"I Only Have Eyes for You" is BEAUTIFUL | Buffy The Vampire Slayer REACTION | 2x19 First Time Watch

[@TylerAlexander]

A quick disclaimer and clarification as I appreciate the danger of friendly fire regarding my comments on gun regulation; I know there are millions of Americans that also share my views, my comments were not meant for you and, general as I framed my comment, it was not intended that way 😊

[@Henrik_Holst]

@@PatiAnn and when that happens, statistically Americans gets shot with their own weapon while people in the UK simply gets robbed.

[@Henrik_Holst]

btw to add to your coutnerpoint in stabbing, per capita there are more stabbings in the UK than in the US so that is also not an argument. That is however most likely not due to America having more crime and more violent criminals but more to do with Americans tend to live in large cities and the more you cramp people into a tight spot the more trouble you see.

[@CreiwryJay]

​@@sirbruce70hi bud, pretty sure you don't have to watch these videos. Tyler always talks about things like this, it's kind of on you if you keep watching when you don't like it. It would be like walking into a bakery and getting angry that they're selling bread

[@gungho1284]

Criminals have this crazy thing where they just don't follow gun laws. Making more easy targets doesn't fix anything.

[@Henrik_Holst]

@@sirbruce70 calm down dude. Trigger warnings per definition cannot be patronizing nor condescending, sounds more like something is living rent free in your head.

[@alexie5201]

I've seen many reactions to this episode, and a lot of people seem to not fully grasp the meaning of it, calling it a "monster of the week" episode, etc. To me, this episode is a masterpiece; the story, the parallels, the acting - everything is on point. It's good to see someone finally aprecciate it enough.

[@sinizin]

Agreed!!! Thought it was brilliant in 98 when I was 19 lol

[@iwillroam]

I appreciate tyler going into so much detail... it's a solid "changes the feel of the series and appreciation for the characters as complex people" moment for me

[@dutchkel]

I admit I didn't appreciate it when I was younger but not because it was monster of the week because that phrase wasn't really something we said but because it felt a bit soap opera ish but I appreciate it more now

[@maidden]

I really like how you're looking at the disability angle with the way Angel and Dru are treating Spike, I've never heard any other reactors get deep into the ableism of it, even while they feel for Spike in his weakened condition.

[@LadyGreensleeves33]

From what I've heard, this is actually the episode that convinced Joss Whedon that David Boreanaz could and should lead his own show - his acting in that possession scene. Already his turn from Angel into Angelus, and then jumping from Angelus into the teacher and the snap back after. I love this episode - so many good horror tropes, but in the end the solution was something as simple as forgiveness and connection between the two spirits that have been separated by the circumstances of their death. Her relating to the student, and the way its used for Buffy to overcome her own guilt for 'killing' Angel, that it was an accident in both circumstances, and she is ALSO the younger party in the relationship. And Spike! Yess

[@leahwalko145]

Loved your entire analysis of this episode! I'm so glad that you picked up how Buffy was blaming herself and identified with James, and also love hearing your analysis of Spike and that situation

[@lessismore8533]

So true! Buffy was projecting herself on James..

[@dlweiss]

Fun fact: the actor playing the janitor is Jonathan Hawkes, who's gone on to have much bigger roles on TV shows like Deadwood and True Detective, and even got an Oscar nomination for his work in the movie "Winter's Bone" (Jennifer Lawrence's big breakout movie).

[@sadfaery]

And Christopher Gorham, who plays James, has gone on to have a very productive acting career with lead or main character roles in shows like Popular, Covert Affairs, and Ugly Betty, while Meredith Salenger, who plays the teacher, got her start as a child actor, first appearing as one of the orphans in the 1982 film Annie, and next starring alongside John Cusack in The Journey of Natty Gann and she is still acting, as well as being married to actor Patton Oswalt.

[@salyx]

Ahh, so many points! 1. I was so excited when I saw your title. A lot of reactors require a second viewing to get this episode. 2. Snyder is HILARIOUS and possibly my favorite minor character in the whole show. 3. I love how physical Juliet Landau is with her portrayal of Dru. 4. YES to that close up of James Marster’s amazing face when he’s upset. 5. Want to feel rage? My first disability lawyer worked in a building with stairs. No ramp, no elevator. He didn’t do a thing to help me, either. Wasted a whole year with him. 6. Beautiful episode. It doesn’t matter why anyone would forgive anyone else. Or not forgive. That’s for them.

[@DivaQuinzel]

28:05 James is absolutely amazing when it comes to acting with his eyes

[@tanyaisonYT]

I love this episode. It really works on all levels. Beautifully done theme, but also a great, engaging ghost story. Buffy is at its best when it uses the monster of the week formula to develop the characters in meaningful ways. Great review as well!

[@Talisguy]

"It's so much better having [the principal] be Snyder." The writers clearly agreed. Their original idea was that the principal would die and be replaced every few episodes, like Hogwarts' Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers, but they thought Armin Shimerman's performance worked so well that they decided to abandon the idea of having multiple principals every season.

[@arielcarmona6660]

He's a great character actor and so prolific! He was doing StarTrek Deep Space 9 at the same time he was doing Buffy. My favorite story about his time on the show is he said in an interview that random fans would walk up to him and ask him: "Why are you so horrible to them??" His response: "Because they deserve it!" LMAO. Now there is an actor truly enjoying his craft.

