Buffy The Vampire Slayer 6x07 - "Once More, With Feeling" Reaction

[@TheBloobster]

Ok... I know everyone is gonna be very excited... but pretty please, no spoilers. No hints at future episodes. So, only talk about things that happened in this episode or before it. We want ASR to enjoy this show as much as we did. Plus, it'll make our lives all easier if we don't have to delete half the comments. :) If you think you're being clever alluding to a future episode... trust me, she picks up on that, and it IS a spoiler. That being said, enjoy the reaction... I've watched it 4 times already!

[@zac0002]

much nicer then if i would have writing this

[@paulgibson7353]

Well said deb

[@ffaristocrat]

I'm kind of amazed that even though she had heard big things about this episode, she never found out it was a musical.

[@CarlosHuiskens]

ffaristocrat I think credit is also welcome to all the people who didn't spoil anything about it. Ofcourse her moderators try their best but also her subs who aren't blabbering everything around should be given a round of applause.

[@alexwright4930]

Watching right now eagerly awaiting the reaction to Under Your Spell.

[@IcanBePsycho]

Who else wishes they could go back and watch Buffy all over again for the first time.

[@sadshenanigans1403]

Absolutely!! I dont remember my reaction to most of the episode because I watched them when they aired and I was about 7 when the show started.

[@PhoenixWill]

It's on hulu all 8 seasons

[@randycrawford1132]

IcanbePsycho oh yeah definitely

[@PhoenixWill]

Oh I'm must have included the comic books season 8 which was awesome

[@DangerKennyB]

Watching it with my twin girls now, so in a way, I'm kinda getting to experience it all over again. And it's amazing

[@davewolf6256]

13:17 The moment Shan goes from realizing that Spike is singing, to realizing how good he's singing, is my favorite part of this reaction.

[@iljuro]

No, it's not a musical episode, it's The musical episode

[@juzujuzu4555]

No, it's not The musical episode. It's THE Episode, best hour of television ever, that uses music in a way to make musicals feel like they should be ashamed of themselves.

[@mayalackman7581]

Juzu Juzu I disagree. I'm not dissing this episode at all. I love this episode. But the best hour of television ever is The Gift.

[@menachemsalomon]

FYI, you can do _italics_ in KZbin comments by putting underscores around words, or *bold* by putting asterisks. It's a form of markdown. Like all-caps, please don't overuse it.

[@saar144]

Maya, completely agree.

[@Carabas72]

@@menachemsalomon _testing_ *testing* Edit: it works. I love you.

[@Briansgate]

The look on Spike's face when he starts singing, brilliant.

[@andrewthompson6908]

And spike giving up at the end. And walking off disgusted.

[@sarahp936]

Yeah he’s like the only one that’s aware of it in real time and just sighs heavily and resigns himself to it. And at the end he looks up at his hand and is like “…no” I guess he is immune in that way. But that last bit reminds me of an early episode with Spike where he’s talking about feeding on a flower person at Woodstock and then spending the next six hours watching his hand move.

[@Ylyrra]

@@sarahp936 I'm pretty sure he was just lying about being immune, and at the start he was rushing her out of there because he knew he'd start singing again and didn't want her to see it.

[@tmpreardon4200]

Not only a musical episode, but also an episode where everyone's storyline progresses. They don't just rely on the "gimmick" of a musical episode, they deliver on the characters' arcs. Phenomenal television. (Also, I love the songs)

[@vaalrus]

As I’m watching this season, and as more and more threads are being thrown on the loom, I kept thinking “There’s no way they can resolve all of this without major cheese”, and I still think I was right, but they just took that and attacked it head on, with one big cheesy, brilliant musical, and tied up an entire seasons worth of angst in one episode. And stayed true to the spirit of the show. Fantastic television.

[@huh7755]

@@vaalrus I wear the cheese the cheese does not wear me

[@s_m_SL4Y3R]

Not just the lyrics in the song, but also the style that each character had was part of forwarding the story arcs

[@jasonpye4649]

Well they definitely started planning it a year in advance, the season was leading up to it. Some of the actors were nervous about it I remember reading. Anthony head is a musician and singer anyway and James Marsters is too, so they were kind of setup for that. The one I think was the most nervous who really hardly got any singing lines was Willow. I think they also planned it that way too. It was either because she was too nervous or just isn't a good singer. They put her in the group numbers but she didn't get her own special tune.

[@mediablindspots]

@@vaalrus it’s actually Season 4 that was resolved via lots of cheese

[@dlweiss]

Watching your love of Spike skyrocket to over 9000 when he starts singing was amazing. :)

[@bipstymcbipste5641]

I was like really focused on her face as it changed from awe to "please marry me"

[@roxyhart3247]

Was so waiting for that moment as he's just the best I to loved him all the more after that scene/song

[@stinkingyeti]

When he does that head turn with the "mmmm-mmm" line, i swear she was halfway to a happy time.

[@thomaszahnow6340]

"It makes it real to me!" 🤣 In all seriousness though, I'm a straight guy but that scene? 😳

[@mediablindspots]

@@thomaszahnow6340 …now do Giles! Between the two of them, I almost turned gay.

[@victorsixtythree]

The amazing thing is how MEANINGFUL all the songs are.

[@StalKalle]

Even the mustered and ticket ones? :P

[@fangsabre]

@@StalKalle especially the mustard one. Cant you understand the esoteric aspects of the lyrical content?? The true existential crisis!!

[@danjosmcm]

Doing a musical for a television show is difficult enough; the writers of Buffy TVS are not lyricists this was all Josh Whedon, Buffy is a continuing story and to throw a musical episode into that story and still have continuity was brilliant on Josh's part.

