"School Hard" - The Great Buffy Rewatch of 2014

Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer:

We've actually only missed one episode together! And it was very monster of the week in that in involved a boy at Sunnydale reanimating his dead brother and then trying to create a zombie-esque GF for him. Obviously Cordelia was top of the list of body parts. Buffy saved the day though - so it's okay!

Onto today's episode. School Hard. It's a good one!!

Okay, we're going to try something a little different here. Instead of a stream of consciousness play by play of the episode I'm just going to watch it and write about it after. 

The episode revolves around Parent Teacher conferences, where Principal Snyder is intent on discussing Buffy with her mom. Idk if you knew this but Buffy is pretty much one of the "worst" students. To be fair, she does cut class all the time (to save the world). But if you view it from her teacher's standpoint, they rarely are at the Bronze hen bad stuff is happening so they don't know she's a hero. They probably do think she's just a crazy bad student.

this is the face of Sunnydale's worst student

So, Buffy spends the episode worrying about her Mom finding out she's a bad student (or worse - the Slayer). And also, planning the Parent Teacher Conferences with the other bad seed of Sunnydale - some girl named Sheila. She deals with her punishment by painting signs and trying really hard to impress everyone. It's actually pretty adorable how much she cares about her reputation. Oh, and did I mention that she covers for Sheila the dirtbag? She cares about other people's reputations too! (and in overalls no less)

More importantly though, this episode is our first introduction to Spike (and Drusilla). The new Big Bad in Sunnydale who (spoiler) will be around for a while. And this is an amazing intro episode for him. He banters with the annoying one and his lackies and asserts his dominance by offing him. That's right, Spike killed the Annointed One. Put him in a cage and showed him the sun. And oh, vowed to kill the Slayer.

True Love. and the new Big Bad!

But aside from showing his machismo, he also demonstrates a softer side when interacting with Drusilla, his lover. Interesting to note, Drusilla is insane. Like, bat shit crazy. Nothing she says makes any sense and it's pretty much amazing. For example, she talks to her dolls. And calls them cute names like "Miss Edith". And Spike just laps it up!

Important facts about Spike (that we learn in this episode at least):

• He's killed 2 slayers in the past
• According to Angel, once he sets his mind to something he doesn't give up
• He's barely 200 (practically a baby!)
• Oh, and he knows Angel well enough to call him Angelus
• BECAUSE ANGEL WAS HIS SIRE (meaning he made him)

She made lemonade. How is she bad?

So, anyway, the night of the Parent Teacher Conference comes and the Scoobies are preparing for Spike's attack (which he claims is going to be on Saturday) by reading and making weapons. Natch. And Buffy is trying to show her mom that she's doing well here in Sunnydale. But, obviously, vampires show up to ruin the day with Spike leading the charge! (lesson - Never trust a vampire to keep to a schedule) 

It's really an epic showdown. The power to the building is cut and people are scattered in different rooms all over. Buffy's crawling through the vents and dusting vampires all over the school. Until she comes to the end of the battle to face Spike one on one. Punches are thrown and Buffy has the upper hand. Until suddently she doesn't. 

This is where it get's good. Joyce (that's Buffy's mom) smacks Spike upside the head with an axe. It's very reminiscent of Molly Weasley in a whole "Not my daughter, you bitch" kind of way. She doesn't find out that Buffy is the Slayer and doesn't realize that vampires are real. But she showcases some seriously badassery.

Overall, it's a really solid episode. It's where the show demonstrates that it's coming into it's own and really finding it's voice. Everyone is getting their character fleshed out and you start loving even the sideline players. Plus, the annoying one is dead! Who cares what else happens!

Best Quotes:

"If every vampire who said he was at the Crucifixion was actually there, it would have been like Woodstock." - Spike

"Does anyone remember when Saturday night meant 'Date Night'?" - Xander

"You sure don't" - Cordelia

"You get the hell away from my daughter!" - Joyce (aka Buffy's Mom)

"When She Was Bad" - The Great Buffy Rewatch of 2014

If you recall, we just finished season 1 of Buffy in my last post. When we left off, the master (aka Fruit Punch mouth) was dead and the gang was happily headed off to the spring dance. Buffy died and came back. Angel is a vampire. The hellmouth has teeth.

Where do we go from here? 

Season 2 - Episode 1

It's only fitting to open the season in a cemetery. With a fun game of name the movie quotes between Xander and Willow. It's summertime and they've been watching for vampires in Buffy's absence. She's been in LA but there hasn't been any monster activity since the master's death apparently. Also, Buffy hasn't called them since she left...which is BULL SHIT. What a shitty friend that doesn't call her best friends all summer. But she's back now, so it's fine?

Willow and Xander spent the Summer almost kissing

Seems like the vamps got the memo that Buffy was back in town though because one showed up the second she arrived on the scene. They must have Buffy radar. Buff-dar.

