Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Halloween | Anatomy of an Episode

[@TheGabygael]

what i like with the mirroring between the two frist introductions of Oz is that he fell in love with the modest nerdy version of Willow but he was just as equally inerested in he more ghostlike appearence, making the show not fall into the mistake of modest=good and if you nerdy don't change ever (here she changed and evolved because she became more comfortable with herself when she wanted to and not just because she got "pretty")

[@BetterWithBob]

Oh that's a very good point

[@aetherialtea8894]

It was always interesting to me that Buffy was unknowingly jealous of Drusilla. (She based her costume on an illustration of Angelus with a brunette woman he was with enough to be worth documenting in a Watcher's notes, but I can't remember if they outright say it was her or not.) It really drove home for me how things we want as teens (usually because they seem more grown-up) are often toxic when you know more about them, especially when it comes to relationships. It's also a little "be careful what you wish for" since Angelus uses those same tactics on the Scoobies later. Love the video and all your stuff about awesome 90s-00s stuff.

[@BetterWithBob]

I don't think it's Drusilla, since the diary says that Angel was still human, but I think they get the dates wrong anyway. Dru was turned during Victorian times I think

[@aetherialtea8894]

Oh, I thought it was after he was turned since it was in a Watcher's journal. 😅

[@KatsiYori-zk5gm]

Its ironic because I'm watching Fear, Itself right as this video is playing.

[@BetterWithBob]

Keep an eye out for Walter Jones, who played the original Black Power Ranger ;)

[@Rachel-xu4br]

Glad you brought up the dress. I remember as a kid rolling my eyes constantly, because of her performance. However, when I got older, I grew to understanding why certain choices were made. Because, yes, it's an elaborate and pretty costume, but as you said, it's not real, it's just a costume. It's a fake version of what that time period is and I grew to like it more, I started to see it more of a parody, than the writers genuinely believing this was were all women like during that time. However now knowing how toxic the work environment it was, who knows... However, it took me a little bit of age for me to realize it essentially was making fun of the tropes, as Buffy kind of always done already, especially in the first episode and the first scene of Buffy. In a Halloween (or Horror themed) episode like this there has to be a "damsel in distress", or "the virgin" and it's a good twist on having Buffy be that instead of one of the Scooby Gang again.

[@superdani152003]

Drusilla will always have a special place in my heart ❤

[@BetterWithBob]

Eyeballs to entrails 4eva!

[@Frogface91]

I've been so happy to see other people expressing that her character was short changed since the new Audible story was announced, can't wait to listen to it

[@ColeAndPhoebeForever]

Slayers: A Buffyverse Story brings back the original actors who played Spike, Cordelia, Anya, Tara, Giles, and Drucilla, and it's incredible! If you want nine-episodes of pure, awesome Audible brilliance that will captivate you for the next eight hours, purchase some Dolby-Atmos headphones, sit back, and enjoy Cordelia, the Vampire Slayyer!

[@N_0968]

I loved the character of Ethan, played by late Robin Sachs. I liked that he was involved in the sordid past of Giles. It made G more interesting.

[@LivyRivy]

"It does get better after high school... kind of." HOW DARE. 😭

[@BetterWithBob]

I regret nothing

[@AmoMe2009]

Halloween was a nicely done, cohesive episode. It had a mysterious cold open with the vampire recording Buffy as she fought the other then there was the great shot of him retreating away, it had good continuity of the overrall plot with new arch nemesis Spike, it had a nice gradual pace of regular high school moments before the main plot begins after sundown, a cool campy costume twist and a nice sort of cliffhanger at the end with that shot of Giles’ eyes discovering Ethan’s note. The show did well with the Fear Itself episode too. The twists and turns of the house was terrifying and suspenseful my first time watching it. Well done!

[@BetterWithBob]

I haven't rewatched that one in a while. I should

[@illtakeaquack2108]

I always loved this episode, Willow was always my favorite character. A couple years ago we moved our family into a town here in Oklahoma. Everyone was asking if we liked Halloween, because turns out, the house we bought is on a stretch of road that all the trick or treaters will be coming to.😅 It was insane 😳 and I ran out of candy pretty quickly the first year. Trying not to make the same mistake since.

