Buffy the Vampire Slayer Talk || s1e12 "Prophecy Girl"

[@teacherverina]

"oh so it is the Apocalypse, in supernatural they waited like 5 seasons." well this is Buffy, and it's Tuesday

[@jeanetteking434]

Kathryn Kelly LoL I think this episode was on a Monday.

[@teacherverina]

@@jeanetteking434 it's a Tuesday is a btvs reference from season 5

[@PerfectlyValid]

@@teacherverina Back when the show originally aired, it was on Tuesday nights. The season 6 reference was to the fact that if you were watching the original broadcast, it actually was Tuesday in the real world. So it's kinda always Tuesday in the buffyverse....

[@nicolelangley7960]

@@jeanetteking434 you are correct. Buffy originally aired on Monday (following 7th Heaven) and moved to Tuesday in the middle of season 2 where it remained for the rest of the series.

[@frutrace]

First day of nursing school I sat behind a girl wearing a t-shirt, and on the back of the shirt it said, "It's the end of the world? Must be Tuesday." Needless to say, we immediately started talking and became friends.

[@krank23]

"I didn't bring tissues, I didn't think I was gonna need 'em" Oh honey… This really IS your first Joss Whedon ride, isn't it? =)

[@Briansgate]

yeah, buckle up.

[@stargazer1682]

Yeah, rookie mistake.

[@reesebn38]

I've had some of the hardest cries in my life watching Buffy and Angel.

[@stevemorganexperience7833]

TommyJ. I still after umpteenth watch.

[@Logan_Baron]

I've watched the series many times over. I've seen this episode close to a hundred times now. Buffy's "I'm sixteen years old. I don't want to die" speech, still brings a tear to my eye.

[@cynus8]

See blood coming out of the water faucet. Everyone: OMG wtf!! Alley: Well, it's Public School.

[@TheLokki242]

You're right to point that this episode is different: this is the one where Buffy, both the series and the teenage girl, start to truly grow into their own. There may be a few episodes in the future that go back to feeling like the ones that preceded Prophecy Girl, but ultimately this is closer to what the show really is in my opinion. And god, what an episode it is. Easily one of my favourites, everyone is fantastic in it, particularly our beloved slayer herself. I still die every time she says "do you think it'll hurt?" and "Giles, I'm sixteen years old, I don't wanna die." Willow rejecting Xander is this episode is one of my favourite moments from her: its such a display of strength, spirit, and emotional intelligence for someone who writes themselves off as a wallflower. Speaking of Xander, he's definitely a dick when Buffy rejects him. What I think is important to who he is deep down, though, is that he gets over that petty jealously to enlist Angel to SAVE BUFFY'S LIFE and therefore SAVE THE WORLD. Xander particularly hates vampires, I think, after what they did to Jesse, and he doesn't process that well and often projects it Angel, but when it counts, Xander will do the right thing and save his friends. Lastly, let's get a hurray for Cordelia and Jenny Calendar properly joining the gang this episode, and huge props to Mark Metcalf for his portrayal of the Master. What could have easily been a hyper-generic villain retained its basic form with him, sure, but he added some camp and fun to it that I think really makes it stand out. Can't wait for season 2! Cheers!

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

let's remember that this is joss whedon's first show. i think it's reasonable that it took a few episodes for the show to find its footing. some shows last for years without ever hitting their stride. i agree that this is the episode where everyone on _buffy_ figured out what _buffy_ is.

[@anatoldenevers237]

Slade Barret and this was Buffy's first time having to defeat an enemy more powerful than her

[@Nicamon]

"Xander particularly hates vampires, I think, after what they did to Jesse, and he doesn't process that well and often projects it Angel, but when it counts, Xander will do the right thing"Except for ep 2x22.

[@EdmundKempersDartboard]

That "i don't wanna die" speech was the audition scene that got SMG the role.

[@naomitiefenbrunn2857]

Fun fact - Sarah Michelle Gellar still has that prom dress!

[@GenesisMusic2024]

Did you see it on Instagram? I love her quarintips!

[@randall-king]

instagram.com/p/B_5M_HVD43m/?igshid=k7980gqoigo7

[@KHWendy28]

She is so skinny and still looks good for her age.

