Buffy The Vampire Slayer 5x19 Tough Love Reaction | First Time Watching

[@BrightNeonBrilliancy]

I love Spike's moment with Dawn. I love their relationship in general tbh. But I do think there's something endearing about Spike having such a soft spot for the Summers gals, including Joyce.

[@julesreacts]

SAME! I love Spike!

[@badmannnnnn]

a lot of people talk about the most badass moment in buffy, and a completely underrated one in my book is Tara being tortured by an insane God and threatened with unending madness, and still she didn't crack, that's badass.

[@julesreacts]

Tara 💜💜 I'm so glad she wasn't a demon after all 🤣

[@crawdaddy2004]

The way she just looks at Glory with pure resolve - I agree.

[@happyslapsgiving5421]

Juliette: "I would love it if that book opened at the exact page she needed." Me: "Yes, that show is called 'Charmed'." 😁

[@estoy1001]

Willow - "I didn't lose my mom." Hey, remember that time she tried to burn you at the stake & we never saw her ever again?

[@julesreacts]

Yikes 😳 maybe that's why she's gone now haha

[@leesmith9299]

i mean she was awful for other reasons but the burning at the stake thing was magic at work just like joyce in the same episode.

[@evatesche]

@estoy1001 But in "Forever" she mentions visiting her mom a lot lately.

[@lewstherintelamon244]

​@@codypendragonsWhat on Earth are you talking about?

[@bellatronics]

@@codypendragons Wilow's dad was not a god. Just normal bloke who we've seen less of than her mom. What gave you that idea? I'm so curious.

[@nicoislost258]

The irony of Tara losing her mind by protecting Dawn but still being the one who tells Glory who she is 😢

[@Talisguy]

"How does she know?" She's likely speaking from experience. We see that she starts to deteriorate mentally if she goes too long without feeding, after all.

[@julesreacts]

That is true!!

[@zenithquasar9623]

I think that's exactly what happens to Glory if she doesn't suck brains, so, yeah from her own experience.

[@BenChanNYC]

As much as we've been aware of the stakes with Glory finding out about Dawn, it was a masterful use of the school storyline and "They'll take you away from me." in this episode to make us really feel how much Buffy is afraid of losing Dawn right before the kicker of Glory finally finding out, making the immediacy of losing Dawn so much more impactful. We were primed to feel that fear in the last glance between Glory and Buffy - great job!

[@mb7626]

That’s a really good point, this way the whole episode gets to be about the imminent possible reality of losing Dawn, while the whole Glory question gets to hang in suspense, essentially maximizing both.

[@williambowman2326]

Another fun and on point reaction. The title, Tough Love, is accurate and difficult to watch. Remember what The First Slayer told Buffy, the Slayer gains from pain and it’s that pain that allows Buffy to grow and increase her capacity to love. Buffy keeps being burdened by life but still wants to do the best for all that she loves.

[@seanmcmurphy4744]

The minions sitting blindfolded waiting on Glory in the bubble bath! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@julesreacts]

We could all use a few minions haha

[@seanmcmurphy4744]

On top of everything else, can we appreciate Anya's continuing psychological journey from demon to mature human? She started out in Season 3 becoming human after 1120 years as a demon with no feelings for other humans, except lust for Xander. Then she fell in love with him. She began to help the Scoobies, leading her to care about other people. In _Real Me_ she faced the adult need to support herself, and got the job at the Magic Box, giving her a role in society. Like many 20s she became obsessed with money, in _Intervention_ she is into the stock market. In _The Body_ she began to face her human mortality. Now, as a girlboss inspired by her career, she has become a rabid capitalist. Hilarious!

[@hardybryan]

Badass Willow is badass.

[@1matrix9]

47 pages left in the book of Buffy and this great season is flying by. Time is fleeting and I for one am loving every moment Juliette shares with us.

[@julesreacts]

Thank you 💜 😊

[@roujin518]

I don't really feel like this argument comes out of nowhere. After all we already saw originally how Tera and Willow disagreed about raising the dead. Basically Willow seems to view magic as its only wrong if it has a negative outcome, like a tool, it is only as evil as the act inflicted with it. Tera seems to view magic as sorta sacred or even religious? Willow is also just more ready to try casting a spell on a whim (like episode 1 she lights a fire, but accidentally makes it rain.) Even in this episode Willow went a bit darkside trying to hurt Glory, where as I don't think if the roles were reversed that Tera would have done the same.

