Buffy the Vampire Slayer 3x19 'Choices' Reaction!!

[@johnmoreland6089]

The Mayor is not like an abusive boyfriend to Faith. He's a father figure. They could not be clearer about that through the dialogue and plot.

[@migmit]

Exactly.

[@williambowman2326]

Faith had a Mother that was some type of addict and a non existent Father. The Mayor is filling the needed Father figure that a Faith wishes to have in her life.

[@horsepuncher95]

Yes and people can have abusive relationships with fathers...he has also made it clear up to this point that he will withdraw affection if she doesn't come through

[@meggo329]

More like gro@m!ng

[@Talisguy]

Yeah, he's her abusive father figure. They got what he represents wrong, but they're absolutely right about the abuse. She's completely dependent on him to have a place to stay and not end up in jail for manslaughter, and he's made it clear he'll withdraw that protection if she doesn't do what he wants, or asks too many questions. He enables Faith's worst impulses while trying to control every aspect of her behaviour. They're completely right about it not being healthy.

[@gremlynslemyns]

'Why couldn't you be dealing drugs like normal people' lives in my head rent-free. I wish it was a popular meme

[@732ReviewCrew]

Top tier Snyder moment

[@davidterhune8277]

"It's a terrible decision... but THAT'S a good friend."

[@LeeCarlson]

Remember that most of the "tropes" you expect were introduced through Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

[@732ReviewCrew]

It's so fun to see them develop live

[@killianlpc]

S3 is definitely one of the best seasons from the whole show. The arc of the show building up to Graduation Day is brilliantly handled. The part where they try to break in to steal The Box Of Gavrok is obviously a parody/homage to The Mission Impossible movie and adds some comedic relief to the episode. Willow is now really gaining real power, and this is great foreshadowing here. It was interesting to see Oz who is normally calm and collected in human form absolutely flip when Wesley was saying there should be no swap. Great interaction with Angel and The Mayor. Faith leaving the knife behind also very symbolic for the future. Graduation Day is a brilliant finale to come.

[@migmit]

Giles did not have much of a progression himself; our perception of him did. He was already a badass in season 1; we just haven't seen it.

[@iandtolentino]

I wanted to mention this before you guys get started on "Angel": Don't watch the opening credit montage...at least the first one. You want to avoid spoilers for maximum enjoyment. Don't do any research, read synopsis, look at episode thumbnails, etc. Go in blind like we did. It's much more fun that way. You probably know this; I just wanted to emphasize.

[@732ReviewCrew]

Done!

[@LeeCarlson]

That knife is the only "gift" that Faith has ever received with no strings, and she has to abandon it and follow the Mayo

[@andrewcarter9649]

I love this episode. It's a pivotal one for Buffy's development as it's here where we really start to see her go from beating up the monsters she's pointed at to making plans and leading the group. Also, the scene with Oz smashing the urn might be my favourite moment with him, he pretty much embodies stoicism so it's great to see him let the emotion do the talking for once.

[@feudist]

Wesley, Cordelia and the Mayor all spitting facts. All harsh, all true.

[@corgiluver9718]

Fun reaction & predictions. Another really good episode where Chekhov's pencil is paid off, we get a fun riff on Mission Impossible, Willow's emotional & magical growth continues, Faith's destructive father/daughter relationship with the mayor progresses, Cordy's got a job, Oz loses his cool momentarily, Synder being Synder, and finally the Mayor speaking hard truth to Angel/Buffy. To me, the last scene shows them in a very unconvincing denial. LOL, Mike didn't remember what season they're on. Really looking forward to the next one (I'm pretty sure you've already watched it) which contains two of the sweetest moments of the entire show.

[@startingQB]

Oz is only a warewolf 3 days a month. This show aired during the school year, and it's set during school years. So, Oz's warewolf can only pay a part every now and then.

[@alysharichards3757]

I love how mike had so much fun this episode lol

[@valinny8571]

Yes and he usually is the one to laugh at certain funny lines, like the Snyder one.

