Graduation Day Part 2: Buffy The Vampire Slayer 3x22 Reaction - Dakara

[@PurpleNurpleSPN]

Hi all - So Dakara is watching Buffy AND Angel. She's been given a watch order for her best viewing experience - provided to her by friends in her discord community. It's a slightly altered version of this josswhedon.blogspot.com/2012/04/buffy-and-angel-episode-viewing-order.html - we did some changes though. This way we don't have more than 2 episodes in a row of each show - for those people on patreon or youtube who only enjoy one of the shows. If you can't wait for her to watch Angel, you can join her Patreon and catch up to where she's at now (2x15 of Angel, 5x16 of Buffy)!

[@christopherholley8164]

The shared dream between Buffy and Faith was an indication that the profetic dreams of a slayer come from some mystical place that connects the many generations of slayers.

[@hardybryan]

RIP to Snyder, Larry, Harmony, Mayor Wilkins and whatever was left of Wesley's dignity.

[@12chapin]

Unless…..

[@kevinnelson66]

​​@@12chapinUh, Harmony undead, maybe? Just a guess.

[@MrLorenzovanmatterho]

So now you get to watch Buffy AND Angel, you lucky thing!

[@Zso-VIII]

I always like to see reactors seeing that the mayor actually did care about Faith, and wasn't just acting like he did to get her to help him. Being able to differentiate between genuine people and narcissists is a good skill to have/develop

[@eberwald4438]

When Willow tells Oz that Angel thought she was Buffy and his response was: "You too, huh." I immediately replayed that whole scene with Angel holding Oz's hand.

[@allocat5867]

"We survived High School" I love this line. I think that is a really common feeling for people just graduating high school.

[@Talisguy]

Subtle thing I just noticed. When Angel is asked if he and Buffy did drugs, he says "she's clean" (implying that he isn't) rather than "no." Good way to quietly show his disgust with himself.

[@Logan_Baron]

It also works on the level of convincing the doctor. His eratic personality at the moment and extreme strength might be hard to believe he's not on drugs if he says no. But an indication that at least she is clean is less likely to be disbelieved than "despite what you saw with your own eyes, I haven't done drugs".

[@kevindean0000]

Blood is his drug and he just took a huge hit.

[@soooziegabeen7291]

My favorite line is from Willow, when the mayor starts his speech….”aww man, just ascend already”

[@InfectedZeke]

I never get tired of that big battle scene. The banner falling as the Mayor transforms. The entire class rallying behind their acknowledged class protector. Always try to notice something new in it (latest discovery being Percy struggling against a female vampire behind Angel during the fight). Poor Larry gets killed by a tail swipe. Snyder standing his ground to the very end. Massive student charge, Harmony being grabbed and sucked, Jonathan tackling a vampire, Xander, Willow and Oz fighting their way through, Cordelia staking a vamp and Buffy literally leading the mayor away from the snacks. And finally, that "the future is ours" sign hits home. They fought for that future with their lives on the line. One of many favorite episodes.

[@ernesthakey3396]

One thing the doctor doesn't know - Slayers have superior healing, so that "almost no chance" may not be as small a chance as he thinks. I love it when reactors realize that, yes, despite being evil, the Mayor really does care for for Faith, when he loses his cool at the apartment, and reinforced later at the hospital.

[@sherrysink3177]

