013 7:59:52 GMT -6
 (And his wardrobe. Because it is awesome.)
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Post by Stephen77 on Nov 30, 2013 11:18:54 GMT -6
{Season 4 Spoilers}Watched "The Initiative" last night and really pleased to see events for the rest of the season finally being set in motion. I had enjoyed the first few episodes but it felt like the show had been spinning its wheels up until now (although I certainly can't complain too much when we get episodes like "Fear, Itself", which is still my favourite of the season up to this point). I saw the big reveal coming, to be honest, as I knew the show wouldn't *just* let Riley be "generic love interest guy", but it was still a thoroughly enjoyable reveal.
Lots of great material for Spike in this episode as well. I particularly love the scene with Willow, where she tries to console him over his ummm vampire impotency. Certainly a comedic highlight. Poor Spike. |
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affrosponge88
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Post by affrosponge88 on Nov 30, 2013 12:31:10 GMT -6
Stephen77S4 Spoilers Cont.
Yeah, you're basically witnessing the birth of Spike as the standout character of the series. For me, at least. Everything will come back to this episode's events, since they have the most drastic effect on the character. Also, going into Buffy I knew just about every twist and turn because I had it spoiled for me around every corner. Since season four is one of the least maligned (more on that later), I actually knew very little of what to expect from it. It's because of this that the reveal of Riley in the Initiative actually took me by surprise. You've got some great stuff ahead. The next three episodes are classics.
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Post by Stephen77 on Nov 30, 2013 12:39:54 GMT -6
{Spoiler}Yeah, I figured this is where Spike would really begin to come into his own. I actually don't have much of an idea of what the show is going to do with him, now that he's lost his vampire abilities, but I really can't wait to see what. |
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Post by davethedouchebag on Nov 30, 2013 13:18:39 GMT -6
he kind of plays a similar function on the show as Walter White did on Fringe. WALTER WHITE WAS ON FRINGE?!?!?! What a twist!
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Post by davethedouchebag on Nov 30, 2013 13:25:27 GMT -6
Spoilers
I think Season 4 is where the writers realized beyond a shadow of a doubt that Spike was one of their best creations, and just bringing him back to Sunnydale on some hare brained scheme over and over again wasn't really going to suffice. Part of why I love "the Initiative" is that it jump starts one of my favorite overarching plot lines on the series in that regard. i absolutely adore the scene between Willow and Spike. Not only is it hilarious, it's good character work as well, since Willow and Spike have always seemed rather more charmed by each other than they should be. The Initiative plot line is at some of its most fun here as well. |
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affrosponge88
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Post by affrosponge88 on Nov 30, 2013 13:28:38 GMT -6
Yeah, davethedouchebagS4 Spoilers
I think Spike is one of the best written characters on the show (and television) precisely because of how well his relationship with everybody is completely different and organic. He may throw around quips, sarcasm, and anger at the lot, but the way he talks to Buffy is completely different than the way he talks to Xander, or the way he talks to Willow, etc. |
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Post by Stephen77 on Nov 30, 2013 13:33:35 GMT -6
{Spoilers}I think Season 4 is where the writers realized beyond a shadow of a doubt that Spike was one of their best creations, and just bringing him back to Sunnydale on some hare brained scheme over and over again wasn't really going to suffice. They pretty much directly comment upon that in the cold open of the previous episode, I feel. It's like Whedon is saying "hey, enough of this." |
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Post by davethedouchebag on Nov 30, 2013 13:35:26 GMT -6
Spoiler
I couldn't agree more. Not only does Spike interact with every character on a different level, but we learn more about each character through their interactions with Spike. He's an excellent judge of character himself, but more than that, the characters reflect themselves through what they choose to see in Spike. |
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Post by davethedouchebag on Nov 30, 2013 13:37:42 GMT -6
They pretty much directly comment upon that in the cold open of the previous episode, I feel. It's like Whedon is saying "hey, enough of this." Agreed. It's telling that even I, as an enormous partisan of the character, was at first surprised they were dipping into that well again so soon, and was pleasantly surprised by what hilariously happened instead. |
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affrosponge88
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Post by affrosponge88 on Nov 30, 2013 13:37:41 GMT -6
Spoilers
Exactly. I'm a Xander apologist, but even I fully understand why Spike can't stand him. I love how he basically only gives people what they give him, as you explained. |
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Post by For Getting Sarek Honor on Nov 30, 2013 13:39:13 GMT -6
I am the one who does whatever people do on Fringe.
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Post by davethedouchebag on Nov 30, 2013 13:43:36 GMT -6
{Semi Season 7 Spoilers}When Dawn told Xander a few episodes back that he "saw everything" or something to that effect, it brought me back to my view of Xander as a kind of parallel to Spike. Spike could probably be described even more accurately than Xander as someone who "sees everything", and Spike and Xander both rely similarly on witty quips and dark humor. Both Spike and Xander have had some rather poor luck with women and feel like social outcasts. But while Spike, as a vampire, has managed to utilize some of those very same qualities to become almost supernaturally seductive and charismatic, Xander has never quite managed to evolve from his old self to some extent. I think that reading informs some of the special hostility between Xander and Spike, although Xander's hostility towards all vampires is certainly an important factor as well. |
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Post by Dr Regina Phalange on Nov 30, 2013 18:46:24 GMT -6
Holy crap. When ever someone says "Walter" I automatically go to Walter White. Corrected now.
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Post by davethedouchebag on Dec 1, 2013 23:23:02 GMT -6
Stephen, glad to see you enjoyed Pangs so much! Tell us a little more about how you feel!