[@Logan_Baron]

Joss had long wanted to do a musical episode. This was the point in the series that it worked in perfectly. Not just the fact that it's not played up as a gag, but that it is an important part of the story arcs going on at the moment.

[@RowantheHearingAssistDog]

In a good musical, all the songs should be meaningful & advance the plot. "Xena" had a couple of musical episodes; the first was better than the second.

[@frankgeisenburg9208]

You remind me of my younger daughter. She had this huge crush on Spike. I was like, "Sweetie, you realize he's like my age? Right?" Her response was, " Maybe, but he's hot! You're just old!"

[@aimeeeeeeee141]

LOLLLLL

[@s13rr4buf3]

He's 125 years old.

[@aimeeeeeeee141]

s13rr4buf3 Tru dat maybe she has a crush on just Spike not James Marsters

[@s13rr4buf3]

@@aimeeeeeeee141 James isn't that old. :-)

[@aimeeeeeeee141]

s13rr4buf3 Well you said Spike’s age so I said that maybe her daughter has a crush on just Spike

[@victorsixtythree]

13:22 - the moment a young woman from Australia first heard James Marsters sing...and her life changed forever. And it's all caught on video.

[@TheSnuffle007]

I loved how she moved closer to the screen to just to as close to James Marsters as possible. I was the same. Loved Spike so much. Much more interesting Character than boring Angel. BEST character of the whole show.

[@moriellymoproblems7842]

@@TheSnuffle007 Angel isn't a boring character at all, foh lol.

[@reesewithoutaspoon]

@@moriellymoproblems7842 He was boring in Buffy Better in Angel

[@lessismore8533]

@@reesewithoutaspoonagree

[@lessismore8533]

@@TheSnuffle007YAH! He’s up there with Giles as one of the best characters !..

[@mayalackman7581]

"She needs backup . . ." Probably my favorite pun in the whole series.

[@AscendedXSaiyan]

As Tara then walks into a wall 😂

[@honeyaston8734]

JustinJusticeTV bahahaha

[@elmarm66]

I managed to look at the bodies while the police were taking witness arias.... cracks me up every time ;)

[@JakkFrost1]

@@elmarm66 yep, that one was my favorite 😂

[@jasonpye4649]

It was an excellent double entendre, I don't know about a pun.

[@AshLee92490]

They continue singing at the end because in Sweet's (the demon) last song he says "Say you're happy now, once more with feeling". When someone says, Once More With Feeling it means "do it again". So that was his last spell before he left. It makes since considering the revelation that was just revealed...

[@VOTEBLUEFORYOU2024]

Thank you for that!

[@abbesatty9498]

Also, it's the episode title.

[@Rkenton48]

"Dawn has been kidnapped. It must be Tuesday." Best line from an older sister ever!

[@saar144]

“Dawn’s in trouble”

[@Logan_Baron]

Also being a meta joke for the fact the show aired on Tuesdays at the time.

[@mediablindspots]

@@Logan_Baron I was watching the episode live with my troop of fellow Buffy die-hards, and we laughed so hard over that line.

[@spangelicious837]

"I have a theory, It could be demons, A dancing demon, No, something isn't right there." You were right the first time, Giles!

[@writingalias4401]

hahaha, Of course he did. :)

[@JamesCPotter13]

I think the thing he thought wasn't right was the only way to summon that demon was located in the shop, and supposedly none of them had done it.

[@mercifulzeus01]

Good trivia question - what do "Once More With Feeling" and "Earshot" have in common? The first theory turns out to be the correct one in both (Xander makes a throwaway comment about how he always thought the lunch lady was going to do everyone in with the Mulligan Stew).

[@KCM316]

@@JamesCPotter13 Pretty Sure Xander Admitted he summoned it.

[@JamesCPotter13]

@@KCM316 he did, but much later when the demon was trying to make Dawn his bride and she had no idea what he wad talking about. At that point during the Theory song, Xander hadn't confessed yet.

[@Karthos1000]

"The police were taking witness arias." One of my favorite quotes from this episodes.

[@Konflikt38]

"How did I go 6 seasons without knowing this." You have amazing fans that wouldn't ruin it for you because they knew you would love it.

[@jasonpye4649]

Well I guess that's the case but she could have heard it somewhere, like in chat rooms or forums and there are books on the show since she's such a fan. I guess if she eschews all the normal stuff associated with fandom that's also a factor in how she didn't realize it.

[@norasmith2474]

@@jasonpye4649 I think a lot of reactors don't look at any fandom related stuff until they're done with the series

[@jasonpye4649]

@@norasmith2474 maybe somehow I got it in my head that she was a buffy fan before she had a reaction channel, I guess I was mistaken.

[@norasmith2474]

@@jasonpye4649 Most of the reaction channels are new viewers. There are some channels that are duos, one is a Buffy fan with a newbie viewer. There's one who is rewatching Buffy while he watches Angel for the first time.

[@jasonpye4649]

@@norasmith2474 well that's interesting, I wonder why a big fan of Buffy who's already seen that wouldn't have seen Angel at the same time, like when it was on. The show's kind of go hand-in-glove after all.

[@Erulin68]

Nearly every series end up having a musical episode... Heck, even the X-files did it, but Buffy made it a plot device. Which is perfection. No one ever pulled it off to this level :)

[@Rachel-xu4br]

This episode ended up popularizing the "musical" episode concept combined with Glee fueling it even more so when it came out.

[@mediablindspots]

Buffy did it first. Joss (et. al) MADE the mold, and no one has managed to break it ever since.