[@MarcosPaulo-zu2oz]

Ohhh yessss, i love that

[@mikebalestra8348]

Its actually not the same dress. The dress she modeled on Instagram was the dress she wore for the 1995 emmys. Its similar but not the same as the dress she wore on buffy. The dress she wore on buffy had a solid bodice while the dress she modeled had a lace bodice

[@tafsf415]

SMG just posted a side by side photo of herself wearing the homecoming dress. The fandom freaked out

[@erinhaury5773]

Our Queen can still SLAY.

[@randall-king]

instagram.com/p/B_5M_HVD43m/?igshid=k7980gqoigo7

[@TXMusicalNerd]

Best season one summary: Voldemort wants to be free from his phantom of the opera lair.

[@HowCaseySeesIt]

“Giles I’m 16 years old. I don’t wanna die” ugh it still gets me every single time

[@reesebn38]

Same

[@joeypotter6051]

Me too

[@TimStCroix]

Gellar's delivery... what an actress!

[@kg4wwn]

The "Will it hurt" is where it gets me.

[@Logan_Baron]

I've seen this ep close to a hundred times. It's amazing that it still hasn't lost it's punch to my gut after that many times. SMG is entirely underrated as an actress.

[@irishinnish1]

Always remember that look Giles gives Buffy when she says "I'm 16 years old...I don't wanna die." I've ALWAYS held fast to the theory of that being the exact moment Giles realizes how he feels about Buffy, and it defines their relationship from that point on.

[@danh8804]

"Prophecy Girl" is the level the series plays on from here on out in terms of randomly coming at you emotionally. Wear a hardhat.

[@alicequinn505]

That's a soft spoiler. You didn't directly give anything away but you ruined the surprise both for Alley and the fans who were looking forward to her reactions to this.

[@danh8804]

@@alicequinn505 Absurd. What I said amounts to "the rest of the show will be more like 1x12 than 1x1-1x11", which is a quality and tonal distinction in Season 1, she identified herself. I'm sorry I denied her the pure self-discovery that the series wasn't going to be an ongoing parade of "Teacher's Pet" and "I Robot, You Jane".. "You will like the TV show" is not a spoiler ffs

[@alicequinn505]

I'm sorry, I got a little annoyed not only at your comment, but at everyone's. While if you're speaking to a friend, one little comment about the future isn't going to be a spoiler, as a reactor she gets a lot of these little comments, so she can clue together how things are going to be, a good litmus test to fine out if your comment can be spoilery is if you can phrase it as "In the future, this is going to happen/this is how it'll be," that can potentially spoil if not the actions, then the atmosphere. She already likes the show, fyi, it would've been fun to watch her react to the sustained tone change, but now she knows this was not just a one off finale.

[@TimStCroix]

@@alicequinn505 I agree with you. I wish everybody would avoid all mention of future episodes and seasons and limit their comments to the current episode and the cast and crew _at the time the ep was made_ . But we've got to be realistic. Buffy fans are going to gush. They're going to say "I can't wait until you get to episode (whatever)." And "If you liked Voldemort so much you're going to love the Big Bad in season _x_ ." We can''t avoid it. We can only continue to scold. Edit: I tried to italicize parts of my comment by using underscores like certain web sites said... but it seems it doesn't work. Does anybody know how to do it? Edit again: fixed it... must have a space after the underscore, those periods were messing things up. (As periods tend to do, according to many girls I've known. :)

[@ribby9069]

Alice Quinn good grief

[@wembleyford]

This is the genius of Joss Whedon and absolutely sums up entirely what he was trying to do in this show. Here's a love triangle between a totally average school boy, his sixteen year old superhero friend who burned down a school, and a 270 year old vampire with a history- and you're able to say: "This exact situation happened to my friend group...." Yup - That's Joss Whedon :-)

[@alleybox]

oops, didnt mean to out my vampire friend 😳 lmao jk, yeah, its impressive how well he is able to convey the high school experience even tho the main character is a slaywr

[@victorsixtythree]

It took me a while to realize this but, Sarah Michelle Gellar is really amazing throughout this series. She has to do action and humor and romance and drama - sometimes all in one episode or even in the same scene. And she actually pulls it off!

[@lenr112]

Ally she drowned from lying face down in the water .Xander pumped the water out of her lungs and resucitated her . She was most definitely dead .

[@Cleopatra7Philopator]

It is an Important Point in the Series. I could say More, but Serious Spoilers!

[@beansfriend7033]

Good Lord, there are a lot of "clever" little spoilers in here. People need to relax and just let her watch the show. The puns have been done a million times and aren't original. But the reaction itself was fabulous. The Anointed One as an "usher" - I snort-laughed.

