#something something very protective/possessive xander something something something

[honeydots]

My favorite hc about Xander's previous retainers is that one of them was Xander's first love. Like, not necessarily requited, but he had a kind of precocious crush on them that he only shamefully admits to Laslow (who's quick to giggle and assure him that he's had his own fair share of crushes that went absolutely nowhere)

My second favorite is that Kilma (Flora and Felicia's dad, chief of the Ice Tribe) was one of them, and that he let Xander believe he died rather than betrayed him in favor of his birthplace

OOOH. OHO. ROTATING THESE BOTH IN MY BRAIN!!!! love xander already being an emotionally repressed man and then losing his first crush to war, im sure that did wonders for him <3 fhsjgjdjfh. and im OBSESSING over the kilma idea too. ough. that reunion would certainly Go... im curious if xander knows felicia and flora are his daughters!

[bunbeeplays]

The Lemon Legacy: Generation 1, Chapter 131 - The Portal

No… No, Ophelia definitely heard that wrong.

Ophelia: What the woohoock do you mean you're not coming back?

Xander: What?!

Ophelia: Anna, if this is some weird cult shit-

Anna: Please, I'll explain everything. Just… Just listen.

And so… Anna explains everything.

When Calvin was elected to be the church treasurer, as she had told Ophelia weeks ago, what she didn't tell her was that Calvin was dissatisfied with how funds were being spent. So he took matters into his own hands.

Calvin thought the church could do more good in the name of the Watcher if he just used his connections at his job at Espo Enterprises to invest a good chunk of church funds into the stock market. He said it was a sure thing… It wasn't. He lost it all.

Anna: We sold the house, and all our worldly possessions, to replace the funds before the church leaders noticed… But it wasn't enough. They found out.

Ophelia can't speak.

Anna: Calvin had me help him. I-I knew it was wrong but I thought he knew best. Clearly not.

Anna: One of the church's biggest donors is a very powerful, influential secret agent, and he wasn't pleased when he heard the news. He doesn't even care about the money, he wants us dead for what we did… so we're leaving the save file.

Ophelia: Sims don't just LEAVE the save file. Where are you going?

Anna: We don't know. Calvin found a spellcaster willing to help, but the portal is finicky. We could end up in a save file with the Extreme Violence mod, or worse, Devious Desires. We can't risk bringing Jaden.

Anna: We're CAS Sims, we have no family to leave him with. Even if we knew the file was safe, this guy has connections, he could still find us. Being on the run because of our actions is no life for a child. We want him to have a normal life… He'll have that with your family.

Ophelia: What if this guy comes after Jaden here?

Anna: He won't. He's after us. We tried and tried to think of where Jaden would be safest… And we both agreed it was with you and Xander and your girls. He loves you two… We hated how much he loves you two.

Anna: I was always told to submit to my husband, that that was what the Watcher wanted. I can't imagine a world where THIS is what the Watcher wanted. I thought I was so holy, now look at me… On the run for embezzlement. The Watcher is punishing me for being a coward.

Anna: I knew, deep down, that I should do something to protect Jaden… But I didn't want Calvin's ire. Now I've had to give up everything. My home. My life. My baby boy… I hate Calvin. I hate him for it… At least he hates himself for causing this more than I ever could.

Anna: Ophelia, I know we're asking entirely too much of you two, but we're doing what we have to to survive and keep our son safe… Even if it means we'll never see him again. I don't care if he forgets about us, if he calls you mom and dad, just… do better by him than we did.

Ophelia looks at Xander, who only nods. There's only one choice.

She takes a deep breath to keep her voice steady.

Ophelia: We love Jaden. We'll treat him like our own flesh and blood. He'll have the best life we can give him.

All she can hear is Anna sobbing into the phone.

Anna collects herself once again.

Anna: Thank you both. I… I just had to tell you that. I'll never be able to pay you back, but just… Raise Jaden to be a good person. Make sure he's nothing like his father… or me.

With that, Anna hangs up the phone, tosses it into the river, and makes her way toward the portal.

She doesn't know what's going to be on the other side, but she'll be fine as long as she knows her child is safe and loved.

Ophelia and Xander's composure during that phone call completely cracks the second Anna disconnects.

Their lives have changed in the span of 20 minutes. What were they going to tell Jaden? How do you explain to a little boy that his mommy and daddy are never coming back?

Ophelia: What are we going to do?

Xander: I… I don't know… but we'll figure it out.

Life has given them plenty of hurdles, but this one feels too big to overcome.

[girl4music]

Comment by SPACESHIPLEWIS: “Willow is very possessive and proud of her magic, to her it is what makes her unique and useful. Magic is the, mostly positive, challenge in her life that school had always lacked. Because unlike being a witch, she was made fun of for being academically inclined (even though she did personally enjoy her high grades, they never made her be seen by her peers).

In the dream nightmare sequence she still feels like loser wallflower Willow. It's almost like Willow uses her witch powers as the Halloween ghost sheet of protection to cover up what she fears is merely an act to fool her friends. When confronted by Tara who metaphorically accidentally attacked Willow's protective costume by saying that it- her magic- is scary (to Willow scary is equated to being that loser freak who likes to study), Willow does the classic psychology of deflecting the attack on her precious witch powers onto something that she is actually more comfortable talking about, being gay.

I think they ARE reasonably comfortable overall in their relationship. However, they are very different when it comes to specific young adult maturity levels. Tara is more comfortable, or more accurately defined as more respectful, of the relationship regarding magic. Willow is more comfortable in the having of interpersonal social relationships.

Willow had Xander as a friend, then the Scooby friend group and then she had a real romantic relationship with Oz. Tara was emotionally abused in many relationships by family and peer groups. But she grew up in a magic household and taught to fear the magical darkness within (the half truth of the father) which gave her the respect for magic that is needed to be a good witch. Tara might be scared of losing Willow after college, but I think she is mostly scared of losing Willow to dark magic. Right now, college splits Willow's focus between college books and magical tomes. With college done, Willow could potentially hyperfocus on her immense and increasing witch abilities.”

YOU NAILED IT! 👍👌

I have nothing to add and that’s unusual for me. So well done!

[eboni-napalm]

Hello Xander! What drew you in with Elise? And how have y'all's lives changed since being together?

*the smile that crosses his face is soft- one that is very rarely seen by anyone, and gently lays his arms out on the desk in front of him* "...Have you ever met an individual so... vibrant? Full of potential in all regards, with a radiance that rivals the stars? A creature who possesses so much kindness, charm, and hope, that the very thought of someone such as them still existing in a world such as this is foreign to you? Drawn to the unknown, the dangerous, the mysterious, the dark- yet still so full of life? That was- and still is- Elise. Never before had someone captivated me so effortlessly in my long, long lifetime that I ever thought possible. They were always on guard, yet still curious about what not just Capenna- but the world- could offer them. Eager, but reserved. They wanted to be strong, feel important, not just be another replaceable cog in the wheel. It was entrancing. Admirable. So, to answer your question properly... it was their humanity as a whole. For one moment in time, simply being within their presence allows me to feel not bound by the effects of a demonic contract for power and eternal life- their warmth, their light, it rivals that of an Angel- a befitting nickname for my beloved that I have since bestowed upon them.

From the day we became official, I've been able to have something special to protect- not just the family, not just my relics and archives, but something- someone, even more precious than all of that. Countless times, Elise has requested for me to turn them, but I've refused every single time- the time isn't right, you see. Vampirism seems like an eternal gift, but it taints you. And my Angel is still too pure for this world to allow something like my curse to be bound to them. Not yet. But I will find a way to ensure their light is eternal, one way or another. My love for them defies all demonic laws, and I will protect them and stay by their side at any cost for the rest of time."

[jvstheworld]

The Buffy re-watch: S1E6 (part 2)

The Pack

Giles looks kind of ashamed of himself when Buffy is right about something, after he's dismissed her concerns.

The Masai tribe (not to be confused the the real Maasai tribe In Kenya and northern Tanzania) was mentioned by the sketchy zookeeper at the beginning of the episode, like that wasn't a hint for the audience later. (Sarcasm).

Very graphic and disturbing images of unchecked animal possession. Well, shit.

Xander learning from Angel in how to be a creepy stalker.

With Flutie being the principal of Sunnydale High, he would have seen some shit right? It doesn't seems like he knows about the supernatural threats that plague the town, but Snyder does. Either way, he didn't deserve his fate.

And the creepy just get worse. Xander goes into SA mode. I hate SA/R in TV shows and films, I find it hard to sit though and watch. While this scene is mild, compared to a certain scene in season 6, I still hate watching it. But I will get on to the other problem I have with this later.

What happened to the other possessed students after this episode? They ate a pig and a human being while they were alive. They couldn't have just carried on as normal, and no amount of therapy could help them.

Hyena Xander trying to trick Willow into letting him out makes the point that their lives didn't need much saving before Buffy arrived. We later find out this to be bullshit in the season 3 episode 'The Wish'.

Bad time to try and make friends Giles, especially with sus zookeepers.

Possessed people terrorising random families. Those low house prices better be worth it.

To knock someone out, you need to hit their head, right? Not their back. So how did the zookeeper knock Giles out with a blow to the back and a slump to the floor?

When was the zookeeper planning to do the possession? And I would be pissed too if a bunch of high school bullies beat me to the punch.

We can totally see the stunt double for Buffy in a couple of shots, sometimes it's so noticeable.

And the day and people are saved, except the zookeeper who does have a name, it's Weirick. I had to look it up because I don't remember it being said once.

We get our first reference to Snyder, who won't appear until 'Puppet Show'.

