#theharshlightofday

[buffster]

The Harsh Light of Day (BTVS 4.03)

This is part of my ongoing Buffyverse Project, where I write notes/meta for every episode in an attempt to better understand the characters and themes of the shows. You can find the BTVS list here and the ATS list here. Gifs are not mine.

The Harsh Light of Day is titled both for the Gem of Amarra Spike seeks (that allows him to walk in sunlight) and a nod to Buffy waking up from her night with Parker and seeing who he really is.

Willow: You know what else I love about college? How when the professor comes in, the class gets all quiet.

Buffy: Oh I hate that. I'm always like, what? Did something scary come in? Do I have to kill it?

For some reason I really loved the above exchange. It show’s Willow’s mindset of loving the seriousness of college and Buffy’s constantly wondering when she’s going to have to jump into slayer mode. There’s a little moment of continuity when Willow runs into Harmony and they chat as they said they should in Graduation Day. The twist is that Harmony is a vampire now. She actually manages to nick Willow before Oz comes to the rescue. 

I’m happy to finally talk about Parker and Buffy. Buffy’s first post-Angel experience had to be difficult for the writers. Buffy was still too in love with Angel to have a serious relationship but too traumatized from her first sexual experience to be casual about the second. I think where they went wrong was making Parker a manipulative asshole. It’s clear while watching their interactions that Buffy is throwing herself into this with a little too much enthusiasm. She’s making Parker her rebound (she admits this at the end of the episode...that all she was thinking was, “Look how over Angel I am!”). It would have been better if Parker was genuinely nice but just not looking for anything serious and Buffy willfully ignored those signs in her eagerness to move on. That puts the focus on Buffy’s difficultly moving on from Angel rather than punishing her for having sex. And I don’t think we needed another example of a guy changing. Angelus had us set for life.

Anya returns to Sunnydale because she can’t seem to get over Xander and keeps fantasizing about him. She logically explains that she wants to have sexual intercourse so she can move on. They sleep together (Xander mentions she’s more romantic than Faith) but Anya still isn’t over him. She’s not at all turned off by the man-child aspects of Xander’s life (living in his parent’s basement, doing his mom’s laundry, etc). 

Buffy: I thought Spike and Dru were a forever kind of deal, didn't you? Where’s the commitment?

Giles: I'm disillusioned. I shall never love again.

I plan to expand on this more in my meta about human-turned-vampire personalities (focused mainly on Angelus vs. Spike) but I love how Spike’s evil in the show is almost always characterized by his treatment of women. He’s committing evil because he’s obsessed with a woman, he’s committing evil by treating women like crap, etc. William and Spike are all about their relationship to women. Harmony gets under Spike’s skin because she makes him look weak in front of the other vampires with her pet nicknames (in fairness, she also never shuts up). There’s definitely some domestic abuse parallels here where she wonders why she lets him treat her this way. I understand criticisms I’ve seen where the abuse is treated as a joke and we’re made to sympathize with Spike.

This is one of the first episodes in which we see the chemistry between Buffy and Spike (more pronounced here than in Becoming). Parker even thinks they dated once and I can see why as they trade insults about the other’s partner. Spike also chooses to come after Buffy after gaining the Gem of Amarra, which was an odd choice. You’re the most powerful vampire in the world and can finally walk in the day and you want...to chase the one person who can stop you? He’s already obsessed with Buffy. 

Buffy: To me, a lot of the time, it feels like stuff's just coming at me, you know, and I'm reacting as fast as I can, just trying to keep going. Just-- just trying to be on my feet before the next thing hits.

I thought this was an important line for Buffy in setting up for her eventual weariness at life and depression. By the end of season five she is just so tired. Death seemed like a relief for her. 

After waiting days for Parker to call, Buffy finally runs into him using familiar lines on another girl. The first time she had sex she was mocked for being too inexperienced, this time she’s mocked for being too experienced. Women can’t win. She’s just been hit with the emotional trauma of this when Spike attacks.

Spike: So, you let Parker take a poke, eh? Didn't seem like you knew each other that well. What exactly did it take to pry apart the Slayer's dimpled knees? Did he play the sensitive lad and get you to seduce him? Good trick if the girl's thick enough to buy it. Wonder what you did wrong. Too strong? Did you bruise the boy? Whatever, guess you're not worth a second go. Come to think of it, seems like someone told me as much. Who was that? Oh, yeah. Angel.

Spike’s speech to Buffy seems to be wearing her down until he mentions Angel. I think the mention of him reminded her of all she’s overcome before and Parker is kind of small potatoes in comparison. She takes the Gem and decides to send it to Angel via Oz. 

Willow and Buffy get a nice friendship moment when Buffy tries to cling to the idea of Parker and Willow reminds her he’s a poophead. What are friends for? Still, Buffy has only been burned by sex thus far and she will be again before the show ends. Ugh.

I always laugh at the ending of the episode. We get dramatic shots of Anya, Harmony, and Buffy all walking sadly before realizing they’re feet from each other and not noticing. 

Character Notes:

Parker Abrams: Is your dad even really dead, Parker? I trust nothing about you anymore. He says he declared pre-med but changed to history.

Xander Harris: He’s working for Giles for extra money.

Harmony Kendall: She briefly dated Devon, lead singer of Dingoes Ate My Baby. But she was too flaky for him. She refers to Drusilla as Dorcas (and here we Tumblr uses thought we invented the practice of incorrectly naming someone we don’t like). 

Rupert Giles: The gang is disappointed in him for having a TV. 

Daniel Osbourne: He envies Giles’ record collection. Especially Loaded by The Velvet Underground.

[rahirah]

Buffy: Billy! Billy: I'm sorry, I can't help it. Buffy: Who is he? Billy: He's the Ugly Man. Buffy: He's too strong! I can't fight him! We have to find my friends. They can help us. Billy: We have to hide. Buffy: No! He'll find us! Billy: Yes, but we have to hide. That's how it happens. We hide, and then he comes.

~~Buffy Episode #10: "Nightmares"~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Cat Crisis (Xander, T, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure xover) by madimpossibledreamer

Doesn't Matter What (Joyce, T, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure xover) by madimpossibledreamer

Grateful (Giles/Joyce, T) by cmk418

Nattens Stillhet (Jenny/Giles, T) by Nooty

Degrees of Guilt (Angel & Kate, T) by Min Daae (Lise)

Home, Where the Heart Is (Angel/Cordelia, T) by Min Daae (Lise)

Holy God, You're Willow (Ensemble, T) by punch_kicker15

Position of Authority (Buffy, T) by batzulger

[Chaptered Fiction]

Conversations With Dead People Ch. 1 (Dawn, T, LotR xover) by Grundy

Lying in a Buried Tower, Chapter 1 (Buffy/Spike, T) by Dandeleon

Closer and Closer, Chapter 7-8 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Grief Counseling

Chosen One, Chapter 21 (Buffy/Spike, E) by all_choseny

All Quiet on the Summers Front, Chapter 8 (Buffy/Spike, T) by lex_hex

The Fairytale, Chapter 13 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Dusty

Milkshakes & Motorcycles, Chapter 18 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Grief Counseling

Unfavorable Odds, Chapter 10 (Buffy/Spike, M) by bookishy

All But One, Chapter 20 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Jws1993

Aprés, Chapter 5 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Ninereeds

Fighting with Family Ch. 13 (Buffy, G, Stargate xover) by Buffyworldbuilder

Wood it Work Ch. 23 (Willow, Xander, Jesse, T) by dogbertcarroll

They use kittens for a reason... Ch. 60 (Xander, E, multiple xovers) by CrazyDan

Death's Champions (Faith, M, Harry Potter xover) by Khatix

Meddling in the Affairs of Phantom Menaces Ch. 7 (Faith, Andrew, Xander, T, Star Wars xover) by Cuautla

Chapter nine of The Ring Talks (Buffy/Spike, E) by Myrabeth

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork:Spike and Faith () by VampCorpUK

Artwork:BtVS Tarot Cards () by bramcrackerswrites

Artwork:Angel Icons () by slayer-pride-parade

Artwork:BTVS “Every Outfit” “Becoming” part 1 Xx () by whatshisfaceblogs

Artwork:BTVS “Every Outfit” “Go Fish” Xx () by whatshisfaceblogs

Artwork:Spike, Buffy & Drusilla () by thegothicalice

[Reviews & Recaps]

PUBLICATION: Buffy Season 2 Episode 22 by Nicole Bartlett, Problematic Faves

[Community Announcements]

Buffy 25th Anniversary Challenge by Twisting the Hellmouth

[Fandom Discussions]

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You know what I don’t get about Buffy season 11 and 12? by oveliagirlhaditright

I’ll admit that I hadn’t thought strongly in-depth about Drusilla before this project by herinsectreflection

30 Days of Buffy Challenge Day 28 - 1st Episode You Remeber Watching: The Harvest by ex-vengeancedemon

30 Days of Buffy Challenge Day 21 - Favorite Xander Quote by theharshlightofday

Season six Tara & Faith besties, fuffy fic idea by restlesshush

this watcher saying to giles “you’re a watcher, you’ve always sent slayers to their deaths” by summrsbuffy