[@WillsonT011]

Well 7 months after your post your comment, I'm going to give you a big spoiler so Alley can see it. Here it is, here comes........... ANGEL IS A VAMPIRE 😱🤯

[@reneerials2389]

Buffy "Quits" being the Slayer when the only thing on the line is, ya know, the whole world, but decided, no, they made Willow cry, time to go die and bring those bastards down with me

[@danieledwards3376]

And Giles got serious when they caused an earthquake... that spilled his tea.

[@meravl7615]

I actually think this makes it more realistic. "The world" is a gigantic, archaic concept. The people we care about are those that have the real impact. If they hurt, it becomes easier to go "They are going to hurt worse and it will be MY fault".

[@barbarabaker1457]

@@meravl7615 Had an Ichigo from Bleach feel.

[@meravl7615]

@@barbarabaker1457 More like Lenalee from D. Gray-man. She once said something along the lines of "When you think of the world, what do you see? I know it's selfish, but all I can see is my family. That is my world."

[@barbarabaker1457]

@@meravl7615 Check, watching D Grey Man. Thanks.

[@WarmLittleDiamond90]

"So the anointed one was just, like, an usher?" You're def the funniest and most fun Buffy reactor I've seen ;_;

[@meris8486]

Oh boy, now this is the episode where the show got good. That scene with Giles and Buffy is amazing

[@mayalackman7581]

Yes, Cordelia is completely aware of the Supernatural and Buffy's slayerness now.

[@jayc9345]

Ive said many times already at this point but I an SO FREAKING ANTSY to watch you freak out over s2

[@TaraFromTerra]

this this this

[@mystic_tacos]

"Only 17 minutes in..." My friend, welcome, to the Buffyverse!

[@gureXD]

you are right the annointed was meant to trick her but she had already heard the story so she knew when she saw him and was like cut the crap I will follow you anyways

[@edwardthorne9875]

There is a real case to be made that Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the best show to ever be on TV. Writing, ensemble acting, real suspense, gross out factor, tasteful eroticism, action sequences. No other show has done all of this so well and for so many seasons. It has the unfortunate effect of making all other shows seem pale in comparison. I think the strongest aspect is the love and respect the show had for its audience. It never talked down to the young folks who watched. And, strangely enough, it was the most real to life. It had the best teachings about complicated relationships that a person could wish for. Alley's reactions are incredible - she seems capable of enjoying every nuance. Very articulate and charming. I could really enjoy meeting someone like this in person. New Subscriber.

[@TimStCroix]

Joss Whedon said that he used being the showrunner for Buffy to teach himself how to direct, and this episode is the first time he directed anything. Considering his later film directing career it would be fair to say he learned it very well.

[@123animit]

The first of the GREAT Buffy episodes. Barely scratches top ten Buffy episodes though, but still a favorite. Buffy saying "will it hurt?", and " I am sixteen, I dont wanna die" breaks my heart a little every time I watch it. Now off to the arguably best Buffy season. (personally I think both season 5 and 6 are better, but season 2 is heart wrenching). Friendly advice - Keep lots and LOTS of tissues handy Alley

[@nodiggity4283]

To Xander credit he willingly was going to fight a master vampire and probably die to help her. He even went and asked Angel to help. I think while Xander's immediate reaction might be shitty he showed that we do anything for Buffy whether she likes him or not

[@lessismore8533]

Fair point..

[@rjwalker1726]

SMG is so great in that scene but ASH also breaks me. Two episodes ago we established that Buffy dying is Giles' worst nightmare and so when Buffy throws the books at him and tells him he's useless...and he agrees :((((((((

[@datasafe00]

I love a new generation getting into Buffy

[@Sourcoolness]

"That is the most heart wrenching thing I've ever seen." Oh, honey.

[@procrastinator99]

THIS. This episode is where Buffy REALLY proves itself as a show.

[@Dancemomsfanatic419]

THIS. THIS EPISODE. This is buffy the vampire Slayer. this is when it becomes as good as it does.

[@Hannah-rn7td]

the episode "Angel" was really pretty great too though

[@Shadowman4710]

Angel: "I have no breath." Said by David Boreanaz....who's clearly out of breath in that scene.

[@ittyandpocky]

And, you know, you need to breath out to talk. Technically speaking, vampires shouldn't be able to speak if they don't breathe.

