Buffy the Vampire Slayer Talk || s3e13 "The Zeppo"

[@alleybox]

already know yall gonna kill me for this one 😭😭

[@crazyfun95]

No worries xD

[@toshomni9478]

Only for not knowing who Zeppo Marx is. 😋 This episode is not considered one of the best by many although I appreciate it for demonstrating that the show has a sense of humor about itself.

[@Marcanoregistrada]

It is one of my favorites.

[@somedudeontwitterstalkedme3829]

This episode is held in high regards, but everyone knows that it centers on Xander and people have feelings about Xander that run the gamut, so it is completely understood for you to feeling how you do. Xander has "more" a thing for the "Slayer", the power of the Slayer put in the form of Faith? Is not something that even Oz, might be able to walk away from.

[@grahamnickless138]

Christophe Beck is an amazing composer. The score music is always spot on.

[@Barnuses]

I love how melodramatic the Buffy story was whenever they cut to whatever they were doing. With all the music and dialogue being so "over the top" compared to what Xander was doing. Which I think is the point of the episode. When you see things from Buffy's point of view all those scenes seem reasonable. But from an outsider's perspective, like Xander who is the "normal" one of the group, it all kind of seems ridiculous. Like the rushing around with urgency to stop the end of the world. Giles monologuing into the middle distance. Buffy and Angel's dramatic romantic tension.

[@hardybryan]

They were also playing up the melodrama of everything outside Xander's story as a joke on themselves.

[@elkins4406]

The "over the top" and utterly cliche-ridden dialogue and music, along with the extremely derivative nature of the scenes (nearly every one of them is a barely re-written scene we've seen before on the show), are the narrative cues which are supposed to lead you to the understanding that the apocalypse plotline is a *parody*. It's the show making fun of itself. I think comedic cues of this sort must be very rooted in time and place, because it seems to be mainly younger and foreign viewers who don't recognize them. When this first aired, I don't remember anyone failing to see what the show was doing with those scenes.

[@Kinitawowi]

Yeah, this is one of those episodes that ultimately boils down to being a parody of the show and its own conventions. There's a MASSIVE WORLD ENDING APOCALYPSE and Buffy and Angel are EMOTING and ARGUING and Faith is HOT and we shove all that to one side for the lulz. All the chaos and carnage going on upstairs, and it would have been for naught if Xander hadn't stopped Jack blowing up the school.

[@alicequinn505]

It's about Xander's self confidence, about being on the outside looking in, that's why the plotlines are disjointed. The point of it being boring also relates to how he feels about himself. As for Car Girl, the point was if he gets a car to be cool, people will like the car, not you.

[@WillsonT011]

But they literally do the same episode again about Xander's character. spoilers.... When he gets split into two personalities I believe in season 5

[@ronaldfasshauer4390]

Yep because if he had self confidence.

[@thatoneguyagain2252]

True, but a bit unfair - there's NOBODY who doesn't like a '57 Bel Air

[@beefarren]

This episode got 200% better for me when I realized we are deeply inside Xander's POV throughout the whole thing, and Xander is an unreliable narrator. These events happened canonically, but the tone, the elevated drama, the lack of information on the "real" plotline and the sharp, jarring cuts between scenes are all representative of how Xander sees the world. We don't know much about what's going on because Xander doesn't know much about what's going on. All the characters are acting in a slightly heightened way - Oz is laconically cool until he becomes a wild beast, Failth is a violent sexpot, Buffy and Angel are dramatically professing their undying love, Giles is doom and gloomy - all because that's how Xander sees them. For my money, the only real failing of this episode is not making it a little more clear that things are cartoonish for a specific reason this time, instead of just... because the show is sometimes a little cartoonish. And yeah, Xander may not be completely done dealing with his internalized sense of uselessness, but he takes some big steps in this episode. It gives us a chance to see that he is "coming of age" too, just like Buffy and Willow are.

[@bilzahubbers1419]

I’m sooooo glad you made this comment, you phrased it so well

[@aperson4640]

Well said. Any television show can do an obvious concept episode, for instance all the main characters are trapped in one room for the duration, but it takes a truly brilliant show to do one with levels of subtlety. On first watch I understood the ep was Xander centric and that the other characters were "off" as soon as Buffy and Angel had that overly melodramatic conversation. Only upon second viewing did I understand the deeper Xander pov level to this ep. Frankly, I can't remember any other TV show where I gained a new perspective upon watching an ep twice.

[@BiggestDawgEver]

I am glad you nailed it so I don't have to try. Well said.

[@mkitten13]

Well said, you hit the nail on the head there.

[@mylvem7270]

❤

[@laurenfrey873]

I admit, I wasn’t a big fan of this episode when I first saw it, but it gets better with rewatches. As for the title, Zeppo refers to Herbert Manfred “Zeppo” Marx, the youngest (and often most forgotten) of the Marx Brothers.

[@1nelsondj]

Groucho once said Zeppo was the one that could pass for normal. Compared to him, Harpo and Chico he was right.

[@razycrandomgirl]

I thought it had something to do with a lighter lol

[@pbiasizzo]

@@razycrandomgirl Girl, that's Zippo!! Lol

[@ayanna101]

I don't remember seeing this episode 20 years ago or 10 years ago when I rewatched Buffy but this time I LOVE it! So hilarious!

[@donsample1002]

Yog-Sothoth Groucho also said that Zeppo was the funniest of the brothers. He made the rest of them better. Their movies with Zeppo are all better than the ones without him.

[@anoriori]

I like this episode (even though Xander is not one of my faves either), but I wonder if it works better on a rewatch? I really like the idea that Xander is getting confronted by what he thinks masculinity is and realises that actually.. it kinda sucks. His idea of a cool, manly guy is one that's super aggressive, drives a cool car, isn't afraid of anything, cruises around at night with his guy friends drinking beer and not caring about consequences, and has no-strings-attached sex with a hot girl. But then he saves the day not by fighting, but by talking, to the point where it's anticlimatic. Maybe I can relate to times in my life when I've tried too hard to fit in with people that I think are cool, later realising that they're actually pretty dull, sad and mean. I also enjoy any episode that messes with your expectations of what a Buffy episode should be. I find when I rewatch it I'm the opposite and I find the apocalyptic stuff the less interesting part, since that's something we've seen many times before. However I'm watching it while knowing it's not important and I don't really remember what I thought of it the first time I watched. Don't worry about it though, it's a polarising episode and I'm sure you'll find many who agree with you!