I wonder if Buffy will show up in Angel 2022 at all. by oveliagirlhaditright

Angel's development and Buffy by Paulrina

Drop your unpopular(controversial) opinions by Paulrina

What do you think about Angel's character in general? by Paulrina

Did anyone else thinks Caleb should be the big bad on Season 7 instead of First Evil by Paulrina

How Buffy is considered only chosen one by Paulrina

Where does Buffy get her money? by Obiwan_Swanson

If angel got 10 seasons what other supernatural stories or arcs that you would want the show to tell by xisnext

Who is your favorite one episode character? by Few_Artist8482

Who are you glad left/died during the show? by Relevant-Mission27

Angel the flighty vampire by Soft_Grape1928

What is something that annoys you about the show? by Relevant-Mission27

Question about Buffy's S5 death & onward by theredmolly

Just finished watching Angel for the first time by Deesagan

A tribute to Winifred Burkle, and why she stops short of greatness by iacobusleo

What happened to faith after the show. by Echo-knight64

Who do you wish didn't leave Buffy? by Ainsabell

Anyone else feel like Amber Benson was screwed over a bit? by CuriousHedgehog636

What happened with Drusilla? by Richar_16

Neurodivergent Buffy fans, any major moments in the show that made you think by kobirex

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[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Wednesday, March 23 – Thursday, March 24

TARA: (laughing) God, and this was *after* the invisible ray? WILLOW: Yep. TARA: Okay, I'm gone for a couple of months- WILLOW: Oh, did I tell you about the demon eggs? TARA: See, now, now I know you're just trying to make me jealous. WILLOW: (grinning) So, what, no rollicking adventures in the dorms? TARA: (quieter) Mm, it's not the same. It's not like living with a house full of family, or sharing a room with someone you... WILLOW: ...are friends with?

~~Entropy~~

The Sunnydale Herald is still looking for at least one new editor. Contributing to the Herald is a great way to get your Buffy on! Find out more here.

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

One Perfect Moment (Buffy/Angel, PG) by badly_knitted

Stop the Clock (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure AU, Joyce, Teen) by madimpossibledreamer

May, October (Faith&Buffy, not rated) by HatterRed

Alex(Xander) (Xander, T) by ThatOneAnnoyingFox

Arranging the Matches (Spike/Buffy, T) by sandy_s

Joss100 - Spike/Dawn (Spike/Dawn, G) crossposted by tealeaves

Badass (Spike/Buffy, R) by EllieRose101

[Chaptered Fiction]

Aprés, Chapter 9 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Ninereeds

Chosen One, Chapter 23 (Spike/Buffy, R) by all_choseny

Closer and Closer, Chapter 21-22 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Grief Counseling

Deadly Denial, Chapter 4 (Spike/Buffy, Adult Only) by Jws1993

Deeper than Blood, Chapter 16 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Blackmysteria

Just Forget the World, Chapter 1-4 (Spike/Buffy, R) by scratchmeout. COMPLETE!

Le chemin de la destinée, du courage, et la force de ses convictions, les chemins de son cœur.... Le commencement, Chapter 53 (Spike/Buffy, Adult Only, in French) by Violette-Milka

A Letter from the Grave, Chapter 4-5 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Grief Counseling

Mortal Allies Series, Episode 5: War and Roses, Chapter 7 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Passion4Spike

Unforgivable, Chapter 5 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Jws1993

Use It or Lose It, Chapter 16 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Dynamite

Why Are There 26 Letters?, Chapter 5 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Indi_Shaw

Out of Time: 1942, Chapter 25 (crossover with "Harry Potter", Buffy/Tom Riddle, FR18) by Jonayla

The Flerken whisperer, Chapter 9 (crossover with Marvel comics, Xander/Buffy, FR18) by CrazyDan

The World is Small, The Universe is Huge, Chapter 32 (crossover with Avengers, FR18) by Hermionetobe

Last Days of May, Chapter 6 (Buffy/Spike, T) by Myrabeth

[Images, Audio & Video]

Gifset: Buffy Summers character profile (worksafe) by villanselle

Gifset: Spuffy by the season: season 6 (NSFW) by spuffygifs

Artwork: Lorne, 16 minutes (worksafe) by but-theres-wolves

Artwork: Tara enjoying some sun (worksafe) by rebelprintinganddrawing

Artwork: Buffy, Spike, and Kitty Spike (worksafe) by stariras and stariras' girlfriend

Artwork: Buffy, by Me, ballpoint pens, 2021 (worksafe) by Miss_enotova

Artwork: I recently watched the whole series and had to draw all of the main characters (Willow, Giles, Spike, Tara, Anya, Xander, Cordelia, Drusilla, Angel, Buffy, worksafe) by MagdaCadabra

Cosplay: "Buffy"-inspired outfits (Scoobies, worksafe) by minoriti

[Reviews & Recaps]

[Boom Studios don't understand Angel] by oveliagirlhaditright

my notes for school hard btvs 2x03 by vamperbuffy

A key reason as to why “Buffy” works as a show is because she is a reluctant hero by buffysummers

Favorite OMWF song: Rest in Peace by frankierose

Favorite season finale: Two to Go/Grave by theharshlightofday

What is your favorite storyline on BtVs? Why? by crazy chicklet

Episode battle: Nightmares vs Fear, Itself by Stoney

Poll: Favourite time Giles got knocked out! by Stoney and others

What did you think about the characterisation of Angelus in season 4? by LightBlueSky55

I'm pretty sure the writers had not thought about Giles' backstory at all in season 1, and had no idea about his Ripper past yet... by National_Walrus_9903

PODCAST: Pop Culture Role Call - Two-Ton Smoosh - Angel S02E04 - Untouched

PODCAST: Angel on Top 4.09 Long Day's Journey

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[Community Announcements]

Poll: 25th Anniversary top 20 [episodes for a rewatch] - Part 6! by BPD-and-Lipstick

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[Fandom Discussions]

Favorite Rupert Giles Quote by frankierose

Angel telling Buffy she wasn’t like most girls by confusedguytoo, girl4music

My Favorite Instances of Foreshadowing in Restless [ 2 / ? ] by johnaeryns

Jenny and Anya in S5 would’ve been the best thing ever by melonsmessymusings

the politics of buffy the vampire slayer are super leftist but like, by accident by comradesummers

I don’t understand people who think that BTVS should have ended with “The Gift.” by legendofnora, takaraphoenix

Favorite Spike Quote by frankierose

the name he had when he was a human being is definitely, like, angel’s dead name by july-19th-club

I hate Angelus by crazy chicklet and others

Swap Out a Scooby - S1 for later seasons (cont'd) by multiple people

25 years of Buffy - Watch Today's interview with James Marsters (cont'd) by multiple people

Into Every Generation a Slayer is Born - March 2022 release date (cont'd) by multiple people

What is your most unpopular BtVS opinion? by nrmalrckwell

Best Xander moments by ManagementCritical31

Darkest scene/moment? by ManagementCritical31

Lighter/happiest moments by chemeli888

I just don’t really get the Potentials by tierachaun

Who do you think is responsible for choosing potentials and then slayers? by LightBlueSky55

What do you suppose is the head canon regarding Graduation Day for the average Sunnydale citizen? by mbene913

I wonder how an Angel video game would've turned out by 2Legit2Cwithe and others

Buffy vs. Vampires from other shows/movies by fimbultyra

Do you think that Orlon Window being shattered had any other effects? by me1och

One Small Change, S2E16: Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered by advena_phillips

Is Giles too easily forgiven by Buffy for his betrayal in “Helpless”? by JohnnyTightlips27

Through Another's Eyes by yourlibrarian

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

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[girl4music]

@theharshlightofday

BUFFY REWATCH - S06E08 - Tabula Rasa

WILLOW: “I can fix it. I know a spell.”

TARA:

*Angrily*

“No! No more spells.”

*Xander looks from Tara to Willow, confused*

WILLOW: “Then what? This isn't something that's gonna be fixed by a video club. I know I messed up, okay, and... I wanna fix it.”

TARA: “I can't believe that we are talking about this again. You know how powerful magic is, how dangerous. You could hurt someone, you... you could hurt yourself.”

WILLOW:

*Shaking head*

“But I know a spell that will make her forget she was ever in heaven.”

TARA:

*Infuriated*

“God, what is wrong with you?!”

XANDER:

*Getting up*

“I'm gonna go get that... phone you probably don't hear. High-pitched ring, ears like a dog.”

ANYA: “I'm gonna help you with that.”

*Xander and Anya flee into the bedroom leaving Tara and Willow alone*

TARA: “Do you think I'm stupid? I know you used that spell on me.”

WILLOW: “Tara, I'm sorry, I-”

TARA: “Don't! Just... don't.

*Shakes head*

There's nothing you can say.”

WILLOW: “Tara, I didn't mean-”

TARA: “To what? Violate my mind like that? How could you, Willow? How could you after what Glory did to me?”

WILLOW: “Violate you? I... I-I didn't... mean anything like that, I-I, I just wanted us not to fight anymore. I love you.”

TARA: “If you don't wanna fight, you don't fight. You don't use magic to make a fight disappear.”

WILLOW: “But I-I just wanted to make things better. Better for us.”

TARA: “But you don't get to decide what is better for us, Will. We're in a relationship, we are supposed to decide together.”

WILLOW: “Okay. I'm... I realize I, I did it wrong.”