Okay, to the complaint I have regarding Xander. If he genuinely forgot what happened to him while possessed, I could understand not wanting to tell him about the SA. It was the animal spirit in control, not him. However, he does remember and is only feigning amnesia. This is what I have a problem with. If he said he remembered and apologised, he would have been forgiven, because again he was not in control. Buffy and Willow would have understood, forgiven him and moved on. But he chose to pretend to forget so he doesn't suffer any potential consequences. He took the coward way out of the situation. I get that he might feel ashamed, he tried to SA his friend/unrequited love interest and belittled and bullied his best friend, that is something to feel ashamed about, but instead of be a decent human being about it, he just pretends to forget so he can have a get out of jail free card. That pisses me off. If he owned up to what happened and apologised, Buffy and Willow would have just blamed it on the animal spirit and left it at that. He would have been fine. Because they probably would never want to talk about it again either. It was cowardly and stupid and I lost respect for Xander for that.

And Giles protects Xander, likely because he feels sorry for him and is trying to be helpful. But my original point still stands.

Okay, episode and rant over. If you can't tell by now, I'm not a fan of Xander. I didn't mind him when I was young, but now that I'm older he irks me. He has his good moments, like when he is actually being funny, but other times he angers me.

Tomorrow, we delve into the beginnings of Bangel.

[marshmallowloves]

purely self-indulgent what-if scenario that absolutely defies canon hard but was just a fun thought

I have such a hard time picturing any of my self inserts having kids with their f/o's... But James is one of the few exceptions.

Their son's name is Ikaros, but because Sierra's family would be all over the fact that OMG SHE FINALLY GAVE US A KID but would dislike his Weird Celebrity Baby Name™, Sierra and James would give him a human name - Xander. He'd be taught as early as possible to hide his true name and appearance - one of the first spells he learns is a glamour spell.

I don't remember if this is canon, but I imagine that the demon/incubi/succubi genes are dominant to human genes. So from his father, he inherits his hair color, the color of his Lilith armor, incubus abilities, and quick learning. And from his mother, he only inherits her eye color, and also a tiny bit of holy magic. Sierra has no idea she possesses it in the first place, and Ikaros hasn't exhibited it yet, but... he definitely has something protecting him.

He's smart as a whip and very polite, but is also painfully shy and easily embarrassed. Sierra and James wanted him to have a much better life than they did, so Ikaros has a rather cushy childhood - he gets put in private schools, taken out to nice dinners or family trips, the works - but even with these nice things, he never acts entitled or spoiled (they took extra care to make sure that didn't happen sfhsjg)

This takes place in a lovely AU world where the worst of their worries is Sierra's apprehension to be a mother in the first place... Because if we went with canon, she and James would be spending most of their nights sleeping with one eye open, having killed several angels and then proceeding to have a cambion child, and uh. Yeah the whole family being marked for death by angels is not quite as fun and happy to think about gkdhfkgj

[afterdeaths]

❝ THAT'S VERY KIND OF YOU. ❞ THE hunter gives her a warm smile, gaze wandering over to the decent selection of dolls halfway across the room. he had some of his own, back HOME, but he never took them out of the shop — and they weren't that POPULAR when it came to customers. something something possessed by a demon something something.

xander's eyes narrow as the woman continues to speak, a little bit of apprehension in the tension of his shoulders. he imagines a woman he's not seen before chasing this smaller, spritely-looking woman around the store and he feels almost PROTECTIVE over the idea. annoyed, for her. ❝ yeah i don't blame you, i wouldn't want to be anywhere near them either if i was terrorized with them. especially if i was already a little on EDGE. ❞

that smile he'd been carrying cracks into a wider grin, as she goes on and on, finding it rather endearing how enthusiastic she is. he's not found someone LIKE this in a long time.

❝ first time where i'm not just passing through, yeah. i drove through it a few years back and vowed to make it here and... well, here i am. i'm a paranormal investigator, and i have a shop that i... i don't know if i can say it's SPOOKIER, don't know what sort of stuff you've really got here. ❞ there was a lot that went into that, ❝ but it's an oddities shop, my pride and joy. ❞

the thing about solveig - she's a very good active listener. she's nodding as he talks, staring up at him with her wide eyes, gentle smile on her face. very inviting and warm. maybe she just likes making people feel listened to - maybe she just likes listening to people. maybe it's both.

"um!" sol clasps her hands together, gaze going to the ceiling - she's thinking, pursing her lips out. does she have a favorite thing here? she doesn't even like spooky things, but doesn't want to disappoint him. "i - i like the dolls we have a-around here. if they're left-l-left alone. i try to brush their h...hair out, cause i don't want them to be sad with tangled h...air."

does she think they're haunted? not really. but still, that doesn't change the fact that she wants every little thing to feel loved and pretty. "but i've left them alone lately. winnie - my coworker - she chased me around the shop with them. so i'm giving them some space right now." she was chased until she cried! it was very traumatizing! she's working up to forgive the dolls, because she knows it wasn't there fault.

she blinks at him, smiles wide again. "oh! is it your - your - your - y-your -- sorry! your first ti-time in new orleans? what kind of business? do - is your shop spookier? oh. s-sorry. i - sorry. i know i'm talking- talking a lot."

[witchthewriter]

What would spike be like as a boyfriend, specifically maybe to a reader who's really short (like 4'11 to 5 foot short)...

Please don't say drop kick, that's what I got last time I asked for a comfort thing :)

Your writing is wonderful 💛💛

a/n: that’s absolutely awful that they said that, I don’t believe he would do that to be honest! And thank you so much for the kind comment, I’m completely open to criticism for my writing xx

Also I feel like it needs to be addressed his actions in season 6 - I would love a discussion about how others feel (I’ve only JUST finished watching buffy lol) and I love Spike but that episode was a mess? And I don’t want to disrespect anyone ... do we pretend it didn’t happen? do we accept him because he got his soul back? 

𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕

𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐬/𝐨

⸱ I definitely think you guys have a pride & prejudice beginning. He feigned hatred and tried to ignore you. You were nothing but a mere human to him. You’re close to Buffy and her gang of merry vampire slayers, which automatically made you an enemy

⸱ And yet, there was something about you. The twinkle in your eyes whenever you look up at him, the way you smiled when the world seemed it would end in a second.

⸱ He always considered himself, the Big Bad, but when an ancient vampire named Erylis came to Sunnydale, his reputation shadowed all else. No one knew where he came from, what he looked like. But he was someone to be afraid of.

⸱ You had been captured, drank from, but given something, that once rescued, no one could understand. You did not turn, but some of Erylis’ power seeped from him to you. You were faster, stronger, keener; more awake. Any wounds healed quickly and you were able to foresee a semblence of the future.

⸱ The group helped you the best way they could; Willow was always there to listen. Xander for a shoulder to lean on, Giles for information and Buffy for strength. They still accepted you, but wanted to know what exactly you were now. Some sort of superhuman?

⸱ Spike helped resue you from Erylis; after he had the chip inplanted in his head, what else was he supposed to do? Where else would he go?

⸱ He had pulled Erylis from your neck, and although tempted himself, he saw your paled face and something in his chest changed. Cracked open? Blossomed?

⸱ Now that Spike was ... sort of apart of the gang, he spent more time with you. Especially since he was the only one who wasn’t frightened of you. (The group still loved you, but they did have some apprehension, would you hurt someone? Did you need to feed?)

⸱ Spike was there when some of the questions about your change were answered. In short, there was small experiements. Like eating usual food; did it fill you up the same? Were you craving something else? Nope, it was like before. Except what you had liked before (possibly sweets, or chips etc,.) were intensified. And what you didn’t like seemed repulsive.

⸱ You had no desire to hurt other people, except those who had wronged you. You felt things more deeply, and the things that helped humans seemed to help you x100.

⸱ You always carry lavender and chamomile to help calm you down.

⸱ After getting to know you, he was smitten. He would try his best not to show it, but there was his possessive side that wanted to jump out whenever someone showed any type of interest in you

⸱ And you know what, you felt the same way. When he would be around any other girl, there was a flash of pain in your chest. You cared so deeply for him. But you tried not to show it; I mean Willow caught on. She caught on fast, then Buffy and Giles. Xander was completely oblivious. 

⸱ When you had your first kiss, he would’ve leant down, while you were on your tippy toes. 

⸱ He’s is vERY protective of you, even though you’re more durable than he is. Every demon knows there will be hell to pay if they go anywhere NEAR you. 

⸱ So, it’s actually a good thing for you and the gang... that you and Spike are together, it’s like they have an extra layer of protection. 

⸱ However, that does put Spike at risk. But he has plenty of enemies anyway, so he’s used to it

⸱ He likes it when he’s laying between your legs, head resting against your chest as you stroke his face. 

⸱ “Ya know pet, I wouldn’t of thought you and I would get along so well.” He mumbled one night, your head resting against his chest.       “Sometimes we don’t,” you replied teasingly.  “Well love, you know what they say.”      “What do they say, Spike?”  “Opposites attract.” 

⸱ You always wake up before him, but on the odd day that he wakes first, he’ll bring you in a cup of tea. 

⸱ Also I don’t want anyone saying this is out of character because we haven’t seen Spike in a positive relationship. So I do think he would be thoughtful to his significant other (also he’s british, they love tea)

⸱ His favourite thing to do together is when he has his head in your lap, and you’re reading out loud to him

⸱ He tells you tales of the lives he’s lived

⸱ Doesn’t like other people making inquiries or jokes about your relationship

⸱ There’s still tension when he’s around the group, but he is changing with you. Becoming softer, kinder

⸱ You’re becoming more ... sassy? If that’s the right word to use...more in tune with quick-witted comments

⸱ He knows a lot about you, not just because he listens to you talk but he has been watching you for a while. Noticing your quirks in conversations and likes/dislikes 

⸱ He knows your favourite movies and books

⸱ Spike loves taking you on adventures, especially when there’s chaos... have probably robbed a place together I won’t lie (it was pub with a sexist bartender, what else were you supposed to do?) 

[prose-for-hire]

Face your demon

Pairing: Spike x reader

Request: Could you do A Spike x reader where the reader is in love with him, but doesn't show her emotions (except for getting easily flustered around him), but Spike overhears hears her talking to willow about it and he confronts her, ending in them being together?