[@christianslater2736]

I love the predictions. Especially with knowing what actually happens, lol..that being said hope you guys are able to avoid spoilers, really enjoy your analysis and reactions so fun

[@732ReviewCrew]

We've luckily had no spoilers for this show yet!

[@christianslater2736]

@@732ReviewCrew awesome!

[@maruskaehrensdorfer]

I love the predictions for the finale, it's so much fun to listen to! 😂 Cannot WAIT for you to watch the finale and see your reactions!

[@theoneandonlykk86]

Joe is 100 % right, Giles has had a LOT of progression, probably more than any other character so far.

[@migmit]

I think it was “Witness for the Prosecution“, where the old lawyer carried a thermos with him, so that he would have something to wash down his medicine with. And he had to take quite a lot of medicine. Except that's what he was telling his nurse; the thermos was actually filled with cognac.

[@ernesthakey3396]

@@migmit the thermos contents WAS the medicine...

[@horsepuncher95]

Haha you guys are so good at catching all the comedic beats makes for an enjoyable watch every episode

[@williambowman2326]

Your comments are great to listen to and your predictions are logical, but rarely right. Keep them coming and they are better than we predicted when we watched when this aired.

[@migmit]

Which is fine, the wrong prediction is way more fun than an accurate one.

[@cajah88]

Speaking of Cordelia only, it's kinda an unfortunate circumstance of S3 that once her relationship with Xander ends, she kinda rolls back to S1/early S2 Cordy, so a lot of her development more or less stalls. She's mean, she insults, she occasionally helps, and that's it.

[@user-dx2dm8oq8g]

It does make sense though. She had her walls up, took them down for Xander just to be betrayed by him, so now she reverted back to who she was to protect herself. I believe that she does care for the gang and grew to love their adventures, but they're Xander's friends so if she hangs around Buffy and even Wesley, he's gonna be there. It was probably her first love so knowing her personality, she'd be bitter about it.

[@rfresa]

I like the theory that the Reptile Boy frat guys losing their money had a ripple effect that led to Cordelia's father losing his, even if he wasn't directly involved.

[@johncspine2787]

Actually the knife was conjured from the future..it’s Lt Worf’s knife. I think one of the biggest strengths of the show is the maturation of the characters and their relationships. This sets it apart from most but especially the “they’ve been in high school for 20 years” type show. As many times as I’ve seen the series myself and now also with reactors, it’s like symphonic music..I still see things I missed, and appreciate things I couldn’t before. Truly awesome television! This was a very pivotal episode in so many ways..they very well could have sacrificed Willow to prevent the ascension, but the groups’ love for each other was more important. Willow stepped up in serious fashion and made a choice about her future to go to Sunnydale U with Buffy.

[@williambowman2326]

What makes watching a reaction fun is when you shoot the breeze and just talk about the show and anything on your mind. It’s next to impossible to predict Faith or try to understand if you think of Faith as an independent person , unique in her creation. Remember the major show theme are the trials and journey of Buffy to become a strong,independent, and emotionally powerful ethical and loving woman. A major part of her journey is having a clear understanding of self and the creation of her identity. The first episode, Anne set the tone for the year. The audience focuses on outward events. Answering questions from the year before, showing the change in the main characters, and the usual humor/ action. Last year Buffy was learning and embracing ethical standards, moral behavior, and the impact of choices that are difficult but right. The concept of actions determine ourselves with the assumption of Identity being the culmination of who we become has been a major issue for the development of Buffy. That’s a main reason for having Faith. Faith is a mirror for Buffy and for the audience. Buffy can only learn her identity of being The Slayer by her interactions with Faith. In a rewatch you can see the wardrobe, the interactions, hear the dialogue, and even the sexual tension. Buffy has watched, studied, and learned. Faith has charisma, is decisive, and ruthless but notice the superb acting by Eliza in this episode. When Faith thinks she has displeased The Mayor her face looks like a 14?year old really sorry she has disappointed her Father. Then when Willow speaks hard truths to her, Faiths body language is shame and then cover up anger when she strikes Willow. It’s subtle but Eliza’s acting superbly conveys a girl desperately trying to find her place in the sun while covering up her insecurities. Go back this year and when Faith is up, Buffy is down and then vice versa. Then at those rare times they are both at the same point there is a need for both to connect but both afraid to truly share and be vulnerable. Being The Slayer is an identity that Buffy has grudgingly accepted but has not manifest her being completely. It’s been Faith and all of her choices that has been The Slayer guide for Buffy. Remember Buffy’s speech to her dying friend in Lie To Me. “We all have choices. You had choices and they were terrible but they were choices that didn’t include killing someone else.” Buffy backed up her talk when she rejected Joyce lying for her in Ted and she told the police she pushed Ted down the stairs. Then she killed Angel to save innocent lives. Faith lied and tried to blame Buffy when she accidentally killed The Mayors assistant. From then Faith chose personal wants over tough morally right decisions. Faith is making hr decisions on what benefits her and Buffy is making her decisions based on concern for others, morally correct, and love. The separation of The Two Slayers is almost complete.

