Buffy the Vampire Slayer Talk || s5e21 “The Weight of the World”

[@alleybox]

hello hello, sorry about the lack of posts. if you don’t know already, i’ve moved into a new place back in november and the move and then the holidays and also seasonal depression has just wrecked my mental. i know you guys want to see the rest of the season, so i will work on getting it out as soon as i can :) sorry for such a bad upload schedule, just a lot going on in my life outside buffy, which sucks bc i really want to give these videos the time and energy they deserve for you guys :)

[@jmwild1]

Seasonal affective disorder is no joke. Worse if you already have a chronic depressive condition going into the short days of winter.

[@Nexusofgeek]

missed your vids. Things have been hectic for all during the holidays so no worries

[@snappapop3277]

it's none of those things you're just trying to milk the buffy content for as long as possible

[@JoeThornhill]

17:32 Alley "Is this crooked? It was, fuck, sorry." Me "Uh, if you say so, I GUESS? No worries, lol"

[@WoncoTheSane]

Get well soon! TY for all your good works. (this site is still free right?)

[@jaycievictory8461]

Alley saying "she saved the world a bunch of times" is too close to a particular scene in this season's finale 🥺

[@rosshall6475]

I think that Ben's flip flopping is due to Glory's personality fading into his in the same way that his personality is fading into Glory's. She is feeling his guilt and he is feeling her selfish narcissism.

[@Nepthu]

Very interesting. This is the first time I've seen this perspective, yet it's the obvious conclusion!

[@rodolfoceballos6278]

You're totally right and Glory herself mentions being confused by feelings she has not felt before. The way those scenes are acted and edited are just perfection.

[@deusveritasest56]

Hello peoples. I dont know too much thé Buffyverse but do you think they could be a connection between Ben and Glory ??

[@rosshall6475]

@@deusveritasest56 yes, but what kind of connection?

[@cruzinbosco]

Willow trusting Anya with Tara, the most important thing in the world to her, is everything to me. Such a small but impactful moment that means so much after Triangle. 💕

[@tarotdiscombe5573]

What amazes me is that she got the feeling that Glory will defeat her before Dawn (was kidnapped) and still feeling 100% sure of that fear, she still gets up and goes towards the inevitable yet again. She is amazing and needs atleast one fucking day to herself.

[@jaycievictory8461]

That peek into Buffy's mind... The sheer weight of all that responsibility, that heavy, heavy expectation from herself and others to always have the answer, always be the leader, always be hero, be perfect, be the Slayer. My poor Buffy. Her snapping to doesn't entirely make me feel better. Cos we know it just means she's picked up all those burdens again. It's a heartbreaking and convincing depiction of depression and just because she comes out of her fugue and goes back to being high-functioning and an absolute badass, it doesn't make her depression any less 💔

[@4everbuffylover]

I feel like Willow is unsympathetic as well. She’s not coming into Buffy’s psyche as a concerned friend. She’s there because she needs the slayer. Which is how all the later seasons feel. They stopped being friends. They are partly responsible for all that weight Buffy, and they get mad at her when she can’t carry it anymore

[@psychokitty9325]

They rely on her way too much! Like even for smaller things they just turn to her and wait for her to deal with it or fix it or tell them what to do. Can't they even try to think for themselves? They're are supposed to be a team aren't they? Not just Buffy's flock of followers. Just my opinion...

[@krank23]

OK, great review, but what we really want your opinion on is this whole Ben-Glory situation. Do you think there might be a connection between them?

[@spleenslegday9760]

Are you all very stoned?

[@JustJayylj]

So… your saying Ben and Glory… have a connection?

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

wait -- ben? at glory's? you mean all this time he's been subletting from her?

[@JaiWithani]

@@JustJayylj That makes sense - but of what kind?

[@Nexusofgeek]

damn it someone beat me to it!!!

[@killianlpc]

The Weight Of The World is a brilliant penultimate episode to the stunning Finale which I believe is the best episode of the whole show. Buffy being in a catatonic state allows Willow to enter her mind and bring her back from traumatic stress for the final battle. The news from Giles is another body blow for Buffy that the only way to stop Glory is for Dawn to die as she is The Key. The writers do a great job here showing the pain and stress of depression which Buffy is now acutely feeling. You can feel the tension now building in every way, get ready for episode 100, which has a incredible intro sequence, and utterly brilliant, but heart breaking ending.