Requested by: @wiccanindigo​

Requested tags: @fictionalhoomanofnowhere @artsymaddie​ @shy-ginger-in-the-graveyard​ @cameo-greaves​

​You were pretty neutral in public. Your face rarely shifted other than to a polite smile or perhaps a confused frown should the moment take you by surprise. Other than this human reaction, you would usually maintain a resting face. One that appeared to most as if you didn’t wish to be in their company. Or anywhere at all really.

You felt a lot. You really cared about your friends, the people you loved. It was just near-impossible to express this. At least, in a way that you were comfortable. It was much easier to hold people at a distance. That way, you didn’t risk rejection. Or painful, bitter emotions that you didn’t enjoy.

So, you tended to hide your emotional side completely. Rather than wrestle with articulating the way you felt. It wasn’t necessarily a conscious decision, just one that you lived with. You struggled expressing your emotions – not only on your face but also verbally. Any way, really. It could be so hard.

Luckily for you though, you had some very caring and empathetic friends. The Scoobies. They understood and gave you the time you needed – between fighting apocalypses of course.

You were sat in the Magic box with all of your friends around you. Buffy, Willow, Xander, Anya, Tara and Giles. You were characteristically just staring into the centre of the room as the usual antics played out around you.

You contributed now and again although not as passionately as the others, it must be said. You tended to bounce off of someone else’s point and repeat it if you agreed with it with a shrug. As if you would rather be anywhere but there.

You weren’t shy. In fact you came across as the complete opposite. Cool, collected. Near apathetic should your friends not understand how deeply you truly did care – you just didn’t express it as much as most. There was no need to gush in your book. You weren’t one to keep your heart on your sleeve and make the entire room look at it.

Well, that was until him.

Spike ran in, slamming the door shut behind him. It slammed so hard the entire store shook and he sauntered in as if it was nothing. It made the corners of your mouth tug into an almost-smile but you looked down to avoid anyone seeing.

There he was, your weakness. The one that could render you speechless. A flustered mess. A heat would rise in your cheeks and your voice would appear weak and just wholly unlike yourself.

You had it bad. He always did this, walking in with that swagger. Those cheekbones. That look…

His eyes were straight on you. As they always were. You were a mystery to him, one he was so desperate to figure out. You had noticed the way he always made his way to you. The way he dropped his voice and made comments about the others in the room in the hopes of you cracking a smile.

You spoke to him as much as you could, but often your words failed you. You didn’t want to give anything away. Couldn’t. You didn’t want him to tease you, reject you in such a painful way.

He was Spike, after all. He could have anyone he wanted you were sure of it.

The point was, though, that he wanted you. And you were too wrapped up in focusing on how to breath properly when he was around that you didn’t notice.

Spike found your resting face beautifully morbid. He found you to be strong-willed and the very little he sensed or heard from you he found himself clinging to. You would be stamped onto his brain for the rest of his un-life, he was sure of it.

He was in so deep. Thought about you constantly. Wanted to know what you were doing, what you were thinking. Imagined himself by your side. Taking you into his bed… oh, and I won’t even start on the dreams. They left him aching. Such deep, unending desire. For you. God, it could only ever be you.

“Alright, pet? Don’t rush to say you missed me, written on your face already” He smouldered in that way he did. Hoping for any kind of reaction.

You looked up at him before immediately looking away. A ghost of a smile on your face as you shifted in your seat. He took this as an invitation to sit beside you and so he did.

“Hi Spike” You just about managed before your voice wavered. You didn’t like the way he rendered you this flustered mess. But, at the same time you couldn’t help but completely love it.

Your usual cool demeanour gone. Lost in those beautiful eyes of his. You could happily live in his eyes for the rest of your life.

You managed to position yourself in your seat in such a way that meant he made up most of you vision, without it looking glaringly obvious to anyone else. He lived in your peripheral vision. At least this way a little part of him was yours.

You became a little brave and moved your eyes to look at him properly, no longer just from the side. He was beautiful. The way that t-shirt clung perfectly to his torso. The way his leather duster managed to land in such a relaxed way on his shoulders. Effortless cool. Or, that’s what you assumed.

You loved him. His looks. His personality. Just everything. You couldn’t escape it.

Something snapped you out of staring. Everyone’s eyes were suddenly on you. Staring.

“Huh?” You asked, feeling a heat rise in your cheeks as he turned to face you properly too. You had apparently managed to miss the entire meeting. Not one scrap of the plan had entered your head. You were consumed by him instead.

“Y/n? You sure that’s okay?”

“We’ll be fine on patrol, right love?” Spike smirked at the rest of the room and raised an eyebrow which made everyone reconsider.

“We can switch if evil dead makes you uncomfortable” Xander offered kindly which made spike glare. He wanted you to himself.

“No that’s good- uh, fine. It’s fine. I’ll patrol with Spike” you rushed out at a completely different pace than anyone was used to hearing you speak.

What you were supposed to be looking for, you didn’t know. You hadn’t been listening just focusing on regulating your breathing. Wiping the sweat from your palms at the proximity. He was sat so close to you. You wanted to just lean against him. Whisper how you felt.

You and Spike walked out into the cool night air. Mostly in silence, although you could almost hear the cogs in his mind whirring to come up with something to say. You didn’t realise but he was trying to impress you. Trying to get you to smile. He loved it when you smiled. Near melted.

He then finally asked something he had so wanted to say to you. For such a long time.

“We could, uh, blow this off, go for a drink?” He let the proposition hang in the air.

You didn’t even begin to consider this had been something more than a teasing joke because he didn’t want to be stuck patrolling anymore. Just wanted to rebel against Buffy’s sudden authority in his life.

“Yeah, because I’ve always thought you’d look great with a redwood through your chest” You spoke, referring to what Buffy would do to him should he leave you or the demon to run through the streets.

“Pet-”

“It’d make a pretty accessory. Bring out your eyes” You deadpanned and he just stared. Why were you like this? Why did your flirting so quickly descend into just being rude?

It was like a disease. You were riddled with it. Any sense that your mouth would spill the contents of your mind and something took over. Possessed you, began to say the very opposite of what you wished to say.

You wanted him to ask you out for a drink. Tell you that you looked nice, that he felt lucky to have someone like you to take out. Have on his arm. Show off. You wanted to loop your arms around him and embrace him. Kiss his lips. Have him in your bed. His body yours and only yours.

But, instead, you had just told him he would look better dead. Or, well, more dead. He had taken this as a firm no, you didn’t want to go out with him. He looked upwards, trying to stop the stinging at the back of his eyes before he nodded firmly and just shrugged.

“Whatever, let’s find this vamp”

Oh, right. It was a vampire. You were supposed to be looking for a vampire. That at least narrowed it down… kind of.

Both of you took turns in glancing at the person beside them. So desperately wishing to touch them. Have some kind of intimacy. It was hard having the one that you loved so close and yet emotionally so far away.

There was a distance. A canyon between you that you both wished to cross. But it was so hard. There would be no turning back.

You never caught up with the vampire you were meant to find and Spike walked you home instead when it got too late. You tried to thank him for the gesture but he had turned and walked away. Licking his wound at the rejection you had inflicted upon him without realising.

Despite the fact you had hurt him though, he had needed to make sure you got in safe. Protecting you from harm meant everything even if you wouldn’t give him the time of day.

It had been a couple of days since this unwitting rejection and you and Willow had arrived early waiting to meet with the others at the Magic Box. Giles had gone to pick up some order sat the back. Which left just you and your friend. Well, that’s what you thought anyway.

She was the only one that knew how you felt for Spike. She had seen you watching him, a new expression unlocked on your face. As if she had won a quest or something in a video game and been allowed to see it.

Conversation had quickly turned to this man that you were so in love with it managed to fluster even you. You near hid your face from your friend at even the implication you liked him. But you were comfortable that Willow was being supportive.

You discussed that you liked him. Truly admitted it out loud for the first time. Not realising that the man himself was stood around the corner listening. He loved to hear your voice and so had stayed back because you seemed to speak less in his company.

Spike’s jaw tensed as he heard you talking about this mystery man though. He had never heard you gush this way before. Stumbling over your words to describe such longing. You usually appeared so calm, collected. He wished to be the one that sent you weak at the knees in the way that this nameless idiot did. He guessed it was probably Xander.

Stupid bloody Xander. Gormless nit.

“Maybe, uh, you should tell him? You can’t know his feelings unless you try” Willow offered.

Spike guiltily hoped that you would have to face rejection so that he could comfort you instead. Spend more time with you, prove to you that you could trust him with your emotions. He so longed to have your attention. Your trust.

“I can’t… I-it’s too hard” You sighed and his spirits lifted, maybe this would be his chance instead. While you tried to build up your courage, he could show you how much you meant to him. How much he wanted you.

Nothing could have prepared him for what came out of your mouth next. There had been only a slight pause while you sifted through your emotions.

“He’s so- he’s… he’s Spike” You had no other description other than this spike-ness was all that you wanted. You near craved it. But also these words explained how hard it was. How trying to speak to him was near impossible. Willow nodded in understanding and patted your shoulder sympathetically.

“It could be good for you, y’know? Facing your, uh, demon…” Willow’s voice dried up. Turned into a little squeak. You looked up, confused.

There he was, as if your longing had been a magnet to the man himself. Your eyes bulged and your mouth opened in shock. The most your face had ever given away.

Willow stumbled over some excuse that neither Spike nor you heard before she left for the exit. Allowing you to both speak.

“I’m the bloke you’ve been harpin’ on about?” He said slowly. He did this only because he wanted to hear it from your mouth again. As if he wasn’t entirely sure if he had dreamed it or not.

“We don’t have to make it into a big deal… I’m sure I’ll, uh, get over it” You tried, avoiding the rejection you could feel coming.