[@Talisguy]

"They're going for it." There's an amusingly subtle touch - the middle aged janitor and teacher who barely know each other have by far the most low-key reading of the scene. It's nowhere near as melodramatic as the hormonal teenage couple, and the teenage couple are later out-drama'd by forbidden lovers turned mortal enemies Buffy and Angel. It's like the ghosts are influenced by the relationships of the people they're possessing.

[@laurabeckley3448]

Self forgiveness is what Buffy needed to move forward and fight Angelus. The creative way the writers did this was phenomenal.

[@lessismore8533]

Yah that was the whole point of this episode. They made a story from 1955 for Buffy to connect to. Ver clever indeed..

[@Superplin]

I think this is a largely underrated episode within the fandom, but I agree with you that it's beautifully done--the writing, the acting, the thematic and emotional power of it are really exquisite. So glad you enjoyed it!

[@moppet1214]

Is it? I've always loved it..

[@Superplin]

@@moppet1214 I think it's having a moment of re-evaluation, but it used to be regularly dismissed as too on the nose, skippable, basic. I never saw it as any of those things--I think it suffered from proximity to so many other banger episodes, especially while the show was still airing so before people knew the shape of the whole thing.

[@caseyhart4999]

I have always loved this episode as well.

[@spangelicious837]

I always thought this was a fan favorite. It may not get talked about as much as some others, but everyone I've spoken to about the show have always loved this episode.

[@Superplin]

@@spangelicious837 I think it may be appreciated now, but when the show was still on the air people typically rolled their eyes at it. I'm glad it's having the moment it deserves!

[@chaptereight2639]

This is the episode this season I was most waiting for you to react to. It's so good. It's great. I don't even have more words for it. Other than a shout out to James Marsters (Spike) and Juliet Landeau (Drusilla), who I think might actually be the best actors in the entire series. It isn't a spoiler to tell you, since you've seen the last episode already, that Spike was originally only supposed to be around for a handful of episodes before getting killed off (instead of paralyzed, I think). But he was just so good that the producers twisted Whedon's arm to let him live, then he was so well received by the audience that he stuck around forever.

[@lessismore8533]

I’m glad. Without Spike the “Fool for love” S5 episode wouldnt have existed

[@tilltab]

Such a strong episode. I love the bittersweetness of the Buffy/Angel kiss, so close to having him back, but it was only temporary. This episode really builds into the season finale, setting up all the key elements and I think it’s a real shame it doesn’t come right before, but I guess that allows a little breathing room to let it be. But it’s such a perfect lead up that it almost feels wasted. But I always love a Marti Noxon episode - she’s a great writer. :)

[@Teeklin]

Never apologize for pointing out how patently insane our gun laws are in the US. Anyone who has traveled to any other civilized nation on Earth knows just how truly bonkers it is that the number one cause of death for kids under 18 is firearms and that we are subjecting primary school children (4-9yrs old) to school shooting drills. Or that fully half our country thinks the solution to that issue is somehow MORE GUNS. It would suck if it lost you subscribers but it's just so important to call out that it doesn't need to be that way.

[@allisonhunter1063]

You are now officially the ONLY KZbin channel I am a member of. Thank you for covering the GREATEST show of all time. I really like and appreciate your commentary on the show. It really is different watching it when it first came out and I was 7 years old, to now being 34 and rewatching it for literally the millionth time all the way through. EVERY time I rewatch an episode, I find something new I didn't see or know before. I am excited to share this show and channel with my 13 year old nephew. He and I are very alike in our sense of humor and likes and dislikes, I know he's going to really enjoy your channel too. Thank you for making content that makes other people SO happy. I'm excited to go down this road together.

[@TylerAlexander]

Welcome! and thank you for the very sweet message, I hope you and your nephew enjoy what's to come 😊

[@allisonhunter1063]

@@TylerAlexander You're welcome. And based on your content, I cannot imagine us NOT enjoying it.

[@lessismore8533]

@@allisonhunter1063I was 6 when Buffy came out lol. I was too young for it. My older sis was already in HS at the time. She was a Buffy fanatic..

[@snubblebunny]

Nobody cares but: I was 10 when this aired in South Africa (1999). I dunno if you guys have seen it but there was a blooper of Angel saying “Fun fact about waPs” and him and buffy breaking character laughing; that blooper was used as a tv ad slot. Wild comic advertising considering the actual context of the episode and the storyline at the time. Now every single time I think of or see this episode I think about that blooper. “Fun fact about waps”

[@caseyhart4999]

I do love that you described this as a “dark horse” episode because it really is that.

[@UnderTheVeil]

😢So I just wanted to add this to the discussion about the wheelchair thing. I am wheelchair-bound for life and 3 years ago I had to leave my estranged husband for very very very very very very bad reasons. I have two children and in the end I had to sign over custody of them to their grandmother because children services were threatening to take them away because I "couldn't care for them adequately" due to my being in a wheelchair. I tried every avenue too get help end assistance to be able to keep my children with their mother. Instead, the three of us were ripped apart from each other because I guess it's just cheaper for the government to take away someone's kids then it is for them to provide any sort of assistance to someone in a wheelchair in a situation like mine. They acted like it was so unheard of for me to have children because I'm in a wheelchair and there seems to be this idea that if you're disabled you can't have sex or have children or let alone even a love life at all. People seem to expect us to live with our parents until our parents die and then be good enough to just die ourselves instead of having to go into state-funded and run, horribly neglectful assisted living. There seems to be this attitude that we are cheaper dead so why don't we just get on with it already... Sorry about the wall of text it's just something I have been suffering about for 3 years

[@Talisguy]

Regarding some of the comments about James and Grace's relationship - it's never _explicitly_ called out as bad, but note that Buffy is the only person who doesn't feel sorry for James, someone who reacted to a breakup by killing his girlfriend, before they even knew that the gun went off by accident. If they were both students, James would just have been a murderous incel to them, and everyone feeling sorry for him would have been very questionable. But knowing that he was a minor being exploited by someone in a position of power over him makes their sympathy much more understandable.