Season 2 finale was epic heartbreak. Season 3 finale was epic badassery battle. I LOVE when everyone pulls off their graduation robes, every single graduating student joining up in the fight. I think I got chills the first time I saw that moment because I wasn't expecting it (I too wondered why no one was running when he started to ascend and transform). Just the idea that everyone stood up together, not just Buffy but all of them... I was moved. There may have been a few tears. I found it touching. 😊 I also loved how funny it was. Oz's "We attack the Mayor with hummus" (LOL) and taking a moment to appreciate that they survived high school, Cordelia and Wesley kissing in what looked like the worst kiss ever and both recognizing that it was probably just the lead-up that they both liked but they don't actually work together (thank goodness, lol), the Mayor being disappointed that he didn't get to cover his entire speech (that comment about how he had a whole section on civic pride cracks me up), Wesley being knocked down within about 10 seconds after the battle began and then just whining about needing help (oh Wesley)... all so funny. And then there's the sweetness of Giles saving Buffy a diploma. Love that. ❤ And you know, it's really really warped, how the Mayor feels about Faith, but in a weird way he saw her as a daughter like Giles sometimes treats Buffy. It's a twisted mirroring of the relationship, but at the same time, I really felt his genuine upset about Faith being missing and trying to convince himself that Faith is resourceful and a survivor and she'll be okay if they just find her. It's sweet in a very warped way. Loving your reactions, and can't wait for what you think of season 4!!

[@ace360]

🤣😂 14:34 Don't Cross the stream's Dakara you'll pull a flashpoint ⚡

[@mathias6185]

Little Miss Muffet counting down from 7-3-0. 🤐

[@arc7375]

Be back before Dawn!

[@Madbandit77]

When you start S4, don't forget to watch the Angel spinoff because they'll be crossover episodes.

[@Smido83]

I second that. You cant really watch Buffy without watching Angel in the EXACT release order from back in the days.

[@phueal]

She’s well into series 5 on Patreon

[@Madbandit77]

@@phueal I was just wondering if she was Angel at that point.

[@phueal]

@@Madbandit77 yep, she’s watching Angel too, currently at 2x14 Angel and 5x16 Buffy.

[@stephenschaffner2387]

Joss Whedon gave Alexis Denisof (Wesley) the option of playing a heroic role in the final battle or not. He chose the latter.

[@Kayjee17]

Alexis obviously knew Wesley wasn't ready to be heroic yet, however, Wesley DID charge forward to face the vampires, so he was willing to try.

[@stephenschaffner2387]

@@Kayjee17 He's growing

[@sherrysink3177]

I love that. Going with the humorous instead of the (expected) heroics, and being willing to look like an idiot. Alexis is awesome.

[@yinloveyang]

Ohhh so Alexis is the one playing Wesley.... and he's with Willow's actress.... weird 😅

[@Logan_Baron]

The mayor does care for Faith, like a daughter. It's very much a comparison (though on the evil side) of the Buffy and Giles relationship. In the earlier episode, we saw Giles lose control and stab the Mayor when he threatened Buffy, even though it was a stupid and worthless move. Pure emotion of a protector of the daughter figure. I think that was a precurser comparison to The Mayor as the demon chasing after Buffy through the school. As an evil genius with a plan, it was not the right thing to do. The same as Giles reaction. That that emotion for a daughter gets that response from both of them.

[@visarr]

Perhaps stupid and worthless; however, Giles didn't know the Mayor was immortal when he did that. Once they realized he was, they didn't waste time trying to kill him in that state. They then figured out he could be killed once he ascended.

[@skadoink1736]

just followed on twitter - and noticed how far ahead you are!

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

"you wanna get it back from me, dick?" and this right here is the payoff for the decision to name him richard wilkins iii. they were thinking of this moment way back then.

[@ScarlettM]

3:34 - it stands to reason that the vampire who discovered the cure drained the slayer and didn't check if he can take enough to get well and not kill her.

[@crawdaddy2004]

I have never understood from a LOGIC standpoint why either A) Buffy just has a bit of blood drawn, or B) just has him drink from her arm (like he did from Westley in S4E1 of Angel). I get it from a story/cinematic standpoint, but it's hard to get passed them being that dumb. * It's not a "plot-hole," as it doesn't cause discontinuity or a create a question in the mythology/story, but it is a bit weird.

[@ScarlettM]

@@crawdaddy2004 Agreed. I think Giles should have hooked up Buffy to a couple of blood bags and then let Angel carefully feed. Continue the process with more blood bags until success!