Also of note, they buried the master by a tree while wearing robes and holding holy water. These kids lead a strange life. Meanwhile, Buffy spent the summer partying and shopping with her dad, so that's nice.

So, we're back on Sunnydale High's campus and we're introduced to a new character - Principal Snyder. He's a weasely little man who seems to hate teenagers so I'm sure he'll just love Buffy.

And the gang's all back together! Giles is consulting his books and Buffy is ready to start training again. Immediately. And vigorously. She's kicking major ass and seems to have some sort of renewed focus and power sourced from her fight with the Master that's making everyone uneasy.

Which is good since we're also meeting a new batch of baddies! They're in some sort of factory listening to an annoying speech from some guy about the anointed one. Oh dear god, the anointed one is back to bore us all!

Buffy's Summer away has caused some amazing hair though

Oh shit! Giles just punched Buffy and said he was going to kill her! And she pulled off his face to reveal the Master. Must be real life! Just kidding - it's a dream.

If all bad dreams are met with waking up to Angel in your window, I'd say people should have nightmares more often. Which is weird since Buffy seems pissed that Angel is here. She's being annoying and he's just trying to tell her that trouble is coming. New Buffy is crank-y!

At least Cordelia's still up to her same old sass. And confronting them with the fact that they fight demons. Ya know - in school...during the day with people around. She's so ditzy. I love it. But at least she's keeping the gang's secrets.

These are the reactions from a Buffy zinger

"You won't tell anyone I'm the slayer, and I won't tell anyone you're a moron" Jeez Buff. A little harsh!

The gang has moved to the Bronze for a chat about Buffy's changing 'tude and a change in the dynamic that Willow was used to this summer with Xander.

Meanwhile, in the cemetery, the Master is being dug up for who know's what reason. Obviously, the Anointed Twerp misses his BFF.

Buffy just walked into the Bronze and is looking FIERCE. She's blowing off Angel and dancing all up on Xander. Toying with emotions all around and downright pissing people off. She leaves after causing a serious boner and leaving Xander with blue balls and a bruised ego. Way to burn bridges, Buffy! You know it's bad when Cordelia is the voice of reason telling you to cool it.

Seriously, that's Xander's boner face

Now the gang is getting kidnapped and brought to the factory one by one. Weird things are afoot!

Of course Buffy  walks in on them talking about her. Of COURSE. Timing. Now she's going to be a bigger bitcah than ever. At least she was able to tell them the Master is no longer in his grave and set Giles to research mode. And in her infinite self centeredness, she thinks it's all about her and demands that she go to the Bronze alone to check into it.

At least Angel is lurking in the shadows to have her back (and get verbally attacked). Because this whole Bronze thing is clearly a trap (like everyone said it was). So while Buffy is fighting the single vampire in the Bronze, Giles, Willow, and Xander are sitting ducks in the library where they've discovered the reason they're being picked off is because they were the ones who were closest to the master when he fell threw the roof and died.

Can I just say it's a little ridiculous how obsessed everyone is with the Master? He failed way back when. he failed last school year. Why bring him back to life? To fail again? Why not find a new big bad to worship?

And also, I still think it's totally weird that the Master didn't dust completely. He still has a skeleton. Which is different than any other vampire ever.

The gang's all here!

Thankfully Buffy figured out they were at the factory through torture and there's still time to save the Scoobies. And ya know, for Buffy to kill every vampire in sight. Because she's super strong and super pissed!

Everyone's safe and Buffy has a giant sledgehammer to mash up the Master's bones and work out her issues. Which is enough to make her nicer to her friends again, so that's good news.

We know she's better because when we see her at school she's remorseful about treating everyone so bad and is also wearing a sweater around her shoulders. A clear sign that you're a good person.

The episode ends with a shot of the Anointed one with the Master's skull. Just showing that the kid's still alive I guess. Which is bad news for this headache I just got.

See you next time!

"Prophecy Girl" - The Great Buffy Rewatch of 2014

Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer...

Guys! So much has happened on this first season! We were introduced to Buffy and her witty ways. We met the Scoobies. We got to know Angel. 

We fought vampires and bugs and all things evil. And who's been around waiting for his chance to strike? FRUIT PUNCH MOUTH.

Let's check in with the gang in the season finale.

Xander opens this episode practicing his "big speech" for Buffy with Willow. It's so heartbreaking that Willow loves him so much and has to watch him love Buffy. But she's so supportive of him too! We've all been there... am I right, ladies?

I also love that Cordelia is then seen making out in a steamy car with a guy while Buffy kills things 20 feet away. Is that really how high school was for some people? I mean, do cars actually steam up that bad? Oh god, I'm saying so much about my own HS experience with that question, aren't I? Shit.

