Buffy, 10 years later -- "The Earth Is Doomed!"
March 10th, 2007. Happy 10th Anniversary to Buffy the Vampire Slayer!
Even though most of the people reading this know me through the *NSYNC fandom, you have to know that the Buffy fandom is where I cut my teeth back in 1997. It was the first large online community that I belonged to, and I both loved and hated it at the same time. Let me clarify. I only hated it because it was so addictive, and it took up so much of my time. The love that I had - for the show, for TPTB, and for the rest of the fandom - was astronomical. It defined everything I would eventually call upon to deal with fandoms ever since, and the tv show - well, it defined great television for me.
Every single show that I begin watching now, I compare to Buffy. Not in the literal sense, but in the way it makes me feel. It made me laugh, and cry, and feel every emotion inbetween. It made me care, it made me critical, it made me accepting, and it actually allowed me to put trust in someone - Joss Whedon - who would take care of these characters that I held so dear. If a show that comes around now can arouse even 1/10th of those feelings, I'll probably love it. Buffy was the pinnacle for me, so if I ever compare something in relation to how much I loved Buffy, you know it's a big deal.
For anyone who has never seen it, I implore you to give it a shot (say hello to Netflix). If you assume it's a dumb show based on the title, you're not alone, many have done that. They eventually came to realize that not only is it NOT dumb, but it was one of the smartest shows on TV during its run. And if you stay away because you think it's about vampires and you don't like horror stuff? Well, I can't say they don't exist in the show, because they do, but maybe you like comedy, or romance, or good old fashioned family/friends/female empowerment stories? They're as equally important. Basically, this show has it all.
The show, and everything that happened in relation to it, changed my life completely. I made lifelong friends thanks to this fandom and the TV show itself inspired a radio show I did for over five years that enabled me to do nothing but talk about how much I appreciated Buffy. Heck, I wrote a college paper about the show! I did! So did my radio partner! Not kidding! And I got an A+ on it! And not to mention, it completely changed how I view television now. The bar was raised 10 years ago, many current TV writers and producers agree with that, and credit Joss and Buffy with doing it. Whether you watched it or not, you should know that it was a very important show.
There are a lot of celebrations going on today/this weekend for this special anniversary, as Buffy truly did change the face of television. Don't believe me? Here are some samples, taken from an article in Flak Magazine called "The Legacy of Joss Whedon" which talks about its impact on some of today's biggest shows like Lost, The OC, and even Grey's Anatomy:
Whedon's influence goes beyond this particular story-telling device, however, and many shows owe credit to his ground breaking efforts. Some cases in point:
- Before Boone, Shannon, Anna-Lucia, Libby and Eko went to the Big Kahuna in the sky on Lost, Whedon had already built a reputation for killing off fan-favorite characters. Doyle sacrificed his life in season one of Angel, while Wesley met his demise in the series finale. Tara was murdered in season six of Buffy, Anya was killed in season seven. Even Firefly was not immune; in the big-screen adaptation Serenity, two of the nine major characters died by the time the closing credits rolled.
- Before Gilmore Girls expanded our vocabulary with a litany of pop-culture references, Buffy taught us how to use such fictional names like "Scully" and "Keyser Soze" as verbs, as well as "Stepford Housewives" as an adjective. In fact, the show practically created a language of its own. A book on the phenomenon (Slayer Slang) was published by the Oxford University Press in 2003.
- Before The O.C. had the Bait Shop, Buffy had the Bronze, where indie-rockers along the likes of Aimee Mann, Splendid, Cibo Matto, Angie Hart, Michelle Branch and Nerf Herder all performed.
- Before the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica on the Sci-Fi Channel redefined the definition of "science fiction," Buffy had defied genre expectations of its own by deftly combining horror, fantasy, action, drama and comedy.
- Before Lost started depending on flashback as a form of storytelling, both Buffy and Angel had used it to tell the sagas of their centuries-old vampires and demons, including Angel, Spike, Darla, Drusilla and Anya, filling in those back stories to create more compelling characters.