“Don’t” He said quickly, “God, please bloody don’t get over it. You’d break a poor dead man’s heart if you did”

“What?” You asked, frowning in confusion. He couldn’t possibly feel the same way… could he?

“Don’t be daft, love. Asked you for a drink didn’t I? Trailed after you despite you not even pretending to take an interest. Been there just in the nick of time before somethin’ nasty ate you?” He reeled off things he had pretty much done in the last fourty-eight hours. It made you gasp with surprise. How had you missed this? “Tell me I haven’t bent over bloody backwards for even a shred of your affection,”

“Spike…” You looked away, it was so hard. You didn’t even know how to begin to say what you needed to.

“Please, don’t shy away. Can’t stand it when your eyes wander…”

“Spike, I…” He took your hand, nodding subtly to show that he was there. That he liked you, that he needed to hear it. Whatever it may be, “I love you”

Spike pulled you into him immediately, knowing this must have bee hard for you. He was beginning to understand. You were like him, petrified of the rejection. The idea that the one that held such promise and stirred such feeling could ruin everything. You restored his faith in love. Rekindled his affections for the notion as well as confirming that he loved you too.

He crashed his lips to yours, his reply to your words communicated in this way. And you understood completely. Lips moving against yours, a display of affection only for you. he was firm in his love but so very tender. He embraced you close, a hand along the small of your back that made you shiver and lean further into him. Deepening this perfect kiss.

You parted, somewhat reluctantly and just gazed at the other for a moment before he spoke.

“I’m just glad you don’t have eyes for the whelp” Spike grinned and it made your face brighten. A smile. One that he savoured as you rolled your eyes at him being so pleased you liked him more than Xander.

He took your hand in his and sauntered beside you. Chest puffed out and proud to have you by his side. As if you had just gifted him the entire world.

Now you just had to break it to your friends. There was no way you would be hiding this.

[annyankers]

i’m increasingly obsessed with the idea of billy and buffy being step siblings. like taking the eh episode that is ted and taking what is was supposed to be talking about (your parent getting involved with an abuser and no one believes you until it’s too late) and have it be neil. have the hargoves move in (+max shh it’s the law you can’t break up the billy-max siblingship) and it be so fucking tense between the summers girls and especially billy. max they warm up to fine, billy is another story.

billy and buffy not liking each other at all and her being so annoyed that he’s Like That and them constantly fighting. all while neil is being even controlling and shit to her and dawn now that he’s got more control. buffy getting chewed out by neil over her bad grade and yeah her dad sucks but at least he’s not neil. billy just being like “welcome to fucking family” when she complains.

they convert the basement into a room for Billy and his weights and the house they use for filming btvs has 4 bedrooms irl so the girls all get rooms upstairs.

then buffy comes home one day and billy’s on the floor very obviously just beaten up and max is ghost white and dawn is crying and there’s a bruise on her mother’s cheek and she’s just. standing there. blown away.

she’s the slayer. she protects people. she should be able to stop anything. but this is happening in her home and she’s helpless against it. because she’s not supposed to hurt humans right? but then how can she not when this is what’s happening? how can she not take on neil to protect her family. so the next time neil starts shit she steps in and when he tries to hit her she just goes off like in ted and accidentally kills him. buffy fully losing herself over it while billy comes over and comforts her because frankly he’s glad neil’s gone. for the first time in his life he feels like he can breathe.

joyce officially having custody of the hargrove kids and everyone just being miles happier. billy and buffy becoming friends and real siblings and stuff. billy comforting her and protecting her when angelus shit happens. billy and eddie becoming super close friends (bc this is ofc the au where eddie replaces xander in the plot). billy getting his camaro and the whole family has a little party for him.

s3 rolls around and billy gets possessed as part of the mayor’s ploys to get buffy of his back while he gets ready for the ascension and it’s all a metaphor for the cycles of abuse and the behaviors learned from abusers and he’s saved with love and compassion and doesn’t die. billy and faith having some kinda something going. another weird mirror-foil-shadow self thing going on there lol.

buffy and dawn acting like billy’s so ugh lame and gross while also bragging about how cool he is and yeah, he’s got a camaro.

dawn and max being an unholy goblin duo from day 1 committing all sorts of crimes against nature. just unimaginable amount of hijinks. max asking buffy to teach her some cool fighting moves. dawn following billy around like a puppy because he’s sooooo cooooolllll and she’s all excited to have a cool older brother and he goes with it bc it’s an ego boost. billy standing up for buffy during dead man’s party bc he Gets It.

Billy stepping up as a caretaker in s5 and handling the household shit after joyce dies because he knows buffy can’t handle it and slaying all at once. and like he loved joyce sure and he’s broken up but it’s different for him and he can handle this side of things easier bc of that. Billy, Spike and Eddie all hanging out and smoking and listening to metal and punk and talking n shit.

like as you can see............ I’M THINKING THOUGHTS.

[hamliet]

The Girl Who Gets to Have It All: Buffy Summers

So with @linkspooky​‘s encouragement, I have binged Buffy the Vampire Slayer and relived my childhood culture. And, it's a 10/10 for me. Not that it doesn't have flaws, but it's genuinely one of the best stories I've seen, with consistent character arcs, powerful themes, and a beautiful message. It's also like... purportedly about vampires and demons and superpowered chosen ones, but it's actually all about humanity.

Buffy was able to be a teenage girl, allowed to like the things teen girls are scorned for (boys, shopping, etc), to be insecure about the thing teenage girls are insecure about (future careers, dating, school, parents), and to be a superhero with its good and its bad aspects. The story wasn’t afraid to call Buffy on her flaws (sometimes she got in a very ‘I am the righteous chosen one’ mode) and to respect and honor each of her desires (to be a good person, to be loved, and more). The story listened to what she wanted and respected her desires, giving her the challenges needed to overcome her flaws while also never teaching her a lesson about wanting bad boys or romance is silly or any manner of dark warnings stories like to throw at teenage girls. 

It respected teenage girls--nerdy girls like Willow, jocks like Buffy, lonely wallflowers with trauma like Dawn, and popular/snobby ones like Cordelia, girls gone wild like Faith. It never once reduced them to the stereotypes that were lurking right there: each character was fully rounded, human, flawed and yet with respected interests and goals. This is so rare for a story that I’m still in awe. 

The story as a whole follows Buffy from 15 to 21, of her as she grows from teenager to adult. She acts like a teenager and grows to act like a young adult, wrestling with loneliness and duty. The adults, like Giles, Joyce, and Jenny, are not perfect either, but neither are they “bad parents” or “bad mentors” necessarily. Joyce in particular says something terrible to Buffy, but she tries to do better, and it’s rare to see a parent in YA stories shown with such nuance. Basically, it wrote the long-lasting adult characters as human beings, too. 

Speaking of growing up, I appreciated how Buffy’s love interests mirrored this. Angel was someone Buffy loved and admired, wanted to be like, but who was always either extreme good or extreme bad, and combined with Buffy’s own tendencies towards black-white thinking, made for a beautiful relationship to help her grow, but didn’t necessarily form a foundation for a long-term partner. Spike, on the other hand... they both saw each other at their worst and were drawn to each other even then, and were inspired to become better because they couldn’t bear to be a person who treated the other person so wrongly. They pushed each other to become the best them they could be, and believed in each other. Also, Spuffy is an enemies to lovers ship for the ages. 

(Also, most of the other ships were well-done or at least can be understood. Riley was very obviously wrong for Buffy which paralleled Harmony and Spike in being 100% wrong for each other. Cordelia and Xander were a fun ship even if we all knew it would never last, and Willow and Oz were beautiful and cute. But Xander and Anya and Willow and Tara? OTPs. As were Giles and Jenny, the librarian and the computer teacher.) 

That said, it’s not a perfect series. No story is. All of the characters and ships had problematic aspects to them worthy of critique, and the writing is very 90s in a lot of ways. It’s a product of its time, and in many ways it’s good society has progressed beyond some of the tropes/metaphors used in the show. In other way, though, the show was ahead of its time, and in a good way it wasn’t bound by the fear of purity policing with its takes on redemption (many characters would never fly today). 

So, in order of seasons ranked from my very favorite to my “still enjoyed it very much” (no season was actually bad, imo), here’s my review. I’ll also review my top 10 villains in the show, because Buffy does villains very well in terms of the redeemable and irredeemable.  

Season 7:  Yep, the final season was my favorite. 

Overall Opinion: Buffy's finale is literally "f*ck them men, our power is ours" and while it seems cheesy it actually works (also, f*ck in both a literal and figurative sense). The series strongly hit all the themes: love as strength, and redemption. Buffy consistently shows love as her strength--*all* kinds of love. Friendship w Willow/Xander, familial with Joyce/Dawn, romantic with Spike/Angel. These types of love are also never pitted against each other as is so often the case in current-day media. It's beautiful. Also, Spike’s confrontation with Wood was so powerful in terms of exploring forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation: where they overlap and where they don't, and what it means to move forward. 

Unpopular Opinion: I have seen a lot didn’t like the inclusion of Potential Slayers, and while I agree they could have been better incorporated/characterized, it was a great way to show Buffy’s final stage of growing up to be ending her chosen one status and projecting/multiplying her powers over the world. 

Biggest Critique: Kennedy was female Riley--the anti-Tara to Riley’s anti-Angel (by ‘anti’ I mean opposite in every way). Kennedy was annoying and immature. Her role, like Riley’s, was less about exploring her as a character and more about her just being stamped as “love interest: lesbian.” 

Favorite Episodes: Beneath You, Lies My Parents Told Me, Touched, Chosen

Season 6: 

Overall Opinion: I said this on Twitter, but I felt like this was Buffy’s The Last Jedi or Empire Strikes Back moment. It is polarizing and dark, deconstructing the tropes it stands on--but by digging to the core of these tropes, it actually makes what’s good about them shine brighter. Everyone’s enemy was the worst versions of themselves. Giles left Buffy, Willow's struggle to relate to the world led to her trying to destroy it, Buffy hurt everyone through her anger, Xander abandoned Anya at the altar, Spike... yeah. It ages well as an integral part of the story, and the Trio were eerily prophetic. 