TARA: “You did it the way you're doing everything. When things get rough, you... you don't even consider the options. You just... you just do a spell. It's not good for you, Willow. And it's not what magic is for.”

WILLOW:

*Anxious*

“But I... I just wanna help people.”

TARA: “Maybe that's how it started, but... you're helping yourself now, fixing things to your liking. Including me.”

WILLOW: “Tara, no!”

*Tara looks away. Beat*

TARA:

*Tearfully*

“I don't think this is gonna work.”

WILLOW: “Hey. It is, i-it's working.

*Tara just looks at her, looks down*

Tara, please. I need you, baby. I need you. I don't need magic, I-I don't, I... let me prove it to you, okay? I, I will go a month without doing any magic. I won't do a single spell. I swear.”

*Tara looks at her, nods*

TARA: “Go a week. One week without magic.”

WILLOW:

*Excited*

“Fine. Fine, that's easy!”

TARA:

*Nods, not convinced*

“Go a week, and then we'll see.

*Willow's face falls*

I don't know, I just... think we both need some... I don't know, space.

*Willow looks upset*

Oh, I can't believe I'm saying this.”

WILLOW: “Are you saying you're gonna leave me?”

As odd as this episode is for how dramatic it starts off and how dramatic it ends…. It’s a welcome change of pace and palette to the dark and dull of the season so far. This one is a comedy. But it’s a comedy that comes at the cost of the heavy. Which, for this season, is appropriate as there isn’t supposed to be any lightheartedness to it. These characters are at a point where they feel nothing but chaos. Everything is overwhelming. And the intention is for the audience to feel this too. That’s what ‘Tabula Rasa’ is. An impending explosion. A building up to a cosmic bang.

Nowhere does this chaotic energy feel so potent than with Willow and Tara and this heavy conversation that takes place just after the huge shocking reveal to Tara that Willow cast a spell on her to stop them from fighting about her abuse of magic. For all the drama and chaos that occurs in Season 6 within the relationships between the characters… this is really where it starts off. With Willow and Tara. With the themes of power corruption and addiction overtaking any peace that can be had. Everything else negative that happens comes as a result of that because the true Big Bad of the season is already here and already effectively causing so much chaos for everybody. And for as much as Willow tries to convince Tara, and the audience, (and herself) that her intentions are true and justified… she’s completely out of control. She does not know how to stop herself and so the promise that she makes to Tara here is broken within the time-space of what seems like a couple of hours. She doesn’t even go a full day, never mind an entire week.

What’s striking to me with this conversation is that Tara tries to explain to Willow that the problem isn’t that she’s doing magic “wrong”, which is what Willow assumes because she believes that Tara and Giles only reprimand her for using it so much because she thinks they perceive her as being incapable of doing it. Which is not the case. It’s actually that she’s using magic as a way to avoid dealing with life’s hardships but that isn’t communicated very well until now. Particularly with the hardships Willow and Tara are having in their relationship where they seem to be constantly fighting about Willow’s dependence on magic. Willow just doesn’t want to hear any of it. It’s not only that she doesn’t understand. It’s also that she doesn’t want to understand. She doesn’t even want to try to understand. She adamantly believes she’s in control. That she can handle it. But having the capacity to handle the power of the Magicks and having an incapability for doing Magicks is not the same thing and that’s what’s not getting through to her. With her insecurities with not being good enough or special enough or valid enough… it wouldn’t. Because the way she subconsciously perceives of herself is automatically the way she thinks others perceive of her. That she’s incompetent. That she will only mess up. That she will get it “wrong”. But that’s not the issue - and it has never been the issue. The issue has always been that it’s a crutch. It’s an emotional crutch for not dealing with her emotions intimately and honestly. In this case - communication with Tara that the last thing she wants is to lose her because she can’t stop herself from using magic. But until she can admit that she can’t,… that she is not in control of it but it’s in control of her… that won’t happen. This is why it becomes a physical addiction. Why magic turns very quickly from a metaphorical drug into a literal one. Because once Tara’s left her, it’s no holds barred. There’s no handbrakes anymore. And without Tara being there - there never really was.

Consider the fact that Willow didn’t get good with doing the Magicks until she met Tara. It was actually because of practicing with Tara why she got much better at casting spells successfully - conjuring and rituals and transfigurations. Until then, yes they did always go wrong. They did always mess up. Willow was incapable and incompetent… until Tara. Thus, finding a compatible magical match is what expanded her inherent talent for it. So the irony is that the reason why she overuses magic is because of Tara. So it’s like Tara doesn’t have a defensible position in her argument because Willow only does it to keep her. She wants to be worthy enough to remain in her life. To be hers. Hence why she puts a spell on her - twice. Because - as twisted as it seems - she loves her. And you always hurt the ones you love out of a desperation for it to stay that way. To be their one and only true love. So Willow abuses Tara - emotionally and physically - because she doesn’t want her to leave.

That’s why I constantly bring up that there’s nothing wrong with Willow EXCEPT that she believes there is. If she didn’t have those beliefs and insecurities about whether she’s worthy of love or being loved - either subconsciously or consciously - she’d be in love. She’d be happy. She’d always have her Tara. And you could argue that she always does anyway. Because either way - Tara still loves her regardless. But just like Giles with Buffy - she believes stepping away is the right thing to do. Sometimes the only way to get somebody to do something they must do for themselves is to force them to do it themselves. And it’s harsh and it’s tough but it has to be done. Because if it isn��t - there will always be a crutch. And unfortunately, it’s not just magic that is Willow’s crutch. By extension of association,.. it is also Tara.

[heatherschultz]

Day Seven: Least favorite episode of your favorite TV show, #TheHarshLightOfDay from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. All of season four was not my favorite overall, but this episode in particular was stupid because of Parker and how he totally took advantage of Buffy. Sucky! Sucky! Sucky! #30DayTVShowChallenge #TVShowChallenge #TVShow #TVshows #PhotoChallenge #30DayChallenge #30DayPhotoChallenge #instagood #instalove #instadaily #instamood #picoftheday #photooftheday #AugustPhotoChallenge #August #BuffyTheVampireSlayer #BtVS #Buffy #BuffySummers #SarahMichelleGellar #SMG #JossWhedon #FavoriteShow #LeastFavoriteEpisode #Parker #SeasonFour #college

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Sunday, March 6

Buffy: Macho, macho, man! I want to be a macho man. Macho... Oh, hey, juice! Mm... Quality juice. Not from concentrate!

~~Witch~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Distraction (Buffy/Faith, T) by Anonymous

A Visit (Buffy/Angel, E) by Anonymous

Fool in the Rain, (Jenny/Giles, T) by Anonymous

Homecoming (Buffy/Angel/Faith, E) by Anonymous

Little Dreams (Buffy/Spike, G) by TheSigyn

When I Dreamed of Him (Buffy/Spike, T) by TheSigyn

Dominoes (Crossover with Torchwood, G) by TheSigyn

Bad Idea (Buffy/Angelus, T) by angelus2hot

In A Reflections is the Same Lie (Buffy/Faith, Buffy/Angel, T) by TTSoMean

The Night He Saved Me (Buffy/Spike, PG) by MissXGingerXNinja

Never Enough (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Jim Wicked

Episode 128- Him (T) by Buffy Poetry

[Chaptered Fiction]

Moonshot, Chapter 1 (Buffy/Faith, E) by aliceinwonderbra

Love Can Bring Down The Curtain, Chapter 5 (Giles/Ethan Rayne, T) by InMyOwnHeadItGoesLikeThis

Teenage Dirtbag, Chapter 1 (Buffy/Giles, M) by Janis70

Bait & Switch, Chapter 1 (Buffy/Spike, M) by JaneRemmington

A Gutted World, Chapter 5 (Xander, Faith, Giles, K) by Spooksdarkhero

The Sun, Chapter 11 (Willow/Tara, T) by heckate

Dawn of the Future, Chapter 4 (Dawn/Faith, T) by Brenna's Urbangirl Projects

Mortal Allies Series, Episode 5: War and Roses, Chapter 2 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Passion4Spike

Bait & Switch, Chapter 1 (Buffy/Spike, R) by JaneRemmington

Spike and the Quest for the Gems of Amara, Chapter 10 (Buffy/Spike, PG) by the_big_bad

Benign, Chapter 1-8 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Jim Wicked

Milkshakes and Motorcycles, Chapter 20 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Grief Counseling

Closer adn Closer, Chapter 13 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Grief Counseling

All Bottled Up, Chapter 3 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by honeygirl51885

who could ever leave me, darling – but who could stay? (you could stay), Chapter 7 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by MillennialCryBaby

Possessed, Chapter 2 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Brooke724

Drabble Here, Drabble There, Chapter 76 (Multiple crossings, FR13) by zili

A Son's Love, Chapter 10 (Buffy/Spike, 13+) by Fancyflautist

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork:Digital Painting- OMWF (sfw) by savory_muffins

Manip:Season 1 Buffy (sfw) by summrsbuffy

Artwork:Buffy and Faith baseball hats (sfw) by space-sheep08

Fanart Thread:Bangel Fanart(sfw) by multiple authors

Video: Willow and Tara- Power (For Nathaniel) by BobbyMcGriffin

[Reviews & Recaps]