- And before there was Grey's Anatomy, there was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. At least according to series creator Shonda Rhimes, who told the New York Times (Sept. 28, 2006), "I realized a lot of the really good character development is happening on TV," before specifically citing Buffy. "The language was great, the world was great, and you completely invested in those characters. I'm still not over its cancellation."
And can I just add that even though I'm sure there was one or two shows that did music montages at the end of their episodes before Becoming, part 2 (I'm even tempted to go back to Prophecy Girl and their "Inconsolable" montage), I can't help but think that their use of Sarah McLachlan's "Full of Grace" for those last few minutes was the beginning of what has ended up an over-used cliche on one-hour dramas these days. But back then? It was new and meaningful and holy HELL, I can't hear that song without seeing poor little Buffy with her baggy overalls and big bag walking down the street. *sniff*
Some more links to articles and fun around the net today, in celebration:
-- "The Legacy of Joss Whedon" (FlakMagazine)
-- Entertainment Weekly's PopWatch wishes Buffy a Happy 10th Anniversary.
-- TV.com celebrates the anniversary with many small writings and some of their favorite clips.
-- Buffy is the featured article on the front page of Wikipedia!
-- Great old interview with Joss and the actors from before the show even aired!
-- And of course, you can't forget The Bronze (Beta), the hub of all things Buffy for SO many years. It was my first foray into online fandom posting, and it has a special place in my heart. The board is hopping today in celebration.
And finally, my top 20 episodes. You have no idea how hard this is to narrow down. And because it's so long, I actually will cut this.
20. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (2.16) -- It's hilarious and fast-paced and provides Cordelia with awesome story and character movement.
19. Coversations with Dead People (7.7) -- Interesting concept that enabled us to hear the very crux of what makes Buffy tick as spoken by the hottie vampire Holden: "You do have a superiority complex. And you've got an inferiority complex about it. Kudos."
18. Lie To Me (2.7) -- This could've come really close to being a 'very special' episode what with the brain tumors and all. But instead it was a very moving, very poignant, very personal story of life, death, and loss.
17. Crush (5.14) -- There's plenty wrong with this episode, but I think it makes my list for James Marsters alone. Two things: "I love you. You're all I bloody think about. Dream about. You're in my gut ... my throat ... I'm drowning in you, Summers, I'm drowning in you." He's obsessed with her and has her chained to a wall in his basement. When you're watching it, you know that's not love. But because of James' delivery, you want to believe that it is. For Spike at least. And secondly, for the look on his face when she slams the door on him as the realization sets in that his invitation has been revoked. Oh my HEART.
16. The Gift (5.22) -- I'm not sure why this episode isn't further up the list, but that's just a testament to the entire series, I suppose. I've cried until I hurt 4 times during this show. This is one of 'em. If the series had ended with this, I think pretty much everyone would've been satisfied.
15. Earshot (3.18) -- This episode was supposed to air right around the time of Columbine, and was pulled from the broadcast. Kitty and I did an entire show the next day about censorship and (after watching a bootleg copy of the ep) discussed how non-offensive the episode really was. But, we're not executives, we had no say. In the end, it's a wonderfully funny ("Infect? Infect!?! INFECT!?!?!?") and tragic telling of how it feels to be ignored and completely alone in a sea of people. Buffy's conversation with Jonathan in the tower is one of my favorite Buffy moments.
14. Tabula Rasa (6.8) -- How do you possibly follow up the musical, the best show they'd ever done? By cranking out a hilarious script that actually moves the plot along even further. There's too much goodness in this ep to recap, but bravo Rebecca Rand Kirshner, well done!
13. Something Blue (4.9) -- You know, any show that can pull hilarity (Spike and Buffy, getting married!?!) from a horribly painful place (Willow's anger/sadness over losing Oz), gets massive props from me.
12. The Zeppo (3.13) -- There were a lot of viewers who didn't get this episode. And to them, I just say that I feel sorry for you. Because this is one of the best character episodes done during the entire series - our beloved Xander found his cool. The switching of the A story and B story was brilliant, and when Xander walked away from Cordy in that last scene with that smile on his face? I'm pretty sure I cried with satisfaction.