[@garydevlin8178]

As bitter sweet beautiful thematically as this was, we’re all kinda waiting for the whole ‘sooner than you think’ 😆

[@mandipandi303]

As someone in the US, I heartily affirm your comments on gun regulation. In fact, the majority of US citizens do. The major qualm I have for this episode is that James' spirit reuniting with Grace's at the end is treated as super romantic. Granted, society generally tells male victims of grooming like James that they're "lucky". I'm positive the show took that view of James and Grace, not acknowledging a teacher abusing her power over a student that they should have. As a wheelchair user, your insights on Spike's story and how it relates to what disabled people deal with in real life are spot on.

[@Ylyrra]

Real sneaky episode that starts out with you thinking it's just another monster-of-the-week squeezed in before the season finale kicks off, but ends up just going darker and darker as the episode goes on and giving some great character development and insights as a major pay off. Shows how Buffy and Giles are both only pretending to be coping with their respective losses, and that the only people they're really sorta fooling are themselves. And Spike... his emotions get to be delightfully complicated... Angelus loves to play at games, but Spike is nurturing and storing up every drop of his hatred to us it as fuel for when the time comes... two wonderfully different personalities and approaches.

[@spamfilter32]

I am so glad you picked up on Buffy identifying with James early, before he possessed her. The reason Buffy is so hard on James is that she identifies with him. She is unable to forgive herself, and so she can not forgive James either. We see Buffy internally punishing herself several times for Angelus' actions in the last several episodes, "Just one more person I couldn't save." One thing to note that often gets missed is James was not the only ghost present. Ms. Newman was also there. She was also possessing people. She, just like James, had a need to fulfill that she couldn't because she was dead. That is she *needed* to forgive James. Most everyone recognizes that people need to be forgiven, but just as the need to be forgiven is important to the psyche, so to is the need to *GIVE* forgiveness. With the duel identification of Buffy to James, Ms. Newman also identified with Angel. Remember, Dru told Angel "She is waiting for you." She, in this case being Ms. Newman, not Buffy as many, including Angel initially think. Just as James killed Ms. Newman, Buffy killed Angel. Or, at least she feels that way. Angel is dead, and only Angelus is left. That is in a way a kind of killing. That is the guilt that Buffy feels and needs to be forgiven for. And just like James, Angel can not give it to her, even though we all know intellectually he would want to, nay NEED to. Through this dual possession, not only did Ms. Newman get to give James the forgiveness he needed, but Angel also got to forgive Buffy the way he would need to. This was such a brilliantly written episode. I still don't understand how it didn't win an emmy.

[@RJC147]

Watched Buffy 25 years ago, watched many times since. However, absolutely loving watching again with your thoughts, interpretations and commentary. Nice one

[@michaelolivero1626]

Angelus was a horrific demon. When Angel was first turned he took more pleasure than the average vampire in killing and torture... I mean, he drove Dru insane before turning her. After being suppressed by that pesky soul, once the soul was gone, the demon was making up for lost time, which is why, I believe, he took extra pleasure in torturing Spike, who he once considered "family". Spike is not staying because he can't leave, he's staying because he Won't leave Dru.

[@codypendragons]

Angel barely new Spike he was insold within a few years of Spike being made, so Spike new him with a soul. So I think you, along with some other people are just romancing the idea that they were close. Drusilla and Spike were close. Drusilla made Spike, it's like you said, Angel is particularly nasty. He wasn't really close to anybody, that includes his maker.

[@michaelolivero1626]

Disagree. I don't believe I'm romanticizing anything. We can see just from the Boxer Rebellion flashback that they are a familial unit or pack. Even if they only knew each other a few years of blood letting and random carnage, that's enough time to form a pack bond. That still doesn't imply Angelus Cared about Spike, he thoroughly enjoyed torturing him as any big brother does, but he was more aggressive after he got re-released.

[@snubblebunny]

I watched your first couple intros to the buffyverse and was worried you wouldn’t watch the series. I have to tell you; the buffy reaction community has been growing for years and I truly believe your videos and analysis make you one of the bestest! Thankyou so much for taking up the series, I cannot wait til season 5,6,7 lol big fan 🙌🏾

[@GeorgiannaMiller5]

if you were good principal, you would get eaten alive!

[@icyravens]

Top tier comment. 🤣

[@blotcho84]

Great reaction! I think this is a highly underrated episode--it's so important to the overall rhythm of the season, especially approaching the finale.

[@rhclarinet]

love a shoutout to the costumes with the significance of red with Angel, Dru and Spike! the Buffy costume team is so detailed, something I didn't appreciate myself until seeing many a video essay on their amazing work (definitely recommend The Fat Culture Critic's videos on this! she even mentions the importance of red throughout the show)

[@stephaniebarker472]

Thank you for this! I am obsessed with the costumes as well as all the symbolism in this show.