[@Endigo_Vandane]

You knocking over the Buffy Funko Pop after the episode, is such a beautiful case of foreshadowing.

[@norasmith2474]

lmao I made a video for her after she watched the gift with that footage and posted it on her discord, along with the score for the scene over it

[@rockibirch4477]

@@norasmith2474 Bwahaha, brilliant.

[@Endigo_Vandane]

@@norasmith2474 I'm going to have to look that up. 😂

[@TheJoscelyne]

I just love that this show gives us a hero with the actual realistic trauma that her heroism would cause. This episode and Anne are some of my favorites because Buffy does the very believable thing and says "I cannot deal. I'm out," until she actually deals with her inner conflict.

[@Dunybrook]

The greatest thing about BtVS is that nobody is really safe, not just from dying but from being fundamentally changed. Nothing and nobody remains static and everything and everyone is constantly in danger of ending or changing profoundly. It's an incredible accomplishment for a TV show that ran this long. You've done an amazing job reacting to and understanding the subtle nuances present in every scene which is why you are one of the best at doing reactions to the Buffyverse shows. It's like you were made for this.

[@jp3813]

I don't think Oz changed much though.

[@Dunybrook]

@@jp3813 Is that a joke? Like when he changed into a werewolf?. A werewolf with anger issues who killed people and even roughed up Tara? Yeah he became very different from the original relaxed and easygoing Oz

[@jp3813]

@@Dunybrook He has a human & wolf side since season 2, and those personalities have remained the same since. Even his final scene w/ Willow was very calm, and him attacking Tara is consistent w/ his wolfy ways in the previous seasons. The rules of his transformation may have changed for that single episode, but as a person, he's the same old Oz.

[@Dunybrook]

@@jp3813 I think you are missing the point. Oz cheating on Willow and leaving her was, by itself, a huge change for the character and the show.

[@jp3813]

@@Dunybrook That was due to his uncontrollable wolf side. Which might as well have been a love spell. When he came back, he was quickly able to rekindle the spark w/ Willow b/c that person was the same old Oz.

[@lurker1316]

Honestly, the Scoobies forgetting about Ben and Glory is peak comedy. And it might be because I just watched Liam Duke's 2x08 the other day, but Willow separating Xander and Spike then laying down the law for the gang reminds me of when she broke up Xander and Cordy's fight and did her "get the hell out of my library" moment back then.

[@Kenvanhey74]

Imagine your a fan of this show....much like yourself. And you learn during this season that this show is ending...... There will be NO MORE Buffy after the NEXT EPISODE!! .... That's what us who watched the show were dealing with back then. WE didn't know yet of the new channel deal. Nope. Just THIS and the LAST episode we had to wait a FULL WEEK FOR!...... We were hopeful, aspirant, fearful..... Only ONE episode.......Left........

[@cherylpeterson6634]

Almost as bad as the covid delay we had to endure with SPN when there were only 7 or 8 epoisodes left of the entire show, almost!

[@chrisrj9871]

It was brought up a couple times in TV Guide and fanzines and on the web back then that Buffy was switching to UPN.

[@DanielOrme]

I had never thought about how this episode reveals so much about Glory's psychology. And in the same ep where we go to what's at the center of Buffy's psyche: her ferociously strong sense of responsibility. Even a momentary thought of giving up is enough to set off paralyzing (literally) guilt. An important thing to remember in analyzing many of her actions.

[@edwardthorne9875]

There has never been a show with such jaw-dropping endings. You are not the only one who says "This F***king SHOW!". I can't wait for you to see how this plays out. I've been with you for five seasons, and still delight in your energy and personality. Good luck with your new life changes!

[@RICHIEV333]

Season 5 is such a cohesive season. There is almost no filler, and starting with the episode, "The Real Me," the season takes off like a shot and just keeps going. This season is almost the opposite of season 4 which had great individual episodes but was kinda all over the place. I don't believe there are any bad seasons, but seasons 3 and 5 really stand out when it comes to the writers really hitting their stride.