[@alleybox]

yeah i can almost guarantee i would enjoy this more for a rewatch. i spent most of the episode kinda annoyed bc i found the xander scenes to be kinda boring and wanted to see what buffy was doing, but now that i know that was the whole point, i now know what kinda thinking i need to have to go into it. last episode was super serious and intense, wasnt expecting a funny satirical episode haha

[@toshomni9478]

It's also kind of the point that at the end Xander doesn't have to brag to his friends about the whole zombie bomb thing because he is no longer so insecure.

[@razycrandomgirl]

@@toshomni9478 I did like him not telling.

[@AscendedXSaiyan]

Honestly on my first watch I wasn't outright hating on Xander like a vast majority of the fandom is, but he wasn't my favourite either! Some rewatches have given me a new appreciation for Xander.

[@TopcatsLair]

Great comment.

[@Sforschondetta]

One of the best of season 3. Although i didn't " get it" my first watch either. I guess you have to finish the series to appreciate the Xanman more. The show poking fun at its own melodrama though is a highlight of the episode for me.

[@razycrandomgirl]

once you've seen one BangeL scene, you've seen them all

[@caitlin329]

The music building again as soon as he leaves 😂😂😂

[@ibgvox]

Joss about Agents of Shield: “This is basically a TV series of ‘The Zeppo’ [episode of Buffy], which was a very deliberate deconstruction of a Buffy episode in order to star the person who mattered the least,” Whedon says. “The people who are ignored are the people I’ve been writing as my heroes from day one. There’s a world of superheroes and superstars, they’re celebrities, and that’s a complicated world - particularly complicated for people who don’t have the superpowers, the disenfranchised. Now obviously there’s going to be hijinks and hilarity and sex and gadgets and all the things that made people buy the comics. But that’s what the show really is about to me, and that’s what Clark Gregg embodies: the Everyman.”

[@Shoofyou10]

It’s basically “rosencrantz and guildenstern are dead” as a tv episode

[@SylviusTheMad]

@@Shoofyou10 That's a terrific comparison.

[@jaycievictory8461]

That's interesting. I really don't see Carson as being like Xander, though 🤔

[@toshomni9478]

So this and how amazing would it be if Alley did Agents of Shield reactions or reviews?

[@zoewinter2468]

@@jaycievictory8461 Right? I think with their specialized skill sets, such characters can feel a bit superheroic anyway. Too far removed from how 'the Everymen' could handle themselves in the situations they are put in.

[@salexo9]

Xander is always struggling with cultural ideas of masculinity and heroism and in my opinion that makes him so interesting, because he's always getting closer to what he actually needs and wants to be, deep down inside, one baby step at a time. As much as he annoys me at times, I could never hate Xander because of his complexity and realism.

[@AscendedXSaiyan]

If you ask me he's one of the best characters in the show because of what he goes through and the ways he improves.

[@WillsonT011]

@@AscendedXSaiyan I'm going to be honest with you, the character that he is now is pretty much the same character at the end of the series. Maybe a little more mature but that's it. Spoilers..... but Wesley and Cordelia on Angel, now that is true character development from how they were on Buffy to how they ended up on Angel👍

[@ronaldfasshauer4390]

@@WillsonT011 Yep Joss and co really screwed over what could have been an amazing charactor.

[@lukesweeting1686]

Despite how people feel about xander his episodes are so relatable and funny especially this one as it shows he's perspective on the whole life in sunnydale like the bangel stuff and dealing with stuff so much bigger then them all

[@lessismore8533]

We already KNOW how he felt about Bangle tho lol. He’s still not innocent and has done shady things. We didn’t need a Xander episode to see that But in here, poor Xander is BULLIED by sone tough guy..

[@flagintheair]

I loved how everything around Xander was so heightened, melodramatic, and such an over the top soap opera, to the point where you just have to laugh. They're in the library battling something so crazy. Meanwhile, he's in the basement keeping his cool as the bomb counts down. It's such a contrast! Xander's not my favorite, but he is cool in his own way.

[@miriam8376]

I love this episode. It’s the most teenager thing ever: the world has covid and terrorists and nuclear weapons, but that doesn’t stop you from wondering about girls and coolness and where you fit in the world. The tone is emotionally complicated and changes in a fingersnap, also like the teenage emotions. And to give Xander his props, to constantly be lovingly told that you aren’t capable would be excruciating-but he keeps trying to help.

[@ronaldfasshauer4390]

Apart from killing everyone with the explosion it would have been interesting if he'd said screw you guys I'm going home.

[@wobaguk]

I dont think the scene a the end is supposed to just show that Xander is no longer rattled by Cordy, it shows that hes no longer rattled by her because he's found his inner cool, paying off his conversation with Oz earlier.

[@razycrandomgirl]

I always thought of it as: I just had sex, so do talk to me. :(

[@AscendedXSaiyan]

It's also basically him maturing in a way, to where he's not rattled by the small shit & personal jabs, he turns the other cheek cause he's finally attained some sense of confidence in himself

[@lessismore8533]

@@AscendedXSaiyan Xander still should’ve owned up to his actions tho. He cheated on Cordy..

[@AscendedXSaiyan]

@@lessismore8533 Oh I agree

[@apetass123]

Xander is feeling insecure. He’s the donut guy who’s just getting in the way of Buffy, Cordy is mocking him and the cool guys are givning him a hard time. But now Xander’s story is the main plot and Buffy saving the world is the subplot (for him and the viewers), he gets to have sex with Faith, he beats the cool guys and saves the day. Zeppo becomes Groucho and even though the others don’t know what he has been up to, he knows, and that’s all that matters. Xander doesn’t mind being the donut guy or Cordy mocking him anymore; because he is no longer feeling insecure. I really like this episode and think it was a pretty clever way of playing with point of view and highlighting the feeling of being a sidekick. Also, the zombie’s head getting busted mid conversation.

[@nicolecooper7514]

"i'm in love with faith" mood?

[@procrastinator99]

Yup.

[@razycrandomgirl]

w/o question.

[@sarahxo2317]

aren’t we all?