[@dayceem]

SPOILER I can't help but think it's deliberate that Willow is dressed in a rainbow sweater here. 'Overidentify much?'

[@rhclarinet]

@dayceem (also spoiler) ahahaha it could well be!! I read somewhere that they initially thought either Willow or Xander could be gay, so there were hints laid for both of them in early seasons! knowing that, it's really fun to spot and maybe this is one of them👀

[@isttra]

So, so, so good. Love your analysis on this one. This is one of the best episodes. Writing, acting, production. 🤌 Your insights throughout are so great. Never stop reminding those of us in the states of the madness of the lack of gun control either. Completely right on that too. Can’t wait for your take on the season finale two-parter. ❤

[@tikamajere316]

Such consistent greatness. I am so glad you started watching this series.

[@oldcdog91]

Sorry to jump the gun and, hopefully, I’m not putting any pressure on you, but I’m really looking forward to commentary on the Angel series when the time comes 😉

[@kilian-one-l]

The actor who played the dead guy had a big role in the show Covert Affairs, love him

[@Itsjandz105]

It seems odd but for Buffy her "safe" place is out slaying much like an athlete feels most at home on the playing field. I think this is a really great episode! FYI - I love Snyder!

[@gungho1284]

Buffy seems extra harsh on the boy who killed his teacher because of her feelings of guilt in blaming herself for "killing" Angel. She feels it was her fault for getting lost in the selfish, self-centered aspect of a "forbidden" kind of relationship. Certain standards do exist for a reason, even though the young and inexperienced can't find any reasons to agree with them. That leaves it up to the older and mature one to avoid such a thing. And now maybe Buffy will never trust herself again in her abilities to fall in love in the future. She might start self-sabotaging it.

[@dees3179]

Thank you for everything you said in this reaction, brilliant as always. But an extra special thanks for your point regarding spike at the end.’ Not everyone gets to stand up’. We all appreciate this is a story, dramatic effect etc. but your reaction and comments regarding disability are really needed. We are so invisible in real life. Thank you for those added comments. It means a lot. (Currently not standing!)

[@MariaCJ]

Our government isn't representative of what Americans want when it comes to many things, including gun control.

[@mathias6185]

I love this episode. Beautiful story, and fantastic acting. SMG utterly nailed it. Btw, I think the shooting was actually an accident. At least the way SMG acted it, it looked like the gun got off by accident.

[@JeccaJ]

An amazing episode, and an equally superb reaction. Your comment about actors and showreels is bang on - as you watch on (Buffy and Angel, should you choose), you'll start to spot quite a few people who are just starting out and go on to be A-List Hollywood actors. And this comment section will definitely point them all out to you if you don't spot them in their teen years... 😂 Thanks for making my Friday evening, Tyler!

[@gungho1284]

This is exactly the dramatic scene that cinched it for David Boreanaz. Being always written as the silent, stoic character hadn't been giving him much room to flex. And that's why Angelus has been so much fun. But something about playing this part here as the female teacher really worked for convincing Joss and producers to go with the spin-off.

[@Anjalena]

Tyler: "Red red red!" (24:20) 🤔 Anyone else immediately hear Holland Manners in their head? 😂

[@beccarosewriter]

After binging this reaction series and as a huge Buffy fan, never have I seen a more educated and in-depth episode by episode dissection of this show. I can't wait to see how you react to the next few episodes.

[@ashleydickie5859]

I’ve been looking forward to your reaction on this episode and you did not disappoint! I just knew you would enjoy it especially. This is one of my favourites from S2. The way it uses the MOTW format to explore the central Buffy-Angel storyline, providing some emotional resolution for the characters plus rekindling a small yet significant amount of hope in Buffy/the audience that Angel could possibly come back and be redeemed… brilliant, and heartbreaking. Giles’ explanation of forgiveness as an act of compassion has always stuck wth me (I’m an OG fan, I was 10 when this aired!) Can’t wait for you to see the rest of this season. Keep up the great work!

[@danyk426]

This is my favorite B-side episode. It’s never going to be on a list of best episodes, but it hits on so many levels!

[@kilian-one-l]

I love your shirt. Also, you've made me appreciate the writing of this episode more, this is why I watch your content

[@bashby97]

this is one of my fave episodes, such an underrated banger

[@knowledge-girl]

This was the episode that made the writers believe that David Boreanaz could carry his own show.

[@Anjalena]

There's a metaphorical relationship between the Scoobies and Buffy. Willow is Buffy's spirit, Xander is her strength or heart and Giles is her mind. It's just another layer of complexity to this show and their relationships to each other.

[@corgiluver9718]

Beautifully written, beautifully acted episode. Really enjoyed your analysis of it!

[@CharlesDunkley]

I think, in some ways, even if unintentional, the Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered episode was a precursor to this. In that ep. we saw how dangerous love turned obsession could become. While that one was played more comical, this episode gets to use that same subject in this very interesting personal way, channeling a past trauma through the current ongoing trauma of our main protagonist and antagonist. One of the best episodes of this series and placed at just the right moment in this season.

[@Marwolaeth01]

Ooh got to say I really enjoyed this reaction. Working it out, and realising the importance of elements throughout the episode was a joy to behold.