Unpopular Opinion: Dawn is a great character with a good arc. A traumatized teen acting out and struggling to come to terms with loss and identity? She wasn’t whiny; she was realistic. 

Biggest Critique: Willow’s addiction coding (I’ll discuss this below) and Seeing Red as an episode. I see the argument for both of its controversial scenes from a narrative perspective: Willow starts the season not grieving Buffy but instead being determined to fix it with magic and needs to learn to grieve, but. Still. Bury your gays is not a good look. For the Spike scene... he conflates sex/passion and violence (”love is blood, children” is something he said way back in season 3), but like Tara’s death, it had more to do with Spike (as Tara’s death did for Willow) than with Buffy’s arc, and as for the actual execution... they really botched that. Did it like... have to go on that long or go that far? No. Also, the framing was good, but inconsistent with the rest of the series (Xander to Buffy in the hyena episode, Faith to Xander and to Riley, etc.) 

Favorite Episodes: Once More With Feeling, Smashed, Grave

Season 3 (tied with Season 5):

Overall Opinion: The opening continuity of Buffy meeting Lily/Anne after saving her life in Season 2 was sweet. The Witchhunt episode had really powerful subtext: stories of deaths that aren’t even true are actually demons that possess the town and convince them to turn against their children in the name of protecting the children. It’s a good commentary on, oh, everything in society. Faith’s character arc was fantastic, and her chemistry with Buffy was off the charts (look, I may be Spuffy all the way, but Fuffy has rights). The finale was satisfying in so many ways, seeing the entire graduating class unite to destroy the Mayor and the school with it, symbolizing Buffy et al’s readiness to move on to college. Oz's relationship with Willow was very sweet and meaningful for a first romance for Willow. 

Unpopular Opinion: I actually don’t really have one. Maybe that the miracle in Amends was earned? I think you can make a decent case that Season 3 is the best written of the seasons, but can only truly be thematically appreciated to its full potential in the light of subsequent seasons (which finish Faith’s arc and deconstruct Buffy’s).  

Biggest Critique: It forgot Buffy killed the hyena guy in Season 1, making her continual insistence that she can’t kill people very ????? 

Favorite Episodes: Lovers Walk, Amends, Graduation Day Part 2 

Season 5, which ties with Season 3:

Overall Opinion: The entire season is about family and what it means, from Tara’s to Buffy’s to the Scoobies. I loved Glory aka Enoshima Junko as the Big Bad, I loved Dawn’s interesting meta commentary on retconning (like, the fact that she’s retconned in matters), and most of my ships are still alive. Joyce’s relationship with Spike is one of the most heartwarming aspects, and Spike’s arc’s desire is clearly highlighted: he wants to be seen as a person. The episodes after Joyce’s death are the most honest portrayals of grief I��ve ever seen, and absolutely brutal to watch. 

Unpopular Opinion: Buffy’s choice at the end seems a deliberate inversion of her choice at the end of Season 2 (sacrifice a loved one to save the world), but it actually isn’t: much like at the end of Season 2 where Buffy skips town because she’s devastated after killing Angel and doesn’t want to sort out being expelled, her mom knowing she’s the slayer, and her own trauma, Buffy’s sacrifice here was as much about her wanting the easy way out of relationships, family, college, etc. as it was about saving Dawn. Buffy’s death is coded as a suicide, which Season 6 emphasizes as well. 

Biggest Critique: Like Season 3, I don’t have a lot to critique here. I wish the suicidal coding had been a little more obvious in Season 5 itself, but also I’m not sure it could have been more obvious; it’s pretty apparent if you pay attention. Maybe also that Buffy and Riley’s relationship failing should have been more squarely blamed on Riley, you know, being insecure and cheating. 

Favorite Episodes: Family, Fool for Love, Intervention. 

Season 2:

Overall Opinion: Heartbreakingly tragic but exciting and revealing at the same time. It asked the viewer interesting questions about redemption and forgiveness and atonement through Angel being honest about his past, and then decided to show us his past now reenacted, challenging us. And still, we saw them save him in a parallel to saving Willow in Season 6 (but Season 2 was tragic because it wasn’t enough, while Season 6 was not). Jenny’s death was agonizing, and the scene were Angel watches Buffy, Willow, and Joyce get the news through the window was powerful. We didn’t have to hear them to get the grief. 

Unpopular Opinion: Jenny’s death isn’t a fridging; it works for her arc too when you consider her history. She worked to save the person whose life she was tasked to ruin, and it cost her her own--yet she still succeeded, because Jenny brought joy and wisdom to the show. Kendra’s death, on the other hand... was because they needed the stakes to be high--but we already knew that before she died. So, her death was useless. 

Biggest Critique: The subtext was Not It. It was essentially “do not have sex. Your older boyfriend will lose his soul, kill your friends, you’ll lose your family, your school, your home, and have to kill your true love or else hell will literally swallow earth.” 

Favorite Episodes: School Hard, Passion, Becoming Part 2.

Season 1:

Overall Opinion: I really liked it; it’s just lower on this list because the others are just better. It’s a great introduction to the series and to its characters, from Giles to Buffy to Willow to Jenny to Cordelia. It has great subtext a lot of the time (for example, Natalie French as She-Mantis is a literal predatory bug who engages in predatory behavior with students). Additionally, it subverts the typical YA trope of two guys and a girl, in which the girl is usually the least interesting character. Buffy and Willow were both fully fledged characters from the beginning with distinct strengths (even before Willow became a witch, as she wasn’t one in season 1 yet), while Xander was the more ordinary of the group. 

Unpopular Opinion/Biggest Critique: Xander’s arc showed its first flaws that unfortunately continued throughout the series: his writing was either very good or very indulgent in ways it never was for other characters.  (cough, the hyena episode, cough, in which he gets to skirt responsibility--and acknowledges that he is skirting it--for something the show will later hold others to account for). Xander’s just kind of inconsistent, which weakened his character over all. (Which is why both his love interests--Cordelia and then ultimately Anya--were good for him: they did not indulge him.) 

Favorite Episode: Witch, Nightmares. 

Season 4:

Overall Opinion: it’s still a good season. It’s a good portrayal of college and the growing pains of branching out, the strains of college growth on relationships (romantic and platonic). It shows us the first hints of Spuffy, giving us some serious Jungian symbolism between Spike and Buffy early on, and does well in establishing Xander/Anya and Willow/Tara as beautiful OTPs. Faith and Buffy’s foiling is fantastic. The Halloween episode was very fun as well. However, it suffers because its Big Bad, Adam, is not all that compelling thematically--yet, he could have been. See, the final battle pulls off the Power of Friendship in a really strong way but notably the season does not end there. Instead, it ends on dreams of each character’s worst fears, continuing what we saw in Nightmares in Season 1. Why? Because it shows us that the characters’ wars aren’t against monsters, but monsters of their own making: their flaws. Adam, as a literal Frankenstein, exemplifies this, but it wasn’t capitalized on as well as it could have been. 

Unpopular Opinion: Beer Bad isn’t a bad episode, at the very least because Buffy gets to punch Parker. It’s not one of the series’ best, obviously, but it does give Buffy an arc in that she gets her daydream of Parker begging her to come back, but she has overcome that desire and her desire for revenge. If we wanna talk about bad subtext in Season 4, Season 2′s Not It sex subtext continues in the Where the Wild Things Are episode in this season; it’s a powerful callout of abusive purity-culture churches, until the fact that the shame creates a literal curse undermines the progressive message it’s supposed to send. Also, the Thanksgiving episode (Pangs) is a nightmare of white guilt and Oh God Shut Up White People. 

Biggest Critique: Riley is awful. Like Kennedy, he had “love interest:normal” stamped on him and that was it. The thing is, he could have worked as an Angel foil, representative of the normal-life aspect of Buffy to Angel’s vampire/supernatural aspect, but the writers never explore this and seemed to even try to back away from that later on. They threw all the romantic cliches at the wall to see what sticks, from klutzy “I dropped my schoolbooks, that’s how we met” to cliché lines that had me rolling my eyes. Do you know how bad a romance has to be to make me dislike romantic tropes? 

Favorite Episodes: Fear Itself, Hush, Restless

Villain rankings: 

Dark Willow, the only villain to be truly sympathetic. While the addiction coding was insensitive and, while unsurprising for its time, aged extremely poorly. That said, Willow’s turn to the dark side after Tara’s death worked well for her character and the story: it was believable and paid off what had been building since Season 1's “Nightmares” episode (Willow’s inferiority complex). 

Glory managed to be genuinely terrifying, and humorous/enjoyable too. Her minions and their numerous nicknames for Glorificus were hilarious, as was her intense vanity. Her merging with Ben--a human being who genuinely wanted to be kind and good--added complexity and tragedy to her role. 

The First. A really good take on Satan. The seventh season as well as the First’s first appearance in season 3′s “Amends” had kind of blatant Christian symbolism, and so the First being essentially Satan works. Their disguising themselves as dead loved ones and the subtle manipulation they used to alienate people was really disturbing and well done. 

The Mayor, who was a terrible person but a truly good father. He provided an interesting contrast to the normal ‘bad dad’ bad guy character, in that he provided Faith exactly what the other characters refused to: he saw the best in her and offered her parental support, while the heroes didn’t and wound up pushing her away. 

The Trio, who were villains ahead of their time: whiny fanboy reddit dudebros, basically. The stakes seemed so much lower than fighting Glory, a literal god, the previous season. But that’s why they worked so well for Season 6′s human themes, and were especially disturbing because we all know people like them. I also appreciated the surprisingly sensitive takes on Jonathan and Andrew, who got to redeem themselves, but Warren did not, and I don’t think he should have either. 