[@MagusAgrippa8]

Honestly, by the time we hit season four I genuinely think there’s no such thing as filler. Not everything is tied to the big bad plot, but every episode has its degree of importance.

[@RICHIEV333]

@@MagusAgrippa8 I can see that. Season 4 in many ways had 'slice of life' episodes instead of, monster of the week episodes. One of my favorites is "Beer Bad" which does not move the season plot forward but Buffy had been dumped by Parker and she naturally wants to drown her sorrows in Beer. 'Something Blue' is the same way. Great episode but not really part of the main storyline. Some of the Best Buffy/Spike (Bike) stuff up to that point in the series. And of course, 'Hush' which is a great episode and tribute to silent horror movies. (I think that is what Joss was going for anyway) So I can see your point.

[@MagusAgrippa8]

@@RICHIEV333 Agreed, those three are really fun. Something Blue and Hush are just beautiful episodes of television in general. To borrow a term from the Passion of the Nerd, Beer Bad is a candy episode for me. I realize it’s not always going to be a favorite of people’s, but it’s really funny and Parker deserved at least a five minute scene of being whacked in the face with a branch over and over like some sort of Tom and Jerry loop.

[@RICHIEV333]

Parker getting whacked in the face is just satisfying.

[@jaycievictory8461]

Buffy's brief moment of wanting Dawn to die/be gone for the relief of having it be over reminds me of that amazingly powerful scene in when A Monster Calls. It's such a human thing, and it brings deep shame, but it's so understandable.

[@dashabrunclikova6975]

Fun fact. The Silence design was actually inspired by The Gentlemen from Hush.

[@serenity4eva89]

And now you know why I love it so much, it's abso-f**kin-lutely brilliant (And I'm thrilled that you loved it too) ❤ "... And I think we already deja'd this vu" - Willow "You talk funny" - Buffy "Yes... as you'll tell me again when we're older and in chem class" - Willow 🥰

[@jaycievictory8461]

We learn earlier in the season that Glory has two siblings, but no, they're not interested in using the Key. They cast Glory out from their dimension. Glory needs to use the key to tear down the barriers between all realities so she can get back there. The other two gods don't want that to happen.

[@rosshall6475]

they should change the locks then lol

[@boghag]

@@rosshall6475 Changing the locks always needs an unlocked door while the locks are changed. Which means Glory could get back in in that time.

[@TheNoybusiness]

Technically the other two hellgods in her triumvirate are never referred to as her siblings on the show.

[@math9172]

BTVS be like : Have you ever had depression ? *Would you like to ?*

[@Nicamon]

Brace yourselves...Season 6 is coming...

[@cherylpeterson6634]

@@Nicamon i cant wait

[@Kinitawowi]

"All this? It has a name. It's called guilt. It's a feeling, and it's important. But it's not more than that." God I love this episode so much. After a madcap allout war last time we slow right back down to the quietest introspective. The whole "nobody realises Ben and Glory are the same being even after watching it happen" subplot lasts for the sum total of one episode, which inclines me to think it was added because the ep ran short. (How much airtime does that whole bit take up at the start?!)

[@Nexusofgeek]

Hold on hold the phone: Are we saying there may be a connection between Ben and Glory?

[@lynnevetter]

"she saved the world a bunch of times.".. Fitting .

[@jaycievictory8461]

I feel kinda bad for Ben tbh. He was a baby when Glory was fused with him. His whole life has been weighed down and blighted by being chosen for that. And the sad image of his small, insignificant corner in Glory's apartment underlines that. His being chosen through no action or decision of his own is also a parallel to Buffy being chosen for Slayerhood. Except his life-changing thing thrust upon him was from birth, not just young teenhood, so possibly even worse. And now the choice is whether to kill Dawn or die himself. I'm not sure I blame him tbh. He's had nothing but either no choice or shitty choices his entire life.

[@Nicamon]

Finally someone empathizing with Ben!🤎He doesn't deserve all the hate the fandom gives him,IMO. SPOILER Kinda like someone else...COUGH Kennedy COUGH COUGH...>0

[@Itcouldbebunnies]

Never forget he summoned an alien demon to kill a bunch of people in 'Shadow'. Unlike Buffy, he's a stone cold killer. If he was anything like Buffy, he would take his own life to save everyone else's but he never even seems to have considered that option. He has a choice. Not a good choice, but he has a choice.