[@spamfilter32]

"Is this a play?" Yes. Sort of it is. Just not one they volunteered for.

[@amandagrove7262]

Wild! Just noticed that when Dru was having her vision and talking to Angelus she calls him Angel which connects with what you mentioned about how the teacher's possession allows Angel to enter the conversation with Buffy. She saw his involvement in her vision almost right?👀🧐

[@spangelicious837]

This is a favorite of mine from S2. Really enjoyed your analysis. You nailed it. 👏

[@lookouthill11]

Easily one of my favorite episodes of the show! A great original story line to show the inner psyche of the characters and move them forward.

[@ravenlord7144]

Regarding Willow teaching, it's possible and even likely that it was arranged as a work-study program; she's getting school credit for it, possibly money as well, and it looks *fantastic* on college resumes. It's quite unorthodox for her to be subbing as a teacher for work-study, but I imagine there is oversight and supervision so that she is also learning herself and won't let the other students fall behind. In my high school, students worked in the school cafe, and I'm sure there were other work-study opportunities, though I don't know what they were. There were possibly some teacher assistants among the seniors.

[@page349]

I love your thoughtful, insightful analysis. I only just discovered your Buffy videos, so have subscribed now.

[@kirrisolly-slade1313]

I really appreciated your discussion of the power dynamic between teacher and student (highlighting the culpability of the teacher and that the student is a victim). I do 100% agree with you that James is a victim. HOWEVER 2 things can be true and although James is a victim I think there is some discourse here that should be highlighted that I don’t think that you touched on. Yes James is a victim but he is also a perpetrator and I don’t know that he deserves the forgiveness teacher gave… You did discuss briefly gun violence and that is wrong followed by a comment about how gun laws are the answer here… I agree with that to point as well but I think the discussion I wanted to highlight is this: James is a perpetrator of intimate partner violence and violence against women and this is a really big problem that should not be glossed over. I actually agree with buffy when she is angry that James killed the person he loved most in a moment of blind passion. Men do this to women all the time - it is not ok. The women did not make him do it, it is not “her fault”. I live in Australia (with tough gun laws) and yet a woman is killed by a partner or ex on average once a week. This needs and deserves to be discussed. Yes teacher has a power dynamic here over James but violence against women’s is often a result of patriarchal beliefs and power systems and that dynamic should be mentioned. Violence is never an acceptable way of trying to gain or exert control over a person (which is why domestic violence is committed) no matter the reason for it be it out of jealousy, sadness, anger or sexual desires. Anyway I just wanted to bring this up! I in know way mean it as a criticism of your thoughts/feelings there is alot of nuance needed in these discussions and I really do think your discussion was valid and necessary as well.

[@nicholasjh1]

Yeah, a lot of times people see victimhood and preparation as a dichotomy, but it's often not that simple. Abusers can be victims and often abuse leads to becoming a 'victim' because the original 'victim' can't take it any more. This is often the dichotomy when women abuse men and the man puts up with it because he doesn't want to hurt the woman.

[@Atomic0range]

This is a great point, and the teacher certainly didn’t deserve to die for her actions. Ultimately, I feel like she made a selfish choice to be with a boy who wasn’t emotionally mature enough for an adult relationship and ended up seeing a direct consequence of that action. He wasn’t emotionally mature, so he acted out when she broke it off with him. Usually in these kinds of relationships the kid is the one who suffers, but in this case both of them were irrevocably damaged by it. It’s really tragic, neither of them deserved what happened.

[@markcrosslin8510]

Just wanted to drop one of my favorite lines fro the ep that got partially cut: “To forgive is an act of compassion, Buffy. It’s not done because people deserve it, it’s done because they need it.”

[@kirrisolly-slade1313]

@@markcrosslin8510it is a beautiful line/sentiment and ultimately I do agree that nobody should be personified by the worst thing that they do- forgiveness, compassion and understanding are all valid to offer to those that do unspeakable things. I think I just get heated/hyperbolic when talking about topics in the domestic violence realm as the impact of this sort of violence hits close to home when I know people that have suffered at the hands of this (as most of us likely do given the statistics).

[@markcrosslin8510]

⁠​⁠@@kirrisolly-slade1313 I think you are spot on with this comment - all domestic violence needs to be called out, and whatever we can do to decrease its occurrence should be considered. Your outrage is not misplaced. But if people are able to reach a place of compassion and are able to forgive from a place of their own agency, I think that has the potential to uplift everyone involved.

[@tinesess3521]

This has always been one of my favorite episodes and it always makes me emotional...the acting just hurts

[@jdb101585]

Hmmm, things to do with an excited Giles..... . . ...ghost hunting? Nah, wasn't what I was thinking either. ;P

[@warrengday]

Great insight as always. Loving your journey through this epic masterpiece.

[@tanyaisonYT]

I feel like in this episode and last there’s this quiet exploration of adults being predatory to kids in the fall out from Surprise/Innocence. In a way that does go some way to exploring metaphorically the damage of Angel having a relationship with a teenage girl. Even the metaphor of Angel turning into a monster after sex kind of plays out like post grooming (though the metaphor also serves as a more general warning about being duped into bed). I feel like sometimes the debate around their relationship doesn’t take into account the way the show does acknowledge the age gap being bad. I get why people feel this way about it, because the show isn’t moralising about this kind of relationships in a way that you would hope a modern show would be, and it still wants to leave room for Angel to be the good guy, and to use their relationship to explore other themes. So it’s kind of a ‘have your cake and eat it’ thing, which you could criticise the writers for. But in terms of what Buffy is good at, which is exploring these very real feelings that you have to work through to grow up and recover from trauma, hardships and the things that get in the way of a simple graduation to adulthood, I really appreciate that there is this through line here. What Buffy feels is very similar to what a real young person going through that kind of predatory relationship might feel: powerless, isolated from her childhood, guilt and blaming herself for what happened. So even if the show doesn’t take enough of a moral stand, I feel like the psychological reality isn’t being denied, which is something to appreciate.