Still NOT OVER their DANCING - Angel Reaction - 1x13 - She by TheLexiCord

Everyone's Favorite Character Jesse | Buffy the Vampire Slayer 1x2 "The Harvest" REACTION AND REVIEW by HaaruteLIVE

Buffy the Vampire Slayer 3x21: Graduation Day: Part 1 Reaction!!! by PENNYWELL PRODUCTION

Buffy the Vampire Slayer 3x22: Graduation Day: Part 2 Reaction!!! by PENNYWELL PRODUCTION

Buffy 3x04- "Beauty and the Beasts" Reaction by DodoReactions

Buffy the Vampire Slayer 4x01: The Freshman Reaction!!! by PENNYWELL PRODUCTION

PODCAST: Dopplegangland by Buffy the Vampire Straya

[Fandom Discussions]

Did Anya forget being human? by gay-and-tiredaf

Trans potentials in fanfic by dumbass-de-lioncourt

30 Days of Buffy- Day 28 by theharshlightofday

30 Days of Buffy- Day 5 by frankierose

Buffy doesn't know how people see her by summrsbuffy

'Whats the sitch' by summrsbuffy

If Riley were Adam by jayciethings and legendofnora

Is Angel worth it? by jayciethings and legendofnora

Villainizing Faith by katkafe

Faith in S7 by maclayrightswarrior

Dawn and Spike by bakasara

S5 Buffy and Dawn by firelxdykatara and legendofnora

Favorite characters/episodes of season 1 by make-me-imagine

30 Days of Buffy- Day 6 by frankierose

Tara and Oz are similar by maclayrightswarrior

Angry about Darlas Death by chasingfictions

I like the episode 'Selfless' by ex-vengeancedemon

Xander shouldn't have told Dawn about Spike's actions by house-monster-fucker

Buffy now streaming free on Roku Channel by Buffy Summers

Favorite/Pinnacle Spuffy Moments by Plasma

Discussion of 3.15 "Consequences" by multiple authors

The Ballet (in) "Waiting in the Wings" is Wonderful, but a Little Problematic by BuffyNvrForgets

Fanfic Recommendations by multiple authors

Season 1: "It's (Maybe) Not Good But We Owe It Everything" by NikkolasKing and multiple authors

Something about "Into Every Generation" that I'm not a fan of (Spoilers) by multiple authors

Do you think Willow would have relapsed again after 'Chosen'? by multiple authors

I wish Willow had been the Buffy of witches by multiple authors

For men that claim to love Buffy... (The Girl in Question) by multiple authors

Unpopular Opinion? Tara was annoying. by multiple authors

In your opinion, who was the best love interest for Willow on the show? How do you rank them? Which were your favorites and which ones, if any were your least favorites? by multiple authors

I’m watching Angel for the first time and I find Cordelia and Connors relationship unsettling. Thoughts? by multiple authors

Poll: Battle of the Season Finales by LizCatherine

Poll: Battle of the Buffy One Shot Villains by Hot-Orange-2958

Poll: What’s your favorite “ Once More With Feeling “ Song ? by reah211

Poll: Spike’s Best AtS episodes by TigerJean

Poll: Favorite significant other of the main cast? by TigerJean

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

PUBLICATION: "Selfless" and Solitude via 25yearslater

PUBLICATION: Many Buffy Fans Never Watch an Essential Episode via Gamerant

Join the editor team :)

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

[girl4music]

@theharshlightofday

See, it might have something to do with the fact I usually don’t like straight comedy. Prefer a dramedy.

30 Days of Buffy Challenge

Day 11 - Favorite Season 4 Episode

- Something Blue -

This is the episode when Willow does a spell to have her will done, to will herself to get over Oz. And like and other spells, it doesn’t always turn out the way one expects. It’s hilarious watching Buffy and Spike go from fighting (like always) to making out and planning a wedding. Xander starts attracting every demon in the vicinity, and not in a good way, and Giles goes blind! I swear watching Giles lose his sight and have to listen to Buffy and Spike while they’re under this spell is the best part of this episode. Of course Willow had no idea what she was doing to them, but it did get her a handy invite to become a vengeance demon from D'Hoffryn lol. Overall this episode has some great moments that make it my favorite of season 4.

Honorable mentions: The Freshman, Beer Bad, The Initiative, Hush, New Moon Rising, The Yoko Factor, Primeval, and Restless

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Wednesday, February 16 – Thursday, February 17

Oz: I'm not really a computer person, you know. Or a work of any kind person. Willow: They why'd they select you? Oz: Oh, I sorta test well. Y'know, which is cool. E-except that it leads to jobs. Willow: Well, don't you have some ambition? Oz: Oh, yeah! Yeah. E-flat, diminished ninth. Willow: Huh? Oz: Well, the E-flat, it's, it's doable, but that diminished ninth, y'know, it's a man's chord. Now, you could lose a finger.

~~What's My Line, pt. 2~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

You Complete Me (Willow/Tara, PG/K+) by Apache Firecat

Leaving The Past Behind (Buffy, Angel, Scott Hope, PG) by badly_knitted

Proposal (Spike/Buffy, G) by Priceless

Babies on the Brain (Jenny/Giles, not rated) by Jess_Ann_Perreault

[Chaptered Fiction]

Slayer's Mad Whelp: A Promise Fulfilled (Yakuza AU, Giles&Xander, Teen) by madimpossibledreamer

she who shuns love soon will pursue it, Chapter 1-2 (Faith/Buffy, not rated) by secretlyasummers

Window, Chapter 1 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by sweetprincipale

Milkshakes & Motorcycles, Chapter 5-6 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Grief Counseling

Restful Souls, Chapter 3 (Spike/Buffy, PG-13) by violettathepiratequeen

Dress My Body All in Flowers White, Chapter 20 (Spike/Buffy, R) by othellia

Seven, Chapter 14 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Holly

Enchanted, Chapter 3 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by artemisthestargazer

Aprés, Chapter 3 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Ninereeds

All But One, Chapter 14 (Spike/Buffy, Adult Only) by Jws1993

Rewind Love, Chapter 5 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Blade Redwind

Living is Easy…Being Happy is Hard, Chapter 1 (crossover with the Mercy Thompson series, Buffy, FR15) by Luna

Time and Again, Chapter 9 (crossover with Hercules, Xander, FR21) by calikocat

A Different Slayer, Part 3 (crossover with A Different World, Rona, FR7) by Vashti

Scattered Echoes: Second Generation, Chapter 4 (Spike/Buffy, M) by Myrabeth

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork: Spike/Dru icons and Spuffy icons (worksafe) by juliet-landau (tusereste)

Artwork: BtVS valentines (Whirlwind, Scoobies, Faith, Xander&Willow, Buffy, worksafe) by juliet-landau (tusereste)

Banners: Buffy/Angel, Faith, Eliza Dushku (worksafe) by Nix

Episode posters: BtVS S04E15 This Year’s Girl and Angel S01E14 I've Got You Under My Skin (worksafe) by swallowedshark

Artwork: Sketch of Tara Maclay (General Audiences) by LadiesWhoLunch

[Reviews & Recaps]

The Body by theharshlightofday

Re: Which three episodes would have to be your favorite for BTVS Season 4? by BuffyBot22

First Date review, pt. 2 by debbicles

Jokes in the show that didn't land? hosted by InfiniteMedhiLove

Watch/Skip List [for the first four episodes of AtS] by other_folk

Graduation Parts 1 + 2 by tierachaun

Oh, season 6. You divisive bunny rabbit… (I always felt the strongest theme of s6 was forgiveness) by rmo420

Angel S1 First Watch by fellfields

PODCAST: Pop Culture Role Call - Family - Angel Season 1 Wrap-Up

PODCAST: If the Apocalypse Comes, Beep Me 6.8 – "Tabula Rasa"

PODCAST: Buffering the Vampire Slayer 7.07 Conversations With Dead People

[Recs]

Various fics by Medea (Willow, Angelus) recced by Klaus Kartoffel

[Community Announcements]

April Challenge Month is Coming at Elysian Fields

Musical March: the month where we celebrate the impact of music on fanfic at West of the Storm

[Fandom Discussions]

[What actually redeems Spike in my eyes once he gets his soul back] (anti-Angel) by vronicamrs

Favorite moment: Class Protector by theharshlightofday

Re: Do you consider Kendra to be another shadow self of Buffy? by herinsectreflection, earheartsease

Favorite moment: Spike and Dawn, Tough Love by ex-vengeancedemon

by

Vi’s sister (in “In Every Generation”) isn’t exactly wrong [about Slayers dating demons] by oveliagirlhaditright

Apparently Disney told the author of “In Every Generation” that they wanted a Buffy story about Willow’s daughter by oveliagirlhaditright

Headcanons: what would the protags of btvs/ats be like in regards to Just Dance? by frankierose

In the episode “Forever”, Angel offers Buffy the lesson he just learned like an episode ago on his show by anarchxst

Who do you prefer Giles with? by Paulrina, DeepBlueJoy

What season would you rewrite? by Plasma, BuffyBot22, Anyanka Bunny Slayer

Rewatching and still frustrated Willow is “gay since” falling for Tara and not bisexual. Thoughts? by evie_quoi and others

Spuffy (almost had a chance at a real and honest relationship?) by somestrangeboots and others

How do you 'ship' characters? Is there a method to it? by LightBlueSky55

Scariest monster? by bustergaming777

Sick of Bangel vs Spuffy (and in turn Angel vs Spike) by messyemotionalgirl

If Buffy The Vampire Slayer were made today... by kfoll and others

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

James Marsters to Attend MegaCon Orlando May 20-22 2022 via dontkillspike

PUBLICATION: Alt-universe Buffy meets Anya's Suicide Squad in exclusive reveal for new 'Buffy' novel 'Big Bad' by Brian Silliman, syfy.com

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Tuesday, February 15

YOUNG ROBIN: Can we go home now? NIKKI WOOD: Uh-uh. It's not safe there anymore. How 'bout I leave you over at Crowley's house, and you can play with those spooky doodads that you like. YOUNG ROBIN: No, I wanna stay with you. NIKKI WOOD: Yeah, I know you do, baby. But remember, Robin, honey what we talked about. Always got to work the mission. Look at me. You know I love you, but I got a job to do. The mission is what matters...right? That's my boy. Come on.