[@seanmcmurphy4744]

Great point!

[@seanmcmurphy4744]

This season is SO WELL WRITTEN!!!!!! Everything is foreshadowed and motivated. Tara recognizing Dawn as the key and telling Glory has been foreshadowed by crazy people reacting to Dawn all season starting with the homeless guy in _Real Me_ . As you pointed out, Jules, our feelings for Dawn have flipped: we started out regarding her as an annoying temporary character and thinking she will be gone in a few episodes, and now she's the center of the plot and we feel sorry for her. Dawn's rebellion against Buffy has been building since Joyce's death and is boiling over due to the guilt she is feeling, and having to be protected all the time. Buffy's troubles dealing with Dawn are mirrored by Ben's troubles dealing with his "sister" Glory. Willow caring for Tara is mirrored by Buffy caring for Dawn. Buckle up, it just gets better.

[@michaelkreitzer1369]

Glory knows what her feeding does to people because it's what happens to her when she doesn't. Remember she's extracting the "binding" energy from people because she needs it for the same reason her victims do, she just burns through it and always needs more.

[@julesreacts]

Oooh thank you!! Glory is truly awful, isn't she 😭

[@luckyrobinshomestead]

I think Glory knows how her victims feel, because that is how she feels when the brains she sucks run out. Most of the time she loses her sanity right before she takes a new victim. Then she becomes sane again, well sane for Glory, and leaves the insanity in her victim. Sometimes she feeds before that for a boost, but when you see her in really bad condition, it is because she lets it run too low and the crazy creeps in again. That's my theory. I love how Spike reassures Dawn when she is having such fear about herself and what she might be. It is clear that he has developed affection for Dawn that is separate from how he feels about Buffy, just like he had for Joyce. I like this aspect of him. Spike is just different than others of his kind. He still has great evil in him, but his capacity to love is there based on who he was before, like with Drusilla. It doesn't mean he won't hurt the ones he loves, but it does mean he will try not to. I really disliked Willow picking an argument with Tara. In fact, I disliked Willow in this scene. It was the first time I've ever disliked Willow and it really upset me. No matter how many times I've seen it, it still unsettles me. Tara did nothing wrong and yet she gets punished. I am very protective over Tara. To me, she is who Willow used to be in the beginning, the sweet and innocent one. The one willing to put Dawn first when the rest of the gang kind of ignores her. Willow's words come too little too late to realize Tara's her everything in this episode. It just ticked me off so much. It's just a bad episode for Willow, but I still love her.

[@julesreacts]

Wonderful thoughts, thank you!! I also disliked the fight between Tara and Willow. It seems to come out of nowhere, but I guess they needed the girls separated so this was an easy solution 😔 poor Tara. I hate seeing anything bad happen to her, she's a sweetheart.

[@evatesche]

@@julesreacts It didn't really come out of nowhere though. The breadcrumbs leading to this are very very little, but they are there. Take for example how surprised Tara is in S4 when Willow produces a huge light ball and says Tara told her how to do that, but Tara answers "I taught you tiny Tinkerbell light". Tara is powerful, but she can already see that as soon as Willow is leaning something new, she can make it bigger and better immediately, surpassing Tara immediatley. Tara is very down to earth and knows where such a power could lead if it is not controlled enough. So yeah, she is "frightened" but not in the sense that Willow thinks. And about the "other changes" in Willow's life, I think that they never have talked about that before. Willow has been with Oz for such a long time, it is only natural for Tara (who is a little bit shy and insecure) to wonder if Willow could change "back" at some point. These feeling are valid and needed to be addressed, but Willow took it too personal and felt attacked, so they could not have a serious argument but rather started fighting.

[@williambowman2326]

@@luckyrobinshomestead Willow has shown glimpses of the picked on girl wanting power to subdue and control. Remember when Jenny asked her to help teach the class how quickly she asked about dishing out punishment with a real gleam. There are many times in the show that Willow is studying dark magic and is trying to master the dark spells. Tara’ s Mother was a strong witch and Tara understands the power of witchcraft. Recall the different takes on witchcraft they have when they are talking to Dawn and a resurrection spell. Willow has not been in or witnessed a truly committed relationship that navigates life. Besides, this is not so much a fight as a time to talk out thoughts. After speaking with Giles, Willow is open and would have naturally talked things over with Tara.