[@jaycievictory8461]

@@Itcouldbebunnies Yes, that was in my mind, too. However, I don't think the show's intended narrative was that he was a monster for doing that. There's a real nasty sense of mentally unwell people being expendable in that episode. And/or not really counting as human. I totally agree with you, but I don't think the show wanted us to see him as a monster for summoning the Queller. Through the lens of the narrative I think the writers did intend, I can see why he does it. It's part of him desperately trying to hold on to the tiny life he's carved out for himself that's not Glory's. He summons the Queller to "clean up Glory's mess like he's done his entire life". In real terms, it's a horrifying mass murder. But within the show it's another example of how his entire life has been tainted and utterly dominated by Glory.

[@lynnevetter]

But does he realize if he lives more than just Dawn will die?

[@Itcouldbebunnies]

@@jaycievictory8461 I find it hard to believe the writers did not consider this. This show is all about choices and consequences. Ben chose wrong in 'Shadow', and now he does it again. I really don't think that is by accident, it clearly shows how ruthlessly selfish he is. His ultimate demise would've been a lot more dramatic if he wasn't, but here we are.🤷‍♀️

[@CoasterTrax]

I see buffys paralysis more as a breakdown. As the title suggests: "the weight of the world". If you constantly carry so much weight on your shoulders and see yourself responsible for everything, you will eventually collapse. All you have to do is make a small mistake and it throws you off track, without warning. You blame everything yourself and then reach a moment when you can't anymore. Feelings of guilt, as willow described it, are not quite right. At least that's only a small part of what goes through buffy's head. A beautiful episode

[@RetroGamer-95]

Willow walking away while Tara reaches for her breaks my heart, and Anya of all people wishing her good luck is just beautiful Also, not shown in the video, but Tara calling Giles a murderer? Remember that next week

[@MolkoInAPocket]

Willow and her power and leadership were amazing this episode!

[@TheNoybusiness]

Yes, that was Dean Butler, the same actor who played Hank Summers in "Nightmares" in Season 1. He was also in the Season 2 premiere "When She Was Bad" and in "Becoming, Part One" (voice only).

[@ciaramclaughlin5677]

Wonderful video for a fascinating episode, I loved it! I don’t know what Spike is talking about though, Ben is clearly subletting from Glory!

[@emilysimon6239]

21:21 Buffy has been through SO much. I think her friends often forget what it means to be the slayer AND stay connected to the people she loves. I think WE the fans often forget. Buffy has already experienced so much loss in this season alone. I’d imagine she feels powerless. She couldn’t save Joyce; she couldn’t stop Glory. In her dreams (?), there are moments of her regressing because of her trauma, and there are moments of her giving in to the inhumane slayer side of herself because it hurts less emotionally. I love this episode and the insight we get into her mind, that she’s not always just ready to go and fight and save the day all the time, that’s it’s HARD.

[@domie]

this episode is just so 😭😭😭😭😭

[@JordiVanderwaal]

You: *what?!* Exactly, what indeed. What an incredible season, and the last 2 episodes are so great.

[@jd190d]

You do realize the person Spike and Xander go to talk to (10:23) is Joel Grey, a Broadway legend. Getting him for their show is a big deal.

[@Kinitawowi]

He was here four episodes ago as well.

[@ernesthakey3396]

I really liked Joel Grey as Chiun in "Remo Willams: The Adventure Begins" - and his daughter Jennifer in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". :)

[@luckyrobinshomestead]

And next comes one of the best pieces of television ever.

[@MagusAgrippa8]

I genuinely forgot that Spike is the only one to see the type of connection Ben and Glory have. For a hot second I thought they all agreed to mess with Spike.

[@thegargoylecumeth7932]

The Scoobies, next season: We're your friends, Buffster Also the Scoobies, next season: *have willingly run Buffy into debt and constantly remind her how much they're here for her while also continually ignoring her at times she needed them most* We're your friends, Buffster

[@blacktronlego]

Buffy's really been through a lot this season, I'm almost surprised she hasn't gone catatonic before. 9:30 It's actually really hard to suffocate someone with a modern pillow, or so I am told.

