"Buffy" Season One, and eps 1-6 of season Two

So I'm going back and watching every episode of "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer" in order; even the ones I've never really liked.

I haven't done this since Rosalind was born and it feels kinda good to do it again. I was thinking recently though "Why don't I write a weekly blog post about the eps I've seen that week."

Now, I've already watched all of season one and I'm about six episodes into season two so what I'll do is recap season one tonight and the first six of season Two, and then next friday start a recap of the ones I've seen that week.

So, here we go....Cue the theme music...Alright! (Yes, I'm a HUGE Buffy geek...so what?)

Season one is so short! Only twelve episodes since it was a mid season replacement, but a pretty good opener. Yes, the cheesiness abounds like when they play the theme music in the last episode as Buffy, Angel and Zander are walking very purposefully to find and defeat The Master. But there's also some really good moments.

Such as in the episode "The Pack" where we get to see the darker side of Zander. Now, I always thought Zander crush-worthy, but in this episode the sexy factor was turned way up. Another good one has to be "The Puppet Show". I get the creeps when I see a dummy, I think they're just all around icky, but in this episode the dummy was really a great character and made the episode funny.

"Nightmares" is probably one of the creepiest of this season, in my opinion. Here's a quick recap: A young boy is in a coma, and because of the mystical energy of the Hellmouth, his nightmares have torn the boundary between reality and the realm of nightmare, meaning everyone's nightmares are becoming reality. Not only can we all relate to the absolute horror at the thought of our worst nightmares coming true, but this episode also encourages those who've been abused to be strong, confront the monsters who've hurt them and disarm them.

My favorite for season one has to be "Angel". It's angsty, sexy and we see some awesome Darla and Angel interaction. Side note: They killed Darla off WAY too early. I mean, seriously! She was an all star villain; which I guess is why they brought her back in the TV show "Angel."

All in all, season one was a decent start. Dan points out that they did a really good job of integrating how High School can feel within the supernatural story lines. Such as in "Witch" where we see the pressure of parental expectations against the backdrop of a literal wicked witch of a mother. Or the brutality of cliques in "The Pack".

Now Season Two:

First episode is great because we see how literally dying and being revived changed Buffy; and it also gives us a sexy Zander-Buffy moment. But from a story telling standpoint I really appreciate how they weren't just glossing this over. Going through such a thing would change a person on a fundamental level.

Buffy and Angel's relationship is fits and starts the first five episodes. He doesn't want to be with her because it'll get complicate (he's a vampire after all) and she's not sure if she should have feelings for a blood sucking fiend; soul or no. I have to admit it's handled a little...clumsily. Episode five "Reptile Boy", Angel tells her their attraction isn't a fairy tale, their passion can only lead to bad things, yet by the end of it he back tracks and they're starting to kinda date. A little sudden in my opinion, although dragging it out much more would be awful.

Season two episode three is the first time we meet Spike and Drusilla...*sigh* Spike...ok, so I have a thing for bad boys. The relationship between Spike and Drusilla is awesome; dark, twisted, passionate, completely devoted. The first time Spike sees Buffy is at the Bronze, and the scene is loaded with sexual energy. She's dancing, Spike is lurking in the shadows, watching. His expression is equal parts desire to kill and desire to screw. Whether the actor and writers knew it or not, it lays the foundation for his obsession and love in the later seasons.

Giles is so cute in this season! I mean his crush on Jenny Calendar is one of my favorite storylines. He's clumsy, sexy, bookish and in episode six "Halloween" we see the first glimpse of "Ripper"....mmmmm.....I love Ripper. Seriously how many bookish, handsome guys have a burn down the world dark side. Yum! And in episode six we also see army guy Zander, who looks AMAZING in a dark green tank while he's kicking serious butt.

One more note about episode six, it's the first time we see take charge Willow. For those who don't know, there's a spell cast on some of the Halloween costumes and our heroes become their costumes. So Zander becomes an army guy, Buffy an 18th Century woman, and Willow a ghost. Willow is the only one who remembers who everyone is and what is really going on and has to take charge. It's the beginning of her major change this season.

Of the six, I have to say "Halloween" is my favorite. I just love the reversal of the world; Buffy the victim not the hero, Willow the leader, and the glimpse of Giles' dark side.

I'm not feeling well, so I may get through quite a few episodes in the next week, but I'll try to limit my future posts to just six episodes max.

Let me know which ones are your favorites of the episodes I've blogged about, I'd love to hear from some of my awesome readers!