Uh oh. We're getting right to the title of this episode super early. Giles is reading the prophecy about the Master (aka fruit punch mouth) as Sunnydale erupts in an earthquake. Btw, do you remember that an earth quake is the reason the master got stuck in this predicament in the first place? I do!  But anyway, I wonder what Giles just learned about the slayer. Hmm.

We're back on school grounds the next day where Xander is going to work up the nerve to ask Buffy to the Spring dance! Could this be a turning point in their relationship? Could they start dating? Is that where this is heading?

Of course not, guys. This is BUFFY SUMMERS. 

And Xander took it poorly enough to insult her taste in the undead. Which, I mean, is pretty telling for her future romances.

Okay, Miss Calendar just showed up talking about water turning to blood and other crazy shit. I LOVE that she's so just....down with this creepy shit. She's another example of badass female characters from Joss Whedon!

Speaking of which, Willow just turned down the consolation date with Xander. Because she's too good to be someone's second choice. LOVE.

After a run in with blood pouring out of the sink, Buffy rushes to the Library to discuss this development with Giles where she runs into him chatting with Angel about the prophecy. The prophecy that says she's going to face the master and die.

She's 16 and she's faced with her own mortality. And she's so vulnerable but strong. She's crying and asking questions and getting angry. She's confronting Giles and Angel and she's showing that she doesn't want to die. This is seriously an amazing performance from SMG. I fucking love it. This is like, where you really fall in love with this character and this series. Before this it was flirtation, but now it's real. I'm weird.

Okay, Buffy is at home now, listening to sad music and staring at photos of her life and crying. She begs her mom to take her away, but ya know, her mom thinks this is just about boys and not about death. But she did get her the most gorgeous dress that Buffy's been wanting - so that's something. A beautiful, white death shroud.

Now there's been a murder of the boys in the AV Club - Willow's friends. And Buffy takes time out of her own shit and baggage to go check on her best friend. To make sure that she's okay after seeing all of this carnage. Willow asks her what they're going to do and you can just see Buffy making up her mind about staying and fighting the Master. She's not going to just let her friends (and the world down). 

Apparently this is a big sappy love letter from my to Buffy. Whatever.

She just entered the library to tell Giles of her plan and she's wearing this beautiful white dress with a black leather jacket. I fucking love it. She knocks Giles out so he won't follow her and arms herself with a simple crossbow to fight this big bad.

And then the anointed is outside waiting for her. He is the most annoying little shit of a character ever. There's seriously no reason for this kid other than to lead Buffy to the Master's lair. 

The Scoobies are gathered in the library to talk about this whole Buffy going off to her death thing and prepare for the apocalypse. Of course, Xander thinks he's strong and tough so he goes after Buffy and the Master (with a pit stop to pick up Angel on the way). I love his loyalty though - he's willing to admit he needs help from his least favorite vampy guy to save Buffy.

We're also learning about the Hell Mouth and making guesses as to where it's physically located. And by we I mean the other Scoobies because I already know where it is. They think it's at the Bronze! Better get over there!

Meanwhile, in a sewer somewhere, Buffy is finally face to face with the Master and she is ready with one liners. This fight starts with a lot of over confidence from the Master and chats about being a lamb. In this scenario, Buffy is the lamb. Idiot. 

Oh hey, all of the vampires in Sunnydale are now congregating around the school because - SURPRISE! - the hell mouth is at the high school.

Back to Buffy. The Master is being creepy and telling Buffy what the prophecy really means. It's sort of like Harry Potter - she has to die so he can be free. And with that. Buffy just fucking died. The Master drank her blood and dropped her face first in a pool of water.

Series over. Buffy #2 will be back next Season.

Just kidding! She's dead, but only sort of! She just drowned! She can be revived! Man, the Master is an idiot for not snapping her neck. Xander is finally proving useful as more than just a comedic counterpart - he's the only one who can save Buffy. Because duh - Angel is a Vampire with no breath. Xander to the rescue!! Hooray!! Buffy's back!

Omg! the vampires are all coming to the library and the Scoobies haven't noticed that there's a weird viney, planty monster coming through the fucking floor.

Thank God Buffy is alive and ready to kill some bitches. Because if there's one thing I learned from this show, it's that death changes you and makes you stronger. And in this case, a little psychic, because Buffy knows exactly where the Master went and is heading up to the roof to take care of business.

Btw, the hell mouth is a mouth and it has TEETH. And looks like Audrey 2 from Little Shop of Horrors.

Back to Buffy and the Master. He still has this weird telekinetic power thing going on but she has the power of observation. She just told him he has fruit punch mouth. So that's where that nick name came from in all these posts guys. 

"I may be dead, but I'm still pretty."

She's so resourceful though. She just flipped him through a window to be impaled on a spike and end the apocalypse. Like, he didn't just dust, he made the world change. This school must have awesome insurance to be able to cover hell mouth damage.