[@yvetterodriguez2550]

Charisma Carpenter originally auditioned for the role of Buffy. And at the time, everyone including the actress had wondered if Cordelia would ever be seen dusting a vampire. And they finally showed it in the final episode.

[@cyberleadr]

There are guides online to show how best to watch the remaining Buffy seasons alongside the corresponding seasons of Angel. It is well worth watching them that way for several reasons.

[@PurpleNurpleSPN]

Don't worry her discord community has her covered ;) She's already on season 2 of Angel on Patreon...

[@jarock-wh9lj]

Really hope you plan on picking up Angel moving forward too. The two shows have a few crossovers and you'll get to follow some of your favorites in a slightly different format there.

[@HH-hd7nd]

Don't forget to watch Angel and Buffy in parallel - there are some watch order lists out there.

[@DaDunge]

It's the end of Snyder's arc he had to be eaten, his first episode he was all about how the old headmaster got eaten and he wouldn't and of course it had to end with him being eaten too.

[@kevinnelson66]

Rest in peace Flutie and Snyder. I bet they were tasty.

[@andrewwiddicombe3912]

The irony of schnider getting eaten after talking down about principal Flutie getting eaten

[@visarr]

Well, that's what woolly-headed liberal thinking leads to...

[@Logan_Baron]

My take on that "dream" Between Buffy and Faith at the hospital. It's somewhat related to the Slayer dreams. A shared place that exists for both of them. In this space Faith is a bit more of a purer Slayer and thus sister to Buffy. When she tells Buffy "Take what you need", It's giving over some of her own Slayer power to Buffy, which helps Buffy heal even faster and be better so quickly, while also keeping Faith in her coma longer as otherwise she would also heal quicker due to Slayer powers. Not immediately but quicker.

[@leniloubettyboopbossyboots247]

"Roman?" Flashback to SPN season 7...one long dick joke. 😂 Loved this season of Buffy and have loved your reactions to it. Can't wait to see your continuing journey. x

[@jamielee7943]

Angel isn’t leaving Buffy because he wants too. He’s doing it for her own good. When he breaks up with her she says “I want my life to be with you.” And he says “I don’t.” Angel doesn’t want Buffy’s life… her years wasted on him. He wants her to have a nice human life especially because she’s the slayer and that already is enough darkness in her world. He doesn’t want add more to it. He can’t grow old with her. Made love to her. Take her on a date in the sunlight. Their love is doomed but it’s still the forever kind.

[@yinloveyang]

And then she starts it with another vampire 😂 In my mind in another universe they are together and they made it work just like Tobey's Peter Parker and his MJ. Everything is possible if people want it.... but Joss Whedon probably loves tragic stories 😅😢😒 Otherwise there wouldn't be a freaking Vampire diaries.... the series that have got a happy ending.

[@Buffy8Fan]

It's interesting to see how many people don't see that the Mayor cares about Faith until the beginning of this episode. On original viewing it seemed more obvious from the get go, for some reason. Buffy's friends get the wrong idea about how Angel got cured (especially Xander) and dismiss him, only to blatantly lie to Buffy about him leaving because it was sunny. 🙄👎😠 Willow also says: "Ready for what?" See the first emoji in the last in the three emoji's sixteen words back. It was a duh statement Willow. You've been preparing for it since 3x17 _Enemies_ aka nine weeks in-universe. I see the line in so much pop culture written like that. It doesn't make the characters as smart as you know they are. 9:10-9:13 should also include Willow at 10:10 Cordelia got to stake the only vampire the budget had room for in the episode. She hadn't ever staked one before. RIP Larry, Snyder, and Harmony. Hope she's reacting to Angel the Series, as well. _One Tree Hill_ skipped college. It pulled the years later moment so it could do after college.

[@Tantalus010]

Oh people see it - they just dismiss it as an act to keep Faith dancing on his leash. This episode is the first time we see him show concern for her when she isn't in the room, so this was the surprise proof that it actually wasn't an act.