[@TylerAlexander]

Me reading this comment and realising I don't ever frame the way I'm talking adequately at all 😅 that is my bad, I should really have telegraphed this more/made mention of it. A lot of the time honestly (this video included), when I comment on the Angel Buffy relationship it stems from a place of knowing there's a faction of fandom that exist that justifies it as okay. It's those people that I'm speaking to in those moments. I agree with you that the show itself does array the relationship as bad, as toxic, unhealthy. I wouldn't even necessarily want them to take more of an overt moral stand on it in the show so much honestly. The way the show manifests the things happening in regard to the relationship, what's said, behaviours etc, the outcome in "Innocence", all of these are the show demonstrating 'this is bad and unhealthy'. I suppose it bugs me that, despite that, it went over a sub-section of people's heads, because while I think the majority of people get that message, others I don't think...have 😅 Like I say, I do not in any way clarify this in the video and that is entirely on me 😂

[@cajah88]

@@TylerAlexander I think when it comes to that specific trope in a fantasy setting, especially one that includes monsters/magical beings, people (read: shippers) are more willing to ignore it and just... "enjoy" the romance/entertainment of it, for better or worse. Unfortunately, it's also an overused trope in "realistic" settings as well, even to this day, even though audience responses are usually more negative.

[@paulidjit]

It’s funny you saying the first possession scene might be a play. I don’t do it dismissively, but I always call this “The Scene Work Episode,” because it is reminiscent of any acting class where everyone is doing scene work on the same few scenes and you watch them over and over with different performers.

[@lesleymaroquin5777]

I like this episode. Unfortunately you have to get through the next episode (not my favorite) before you get to the rest of the good stuff.

[@theprodigal]

Love your in depth thoughts on these episodes, for me this is one of he best of season 2.

[@killianlpc]

I always thought I Only Have Eyes For You was a great stand alone episode, where the tragic love affair between the teacher and student from the 1950's is repeated down through the years by anyone who is influenced by it in the school now. Great writing here in a very atmospheric episode, in which we also have the Angelus/Drusilla/Spike triangle in the background. Interesting that Buffy has no empathy for the student in the incident, even though he is the young innocent, and the female teacher is the adult, of course she is using her own experience of being hurt and reflecting this in her attitude. Another interesting thing about this episode is we hear Snyder and Police Officer mention 'The Mayor' for the first time. Great scene at the end when Spike is now able to walk and is plotting his revenge. This is very much in the style of X-Files type episode.

[@scorchedmirth7]

Regarding Spike's predicament here, he can't take care of himself, he can't feed on his own right now and there's precedent set that Drusilla is too mad or crazy to be an effective carer. She routinely let the birds in her care starve. She offered Spike the puppy but didn't end up leaving the puppy with him (she had it in the next scene at the Magic Shop). We don't know if offering the puppy was intentionally cruel, but contrast that with Spike offering her Sheila in School Hard. Spike cared for Dru for months after their mishap in Prague, so this must be a rude awakening for him after 100+ years of being devoted to her. Angelus is enjoying Spike's torment too much to help him heal, so he's really stuck.

[@arielcarmona6660]

A great season 2 ep and a bit of Dark Horse for sure. Back in the day when I bought these episodes on VHS, this one was the "B" side of a more popular episode, but I genuinely remember watching this one live and then watching it multiple time on that tape.

[@gehrehmee]

I love this episode so much - every season has one or two standout break-the-mold episodes and this is season 2's. I went looking for info on the writer, and found out how influential she (Noxon) was on the rest of the series - careful looking her up by the way, it leads to some big spoilers!

[@eeejjj6378]

Love this episode and this season's story arc. So messy and beautiful.

[@matthewkaufman679]

The janitor is John Hawkes who is amazing

[@moramorandobianchi7093]

I agree, this episode is so well done and the building to it is so good. And when you get to the end it pays off. I love that the roles are reversed and it gets the awesome opportunity for ‘Grace’ to survive and save James, it’s so perfect! Edit: typo

[@caseyhart4999]

This is a GREAT episode. The next one is kinda weak but after that the two part finale which I’m very excited for you to see Tyler.