Angelus + Drusilla. I’m ranking them below the Trio because Angelus was just sooooo different from Angel that it was difficult for me to feel the same way for him. He was still Angel, so it wasn’t possible to enjoy his villainy, but he also wasn’t nearly as sympathetic as Dark Willow, had no redeeming qualities like the Mayor, and wasn’t as disturbingly realistic as the Trio. However, the emotional stakes were excellently executed with him as the Big Bad, in that you were never quite sure how to feel and it just plain hurt. Also, Drusilla was a favorite recurring character. She was sympathetic and yet batsh*t enough to be enjoyable as a villain at the same time. 

The Master, who was just completely camp and really worked as an introductory villain. He was scary enough to believe he was a threat, and was funny enough to introduce the series’ humor as well. He was, like Glory, an enjoyable Big Bad. 

The Gentlemen, the one-off villains of Season 4′s Hush who were genuinely terrifying. It’s not as if they got a lot of explanation or any backstory, but they didn’t need it. 

Caleb, the misogynist priest. Fitting with the First’s Christian symbolism, Caleb serving as a spokesperson of all bad religious beliefs felt appropriate. He was also a good foil to Warren--being actually supernaturally powered instead of a wannabe--and to Tara’s family in being full-out evil. I despised him. 

Snyder. Okay Snyder is not a Big Bad like Adam is, but let’s face it: Adam is lame compared to the other villains. But Snyder as a principal? He was so irritating and yet really well used in the series to critique overly strict, hypocritical teachers. Like, we all know teachers like him. I loved to hate him, and his ending was so satisfying. 

[takaraphoenix]

Buffy Season 9: Review

It wasn’t... bad, it was actually... good? It didn’t personally offend me, anger me or confuse the living daylights out of me like season 8 did, so I guess major improvements there. It even had a lot of good or interesting things that I found enjoyable or even well-handled (which is a surprise after s8, quite honestly).

I’m annoyed that once again we play the “let’s all blame Buffy for everything” game. That spiel’s gotten annoying... quite frankly, that time everyone betrayed her and kicked her out of her own house in season 7, like that was kind of where everyone lost their “blame Buffy” privileges for me.

Zombie vampires sure were something I personally didn’t need, but I actually genuinely liked the approach here. The thought that okay so vampires are human corpses possessed by demons, but what if the portal to hell is closed for business? And the result was an interesting new angle.

The introduction of generic white nice guy was a bit, you know, boring. The character himself really does just feel like that. Generic white nice guy. Doesn’t really have a personality, just exists so Buffy can have another mayhaps with A Nice Normal GuyTM. Even though we have really exhausted that approach too, in my opinion. She’s not into that. She keeps trying to fool herself into it but she’s not. Move on.

I do dig the angle of police actually training to deal with vampires though. The idea of the supernatural as an open secret is fun but it actually just being open is something I really like, the way it’s going to integrate into our society. I do like that we’re finally seeing more of that. Demons working day jobs, vampires having reality shows and being idolized (which, genuinely figures). That’s interesting.

I admit very personal bias here, but On Your Own was amazing and I loved it. The whole pregnancy scare is a bit of a cliche, but seeing Buffy go through that and how she went about it - talking to Dawn, to Robin, to Spike - the way she approached it and also the painful choice she made in the end. Also, here’s the personal bias, as a Spuffy shipper I obviously very much relish in the fact that her first gut-reaction was to run away with Spike to raise the kid. And her final reaction was to seek him out so he could support her through the abortion. The way it all unfolded in the end was... something else, but okay. And I loved just how feral and angry Spike got on her behalf. Though, gotta say, bit frustrated with how they wrote Andrew here because at this point in time it does feel OoC for him to non-consensually remove Buffy’s mind from her body and into a robot. Not after the actual years they have now been working together.

Wasn’t a fan of the Kennedy stint, that story arc didn’t do much for me and I don’t quite know how I feel about the whole slayers on a payroll thing. Also, seriously, Kennedy was being preak brat again. I don’t like when she’s brattish.

A very interesting element this season was Billy. For one, a boy Slayer is... new. But also just, the entire framework here. Gay boys. Yay. That hasn’t happened before. And Billy and Devon are really cute together? On a more general level I’d like to say that the way they introduced Billy just made me think “yes. this is how you do the soft reboot too, please” - because man I was scared when they first talked about a reboot, but when they backtracked to clarify it’ll be about a new Slayer and not an actual reboot, that was a huge relief. And I do think that Billy showed that that can work, very easily. Heck, even easier on the show, if it ignores the comics (which I assume) and just dives in with a “couple years ago, there was only one Chosen One. Now there are many. I am one of them” and like, that’s it. You need neither Buffy nor anyone else in it (though the cameos would be appreciated), but you can really just... tell the story of a different Slayer, protecting their own town. Sorry, I got sidetracked there. To bring it back: It was really nice and refreshing to see a new Slayer, protecting his own town, learning how to be a Slayer, with his own watcher. Was a bit of a back to the roots.

What I also really enjoyed was Willow in Wonderland. For one, loved the art style of that comic in particular. For another, it was... really interesting? Willow on a one woman journey, trying to restore magic, while actually learning a lot about herself and also snake girlfriend returns? Sign me up. Could have done without the surprise twist toward the end about Rack though. Please, comics, stop bringing dead bad guys back that I never wanted to see again, I beg you.

The finale didn’t... I don’t know... it felt like it was overcompensating, to be honest?

The whole season was quite down to Earth - Buffy working a day job, struggling with that and with rent, going through a personal emotional crisis, that was all very much reflective of s5, seeing the cops try to integrate into this world, new members joining the gang, it felt much more grounded. And then we have a sudden new apocalypse because the evil Slayer teamed up with the siphon and also Xander betrays Buffy for a hot sec because why not and all hell breaks loose, including the demon that first created vampires. The stakes went up a little too high at the end, for my taste, if I compare just how incredibly low-stake and slow-paced this season had been until the final arc.

Generally, I really hated Xander’s writing this season. His constantly rising temper was so... genuinely uncomfortable to watch for me? Having him raise his voice at Dawn, punch walls in anger when she doesn’t immediately obey, slap things out of her hand when her coughing annoys him, yell at her about things. He’s been written like an abusive partner throughout this season and I have so many red flags and alarm bells going off in my head about it. I kept thinking that something magical must have influenced him, but... no? It was just... that he had pent-up anger? And apparently some PTSD or something about everything, I guess? But that’s... that’s really not good reasons for his bevaior toward his girlfriend and all I could think of was the fake vision from Xander and Anya’s wedding and how fake Xander had acted toward her in that. Because that is the Xander he is becoming right now. And I don’t like it. I really hope they backpedal on that one next season.

[dontwarnthetadpoles]

I Robot, You Jane is not a bad episode in my view, i don't mind rewatching it while some better episodes of s1 like The Pack and Angel are more difficult to rewatch for me (for different reasons).

I'm fond of it because it's the episode that made me realize, despite knowing she was my favourite, how much i cared about Willow (when she was kidnapped, i was seriously afraid that she could be killed, that the show could already sacrifice her for shock value), and how much i needed to see her in a relationship with a guy who would be really into her (it's the exact time when i stopped shipping her with Xander, though usually i support strongly the love interests of my heroines when they have one). I realized i wanted for her a guy who can act fiercely protective of her, something very different of Malcom/Moloch's possessiveness, and yet as strong and intense as the feelings that he seemed to have for her when he was in his delusion and tried to keep Buffy away from her.

My only frustration with the writing is that Malcom was not a real boy but a repulsive demon. The writers should have made the effort to give him a deceiving appearance, if only to avoid the humiliation that Willow endured at the end. Her last scene where she wondered what was wrong with her keeps breaking my heart no matter how many times i watch it.

I saw your review for Wild at Heart and enjoyed it a lot. I'm keeping it in safe place while searching for the right gifs to reblog with your meta (I like to reblog at the same time the meta and the gifs to which I can associate them).

Edit: I did a list of my favourites Willow episodes for each season and i didn't even realized it! Weel, at least it's consistent with my obsession for her....

FAVOURITE BTVS EPISODE FOR EVERY SEASON

Season 1: Nightmares

Season 2: Becoming (Part 1)

Season 3: Doppelgängland

Season 4: Restless

Season 5: Family

Season 6: Once More, With Feeling

Season 7: Conversations With Dead People

Yours?

[zalrb]

sorry! i was the anon who asked bout xander and willow....i forgot to explain why....

well i don't condone cheating at all, i just want to know if you think it was understandable since willow liked xander for so long despite of ozwillow being the sweetest thing ever.

and as for their chemistry....i actually just started btvs (i knew bout ozwillow before i satrted watching the show since i saw it on your blog and only realized it was from btvs when i saw willow on the screen lol) and i don't exactly see a charged romantic pulse or sexual tension yet. i believe they have nice platonic chemistry cos i love their vibe like how they play around one another but still care for each other very much. i love the scene in which xander says "nobody hurts my willow" and willow even knows his heart rate and they both get very worried and protective over one another like when xander crushes on that teacher who was a giant preying mantis or when xander gets super iffy about "malcolm"

i also like the cute hugs and connection in their friendship. (however, i do think xander is a bit of an arse. moreover, the stuff he did when the hyena possessed his soul was just.....disturbing.) do you also think they have good platonic chemistry?

anyway my main question is, when you saw it, did you get a vibe that their friendship could transcend into a relationship? or did you only think that they have platonic chemistry...

i am so sorry that this is so messily explained and it is not exactly precise. i am pretty new to tv shows and on screen chemistry...