[@marclewis5505]

Enjoyed your reaction to the season 3 finale Dakara.🙂 I'm hoping you will be reacting to the Angel spinoff as well as season 4 of Buffy.

[@trufamilybromontqc]

The last episode of season 3😱❤️

[@RunicMike]

Rewatched this episode from a bunch of reactors. Everyone is surprised the Mayor cares about Faith, and everyone expects Oz to die.

[@peregrinepratama2549]

dude i cant wait for the angel series reaction

[@Tantalus010]

Yup. I love how Angel is its own show yet stays true to the BtVS style of writing.

[@Anthonylokison]

"Well Gosh".

[@alooncnej4696]

Really great analysis, this season was so great, enjoy the rest more adult but still great

[@jzchillin]

Great reaction to the closer of a great season and the high school arc of the show and now we move on because the "Future is Ours" just like the yearbook motto... lol... and the closure of some of the plots: Buffy/Angel, Wesley, and the loss of some of the characters from the previous seasons.... even Snyder, preaching discipline the very end... lol. I'm sure that you're ahead a bit so it'll be interesting to see which viewing path you take, as some say it's best to watch as it originally aired with the Buffy ep before the corresponding Angel ep, or there is/are sites that recommend eps in a different watch order that might fit the story order of their respective shows... In any case, I'm looking forward to you discovering the next stages in the Buffyverse! a graduation CTU today, D! Keep em coming!

[@corgiluver9718]

Cheeky like given!

[@ThePharaz]

The mayor seems to be of two minds like taking a wholesome father from a series like Father Knows Best or My Three Sons mixed with a much darker side like Hannibal Lecter. Imagine had Angel turned Buffy into a vampire, would we then have Buffy the Vampire, Slayer? If you haven't you might want to ask one of your helpers to see about an episode timeline between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel and maybe alternate the watching of the 2 series if you want to watch both while keeping them in sink. There is a point when one moved to another network and the crossovers become rare and no longer really matter. The awkward kiss reminded me of one in Harry Potter. "If you have to ask, you'll never know. If you know, you need only ask." - from Harry Potter Possible *** SPOILER ALERT *** Sensitivity level 8 Explanation depending on your level of sensitivity to such. My level of sensitivity from 1 to 10 is 0. Meaning I could careless about "spoilers." But, if you consider someone telling you there are some really good episodes next season as a spoiler then you just might have a 10 sensitivity. . . . . . Joss seems to like prophetic visions and dreams which rarely make sense until after the fact. So should you encounter such a thing they are hints for the future. Future episode or even future seasons. In a way Joss is inserting a cryptic spoiler.

[@jamescarson6823]

Second best season finale of the series IMO.

[@nomohakon6257]

Imagine a shotgun shell, where the pellets are replaced with wooden pieces...

[@Tantalus010]

Funny how there's a bond between slayers when slayers weren't meant to exist simultaneously. I like that there is a bond there; it's just unexpected. "Why do demons even come here?" is a very valid question. There are only two slayers in the whole world. If you're a demon, why go to the city where it's known one of them lives? You've got the whole rest of the world to live in.

[@ShieldVids]

You are more likely to get away with killing in Sunnydale because there is just so much.

[@ThePharaz]

Drawn to the Hellmouth like a moth to a flame.

[@Logan_Baron]

Because the Hellmouth has power, AND Buffy is only positioned there as the Slayer BECAUSE vampires and other demons are drawn there. Why do demons come there, is the same question as "why do people rob banks when they've got all that security instead of robbing the hot dog carts?". The money is all in the bank AND the only reason they have so much security is because of people robbing them.

[@Tantalus010]

@@ThePharaz Yeah, but that draw can obviously be resisted considering demons do live all over the world. Plus, the majority of them don't seem to get anything out of being near a hellmouth since we rarely hear about it being used. So, enhanced danger + no reward = stupid, pointless risk (except of course, for the ones that go there specifically looking for a slayer).