[@williambowman2326]

First, I’m an American and believe in all of our Bill of Rights and what you say and think is protected by our First Amendment freedom of speech. Your opinion is yours and that is why people watch a reaction video. If people only want to only hear what they feel comfortable with, just sit in front of a mirror. Keep speaking your mind, I don’t agree with everything but how else does anyone learn. Now about Buffy. Excellent reaction and thoughts on what I believe is an important episode in the emotional development of Buffy. There are 3 episodes so far in the season that are building blocks for the journey of Buffy to becoming a strong independent person. Lie To Me, Ted , and this multi level jewel. One aspect that goes unnoticed is not just the Angel/ self forgiveness storyline but the deeper understanding of the need and the power of true forgiveness. Buffy is a Slayer and we also have learned she has a code of honor and morality. She can feel guilt but she will never have an understanding of real guilt and shame because she will never commit willingly any act of pure evil. This episode allows her to become a killer/ murderer. She inhabits the killer and feels the rage, actions, and consequences. She kills an” innocent “ and is overwhelmed by the pain, guilt , and remorse Buffy can never feel in her life. She needs the forgiveness of the person she has wronged/killed. The power is not with the killer but with the person who forgives. The gypsy uncle , the clan, and Jenny did not seek justice but vengeance. Real justice still has consequences/ punishment but must also understand that compassion and forgiveness/ real love of the individual is the power that trumps the love of self and pride. This ability to fully understand can only be learned by experience and for almost all is never learned Think of Kendra. She can exact punishment but does not understand the quality of mercy. Yes , Buffy can forgive herself now but she also knows why and what the power of forgiveness means . It’s not just a wipe the slate clean but an honest accountability of actions and the desire to improve and to love another despite their actions. This is one of the foundations of Western civilization and that the individual has power and domain . True love of another and oneself can only be attained by granting freedom to the individual to better themselves but not at the expense of another by controlling their actions. Personal responsibility, personal freedom, and personal property all are very Western. An individual must never blame another for their situation because of the actions of another. Love is given and received but is by gifting not by reward of actions. Buffy has taken giant steps in a process. She is , you noted correctly, very young but these are fundamental principles that are very important to embrace.

[@ESWrites]

Just want to say again that I love your Buffy episode analysis. I’m really enjoying going through a show I practically know by heart with you and get a perspective that’s different or I may not have thought of. There’s only one storyline in this entire show I’m slightly scared to hear your thoughts on because it’s something that divides a lot of people and I’ve put a lot of time and thought into the side (mostly unpopular) that I come down on lol. Can’t wait for your next reaction.

[@GeorgiannaMiller5]

he has a lot of initiative as Angeles. He was not that way when he was human

[@alicequinn505]

Everything you said is so accurate to real life disabilities and living with their limitations, even of you read Spike a little bit wrong.

[@MariaCJ]

It's such an unexpected episode. You can't really guess what will happen until it's happening.

[@butterflypooo]

More often than not, predatory relationships end with the older person killing the younger one - bc they are more afraid of how society will see them as a predator than they are of the act of becoming a murderer. So it’s odd that it goes in the other way in this ep. I don’t think the show ever addresses the predatory nature of it either. Having said that, victims don’t just kill their partners bc they are too immature to deal with their emotions. It’s either a case of not seeing someone as fully human/objectifying them or desperately trying to escape a relationship built on SA/pedophilia. But the episode is written and acted very well. I was able to relate to the young student and see how Buffy is identifying with them. As always, such good analysis on your part, Tyler. Thanks a bunch.

[@GeorgiannaMiller5]

this episode is fantastic. I have spoilery observations about it that I never realized before. Looking forward to discussing when we get there

[@spamfilter32]

It wasn't Jenny's voice that spoke to Giles. It was the teachers voice.

[@TylerAlexander]

The subtitles said 'Jenny'. Same as when Buffy heard a voice, it was Angel's. The ghost used the one they loved to draw them in.

[@spamfilter32]

@@TylerAlexander in a way that makes us both right 😁

[@thatguy1477]

I love this episode, very well written

[@olived9560]

Ooo I've been looking forward to this one, I love the episode - and 46 minutes of reaction YESS this was so good!

[@sweetesttaboonyc9937]

This analysis made me a subscriber. Not everyone understands it.

[@Buffy8Fan]

I always felt like Willow pushed the guy at the beginning towards Buffy knowing he wanted to ask her out but not worrying as much about Buffy not being ready. Even if she didn't push the guy up there, its only been, four months, in-universe, since Angel has become Angelus. It doesn't matter if it's not Buffy's fault. Pushing Buffy into a _having fun_ emotional state and telling her it isn't her fault isn't going to make her have fun and believe it's not her fault. She has to realize it herself. The ghosts helped because they weren't trying to help Buffy. That's why she released all the guilt she had about it. She identified with who she considered the bad guy/James, and he did the same with her, which is why he/James possessed her and not Angeus. The creator of the series watched the daily's of David Boreanaz acting as Angelus being possessed with the teacher Ms. Newman and realized he could carry his own show. Sadly, the teacher and the student is equivelant to the toxicity of Buffy/Angel in terms of age difference effecting the relationship, whether you look at Angel's vampire years or the fact that he cannot pass for a high school student when Buffy is one. 14:44-17:17 is the entire problem behind Buffy and Angel's relationship. Tyler hit the nail on the head in a way I've been trying to do for years with the Buffy/Angel relationship and Buffy's feelings and issues about it. This episode is why Buffy is able to shed her guilt of how Angel became Angelus in this episode. She'll still be in denial about the rest, though, in large part because of the difference between Angel and Angelus and in part because Ms. Newman used Angelus while James used her to reunite. The only thing. I disagree with Tyler on is I don't think you have to squint to see the similarities between Buffy/Angel and James/Ms. Newnan.