11. Lover's Walk (3.8) -- The return of Spike, the truthteller. I think what I liked the most about this, aside from the obvious fun and frivolity of Spike hanging out with Angel and Buffy all night, was the way they were able to balance it with such sadness and romance at the same time. I have mixed feelings about Xander and Willow as a couple, but wow did that revelation pack a punch (through Cordy's ribcage! ha!). And maybe this makes the list for this quote alone: "You're not friends. You'll never be friends. You'll be in love till it kills you both. You'll fight, and you'll shag, and you'll hate each other till it makes you quiver, but you'll never be friends. Love isn't brains, children, it's blood... blood screaming inside you to work its will. ... I may be love's bitch, but at least I'm man enough to admit it." SWOON.
10. Hush (4.10) -- How is one show, with almost a half-hour without dialogue, considered one of the best eps they've ever done (nominated for a WRITING Emmy)? Dude. Probably the most singularly frightening episode of the show, The Gentlemen are creepy as HELL and I love it. What could've just been a gimmick for Joss turned into a helluvan episode that, in the end, (again) moved the story along perfectly.
09. Angel (1.7) -- It's not so much that this is a perfect episode, because for as wonderful as the show was from the beginning, season 1 was rough in a lot of ways. But this episode still stands up very well. Plus, it's mucho importante! My favorite line belongs to Angel himself: "For a hundred years I offered ugly death to everyone I met, and I did it with a song in my heart." Ah, poetry.
08. Prophecy Girl (1.12) -- Even though I was a devoted viewer long before I saw this episode, this is the one that sealed my fate, so to speak. Joss wasn't afraid to go to a very dark and depressing place for all the characters, and despite the cheesy theme music accompanying her big walk to face the Master which I have since forgiven him for, it all worked perfectly. And a perfect ending line for the show that didn't know if it would see a second season: "Yeah, yeah, a big hit with everyone."
07. Passion (2.17) -- Puccini plays while Giles discovers Jenny's lifeless body in his bed. He drops the champagne as the music swells. The throughline, a voiceover by Angel, haunts you as you watch scenes like Buffy and Willow finding out that Jenny died. Those things stay with you, you never forget them as a viewer. It's a flawless episode, and it's Joss's way of saying that nobody is safe in Sunnydale. We take heed.
06. Innocence (2.14) -- Really, what Buffy Top 10 would this be without it? If you've seen it, there's no need to explain it. It's pretty freakin' perfect. Angel turns evil and Buffy is crushed. There is no bad to be found in this episode, from Angel's reunion with Spike and Dru to Buffy's beautifully heartbreaking conversation with Giles in his car. But I think my guiltiest favorite moment had to be when Angel bit that hooker in the neck and blew the smoke out afterward. BAD. ASS.
05. Becoming 2 (2.22) -- Again, what is there to say? Great Scooby interaction, Spike and Buffy's truce, Willow's resolve face, Xander making that singular decision that made even some of his diehard fans hate him, the sword fight, the MOMENT, the Sarah McLachlan song to end it all? The cliffhanger-ness of it all!!!??!? A thing of beauty. Chalk this up as "hurting cry" #2 on the list.
04. Normal Again (6.17) -- I'm pretty sure this was a very controversial episode when it aired. I thought it was absolutely brilliant. I know other shows did similar storylines before Buffy, but I hadn't seen them, so this was new for me. What made it work was that everything that they were explaining to her in the institution, the way it all went down? Was plausible. I could've believed it. I would've kicked Joss's ass for it, but I'm just saying. Plausible! And I think that's why it works so well.
03. Chosen (7.22) -- After seven years, you can't please everyone. Some fans weren't happy with how the show ended, but I was beyond happy with it. Of course there are things I could pick on, but in the end, that last shot of Buffy looking out over Sunnydale, knowing that her burden that she'd been carrying all these years was lessened and that girls all over the world were empowered and could save themselves and others now, well, let's just say that I felt Buffy's peace in that moment. I felt satisfied as a viewer, even if I wish I could've gone with them to Cleveland. lol Oh, and this is "hurting cry" #3.
