First watched these eps with my kids, who were about 14 and 9 at the time.
After the first two episodes, it was touch and go whether I'd ever watch any more. I found the vampires cheesy and tiresome (guessed instantly that Angel was a vampire and had a big argument with my daughter, who was sure he couldn't be). I also didn't like Giles, because I thought him yet another irritating cliche-Brit-in-an-American show.
As for Buffy, Willow and Xander, I was fairly indifferent, except that I didn't much like Xander and was sure he and Buffy would end up together.
Fortunately, I did tune in again, and absolutely loved The Witch. For one thing, no vampires. And Giles turned the Brit stereotype enough on its head to keep me interested. After that, I just enjoyed it.
As for what I think now, I still think the first two episodes have a lot of faults (yes, the vampires. Luke is annoying and Darla - well, she's nothing to what she'll become in AtS, as for Angel his cryptic guy act gets old before the end of the first episode) but I found Buffy, Willow and Xander very endearing right from the start (well, Xander is still quite annoying, but I forgive him because he's only sixteen), but best of all is the instant rapport between Giles and Buffy. SMG and ASH are just wonderful together, and I think the Giles/Buffy relationship really makes the show work in season 1 and that if the two actors hadn't had such great chemistry, the show would never have worked the way it did.
The Witch is still just...wonderful - and knowing how Amy will ultimately turn out gives it an extra frisson.
ETA: Forgot to mention, apart from the vampire scenes, the dialogue is just wonderful. And it still sounds very fresh and new.
After the first two episodes, it was touch and go whether I'd ever watch any more. I found the vampires cheesy and tiresome (guessed instantly that Angel was a vampire and had a big argument with my daughter, who was sure he couldn't be). I also didn't like Giles, because I thought him yet another irritating cliche-Brit-in-an-American show.
As for Buffy, Willow and Xander, I was fairly indifferent, except that I didn't much like Xander and was sure he and Buffy would end up together.
Fortunately, I did tune in again, and absolutely loved The Witch. For one thing, no vampires. And Giles turned the Brit stereotype enough on its head to keep me interested. After that, I just enjoyed it.
As for what I think now, I still think the first two episodes have a lot of faults (yes, the vampires. Luke is annoying and Darla - well, she's nothing to what she'll become in AtS, as for Angel his cryptic guy act gets old before the end of the first episode) but I found Buffy, Willow and Xander very endearing right from the start (well, Xander is still quite annoying, but I forgive him because he's only sixteen), but best of all is the instant rapport between Giles and Buffy. SMG and ASH are just wonderful together, and I think the Giles/Buffy relationship really makes the show work in season 1 and that if the two actors hadn't had such great chemistry, the show would never have worked the way it did.
The Witch is still just...wonderful - and knowing how Amy will ultimately turn out gives it an extra frisson.
ETA: Forgot to mention, apart from the vampire scenes, the dialogue is just wonderful. And it still sounds very fresh and new.
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