And with that, the first season is over! Wherever will we go in season 2 and beyond? You'll just have to tune in next time to find out! :)

"Out of Sight, Out of Mind" - The Great Buffy Rewatch of 2014

Okay, guys! Let's do this! Sorry for my lack of updates on Buffy. I was taking all of my free time to focus on rewatching Veronica Mars for the movie release. But now that I'm caught up we're back to business as usual.

Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer...

We learned about the dangers of online dating with Willow when a demon came to life in the internet! And fell in love with her! Then, the gang dealt with a living dummy during a school play. You'd think he'd be evil, but really he was a demon hunter! Surprise! Then, we learned about everyone's deepest fears when a little boy in a coma brought those fears to fruition.

Okay, it's Springtime in Sunnydale and I'm getting so sad that it's still so cold here! Apparently there's a dance coming up that Cordelia will inevitably be queen of. And then there's Buffy. Dropping a bag full of weapons. I don't understand how no one questions this with how often it happens.

Now we've moved to English class where Cordelia is somehow the teacher's pet. Despite being a moron. But, she loves this lady teacher so I guess it makes sense that she actually tries. So, she's setting up a teacher tutor session tomorrow after school. Remember that for later!

Moving on. Cordelia's BF is naked in the boys locker room. Making jokes about bedding her. Class-y! But karma's a bitch! and so is this invisible girl! Oh hey, this episode is about an invisible girl btw. She just took a bat to this guy. Oof!

If Cordelia is so effing popular, why does she need to bribe her fellow students with chocolate? I guess to show how much she seriously loves titles. And now we're learning that Buffy was Spring Fling Queen at her old school. Because of course she was. She's super attractive and nice! Too bad she had to get all weird and save the worldy.

I don't care how weird she is. Everyone would want to bang Buffy.

Oh hey! So Mitch isn't dead. That's a positive! But he's badly maimed, so Buffy needs to check out the floating bat anyway. She's not in on the fact that it was actually an invisible girl...yet. But this message ("LOOK") on the lockers might make her more suspicious! 

Here's Giles to explain things in a cute, Britishy way. Maybe it's telekinesis! Maybe it's a ghost! Maybe it's an invisible creature! Who knows! 

Cordelia is back to show her true colors. She's upset that Mitch is all beat up for their photos. And now there's a flashback! So we're introduced to the background of this invisible girl. OMG! She just shoved Harmony down the stairs! (she being the invisible girl) They're pretty tall stairs, but she just twisted her ankle. NBD. But it's giving Buffy the chance to follow the laughter of IG (invisible girl) back to the...band room? And confirm that it's IG and not some ghost. An IG who is obsessed with Cordelia.

Buffy is in the school hunting IG. And for some reason there are a bunch of girls there helping Cordelia with her dress. Under no circumstances would the cool girls hang out at school at night trying on dresses. But, there's flute music in the background so Buffy's off to find it's source!

Meanwhile, Angel is in the library talking about how much he loves Buffy. But he's tortured, so he can't see her. Brood brood. But he brings information about the Master. Remember him? He's the big bad for the season....but he's been sort of absent. I guess he'll be back soon! DUN DUN DUN Also, it should be noted that Angel can't see himself in a mirror, so chances are he has no idea how hot he is.

Another flash back! It's our first glimpse of IG in the flesh. She's literally standing right in the middle of Cordelia and her friends and they're being bitches and ignoring her. Girls, amirite?

Oh hey, Cordelia apparently won May Queen? Which gets announced during the school day...whatever! School seems fun! And now incognito Buffy has learned IG's name - Marcie. She disappeared! She played flute in band! This all tracks! (That's a thing Buffy just said...)

This is what Buffy looks like when she's spying.

Back in the band room, a dusty footprint has lead Buffy to the ceiling. Where Marcie (IG) has apparently been living. Right under everyone's noses! (or, you know, above their heads). I can't imagine her bringing all this stuff up here while invisible. What if someone saw her doing it? Just a floating teddy bear walking through the school! Buffy grabbed her yearbook and left.

Okay,  end of day. Time for Cordelia's meeting of the minds with her English teacher. But wait! That's not Cordelia! That's Marcie Ross! Oh no! She's killing the teacher! But Cordelia is back just in time to save the teacher and watch some chalk write another message - "LISTEN".

The Scooby Gang is analyzing Marcie's yearbook. And realizing she had no friends and no one noticed her. Apparently, ignoring someone can make them invisible! So, basically, you should pay attention to people. You never know what they could be going through. 

Pay attention - you never know who might become invisible and want to kill you.

Cordelia bursts into the library asking for help because Buffy is a total weirdo who carries weapons. Which is pretty smart on her part. Even though she's insulting them a lot. Which is basically the worst way to ask for favors.

Marcie is gearing up for something big! She's talking to herself - which I do when I'm getting amped up for a confrontation. Cordelia better watch out!