[@BetterWithBob]

Hehe all the best of luck this year XD

[@MrMikeInverse]

Random a bit but, for me Cordelia became Angel's soulmate. The way they both changed to be in each other's lives. How they trusted and supported each other. For me those two will always be endgame. GOD DAMN YOU Joss...

[@BetterWithBob]

Agreed on all counts. Angel infantilised Buffy too much. Cordy would have none of that

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes cordelia totally was angel soulmate😍

[@susanstorm7910]

Wait. What? Cordy was his soulmate????

[@MrMikeInverse]

@@susanstorm7910 yes 😌

[@angelvasquez1592]

You should do all halliwells eve for charmed Halloween episode

[@imbuffysummers]

My favorite charmed episode!!

[@BetterWithBob]

That's the next one

[@invadertifxiii]

yes yes yes plz

[@MrBibi86]

*I never found Xander funny. Anya on the other hand was hilarious. I remember laughing out loud the 1st couple of times when she started on the show. her character was more serious in season 3 but by the time season 5 came around she was so funny*

[@JarrodNStuff]

🎶 Bunnnnnnnieeessss bunnniesss it must be bunnnnnnnaaaaaayyyyysss…or maybe midgets 🎶 Anya was my girl I kinda disliked her for some of season four and that one season seven episode where they all turned on my Buffy 🙄 but she grew on me and the way they killed her in the finale I will never forgive Joss 😢

[@MrBibi86]

yeah. her death was sad. I'm glad we got her for season 6 and 7 though. because Emma wanted to be killed off in the Season 5 final. @@JarrodNStuff

[@JarrodNStuff]

@@MrBibi86 noo 😔 I bet it was because of Joss apparently now everyone hates him cuz he was terrible smh

[@shashwatzaveri]

This was The BEST Episode Of Buffy By Far.❤

[@BetterWithBob]

Ir was a good time aha

[@queencerseilannister3519]

I loved Ripper lol especially in Band Candy 😂

[@BetterWithBob]

Anthony Head getting to use his actual voice in the show lol

[@phoebep4688]

I’m not sure how many BtVS anatomy of an episodes you’re planning to do but I’d love to see one on Graduation Day (or anything from season 3. Or a season 3 video overall).

[@BetterWithBob]

That is my favourite season so you never know ;)

[@BradLad56]

Ah more Buffy videos are always a good thing. Looking forward to future ones. It'll be interesting to hear your thoughts on villains like the Mayor and Angelus.

[@BetterWithBob]

Hehe wouldn't that be something

[@angelaholmes8888]

I really enjoyed this episode of buffy it was very interesting to see the scooby gang in this situation

[@Nyctm91]

Thank you for doing this episode!!

[@BetterWithBob]

You're welcome :)

[@theloverlyladylo9158]

I also like Xanders story because it says that sometimes, violence is the answer. “I don’t know why but beating up that pirate gave me an odd sense of closure” aka the best way of dealing with a bully is to make them choke on humble pie.

[@BetterWithBob]

And it's a nice bit of irony since he wasn't in control and could only retroactively get satisfaction from it

[@caitlynskiff2001]

I have to disagree with this being the best Halloween episode as I prefer Fear Itself, but that doesn't mean this episode isn't great because it is a top tier episode it's just personal preference. Speaking of personal preference, as a Bangel shipper (they are my favorite ship of all time apart from Emison from Pretty Little Liars) I actually don't mind Cordelia and Angel. My issue with them is that the story always felt a little unfinished, but that has to do with the Cordelia story as a whole and how the character was destroyed by the writers in season 4. Hope this means more Buffy videos and a video for All Halliwell's Eve!

[@BetterWithBob]

Well you got your wish on the second one lol

[@Nindira]

I had to stop for a second just to first comment how you being a Angel/Cordelia shipper its the best. I need a video how they matured together 😢 and they make more sense. I always got confused regarding Buffy/Angel hype, for me Cordelia and Angel made more sense watching 'Angel'

[@BetterWithBob]

Yeah it's startling watching back how ill suited Buffy and Angel actually are together, and he seemed more natural with Cordelia

[@Sir_Jimmothy]

Would love to see you cover Hush and Once More With Feeling, probably the two best episodes in the show!