[@kailyns8159]

Choosing not to let that awful take destroy the suspension of disbelief, I always think of it as Angel panicking, not being out of breath. I know when I had a panic attack, my whole upper body jerked up and down like I was fighting for air. But I was breathing fine. In reality, I just don’t think they had pinned down the vampire mythos yet. The established rules hadn’t quite been set. And yes, David was probably out of breath. No telling how many times he had to do that scene. Poor SMG/stunt lady too.

[@Kitty2120]

I always just head cannon it as breath of life. Vampires can breath but as an undead demon they can’t breath new life (mystical magic that sits with the whole can’t enter a home uninvited) and can carry on unliving without breathing if needs be.

[@NileQT87]

Let's just say there's an interior shot of a vampire's very shriveled lungs and walnut-sized heart at one point (AtS 4x02). Angel's not wrong about having no air in his lungs. We've seen anatomical proof that what he says is correct. By the same logic, vampires shouldn't be able to smoke cigarettes, and yet, we see several of them do so and rather frequently. Whatever is allowing them to speak, much less inhale nicotine or exhale oxygen (scientifically, unneeded, purer oxygen would be better for CPR, given it wouldn't be carbon dioxide) into another mouth during CPR, is a magical part of vampire anatomy that isn't coming from a human corpse whose organs are pretty much all shriveled and shut-down. The demon anatomy is running the show in regards to speech, ingesting anything, blood flow (since it's not being pumped by the heart) and presumably what's left of the functional sexual organs with one key exception. There was a deleted scene (from AtS 1x17--can't call it a spoiler, because it's only in the script) where he actually tried to explain vampire rules defying science as metaphysics (essentially, it's magic!). Vampire anatomy, just like the rules surrounding reflections and invitations, is explicitly metaphysical and can't be explained by science. The real metaphysical logic for this is that vampires are incapable of granting life in any form. They're only capable of granting death and pain. It's how they're built. They have the ability to feign human breath as a hunting tactic, but as we well know, they don't actually need to breathe and they have no life-saving breath to give. If you look at it that way, it's more understandable what works and what doesn't.

[@Darkrose517]

@@ittyandpocky And later vampires smoke...

[@stevenalexander6713]

Cordelia: *bites a vampire's hand* See how you like it!

[@Calzaki]

Country music - Because this is 1995 and emo is at least 5 years away still

[@russellward4624]

And country music wasn’t all pop music singing about shaking you’re salt shaker and what not. It was about serious stuff. Like you’re favorite tractor.

[@bishopcruz]

Gotta love... Xander literally saves Buffys life... contstant compalints... Angel does practically nothing.... chef kiss... Poor Xander.

[@Briansgate]

This episode is different because Joss actually wrote it. You will get a feel for which ones he actually wrote. And keep the Kleenex handy. Even on random episodes you don't expect.

[@TimStCroix]

Fun fact: Joss was known for doing a final pass with each script. Other writers of the show have said that they constantly meet fans who gush at them about this or that favorite line in their scripts. It's always a Whedon line.

[@JulesStorm92]

„Is she dead or did he just take a little bit?!“ made me giggle while crying.

[@Zerashadow]

fun fact: Sarah Michelle Gellar (buffy) originaly auditioned for the part of Cordelia and Charistma Carpenter (Cordelia) originally auditioned for the part of Buffy

[@Arlyn7]

Dude I love the earthquake sequence. I’m from California and I always loose it when the master says “What do you think? 5.1? It do be like that 😆

[@williamkirkland2222]

Alley: "i'm gona cry" Joss "i'm gona end this gurls WHOOOOOLe career"

[@davewolf6256]

Boom Bam Bop Bada-bop Boom Pow!

[@lenr112]

Xander knew Buffy for about a year before asking her out. A year is a long time for a teenager .

[@cruzinbosco]

"Giles, I'm sixteen year old, I don't wanna die." -- I've been watching and re-watching this show since I was 7, I'm 31 now and no matter how many times I see this episode, that line from Buffy always makes me tear up. SMG is so damn good. Forever my favorite actress.

[@bobbyclarkston8836]

I love that! An usher!? Too true! Lol!

[@jesseclark3697]

The prophecy holds that these six ominous words shall warn you to buckle up because the episode you are about to watch is going to blow your mind: "Written and directed by Joss Whedon."

[@TimStCroix]

His style got to be so distinctive that eventually I could tell it was one of *those* episodes just from the teaser at the beginning.