Buffy and Cordelia are roaming the halls in search of a closet to get changed in. And Cordy just said "I can be surrounded by people and be completely alone." Which is seriously poignant. And I feel like people don't realize she's insightful. Which is what I was doing in the beginning of this episode. Huh. Lesson learned.

Of course, now that Cordelia's alone in a closet she's going to get kidnapped. Because she's alone. And a target. DUH. And also, because Marcie is amazing at navigating the ceilings in this school. So Buffy's going after them. Because she's amazing at being a hero.

Oh, also, Xander, Giles and Willow are now trapped in the boiler room with a gas leak. So they're out of the picture in terms of helpfulness. Just wanted to make sure you knew what happened to them.

Back to Buffy. Cordelia's unconscious and Buffy just got her ass handed to her. And then drugged, so she can also be unconscious. They wake up tied to chairs and Cordelia has a numb face. I wonder what Marcie's thinking! The last of her one word messages is scrawled across the wall in glitter - "LEARN".

Craft-tastic!

Learn what? She's here to be sassy and invisible and teach us a lesson! A lesson in what everyone values in Cordelia - her looks. She's going to make her gross by cutting up her face. Gross. A face to remember! 

Thank God the slayer is here! She's so resourceful. She's cutting herself free while Marcie is distracted. Of course, it's hard to fight someone who's invisible. So Buffy will really need to focus (also, Angel just saved everyone who was trapped in the boiler room. In case you were nervous). 

Everyone shut up so Buffy can hone in on her slayer sense of hearing! It's one of those moments where she just looks like a fucking badass. Boom! Contact with the first punch! And Marcie is knocked out cold. And the FBI is here? To collect Marcie? WHAT? They've apparently known for a while and they want to take her somewhere to become a valuable member of society... creepy.

Cordelia learned a lesson and was just nice to the Scoobies. Aww. For just a split second we caught a glimpse of her good side. But the episode ends with Marcie in a room full of invisible children learning about assassination and infiltration. Totes creepy.

Next time on Buffy - we're gearing up for the season finale! I'm sure fruit punch mouth will make an appearance. And maybe Angel! How exciting!

Til next time!

xoxo

Amanda

"Angel" - The Great Buffy Rewatch of 2014

Previously on Buffy the Vampire slayer...

We've only missed one episode! And in that episode, Xander was posessed by a Hyena and ate a pig. And was a general asshole. But he's okay now!

Season 1 - Episode 7

I wanted to be sure to write about this episode because it really has a lot to do with the over-arching story for the whole show. 

The show opens with the Master and the anointed kid skipping stones. And talking about sending in "The Three". Whoever that is.

The Bronze is filled with cockroaches. So much so that they're having a party to close the whole place for fumigation. But it's a perfect setting for a little girl talk about boys between Buffy and Willow. And a good excuse to talk about Angel. And swoon. And smoosh cockroaches.

But Buffy is sick of depressing everyone so she's peacing out of that party. Unfortunately for her The Three are some badass vampires in armor apparently. I think she would break her hand punching it, but she doesn't, so whatever. Just when it looks like she's in trouble, Angel is there to save the day. But I wonder where he learned all those moves and got so strong! Hmm. No time to question, it's time to run home! Everyone inside!

And also, she just made him take off his shirt. I'm flustered now. He's so baby faced here. And they really do have some serious chemistry. Ooo la la. He just can't stop keeping eye contact! Broody broody eye contact! Buffy's mom's here to cock block though. She should probably be wondering why this smoldering hot older man is here. And why his name is Angel. It's a weird name.

But now Buffy is sneaking him upstairs for bedtime since she's scared for his safety apparently. Smooth. Now she needs to change in front of him. BTW, Buffy gets changed in front of her friends sort of a lot. I'm not that kind of person. I don't get it. But as Angel said "she's even pretty when she goes to sleep". Bitch. I love her.

The way that Buffy is talking about Angel at school is so accurate. Like, this is legitimately how girls swoon over things. The only difference is that Buffy's right when she thinks everyone's swooning back. I'm just going to keep saying swoon.

Okay, conveniently, "The Three" just offered up their lives to fruit punch mouth as penance. They're so easily defeated. No longer an issue. 

Training segments between Buffy and Giles are just adorable. He is so well trained but she's the Slayer so she kicks his ass every time. 

Um. Can we just talk about the fact that Buffy's plan for Angel was to have him stay in her room for the entire day? Like, he must really like her a lot to stay there for so long. But she was right to think that he read her diary. That'd be my first instinct too. 

AHH! Angel just said how he just always thinks about kissing Buffy! 

AHH! AND NOW THEY'RE KISSING! And now Angel's face turned into a vampire and she screamed and he ran away! OMG! That's why he's so good at fighting, duh!