[@chrisrj9871]

Willow: "You two wanna fight, you do it after the world ends, okay?" Dexter and Mandark: "Been there, done that." (obscure reference?)

[@GreyUsurper]

I can never find it anymore, but someone made something like a flow chart for it. "Ben is Glory" circle arrow in blue, "Glory is Ben" circling back in pink (I think). Don't recall if anything was in the circle.

[@Buffy8Fan]

Not only is Spike the only one who was aware of Ben being Glory after seeing it, Willow also admits to him being right about just snapping Buffy out of her shock. I find both of those concepts amusing considering Xander and Giles wasted time trying to urge Buffy to get Spike off the Winnebago. As interesting as this episode is, after seeing how they did it in _Moon Knight,_ it's not as impressive as I wish they had time for. Ben and Glory switching back and forth in front of Dawn may not be the greatest in terms of SFX anymore, but the acting still makes it a great scene of arguing between two people.

[@MagusAgrippa8]

Their morphing tech was still relatively weak at that point. They’d gotten pretty good at it from vamp face switches, but Ben and Glory’s relationship really taxed it. The morphing does get a lot better later on, largely, I believe, thanks to this season.

[@Buffy8Fan]

@@MagusAgrippa8 I was making that point, not that they did a bad job, just so you know.

[@MagusAgrippa8]

@@Buffy8Fan I know. I just figured I’d mention it for comparison’s sake. But hey, at least the morphing tech is better than some of the other special effects in earlier seasons. Some of them were yiiiikes on a bike.

[@Talisguy]

Doc really should've been used more. Glory really needed a genuinely competent and intimidating minion, because she was too powerful to be proactive until the climax (she couldn't start relentlessly hunting Buffy and co till the end of the season or she would have easily killed all of them), and while the goblin minions are fun, they're not exactly threatening. But Doc manages to be capable, creepy and genuinely kind of menacing when he wants to be. It's a real shame he wasn't introduced earlier.

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

the show generally doesn't like you to know who's going to stick around and who's not, who's going to be important and who's not. that makes it rather difficult to have any kind of true season-long menace.

[@elizabethm4824]

I imagine Joel Grey had limited availability and was probably NYC based. I’m happy for what we managed to get.

[@Madbandit77]

@@elizabethm4824 You're right. Joel's mostly works on Broadway. If he does a dayplayer job on a TV show, it's based on NY.

[@Nepthu]

Great point. Glory needed a heavy. The Master had that big vamp in the first two eps. The Mayor had Faith. Adam had Forest. Glory had no one.

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

@@Nepthu "The Master had that big vamp in the first two eps." we saw doc more than twice. "The Mayor had Faith." only because she turned on us. we tend to spend more time with former allies. "Adam had Forest." the less is said about both adam and forest, the better. they were not an example to emulate.

[@McCrispyTaco]

I really do like Ben. He was put in such a tough spot but he still tries to do the right thing.

[@cedricdallaire3324]

Love your reactions ! Almost done s5 Omg my favorite season of all ! Can't wait for 22

[@HopelessHermit]

Sweet Alley. Only uploads when I'm either drunk or home from hospital/doctor. You're like a more benevolent Drusilla jk

[@kevinbre7563]

When I first finished the series and started a rewatch, I was startled by Willow. At the end she's amazing but, the beginning she's so mousey and quiet. Her character arc is perfect ❤️

[@R.J.Godzilla81]

@15:30 an accident or a sign foreshadowing things to come? You be the judge, LOL.

[@jb888888888]

30:17 That's Crowley's bit!

[@101grifter]

Great reaction as always, but there was just one thing that confused me. In your post-episode talk it seems to me that you're suggesting some kind of connection between Glory and Ben. I was just wondering what gave you that impression?

[@jb888888888]

Dawn is "something other than human" (Spike's phrasing) though so if he remembers there's no reason she wouldn't.

[@th3phoenix]

I think Dawn’s situation, once she was given human form, was more like that of a witch or werewolf than a demon such as a vampire. On a fundamental level Dawn is now human, she just has some extra magic stuff (the key to the portal) tacked on. That’s different from demons, who are considered by magic to be distinct from humans at a fundamental level.