[@BetterWithBob]

Love both of them :)

[@invadertifxiii]

i was gonna say this is also a great introduction to giles dark past i love it

[@yeehaw4775]

This was one of my favorite episodes as a kid and still holds up well today. I did like all of the Halloween episodes, but something about this just stole my heart. Also willow in that outfit was definitely apart of my awakening 😅 Edit: I will also say it’s funny how you mention being a angel shipper, I just hated him so very much as a kid. I don’t like him with anyone and he’s probably my least favorite out of all the characters haha

[@BetterWithBob]

I admit I'm seeing how weak his acting is on these rewatches as an adult lol. Still not sure how I feel about him as a character

[@JarrodNStuff]

Other than the fact that I’m on Angel S3E5 and it’s been brutally spoiled by you and a commenter ( 😩 whyyyyyyyyy nooooooo omgggggg 😩 ok I’m over it kinda) this was a nice vid Bob! I love how this episode was mentioned like the entire Buffy series just to give Xander a role like when he got Buffy the Bazooka or infrequently took charge or randomly remembered something just in the nick of time or during the days of the initiative 😂 but my fav Buffy Halloween episode was season 4 I believe when Anya went as a Bunny (Did we ever figure out why she became terrified of bunnies when she used to love them 🤔) anywho I can’t wait for your Paige vid 😆😁😄

[@abyz1467]

The star of the show is Alyson Hannigan’s abs 🤩

[@nicklundy9965]

I just finished season 2. Its definitely my favorite Halloween episode ive seen in years.

[@BetterWithBob]

Aw great. Hope you enjoy Season 3. It's my favourite

[@asthargf]

Not a Halloween episode, but my favourite for its spookiness is season 4's "Hush" with the creepy Gentlemen.

[@BetterWithBob]

Yes definitely!

[@TheGabygael]

in belgium we didn't really do anything fancy around that time, the most ritualistic thing i can think of is the fact we would usually sell chrysenthamum in schools (was cheaper that stores and stuff) and on the day we put them on graves it always wierded me out how halloween shows always shows halloween as a school day

[@katherinepfister4177]

Such a fun episode

[@picklerick4944]

This is one of my favourite episodes, however there is a gaping plot hole in this episode. The Emperor. Yup, Darth Sidious. Clearly Ethan would have sold capes, and white face paint. Kid goes in the shop, gets the cape, goes out trick or treating as the Emperor. The emperor essentially kills the entire Scooby Gang, takes over Sunnydale, then California, then the USA, then the planet. Sidious starts using the planets resources to build star destroyers, a clone army, and takes over the Milky Way.

[@sweet-co]

Great video, you gave really great context to the episode, both within the show (forward, backwards and sideways to Angel) and other media of that time. i think it was a good idea to divide the video a bit by characters (Buffy/Willow/(Xander)/Villains). I also find the argument that Buffy's costume is turning her into the idea of a high society lady from ye olden times compelling, I guess if they became less archetypical versions of soldiers, ladies and esp. demons, they would wreck so much chaos... Thanks for reminding me of good things in this episode :)

[@BetterWithBob]

Thank you for watching :)

[@circabooks4549]

The thing about Cordelia being emphasized as not a possible romantic pairing with Angel and then subsequently made one in the spin off has a couple factors. First and foremost, Charisma Carpenter was a strong contender for the Buffy role. SMG won the lead but they liked her so much that (as I heard it) they created Cordelia for her. In which case, it makes sense that Carpenter fit into a character who could credibly be paired with Angel and that the writers already had imagined her not just as an angel romance but as embodying a sarcastic, confident, tough but warm fighter like Buffy is and Cordelia becomes. And even if the production hadn't previously considered her for that role, Cordelia is still presented as what Buffy was like before she became the Slayer, and tbh even though one is the slayer they still have very similar personalities even if they have dissimilar priorities. In Angel, Charisma Carpenter becomes the Buffy she would have played in the original series imo. Just like Buffy, Cordelia is given a life changing vocation/power which shifts her priorities. Buffy and Cordelia feel like nearly identical personalities by then and I sorta feel like the writers just made her Buffy 2.0.

