The Quintessential Buffy Episode

POSTED BY: Whisper
UPDATED: Monday, December 8, 2008 21:40
VIEWED: 8518
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WHISPER

Monday, August 4, 2008 1:49 AM

If you could only show one episode to a new viewer, what episode would that be?

Which one do you think is the quintessential buffy episode that showcases all of what makes the show great?

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JADEHAND

Monday, August 4, 2008 3:01 AM

Well, my favourite episode, and one I would show first, is "Hush"(season 4, episode 10). Though there are bits of knowledge of previous episodes that make things in this episode mean more, I think it's hard to find any episode outside of season 1 that doesn't feel the same. So maybe sticking with "Welcome to the Hellmouth"(season 1, episode 1) is the way to go?
Of course anyone one says "Once More With Feeling" or "The Body".... I'll agree with.

"It's all so clear. We can see the madness perfectly from here." - Asylum Satellite 1 - Happiness is the Road - Marillion

CHRISISALL

Monday, August 4, 2008 2:54 PM

OMWF, definitely!!!

Dancing Chrisisall

LISSA

Monday, August 11, 2008 3:16 AM

Maybe this is cheating, but I always like to show two: Surprise and Innocence. Unless it's a guy, then maybe The Zeppo? I don't like to show an episode that is too late in the series because those tend to be really loaded with history and/or super spoilery.

~lissa, retired spwhore

KWICKO

Monday, August 11, 2008 3:42 AM

I *would* suggest Once More With Feeling, but there's a lot of history in that one, too. Not so much in the scenes, but you kind of need to know who and what these people are so that the music and lyrics make sense to you. Once you're completely ensconced in the Buffyverse, you realize that every single line, every single word, was labored over to make sure it fit perfectly the character singing it. It's amazing, really. I watch is probably more than any other episode, but I hesitate to show it to the uninitiated.

Hush would be a good choice. Or one of the episodes with Angellus, such as when he does nasty things to Jenny Calendar... That episode shows what Joss is capable of having his characters do, and how really evil he can be.

The pilot is a good one; it sets the tone for the show with the opening scene with Darla, because you just expect it to be the typical horror-movie-stupid-girl-gets-killed-by-monster scene - and then the whole dynamic gets flipped, letting you know you're not in for your average horror show.

Spike coming on board in Season 2, and his run-in with The Annointed One (or "The Annoying One" as he refers to him) is pretty classic; I didn't see THAT coming - but I loved it!

Mike

MER

Monday, August 11, 2008 3:07 PM

Once More With Feeling or Storyteller.

THESOMNAMBULIST

Monday, August 11, 2008 3:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Whisper:
If you could only show one episode to a new viewer, what episode would that be?

Which one do you think is the quintessential buffy episode that showcases all of what makes the show great?

http://whispergraphics.deviantart.com
http://www.myspace.com/vet_techtiff

The quintessential Buffy episode for me would be 'Surprise'

I feel by that episode Buffy had really found it's feet and you can tell the writers are planning an arc of epic proportions.

It is by no way my favourite episode but it had it all:
Super villains, humour, drama, horror and the gang all in, trying to overcome insurmountable odds. The essence of what Buffy was to become and were I trying to encourage people to start watching Buffy I'd show them this episode as bait.

Some of the greatest episodes come too late and are too intricate with story arcs to introduce people to. So much as I love HUSH and RESTLESS I wouldn't start off with those.

Once More with feeling -- though great is a one off, and really it would have people thinking they are going to get a musical every week. Out of context this episode isn't as funny. Part of it's joy is in seeing all these characters whose relationships with each other have been established previously suddenly take on a new slant with the musical theme.

I recently introduced a couple to Buffy who had never seen it before and I simply told them, see out season 1, it's not great but watch it for the cheesy humour and with the understanding that what you watch now will reward you heavily later on with some astounding drama, humour and horror. Also the fights get better!

:D

EMBERS

Monday, August 11, 2008 6:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Whisper:
If you could only show one episode to a new viewer, what episode would that be?

Which one do you think is the quintessential buffy episode that showcases all of what makes the show great?

I always start w/OMWF, sure there is a lot of backstory they won't get... and some spoilers for the future...
but the episode is a gem!

Starting w/Buffy's first season is problematic because it is kind of cheesy.

New Firefly fans should check this out: http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=15816

CANTTAKESKY

Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:43 AM

Surprise.

If they can stand it at all, it will turn into a two-episode viewing.

And then three...

--------------------------
Lacy, gently wafting curtains.

FUTUREMRSFILLION

Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:52 AM

No no no no no no no! Hush! the creepy dudes and the like no talking!

vaguemrpointygesturingisall

I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"

FORSAKEN original

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