[@Erulin68]

@lindspots No Buffy didn't do it first. Once more with feeling aired 6 november 2001. Northern Exposure had the musical episode 'Old Tree' in 1993. The Simpsons did it in 'All Singing, All Dancing' in 1998. Xena, Warrior Princess did it in the episode 'The Bitter Suite' in 1998 and Ally McBeal did it in 2000 in the episode 'The Musical, Almost' So by no means did Buffy do it first.

[@lorkac]

In a season about people being afraid to talk to each other-only a musical episode could force them to let their feelings become known despite their protestation.

[@mediablindspots]

Or the episode in which nobody can literally talk. I hate that sentence construction, in hindsight.

[@SK-uj1hz]

Standing reprise is my favourite no one ever mentions how beautifully Anthonys and Ambers voices complement each-other

[@Strangely_Sexy]

I love it too. It's such a touching song

[@SarahJames-gv2td]

Yes, it's my favorite aside from Under Your Spell. Their voices are so amazing.

[@rjwalker1726]

I mention, I mention a LOT lol

[@suebennett4121]

I was at a Buffy con years ago and Amber and Anthony sang the reprise live. It was good.

[@victorsixtythree]

I'm sure the real Buffy fans already knew this but I saw in the credits that "Mustard Man" and "Parking Ticket Woman" were played by writer/producers David Fury and Marti Noxon.

[@PsychoElou666]

victorsixtythree yessss I was scrolling the comments to see if someone already mentioned it hehehe

[@BloodBunnie]

I always wanted more parking ticket lady. She had a good voice.

[@dogstar75]

they also play the singing news readers in part 3 of Doctor Horribles sing along blog.

[@peaceisnature]

Also, did you know Marti Noxon sings, "and I'm not wearing underwear" at the end of her lines! Have a listen, it's fairly quiet!

[@victorsixtythree]

Random Rob - I looked it up: Why can't you let it go? I think I've paid more than my share I'm just a poor girl don't you care? Hey, I'm not wearing underwear. That makes no sense whatsoever....

[@AshLee92490]

Although someone has probably told you that the reason Willow doesn't sing much is because Alyson Hannigan begged Joss not to make her sing because it terrified her, I've seen a theory that the reason Willow doesn't sing within the story is because she doesn't have any real worries like the rest of them, consciously or subconsciously. Buffy's fear of lack of feeling, Dawn's abandonment issues, Xander/Anya's fear of marriage, Spike's conflicting feelings for Buffy, Tara's feeling of betrayal and Willow's use of magic, Giles fear of getting in the way of Buffy growth as a person. Willow isn't worried about anything at the moment. She's content with not only who she is, what everyone's doing but most importantly, what's she's done, including what she just did to Tara the night before...

[@joelhassig6099]

That's a pretty good theory. I'm gonna go with that.

[@Buffy8Fan]

Willow doesn't acknowledge her issues until the next episode and even then it is only because Tara has had enough. That is a good in-universe reason.

[@askarsfan2011]

I saw the same theory, and it sounds plausible.

[@macmcleod1188]

I've read the song Tara happy sang was supposed to be WIllow's.

[@AshLee92490]

@@macmcleod1188 I think it was meant to be a duet...

[@muradziyadeh4736]

After watching this, I’m still wondering why amber benson hasn’t voiced a Disney princess yet.

[@cirrustate8674]

That is a REALLY good question.

[@GeneralG1810]

THAT is actually a great idea

[@hiphopreactions7175]

Yeah...

[@matthewkreps3352]

I believe she retired from acting and writes fantasy fiction now.

[@Kinitawowi]

Even more hilarious? Her on-screen cousin actually has.

[@CharlesinTampa]

Your face during Spike's song was absolutely priceless and adorable....

[@nilesparker3543]

"Let me rest in piece" was an awesome song. Overall the episode was a game changer.

[@talsubach5979]

@Meister Incognito piss*

[@lessismore8533]

Peace

[@Aoiichi]

Notice that at the end there, before Buffy took off her Jacket, Spike and Buffy are wearing the exact same color scheme.

[@wolfgirl8282]

I listen to the soundtrack in my car with the windows rolled down singing really loud... it's the only way to live!

[@SashaRicky]

You know how to live!! 🙌🙌

[@AngelicMouseGirl]

Same!

[@lordives7181]

I would sing along with you if we ever met on road :)

[@sk70091]

I sing these songs in the shower. All the time.

[@jazalinerivera6210]

Facts

[@willsofer3679]

Hats off to Amber Benson for this episode. Amazing vocalist, and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

[@lucas.2.3.9.4]

Your face during spikes song ❤️ knew his would be your favourite!

[@corystanish]

I'm pretty sure her eyes literally turned into cartoon hearts.

[@elizabethdicewielder7689]

I HAVE AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT THEY GOT THE MUSTARD OUT

[@charlottepountney9152]

And this is why I still am completely in love with James Marsters ❤️

[@Bookq36]

@jockadoobee "MMMmmHHmmhmmmm"

[@leilanyx]

"the curtains close on a kiss -" plays as buffy follows spike out, foreshadowing the kiss that's to come - and it literally ends with the curtains closing on a kiss. there are so many things you pick up on when you watch things back and i love it.

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

and "...We can tell the end is near" is also a double entendre for the end of the song and also not everything will be sunshine and rainbows for them either!

[@lessismore8533]

@@TheRulesLawyerRPGnot in season 6 it won’t. But Spike doesn’t have his soul yet so ppl should stop acting all surprised. There still Season 7. And he’s still superior to soulless Angel..