02. The Body (5.16) -- For a long time, this was nowhere near my top 20, but it had nothing to do with the quality of the show itself. It was about what it meant to me. This show originally aired over a year before my own mother died, and at that time, I knew it was an amazing piece of work. For a show that works seamlessly with metaphors, this was a straight-forward, no holds barred telling of a natural death that rocks Buffy to her core. Sarah Michelle Gellar nails the panic, the helplessness, the (lack of) focus, the utter desperation of control, and the shock of such a traumatic event. Joss chose to go without background music, which forces you pay attention to so much more. It was groundbreaking, it moved me, and it made me cry a bucket of tears, of course. But after my own mom died, I could never watch it. I never realized, until that happened, how realistic Joss's script was, how spot-on Buffy's reaction was, or the reactions of those around her. This episode hurts to watch even now, but I can't keep it out of the top 20 because of my personal reactions. In fact, it's #2 because of how much it twists me up inside just thinking about.
01. Fool For Love (5.7) -- This episode has stayed my #1 (non-musical) episode since the moment it aired. It's a masterpiece in storytelling and editing and acting, all rolled into 44 glorious minutes. The flashbacks, the parallels to the current storyline, the backstory, the potential for future stories, it's all there. James Marsters turns in another masterful performance in this one. I remember sitting with my jaw slacked during the back-and-forth of the subway and alley fights as well as Spike's "One. Good. Day" speech. Holy god. And let's not forget that this was the beginning of Spike softening toward Buffy during that last scene on the back porch. This was just great stuff that I could watch countless times.
Do you see how many amazing and brilliant episodes I left OFF the list? School Hard? The Wish? The Prom? Helpless? Restless? Buffy vs. Dracula? After Life? Storyteller? Good GOD. And the only reason Once More With Feeling isn't #1 is because I feel like it completely transcends its own show. It's pretty much #1 on almost everyone's list and it feels like it deserves its OWN list or something. I mean, a musical? Who does a musical? And does it well? The recent one done on Scrubs was pretty good, but this one was PHENOMENAL. It moved the plot ahead so beautifully and the songs were damn catchy! Who doesn't, once in a while, just start singing one of the songs? Or bust out with an "I got the mustard ouuuuuut!!!!" once in a while? I know I do! So yes, it's above and beyond any top 20 I could ever make.
*stretches* My work here is done.
And with that, I bid you all a Good Buffy Day. :)
Even though most of the people reading this know me through the *NSYNC fandom, you have to know that the Buffy fandom is where I cut my teeth back in 1997. It was the first large online community that I belonged to, and I both loved and hated it at the same time. Let me clarify. I only hated it because it was so addictive, and it took up so much of my time. The love that I had - for the show, for TPTB, and for the rest of the fandom - was astronomical. It defined everything I would eventually call upon to deal with fandoms ever since, and the tv show - well, it defined great television for me.
Every single show that I begin watching now, I compare to Buffy. Not in the literal sense, but in the way it makes me feel. It made me laugh, and cry, and feel every emotion inbetween. It made me care, it made me critical, it made me accepting, and it actually allowed me to put trust in someone - Joss Whedon - who would take care of these characters that I held so dear. If a show that comes around now can arouse even 1/10th of those feelings, I'll probably love it. Buffy was the pinnacle for me, so if I ever compare something in relation to how much I loved Buffy, you know it's a big deal.
For anyone who has never seen it, I implore you to give it a shot (say hello to Netflix). If you assume it's a dumb show based on the title, you're not alone, many have done that. They eventually came to realize that not only is it NOT dumb, but it was one of the smartest shows on TV during its run. And if you stay away because you think it's about vampires and you don't like horror stuff? Well, I can't say they don't exist in the show, because they do, but maybe you like comedy, or romance, or good old fashioned family/friends/female empowerment stories? They're as equally important. Basically, this show has it all.
The show, and everything that happened in relation to it, changed my life completely. I made lifelong friends thanks to this fandom and the TV show itself inspired a radio show I did for over five years that enabled me to do nothing but talk about how much I appreciated Buffy. Heck, I wrote a college paper about the show! I did! So did my radio partner! Not kidding! And I got an A+ on it! And not to mention, it completely changed how I view television now. The bar was raised 10 years ago, many current TV writers and producers agree with that, and credit Joss and Buffy with doing it. Whether you watched it or not, you should know that it was a very important show.