[@TheLokki242]

Oop judging by the comments I may want to give this watch a skip for my own sanity, this episode means the world to me and helped me grow as a person so my soul gets a little crushed when people don't enjoy it. That's not your fault tho, just my own business! As someone who for many years was filled with crippling anxieties about not being good enough and inferior to those around me, watching this the first time when I was around Xander's age in the episode was an epiphany moment. I'd never connected to anything like I did to this. And the ending, where Xander in his way saves the schools so his friends can save the world, was a touching and genuinely moving reminder of the important contributions EVERYONE makes to the world, and how valuable we all are if we act with kindness and bravery as Xander does here. I still rewatch this regularly when I'm feeling down, and on my most recent rewatch I was struck by how I didn't relate to it anymore: and that was a sweet comforting thing, and affirmed my love further. I grew past these anxieties that I shared with Xander, and I recognize that now which is very moving. I'll see ya next episode, cheers!

[@TheLokki242]

This episode is not only one of my faves of the series, but if someone asked me to select five pieces of art that represent my "soul" it would be there along with some noisy music and Apocalypse Now 😅

[@TheLokki242]

@LokiTetch see, I think that's a very bad faith reading of the episode and of Xander's character. He's the furthest thing from useless; he's just a normal person, like you and me. And while avoiding spoilers, even that allows him to offer something the others can't, which is often in the shape of reliability or perspective. Hell, he's already indirectly saved the world twice, here and in Prophecy Girl! Being a normal person isn't 'useless,' and the idea everyone needs to be special or hyperpowered is a very individualistic perspective that runs counter to Whedon's usual themes and especially the subtle (or in Anne, less subtle) anti-institution pro-socialist themes of Season 3. The work a lot of us can do is laying the bricks in the foundation of the future, and while without perspective that may not seem like important work, if even one of those bricks is missing the whole structure could crumble and collapse.

[@joeypotter6051]

@LokiTetch I don't disagree with you that Xander is kinda useless, that said I think the writers like him a lot more than I do so... I get your point though, that he doesn't have anything that makes him integral to the group. I think he does become useful later SPOILERS When he becomes a builder because he fixes Buffy's house every time it gets smashed up - not that we ever saw them worrying about how to afford that previously but you know - but they could've made him more of a weapons expert or something, like he was like "well I suck at hand to hand so I'm going to start inventing weapons so I can help from a distance" and you'd get comedy from his failures at first, but then as time goes by he'd get better at it to the point where he's basically Alfred or Q or whatever. Maybe they thought that'd nullify Giles' role but then Giles abdicates his role anyway so...

[@TheLokki242]

the idea that anyone needs to be 'useful' or 'integral' to belong in a group is such a silly one to me!!! When I hang out with my friends, and do things together that we care about, we don't go around going 'well, this is the role that I fulfill here!" We just hang out! And that has meaning for us and one another, and I get more meaning from Xander not having a thing than I do from Willow having magic or any other number of things.

[@caitlin329]

@LokiTetch Xander literally saved the entire world by being 'ordinary' and going off on his own. That's pretty important and impressive. Spoilers ? He did keep some of his Halloween memories. It comes up a few times.

[@liddybird3608]

Zeppo Marx was the fourth Marx brother, who stopped performing with his brothers pretty early on. In other words, he was not part of the much better known group of actors and irrelevant in the sense of not being famous.

[@jb888888888]

And yet, in their next several films there was a character which would have been perfect for Zeppo to play, as the male romantic lead/the Brothers' foil.

[@erikohman2294]

Also he didnt have so many of the great punchlines.

[@therealEmpyre]

I was going to say basically the same thing, but I decided to check if anybody else already had.

[@jamescarson6823]

I was a teenage boy many years ago. Xander would totally do that with Faith. I'm gay and would have totally given in to Faith just because: teenage boy. Could say more but don't want to get banned.

[@razycrandomgirl]

I'm a girl and I would have ...

[@schuettjoel]

I mean its 90's Eliza Dushku...nuff said.

[@DivaQuinzel]

Tbh this is one of my favourites, I love how they make fun of their own tropes.

[@Richard_Ashton]

One of the music tracks is called 'Dead Guys With Bombs',

[@salbro5985]

Lol that's pretty on the nose.

[@caitlin329]

I really am not a Xander fan, but I really like and appreciate this episode. He literally saved the world and didn't even tell anyone! It helps for understanding why he's so important. He's the Zeppo, making everyone else better. Underrated but vital to the group dynamic.

[@s_m_SL4Y3R]

Oz being "oddly full" is hilarious

[@datickywickygurl]

This episode is iconic for several reasons. One, it’s the first meta episode of Buffy, and one of the first, if not the THE first, meta episode in genre television. If it wasn’t for this episode then many other shows like Supernatural wouldn’t be so meta today. Secondly, it’s one of the first and only instances in genre tv where the A and B storylines are inverted. Such a clever idea. This episode is so risky. This unique, unconventional concept works for some and not for others, but regardless of its reception it should be applauded for its boldness. The reason Buffy is such an iconic and influential series is because it was always experimental and not afraid to take chances. I think this is an episode that you’ll appreciate more on a rewatch now that you’re aware of the episode’s intent.

[@gradybridges]

Hating The Zeppo but loving Go Fish. Crazy. This is an all timer for me. Taking the piss out of Buffy/Angel angst was hilarious. Having the apocalypse as the B storyline was a genius move. I'm sure you'll love Bad Girls.

[@razycrandomgirl]

during rewatch I watch Go Fish and skip Zeppo

[@alc9633]

I actually love this episode, but that's from the perspective of having watched the show many times over. I feel like it might work better as a rewatch. I love this show's ability to make fun of itself. I think re: the disjointed feeling, it's supposed to be that way, because that's how Xander views a lot of their group dynamics. He's often left to the side, or left out of emotional arcs, and gets small snippets out of context.

[@alc9633]

Also: I think the fact that Xander didn't tell them about the bomb is kind of the point. He's an unsung hero, and he often helps in ways that aren't noticed or acknowledged -- so it makes sense that this goes unnoticed and unacknowledged by the group in the face of their more pressing apocalypse. The fact that he was able to feel confident under Cordelia's taunts and not stoop to defending himself or mocking her back is massive growth as he's been deeply insecure and that (mocking) is what he falls back on frequently. It's a way of demonstrating how secure he feels about his place in the group after having done something brave, and realising his lack of ability won't hold him back from helping in real and important ways when it counts. He's not useless, he does have value, and he knows it so Cordelia preying on those insecurities no longer works. I think it's also really realistic that his growth isn't always linear. It's true to life that even if we make progress sometimes we regress as well -- our insecurities are ours for a reason and growth away from them takes time and steps back as well as steps forward.