[@Swenglish]

One night, years ago, I was flipping channels. A voice said something about a musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. All I knew about Buffy the Vampire Slayer: It was a B movie from the early '90s, that somehow got turned into a TV show. I had never bothered to watch it. Musical episode? I had to watch that. I pay some attention to the opening credits and see the name Joss Whedon listed as creator, executive producer, writer, director, composer and lyricist. What? I write myself a note to IMDb that person in the morning. I watch the episode. I fall in love with the show. I follow the show from that point to the series finale. Then it loops back around and I watch the whole series from beginning to end. That's how I became a fan. This episode blew my mind, and it still holds up as an all time classic episode of television, and one of the best filmed musicals I've seen. I'm impressed you managed to stay unspoiled on the existence of this episode. Good, innit?

[@randall-king]

Tasteful Tuna great story! Thanks for sharing!

[@jessebaldo1204]

I could NEVER watch a series in the middle, And if I did I WOULD NEVER continue from that point, ALWAYS THE BEGINNING, I've always picked up on entire storylines even with the smallest hints, I know the plot, middle,ending and twist ending to ANY movie I watch before they happen, I've gotten so good, it doesn't matter if the writer is a genius, I'll figure out this is next level writing and then adjust all at once, So for me, NEVER! Always enjoy the show from start.

[@Swenglish]

@@jessebaldo1204 It was a different time. I had never seen a show like Buffy before, and nobody had recommended it to me. I figured it was just another episodic series or that storylines wouldn't be affected by things that happened much earlier. Buffy is the show that taught me to always start at the beginning. I just watched it because it was airing. There was no streaming, and the DVD box set, if it was even out yet, wasn't cheap. Things are different now.

[@xxSydneyFox]

@@jessebaldo1204 tbf I think I watched Buffy the first time very fragmented with episodes missed just because it was on TV and it wasn't always consistent. But I watched it all at uni properly and even got my friends into it lol

[@Chyll07]

"They pulled me out of heaven... I think I was in heaven" One of the saddest moments on the show

[@jenb7780]

The problem with this episode is the urge to constantly rewatch it. It's soo good. Also, Sarah's hair and outfit in the final scene is perfect.

[@leahwardingley6810]

Who else can sing all of this all the way through off by heart?

[@mrspidey80]

I have been waiting SOOO long for you to get to this one. The thing is, this is not just A musical episode. It is THE musical episode. Other shows did it before and have done after but this one is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to musical episodes. It's not just random singing, every song has meaning for the characters and even develops them further and to top it off, the characters being aware of being in a musical and not even liking it makes it even better. "Once more with Feeling" is about 15 years old by now, and no other show has managed to top it since then. And they didn't even hire profissionals (besides the dance choreographers which can be seen dancing in the background at 12:25). Joss wrote AND composed all the songs. The Flash had a musical episode two seasons ago and they hired the LaLa Land guys for it and STILL, the episode didn't come close to this.

[@TufShadow]

I was also very dissapointed in thar Flash episode. Songs wasn't original, they wasn't written like characters are actually talking and they don't relay on situation. OMWF's songs are written for charecters, they're perfectly suit ed situations and characters personalities (for example, Anya's outburst about bunnies). I heard that Joss also wrote title song of his TV show Firefly, which is brilliant. He's very talented, I wish he'd write more songs!

[@saimanno4078]

Still loved the Superfriends song in that Flash ep.

[@swanpride]

Other shows did it before? Really? I always thought it was the first one…. There are a few which came close...Supernatural has a hilarious Musical episode and there is naturally the Music Master episode from Batman the Brave and the Bold. But yeah, at the end of the day, it is still THE musical episode. I am not even a particular fan of Buffy and I have it on DVD.

[@davekimball3610]

Yup, you're correct, it is THE musical episode, with every song written by Josh and done well before any shows like Glee came out with no original songs. Huge risk taken by everyone involved in the show's production and great faith in the shows viewers.

[@mrspidey80]

@@swanpride As far as live action goes, Xena was the first.

[@laughsmart36]

THIS. This is why there are no spoilers. Seeing you go into this blind was the best thing. I have been waiting for this for so long. Shan, your face during this was absolutely priceless. I loved it. And of course, we all knew you were gonna ASPLODE at the end. Six seasons, no spoilers, all leading to this. Thank you, and good night.

[@HonorThyGamer]

I'm actually really surprised you got this far without knowing there was a musical episode.

[@zac0002]

it wasnt easy people tried really hard to spoil.

[@peggin169]

You have no idea how many comments we've deleted that included the word "musical"!

[@victorsixtythree]

peggin169 GREAT JOB, MODERATORS! THANK YOU! It was SO worth it. Shannan's reactions were amazing.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

victorsixtythree I concur! So glad that she got to experience this with no preconceived notions!

[@SS2Dante]

Fantastic work mods!

[@melanievasquez6701]

Omg when Spike started singing I said “ooo girl! You don’t know it, but you’re about to fall in love” and then seconds later you did 😂. I had to pause bc I was laughing so hard.

[@adam67]

THE best episode of Buffy, and one of the greatest episodes of television ever!

[@HereBeDragonsYT]

I don't know if its the "best" but its certainly my favorite. I think The Body might be the "best" but damn its hard to watch.