[@Android18uk]

13:04 such a good analogy. 🤣

[@BetterWithBob]

I am quite proud of that one lol

[@Android18uk]

@@BetterWithBob I'm imagining Spike, Drusilla and Angelus in that music video now lol.

[@Doverkin]

04:35 oh yh i never thought of that, she did tecnically die like buffy did and came back. i know so much buffy knowlage ive even won random pub quiz in the past from usless knowlage of buffyverse but i admit, that one missed me. 👍🏻 I did love them all but mostly willow in this episode, and how she stopped hidding at the end for Oz to see her walking away. 🥰 05:50 yh this was one of the funny moments they had with giles that made me laugh out loud. poor giles, i did like ms calender for him. Love Spike, Dru, Angelus and Darla as the vampire family. usually i hate going back for most past episodes in shows but i always thought they did them so well in these two shows and even when cross overs told diffferent points of view of the same story. yh we didnt see dru after season 5 of buffy (Except for the last season cameos as the First Evil) and angels best season 2. but i did hear she will be in the new upcoming audio book so maybe it will be now tale or spike talking abou the past. I just wish they would start the shows back up with a spin off instead of a remake i even loved Faith to the point ive had a tattoo like hers the last 20 years and i still dont regret it lol

[@Richieboy213]

Excellent video Bobby 👏

[@BetterWithBob]

Thank you for watching 🙂

[@Tesko91]

Great video as always (I prefer Buffy content, so this was a treat. Pun intended.), and I appreciate that you shared some personal anekdotes and pictures, it made it more fun and relateble 😀 looking good btw, so I'm glad you don't feel the need to hide your arms anymore.

[@stellapinho6302]

This is a really good episode, but my favourite episodes are" Hush" (S4E10) and "The Body" (S5E16), they are absolutely amazing and well-written. I can't really talk about them cause it's a MAJOR spoiler, especially "The Body", but what an ESPETACULAR episodes, the emotions, the history along the episode, really cohesive throughout the episode, just breath taking. And I completely agree with Cordy and Angel, I am full Cordelia and Angel AND I also prefer Spike and Buffy.

[@BetterWithBob]

Oh The Body is fantastic!

[@invadertifxiii]

yes yes yes halloween is the best. i thought it was trick or treating that was brought over from ireland not halloween itself because halloween (samhain, sah-win) has pagan origins from all over europe? correct me if im wrong

[@AngelDRose]

Your favorite SMG performance is IKWYDLS? When Katherine Merteuil is RIGHT THERE! (Cruel Intentions if anyone is curious)

[@BetterWithBob]

I kinda think she's a bit cringe in that tbf lol. Ever since Lindsay Ellis compared "you can put it anywhere" to Austin Powers, I haven't been able to unsee it

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes Sarah was brilliant in cruel intentions and on the show all my children

[@Tesko91]

My favorite performance with SMG is without question Veronica decides to die. Extremely underrated movie, a trigger warning though. It truly shows her talent as an actress.

[@invadertifxiii]

omg i just realized yes technically willow died, why didnt the first use that

[@BetterWithBob]

They probably forgot or maybe it wasn't counted

[@arc7375]

I _deeply_ implore you to make a video on the character of Faith Lehane.

[@BetterWithBob]

ahhh...I have...mixed thoughts on that gal

[@jeanetteking434]

Yess

[@corro202]

Great video.

[@MrBibi86]

*Season one is my favorite season. I love the darker cinematography and tone and I loved the Master. the only thing I hate is Buffy's sloppy and slow fighting style! what was that about? budget? because if it's about her been new to her slayer role how come Faith is a good fighter even after only been a slayer for a few months by the time we meet her*

[@BetterWithBob]

It was pre-1999 when The Matrix popularised eastern style fight choreography in western films, so just in general the fighting styles in films and TV weren't great

[@desarae9778]

I think part of that is how Faith grew up. From the little we get in the show regarding Faith's background, her childhood was not exactly rainbows and unicorns as opposed to Buffy's. Based off this, the audience could assume that she had to have some fighting skills to survive even before becoming the slayer.