There are a lot of celebrations going on today/this weekend for this special anniversary, as Buffy truly did change the face of television. Don't believe me? Here are some samples, taken from an article in Flak Magazine called "The Legacy of Joss Whedon" which talks about its impact on some of today's biggest shows like Lost, The OC, and even Grey's Anatomy:
Whedon's influence goes beyond this particular story-telling device, however, and many shows owe credit to his ground breaking efforts. Some cases in point:
- Before Boone, Shannon, Anna-Lucia, Libby and Eko went to the Big Kahuna in the sky on Lost, Whedon had already built a reputation for killing off fan-favorite characters. Doyle sacrificed his life in season one of Angel, while Wesley met his demise in the series finale. Tara was murdered in season six of Buffy, Anya was killed in season seven. Even Firefly was not immune; in the big-screen adaptation Serenity, two of the nine major characters died by the time the closing credits rolled.
- Before Gilmore Girls expanded our vocabulary with a litany of pop-culture references, Buffy taught us how to use such fictional names like "Scully" and "Keyser Soze" as verbs, as well as "Stepford Housewives" as an adjective. In fact, the show practically created a language of its own. A book on the phenomenon (Slayer Slang) was published by the Oxford University Press in 2003.
- Before The O.C. had the Bait Shop, Buffy had the Bronze, where indie-rockers along the likes of Aimee Mann, Splendid, Cibo Matto, Angie Hart, Michelle Branch and Nerf Herder all performed.
- Before the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica on the Sci-Fi Channel redefined the definition of "science fiction," Buffy had defied genre expectations of its own by deftly combining horror, fantasy, action, drama and comedy.
- Before Lost started depending on flashback as a form of storytelling, both Buffy and Angel had used it to tell the sagas of their centuries-old vampires and demons, including Angel, Spike, Darla, Drusilla and Anya, filling in those back stories to create more compelling characters.
- And before there was Grey's Anatomy, there was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. At least according to series creator Shonda Rhimes, who told the New York Times (Sept. 28, 2006), "I realized a lot of the really good character development is happening on TV," before specifically citing Buffy. "The language was great, the world was great, and you completely invested in those characters. I'm still not over its cancellation."
And can I just add that even though I'm sure there was one or two shows that did music montages at the end of their episodes before Becoming, part 2 (I'm even tempted to go back to Prophecy Girl and their "Inconsolable" montage), I can't help but think that their use of Sarah McLachlan's "Full of Grace" for those last few minutes was the beginning of what has ended up an over-used cliche on one-hour dramas these days. But back then? It was new and meaningful and holy HELL, I can't hear that song without seeing poor little Buffy with her baggy overalls and big bag walking down the street. *sniff*
Some more links to articles and fun around the net today, in celebration:
-- "The Legacy of Joss Whedon" (FlakMagazine)
-- Entertainment Weekly's PopWatch wishes Buffy a Happy 10th Anniversary.
-- TV.com celebrates the anniversary with many small writings and some of their favorite clips.
-- Buffy is the featured article on the front page of Wikipedia!
-- Great old interview with Joss and the actors from before the show even aired!
-- And of course, you can't forget The Bronze (Beta), the hub of all things Buffy for SO many years. It was my first foray into online fandom posting, and it has a special place in my heart. The board is hopping today in celebration.
And finally, my top 20 episodes. You have no idea how hard this is to narrow down. And because it's so long, I actually will cut this.
20. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (2.16) -- It's hilarious and fast-paced and provides Cordelia with awesome story and character movement.
19. Coversations with Dead People (7.7) -- Interesting concept that enabled us to hear the very crux of what makes Buffy tick as spoken by the hottie vampire Holden: "You do have a superiority complex. And you've got an inferiority complex about it. Kudos."
18. Lie To Me (2.7) -- This could've come really close to being a 'very special' episode what with the brain tumors and all. But instead it was a very moving, very poignant, very personal story of life, death, and loss.