[@juzujuzu4555]

It all depends on how to determine best. Innocence is the best episode if asked from Whedon himself. And I agree, it was the best episode for the series cos it changed the show completely. Then again Hush was probably the best in terms of cinematography. Body can be argued to be the best achievement on many aspects. But I think people who judge "what is the best episode" forget one aspect, how did the episode utilize all the development of characters and all the anticipation that has been developed etc. (very hard to explain) and I have to say, Once more with feeling is near perfect in every possible way of utilizing what Buffy the Vampire Slayer had build in the previous 106 episodes. I dont like musicals, but this episode isn't even musical in a way, its something much better. Every song has been written for purpose for the characters involved and their arch, and the method of why they are singing and that they know they are singing, makes it unique and better than any other musical by a large factor. And the fact that they used music as a way to force the characters to reveal what they truly feel is so clever way to release all the build up emotions from the season, and from the previous seasons. Still one aspect of this episode that I think makes it the best episode is that you just dont get bored to it. If you watch this episode multiple times, each time it feels better for up to x viewings, where x is different of course for different people. But compare that to any other episode its much higher. And the range of emotions that you feel every time you watch it is unique.

[@antonbrakhage490]

Personally I prefer The Body and The Gift, but this one is certainly one of the most famous and popular. Also, a bit off-topic, but a greatest list of all television shows would have to include Game of Thrones' Battle of the Bastards, Doctor Who's Day of the Doctor, and a whole lot of Last Week Tonight, at least in my opinion.

[@juzujuzu4555]

The Body is best "one off", it creates almost all of its emotional effect on that on episode, where Once more with feeling benefits from so much build tension and emotions on the previous eps and seasons. For some reason I don't feel as much for the ending of season 5. On the surface, sacrificing herself to save Dawn is idiotic. And the end of that season (3-4 eps) is too long and slow. On the metaphor level its much better, but it just doesn't translate to screen as clearly as some other superb episodes. If we would rank Buffy episodes in the order of how much emotions you get from the episode, if you watch that episode 10 to 100 times, and I guarantee Once more with feeling would win hands down. But the amount of emotion on just one watch time would probably change that list pretty much.

[@antonbrakhage490]

"She needs backup"- that's actually really clever of Giles, if you look at it a certain way. He's figuring out the rules of his enemy's magic, and trying to use it himself. Clever Watcher.

[@rfresa]

Yeah, maybe he noticed that everyone who burned was alone, or was the only one singing and dancing at the time, and figured that adding more people would spread out the energy a bit.

[@smexijebus]

It's hard to put into words how powerful this episode is. It might be one of my favourite episodes out of everything I've ever watched, and that's saying a lot. The way the musical theme is blended seamlessly into the world so that it isn't jarring and actually has consequences with regards to the plot is nothing short of amazing. And using the songs to bring everyone's problems that have been bubbling just below the surface to further the story and character development is amazing. And that's not even mentioning the fact that all the songs actually sound amazing. The episode is a masterfully constructed work of art, and it's always enjoyable to watch.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Electricutie It really is brilliant. I pretty much know all these songs by heart & I’m still blown away every time I see it.

[@spangelicious837]

DamaOscuraDeTodos Nah, Xena's made sense too. One was great, the other not so much, lol.

[@paulfeist]

Imagine going into this episode "cold" the first time it ran. It's an absolute delight, isn't it? Giles number... Spike's number... Geez, all of them.

[@PsychoElou666]

Ok this is my last comment lol. Small « Easter egg » The writers decided to include the line « Dawn’s in trouble... Must be Tuesday » because for a lot of episodes, Dawn would be in trouble and back when it was on TV, Buffy aired on Tuesday nights ^^

[@readeraway3393]

Yes, ASR once asked "what day it is" in an episode. I explained Tuesday is the default, and had to be really careful with the wording.

[@Firthy2002]

Until I found this out, I was confused by that line because in the UK it aired on a Thursday night on Sky.

[@Logan_Baron]

@@Firthy2002 The line alone fits the idea of "Dawns in trouble" happens on a steady and regular basis. The fact of the day the show aired is just an extra easter egg.

[@CarrotFlowers421]

"I bought Nero his very first fiddle" ...maybe this is the demon that has reported to give several musicians musical abilities in exchange for their souls. It's a common thing in American music mythology.

[@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames]

The demon in this episode, Sweet, was played by Broadway legend (and multiple Tony-award winner) Hinton Battle. He said he took the role because he was a gigantic fan of the show, and because he'd never been made up in heavy monster makeup before for a role, a process he called a "stone cold groove." You might notice, also, that he's technically one of the few of Buffy's opponents to *win* against her, because everything he wanted to happen happened. Yeah, in the DVD commentary of this episode, at the end of the Tara/Willow song, Joss Whedon goes, "Yeah, this is lesbian porn." Michelle Trachtenberg didn't feel secure singing, so she got to show off the fact that, of all the cast, she's the trained dancer. If you watch carefully, you can see Amber Benson dance right into a pole. She recovers, but is visibly laughing over it. And before you get too excited about the kiss, remember what Buffy was singing. It isn't real. She's just doing it because she feels empty inside. By the way, all the dancers are the same three guys. The two vampires and the demon in the graveyard at the beginning, the three puppet-headed minions, the dancing street-sweepers; all the same three guys. For that matter, the dancing man who caught on fire and was burned up was one of the same guys.

[@HelloXrancidkitteh]

also, the lady singing the Ticket song is one of the writers of the show and had helped Joss record the demos to the songs. I loved that Joss had her remain as the voice of at least that song, her voice is pretty.

[@barbarascutt792]

He was excellent as Sweet!

[@joec7217]

When does Tara run into a pole?

[@RaistliniltsiaR]

@@HelloXrancidkitteh And her song ends with the line "Hey, I'm not wearing underwear..."

[@AzguardMike]

bet she flashed the ticket warden too

[@markfuston2714]

I love the reaction of "Haha, poor Spike, he's so embarrassed...wait, this is doing things, don't stop!" towards Spike singing..hahaha, such a good episode, like, the definitive answer when people ask how to do a musical episode properly.