Hi, anon! Thank you for this, not messily explained at all :)

I’ll start with Willow and Xander’s chemistry. One of the reasons why BTVS stands the test of the time and why I talk about it so much is that for the most part, and especially in seasons 1-3, everyone had the exact right chemistry with each other, everyone worked incredibly well together. I say this because Alyson and Nick do have non-platonic chemistry, and I was surprised because you don’t see it until you’re meant to see it, which is literally the moment they cheat. Although I think you see a glimpse of it in When She Was Bad

But Nick and Alyson are very fluid because it starts super friendly

and then they change and then they dance and it’s like a flip has been switched which is what happens narratively, they put on a dress and a suit and are like whoaaaa and are drawn together

and I see them being drawn and then their kisses are like, good deep kisses

There’s the scene where they can’t help but kiss in the library and I get that because look at that kiss

he starts off by rubbing her temples and she tells him to stop but the moment he does, she grabs him by the face and their attraction is supposed to be this kind of chemical thing and I think they did it well

And when they have to play a dark vampire couple, I mean it’s like they relish it

and I mean, I speak about BTVS friendships all the time, if you want something more in depth, there are posts in the SE masterlist under TVD friendships, but they absolutely had I’ve-known-you-forever-you’re-my-best-friend chemistry

it all works.

In terms of their storyline, I understood it.  Willow had been in love with Xander since they were kids and the show is really good at portraying this crush as something that was kind of second-nature for her to have by the point we meet everyone

like when Xander’s love spell goes wrong and all the women in Sunnydale are infatuated with him, first of all Oz punches him because Willow is crying over Xander

second of all, Willow can’t even speak to him after that because she was already in love with him and then he did this

and Xander deeply loves Willow like a friend and it’s genuine

like my favourite Willow and Xander moment, Willow isn’t even physically there, he’s had enough of Buffy’s “issues” and is like

plus I love the moment between them in Inca Mummy Girl when Ampata is going to suck the life out of Willow and Xander’s just not having it, even though it’s an episode that sort of shows Willow’s romantic feelings getting trampled on

(and hope because of Oz’s ‘who IS that girl???’) we also see that Xander loves Willow and when it comes down to it, he will always choose her

but Xander is also a typical boy so he wants Willow when he realizes someone else actually finds her attractive and actually wants to be with her,

that’s when he’s like omg, you’re a girl and you’re pretty!

Like he literally makes out with Cordelia and whines about Willow and Oz while they’re kissing

so I don’t blame Willow for giving in and being “weak” despite the fact that she’s with Oz and loves Oz because even if she had moved on, a part of her had been waiting for this for forever and it’s finally happening so these things combined with the fact that I actually believed their chemistry once it turns lusty makes the narrative make sense to me even if I hate Willow cheating on Oz.

[replicantdeviancy]

Outline:

Connor E. Arkeit (26yo) is a homicide detective for the Detroit Police, Central Precinct, in downtown Detroit. He has been working with the DPD for four years, experience outside of the academy of two years as an officer before receiving a promotion into the detective position in Homicide, where he has a further two years experience. Before joining the force Connor attended college at Michigan State where he had a double major in forensics & criminal psychology. He graduated summa cum laude along with his two brothers. Within the DPD Connor quickly made a name for himself, not only in regards to his appearance & magnetic, charming personality, but with his work performance. To date, his case record stands at seven assigned cases solved, thirteen cold cases solved; solving cold cases has become something of a hobby for himself & his brothers in their free time.

Skills:

Connor has expressed a certain skill level for making seemingly impossible connections through evidence that help solve his cases. The gift of imagination coupled with his extremely proficient sense of observation builds the underlining structure of in depth reconstructions of scenes & incidents, & he has the ability to run through those reconstructions within his minds eye. (Connor used to place himself into the point of view of the perpetrator in order to better understand them in a psychological profiling, but after the Zlatko case he no longer does.) In Connor’s imagination he is the unseen observer to the crime, watching it unfold either in pieces or as a collective in order to fully understand what happened. Note: Because of his observant capacity he is often able to predict events with a strong level of accuracy, aiding him in planning & execution of close quarters combat & defense.

Due to his mental condition, Connor is an extremely proficient tactician, using psychological & emotional manipulation both in his work as well as occasionally in civilian life. He has been known to leave those he is tasked with interrogating in a disturbed state of being in extreme cases, though more often than not his tactics are standard police interrogation techniques. He is a calm & collected negotiator who can bury emotional instability under pressure in order to accomplish his task. Connor has learned from many years of conscious practice to use his mental dysfunctions as a tool rather than a detriment, & while he can be incredibly empathetic & warm he also has the ability to shut his emotions off completely if it is necessary. He can lie without any indication save for the involuntary dilation of pupils, keeping his pulse steady & breath shallow.

His proficiency with weaponry & martial arts is impeccable, though he would claim he is still learning. His accuracy with firearms is upwards of 97% (conditions do apply) & he has proven a capable sniper. Close quarters combat is where he thrives & his dulled sense of pain helps mask the damage he might suffer. While not notably strong physically, Connor is very fast & agile, & he shows a talent for improvisation. He can be brutal if necessary. Around the office, the team gave him nicknames like ‘Bloodhound’ or ‘Plastic prick’ just to razz him, making him part of the group of older, more seasoned police officers. Criminals on the streets call him the Deviant Hunter.

Notable Case:

A hostage situation following a murder of John Phillips on Aug 15th, involving a housemaid turned hostile after discovering he was going to be dismissed in favor of a replacement. (Evidence suggested there may have been romantic involvement between the suspect & the victim.) The daughter, Emma, was taken hostage by the housemaid, Daniel, & threatened with her fathers handgun at the edge of the high-rise balcony. SWAT was called in but with Daniel being so close to the edge of the building it was decided that a negotiator should come in to handle the situation. Connor was called onto the scene, arriving at 08:29PM, where he took the time to profile the suspect before engaging in negotiations. Connor managed to lull Daniel into a sense of security enough to feel assured he would walk out of the situation unharmed, though in cuffs. He released Emma & was taken down by SWAT snipers.

It should be noted Connor was left with a thick scar on his shoulder from a gunshot where the deltoid muscle peaks. In a fit of confusion & panic Daniel fired a single shot at Connor, having initially believed he was Xander, Connor’s younger brother, who was at the scene with his SWAT team that evening.

Sidenote: It was the triplet’s birthday.

Zlatko Andronikov was a suspect in a large scale underground human trafficking ring in Detroit & was under investigation for multiple cases of murders in the area. A raid on his home in the historical district on Nov 6th uncovered a far deeper sinisterness to Zlatko than ever imagined. Beneath the mansion were cages where Zlatko kept some of his ‘experimental art’ - the ones who survived their transformations. People turned into mere flesh barely living, yet still breathing, tortured & disfigured beyond recognition as truly human. Most did not live beyond a few days after rescue, to which most believed was best. Zlatko was killed by a houseman he had manipulated into servitude & Connor was tasked with a profile on Zlatko in order to aid the court proceedings for Luther, in order to reduce his own sentencing for his employer’s death & for accessory charges.

This case broke Connor psychologically & he was forced to spend time on leave to recover from the traumatic experience of inserting himself into Zlatko Andronikov’s head on a psychological level.

Psychology:

Connor, like his brothers, has been diagnosed with moderate high functioning antisocial personality disorder. It is because of this condition he is able to act in ways & in situations people may find uncomfortable, callous or almost impossible. He carries out his objectives without compromise lest the involvement of his partner might somehow compromise the situation. He has been shot protecting his partner, Lt. Hank Anderson, & has killed to defend him in the line of duty. Connor finds difficulty in attaching any kind of emotions to those he has not become close with, & his outward demeanor is more superficial than completely genuine. He is friendly, sociable & very kind, but mostly out of necessity to make work & life easier. He shows concern for others not on his behalf, but on the behalf of those he does care for who might feel sincerely for another. He does not feel guilty for any cruel or damning actions performed in the line of duty, only feeling remorse if he manages to upset someone he feels genuinely for. He lies, is very manipulative & has a tendency to flirt with people, men & women, in order to obtain something he wants with relative ease. He may also flirt in response to another’s flirtations, amusing himself by playing with them a little before moving on.

On the other side of the spectrum, when he does manage to attach an emotional connection to someone he cares deeply, almost manically. His desire to protect & see those he loves well is near insatiable & he has been known to use those same manipulative tactics on people closest to him, though with sincere intentions for their wellbeing. He does not & will not attempt to isolate people from others, insert himself into situations for attention, or harm them in any way, especially psychologically. If he loves, it is completely. He will also never lie to a loved one on any important matter, or really any matter at all.

Though it is very well hidden most of the time, Connor has anxiety & depression, though his depressive moods are few & far between. His anxiety, however, is in constant contention with his numb state of being & only in rare cases will it ever come to light. Nervous fidgeting, such as with pocket change or stress-grooming, are commonplace, though he is not prone to panic unless someone he loves is in danger or his objective is dangerously close to failure.

Involvement:

Silent Hill - A fog loomed over him, not merely over his body but over his mind like a blanket, cool & soft, beckoning him into the darkness. Connor found himself in an unfamiliar place, in a state of utter deprivation, bewildered yet too fatigued to do anything about it. It was not a fatigue of the body, but of the mind which was so powerful it stole all strength from his body & he could not move himself. He didn’t know why this town stole him away, but he knew he would either become a sacrifice for God or repent for his past mistakes.

Resident Evil - Full outline HERE.

Hannibal/Silence of the Lambs - In pursuit of the Chesapeake Ripper, the team under Jack Crawford of the FBI grew needy for assistance as Crawford became further concerned that his specialized profiler, Will Graham, had been compromised psychologically & feared breaking him. Through his resources Crawford touched base with Detroit PD’s director of criminal psychology, Amanda Stern, who suggested her own protégé Connor Arkeit as a worthy successor. As such, Connor was assigned to work with FBI & transported temporarily to Quantico. There he was directed to work with Graham & learn what he could, ready to take over should there be a need for it. Instead he learned to completely harmonize with his partner, after realizing they both possess the same gifts of imagination & reconstruction. However, he realized Will could not turn off his empathy, & slowly Connor began to take on more & more in his role as profiler, both using Will for information & protecting him from further psychological trauma with mixed results.