[@everuby1438]

Definitely agree that it works better as a rewatch! First time around I felt the same as Alley, but more recently the episode just clicked for me

[@ronaldfasshauer4390]

Is he left to the side or pushed out? To make other charactors look better.

[@alc9633]

Ronald Fasshauer i would say it’s pretty in character for xander to be left out of emotional arcs. xander is often not confided in by buffy in earlier seasons because he’s reactive about angel and has feelings for her. so she doesn’t feel he’ll give her the support she wants. willow also had ‘feelings’ for him so she probably favoured confiding in buffy. plus, it’s not always apparent to characters within the universe that xander has great emotional depth bc he relies so heavily on humour as a coping mechanism.

[@krank23]

You are absolutely entitled to your opinion and I love hearing you discuss these episodes even when your opinions don't match mine. There are no "incorrect opinions" here , of course. That said, this is one of my favorite episodes =) It's basically a comedic episode, and I love how the "apocalypse of the week" plot is shoved into the background and everything is just shown from Xander's perspective. My other favorite episode this season, Lover's Walk, was apparently written by the same person - Dan Vebber. I kind of get the same kind of humorous vibe from both episodes, so I guess that makes sense…

[@joeypotter6051]

Those are two of my least favourite episodes of the season, but I'm glad you like them :) Buffy has something for everyone!

[@caitlin329]

I love that the show's at a place where it can play with things and satirise itself. Especially the Bangel melodrama.

[@robertcringle4865]

One of my all-time favorites. Very underrated , very very funny. Great Xander episode independent of the rest of the Scoobies, kind of a coming of age story.

[@ronaldfasshauer4390]

I partial don't see it as independent but abandoned by the rest.

[@lilykep]

**girl; is interested in Xander** Alley instantly, is she a monster?

[@25nomind]

fair question though lol. After Ampata agrees to go to a dance with Xander. Xander was like " That's great! You're not a praying mantis, are you? "

[@markdzima]

In season 3 episode 3, "Faith, Hope, and Trick", Scott Hope asks Buffy to go with him to "the Buster Keaton festival playing on State Street all this weekend." So, I'm thinking that it may be that it is via analogous State Street film festivals focused on old time comedians that Cordelia came to know about the Marx brothers and Zeppo Marx.

[@subjectd6985]

It's subtly hinted at that Cordelia is a lot more intelligent than she let's on, and that her "dumb" moments are either her being tactless or consciously choosing to appear that way.

[@anonymes2884]

Yeah as with Subject D, I think Cordelia would just have known who Zeppo was the old fashioned way. I'm only a few years older than Cordelia (and a few younger than Charisma Carpenter) and I watched Marx brothers movies over the summer holidays growing up (and Keaton, Lloyd, Laurel and Hardy etc.) - back in the day, when there were far fewer TV channels and old movies made for dirt cheap, schedule filling content, they were still mainstream fare.

[@markdzima]

@@anonymes2884 Maybe... but I really don't see Cordelia sitting at home watching old movies on TV. There would always have been plenty of guys asking her out, so I see her as MUCH more likely to be watching movies while out on a date.

[@anonymes2884]

@@markdzima When I say "growing up" I mean as a kid kid, like 7 or 8. At which age I think we're all MUCH more likely to see movies at home than on a date :). My point being, for people approximately that age it's believably just part of our general knowledge from everyday life experience (in other words to me there's absolutely nothing implausible about her just knowing, it doesn't really require any further explanation). Course, it's pure speculation anyway so whatever makes most sense to you :).

[@PrimalInfinity]

Whenever I hear "I like the quiet" it honestly absolutely breeaks my heart. Xander has a LOT of flaws as a character, but...god, the treatment of his severe depression is SO subtle until those sorts of moments. I just wanted to hold him.

[@christinao9061]

I guess everyone else mentioned this but this was essentially Buffy parodying itself. When it comes to the two plots, the end-of-the-world plot supports the Xander plot

[@caitlin329]

Yeah, Xander's is the A plot and the apocalypse is the B plot (and a very diminished one at that!) That's what makes it work

[@sarahxo2317]

The world is ending and Giles’s main concern is Buffy eating all the jelly donuts😂

[@veganvipers11]

Girl we are all simping for Angel in leather 😂

[@ThePurpleRants]

Speak for yourself lmao.

[@jeanetteking434]

Yup, I’m with you.

[@visitorzeta1669]

Lol, I thought this episode was genius.

[@donsample1002]

Xander does tell Faith that he's never been 'up' with people before.

[@jaycievictory8461]

Buffy looks so adorable in this episode 😍 So pleased the tufty bangs have grown out and been swept to the side 😂

[@pauldourlet]

Love this episode . It shows that Xander is fearless . No powers but incredibly brave and ready to die if he has to. His "Good Boy to Jack --I love.

[@helena2037]

I like the the scenes with oz interacting with non-willow characters. it's always so funny to me

[@Shoofyou10]

I love this episode. So hilarious. As a guy, I much more relate to Xander trying to find his confidence and not understanding how to be cool, over the brooding Angel or effortlessly cool Oz. I love the show for being so self aware and being able to make fun of itself for all the over the top drama and melodrama on the show. This is one of those episodes that makes the show special and not just formulaic teen drama. The Buffy story isn’t important or the point at all. It’s meant to be a parody of the show itself. It was just there to offset and emphasize the comedy.

[@Christushable]

I feel like in this episode we see things through xander’s eyes. Giles speaking latin with a mystic cloud, angel and buffy being over dramatic etc. Things definitely happened but i feel like it was made in this weird way to show how xander sees things throught his perspective. Once i started watching this episode with that in mind, i only could scream GENIUS

[@rexxraul]

I adore this episode, and in general I don't even like Xander. This is one of the exceptions - and I agree with you about the music, awesome and hilarious.

[@WakingDreamer01]

One of my favourite episodes from the entire series! But that's maybe because, *_"I like the quiet."_*

[@kristianvilstrup8172]

Yes, that line is so great. It sums up Xander's arc and realisation so perfectly as well as giving some of us viewers something to identify with.

[@WakingDreamer01]

@@kristianvilstrup8172 Definitely one of the most memorable lines. I remember first watching this when it was on air, I myself was a teenager at the time, and by the end of the episode seeing Xander's internal growth and confidence, even amidst forces and events beyond his understanding and control, I thought to myself - wow, some life goals right here!