[@ernesthakey3396]

I think the bond exists simply because the original mojo was done under the concept of "there can only be one Slayer at a time, but we don't know who they'll be, so we make the abilities etc such that all future slayers get them." So one of the things they created was "Slayer Dreamland" - a place where the Slayer's consciousness can go, and get phrophetic dreams, as well as leave memories that future slayers might access, etc. When Buffy first starts having nightmares, they include memories of past Slayers. But that means that Slayer Dreamland, originally only accessible to one Slayer, doesn't have a special key for each Slayer - if a consciousness can pass the simple test "is this a Slayer?" then it gets access.

[@lucas.2.3.9.4]

both principals of the school got eaten 🤔

[@shazamyousaf2138]

I cannot wait when you will do a reaction on season 4

[@JustJames83]

Fire bad, tree pretty

[@ScarlettM]

4:45 - why Giles didn't suggest blood transfusion. Hook Buffy up to a blood bag and let Angel drink, add more blood bags if needed. Easy!

[@BooneErica]

First, Buffy is the slayer so she has slayer powers. Second, a pending apocalypse was coming, do they really have the time for her to be hooked up and given blood?

[@ScarlettM]

@@BooneErica If they had time for Buffy to go to Faith's and do battle, they have time for a 5 minute procedure.

[@arc7375]

@@ScarlettMa blood transfusion takes *hours*.

[@ScarlettM]

@@arc7375 So it would have taken her a couple of hours to fully recover... big deal. In the end that's what happened: Angel drank and then rushed her to the hospital for blood transfusion. Why not combine the two and lessen the risk?

[@Emburbujada]

Ah, yes, before Hogwarts, it was Sunnydale High and its symbolic destruction! A very satisfying season finale =) I think you'll enjoy season 4. People like to complain about it, but it contains some of my favorite Buffy episodes ;)

[@Smido83]

Only the 2nd half (after the one thing happens, I think you know what I mean), cause they had to change the main story on the fly... and it shows.

[@roderick8167]

Buffy usually has great ideas but risking her neck( literally) was not smart Angel almost drained her even a Vampire at Angel's immense age would have a hard time not draining someone especially when they are hungry and close to death, if it wasn't for plot armor and Buffy being the main character Buffy would have definitely died , also Angel is a better man than me because Xander hasn't taken one too many cracks at Angel and if I was Angel especially with that crack that I wanted to drain Buffy on purpose I would have lost my temper and pushed Xander clear across the hospital hallway like Angel did the mayor, Xander is so lucky he's Buffy friend because oh man 😂

[@DakaraJayne]

Xander can't help himself with those lines it seems haha. Great finale though ay Roderick?! This show is something else! I love it so much

[@roderick8167]

@@DakaraJayne yeah Xander definitely can't himself and he definitely has a big mouth 😂🤦 and thank you I enjoy your reactions and giving my thoughts about the episodes 🙌🔥

[@mparantha]

I low key plagiarized the sh*t out of the mayor's speech for valedictorian address in HS

[@12chapin]

Little Ms Muffet, I wonder…..

[@killianlpc]

Hey Dakara you can now start watching Angel if you wish, just stick to the Slayalive Guide watchlist. Angel is an amazing show in its own right, you will love it. Anyway getting on to Graduation Day Part 2. It was a brilliant final episode to a near flawless season. Snyder's quote class of 99 ' you proved more or less adequate' a great quote. Cordelia and Wesley's kiss cringing! Farewell to the High School Years but there is even better to come. We lost Larry and Snyder and of course Harmony got bitten. When Buffy said to Angel said 'Drink Me' a homage to Alice In Wonderland, they always make reference to classic films in Buffyverse like when they saw the size of Demon The Mayor was going to change into referencing Jaws 'we're gonna need a bigger boat'. If you now start watching Angel, it is important to watch both shows in correct watch order as the crossover plots with BTVS S4 will make more sense. Good luck with viewing.