[@peggin169]

This episode does have a different feel to it, and it's also the only time the show's theme music is used as scoring during the episode. I know a lot of people who think that means that everything that happened in the first 11 1/2 episodes was a "teaser." Buffy had been fighting the fact that she was the Slayer up until now, not fully accepting it or taking it seriously as her destiny. But this moment, where she is striding purposefully towards her final showdown with the Master, with the theme music playing, is the moment she accepted her calling, the moment she truly becomes Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

[@slayergirl6983]

I love it when Buffy says, "You have fruit punch mouth." 🤣

[@patrickholt2270]

Xander is there to be the male teenage idiot, which is absolutely necessary to balance the cast and give realism to the ensemble. So when he's an idiot, it's authentic and offers male viewers a character to relate to. Of course he makes mistakes. Of course he doesn't read social and emotional cues as well as a girl. Of course he takes rejection badly. There isn't another way for rejection to feel, especially at that age. None of that stops him being a brave and loyal friend, and a fundamentally decent person. He was bound to try his luck with Buffy eventually, and it's best he got it over with earlier rather than later.

[@corvus1970]

Thank you!

[@ErraticConduct]

@Patrick Holt Yes!! How human Xander is is what makes him one of my favourite characters. He makes mistakes, but does in the end try to do the right thing. I've seen a lot of Xander bashing in the comments and I'm kind of surprised because he is easily the most relatable character in this show! He shows time and again his loyalty and heart of gold, even if he has a lot of learning to do. Not to mention that the main ensemble would feel too overwhelmingly OP (Buffy with her Slayer skills, Willow with her computer/school smarts and later other skills, Giles with his book/lore smarts, Angel with his strength and experience, etc) without him!

[@randall-king]

Very well said.

[@KHWendy28]

That's why I am a Xander Girl he is so human and he make mistakes but he is loyal and brave and still in the later season he gets better and better but stay's human with the whole show why everyone around him gets powers he stay grounded and pure.

[@b.m.2857]

Thank god I am on season 1 finale and I hope xander never ends up with buffy it's just I don't wanna google coz I don't want spoilers. But no xander and buffy for gods sake!

[@JustalowlyChannel]

That moment when Buffy say she is 16 and doesn't wanna die. I truly forget its Sarah and think Buffy is a real person, her acting is amazing she knows how to bring up emotions in a viewer. And sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo close in getting you to cry with this episode.

[@doylemillard2084]

Easily the funniest editing style and perspective in all the Buffy reactions I've seen

[@TheZeroAssassin]

I've rewatched your reaction like 5 times, and your enjoyment never gets boring

[@RitsychServare]

5:58 🤣😂🤣😂 Man, that's ingeniusssss! And the Master/Voldemort has some funny quirky moments such as causing that earthquake like "I'm so proud od myself" blahblahblah Great reaction!!

[@raullukebenitez7033]

Ok I enjoyed this more than I thought. I lost track of how many times I've watched the series. This episode and Buffys reaction to the prophecy got punch me EVERY time.

[@amandabroom9878]

Your edits are hysterical. Every time you add in "a child" meme, the master rising, & every time you dab to the theme song, I lose it in laughter. Your witty quips are hysterical. LOVE IT!

[@cenedra2143]

I wish I could go back and watch Buffy again for the first time! This show is amazing and i still think that 20 years later 🥰

[@jaycievictory8461]

David Eddings fan??? 😊

[@davis.fourohfour]

That's why we watch Alley and Shannan and all the other reactors. To see it again for the first time.

[@cenedra2143]

@@jaycievictory8461 yes 😊

[@jaycievictory8461]

@@cenedra2143 👏👏👏 gotta love the half-dryad 😊

[@shaynestewart9297]

Great finale. The master only drunk a little of her blood. Buffy drowned. Interesting about this is the prophecy was fulfilled, but with a twist. Buffy was revived.

[@kristanjohnson6084]

It's so cool to see new people giving Buffy the Vampire Slayer a chance to win them over. Your reactions to the first season have been fun to watch, hope you enjoy how the series grows from here!

[@talynstarburst2l2l2l]

On the Xander thing, I personally get the hardship of rejection with the troublesome of reading social cues. I also get how it is frustrating to others as well. It takes a lot of inner growth to come out of that.. but yeah, that scene made me cringe and have some flashbacks of my own 😕

[@DaveVampireSlayer]

That wasn't a kid..... that was Damien Thorn, The Antichrist!!!

[@StellaDonna88]

I just s1 takes. So glad I stumbled upon this!