17. Crush (5.14) -- There's plenty wrong with this episode, but I think it makes my list for James Marsters alone. Two things: "I love you. You're all I bloody think about. Dream about. You're in my gut ... my throat ... I'm drowning in you, Summers, I'm drowning in you." He's obsessed with her and has her chained to a wall in his basement. When you're watching it, you know that's not love. But because of James' delivery, you want to believe that it is. For Spike at least. And secondly, for the look on his face when she slams the door on him as the realization sets in that his invitation has been revoked. Oh my HEART.
16. The Gift (5.22) -- I'm not sure why this episode isn't further up the list, but that's just a testament to the entire series, I suppose. I've cried until I hurt 4 times during this show. This is one of 'em. If the series had ended with this, I think pretty much everyone would've been satisfied.
15. Earshot (3.18) -- This episode was supposed to air right around the time of Columbine, and was pulled from the broadcast. Kitty and I did an entire show the next day about censorship and (after watching a bootleg copy of the ep) discussed how non-offensive the episode really was. But, we're not executives, we had no say. In the end, it's a wonderfully funny ("Infect? Infect!?! INFECT!?!?!?") and tragic telling of how it feels to be ignored and completely alone in a sea of people. Buffy's conversation with Jonathan in the tower is one of my favorite Buffy moments.
14. Tabula Rasa (6.8) -- How do you possibly follow up the musical, the best show they'd ever done? By cranking out a hilarious script that actually moves the plot along even further. There's too much goodness in this ep to recap, but bravo Rebecca Rand Kirshner, well done!
13. Something Blue (4.9) -- You know, any show that can pull hilarity (Spike and Buffy, getting married!?!) from a horribly painful place (Willow's anger/sadness over losing Oz), gets massive props from me.
12. The Zeppo (3.13) -- There were a lot of viewers who didn't get this episode. And to them, I just say that I feel sorry for you. Because this is one of the best character episodes done during the entire series - our beloved Xander found his cool. The switching of the A story and B story was brilliant, and when Xander walked away from Cordy in that last scene with that smile on his face? I'm pretty sure I cried with satisfaction.
11. Lover's Walk (3.8) -- The return of Spike, the truthteller. I think what I liked the most about this, aside from the obvious fun and frivolity of Spike hanging out with Angel and Buffy all night, was the way they were able to balance it with such sadness and romance at the same time. I have mixed feelings about Xander and Willow as a couple, but wow did that revelation pack a punch (through Cordy's ribcage! ha!). And maybe this makes the list for this quote alone: "You're not friends. You'll never be friends. You'll be in love till it kills you both. You'll fight, and you'll shag, and you'll hate each other till it makes you quiver, but you'll never be friends. Love isn't brains, children, it's blood... blood screaming inside you to work its will. ... I may be love's bitch, but at least I'm man enough to admit it." SWOON.
10. Hush (4.10) -- How is one show, with almost a half-hour without dialogue, considered one of the best eps they've ever done (nominated for a WRITING Emmy)? Dude. Probably the most singularly frightening episode of the show, The Gentlemen are creepy as HELL and I love it. What could've just been a gimmick for Joss turned into a helluvan episode that, in the end, (again) moved the story along perfectly.
09. Angel (1.7) -- It's not so much that this is a perfect episode, because for as wonderful as the show was from the beginning, season 1 was rough in a lot of ways. But this episode still stands up very well. Plus, it's mucho importante! My favorite line belongs to Angel himself: "For a hundred years I offered ugly death to everyone I met, and I did it with a song in my heart." Ah, poetry.
08. Prophecy Girl (1.12) -- Even though I was a devoted viewer long before I saw this episode, this is the one that sealed my fate, so to speak. Joss wasn't afraid to go to a very dark and depressing place for all the characters, and despite the cheesy theme music accompanying her big walk to face the Master which I have since forgiven him for, it all worked perfectly. And a perfect ending line for the show that didn't know if it would see a second season: "Yeah, yeah, a big hit with everyone."
07. Passion (2.17) -- Puccini plays while Giles discovers Jenny's lifeless body in his bed. He drops the champagne as the music swells. The throughline, a voiceover by Angel, haunts you as you watch scenes like Buffy and Willow finding out that Jenny died. Those things stay with you, you never forget them as a viewer. It's a flawless episode, and it's Joss's way of saying that nobody is safe in Sunnydale. We take heed.