~~Buffy Season 7 Episode #139: "Lie's My Parents Told Me"~~

The Sunnydale Herald is looking for a couple of new editors! Contributing to the Herald is a great way to get your Buffy on! Find out more HERE.

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Alighting One's Soul () by OveliaGirlHaditRight

Truth and Consequences (Buffy/Giles, M) by Anonymous

What's a Slayer Supposed to Do (Buffy/Spike, E) by Takara_Phoenix

[Chaptered Fiction]

Drusilla’s Soul- Ch. 20 (Drusilla, unrated, Digimon xover) by darkjanet2

Valentine's Slay, Chapter 1 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Holly

Unbroken, Chapter 14 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Blade Redwind

A Chance In Hell, Chapter 15 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Grief Counseling

Demon's Heir Ch. 4 (Xander, M, Batman xover) by Sithicus

Corpse Lights, Big City Ch. 36 (Xander, M, Half-Life xover) by batzulger

They use kittens for a reason... (Xander, E, multiple xovers) by CrazyDan

Dawn's Next Great Adventure Ch. 19 (Dawn, M, Harry Potter xover) by Khatix

Konquest of Champions (Xander, E, multiple xovers) by Sithicus

The Ring Talks Chapter 7: Imperfect Teams (Buffy/Spike, M) by myrabeth

[Images, Audio & Video]

Manip:Spuffy VALENTINE'S DAY I () by NMCIL

Manip:Spuffy VALENTINE'S DAY II () by NMCIL

Manip:Spuffy VALENTINE'S DAY III () by NMCIL

Manip:LOVE and KISSES Mission () by NMCIL

Manip:HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY (Buffy/Spike) by NMCIL

Artwork:BtVS S04E14 Goodby Iowa Episode Poster (Adam) by swallowedshark

Artwork:Spike & Dawn () by mamonna

Artwork:BTVS “Every Outfit” “the Dark Age” Xx () by whatshisfaceblogs

Artwork:BtVS Cartoon () by heroofthreefaces

Icons: () by

Icons: () by

Manip:BtVS Valentines () by ex-vengeancedemon

Manip:Happy Valentine’s Day (Buffy/Spike) by teatimewithgiles

Video: Buffy & Spike | The Last Time. () by hostilepoet17

Video: My medicine// Angelus(Buffy) () by capy

[Reviews & Recaps]

Video: Blood Ties • S05E13 • TPN's Buffy Guide () by The Passion of the Nerd

30 Days of Buffy Challenge Day 13 - Favorite Season 6 Episode: Dead Things by ex-vengeancedemon

30 Days of Buffy Challenge Day 14: Favorite Season 7 Episode: Beneath You by ex-vengeancedemon

30 Days of Buffy Challenge Day 14 - Favorite Season 7 Episode - The Killer In Me - by theharshlightofday

PODCAST: 6.7 – "Once More, With Feeling" by If the Apocalypse Comes, Beep Me

PODCAST: by

PUBLICATION: Buffy Season 2 Episode 20 by Nicole Bartlett (Problematic Faves)

PUBLICATION: Episode 71: Pangs by Myth Taken

[Fandom Discussions]

>

Looking for Dark Dreamluver/Jeni fics by spike_lizard

One thing that has never made sense to me about BTVS lore by legendofnora

in the buffy motorcycle scenario spike would let buffy sit in the front by bakasara

Imagine if you walked into someone else’s mind. by herinsectreflection

On todays episode of making myself sad: by starsandmoongay

Actually, you know what the funniest thing about the “all dressed up in big sister’s clothes” moment is? by herinsectreflection

Do you consider Kendra to be another shadow self of Buffy? by herinsectreflection

Angel’s gift to Buffy is incredibly meaningful by becomingbuffypodcast

Willow’s pining for Xander by kyliafanfiction

Man, if “In Every Generation” was live-action–and part of me wonders if originally it was supposed to be? by oveliagirlhaditright

Sineya is the First Slayer by jaymonsterthecanaryprince

i know techincally canonically it’s open ended as to whether cecily /is/ halfrek by froggierboy

My other unpopular Buffy opinion by thejgatsbykid

BOOM! Angel # 2 of 8 by BAF

I FINISHED SEASON 3 by Queasy_Roll347

Did you predict the twist at the end of Five by Five? by LightBlueSky55

Just finished s1 & … by rosie-sunshine

So in season 2 why does Spike pretend to be in a wheelchair. by Crimedramagirl

Angel and spike and SPOILERS FOR END OF BUFFY by bitchassmfwhore

Who took over season 6 of buffy? by Brianna_Jay9

In honor of Valentines Day! ❤ When did you first notice a spark between Spuffy? by TigerJean

Let’s discuss about analogies in the show by ezesosa

Randy Giles by Limeila

Most OP Spell or Weapon that could have been used more often by rednax2009

I just got up to ‘Helpless’ on my rewatch and I’m angry all over again. by tierachaun

Why didn’t Spike help Buffy at the end of Becoming Part 2? by tierachaun

I have a theory. Out Of My Mind was not Spike’s first saucy dream about Buffy by AstridDante

The group dynamic was never the same after season three. by V48runner

How do Buffy and the Scoobies have all of there limbs??? by Crimedramagirl

The Immortal is one of the most mysterious characters in the Buffy/Angel verse. by adambier1587

"Whatcha doin'?" by Tuxedo_Mark

When Buffy is trying to get Giles to take her to ice show by Excellent-Durian-509

Post season 7 Scoobies by Reviewingremy

Anyone Else Think It's Weird That Buffy Was Rated TV-PG? by ColdCruise

s7 // him by cmlincrisis

The Potential Slayers suck! by Richar_16

How did people think the show was going to end on first viewing? by Individual_Syrup_848

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

Join the editor team :)

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter - Monday, February 14

BUFFY: I love you, Dawn. You know that, right? DAWN: Yeah. I love you too. BUFFY: I love you ... (intensely) *really* love you. DAWN: (nervous grin) Gettin' weird. BUFFY: Sorry. But it's important that I tell you. Weird love's better than no love.

~~Intervention~~

The Sunnydale Herald is looking for a couple of new editors! Contributing to the Herald is a great way to get your Buffy on! Find out more here.

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

[Italian] Klaus a Los Angeles (The Originals crossover, G) by Sayman

You Suck Less Than Most Humans (Spike/Xander, PG13) by bloodclaim

[Chaptered Fiction]

Chosen one Chapter 20 (Buffy/Spike, R) by all_choseny

Milkshakes & Motorcycles Chapter 4 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Grief Counseling

Family Chapter 1 (Buffy/Spike, PG-13) by Miss Marisol

[Images, Audio & Video]

FANART: BTVS “Every Outfit” “Lie To Me” part 2 Xx by whatshisfaceblogs

FANART: 1700s pirate darla, flapper dru by sunnyhellcalifornia

FANART: Dawn and Spike by mamonna

VIDEO: Chosen by annyankers

PODCAST: The Replacement S5 E3 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast) by lisalilly

[Fandom Discussions]

the thing with riley... by bakasara

Day 11 - Favorite Season 4 Episode by theharshlightofday

Day 13 - Favorite Season 6 Episode by theharshlightofday

Day 12 - Favorite Season 5 Episode by theharshlightofday

xander’s speech to dawn in potential by perpetualexistentialcrisis17

The effects of dying on a slayer who doesn't stay dead by Stoney

Valentine's Special - The best couple on BtVS by JenningsWigService

Just listen how the tone of the soundtrack changes, symbolizing that Angel is gone by Richar_16

How did you come to the Buffyverse? by PFTETOwerewolves

Headcanon for post season 7 Scoobies by Reviewingremy

"Odd" Non-Canon Couples You Like? by fivebyfaith

Best fight scenes? by alxx11

Watching dead man’s party and I almost wished I’d skipped it by loveofGod12345

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

[French] ARTICLE: “Culbute”, sur Arte.tv : de “Buffy” à “Girls”, comment la pop culture façonne notre sexualité by Télérama

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

Join the editor team :)

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Wednesday, February 9 – Thursday, February 10

ANYA: You know, if you love Riley Finn so much, maybe you should just marry him. XANDER: He's taken. And that's not the point.