[@texn7526]

7:34 "How did he know?" Giles is a singing, guitar strumming, convertible driving, all knowing Chuck Norris😉😂🤣 disguised with a English accent😎

[@julesreacts]

Hahaha he sure is! What can't he do 🥰

[@evatesche]

It's not Giles that knew, it was Ripper ;-)

[@TheUltrahypnotoad]

He can also torture a demon into submission as soon as the girls avert their eyes for a few seconds. He's ruthless. There's a reason his old pals call him Ripper.

[@jaypee9575]

I was never under the impression that he knew. I thought he just opened it absentmindedly and the minion sorta fell into the door (maybe not the best stunt work though).

[@Henrik_Holst]

@@jaypee9575 oh he knew, there are two instances of sounds (sounds almost like knockings) from beyond the door a few seconds before he opens it and he turns his head to mark that he notices them while talking to Willow.

[@becca1189]

Buckle up buttercup!!! Here we go... Lovely reaction, as always! See you for Angel!!! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@julesreacts]

Thank you, Becca 🥰

[@michaelrosenblum4170]

I felt so bad warching your reaction going from excitement thinking it was Willow at the fair to where it shows Glory. Great reaction as always and look forward to the next

[@julesreacts]

It honestly took me by surprise! I love moments like that when they trick the viewer. Joss is a master at them!!

[@daniels.5262]

in the end Tara told Glory who the key is😢

[@matthewlangley5794]

Tara never told glory anything

[@mb7626]

‘Tara’ didn’t, Tara resisted to the last (this distinction really matters to me for some reason!)

[@jychilly]

And so we enter...endgame.

[@88jl]

I always felt like the fight came out of no where too but the writers knew that this would have more of an impact on the audience especially because of how it happened.

[@seanmcmurphy4744]

Same, it seemed kind of contrived

[@ernesthakey3396]

To be fair, Willow's viewpoint is generally based on "how does this affect me?" She's become rather more self-centered as she's come into her own abilities, as perhaps an overcompensation for her insecurities. She's also very certain when she makes a decision that she knows best. Most of the characters in this show have very human flaws, and it is awesome. ❤

[@boqndimitrov8693]

so the cards are on the table!...

[@colleenmarin8907]

Willow projecting her I securities on Tara shows how immature Willow still is

[@grkpektis]

@7:20 that subtle noise is how Giles knew

[@nicolascabrera3080]

Tara ❤

[@evatesche]

10:11 I will never understand the people that don't like Dawn, yes she can be annoying at times, the way sibling are, but Michelle plays her so amazing. One of my favorite Dawn scenes right here. Makes me tear up every time.

[@meltorme-ntor2933]

I love Dawn! And the actor is just amazing!

[@Itsjandz105]

Michelle played her perfectly. Always liked her character.

[@johnmoreland6089]

Michelle is wonderful. She came into an established hit with a cast that had worked together for nearly 5 years and IMMEDIATELY fit in and nailed her character right out of the gate. I get that Daen can be annoying at times, but she's supposed to be. She's a teenager! I love the addition of her to the show this season.

[@seanmcmurphy4744]

Agree. I think part of the reason is, in addition to being written deliberately as the annoying little sister, in the first episodes Michelle had to say dialog that was 4 years too young for her. Dawn was originally written to be around 10 years old, and Trachtenberg was 14. So she came off sounding infantile and immature, in addition to annoying.

[@julesreacts]

Most people seem to like Dawn in this comment section! It did take me a few episodes to really accept and love her, but she has absolutely earned her place in Sunnydale 💜

[@AnatoleVGC]

Buckle up cause the rest of this season is quite a ride. I love how epic season five finale feels. I always say that: this season flpws like a book

[@catindigo9907]

The ducklings did come out to watch but as soon as Willow and Tara started fighting they left. Soon I heard an awful racket coming from the Duck house. After I finished watching with the alpacas, I went to check on them. Turns out they got bagpipes and kilts and are teaching themselves to play from KZbin videos. I blame Ally the Piper. So they have found new levels of annoying the whole farm. They do look cute in the kilts though. Have a wonderful day.