06. Innocence (2.14) -- Really, what Buffy Top 10 would this be without it? If you've seen it, there's no need to explain it. It's pretty freakin' perfect. Angel turns evil and Buffy is crushed. There is no bad to be found in this episode, from Angel's reunion with Spike and Dru to Buffy's beautifully heartbreaking conversation with Giles in his car. But I think my guiltiest favorite moment had to be when Angel bit that hooker in the neck and blew the smoke out afterward. BAD. ASS.
05. Becoming 2 (2.22) -- Again, what is there to say? Great Scooby interaction, Spike and Buffy's truce, Willow's resolve face, Xander making that singular decision that made even some of his diehard fans hate him, the sword fight, the MOMENT, the Sarah McLachlan song to end it all? The cliffhanger-ness of it all!!!??!? A thing of beauty. Chalk this up as "hurting cry" #2 on the list.
04. Normal Again (6.17) -- I'm pretty sure this was a very controversial episode when it aired. I thought it was absolutely brilliant. I know other shows did similar storylines before Buffy, but I hadn't seen them, so this was new for me. What made it work was that everything that they were explaining to her in the institution, the way it all went down? Was plausible. I could've believed it. I would've kicked Joss's ass for it, but I'm just saying. Plausible! And I think that's why it works so well.
03. Chosen (7.22) -- After seven years, you can't please everyone. Some fans weren't happy with how the show ended, but I was beyond happy with it. Of course there are things I could pick on, but in the end, that last shot of Buffy looking out over Sunnydale, knowing that her burden that she'd been carrying all these years was lessened and that girls all over the world were empowered and could save themselves and others now, well, let's just say that I felt Buffy's peace in that moment. I felt satisfied as a viewer, even if I wish I could've gone with them to Cleveland. lol Oh, and this is "hurting cry" #3.
02. The Body (5.16) -- For a long time, this was nowhere near my top 20, but it had nothing to do with the quality of the show itself. It was about what it meant to me. This show originally aired over a year before my own mother died, and at that time, I knew it was an amazing piece of work. For a show that works seamlessly with metaphors, this was a straight-forward, no holds barred telling of a natural death that rocks Buffy to her core. Sarah Michelle Gellar nails the panic, the helplessness, the (lack of) focus, the utter desperation of control, and the shock of such a traumatic event. Joss chose to go without background music, which forces you pay attention to so much more. It was groundbreaking, it moved me, and it made me cry a bucket of tears, of course. But after my own mom died, I could never watch it. I never realized, until that happened, how realistic Joss's script was, how spot-on Buffy's reaction was, or the reactions of those around her. This episode hurts to watch even now, but I can't keep it out of the top 20 because of my personal reactions. In fact, it's #2 because of how much it twists me up inside just thinking about.
01. Fool For Love (5.7) -- This episode has stayed my #1 (non-musical) episode since the moment it aired. It's a masterpiece in storytelling and editing and acting, all rolled into 44 glorious minutes. The flashbacks, the parallels to the current storyline, the backstory, the potential for future stories, it's all there. James Marsters turns in another masterful performance in this one. I remember sitting with my jaw slacked during the back-and-forth of the subway and alley fights as well as Spike's "One. Good. Day" speech. Holy god. And let's not forget that this was the beginning of Spike softening toward Buffy during that last scene on the back porch. This was just great stuff that I could watch countless times.
Do you see how many amazing and brilliant episodes I left OFF the list? School Hard? The Wish? The Prom? Helpless? Restless? Buffy vs. Dracula? After Life? Storyteller? Good GOD. And the only reason Once More With Feeling isn't #1 is because I feel like it completely transcends its own show. It's pretty much #1 on almost everyone's list and it feels like it deserves its OWN list or something. I mean, a musical? Who does a musical? And does it well? The recent one done on Scrubs was pretty good, but this one was PHENOMENAL. It moved the plot ahead so beautifully and the songs were damn catchy! Who doesn't, once in a while, just start singing one of the songs? Or bust out with an "I got the mustard ouuuuuut!!!!" once in a while? I know I do! So yes, it's above and beyond any top 20 I could ever make.
*stretches* My work here is done.
And with that, I bid you all a Good Buffy Day. :)