~~As You Were~~

The Sunnydale Herald is still looking for at least one new editor. Contributing to the Herald is a great way to get your Buffy on! Find out more here.

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Mixing Potions (Willow, Buffy, PG) by badly_knitted

Every Waking Moment in this Ever-Present Nightmare (Buffy, T) by cmk418

All Because of The Dead Cat (Anya, Giles' father, T) by InMyOwnHeadItGoesLikeThis

Damn the librarian (Willow & Buffy, G) by killing_kurare

Lummox (Spike & Dawn, T) by trahelle

[Chaptered Fiction]

Forced Relaxation (fusion with Yakuza, Xander, Teen) by madimpossibledreamer

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream, Chapter 8 (Spike/Buffy, R) by slaymesoftly. COMPLETE!

Merry's Joy, Chapter 1 (crossover with Merry Gentry, Xander, T) by calikocat

Fall to Pieces, Chapter 1-2 (Drusilla/Spike, Angel/Buffy, Angel/Darla, M) by LittleTayy

Seven, Chapter 13 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Holly

two roads diverged (and that has made all the difference), Chapter 9-12 (Spike/Buffy, R) by rosieposiepie

Aprés, Chapter 2 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by Ninereeds

Encore, Chapter 13 (Spike/Buffy, NC-17) by sweetprincipale

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream, Chapter 8 (Spike/Buffy, R) by slaymesoftly

You Can't Fight Fate - But You Can Go Around Him, Chapter 6 (crossover with Young Justice, FR15) by Hermionetobe

Invasion USA, Chapter 1-3 (crossover with Harry Potter, FR7) by Buffyworldbuilder

Recovery Avenger Style, Chapter 1-2 (crossover with Avengers, FR7) by Buffyworldbuilder

Return of the Magus, Chapter 5 (crossover with Underworld, Xander, FR13) by Cuautla

United We Stand, Chapter 10 (crossover with Nikita, Faith, FR15) by batzulger

Chain of Ascension, Chapter 1 (Xander, for mature audiences) by GraeFoxx

Last Days of May, Chapter 3 (Spike/Buffy, T) by Myrabeth

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork: Spike and Buffy (worksafe) by mamonna

Artwork: Spike and Dawn (worksafe) by mamonna

Artwork: BtVS valentines: Darla (worksafe) by ex-vengeancedemon

Artwork: BtVS valentines: Oz (worksafe) by ex-vengeancedemon

Artwork: Willow and Buffy at the end of "Choices" (besties) (worksafe) by sunnyhellcalifornia

Artwork: Dawn icons (worksafe) by tell-tale-hearts

Artwork: BTVS “Every Outfit”, “Reptile Boy” part 2 (Buffy, worksafe) by whatshisfaceblogs

Artwork: Buffy (worksafe) by tothetoonandback

Artwork: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and her really nice dad, Denzel Washington (worksafe art, possibly nsfw blog title) by badguyswithretainers

Artwork: A little Giles-quote fanart (worksafe) by LadyTanizaki

Artwork: Episode poster: A New Man (Giles, worksafe) by swallowedshark

Artwork: Rm w/a Vu (Cordelia, probably worksafe) by tmcarlee

[Reviews & Recaps]

Restless by buffster

Favorite episode: The Pack by theharshlightofday

So, I’m reading “In Every Generation”... by oveliagirlhaditright

BOOM! Buffy the Vampire Slayer #34 (spoilers and final issue) (cont'd) by multiple people

Into Every Generation a Slayer is Born - March 2022 release date (cont'd) by multiple people

PODCAST: Buffering the Vampire Slayer 7.07 Conversations with Dead People

PODCAST: Pop Culture Role Call: ‘Sploded - Angel S01E22 - To Shanshu in L.A.

Problematic Faves: Buffy Season 2 Episode 19 “I Only Have Eyes for You" by Nicole Bartlett

[Recs]

“maybe I’m ready to love you” by chasingfictions and “A Brief History of Now” by gwyneth rhys (Spuffy stories featuring Willow) recced by flow

"The Softer Pillow" by Cynthia Liskow (Spike/Willow) and "Five Ways of Becoming Someone Else" by Kyra Cullinan (Willow) recced by Klaus Kartoffel

Thoughts on the essay collection "Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Philosophy: Fear and Trembling in Sunnydale" by multiple people

[Fandom Discussions]

In firm defence of Willow's constant thing of pushing Buffy into relationships she doesn't want by herinsectreflection, girl4music

Dawn Summers was only ever shown attracted to men, but... by confusedguytoo, girl4music

Spuffy Dates (of the calendar variety) by stalwartsandall

[The names of Willow's daughter in "Buffy the Last Vampire Slayer" and "In Every Generation" by oveliagirlhaditright

[Willow's need for everything to have a happy ending and the magic addiction plotline] by halfbloodfanboy, herinsectreflection, girl4music

Whoever decided Fuffy was better than Baith is wrong (alternative smushnames) by starsandmoongay

Favorite fight scene: Anya vs. Buffy, "Selfless" by ex-vengeancedemon

Headcanon: 5x01 AU where they take Spike with them to the beach by disco-tea

Favorite spell: "Halloween" spell by theharshlightofday

Favorite characters by katmobile

Fred/Gunn vs. Fred/Wesley (cont'd) by Dogs of Winter

"But I Never forgot what he really was!” [Xander and Spike] by Btvs fan and others

"But I Never forgot what he really was!” [Xander and Spike] by BtVS fan and others

The Slayer's "Power Level" by NikkolasKing

When would it have been a good time for Buffy to kill Spike? by Excellent-Durian-509

Problem with Anne (S3xE01) (I did the math, and since time moves...) by AintNothinbutaGFring

I can’t wait to binge read this in March! [“Into Every Generation a Slayer Is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts” by Evan Ross Katz] by hvyclouds2015 and others

How do you see Wesley and Faith's relationship in [AtS] season 4? by LightBlueSky55

Is The Turok-Han Vampire stronger than Glory, a God? by Richar_16 and others

Thoughts on Spike. [“Seeing Red”, comparison with Angelus] by loveofGod12345

How has Buffy influenced modern television today? hosted by eruhhimamess44

What Big Bad would you have liked Buffy and Faith to take down together? by dang90

[Did anyone else have a new appreciation for Cordelia in "Buffy" after watching AtS? by tierachaun

Which Buffyverse character would be most dangerous as a vampire? by Hot-Orange-2958 and others

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

Browser game: Buffy the Vampire Wordle by anonymous fan and cwackerfuss

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Friday, February 11

The Sunnydale Herald is looking for a couple of new editors! Contributing to the Herald is a great way to get your Buffy on! Find out more here.

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Lemon Candy and the Marenschadt Text (Giles/Willow, PG-13) by glossolalia

White Christmas (Angel/Buffy, G) by Anonymous

penance (Jenny, Willow, G) by The_Eclectic_Bookworm

Hot Chocolate (Buffy/Spike, Not Rated) by jordieey

His Name Is Angelus (Angelus, Charmed xover, R) by fatalfae, JackBateman1985

dirty valentine (Buffy/Spike, PG-13) by trevino

The Watcher's Council (Buffy, Harry Potter xover, G) by Buffyworldbuilder

Episode 126 – Help (Poem) by Kim Wade

Episode 125 – Same Time, Same Place (Poem) by Kim Wade

[Chaptered Fiction]

Don’t You Wish You Had Faith? Chapter 2 (Buffy/Faith, R) by QuillBard

Nocturne Chapter 2 (Giles/Jenny, R) by RoselynnThornwood, The_Eclectic_Bookworm

Breathe Your Name Chapter 9 (Angel/Buffy, R) by Janis70

To Live In The World Chapter 35 (Buffy/Faith, R) by IvorySteel92

Adjust and Adapt Chapter 5 (Buffy/Giles, NC-17) by froxyn

The Eyes Shout What Our Lips Fear To Say Chapter 6 (Buffy/Spike, R) by Violet_valentine

144 Days Chapter 98 (Buffy/Spike, PG-13) by violettathepiratequeen

Listening & Lies Chapter 7 (Spike, Xander, PG-13) by daedream_fanbot. Complete story

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SevenChapter 13 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by HollyDB

Runaway Chapter 4 (Buffy/Spike, Not Rated) by 19BBY

what you make Chapter 16 (Giles/Jenny, PG-13) by The_Eclectic_Bookworm

You Can't Fight Fate - But You Can Go Around Him Chapter 6 (Buffy, DCU xover, PG-13) by Hermione2be

The Sun Also Rises Chapter 47 (Buffy, Dawn, The Silmarillion xover, PG-13) by Grundy

Protecting Harry Chapter 1 (Ensemble, Harry Potter xover, PG-13) by faewm

Unexpected, Unwanted, Unbelievable Chapter 20 (Buffy/Spike, R) by the_bronze

two roads diverged (and that has made all the difference) Chapter 16 (Buffy/Spike, R) by rosieposiepie

The Slayer and the Vampire Chapter 16 (Buffy/Spike, PG) by violettathepiratequeen

A Son's Love Chapter 8 (Buffy/Spike, R) by Fancyflautist

First Knight Chapter 16 (Xander, Stephen King xover, NC-17) by dogbertcarroll

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30 Days of Buffy Challenge: Favorite Season 2 Episode by theharshlightofday

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The way BTVS shows how different people react to depression tho… by spuffybot

30 Days of Buffy Challenge: Day 10 - Favorite Season 3 Episode by theharshlightofday

Why was the discovery from Beljoxa’s Eye never mentioned again? by evolmushroom420

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

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BUFFY REWATCH - S05E16 - The Body

There were so many scenes that I wanted to write for, for my recap for ‘The Body’, and I realized that I wanted to focus on the individual reactions of the Scoobies especially. That of Willow’s, Tara’s, Xander’s and Anya’s reactions to the death of Joyce Summers in preparing to meet Buffy at the hospital morgue. I originally just wanted to write Willow’s reaction with the struggle of deciding on an outfit to wear, and how Tara comforts her when she has an anxiety attack over it…, but everybody’s reaction is completely different and I wanted to write for them all really because I wanted to explain all the incredible raw and real detail in them. Specifically how each reaction is consistent with the character’s overall human nature and way of dealing with difficult situations and circumstances. So it’s going to be incredibly long but I feel like if I miss anything out, I won’t be doing justice to such astounding acting performances by all the cast in these scenes because they’re what make this episode so damn fantastic. So I’m just going to quote the entire segment of the dialogue and interactions between the characters, and offer commentary in-between for the action. Then I will talk about each individual character reaction from my perspective and in my own words because there’s SO. MUCH. CHARACTER. DETAIL. THERE.