[@imnickij]

I feel like the slightly chariacature elements to the other characters is because it's from Xander's pov. The melodrama around Buffy, Giles in the graveyard, even Oz's one word answers all speak to how he sees them. And let's not forget, Cordelia - the newly ex gf - throws an insult hit right where he is most insecure.

[@ronaldfasshauer4390]

Or maybe were finally seeing them as they are. Because until that point we have only ever seen the from the own perspectives i.e Buffy the vampire slayer.

[@KT-iy9vc]

I always loved the Zeppo episode but I am in the minority among my friends. I loved the message I took from it. And I loved how over-the-top they went on the peripheral action around Zander. It was one of those jokes that only works because of how extreme it is, like one of those gags that start funny, keep repeating until it isn't funny, then keeps repeating again and again until the ludicrousness of it becomes funny again.

[@spikejr3113jr]

This episode is less monster of the week it’s more let’s get to know Xander episode.

[@dewrygwyllgi2636]

I love this episode, it inspired the idea of the B story being the main focus while the A story being in the background was used in other shows like for example Doctor Who. I always felt that Xander centric episodes always showed possible directions his character could go like the character centric episodes for the others but sadly unlike the centric character episodes of most of the others the Xander ones always seem to be one step forward and two steps back the episode after. In my opinion if the writers actually made the effort to develop Xander as much as the other characters there might not have been so much hatred for him by at least half of the fans.

[@subjectd6985]

Imagine how different you would feel if Xander was a female teenage virgin being taken advantage of by a more experienced, physically more powerful male who just kicks her out right after.

[@jaycievictory8461]

Yes, I hate that scene

[@RoseJackson1607]

what's your point?

[@razycrandomgirl]

@@RoseJackson1607 right, like the dynamics are different. Not to underplay the scene or imply that males can't experience SA but that's not what this was. we can scrap the whole episode imo. But the only thing that gets carried over from it is that scene. Pretty much everything else is a wash.

[@MrLorenzovanmatterho]

To be fair that's one of the joys of this series, we can have role reversal.

[@12345678abracadabra]

Yeah that's the point.

[@samanthanickson6478]

alley: i kinda feel like i've seen this from his character before. is it me?" me: yes the ep was an evolution of his character and him accepting and feeling comfortable with his role in the group. he's in his lane, he understands and he's fine with it. IMO.

[@doug3691]

First, this is the episode where Zander Levels Up--in terms of inner strength, self-confidence. Second, I love a story teller being able to genuinely Shift Perspective. In our current political climate, with so many people seemingly locked into very different views of the world, unable to see where the other is coming from, actually being able to Shift one's Perspective on things seems kind of special. Anyway, that was my favorite part of watching this episode again.

[@Belnick6666]

"This episode sucks for xander" well I dont Faith did THAT!! but I think he was happy anyway lol

[@NicoAngelus]

Don't worry, I don't think I completely got the episode the first time either, now it's one of my absolute favorites. It's honestly a masterclass in self-deprecation, just brilliant writing.

[@samanthaquinn3003]

Way back when, when I first saw this episode I was really not impressed. However, upon repeat viewings I have grown very fond of this one. It is a very meta commentary on the high drama this show sometimes finds itself wrapped in, while giving us a slice of what it means to be normal in this crazy situation.

[@tmpreardon4200]

This episode is one of my favorites. I love that it devolves into a big, bawdy farce by the end. I think the actor that plays Xander has really incredible comedic timing.

[@bad71able]

"Is rather see the generic, repetative end-of-the-world story and Angel/Buffy angst, all being intentionally over acted and melodramatic as a blatant self parody..." That's some serious Xander hate....

[@Kaylia1991]

The line "I think we are gonna get the new watcher unfortunately" makes me laugh so much... 😂

[@Zerashadow]

Knowing who the new watcher is, i'm, kinda looking forward to it actually ^^

[@rphuntarchive1]

"I don't see Xander doing that" - wow. You don't get guys at all.

[@toshomni9478]

In his defense I don't think Xander expected or wanted it to be a one-night stand.

[@razycrandomgirl]

@@toshomni9478 welp he had a steady thing but he CHOSE to mess that up.

[@WakingDreamer01]

As a guy, I can definitely see it as a fantasy come true for a teenager who has no prior experience.

[@rphuntarchive1]

​@@toshomni9478 Honestly, I don''t think he thought about that. But later he thinks this gave him a special connection to Faith, so it did mean something to him beyond a boink.

[@mj6866]

It is a Xander coming of age episode. It was absolutely needed for the character to grow. Otherwise, we will be stuck with kid-Xander while everybody else is growing up. Xander tried to run to Buffy for help but she was already engaged in something important. It was also significant that Xander didn't brag about what he accomplished on his own. Truly confident people don't need to brag and show off.

[@DKPseude]