[@DaDunge]

20:00 Xander got disappointed yes but he didn't abandon Buffy he still tracked down Angel, who mind you is an incredibly dangerous vampire, and then bullied him into helping Xander find Buffy, walking into the lair of another extremely dangerous vampire.

[@TabbyeLynne]

Yes, Xander can be an insensitive ass sometimes, but he is a loyal friend and he's got balls

[@lessismore8533]

Angel isn’t dangerous UNLESS he loses his soul..

[@DaDunge]

@@lessismore8533 Yeah he still is, he cares about Buffy but he's still got Angelus whispering in his ear.

[@sheffilth]

Hey, welcome to the fandom! My wife and I have probably watched Buffy from beginning to end a dozen times in the last 17 years. Just found your channel on my feed and binged every Buffy reaction you've done to date. Might I recommend a trusted friend that is familiar with the show to maybe scan over the comments to ensure you don't get spoiled on anything. I love the editing you've done on your vids, really well done. An interesting thought that made me smile watching your videos is Buffy is kind of known for her and her friend groups vernacular, the early - mid 90s Valley Girl speak, and as a nearly 40 year old guy, your current slang actually feels like it ties in great with the show,theme wise.

[@MM-hc1cq]

I'm worried about her reaction to season 2 - her head's gonna literally explode.

[@aeronitz]

If you liked season 1 this much...oh boy, buckle up!

[@questwings]

omg! you have a puppy! a very cute pupper indeed! i hope we get to see more of her. two of my favorite things...buffy and puppers! :)

[@stanklepoot]

I think you're partially right about Xander's feelings for Buffy. I think he does truly care about her, and rather significantly. They've spent a bit of time now fighting side by side with their lives constantly on the line. That sort of thing tends to generate rather strong connections amongst adults serving in the military. How much stronger would that be given the fact that they are still in their developmental years when connections are more easily formed, as well as the nature of the threat and the fact that they are part of a very small group of people who really know what's going on? The fact that Xander showed up at Angel's place alone goes a long way toward proving the strength of his feelings for Buffy. Xander REALLY doesn't like Angel, and he doesn't exactly trust him either. Xander knew how useful Angel would be, however, so he marched right down to the Hellmouth with him to save Buffy. Personally, I think Xander redeemed himself there for his earlier failure to take rejection well. When it comes to romantic feelings, however, I think that's more an issue of hormones than true love. Buffy is the kind of girl someone like Xander would have fantasized about. Then, throw in the whole superhero who has saved his life on multiple occasions thing, and the infatuation isn't that hard to understand.

[@ryan201087martin]

Well I've just binged your reactions for the entirety of season 1.... On to season 2 😆

[@fasdaVT]

Every time Joss makes someone cry his blackened heart gets stronger

[@mooble1325]

this aged well

[@kaylasovine3753]

Dude I’m gonna DIE waiting for her to react to season 5 and 6😂

[@Logan_Baron]

There's the side of me that wants to appreciate her savoring and evaluating every episode and letting them sink in. Then there's the part of me that really can't wait for her to get to certain seasons, and even certain episodes. I kind of just want to sink into a coma and wake up when she's done, so I can watch ALL her reactions.

[@rionabelle8212]

I'm sure that someone else in these videos have recommended these, but from the things you talk about at the end of the video, you may enjoy Passion of the Nerds Buffy Season Guides. He goes through some of the history of the show, a lot about the themes and metaphors and is just generally great Buffy content. Now my recommendation would be to probably wait until you are, like, halfway through season 3 to watch them. He avoids spoiling things from later in the series for the most part in his scripts (definitely for season 1, and mostly for season 2, but it does get a bit looser as the conversations get more in depth and heady). However, there are a few visual spoilers that you might want to avoid until season 3. But that's my recommendation. You could also wait until you finish the whole series before watching them. But I love watching your reactions and getting to live vicariously through your enjoyment of Buffy for the first time. I love your reactions to Zander as they mirror a lot of my own at this point. It will be interesting to see what you think going forward, about him and others. A few of the male characters in this show are dividing points for the fandom, and it will be very cool to see your develop your feelings and see where you land (all in good fun, I promise!!).

[@QuayNemSorr]

I'm so happy to follow a buffy newbie's entry in this amazing series. And it only gets better throughout the seasons

[@katthor7311]

The Master's lair being described as Phantom of the Opera lair = accurate. I loved that.