[@maviebaby]

I'm legit happy for u! The fact that u didn't know about the musical episode is awesome! Back when this first aired (2001, I think?), they were telling us months before that a musical was coming. Shouts to the mods! Shouts to the comment section on NOT spoiling this.

[@TheBloobster]

Ohhh they tried lol

[@maviebaby]

@@TheBloobster LMAO! I'm sure they did.

[@alexwright4930]

Oh God, that reminds me, Sky 1 in Britain even spoiled the ending of Season 5 in their trailers by showing Buffy's grave IIRC.

[@isabelledrevet5913]

Anthony Stewart Head is Murray Head’s brother, a famous singer of the 80’s, with 2 famous hits, "One night in Bangkok" and "Say it ain’t so".

[@ralphmiano5015]

"Bugger this!" LOL! James Marsters is actually a trained musician.

[@stevenwasserman9729]

Amber Benson and Anthony Stewart Head doing a duet and I'm in heaven.

[@hawkflame9584]

Oh, and your face during Spikes solo is just the most adorable thing ever.

[@theowinters6314]

"When the police were taking whiteness arias" is probably one of my favorite passing lines that everyone misses due to everything else that is going on.

[@susanmaggiora4800]

Theo Winters Mine is Anya’s telling Giles about the missing 4th wall while she was doing her number with Xander...🤣

[@SS2Dante]

Can someone please make a compilation of Shans ‘Spike face’? 😂

[@henyo5409]

god her reaction watching james sing the second time round is so relatable i love spike so much

[@frozenpiper2]

Your face when you hear Spike sing was priceless. James Marsters is an excellent singer and has some albums out that are really good. You can also find the soundtrack for this episode. Also love your reaction when Spike and Buffy kissed. This episode and musical episode in Once Upon A Time are the only tv musical episodes that I like because they further the plot.

[@lessismore8533]

I fan girdled over that scene too!

[@spangelicious837]

There's over 300 comments, and I skimmed about half of them and didn't see these mentioned. More 411 from the commentary: Joss gave Emma the metal riff about bunnies because she would always sing random lyrics at him on the set like that. The oner of Anya, Giles and Xander walking down the street took several takes before it was done right. The little pink plastic backpack that Dawn had was contributed by Joss. That's his backpack. They were able to get the fire trucks behind the actors on the first take. Amber ran into the beam on the Bronze set during the "Give Me Something to Sing About" number. You can see it just off camera behind SMG.

[@nataliej54]

One of my favorite episodes. Liked seeing your reaction to the spuffy kiss. Spuffy kiss at the end still epic. Also when spike sung his song about his love for buffy. I heard James actually played his guitar for the background in the song.

[@chanceneck8072]

The Duet between Benson and Head always kills me, so beautiful....

[@WarmLittleDiamond90]

I have never been more excited to click on a youtube video in my life

[@juzujuzu4555]

First I was waiting for the Innocence, because that ep pretty much made Buffy the Vampire Slayer and changed everything. After that it was Passion, to burst the buble that everything is gonna be all right. And of course then Becoming part 2. But since that came, I started waiting for Once more with feeling. And because the wait has been so long, I probably has never been as excited to click a youtube video :)

[@jacquelinelaface136]

Your face when spike started singing was like you fell in love with him all over again...it was great!

[@SweenyTodd98]

Anthony Stewart Head is such an amazing singer! Fun fact: he used to play Dr. Frank N' Furter in Rocky Horror on stage in the 90's, look it up on youtube it's amazing! Also his brother Murray Head was Judas on the original Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack, talk about a talented family.

[@werlost]

He was also part of a band called music for elevators and he was in the movie repo:the genetic opera, which is a musical

[@senhowler]

I've always loved that throwaway joke about the police taking witness arias.

[@olgud.manega]

Thank guys, 6 seasons and nobody spoil this for her... for us, please continue this way

[@zac0002]

trust me people tried .

[@Huschel1988]

Zac0002 I'll get you next time, Gadget!

[@erinhaury5773]

James Marsters had a band called Ghost in the Machine, and he was the lead singer. Also, Tony Head is a professional singer. Amber Benson has training and sings as a hobby. Just in case you were interested. 😀

[@awarriorstill]

"Mayhem Caused: Monsters Certainly Not Involved" God, I love that sight gag.

[@Helbore]

James Marsters is even more impressive when you realise he's an American singing with an English accent. I'm a Londoner myself, so not someone who would be easily fooled by a bad English accent and he does it just perfectly. You can't tell its fake when he speaks and its just amazing that he can sing and keep it up so well, too. So very impressive. Now, just one more thing, now that you've seen this. There's another Joss Whedon production you NEED to react to. I'm pretty sure everyone here knows what I'm about to say next, but it is five words; Doctor Horrible's Sing Along Blog. Seriously, if you liked this - find it, watch it, post your reaction to it, thank me later.

[@johnsoliz153]

Dude English people have American accents when they sing or a neutral accent. Southerner Americans have english accents when they sing.

[@rhonal4198]

@@johnsoliz153 Not necessarily true although often the case if they're singing an American pop song but the vowels are pretty distinct between singing with an American and British accent.

[@Garion0000]

You should watch/react to "Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog". Written/directed by Joss and has Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day.

[@hnek]

I think in terms of music and score it is the more cohesive of the 2. But I did see it first.

[@Justinhulk]

Its great!

[@DC_Prox]

Fun fact: Sarah Michelle Gellar is actually in Dr Horrible, she's in the audience wearing sunglasses during "Everyone's a Hero".