So- first of all, this is a great reaction series. It's actually managing to re-ignite the cooling embers of my inner Buffy fan after all these years. That's a great thing in and of itself. But not only that, you're so far one of the best reactors I've seen on KZbin. People watch reaction videos for two things- intelligent analysis and commentary, and to witness the reactor having emotional meltdowns at key scenes. Most do one or the other really well, but you're the first that I've found who gets an A-grade in both. Which means it's pretty bad when I get angry enough to seriously think about stopping my marathon of your Buffy reactions. What I actually did- thankfully- was take time to calm down and think about just why your Zeppo review affected me this way. It's actually something that's been building through your reviews and thinking about why took a while. Originally I'd not intended to comment until I was caught up with your recent videos, but I felt this needed to be said and to be said here. Xander is meant to be the stand-in for teenage boys. Not the fantasy version that girls have of them, or the (very different) fantasies that teenage boys have about themselves- no, he's the real deal. The version that might actually exist in High School. That's the core of both why he's liked and why he's disliked. Men see the teenager they used to be and identify with him the way you seem to with Willow- which can be a good thing or a bad one, depending on how well they've come to terms with the fact that like all teens they were monsters at that age. Women probably look at him and get flashbacks to guys like him in school and elsewhere- which is what I attribute your own hostility toward him as being. Yes, you're hostile to Xander. He's the only main character that you've not got sound effects playing for to show how much you like something about him. While you claim that you apportion blame for the affair between him and Willow equally, it wasn't the Willow doll that was sitting apart from the group with a sticky note of shame attached in the background. Most tellingly- well, you're a psych student. How do you interpret the fact that every time Xander is in a sexual situation you start repeating the mantra of “I feel uncomfortable, I feel uncomfortable...” over and over. I checked, this comes out every time there's a sexy situation involving Xander but never with any other characters. (Unless it'd be disturbing no matter who the characters were.) My aforementioned anger is, I think, due to what I said about Xander being something that teenage boys- current or former- can identify with. We recognise his flaws as ours, and empathise with his struggle to move past them. So when a girl keeps repeating his dislike for Xander's flaws, it can feel as if it's our flaws she's criticising. When she belittles his character development arcs as boring, it feels like our own attempts to become better people are being belittled. The other men in the show are pretty much female fantasies. Giles is the idealised father figure who's wise, caring and a DILF. Oz is the ideal of both boyfriend and brother, depending on the relationship. Angel- do I even need to say it? And then there's Xander, who's a normal guy. If there was a show where the female cast were all idealised male fantasies except for one girl who was more realistic and grounded...What would you have to say to a man who constantly fanboyed over the rest while putting the token real girl down and demanding she be given less screen time and no episodes focusing on her? Anyway, sorry the rant has gone on so long. I just think I needed to write this down somewhere even if it gets lost due to being on an older video. I'll leave you with one other point not directly related to the main one- have you noticed just how often you say “I understand...” in this video? It was (unforgettably) stated in Game of Thrones that the more often someone has to say he's in charge, the less authority he actually has. I submit that this is also true of how often someone says that they understand the subject they're monologuing about during said monologue. (No, seriously, count the times...) I look forward to seeing the rest of your reactions to Buffy/Angel, and to whatever you decide to watch next. And will resist the urge to spam you with suggestions for what that should be.

[@beefarren]

Also, I see some others have clarified who Zeppo Marx was, but to add to that - not only was he the youngest and most often forgotten Marx brother, but he was the straight man of the act, the one who WASN'T funny. So for Xander, whose identity is pretty well wrapped up in being the comic relief, calling him the Zeppo of the group is doubly insulting. I wonder if this means Buffy is the Groucho Marx of the group. I'm... not entirely sure what that says about Buffy.

[@caitlin329]

I mean she is very literally the star of the show

[@stormwreath]

Based on her signature move in the first episode of the season -- the one that got into the title credits -- Buffy's the Karl of the group...

[@lawrencewestby9229]

Yup, the epic life or death, end of the world, A plot gets shunted to the side story B plot while Xander has a very interesting day. Of course, Xander, unbeknownst to everyone else, actually saved them all by stopping the bomb from blowing them all up and in the end only smiles and walks away from Cordelia because he knows what he did and none of Cordy's taunts can affect him any longer. It also didn't hurt that the end of the world struggle was made as overly dramatic as possible.

[@mayaenglish5424]

I love that in this episode, The End of the World is the side plot lol!

[@Corey_s94]

This is certainly an episode that I'll feel you grow to love on rewatches and once you've delved into the character of Xander more. The fact he is the one that actually saves the day but gets no recognition and he doesn't even really know jjst how important his role was that night. If he didn't stop the bomb from going off then it would have gone off and potentially killed the gang who were fighting in the school at the same time meaning nobody to stop the hellmouth opening. The way the episode switches from high drama and stakes to then seeing Xander trying too hard to be cool and fit in just amplifies the episode.

[@devino.4117]

You will come to appreciate this episode upon future series rewatches.

[@jaycievictory8461]

That Master/Gatorade manip 😅

[@CommadoreGothnogDragonheart]

This is one of my favorite episodes of the season because of the growth it shows in Xander. He goes from feeling useless to literally saving the world by preventing the bomb from going off and killing the whole Scooby gang. In other words, at the beginning he was desperate to prove himself, and by the end, he no longer had to prove his worth to anyone. Not even Cordelia.

[@Xhalph]

This episode holds a special place in my heart. I had discovered the show back when it was airing in syndication, partway through season 2. I would actually watch The Daily Show and then the last half of Buffy while waiting for some other show to come on. My interest was piqued when Angelus kidnapped Giles ("The last time I tortured someone, we didn't even *have* chainsaws."). The Zeppo was the first episode that watched in its entirety and/or the episode that made me realize that this show was something special. That it was willing to be unorthodox in ways other shows would never be, just for kicks.

[@Windupchronic]

This is one of my favorite Buffy episodes. I love the absurdity of it.

[@robertmcbride4454]

Zeppo was the fourth Marx's brother. Groucho, Cheacko, and Harpo

[@MrFlashpoint1978]

I'm fairly certain it's "Chico", but I may be wrong.

[@tnx301]

He was actually the 6th and youngest brother, the oldest one, "Manfred" dying in infancy. The 5th one missing in your list was "Gummo", and the "correct" name of the 2nd "Chico". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marx_Brothers

[@Richard_Ashton]

The useless one of the Marx Brothers (Other than Gummo, that is). Watch one of their movies - A Night at the Opera is good

[@jb888888888]

Chico's name should be pronounced Chicko. "Chick-oh" chasing the chicks (girls). Not Cheek-oh.

[@Daniela-ji9ip]

A thing that always seemed a little odd to me about this episode is that this is really the only time where Xander is left out of the group, he actually is always there helping when supernatural stuff happens, even on apocalypse level, him being ordinary never seemed to matter until now.

[@hardybryan]

Xander saved the world. That bomb would have taken out the Scoobies, doubt it would have stopped the Hellmouth. Between that and losing his virginity, the confidence he gains in this episode are incomparable to anything that has come before.

[@hardybryan]

@LokiTetch I'm not sure what your point here is downplaying what he did, but Xander absolutely saved everyone fighting in that school from the bomb, even though yes, his 'mission' is the 'lesser' threat. If your point is he didn't gain confidence and self assuredness from this episode, you really missed the point though. You think a teenage kid's confidence is damaged by being used for sex by a woman that looks like Faith?