Marvel 616/Netflix - Many months after the incident in New York when the world learned that extraordinary heroes walked among them & villainy came not only from the furthest reaches of the globe, but from beyond the stars. After the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen helped expose the corruption within the city & FBI filtered out the turncoats within the NYPD, New York was in dire need for replacements. The Arkeit siblings volunteered for a temporary transfer to help clean up the city & maintain order. Having grown up so close to the city limits of Detroit & fully immersing themselves into it’s culture, darkness & light, the trio believed they would be fit to handle the task. On a more personal note, the boys were highly intrigued by the tales of super heroes & vigilantes, & the exploits of organized crime within Hell’s Kitchen. Connor was intent on learning all that he could, against the warnings of his siblings that he might get in over his head.

[revchainsaw]

Buffy: the Vampire Slayer (1997)

Season 1

Hello and Welcome back my creepy congregation! We will be taking todays service from the Big Screen into your living room for our first Personal Devotional. That's Right! We're reviewing full seasons of television series now and what better way to bring the spirit of the genre film to the idiots lantern that with the 90s Television sensation and all around love letter to the horror genre, Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

The Message

Regardless of how one may feel about Mr. Whedon we can't deny how much we love Buffy Summers and the Kids who live and die in Sunnydale! Season one of Buffy was a spin off/reboot of the earlier film and an attempt by Whedon to course correct the franchise by breathing a little charm and attention into the subject matter.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Season 1) focuses on Buffy Summers, a not so typical California high school student who, due to the events of the movie, has been relocated to Sunnydale High. Buffy is not just a cute, athletic, teenage girl looking to enjoy the prime of her life, though she is those things, she is also the Slayer, an anointed warrior who has been reincarnated throughout the generations to protect our vulnerable weak human world from the forces of evil; particularly Vampires. Buffy is a sort of supernatural Captain America, that is a peak human being, but instead of Nazi Science she was born with her powers.

Joining Buffy are; High School outcasts Willow and Xander (a nerd and a nice guy respectively), The ridiculously sexy librarian Rupert Giles (her mentor, guardian, high school librarian, and all around precious papa bear), Jenny Calendar (a technopagan computer teacher armed with all the mystery an ignorant 90s boomer could attribute to the internet), Angel (Spoiler: He's a Vampire, but he's a good guy. A hunky, broody, good guy vampire love interest), and her loving but entirely oblivious mother. The Scoobies as they have come to be called aid Buffy in her quest to protect Sunnydale from Dark Forces.

And Speaking of those Dark Forces, they are primarily vampires, led by the Master; an ancient vampire who resembles to some degree Nosferatu and a Bat, a look that Guillermo Del Toro would later perfect in his own series the Strain. The Master seeks to fulfill an ancient prophecy that would open the Hellmouth (a portal to hell, exactly what it sounds like) and free him in order that he and his kind should conquer the world.

The first season is fairly short consisting of the following adventures.

1. Welcome to the Hellmouth - Buffy moves to Sunnydale seeking to leave her Vampire ways behind, but the vampires just won't let her catch a break.

2. The Harvest - Vampire Shenanigans continues. Buffy learns of the Master.

3. Witch - A fellow Cheerleader is possessed by her witchy mom.

4. Teachers Pet - Buffy vs Giant Mantis

5. Never Kill a Boy on the First Date - Buffy vs the Anointed One (Not Really)

6. The Pack - Buffy vs Hyena Possessed High School Bullies

7. Angel - Buffy vs Angel but actually Darla

8. I, Robot ... you, Jane - Buffy vs Internet Demon

9. The Puppet Show - Buffy and Sid the Dummy vs Organ Harvesting Demon

10. Nightmares - Buffy has bad dreams

11. Out of Mind, Out of Sight - Buffy vs Invisible Nerd

12. Prophecy Girl - Buffy vs The Master (also Buffy Dies)

Overall the short season, while not allowing for too much world building, kept the show to a format that allowed very little filler. So although we mostly only get vampires as villains, we don't have enough time to really be bored of it. Some of the shows dynamics and cultural concerns definitely date the series but overall Season 1 of Buffy is definitely not a difficult watch, and can be enjoyed over and over again.

Let's get to the Benediction:

Best Character: Slay Girl, Slay!

As far as season one goes the titular Buffy Summers is the best character. Sarah Michelle Gellar is absolutely charismatic in the lead role and though at times she may seem selfish or reckless it makes perfect sense for the character. The character is allowed to be weak, to be selfish, and to be unlikeable. She avoids the foibles of a Luke Skywalker or a Harry Potter. She joins the ranks of primary protagonists who are not constantly outshined by their supporting cast. I believe when Buffy is sad, I believe when she throws a punch, I believe she struggles with her destiny. The only thing I don't believe is how ditsy she let's on.

Best Actor: Head's Up!

Anthony Stewart Head. Head as Giles is just fantastic. His balance of frustration with Buffy and genuinely parental concern is heartwarming and absolutely makes Giles one of the warmest father figures in television history.

Best Episode: A 'Master'ful Finale

It all builds up to Prophecy Girl and for good reason. Television shows often have mini-finale's at the end of their first seasons because the teams behind the series are not sure they will have a chance to tell more of their story. For that reason you can see just the first season of most television series and feel like you've heard the whole deal. I wish this habit was kept up in other seasons as we wouldn't still be wondering what the hell happened to Joel at the end of the Santa Clarita Diet. Buffy is no exception to this phenomenon and therefor attempted to tie up much of it's narrative in Prophecy Girl. While that often means big bads will be dispatched, I think it's a small price to pay for not winding up in a cliff hanger. Buffy and Giles just shine in this episode, Angel is given a more heroic role, Willow finally values herself as she should and Xander stops being a fucking horrible human being for once. This episode really satisfies in all areas.

Best Villain: Sweet, Sweetheart Killer

It's such a shame that Darla was killed so early on in the franchise. She is such a great presence on the screen that she overshadows all the villains that play alongside her, even the Master. I would have loved to have seen an alternate season where she offs the old coot and assumes the role of big bad much like Spike does in Season 2. Lucky for everyone that Darla is featured throughout the show in flashbacks and I hear she is even resurrected in Angel. Also, for Scott Pilgrim fans I feel like she and Envy Adams are very much sympatico. Maybe if they reboot Buffy all my dreams will come true.

I'd also like to take this time to recommend the song Angels and Darlas by Say Hi! It's pretty good.

Best Monster Design: Internet Troll!

While I can't speak for where the money in Season 1 of Buffy went, I can say that at least some decent cash was spent on both the forms of Moloch the Corruptor from the Episode "I, Robot ... You, Jane". Moloch was pretty wicked looking as a machine toward the end of the episode, he looked like a Mortal Kombat villain, but it's the green scales and ram horns the actor is sporting at the beginning of the episode that really catches the eye. In fact, I'm feeling compelled to hunt down any Moloch the Corruptor merch that may be out there on the internet. It's certainly no mystery why the demon's face is featured prominently in the theme song. It just looks great! Good job to the make up department there.

Most WTF moment: "Pack"s a Punch on Principle

While not the greatest episode in season one "the Pack" is certainly worth the watch if for no other reason than the horror is kicked up when a group of high school students under the influence of a malevolent Hyena God, decide that the School Mascot is not enough to satisfy their bloodlust turn on the principal, and yes, THEY EAT HIM. I remember being completely caught of guard the first time I saw that scene, and it kickstarted the running gag of Sunnydale high principles meeting their demise in horrific ways.

Worst Character: No More Mr. Nice Guy

When I was in college I often felt bad for Xander. The funny guy who just had no luck with women. He was sarcastic but had a big heart, and used a horny gimmick to mask his loneliness, or so I thought. But now I am older, I am wiser, I have known the touch of another human being and I have to say that Xander Harris is a really scummy fellow. I don't remember thinking so poorly and I wonder if the character develops a more nuanced view of women as the show goes on. As it stands there's barely a point in the series that Xander does not view the female cast as objects for him to enjoy or be embittered towards for one reason or another. It's not charming, it's foul. Xander Harris of season one is absolutely a terrorist attack waiting to happen, if Buffy had happened today it would be much more concerning to see someone so embittered, horny, and entitled to womens time and energy as Xander Harris. Dude is one step away from pulling an Elliot Rogers. Calm down buddy and maybe actually listen to a woman and you may find you aren't as much of a 'nice guy' as you think.

Worst Episode(s): If you're not first ...

It's a toss up on this one. Season One of Buffy is actually so short and concise that the 'Monster of the Week' episodes will have to be up for grabs as the worst episode by default, but even they are pretty watchable and don't warrant the vitriol a "worst" dub usually entails. I'd say there is not a worst episode of season one, just some episodes that aren't as good as the rest. In that vain, take your pick from "Witch", "Out of Mind, Out of Sight", or "The Puppet Show". However, I'd be doing a disservice to those episodes not to mention that each one of them takes what could just be a basic Buffy Vs (insert Villain), and does something unique and interesting with the idea. The villain of "Witch" actually turns out to be a has been cheerleader actually possessing the body of her innocent daughter to relive her glory years, The Invisible Girl is actually the victim of social cruelty, her peers disinterest in her manifesting in her condition becoming quite literal and she is picked up by the military in the end, then the Puppet show, well, it's just about the stupidest most absurd thing that could possibly happen and it's completely unafraid of that fact.

Summary:

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Season 1) is not the most groundbreaking TV, but it is absolutely evident why the show was such a phenomenon. Season 1 is particularly rewatchable. It does not demand too much investment or attention, but it will get it from you, especially on a first viewing. It's not afraid to take itself absolutely seriously or to plant it's tongue firmly in it's cheeks. It is to a degree a product of it's time, but in many other aspects feels timeless.

Overall Grade: B