I've seen this so many times and I'm still just so excited. I love watching her friends reactions to it. And how from day one Xander suggested killing Angel. A theme that he sticks with forever. He's the jealous type.

I would also like to point out that we're seeing Angel's place of living for the first time. And Darla's there. Since they have a past apparenlty. A very long past. Like, Kimonos and history. I'm just excited to get a little back story to Angel's story. He's not human. But he's not really like other Vampires either. In what way, you ask? Well, there's been mention of a curse now. So I bet that has something to do with it!

People in Sunnydale read very quickly! Or I bet they skim. Either way, it's impressive. So the Scoobies are reading up on Angel, or Angellus as he was called, and his 240 years as a vampire. He was a cold hearted killer for like ever and then all of a sudden he's in America not killing. Shunning his vampire buddies. So strange!

Isn't it fun that I'm playing stupid? I'm just along for the ride! 

Seriously though, I wonder if the Master can change into a normal human face like everyone else does. And just chooses not to. It's something to ponder. Hmm.

Oh no! Darla is at Buffy's house with Joyce (Buffy's mom). Claiming to be a tutor. Asking for a snack. What a total bitch. Great, now she's sucking her blood and Angel is busting in to save the day. Unfortunately for him, Buffy just walked in and assumed the worst (that Angel was trying to kill her mom). But can you blame her? he's got vamp face and Buffy's mom is missing some serious blood.

I do love that the hospital excuse for vampire bites is that they fell on a fork or something. Why do people just believe that? This should be like a gunshot wound! There should be inquiries! I guess they're not equipped to deal with the supernatural though. So it makes sense.

Anyway, now Buffy's effing pissed. So she's loading up her crossbow and gunning for Angel. But Angel's ready for her and he has Darla on his side! *fight music*

Also, I love that Joyce just think's the school is awesome and has a great librarian. Not that it's weird for this older guy to be hanging out with kids so often. It's a little weird. But now he knows that Darla is the one who bit Joyce, not Angel. So we'll see what he does with that info.

On to the fight scene! Buffy is questioning Angel about his motives. And Angel is telling her all this stuff about how awful he is. But now he's sharing the story about his curse. The curse that made it so that he has a soul. BUM BUM BUM! So now Angel can't kill anyone because he cares too much. He's so close to human. But so far. And he understands Buffy's struggles. Perfect combination, right? Too bad Darla's here. Talking about her relationship with angel as his Maker!

And she's shooting guns! What a weak little bitch. Vampires don't fight with guns. That's just dumb. Thankfully, Buffy is the fucking slayer so this isn't all that big of a fight. Just avoid bullets. Easy enough. Plus, Angel just staked his maker! So she's no longer a big bad either! Man, he must truly like Buffy to give that up. But he's just walking away! 

Cut to the master throwing a fit in his little cave about losing his favorite - Darla. And the weird fucking anointed kid is comforting him. With promises to kill everyone. It doesn't make much sense considering he's this non threatening little kid.

Oh well! We'll finish the episode at the post fumigation party. And Angel is there to talk/dance with Buffy. He's got some 'splaining to do. They're discussing how they could never work and shouldn't be together. Which they obviously sealed with a kiss. Because, why not? 

Episode over! Romance started?

xoxo

Amanda

"Never Kill a Boy on the First Date" - The Great Buffy Rewatch of 2014

Welcome to another installment of my Buffy Rewatch. This is a place where I'll be long winded and you'll only want to read if you like Buffy (most likely). Seriously, this is a play by play for the episodes. And it is awesome!

Previously, on Buffy the Vampire slayer....

Okay, I've watched 3 episodes between the last one and today. So I wanted to make sure you're all caught up on what's happening. So, the master (fruit punch mouth) was trying to break free from his underground pergatory by sending a vampire troop to The Bronze (local hangout) to kill EVERYONE! But Buffy was there to kick some ass so that was unsuccessful. Woo! 

Then there was an episode where Buffy was trying out for cheerleading and there was a witch casting spells on everyone. Obvi - Buffy took care of it (noticing a trend?). But we were introduced to Amy - daughter of the witch and someone to pay attention to later.

The last episode I watched involved Xander falling for a substitute teacher who happened to be a giant praying mantis in a sexy lady body. She wanted him to fertalize her eggs. Oh, Xander.

But okay, now we're moving into today's episode (season 1, episode 5).

First scene involves Buffy killing a vampire in the cemetery while Giles critiques from afar (plunge! and move on. plunge! and move on.). They found a ring on this vamp and Giles is super worried. Because he must hate jewelry on men.

Okay, fruit punch mouth is back to talk about "The Anointed One".  Which is apparently going to be a great big weapon to bring the Slayer into hell. I think hell in this scenario is his weird little cave.

I am shocked that Buffy can wear some of these outfits at a public school.  We had to have like 2 inches past our fingertips. But she's in mini dresses galore!