[@hardybryan]

@LokiTetch He fought off an entire gang of zombies by himself. Current Willow couldn't have done it, don't think floating pencils kills zombies. She's only deemed safer in battle because she knows to stay in the back. Doubt Oz could have done it, even as the wolf he'd be completely out of control and a liability to all. Even Giles would struggle against a gang of zombies (though he wouldn't have stood by as they were raised either, but neither would Xander at the end of this episode). He can take the insults because the only thing about insults that hurts is when you think they're true. He just laughs it off because he knows what he did and how valuable he is. He helped Faith fight off demons, battled zombies, was seen as desirable by a beautiful, experienced woman (though I agree that relationship is clearly not a healthy one, it's still an ego boost for a kid who had no romantic prospects) and then saved everyone without them ever knowing. But he knows, so he's happy. When you know you're awesome, you don't worry what others say or think. It takes a long time for Xander to become the man he becomes, and his confidence will go up and down many times (like any normal person) but this is a huge step for him. Edit: and none of them are better than him in every way. If you've missed that, you've missed a lot.

[@bilzahubbers1419]

I just smile when I see Alley has uploaded. I literally love her so much 🥺

[@natashanorris650]

This is my favorite episode of Buffy. It’s just SO different from anything I’ve EVER seen on television, and I watch more TV then I care to admit to. 😅 For me it’s because from an outside perspective Buffys life can kind of read as pretty melodramatic- so it’s funny to see the drama from a removed point of view. The world is coming to the end, but it’s all a backdrop to a side characters story. Love it.

[@metmoo1]

I’ve been binge watching these reaction videos, what a wonderful human you are! Also just remember, your favourite episodes are always gonna be someone’s least favourite, and vice versa, and that’s ok 👌

[@Franz_Morhart]

I love this episode-so fun, and I love that Xander gets a chance to shine. I also love that my hero, Michael Jackson, was referenced in a positive way!

[@ohethel]

my favorite episode of the entire series. an entire episode from xander's pov. and he saved everyone's lives and they didn't even know it.

[@melissaisloud7404]

Love this episode. It’s so slapstick. Xandercentric episodes are always a hoot. ‘Baking a Cake’ used to be another colloquialism for making a bomb. Now ‘cake’ means a thick booty. 😂 Xander was infatuated with Buffy, a slayer. Faith, a slayer, responded to him sexually where Buffy did not. I’m not surprised he fulfilled his slayer-love fantasy, even if Faith were just a proxy. Teen boys are a yarn ball of contradictions.

[@AscendedXSaiyan]

Teen boys? Teens in general are...girls too 😂

[@n2nother]

This is easily a top 20 episode. Hilariously self aware.

[@sefirotsgame]

I love this episode, not only because I love Xander, but because it is a great autoparody, with all the dramatic and heroic moments of a new apocalypse.

[@davidfunk3505]

I think this might be my favorite episode. And mostly because I relate to Xander's adventure in this episode. Like so much amazing stuff is happening around him, while he's just... mundane. He's the only one without super powers, or knowledge, or a special skill. And he's always kind of "in the way," but after everything that happened in the episode, he has come to terms with himself. He knows his worth. It may not be much in the grand scheme of things, but it's invaluable to the group. Not to mention, in his own way, in this episode, he saved the world. And the crazy part is, while Willow sort of laments the fact no one will know what they did that night, not even Xander's closest friends will know what he did that night and he's completely fine with that. I mean, imagine if that bomb went off underneath everyone while fighting that monster and the Hellmouth opening. It may have harmed the monster, but not killed it, and the Hellmouth can't be closed by a simple explosion, otherwise somebody would have done that long ago. So the only casualties would be the Scooby Gang, and who would have been left to protect the world as armies of demons, monsters, ghouls, and various fiends come pouring out ono Earth? No amount of knowledge the Council may possess, nor a new Slayer would be able to slow it down, let alone stop it. And all it took to prevent it was one, simple, ordinary man to make a difference.

[@veronicamars4124]

The whole point of this episode was to view the (this) world from Xander's perspective, how "unimportant" or useless he feels to the group because he doesn't feel like he contributes (and the beginning of the episode highlights this both with his interaction with Cordelia, his donut run for the group, and the fact that the group excludes him from this VERY serious apocalypse that Xander (and us, the viewers) are mostly in the dark about. And that's the brilliance of this episode - it's a different take / different perspective. The music, lighting and dialogue in the Buffy & Angel scene is extremely dramatic, and then Xander steps in and undercuts all of that. Excellent.

[@ronaldfasshauer4390]

The exclusion was strange as the group hadn't done that before.

[@veronicamars4124]

@@ronaldfasshauer4390 in our eyes as viewers perhaps to an extent. But this episode is from Xander’s perspective. And we already know by Xander’s comments throughout that he often feels inadequate because he doesn’t feel he “contributes” to the group (ie he’s not a werewolf, he’s not a witch, he’s not a slayer, etc). It’s from Xander’s perspective and so we see how he feels really about how he feels the group perceives him.

[@AnatoleVGC]

I love how this episode mocks the show itself with a lot of over dramatic things happening semi off screen. Its one of my favourites. Also, I really love the memes you edit in the episodes. Perfectly done

[@michaelstanley5575]

This episode had to grow on me too. But it shows a lot. It shows not just his vulnerabilities, but also that he has an inner strength if it's really called on. He's often overlooked because we always think that the superheroes are the ones who make the story work because they have powers. Xander is the only one without a power and he's searching for something (the metaphor is coolness) but in reality he is looking for his place and some confidence and finally found it.

[@racafritz]

I thought this episode was just ok the first watch but, highly recommend rewatching at a later date because it’s one of the best of the season.

[@2and1things]

This is maybe one of the first episodes where I actually began to like Xander. I’m not a Xander fan so it certainly helped. I would’ve been a lot more bored with the apocalypse plot line again tbh

[@caitlin329]

Yes! I'm all about character stuff (which this show does very well). I do not need more repetitive Bangel melodrama or an averted Apocalypse.

[@mooble1325]

@@caitlin329 bangel melodrama 💀💀💀

[@mkitten13]

Fun fact, one of the music scores is literally named "Dead guys with bombs" on the Buffy soundtrack. Xander is far from my favourite character in the show (I can at times have really major issues with him), but I LOVE this episode, I have such a good laugh every time I watch it, the whole super serious apocalypse in the background, and meanwhile he's running around trying to stop a bunch zombies from blowing up the school, just thinking about it gives me the giggles. I also really love the fact that he did not tell the gang about what he did, it was a sign of maturity. He starts the episode trying to get attention and validation, trying to figure out how to be cool (which is completely counteractive), borrowing the flashy car, and just overall chasing these superficial things, and ends the episode being satisfied with just knowing himself what he did and not needing that external validation. He realized the gang had just been through enough harrowing things and did not need to hear more at that moment. Cordelias taunts in the end did not affect him anymore, because he was more content with himself and his life.