[@migmit]

Is it a good time to mention how bizarre the whole “paying for education” thing is?

[@lance9249]

How so? You pay one way or another either your government steals from everyone through taxes and you pay even if you decide not to go or people make the personal choice to continue their own education and they pay for themselves, I prefer the second option.

[@migmit]

@@lance9249 Yeah... like Cordelia did here.

[@startingQB]

As an American, no. 😂😂😂

[@boghag]

@@lance9249 The government doesn't STEAL, it doesn't take your money unlawfully, you may call it extortion if you want: "Give us your money or we withdraw our protection."

[@davidabercrombie5427]

Welcome to season 3 Mike 😂

[@unnderneath]

I hate that the Mayor is right about Buffy & Angel.

[@johncampbell756]

Faith was definitely missing her knife. She was never friends with Wesley. She didn't kill the spider to save him, but just to kill that last escaped spider. It was still out of range of Wes. The group is barely accommodating Wes. The Mayor/Faith relationship is definitely a psuedo-father figure thing. It's not healthy, but I see his reaction to her as a bit of her experiencing "familiarity breed contempt."

[@suinegagpf]

Don't know how far ahead you guys are, but when you reach the Angel series, make sure you avert your eyes during the opening credits for at least the 1st episode of each season. From memory, Season 1, 3, and 5's opening credits contain major and, in some cases, jaw-dropping spoilers that are best enjoyed as part of the episode's story and not out of context in the opening credits. Seasons 2 and 4's opening credits also contain spoilers as the series regulars change from season to season for all 5 seasons.

[@johnmoreland6089]

@@suinegagpf Credits aren't spoilers. They are literally part of the show.

[@suinegagpf]

@johnmoreland6089 For casual viewers, sure. But reactors make their living from having genuine reactions to the introduction of unexpected characters and plot points within the natural flow of the story. It is up to the reactor if they want to follow the advice given. I've just provided them with the information they need to make an informed decision. Though it's likely they've already got the same advice from many, many other fans and fellow reactors. I'm sure we'll have to agree to disagree on this point.

[@Buffy8Fan]

This didn't show up in my notifications and I was on vacation in a place with weak WiFi. A failing of two parts. Good thing the side videos caught it. I agree with The Mayor 100% concerning Buffy and Angel's relationship. The silence from all the good guy characters lets all of said good guys know he's right.

[@Jacana2k6]

Unfortunately some of the "good" characters have to play the antagonist, the nitpicker, the party-pooper in a scene to generate drama. Xander did that a lot in season one hating on Angel when he got a chance. Cordilla often plays that role but this time was to set up the reveal at the end. Wesley unfortunately only has that job in the show. If he was not here, all of those moments would have been given to Giles, Cordilla or even Xander. Still Wesley gets a bad rap as he never seems to get to be a decent human being much less part of the Buffy support team. We can talk more about him later. :) Fun reaction guys! Let's go next episode!