[@scarlettbuchanan1]

Damm your edits are too good! I watch the full reaction just to watch the edited one a few hours later 😅

[@tehcoolemu]

The twist here, with the Master needing Buffy's blood specifically in order to break through the barrier, is a good example of the "Slayer blood is made of magic" thing that surprised you in the poisoned!Angel plot line in S3. Buffy is actually surprisingly consistent in terms of lore / how things work, at least most of the time. (Although a lot of the lore just isn't spelled out, and/or remains mysterious until very late in the series.) Excited for your next season of reactions (Buffy S4 and Angel S1)!

[@laurenfrey873]

Okay, you’re new to the Whedonverse. Tissues are a necessity. Always have them nearby. Always always always. Can’t wait for you to see Season 2! Also: PUPPERS!!!

[@yannhollister9091]

Best episode of the season by far and it's just the beginning of what this show is capable of, you're in for a treat girl 😁

[@Hannah-rn7td]

I'm seeing loads of comments like "Oh you thought this was sad, just wait honey" and they are literally making me cringe so much i dont know why ahaha

[@Buffy8Fan]

The episode is different than anything else S1 has done in every way and it shows. The monster at the end is the Hellmouth itself. Giles says so. My favorite line spoken by The Master ever is, "What do you think? 5.1?" As well as Cordelia saying, "See how you like it." I am grateful that Willow stood up to Xander in the way he acted after Buffy turned him down as he doesn't make me feel sympathetic for him in any aspect of Buffy saying no to him. Sarah Michelle Gellar's acting is spot on in the scene where Buffy talks at/to/with Giles and Angel once she hears she is going to die. Technically Buffy could have just as easily been drained of blood then hit the water. Is there anything that suggests that isn't what happened over being drowned?

[@thevoidbender]

CPR can’t give her more blood. That’s why it’s assumed it was the drowning that actually killed her. Unconscious from blood loss but not dead.

[@Buffy8Fan]

@@thevoidbender I realize that that is the reason, and I even accept it (because as you said how else would it happen). My problem comes more from how confused I was the first time I ever saw the episode 23 years ago when I didn't understand Buffy being resuscitated due to the fact that I had assumed The Master had drained her. I think I am more confused as to why I should take The Master so seriously as the villain if he didn't act like the vampire he was by draining her instead and gave Buffy such an easy way to come back. It is like trying to take The Evil Queen seriously when she dismisses true love's kiss as an antidote in _Snow White and the Seven Dwarves._ All the buildup of how great The Master is supposed to be. He even admits Buffy's blood gives him power and he doesn't take enough to allow him the power to take her on let alone kill her once he realizes she didn't die as he assumes. I cannot see him as a serious villain when I think of how he "killed her" because to me it only shows how dumb he actually is.

[@lynnevetter]

The big gulp you took at 10:05ish.. yep. Even after seeing this episode a dozen times, it still gets ya.

[@Logan_Baron]

Xander was wrong in the way he reacted to Buffy's rejection, but he did immediately acknowledge that it wasn't fair and it was his hurt.

[@pirmaluco]

You say "This episode seems so much different from the previous ones", and you are right, this is a glimpse of what the show is becoming as it evolves... You being a fan of Supernatural, I believe this show may become one of your all time favorite. Also, always have tissues when you watch a Buffy episode, this show surprises you at every turn, you never know what may happen...

[@lenr112]

That's the thing though to me each episode had it's own feel , some silly campy with dark moments and some that were just dark . To me Prophesy Girl and Angel had the same feeling of threat that the other episodes only skirted around . By the time they got to Season 2 they episodes were still campy but darker and the darker episodes were darker than Prophecy Girl

[@pirmaluco]

@@lenr112 That´s right. This show is the only one that I know of that manages to be dark and fun at the same time, sometimes in the same episode...

[@menachemsalomon]

That's it, fellow gentle viewers. Alley is hooked. As for Alley, unless you want a spoiler-y warning before certain episode, _always_ keep a box of tissues nearby when you're reacting to _Buffy._ (And other Whedon shows, in due course.) Thanks, and keep it up.

[@mooble1325]

slayer of the vamPYRS

[@menachemsalomon]

@@mooble1325 Vampyres, I think the spelling is in Giles's book in Episode One. Otherwise, (wink and shush).

[@allis143]

I love when Cordy bites a vampire's hand and went "see how you like it." 😂

[@TheBamazon]

NOW the show REALLY starts.