[@gabriellethompson501]

A Buffy episode!

[@frenchskuxx]

Excellent but would you consider doing american horror story coven?

[@angelaholmes8888]

Wow great idea I love that season

[@frenchskuxx]

@@angelaholmes8888 exactly and i feel like it fits w the content of this channel

[@Tesko91]

Ooh, I hope he does!

[@BetterWithBob]

Alas I haven't seen any of AHS yet but sure there's always the future

[@spikesecho724]

You'd rank 1& 2 above 4 & 5? 😳😳 oh my

[@JarrodNStuff]

I just finished binging the Buffy series (started in June of this year) and I can see why some would prefer the earlier seasons the tone was more dark with bits of comedy and the writing was actually really really great the first couple of seasons as it truly starred Buffy with the side characters just being side characters lol after that it started being an ensemble show which is great cuz thats my cup of tea but not for others I suppose lol I’m currently on Angel S3E5 and it shaping out to be really good 😁

[@Frogface91]

The first three seasons of Buffy were my favourite 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@spikesecho724]

@@Frogface91 I started on Season 4 and worked up, then had to go back to 1-3 and thought "yeah they're ok". But they never compared to the later seasons for me, and I ignored them for a long while. Eventually I grew to love them tho, but they just can't outrank what came later

[@BetterWithBob]

I just think they're kind of nothing seasons. 4 has some good standalone episodes but a weak villain, and 5 just isn't my thing. I prefer 6 and 7

[@jameschulo8187]

I’m late but I made it here while you’re live

[@BetterWithBob]

Ah everyone arrives exactly on time

[@MrBibi86]

*Xander was so annoying in season 1 and 2 or at least before he started going out with Cordy. his annoying crush and constant bashing of Angel*

[@Amelieaooo]

Shame on him !

[@colleenmarin8907]

"Who is that girl?"

[@invadertifxiii]

wasnt Armin Shimerman playing snyder before the wizard

[@BetterWithBob]

Yeah but the joke is that I watched Charmed first so I knew him as the wizard before 😆

[@jeanfalconer6377]

I'm South African, Halloween wasn't a thing at all, at least not till I was 18/19. Participating houses put balloons up in my area.

[@BetterWithBob]

Has it changed a lot recently?

[@ReviewsWithAL_]

🔥🔥

[@jonathanmulondo9206]

Halloween is truly the last honest holiday Both Buffy and Supernatural and even the Real Ghostbusters had the best Halloween episodes

[@BetterWithBob]

How do you mean honest?

[@cheezybastard8661]

I sure hope by "honest" you don't mean it isn't commercialised. Because hoo boy, have I got news for you...

[@MiriamLank]

I’m sorry, you’re NOT interested in Ripper?!?!? Is this a popular opinion? I swoon over Giles and love his complicated backstory!

[@BetterWithBob]

Don't think it's a popular opinion but as a kid I never cared for that bit

[@AngelDRose]

As far as my favorite characters. Main cast Buffy and Willow. Then Faith, Cordelia, Dru and Tara. Xander is and will always be my least favorite. He gets worse every time I watch. He may calm down a bit in later seasons but he’s still a useless douche.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Oh yes totally agree with you about Xander 😬😤😠 god I hate him

[@Tesko91]

For me Dawn is the worst.

[@AngelDRose]

@@Tesko91 See. I like Dawn. She starts off as Buffy’s annoying little sister but eventually grows into a strong woman who can take care of herself. Sure she acts out, but any teenager would if they found out they weren’t real, then their mom dies. Imagine how that would feel. Also she’s just what Buffy needed in that time of her life. She helped Buffy grow up, and was who Buffy needed when her mom died. Buffy had someone to go through that loss with her.

[@Tesko91]

@@AngelDRose I agree with you, and I do sympathize with her. But I still like her the least of the cast. Xander is my second least favorite. Ironically, I really love his speech to Dawn (you know the one :P). But before he got with Cordy I couldn't stand him.

[@BetterWithBob]

I think any problems Dawn had as a character were solved by Season 7, and even in her 'annoying' seasons, Michelle Trachtenberg still delivers some really strong performances. I feel more for her these days considering she has one of the roughest deals of any character in the series