[@hnek]

OMG I need to find her! ( heh Every time anyone says "fun fact" now I hear it in Janet from The Good Place's voice!)

[@alexwright4930]

Literally only just learnt about Dr Horrible's existence flipping through Neil Patrick Harris' Choose Your Own Autobiography.

[@cooperseaver4397]

I loved when she said i want to hear more anthony stewart head, girl we all feel that way

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

“The curtains close on a kiss God knows we can tell the end is near..”

[@NelsonVlog66]

Anthony Stewart Head's brother is Murray Head who had a big hit "One Night In Bangkok" in 1985. Anthony got his start in musical theater. James Marsters has sang and played guitar in a few rock bands. The soundtrack for this episode was released on CD and vinyl.

[@tsukigalleta]

Just finished. What to say? Loved your reaction, loved that you didn't know what was coming, love "Rest in peace" and "Under your spell" (love all of the songs, actually), but the lyrics of "Walk through the fire" and "Something to sing about" are just masterful. Haunting. And the kiss, is there a better way? Can anyone think of a better way to show that kiss than this one?? No words to describe the magic the whole situation add to that scene!!! Thanks soooooooooooooooo much, Shan!!!!!!!!!

[@juzujuzu4555]

Walk through the fire is masterpiece, if you have felt like that in your life you really understand how great that song is. Also the song and whole scene with Xander and Anya is great, its not going to be breakup pop hit, but damn the scene looks great and the song contains so much real emotions that are familiar with all adults. Big part of why this song is so great is just at the beginning when Anya sings alone, its pretty serious song while its sounds funny. I love "Rest in peace" scene, and Spike is magical, but that song is not the best. "Where do we go from here" is also great. It creates subliminal expectations and makes the ending so much more powerful without us even noticing. And the way Dawn starts the song is adorable. She is still the "baby" who asks guidance, where do we go from here? And the father figure of the whole group takes the lead on that song.

[@jamesbenstead2264]

The look on your face when Spike started singing made me fall in love with you a lil bit lol

[@sandywolfr26]

Your reactions toward spike song is everyone reaction lol

[@edakanari4408]

That moment when you realise you don't only remember all the song words but most of the dialogue due to watching it so many times!

[@Nixie_536]

⚘❤Pure 💚 dedicated and true fans 🧛‍♂️⚡

[@saar144]

I love the references to past episodes: - "Some kid is dreamin', and we're all stuck inside his wacky Broadway nightmare." - "His penis got diseases from a Chumash tribe!" - "The hardest thing in this world is to live in it."

[@paulgibson7353]

Hey I died twice

[@Cleopatra7Philopator]

"I'm Under Your Spell", The fight, the flowers

[@blueeyestuber8673]

@@Cleopatra7Philopator yeah but those were literally one episode ago while the rest are older

[@johncspine2787]

I was a pro symphony musician and was dreading this when it came out..I still remember seeing it, and being just blown away..so good..

[@dustyb58]

I watched someone react to this episode by itself just as a musical, and during Buffy's admission of being pulled from heaven, the reactor was like "why does everyone look so sad" 🤣

[@PsychoElou666]

More behind the scene info: when Xander, Anya and Giles walk on the street, the couple dancing are the choreographers that taught dancing to the cast for the episode and the three street cleaning guys are the same dancers that work for the demon (the big size puppet guys). I strongly suggest you to get the DVD of this episode because there is a small behind the scene reportage where you discover all the work that was necessary for that episode ❤️

[@spcmegreg]

The 3 guys were also the three demons from the beginning graveyard scene as well.

[@Cleopatra7Philopator]

It was More than just Work. They had to get it down in a certain Timeframe, so the Story would Fit in the Season Arc., much more Pressure than Normal Production Deadlines!

[@HelloXrancidkitteh]

also, the lady singing the Ticket song is one of the writers of Buffy and her and Joss recorded all the demo songs together, but he decided to keep her as the voice of the lady getting the ticket.

[@Starmongoose1991]

The love in your eyes as you watch Spike sing is so cute haha

[@moonfisher]

Now that you’ve seen this, I recommend that you look up Anthony Head performing as Franknfurter in Rocky Horror and that you watch Repo. You can also see a more current video of James singing this song and playing guitar in his home.

[@thombruce]

Watching this took me back to 2002, when it would have aired in the UK for the first time. 8pm, Sky One - Thursdays, if I remember rightly. This and Angel were the two hours of TV I didn't miss. And Once More With Feeling was... amazing! All of your reactions here - I actually felt those! I'm so glad your audience and your mods kept this a secret from you. 😄

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

This is my absolute FAVORITE episode of Buffy! I could NOT stop smiling from beginning to end! Fun fact: Michelle Trachtenberg used to dance ballet. And James Marsters has his own music. Solo stuff and a band. Look up Ghost of the Robot! PLEASE do a rewatch of this with Passion of the Nerd!!!

[@lindsaycrites2789]

U can def tell she did ballet

[@theiosif3632]

"This kinda feels like a private moment." LOL

[@BloodBunnie]

I used to be so obsessed with Spike and James Marsters. I remember listening to his band Ghost of the Robot every single night before I went to sleep looking at my Spike poster hanging on the ceiling.

[@lessismore8533]

Same here and I was only 11 when this episode was new..

[@justwatching111111]

just a little knowledge but, James Marters was in a band and Anthony Stewart Head has been on Broodway

[@albertcornett7408]

The cast members would get together at Joss’s house on weekends and sometimes sing songs. Joss was impressed by how many of them could sing. That helped lead to a episode that I have watched over and over again. I even have the soundtrack I love to listen to. I think the two best singers were Tara and Giles. Joss to his credit did not have the weaker singers dubbed. Sarah ,though she is not a great singer , also thought it was important that her voice heard was hers. Great reaction. I think this is one episode you will also watch again and again.