Okay, there's this guy coming into the library now and Buffy clearly likes him. But I don't really know why. He's here to get a copy of Emily Dickinson because he lost his copy and he loves to keep it near by? I mean, I love books. But Buffy does not. Which is funny because she's clearly feigning interest because he's a cutie. (Has she just forgotten Angel already?)

Giles is so business all the time. And has a lot of layers on in a warm climate. British people, am I right? 

Okay, Willow is talking to Buffy about how sexy and broody Owen is. Just so you're aware - Buffy clearly has a type. Broody. She LOVES broody. You'll see that later. You'll also notice that Cordelia often has the same taste in guys as Buffy. They are just at odds all the time over dudes. 

We're also getting another dose of how Buffy can never have a normal life. She wants to go on a date but she can't! There's evil a-brewin'. Too bad she went to the Bronze before the evil actually brewed. Now a bus load of people are going to die and we're going to have to hear a crazy guy talk about judgement. Great. Thanks, Buffy.

The kids at this school go out to this club like every fucking night. And I think this Owen guy uses Sun-in. Remember Sun-in?

Xander just has the coolest collection of ridiculous shirts. And the saddest unrequited love for Buffy. He just has to sit by and watch her love all these broody dudeys and never him with the Tweety Bird watch. Womp womp.

btw the Master is stupid. Like, even if he gets free he's not just going to automatically be the ruler of the entire world. Which is absolutely what he thinks will happen.

OMG! Giles is here to ruin Buffy's date (again). People are dead! We should go to the funeral home! And now Owen showed up and is confused about the school librarian being at her house. As he should be!

"If the apocalypse comes, beep me!" So 90s!

Also, this small town in California has a new cool band at their under 18 club every night of the week. I don't get that. But I like it! And I like their dance moves. And now Cordelia is here with super crimped hair. She's just fashion forward.

Now Giles is going to the funeral home alone to look into this 5 dead people, who's the anointed thing. And of course the second he gets there he's attacked by vampires. For someone who trains the slayer, you'd think his fighting skills would be better. Or at least exist. I wouldn't picture him just shoving a cross in their faces and running away. But I guess it works for him (sort of - he is stuck in a room now).

Thank god Willow and Xander witnessed the whole incident and can now go tell Buffy he's in trouble. 

bahaha Angel just came in and Cordelia actually said "Hello, salty goodness". But of course he's here to warn Buffy about trouble. And get jealous of her date. He is SERIOUSLY adorable in season one. Broody and over protective. None of that soul stuff. Just being cute. oof.

quit being a creep, Angel!

Xander and Willow finally showed up and want to take Buffy to the cemetary. Date over. Let's go rescue Giles! Oh wait! Owen's here too because he likes danger and is curious about dead bodies. Because, of course he is. He won't find it weird that the librarian is here too. If I went to that school I'd think Buffy was boning Giles. 

These wacky kids have such zany adventures. Just barricading ourselves in a room in a funeral home! Whatever! This is totally normal, Owen! But again, he's excited about dead bodies...so he probably wouldn't question the fact that a vampire is about to kill him. (A vampire who keeps saying "pork and beans").

Is he the anointed?

This vampire "killed" Owen now. And really pissed off Buffy in the process. And by "killed" I mean knocked him out for like 30 seconds. Just long enough to fuel her desire to dust that vamp. Get it, girl!

Of course, now Owen is stand offish and wants to just go home. Because heaven forbid a girl be powerful. He went home alone and concussion heavy. But he slept on it (which you shouldn't do with a concussion) and he loves her and the danger around her! Because he's death guy! A poet! An idiot! Thankfully Buffy sees past it and dumps him. She deserves someone who wants to be with her, not just danger.

And just when you think the episode is over, we flash to fruit punch mouth. Oh, you thought Buffy killed the anointed? NOPE! "The slayer shall not know him" remember? The anointed was the little boy on the bus! DUN DUN DUN 

I hope you're enjoying the Buffy rewatch. And maybe joining in? You probably should.

Tune in next time!

xoxo

Amanda

PS - Happy Valentine's Day!

"Welcome to the Hellmouth" - The Great Buffy Rewatch of 2014

Season 1 - Episode 1

Oh my god. I love this show so much. I've watched it more than most people watch anything. I own it on DVD. I have art based on it. I read the comics. And I want a Buffy tattoo. But seriously, it's the greatest show. It has something of everything for everyone and you'll love it. I think you should consider watching with me.

It's been far to long since I've watched the series start to finish so I thought a fun thing to do would be to rewatch it and maybe write a little as I go. I won't do a writeup for every episode, but I'll check in here and there and let you know how things are going in Sunnydale with the Scooby Gang.

So, we're starting with "Welcome to the Hellmouth" which is the beginning of an amazing run of a series. Seriously, if you haven't watched it, go to hell(mouth). Then sign up for Netflix and get watching.