[@jackkalayzich2000]

The next episode is my all-time favourite episode and all-time favourite season finale ❤️

[@jenhalbert3001]

Yeah, i agree that this is a fantastic episode. I put the editing of this right up with the quality of, fuck, the episode where Spike got his coat, that, no, might be in season 7. You'll see and be very impressed. Either way, though, you'll be very impressed. It's very impressing, though, you'll enjoy. And the next episode of this is totally worth it, promise.

[@4everbuffylover]

The show how He gets the coat in s5. They show him taking the coat off of the slayer

[@RB-vo4gi]

I’m glad that you were confused by the Glory/Ben forgetting spell thing, because I remember the first time I watched it, I thought Dawn was being a conniving little jerk by not telling anyone. I don’t want to say Glory is the most well-spoken villain, but I think her speeches/monologues are the most interesting to watch. She’s the most fun, in my opinion. I also think it’s interesting when people sympathize with Ben. I get it, in a way, but he is an intensely self-serving human, and I think they showed us that from the moment he Quelled the people in the hospital, and did nothing to change my opinion of him over the course of time he was on the show.

[@hardybryan]

I think you'll enjoy the finale.

[@Nicamon]

"""""""Fun"""""""fact...I was basically in Buffy's state today after they told me the broken hard disk in which I have saved practically *all my life* couldn't be saved and that I lost *EVERYTHING* that was in it! 😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰 15:29 - 15:35 _That_ right there is basically Buffy in a nutshell.😅Poor thing!🥺💛

[@HopelessHermit]

My TPN analysis: tiny Buffy: hi willow! Me: ......life

[@cherylpeterson6634]

Dont worry, we all love Glory and were half way rooting for her. And when I first watched this show, I had no problem with the ending of this episode and that they would have to sacrifice Dawn.

[@spamfilter32]

Also, we remember it wasn't that long ago when Buffy sacrificed Angel to save the world.

[@kilian-one-l]

Looking forward to the finale!

[@9ansean]

Just hearing your talk about the concept of a God or Angel becoming human made me think of that movie Wings of Desire. A rather speculative art film from 1980s Germany. I think you might like if you don't mind something bigger on conversation than action.

[@9ansean]

Did you going into the season final that it was D 100th episode? I'll get we'll find out next time.

[@deusveritasest56]

Hello peoples. I dont know too much thé Buffyverse but do you think they could be a connection between Ben and Glory ??

[@anelarsen5906]

The Silence… what is that??

[@RakkiXIII]

Wait... Do you guys think that there is a connection between Ben and Glory?

[@johnchin7666]

So the original slayer said “Death is your gift”. In this episode, Buffy says “This is when I quite, Wil. Just for a second” “Glory is going to beat me” “Some part of me wanted it”. Now if you think back for a second, Spike told Buffy quote “And part of you wants it... not only to stop the fear and uncertainty, but because you're just a little bit in love with it.” “Death is your art. You make it with your hands, day after day.” “That final gasp. That look of peace. Part of you is desperate to know: What's it like? Where does it lead you? And now you see, that's the secret. Not the punch you didn't throw or the kicks you didn't land. Every Slayer... has a death wish.” - Spike was right. Interesting..

[@marcdejonge6569]

Buffy's dad is played by the same actor.

[@Madbandit77]

That's Dean Butler, who's best known for playing Alamanzo "Manny" Wilder on the family western, "Little House On The Prairie".

[@Girl4Music]

Posting my BUFFY REWATCH recap for ‘The Weight Of The World’. May contain spoilers. Buffy’s out of commission as she’s gone into a catatonic state. With the loss of their leader and time running out to rescue Dawn, Willow immediately takes the initiative to take command of the Gang, as she often does when Buffy is AWOL. Willow gives out orders to everyone, already having come up with a plan to save Dawn and to stop Glory in one fell swoop, showing she’s competent at leadership. At taking charge and executing a procedure while Buffy is absent. This is one of the reasons why I believe Willow to be an INTP in the Myers-Briggs 16 personality types system. INTP leaders often lead or manage out of necessity more than anything else. They will not take leadership unless they have to. And I can absolutely attest to that as I am an INTP myself. Whether Willow is one also is obviously debatable but I do believe so - not just because of this personality trait but a few other personality traits of hers too - as well as her being exceedingly academically and intuitively intelligent She observes things other characters do not and as such, has attention-to-detail where it counts. What I’ve noticed is in situations like this in the show,... as soon as Willow takes leadership, the Gang follow her lead instinctively just as they do with Buffy. But there is a HUGE difference between the two that many fans on here have pointed out. Buffy has no choice but to do it. Willow does. She chooses to do it. Thus, Willow always chooses to be the leader - but only in the absence of Buffy, And this is a very important detail to remember going into the start of Season 6 when Willow takes lead indefinitely.