*Willow and Tara’s dorm room. Tara watching Willow holding a shirt, looking at it, eyes unfocused, frozen in her thoughts. Cut to Xander and Anya driving in a car, stopping on the road. Camera pans backwards from outside an open window. We see Tara standing by the window, looking out. She turns*

TARA: “I think they’re here.” 

*Cut back to Willow, still frozen, holding the shirt. She reacts, looks away, returning from her thoughts, looks back at the shirt again, turns and tosses it onto the bed. We see a pile of clothing there already. Cut back to Xander and Anya in the car*

XANDER: “Do you wanna come up?“

*Anya looks around, looks at him*

ANYA: “You’re double-parked.” 

XANDER: 

*Opens his door*

“Let ‘em give me a ticket.”

*They both get out. Cut back to the dorm room. Willow takes two more shirts out of the closet and turns to Tara*

WILLOW: “What do you think? The, the, the purple, right? 'Cause, 'cause it’s somber? 

*Shot of Tara standing by the window* 

No. No, it’s too depressing, i-it’s like I’m a… funeral guy. 

*Holds up the other shirt, which is yellow*

Well, this is, this is cheerier, maybe, I-I wanna be cheery, like, like everything is normal? 

*Tara just watches*

No, that’s rude, that’s, that’s disrespectful. ‘La la la! I don’t care!’

*She tosses both blouses on the bed with a sigh*

If I had that blue one - 

*Turns back to the closet, then back*

- Jo-Joyce really liked the blue one. She told me one time. You, you sure it’s not in your room?”

TARA: 

*Takes a few steps closer* 

“I-I-I could look again.”

WILLOW: “No, no, I-I, I should, I should wear the purple.

*Picks up the purple blouse from the bed*

The purple, I, I, I think the purple, it’s just that it’s so, I don’t know,…

*Looks at Tara* 

it doesn’t mean something bad?” 

TARA: “I think it’s, um… royal. Purple means… royalty.”

WILLOW: 

*Tears running down her face* 

“Well, I can’t see Buffy at the morgue and be all royal! ‘Oh, I’m the king of everything, I’m better than you!’ I have to be supportive. Buffy needs me to be supportive, I…

*She begins crying as Tara looks on with concern. Willow picks up another shirt*

God, why do all my shirts have such stupid things on them? 

*Tosses it back down*

Why can’t I just dress like a grownup? Can’t I be a grownup?”

*Tara comes over and puts her hands on Willow’s shoulders, rubbing her shoulders and neck*

WILLOW:

*Sobbing*

"Tara…”

TARA: “Shh, darling.”

WILLOW: “I can’t do this.”

*Tara kisses her on the forehead, then on the mouth. Willow returns the kiss. Then Tara leans her forehead against Willow’s, reassures her*

TARA: “We can do this.“

*They both nod. Tara continues rubbing Willow’s shoulders*

WILLOW: “Okay. We can be there for Buffy. And Dawn. 

*Begins to cry again*

Little Dawn.”

TARA: “We can be strong.”

WILLOW: “Strong like an Amazon?” 

TARA: “Strong like an Amazon, right.”

*They both smile slightly*

WILLOW: “Okay.

*Nods, sniffles* 

I wish I had the blue.”

*Cut to Anya and Xander climbing the stairs inside the dorm*

ANYA: “So… what do we do?”

XANDER: “I’m not sure. Willow talked to Giles.”

*Cut to Anya and Xander coming out of the stairwell, walking down the dorm hallway* 

ANYA: “Xander, what will *we* do? What will *we* be expected to do?”

*Xander looks at her but doesn’t answer. He walks up to the door of room 213. The door is slightly ajar. Xander knocks, pushes it open and enters. We see Tara against the far wall. Willow appears from around the corner. She wears a greenish shirt with a red cardigan over it*

XANDER: “Hey.

*Xander and Willow hug while Tara and Anya stand there looking uncomfortable. They pull apart*

How you doing?

*Willow shrugs, shakes her head and rolls her eyes, hugging herself*

I know the feeling.”

WILLOW: “I’m afraid I’m gonna start to cry again.” 

ANYA: “Xander cried at the apartment. It was weird.”

WILLOW: “I-i-it’s a, it’s a thing we do.”

*Overhead shot of the four of them standing there silently and awkwardly. Each is in some way holding onto him-or her-self (arms folded, etc)*

ANYA: “What’s going to happen?” 

WILLOW: “Well, I… I guess we’re gonna… meet them at the morgue.

*Whispers* 

That’s where they were… taking… her.”

TARA: “Um, Giles said that he, he was gonna go with Joyce, and Buffy was gonna go to… the school to… tell Dawn.” 

*Xander looks upset, closes his eyes*

XANDER: “God.”

TARA: “Do you know how to, how to get-”

XANDER: “Yeah. It’s at the hospital - it’s a wing. We do morgue time in the Scooby Gang.”

*Willow looks anxiously at Tara* 

WILLOW: “I have to change.”

*She removes her cardigan, tosses it aside, goes off to get another shirt*

XANDER: “What else did Giles say?” 

TARA: 

*Shrugs, shakes her head* 

“Not a lot.”

XANDER: “Are they sure this was… natural? I mean, Glory.”

TARA: “Uh, Giles was pretty sure that it wasn’t, wasn’t her.”

XANDER: “But, I mean, she said she was gonna come after Buffy’s family.” 

TARA: “I don’t-”

XANDER: “I mean, we should be going after her. I mean, she could’ve done it, and, and, covered her tracks.”

*Anya looks confused. Willow reappears, now wearing a pink turtleneck* 

WILLOW: “Why would she? She’d want us to know.” 

*Xander looks upset*

XANDER: “I’ll tell you what it is. It’s the frickin’ doctors. I mean, they just let her out, you know? Clean bill of health. Dig a hole in your skull. Here’s a band-aid. Next!”

*Closeup of Tara looking concerned and upset*

WILLOW (voice over): “Xander…”

XANDER: “They should have checked her over, they should have had her in. We don’t have enough monsters in this town, the doctors gotta help 'em out?”

WILLOW: “Xander, I-I don’t think it was… any… it just happened.”

XANDER: 

*Looks around at the three of them* 

“Things don’t happen! I mean… they don’t *just* happen. 

*Shot of Tara looking concerned*

Somebody… 

*Shot of Willow*

I mean, somebody’s got…”

WILLOW: “Okay. 

*Puts up her fists*

Let’s go. Come on, you and me. Come on.”

*Xander stares at her, then sighs. He walks over to her, kisses her on the forehead. Tara watches sadly*

XANDER: “You know I can’t take you.”

WILLOW: “Damn straight.”

*Xander moves back a little*

ANYA: “Are we gonna see the body?”

WILLOW: 

*Shocked*

“What?”

*Xander looks annoyed, turns away* 

ANYA: “Are we gonna be in the room… with the dead body?”

WILLOW: 

*Hugs herself, uncomfortably*

“I don’t know. No.” 

TARA: “But I guess we should take over patrolling and all that.”

XANDER: “Yeah.”

WILLOW: “Oh, yeah.”

TARA: “For however long.”

XANDER: “You know it.”

*Willow looks at herself unhappily, then at Tara* 

WILLOW: “I can’t wear this.

*She turns to change again, turns back*

I, I really should have the other. Joyce liked it so…”

TARA: “Do you think you could’ve left it in the laundry room?”

WILLOW: 

*Nods hopefully* 

“Maybe.”

TARA: “I’ll go check. I’ll, I’ll just be one minute.”

XANDER: “We’re cool.”

*Tara walks out of the room. Anya walks around the room a bit, aimlessly, then turns back*

ANYA: “Are they gonna cut the body open?”

WILLOW: 

*Horrified*

“Oh my god! Would you just… stop talking? Just… shut your mouth. Please.” 

ANYA: “What am I doing?” 

WILLOW: “How can you act like that?” 

ANYA: “Am I supposed to be changing my clothes a lot? 