[@Richard_Ashton]

Even David Fury and Marti Noxon got singing roles - truly an epic ensemble piece of work. It would seem that if Joss Whedon is attached to a movie or TV show, it's bound to be superb.

[@albertcornett7408]

Richard Ashton Joss has had a few missteps. The latest Agents of Shield is nothing like any other Joss show. I am not a fan.

[@techsoul5590]

@@albertcornett7408 AoS is run by Jed Whedon only started by Joss. Also I'd give it another shot if I were you it starts weak but S01e16 onward just gets better and better

[@albertcornett7408]

Tech Soul I went into the show AOS expecting a Joss show. I was so disappointed that it turned out to be mediocre. I rarely watch mediocre shows because there is too much great TV to follow. Thanks for the recommendation but I will pass.

[@kristagemini]

Albert, Anthony Stewart head, Amber Benson, and James Marsters, are all professional singers. Michelle Trachtenberg was a dancer when she was younger, so that's why they also showcased a little bit of her ballet. Anthony and Amber actually did a live Rocky Horror Picture Show together and it was absolutely amazing. I say lies but it was taped also so I was able to see it. I suggest that everyone look that up because it was glorious. Anthony playing Frank and Amber playing Janet.

[@chloe2264]

“I’ll be you slave!” Me too, girl! Me too 😍 Loved your reactions to Spike’s scenes so much. I felt the same, hahah.

[@DB6195]

So if it didn't click the curse is that when you're singing you can't lie.

[@victorsixtythree]

A nice compliment to the "Hush" episode where the true communication comes when you stop talking.

[@dipperjc]

It was a step further than that, IMHO. The aura of the demon *compelled* people to reveal secrets, and when they had nothing left to share, they danced to death.

[@HereBeDragonsYT]

@@dipperjc my interpretation exactly. Sing about what is troubling you. Once you've sung about it all, if you don't get resolution, you dance till you die... Buffy even says "Give me something to sing about" When there is nothing, her dance of death begins.

[@dipperjc]

And gets extra time to tug at it because she has backup. ;) But the demon is king and expels the two of them forcibly from the attack aura. I *love* the elegance in that fight. :)

[@Carabas72]

It's less a curse and more the rules of classic musicals.

[@April7739]

Spuffy hearts rejoice! I’m so glad you love Spike so much. This is a great episode, definitely in my Top 3, along with “Becoming Part 2” and “The Gift.” iI’m so glad no one spoiled that there was a musical episode for you! Your mods are indeed amazing!

[@littlefox7694]

If you like James Marsters singing you really should check out his other songs... don't know if you knew about this but he's a professional singer. By the way, James Marsters and Anthony Head were the only actors okay with doing this. Everyone else were super mad and thought this episode will be the end of their career!

[@kroozader]

Catrin Morgan I think she's referring to the musical episode

[@iljuro]

AFAIK most of the cast were pretty reluctant once it was for real and some, including SMG, initially wanted voice doubles.

[@slanis]

@@catrin3944 SMG hated doing this episode. She said it multiple times. She hated singing for this.

[@antonbrakhage490]

Head and Marsters were the only professional singers on the cast.

[@littlefox7694]

Catrin Morgan i heard this information in many, MANY comic con panels that included James Masters. Someone would ask about the musical and he'd go on and on about how everyone was terrified except for him and Antony. He's an amazing storytelling, i'll give you that.

[@usascorpio]

- only Buffy episode I've ever seen, have watched this episode Countless times, absolutely love it, and now, get to enjoy it through the eyes of others and their reactions.

[@sandywolfr26]

Love the expression you are making just when it just started. Like right away cuz of the opening you knew this wasn’t a normal episode lol

[@MagusAgrippa8]

"She needs backup." is my favorite line in Buffy.

[@geminiwolfgirl863]

You mean spike is a better singer than angel?????? No way!!!! Lol :) Spike is amazing!

[@spangelicious837]

DamaOscuraDeTodos Angel's the best worst singer, hands down. :D

[@Kal911]

I think that the worst nightmare of Angel would be Lindsey and Spike singing and dancing together on his tomb.XD

[@TheCrippledEgg]

But Angel's the better dancer hands freaking down.

[@sdab4856]

@@TheCrippledEgg Wesley might disagree...

[@necrolicious]

at 28:35 you point out how all of Xander's love interests are demons. Back in Season four, episode 9 "Something Blue" Willow does the same thing, but with disastrous results.

[@dusk78]

James Marsters does have a band, Ghost of the Robot

[@TheCrippledEgg]

Plus his son’s a musician too.

[@kurtsnyder4752]

Dale Dorsey Did they do something bad to J J Abram's pet automation?

[@simonfrederiksen104]

Such a Spike girl - Every time Spike does something she's totally girling out - It's adorable and endlessly amusing to watch :)

[@lessismore8533]

I’m a Spike girl too! lol I was only 12 when this episode aired..

[@johnmacdonald3287]

Welcome Shan to the point in yout life where you define things as "before or after i saw once more with feeling" Of course you life for the next while will be mostly a self induced time loop where you watch "rest in peace" over and over again and gush about spike. Happy dreams !

[@SylviusTheMad]

I have come back to rewatch this reaction at least once a month since you posted it. The unadulterated joy on your face (particularly during Tara's and Spike's songs) appears to be something I need from time to time. Thank you.