[@Belnick6666]

the dagger is the Jackal by Kit Rae, these shows like to use Kit Rae, like the Sword of Vaelen and others

[@CrashCraftLabs]

man i remember everyone dying to get one of those blades haha sold them at the local flea market. waste of money, 100% for show/display.

[@1986bab]

Technically you can't call yourself Wicca unless you've continuously studied for a year and a day. Even if that studying is only ten minutes of reading because life gets busy. If you skip a day, you start over, but like many shows Buffy takes a lot of liberties. : ) And...really...a Hellmouth is like the last place any practitioner should be learning magic. Way too much dark energy for a newbie to safely learn. Oh yay. More shade casually thrown Xander's way. Blech.

[@LeeCarlson]

Keep watching. I want to share, but I don't want to spoil.

[@ernesthakey3396]

Made a comment, it had typos, tried to edit to fix the typos, "comment failed to post" and is now gone. Sigh...

[@732ReviewCrew]

KZbin doing KZbin things :(

[@ernesthakey3396]

@@732ReviewCrew yep.

[@MrGala0apples]

Wesley has no dominance to assert, couldn’t agree more.

[@RetNemmoc555]

Too bad we didn't see Buffy saying to Willow, "I kinda love you." So sweet.

[@ashleym780]

I love that you guys post reactions twice a week but I so wish you did the two parters all in one reaction. Especially this season finale. I always enjoy listening to your after chats and predictions. So funny 😂😂

[@PamBoyka]

I always thougth that Willow should have escape and then they will have destroy the box and then stop the ascention. Never get why she stayed.

[@jameshenner5831]

"Where's Tom Cruise at?"😀

[@RobOlivierbjr64]

Angelus wasn’t afraid of Oz, he was trying to set him up so that the Scooby Gang. Would suspect Oz of killing that girl.😎

[@JAYWALKER1000]

Predictions - you got about 2 out of 20 (seriously I lost count).

[@GJS2183]

Wrong direction with your predictions, but epic finale, no worries!

[@blacksailsfan4life]

father, not boyfriend

[@becca1189]

❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@Lethgar_Smith]

Im just checking out your channel. You guys should really get back into The Expanse. That's starting to get popular with reactors on KZbin right now.

[@732ReviewCrew]

What else is there to do? We finished it

[@Lethgar_Smith]

@@732ReviewCrew I thought I saw only the first season

[@732ReviewCrew]

It should all be there!

[@Lethgar_Smith]

@@732ReviewCrew Okay. I looked I again. Apparently you have to click on the playlist in order to see all of the videos. When simply reviewing the main page the arrows wont slide the view through all the episodes. It only showed the first 10 episodes and I thought that's all there was. Sorry.

[@user-dx2dm8oq8g]

It's almost like Faith subconsciously wanted to hear Willow fight for her and tell her that she still had a chance, because with the mayor it just keeps getting darker and more real. The mayor's plan worked, he destroyed all of her relationships with the gang, but her link with Buffy is still strong. Faith didn't have to kill the spider, but she did. The mayor tested her by mentioning Buffy, seeing if she was ready to murk her. He's an evil foster parent that cares for her conditionally. The mayor showed her that she'll be treated well as long as she does his bidding. How I saw it when she left the knife is that she abandoned the group "for good". Maybe she does feel shame, disappointment, disgust and thinks they feel that way about her too. She can't even walk around them to get her knife back.

[@ArielCarmona]

I enjoy the content but why is Mikey in charge? He always seems to be in a hurry to wrap up the video when the other guys still have interesting things to say. Does he have a hot date after every video? He always seems he's in a hurry to get the hell out of there

[@migmit]

You'll like Wesley.

[@ThePharaz]

Willows' pencil trick reminds me of Guardians of the Galaxy 1-3. If you haven't watched them or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you should. If you have no intention of watching the MCU, then at least watch these three movies, as they are both action-packed and hilarious. The whole Buffy Angel age and life discussion reminds me of the Twilight movies.

[@732ReviewCrew]

The whistling weapon!

[@MrGala0apples]

Wesley has no dominance to assert, couldn’t agree more.