*Looks from Willow to Xander*

Is that the helpful thing to do?”

XANDER: “Guys…”

WILLOW: “The way you behave-”

ANYA: “Nobody will tell me.”

WILLOW: “Because it’s not okay for you to be asking these things!”

ANYA: 

*Desperate*

“But I don’t understand! 

*Willow and Xander look at her in surprise. Starts to cry, presumably for the first ever time since becoming human* 

I don’t understand how this all happens. How we go through this. I mean, I knew her, and then she’s,…

*Sniffling* 

there’s just a body, and I don’t understand why she just can’t get back in it and not be dead anymore. It’s stupid. It’s mortal and stupid.

*Still teary*

And, and Xander’s crying and not talking, and, and I was having fruit punch, and I thought, well, Joyce will never have any more fruit punch ever, and she’ll never have eggs, or yawn or brush her hair, not ever, and no one will explain to me why!”

*The dam bursts. She puts her hand over her face. Willow has tears in her eyes too. Xander goes over to Anya but she pushes him away, goes and sits down in a chair by the window. Xander goes back to the doorway*

WILLOW: 

*To Anya*

“We don’t know… 

*Cut to Anya wiping her face with her hands*

how it works…

*Cut back to Willow*

why…?”

*Searches her thoughts for an answer for a moment, then goes and sits on the bed. Xander paces back and forth in front of the open door. There’s total silence. Shot of Willow sitting on the bed. Shot of Anya sitting in the chair. There are a bunch of pillows on the chair and one is poking her in the back. She turns around and pulls it out. It’s a stuffed animal with a blue sweater wrapped around it. Right beside the chair is a clothes bureau with the drawers slightly open. Anya tucks the blue sweater into one of the drawers and sits back holding the stuffed animal. Shot of Willow staring at the floor. Suddenly there’s a loud banging noise. Willow and Anya jump, look up. Shot of Xander in the doorway with his left hand stretched out, obscured by the wall*

XANDER: “Sorry, sorry, some… pent-up…”

WILLOW: 

*Getting up* 

“Xander…

*Willow walks around the corner and discovers Xander’s hand is buried in a hole in the wall*

Where did your hand go?”

XANDER: “As I was saying, some frustration, and now, uh… I appear to be stuck.”

ANYA: “My god.

*Ducks under his arm to get to the other side* 

Is your hand okay?”

XANDER: “Pretty much. I, I’m really sorry.”

*Willow examines the hole where Xander’s fist has broken through the wall* 

ANYA: 

*Angry*

“You could have hit an electrical… thing!”

XANDER: “And once again with the ‘sorry’.”

*Anya crouches down to look at the hole from underneath*

WILLOW: “Did it make you feel better?” 

*Anya looks up at Xander* 

XANDER: “For a second there.” 

WILLOW: “A whole second?”

XANDER: “In my defense, some crappy wall-manship.”

WILLOW: “Yeah, you can hear everything next door.” 

*Willow and Anya pull at Xander’s arm, trying to free it*

XANDER: “Who did the drywall in this place?” 

WILLOW: “I always forget to ask.” 

*Tara appears in the doorway* 

TARA: “Did I miss something?”

ANYA: “Xander decided that he blames the wall.” 

WILLOW: “Can you… turn your wrist?” 

XANDER: “Hold on.

*He twists his arm and pulls it out of the wall. His knuckles are covered in blood. All the girls go "Ooh” in concern*

It’s okay.”

*Flexing his hand. Anya looks pensively at Xander’s hand. Shot of the bloody hand as Xander flexes his fingers. Pan up to Tara’s face* 

TARA: “It hurts.” 

*Xander looks at her. She gives a small sympathetic smile*

WILLOW: “Here, wash it off.” 

*Anya leads Xander over to the sink*

ANYA: 

*To Willow* 

“Band-aids?”

WILLOW: “Underneath.”

*Anya looks under the sink for band-aids as Xander washes his hand. In the foreground, Tara turns to Willow*

TARA: “I couldn’t find it.”

WILLOW: 

*Shrugs*

“It doesn’t matter. We should get there.”

TARA: “Yes.”

WILLOW: “I, I wanna be there for Buffy.” 

XANDER (voice over): 

“You’re right.

*Shot of Tara and Willow facing each other in the foreground. Willow mouths “I love you” to Tara and they hold hands. In the background, Xander with his back to the camera, as Anya tends to his hand*

The avengers gotta get to the assembly.

*Turns to face the camera with a towel wrapped around his hand* 

We’ll go. We’ll deal. We’ll help. That’s what we do. We help Buffy.”

*He puts the towel down and goes out. Willow and Tara follow. Anya follows behind*

ANYA: “How are we going to help?” 

*They all go out. Anya closes the door behind her. The camera stays on the closed door. After a moment the door opens again and Willow rushes in. Shot of Willow’s red cardigan on the table by the window where she tossed it earlier. She grabs it and leaves again. We hear the sound of the door closing again as the camera pans across the table to the window. Outside, on the street below, a police officer is putting a ticket on Xander’s car*

Now we’re done with the quoting and the commentary of the scenes, I want to talk about the themes that are being shown or expressed by the characters both in their individual reactions and in their responses towards each other regarding the situation they’re in, and how it’s consistent with their character. 

Willow’s reaction: anxiety, insecurity, overthinking, irresolution

Willow’s anxiety attack is the first reaction we get from the Scooby Gang. Everyone is anxious in these scenes, true. But her anxiety is on a level more closely related to somebody who does actually have an anxiety disorder. Her constantly changing clothing and struggle in deciding what to wear to the morgue, worrying how she’s going to be perceived by Buffy and Joyce, shows an anxiety disorder (OCD, particularly). She spirals and falls apart in the most obvious and physical way - through expression and appearance of self. She doesn’t know how to deal and that’s projected by not knowing how to look. The only way to calm Willow down is to take her out of her head in a physical way too. That’s why Tara kissing her was appropriate. Anyone that has anxiety needs physical touch to calm them down. They need the immediate tangible and tactile because there’s so much going on in their head that they feel trapped in it. People like Willow really have trouble with living in the present moment because their head is everywhere but in the now. Willow is a compulsive overthinker. The reason why ‘outfits’ are a big thing with her is because it’s her projection for her insecurities and anxieties. For not having any control over the situation she’s in. 

Xander’s reaction: blame, denial, aggression, dissociation

Xander’s reaction is based on his sense of masculinity. He is trying so hard to remain put together and objective and down-to-business but he spirals and falls apart too. He disassociates from Anya and won’t explain anything to her when she asks him questions. He proceeds to blame Glory and the doctors in denial of Joyce’s passing away in order to feel better about not being able to do anything about it himself. And when that fails to help,… he punches the wall in anger because he can’t meet his emotions head on. What calms him down is feeling the physical pain from his bleeding hand - the internalized is externalized. Like Willow, he also needs a physical trigger to pull him out of the muck in his head. He has experienced such aggression throughout his upbringing that he doesn’t know how else to deal with difficult life situations other than in an aggressive way. 

Anya’s reaction: confusion, fear, naivety, distraction

Anya’s reaction is akin to a young child’s reaction to the situation of someone passing away. Being newly human, it’s very much the same as being newly born and being in infancy with all the ‘first’ experiences that come with living as a mortal, and all the emotions involved with mortal living. Her reaction in that she literally doesn’t understand anything is the most jarring. Everyone was either ignoring her or getting on her case for asking questions. She just wanted an explanation for what doesn’t make sense to her at all. She spirals and falls apart when she gets attacked by Willow. Her monologue here is probably her greatest scene in all of her appearance in Buffy. It’s so raw and vulnerable and… human. What helps Anya is to distract herself. She clutches on to Willow’s stuffed animal to distract herself from her first ever emotional breakdown.

Tara’s reaction: concern, understanding, familiarity, comfort

Out of everyone, the only reaction that wasn’t negative was Tara’s reaction because she was so busy with comforting everyone else in their reactions. She remains neutral in her emotions, not indifferent to, in complete acceptance of the situation. She’s the only one that doesn’t spiral and fall apart and one would think the reason being is that she never really knew Joyce. That might be part of it - but actually, I’d say it’s probably down to that she’s experienced it all before with her own Mom. So she’s familiar with the settings, the environments, the reactions, the emotions so much that she can probably remain calm just because she’s done it all before and has to be strong for the rest of them. Saying that, she is quite a calm person anyway (which is remarkable given how much she’s been abused in her lifetime), so that probably helps out a lot too. 

All in all, ‘The Body’ is just an amazing work of visual performance art. The writing is incredible, the producing is incredible, the directing is incredible, the acting is incredible. It’s absolutely a TOP 10 episode and worth watching if you have the balls for it. The first time I watched it, I watched it with my mother, and I cried into her lap at the end of it, and didn’t move from it for - what must have been a good hour. And I vowed to myself in my hysterics that I would never watch it again. I was right there with these characters when I was watching these scenes. It was so visceral to me to watch them come apart and then come back together. I truly do love art/entertainment that represents and deals with the human condition.

[theharshlightofday]

Anonymous asked theharshlightofday: sexist girl character of all time?

Faith Lehane. I mean she pretty much oozed sex appeal and she was a bad ass! Definitely the sexiest girl on that show.. I mean look at her!

[theharshlightofday]

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