[@PurpleNurpleSPN]

Dakara's far ahead on patreon and has been given a good watch guide for her to use, so it's all in order. It's a bit different than some of the other reactors watch list, it doesn't have more than 2 consecutive episodes at a time. But don't worry her community on discord is making sure everything lines up and are using one of the good watch guides out there!

[@GeneBateman1970]

they got kicked out of town cause of that explosion. that why they did no more outside shots of Buffy's house in later seasons

[@visarr]

I can think of plenty of outside shots of Buffy's house in later seasons.

[@kevinnelson66]

Was thinking Sunnydale High class of 1999 reunion feature film, but then I remembered the series finale. Uh, nevermind. That's all I'm saying.

[@willparks3429]

High school Graduation was exciting back then

[@keithbird8910]

Dang Buffy! Why didn't you run after him??

[@artuntaure]

Amazing reaction vid yet again XD only newly stumbled over this channel but I'm LOVING IIITTTT..... also, if Cordy/Wes gives you the wiggins now, try factoring in that he and Willow are married irl 🤪 *can never wrap my brain around this in Buffy or HIMYM* 😆

[@Tantalus010]

Why? He's 56; she's 48. They're not even a full decade apart.

[@artuntaure]

@@Tantalus010 oh, no beef with the actual couple, didn't even know the ages etc, they seem adorable together on red carpets etc! But freshly going through Buffy again via Dakara, my brain keeps misfiring and melting a bit trying to picture Wesley/Willow or Lily/Sandy 🤣 - just such total mismatches it amused me is all 😆

[@phueal]

She do be great don’t she? The relationship which always blows my mind is Amber Benson and Adam Busch, even if they didn’t get married like Alison and Alexis.

[@artuntaure]

@@phueal 🤯😱🤣 omg they're a couple!? I had no idea!!!!!!

[@phueal]

@@artuntaure not anymore, but they were for many years, and they’re still close friends apparently!

[@McCrispyTaco]

Snyder died a hero

[@jenhalbert3001]

5 is better than 4, but i think it's worth watching (you'll hear differently from others, but there are things to enjoy. I hate Reilly, but by all means come to your own conclusion. Have fun with the show, though, you seem to be.

[@Nexusofgeek]

So are you going to cover the Angel spinoff?

[@danwiesdamageinc]

6:12 That head tilt tells me you're a bit confused. I see you are past the halfway point of season 5. 7-3-0 was referenced in the season 4 finale as well, but the clock was all wrong. It will all make sense to you soon.

[@MrSupertallblackman]

Is there a reason the thumbnail is of Buffy season 2?

[@DakaraJayne]

yes. The reason is, I'm an idiot

[@Dudeamis17]

Where do we go from here?

[@CvSp22]

1. Your Thumbnail is from the last season. Is it on purpose? 2. I hope you do Angel as well. Theres a watchers guide givin the right order for both shows, Buffy and Angel to increase your experience.

[@Crabash]

Don't wanna spoil anything but you know about the watch order from now on right?

[@PurpleNurpleSPN]

Don't worry her discord community has her covered ;) She's already on season 2 of Angel on Patreon...

[@dreamcruzer4743]

Are you planning on reacting to Angel?

[@DakaraJayne]

I am indeed, check the pinned comment on this video :)

[@n0namesowhatblerp362]

730..

[@robertmckenna3994]

What is with this high school and eaten principals?

[@Belnick6666]

If Cordelia really liked Wesley she could just taught him how to kiss or how she likes it, but if she kick him off for that? then she really is more shallow than she ever been on the show.....but it is a funny scene :o it is like how many ONS have ever been the greatest ever? lol, partners need practice know know each other :o

[@Logan_Baron]

It's more that they both realize that they don't actually have any chemistry when they finally get down to it.