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Post by Stephen77 on Dec 2, 2013 11:11:19 GMT -6
"Pangs" was great. I found Angel a little out of place but, ultimately, it was just so much damn fun. It was great having everyone all together and it did an excellent job tying in the Thanksgiving theme. There's some really great Spike, material in particular - dude is at his absolute funniest here.
Early Season 4 episode ranking (because why not):
1. "Pangs"
2. "Fear, Itself"
3. "The Initiative"
4. "Wild at Heart"
5. "The Harsh Light of Day"
6. "The Freshman"
7. "Living Conditions"
8. "Beer Bad"
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Post by Stephen77 on Dec 2, 2013 11:12:41 GMT -6
Oh, although Angel is a little out of place, I'm glad it still set up the following Angel episode, "I Will Remember You", which I would say is the first great episode of that show.
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affrosponge88
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Post by affrosponge88 on Dec 2, 2013 11:14:04 GMT -6
There's some really great Spike, material in particular - dude is at his absolute funniest here. A bear! You made a bear! Undo it! |
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Post by davethedouchebag on Dec 2, 2013 14:13:44 GMT -6
"I Will Remember You" isn't the best Angel of the season (I actually prefer the next episode, and a two parter that comes later), but it is the first time the series shows how profoundly moving it can be in its evocation of loss.
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Post by davethedouchebag on Dec 2, 2013 21:58:18 GMT -6
'Storyteller" is a strong comeback for Buffy. It's nice to finally be out of that rather dreary section of the show.
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affrosponge88
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Post by affrosponge88 on Dec 2, 2013 22:08:08 GMT -6
'Storyteller" is a strong comeback for Buffy. It's nice to finally be out of that rather dreary section of the show. I can't wait to see your reaction to the series finale. I think it'll surprise you how damn good it is. I don't think it's in my top ten series finale, but it says a lot about the episode (considering the season it came from) that I do have to think about it. Also, it gets (rightly) overshadowed by Angel's perfect finale. Now that's a finale that's in my top ten, probably top 3 (for drama). |
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Post by Stephen77 on Dec 4, 2013 22:44:28 GMT -6
So "Something Blue" is preeeeeettttttyyyyy much the funniest episode of the show yet. Fucking hilarious.
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Post by davethedouchebag on Dec 5, 2013 1:55:03 GMT -6
It's amazing to me that Spike is arguably both the funniest character in terms of intentional comedy, and unintentional comedy. He's like a never ending supply of pleasure, laughter, thought, and astonishment.
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Post by Stephen77 on Dec 13, 2013 23:28:48 GMT -6
Just watched "Hush". Great episode. Candidate for my favourite of the series, although I'd like to give it some time before I put it #1.
And just for the heck of it, here's a rough draft of my top ten favourite Buffy episodes so far:
1. "The Zeppo" (313)
2. "Hush" (410)
3. "Passion" (217)
4. "Becoming" (221/222)
5. "Doppelgangland" (316)
6. "Surprise/Innocence" (213/214)
7. "Something Blue" (409)
8. "Graduation Day" (321/322)
9. "Pangs" (408)
10. "The Wish" (309)
Not sure about the last three but top seven is definite (although the order is not).
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sll03
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Post by sll03 on Jan 5, 2014 19:47:56 GMT -6
Buffy discussion! This is splendid! On the subject of Spike and how he has different relationships with different characters... {Season 5+ Spoilers}... I noticed Dawn hasn't been mentioned. You dudes are slacking! Dawn and Spike are awesome because their interactions show a radically different side of Spike, even before the critical change he undergoes during the Season 6 finale. It could be argued his feelings for Buffy equally demonstrate this facet of his character, and while that is certainly true to an extent, I personally do not believe it's exactly the same: The manner in which he cares for Buffy has the potential to result in reciprocation on her part (and, as we all know, it totally does - rather scandalously, I might add) but caring about Dawn is essentially a selfless act. He cherishes her like he would a younger sister. For someone without a soul, that's a pretty big deal.
Also, he calls her "Little Bit" and it's adorable. |
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Post by Stephen77 on Jan 6, 2014 0:06:40 GMT -6
Season 4 Letter Grades (because I saved these as well as rated the show on the Watched App):
The Freshman (4.01) – B
Living Conditions (4.02) – B
The Harsh Light of Day (4.03) – B+
Fear, Itself (4.04) – A
Beer Bad (4.05) – C-
Wild at Heart (4.06) – B+
The Initiative (4.07) – A
Pangs (4.08) – A
Something Blue (4.09) – A
Hush (4.10) – A+
Doomed (4.11) – A
A New Man (4.12) – A
The I in Team (4.13) – B+
Goodbye Iowa (4.14) – B+
This Year’s Girl (Part One) (4.15) – A-
Who Are You (Part Two) (4.16) – A
Superstar (4.17) – B+
Where the Wild Things Are (4.18) – C+
New Moon Rising (4.19) – A-
The Yoko Factor (Part One) (4.20) – B+
Primeval (Part Two) (4.21) – B+
Restless (4.22) - A+
And, yes, I can give out A+'s to extra extra special episodes. Screw the AV Club: A+'s exist!
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affrosponge88
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Post by affrosponge88 on Jan 6, 2014 0:43:37 GMT -6
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Post by Stephen77 on Jan 6, 2014 9:01:02 GMT -6
If this show continues to do what I think it's capable of doing, I wouldn't be too surprised to find it cracking my top five favourite television shows... ever. That's how much episodes like "Hush" and "Restless" have thoroughly convinced me of this show's greatness.
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