[@jb888888888]

It's a good thing Angelus didn't know about Dawn being The Key back in season 2. Or the Master in season 1.

[@MagusAgrippa8]

I blame the fact that Dawn was basically a background character back then. It honestly feels like we really didn’t see her much at all until this season, you know?

[@cageygutman7027]

So, wait... Ben is Glory?

[@elizabethm4824]

On one hand I’m sad we’re getting to the end of season five of Buffy because it’s my favourite season but at the same time it means season three of Angel is coming up and that’s also my favourite season!

[@XeroFace]

When buffy ends will you open up your channel to other reactions?? 👀

[@lurker1316]

She recently said on Patreon that a poll will be coming for Patrons "in the next month or so" about what show she should add once she finishes Buffy.

[@Nepthu]

@@lurker1316 I'd love a reaction to Xena. It was a contemporary to Buffy and worldwide phenomenon, yet mentioned very little these days.

[@davewolf6256]

Well, on first glance the whole “blood” thing sounds like lazy writing. As though, it makes sense because the key is now human, but if the monks just turned it into an inanimate object it would’ve just prevented the conflict of the whole season. But there is enough left open ended to make it not as much a plot hole. For instance, that the mechanics of the spell would work different if the key were something else. Or, that the key, no matter its form, would bleed-kind of like how the beherit from Berserk cries blood during the eclipse. It’s one of the strengths of the show that its writers keep the details vague enough that its inconsistencies don’t become plot holes. But at the same time, it can justify plot decisions that seem out of place. Such as Oz’s out of character, graceless exit in season 4. But more about that later in the series.

[@SonicLamb]

Love that QOTD!

[@jimforman3754]

how did you know my Friday is now Wednesday?

[@tarotdiscombe5573]

Saving money, huh? Getting maaarriied? Xxx

[@4everbuffylover]

Oy vey. The Ben is glory jokes in the comments.

[@Nepthu]

Aside from the Glory/Ben comedy, I dislike this episode. It feels like pure filler. Buffy goes catatonic because she felt guilty for a second. Glory and Ben have some dialogue. Very little happens in this episode. It's merely a bridge to the season finale with a lot of time-consuming fluff.. " I can't accept it." "Accept it. I'm a God, stupid." Talk about phoned in dialogue. Upon subsequent viewing, I fast forward through 90% of this episode. Alley is overly positive here.

[@josephwalker6209]

Can't say I agree. This is like a restless part 2 for the character of Buffy. It's great. I cry every time I watch it. Sarah Michelle gellar knocks it out the park. Great moments for willow. Great humour with spike and Xander. Some great character moments for glory/Ben. Season 5 is a gem.

[@4everbuffylover]

It’s taken me experiencing and learning how to manage my own anxiety to realize how real that state Buffy was in is. I’ve never gone catatonic, but one small thing can set off a panic attack. As other people have said in the comments, Buffy puts so much pressure on herself and now when she fails her brain plays that moment on loop, looking for a reason for something she simply could not control. It’s an interesting look at rumination and Buffy’s psyche. Does it go on too long? Yeah, probably. But it is necessary.

[@4everbuffylover]

The Ben and Glory stuff I’m a bit more iffy on, but I think it eliminates the “well why didn’t Ben just come save Dawn” argument from factoring into the finale.

[@Kinitawowi]

The Ben having some kind of connection with Glory comedy is the filleriest of the filler here, chomping air time and discarded after one episode. This whole series is about the impact of one second. Listening To Fear, an episode I utterly despise, where Buffy's emotional breakdown happens in the weirdest place at the weirdest time. Becoming Part 2 is seconds away from being a happy(er) ending. A few seconds later and Jonathan might have eaten his gun in Earshot. 21 years is a lot of seconds, and when it hits it can hit hard.