[@adamgannaway]

This finale does fell different from the rest of the season and really shows the series’ potential! Love the scene where Buffy wakes up, the theme music kicks in, and the gang marches to the confrontation with the Master. And I always find Giles’ care for Buffy really moving. But for how different this season feels and for how much I can cringe at some early episodes, Season 1 still holds a special place for me in Buffy lore. Far from my favourite, it almost stands out as it’s own thing. And there’s great stuff there. The two part opener is excellent and revolutionary for making a strong-female character like Buffy the center of a teen horror drama. The episode Angel provides excellent character development and set up, and then you have episodes that creatively play with B-movie horror movie tropes. Even I Robot You Jane has a campy, dated charm that establishes how difficult it is for our main characters to have a normal love life. So excited for more reactions!

[@noahcarrier7064]

oh to be watching this show for the first time again!

[@insulaarachnid]

The Nicole Kidman clapping reference cracked me up!

[@Ize19]

Hahaha, love your reactions, I'm so glad you started watching Buffy! When you put up that caption about being confused Buffy wasn't beating up a kid, I LOST IT!!! So dang funny! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing your reactions to the rest of this series!

[@David-pi9lb]

Wow, watching Buffy from the start without ever having seen it before? I envy you, even 20 years later it is probably still my favourite show (combined with Angel). The writing is second to none. If you're really going to go the distance on this then stay away from spoilers. And have fun!

[@chef-man-make-pasta7657]

dude i had no idea people were still watching this, I'm gonna subscribe so i can come along for the ride

[@DelFeeny]

Your reactions to the show are giving me so much joy. And this is gonna be a hell of a ride from now on!

[@mkitten13]

Every time I go back and rewatch season 1 most of it feels really campy compared to the rest of the show, but then Prophecy Girl happens and it just hits me in the gut how strong that story is. Buffy's whole breakdown scene is just beautiful, likewise the way she decides to still step up, to protect her friends. Look forward to you reacting to season 2 :D

[@effiber1133]

Can't believe you are reviewing this in 2020 and never watched it before...........THANK YOU!! :D makes me smile so hard.

[@Jcewazhere]

One of my favorite lines from Angel follows up on Cordelia 'seeing some stuff' in Sunnydale. Can't say the whole thing cuz spoilers, but "Benefits of a Sunnydale education" is the punchline :)

[@DaveVampireSlayer]

SMG has now entered the myth with the performance of the dramatic sequence in which she rejects her destiny and throws the crucifix on the ground; impossible not to be moved by the outburst of Buffy, a teenager forced to do a task too big for her, however brave and altruistic she has shown herself so far. This makes the subsequent choice of Buffy to face the Master even more touching, choosing to sacrifice herself to save everyone, and much more drama to her "death" at the hands of the villain. Interesting how the second hero of the day turns out to be Xander, the same foolish boy who had hurt Buffy's feelings only because she had rejected him (I wish all the girls who rejected me had done so with kindness and sensitivity like Buffy) but who knew how to redeem himself at the right time by saving the life of our beloved heroine; now he just has to overcome his prejudices about Angel and understand that he is part of the good guys. The Master proved to be an all too basic villain, unable to counteract the revived and enhanced Buffy, but at least leaves us a better memory of the irritating "chosen brat". For the rest, the evolution of Cordelia, now part of the group, the growth of the character of Giles and of his feelings for Buffy, Willow who has shown to "have the ovaries" refusing Xander, who treated her as a second choice, were be excellent! .... Little less the effects special, but they do not diminish the quality of the plot of this beautiful season finale, in my opinion the true starting point of the series, which from now on will only improve :)

[@justinnunez3492]

I AM SCREAMING AT THE HANNAH MONTANA EDIT AHAHA

[@laughsmart36]

I love your exuberant reactions. You are in for quite a ride. Never, ever stop.

[@donsample1002]

I'm pretty sure that this is the only Buffy episode that used the Buffy theme music in its score, the regular version of it when they're marching to the school, and then a solo piano version of it at the end.

[@Logan_Baron]

For future advice, with Buffy (or any Whedon show) ALWAYS have tissues handy. You won't need them every episode, but you'll always want them ready.

[@brettmunro5343]

Now we're getting to the meat and potatoes here... It just keeps getting better and better - as do your reactions. Great job, Alley, still love your content. Carry on! 😃

[@DegrassiInstantStar]

We could not protect you from this. I am sorry. You needed to experience this. Sarah Michelle Gellar's daytime background truly came out in those library scenes.