[@seanduncan3624]

You did kinda miss the point but glad you kinda caught up lol. Buffy and Angel having yet another dramatic relationship conversation, the gang fighting the apocalypse, etc, its all just an ordinary day for these guys and for us, we as the audience have seen it all before many times. They played off against the seemingly ordinary unnoticed Xander having a completely extraordinary night and actually averting the apocalypse. Its about showing how there is a lot more to Xander than anyone realises and that there's a lot more to come from him.

[@1nelsondj]

It's sort of a send-up of the show itself with the end-of-the-world threat and high drama with Buffy & Angel. The problem is they made the subplot into the main plot when they crafted the Hellmouth subplot too well, what we don't see is intriguing. I agree with you, that subplot was a lot more interesting than Xander's escapades; however he becomes a man in this one in more ways than one. If he hadn't stopped the zombies from blowing up the school the rest of the Scooby gang would have perished. And he did it all without telling anyone about it,. big evolution for him. You can tell by his interaction with Cordy at the end of the episode.

[@kevinjank4475]

This one definitely gets better with rewatching it. The meta nature of it is a little weird at first but it really does a great job of parodying the self-serious and soap opera-esque these types of shows deal with by teasing those little moments of the apocalypse storyline while you're focusing on Xander's wacky side adventures. It reminds me of the episode of Clerks the Animated Series where Dante and Randall never get out of the store because people keep busting in telling them about all the crazy things going on outside that we never get to see. It would be a nightmare if every episode was like this but as a one-off it's pretty fun. Love these videos btw! I'm so excited for all the great stuff you have ahead of you with this show.

[@mikepeters807]

A favorite episode of mine. FUN (irrelevant) fact: It is directed by the son of the actor who played Brooks in The Shawshank Redemption.

[@Madbandit77]

James Whitmore Jr. was a regular on the short-lived war drama "Black Sheep Squadron" and was a dayplayer on other Stephen J. Cannell-produced TV shows before becoming an episodic director.

[@catnox3278]

Yes, the apocalypse was the more interesting plot, but showing that Xander is a zeppo was the point of the episode. And for a zeppo he had a pretty interesting night. It must also be reckoned that between the last episode and this one some lightheartedness was sorely needed. There are deep moments too, but they're not the "classical moments" like the love declaration or the apocalypse. This episode isn't important for what happens (even if Xander accepting he's a sidekick is kinda important) but for what it shows of the characters' personalities. It highlights how even what to Xander are milestones go unnoticed By anyone else (like with Faith). Xander is not my favore character but watching this episode after years of skipping it during rewatches I realised how foretelling it is for the whole season and even the entire show. Xander Is an outsider, so he's giving an outside perspective, and it is true that you see better from afar. The lesson in the end of the episode is amazingly strong, even if no one sees what Xander did, he knows it. He doesn't need people's approval or Cordelia's respect because he sees himself, he knows the person he is, and that's enough.

[@slayervision2484]

Absolutely loving your reactions. Are you planning to upload two Buffyverse a week now that Supernatural is over? :)

[@alleybox]

yes! have been busy and keep forgetting haha, but im planning to post on Saturdays as well :)

[@QuayNemSorr]

Or maybe watch Angel paralled with Buffy after season 3.

[@robertwade3845]

@@alleybox Finals Week is like that. Hope they're going well.

[@WillsonT011]

@@alleybox I'm going to be honest here, I kind of don't want you to post twice a week because the more you post in one week, that means the closer you are to finishing the series. I kind of want to see you react to Buffy (and now you know that Angel gets his own show) on a nice slow pace once a week. That's just fine😘

[@alleybox]

@@WillsonT011 yup! gonna only post buffy twice a week until i catch up to s4 and then itll be one buffy/week one angel/week :) rn on patreon im at 4x01, about to start Angel so i am a bit ahead and have the chance to splurge a little haha

[@stargazer1682]

Ah, the Marx brothers. Chico, Harpo, Groucho, Gummo, and Zeppo. Then of course there was their cousin Karl, who was...kind of the black sheep of the family... ;)

[@tanuvazi]

At least in theory....

[@christinao9061]

Okay but why are we not talking about Buffy's HAIR

[@Fionor01]

One of my top 5 episodes. It's ingenious.

[@babymaker7425]

If The Master counts, this is their 4th apocalypse, right?

[@Mountain_Mutt]

Future episodes will offer perspective for the importance of this episode's message.

[@erikohman2294]

Copy paste to all episodes :D. Well. except a choosen few I guess, but pretty much.

[@scottknowsnothing2153]

I'm not sure you got the point of this episode, especially after not reacting to him saving the school. Xander was the unsung hero, he saved the day without them knowing and also delivered one of the most badass lines in the show, he went from feeling useless at the start then at the end of the episode he was completely content and confident with himself. Maybe after you watch more of Buffy then rewatch Zeppo you may realise its one of its greatest episodes. I honestly find this inspirational and quite philosophical. There are Main Characters that we follow in shows like our own perception of being the MC of reality and we forget that side characters are the MC of their own story. Xander is more integral to the group than a lot of think, in many ways because he doesnt have powers like Buffy, Willow, Faith, Oz or even Giles's smarts he has to be stronger in an under appreciated way

[@nathanturvill4449]

Completely agree with you. It’s one of the more heartwarming episodes in my opinion and unfortunately the Xander haters disregard it. Everything you said about the episode really comes together in that final moment where he refuses to respond to Cordelia’s insults and walks away, that’s one of my favourite moments in the entire show.

[@ronaldfasshauer4390]

@@nathanturvill4449 True but if Cordelia had been treating Willow or Buffy that way how do you think they would have reacted?

[@jmwild1]

I am one of the bunch that thought this episode was okay the first time and then really started to like it on rewatches. It does sort of throw you for a loop, because it's very tongue-in-cheek and loaded with self-parody.

[@lepeke]

The concept of The Zeppo is great. This is what life is like for an outsider. Watch a young man take a step in his coming of age as he realizes what he thought he wanted isn't who he is. See what happens to the rest of the world while team Buffy is busy saving it. I also really liked the comedic juxtaposition of the music between the Xander and the Buffy scenes. Having said all that, I'm not a Xander fan, so on a rewatch I watch this one to appreciate the jokes and story telling, but I'm still annoyed by Xander.