Keep in mind, I'm going with a stream of consciousness viewing experience. So I'm writing this as I watch.

It's day one at a new school and we're introduced to our titular character, Buffy Summers. She has amazing hair and great style. She's so amazing that Xander just ran into a stair rail while skateboarding. 

And we've also been introduced to Willow Rosenburg who is super nerdy and adorable. And clearly in love with Xander. And wears sleeveless dresses with collared shurts underneath.

I also just noticed Principal Flutie has a wedding ring on. Which is sad later on.

So, Buffy is going through her transcript with her new principal. Here's the rundown, we're picking up where the movie left off. So, Buffy just burned down her old school's gym because it was full of vampires during a school dance. Do they say thank you? Nope. They expel her. And she gets sent to Sunnydale High where we begin our journey.

Oh man, we were just introduced to Cordelia - popular beauty. She looks STUNNING (and not high school aged). This is the brief (very bried) period where Buffy was in with the popular girls. Thank God she just showed such disdain watching Cordelia being a total B to Willow. We now know Buffy is an okay girl who isn't cool with making fun of "losers". 

OMG! So much happens so fast in this show. We're 5 minutes in and we've been introduced to Giles - the school librarian/Buffy's watcher. However, at this point he's a total creep giving her the major wiggins by bombarding her with Vampire stuff. Giles! Come on! It's her first day!

Oh hey dead guy in the locker! What's up?

God, Willow is wearing opaque white tights. I love her. 

Oh, we're also being introduced to this guy who's named Jesse. Don't get attached. He's Eric Balfour and won't be around long. Because he's awful. He's like a way less great version of Xander. We don't need two Xanders. Just the one, thanks.

Oh Buffy. She's making herself out to be such a weirdo by asking about how the dead guy...died. She's so pretty and fashionable and LA. But then there's this whole slayer business getting in the way of popularity and normalcy. I love it. 

BTW the way they talk on this show is amazing and I love it so much.  She's so quippy and phenomenal.

Ugh. And we're also introduced to Buffy's mom Joyce. Single mother. Art museum curator. Over protective mess who is so naive to her daughters nighttime behavior. It's not sex, Joyce! It's vampires!

Seriously? This episode is so good! We've just been introduced to a shay figure who's lurking behind Buffy. Spoiler, it's Angel. We'll learn more about this handsome devil in the episodes to come! But for now, Buffy's holding her own and kicking his butt for being a stalker. A gorgeous stalker. Ooo baby. So cryptic.

Oh, did I mention that the name of my apartment on Foursquare is "The Bronze" which just so happens to be the name of the super cool underage club in Sunnydale? No? Well, it is. I'm that big of a nerd. You can tell by how long winded and annoying this post is.

It's weird how much I relate to Willow now that I'm more aware of myself. I wish I was a Buffy, but I'm more socially awkward and weird like Willow. And that's okay! She's so great!

This episode is a lot of character introduction and not too much real conflict yet. I could see how it could be rough to get into it. But trust me, it gets crazy real fast. 

Here it goes! Finally! more vampires! Out in the real world! Here! At the Bronze! Chatting up Willow! Not our dear, sweet Willow! Go get him, Buffy! Rarr! 

Well, instead of getting him she set herself up as the school freak by attacking Cordelia with a stake. Oops! Now her reputation is in as much danger as her new friend.

Oh, there's Jesse. Chatting up the Vampire we were introduced to in the first 30 seconds of the show. That bitch, Darla. 

Episode 1 and we're introduced to the big bad of the season within the first half! His name is "The Master". Or fruit-punch mouth. He's this totally gnarly looking old vampire who's incapable of leaving this one area of the underground beneath Sunnydale. He's sort of stuck there. Like a cork that can't get uncorked from this bottleneck. I'll go out on a limb here and say he's the only vampire that looks like this 24/7. It's weird how bat like he is.

This vampire is taking Willow to the cemetery on their way for ice cream. I mean, she's so naive that it's cute. And also frustrating. Oh great. And here's Jesse. Bitten by Darla and really stupid. Thank God Buffy is here to save the day! And provide witty conversation!  And dust a vampire! That's a first. The first of many.

But not without trouble. We're also introduced to Luke. The neanderthal looking lackey of the master. Who shows us that Buffy isn't just going to waltz in here and kill everyone. She's going to be met with some difficulty. And that's okay! She's the slayer - she can take it.

Oh my god. I forgot that the series premiere is a cliff hanger! That's amazing. We're left with a to be continued message. I love it! So intriguing!

Don't you just want to watch more?? I know I do! But I'll wait. And also, I probably won't post a recap of every single episode. I'll check in every so often.

But feel free to join in on this amazing show with me! We can rewatch together. And fall in love together. And get our hearts broken together. And root for the good guys together. Emphasis on together.

Happy Sunday!

xoxo

Amanda