[@ernesthakey3396]

4 months? Did you mean 4 weeks? 😉 This is s2e18, so s2e12/e13 would be 5-6 weeks earlier. Just saying. 🙂

[@Buffy8Fan]

@@ernesthakey3396 No. In-universe fourth months have passed. Episode count doesn't take into consideration what always happens between episodes, so the easiest way to figure the in-universe of time passage is, oddly, the real life airdates. It's not exactly accurate to the fact that some real time is the equivalent to a 'to be continued,' but its more accurate than every episode being one week. If that were the case only five and a half months of a school year would pass and there wouldn't be a summer break at the end of seasons one or two ect. By the end of this season its been September through May which means we don't always see everything and sometimes more than a week can pass between episodes. During this time period of episodes, there's actually good in-universe moments of time passage during rerun time periods in real life. That doesn't always quite happen. But nine months always fly by. If someone else wants to get more technical than just going by the release dates... great. But that's too much work for me. The release dates are my loose, but grounded, markers so that the season doesn't seem like it ends in early Febuary (22 weeks aka the number of episodes).

[@Buffy8Fan]

@@ernesthakey3396 Technically, I did miscount and it's been 13 weeks.

[@ernesthakey3396]

@@Buffy8Fan cool, that makes sense. Yeah, thinking about it, 22 episode have to cover about 9 months, which is an average of about 12-13 days per episode. I forgot about the winter break reruns period too.

[@CaptainMischief]

I always saw it as Buffy identifying too much with the kid. I see how she always talks about how evil and deserving of punishment the kid is, and see it as a reflection of how she feels about herself, feeling like she is the one who 'killed' Angel after she also did something for 'blind passion'. He chose her for his role as he saw the guilt she was feeling and kept his hold on her, because he saw a chance for someone to understand and possibly help him get that forgiveness he wants. The moment with Angelus taking the role of the teacher and how she forgave him in the end was exactly what Buffy needed in this situation. She needed the small aspect of hope that, should Angel ever be able to, Angel would forgive her too. EDIT: Written before Tyler heard the line from Buffy that gives the brain blast

[@GeorgiannaMiller5]

Cordelia is also wearing red

[@sagov9]

great writing in this episode

[@em8066]

Thank you, absolutely agree with your counterpoint to the weird idea that Buffy's trauma = Buffy's adult "enough" to be in a relationship with an adult. It aggravates me that people still try to wave away the predatory nature of Bangel with not only bad logic, but also harmful excuses. It's fine to enjoy a fantasy, but at least be clear-eyed about it. Buffy's brain was not done growing into adulthood yet (when the emotional drives are better regulated by the rational executive functions). And research shows that childhood trauma actually delays healthy emotional development. Yes, traumatized kids can seem emotionally mature because they're so good at catching emotional cues - but that's not a sign of adulthood. That's a survival response, and it comes with challenges around boundaries, self-esteem, sense of identity, over-responsibility for others' transgressions, and trouble dealing with change/uncertainty/learning. It's like so much energy is taken up by other people that the kid is too exhausted to really know themselves. Maturity requires knowing yourself, and children are supposed to be self-centered rather than worrying about other people so much. It's a necessary step in psychological development.

[@lessismore8533]

17:30 When Buffy made this comment I can SEE why the ghost used her in the end of the ep He wanted her to be in his shoes. My theory anyway..

[@barbaraswinford6677]

I want to start off with the statement that I really enjoy your reactions and respect your intelligence. That being said, I truly believe that if guns are outlawed...only outlaws will have guns. No hard feelings, I hope. Still love your reactions.

[@TylerAlexander]

I appreciate the kind words. As poetic as that might sound though, we do have evidence that speaks against it, namely every other country that does have gun regulation/laws against having firearms. We don't have to guess, there's a direct correlation in regard to laws regarding guns and a reduction in gun violence. It's important as well to note the difference between 'law' and 'outlaw'. The latter states cold turkey, zero weapons allowed, while the former decrees better control in a manner that befits whichever country they apply to. I never mentioned banning guns entirely. I think specifically in the US this is counter-productive and wouldn't work as there's such a culture attached to it all that it would never gain any traction to suggest a cold turkey ban. The answer lies in gradual regulation with the goal of a safer country. This sort of thing would tackle gun crime, and especially work to prevent mass shootings. As for only outlaws having guns in the event of a complete ban, our police in the UK have guns. I have walked past cops with fully automatic weapons. Don't get me wrong, it's rare (they're not your typical beat cop), but even in countries that have largely tackled this issue, this doesn't mean that only outlaws have guns.

[@fanmagicks]

I find it sad for Buffy that her friends want her to "get over it" quickly so they "have fun Buffy" back. Kind of selfish of them to want not her to take the time she needs for herself. 😤

[@DivaQuinzel]

18:45 So many predators will say their victim is "mature for their age" so when people say that about Buffy and Angel I just get the biggest ick.

[@robslack5468]

Oh dear lord the lectures…..

[@GeorgiannaMiller5]

for all her emotional intelligence, I think Buffy missed the mark. She says "I guess I was the one that he could relate to." I am not sure that is the case. He is the one she related to. I think she chose to embody his ghost and she couldn't admit it to herself

[@alicequinn505]

41:45 the side-eyes

[@GeorgiannaMiller5]

after the disappointments of Dr. Owen Hunt and Dr. Will Hallstead, you are giving me faith in redheads again

[@proy14]

Great reaction, and I would have like it another time if it were possible for the little word on gun control.

[@GeorgiannaMiller5]

and the winner of the daytime Emmy is Buffy, rather Sarah Michelle Geller