[@julesreacts]

Cat 🤣 awwww that is so funny about the Ducklings! They really don't like sad scenes or fighting, do they?! At least you can do a few Highland Flings on the weekend with your crew 😆💜

[@ashleytuchin7693]

Oh boy, we're really on the downhill run to the finale now! I love how in addition to the Big Bad threat of Glory, there's the real world threat of Buffy losing custody of Dawn, and her inability to deal with the added responsibility of being a guardian.This show has always done a good job of maintaining real world problems amidst all of the supernatural threats. Poor, poor Tara, she's too pure for this world and she didn't deserve this. That scene on the bench is so intense and really demonstrates how terrifying Glory really is. Seeing the blood dripping from Tara's hand... 😱 While I agree that it was hard to see Willow and Tara fight, I do think it makes sense and not only fits in with the character progression so far, but serves as an important stepping stone for what lies ahead for Willow. This show is masterful with its slow burns and gradual character development. Moments like that are hard to watch, but they're important. On a happier note, how great was Giles, letting a little bit of his Ripper side show? And that ending, daaaang! I can't wait to see what you think of the next one Jules, have a great weekend.

[@julesreacts]

Ashley!! Tara IS so pure for this world, she's just amazing... gosh, if I could take anyone's personality it would be hers! So soft spoken, sweet, loving, calm... Willow is a lucky lady 🥰 I love it when Ripper comes out!! He would have been a little terror back in his day. Giles remains one of my favourite characters to this day. I wish I had an Uncle Giles 😭😭

[@TenebrousFilms]

'Stupid for the sake of the plot' is a phrase I first heard coined about RWBY, but I think it applies here too. Buffy being a dummy about her *best firend's* intentions is questionable, but she's distracted by Dawn, so that tracks. My problem is, Dawn told her what happens when Glory's victims are around her. The scoobies know by now that the bad guys are spying on hem. Hellgod attack or not, *someone* should've considered keeping Dawn away from Tara... probably Anya, or Giles. Apparently not Buffy, whose first priority is safeguarding Dawn... I guess everyone's too busy feeling to do any thinking.

[@noahrobin1941]

Respectfully, I disagree they Buffy should’ve told Dawn about the consequences right away. I don’t think one should add to a child’s anxiety if it can be avoided. Buffy tried to spare Dawn the knowledge of what could happen, and when that didn’t work, she told her the score. It’s a crap situation no matter how you slice it, but I think she made the right call. Disclaimer: I’m not a parent; certainly open to opposing viewpoints.

[@julesreacts]

Yeah, it's a bad situation. It's not an easy decision.

[@davidabercrombie5427]

3 episodes left already? Didn't think we were at this point already, this has flown in

[@julesreacts]

It flies when you're having fun 😅

[@lindabell6638]

Buckle up, we're heading for a crazy ride!! 😲😲 Have a great weekend!! ❤

[@peterwstacey]

A difficult episode to watch, but important for the story arc (and character development). Themes strong in this episode are how we cope when suddenly faced with suddenly having to care for dependents - Buffy is now responsible for Dawn's upbringing, and Willow now feels responsible for Tara having a mental disability. Meanwhile Glory does not care at all about Ben being fired. Indeed, the juxtaposition between Buffy and Glory in this series (being a giving Vs a taking person) is shown throughout the Season.

[@peterwstacey]

On a lighter note, imagine explaining to the building insurance company why the front of your house is no longer there: "You see, there was this angry God who wanted something inside, and, well..." 😂

[@rogertemple7193]

It's Friday and it's time for more Buffy and it looks like it is going to be another awesome day in Sunnyvale, have a great weekend and take care Juliette.🐻👋🇦🇺:)

[@bobbyclarkston8836]

7:03 WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING!!!! A psychotic god entity who likes to suck your mind into insanity is right next to Tara. Who knows what Glory will do?!

[@Quasfo]

I know 😂

[@julesreacts]

Wow, calm down. Why are you yelling? Obviously I need to explain things to you as you don't seem to understand what you just saw. I noticed Tara sitting by herself, and a hand slip into hers. We could see red hair off the screen. I assumed it was Willow, finding her Tara. It was Glory, and took me by surprise by how neat a little trick that was for the viewer. If you feel the need to YELL AT PEOPLE, then please think twice 🙄

[@deggsymarley]

Overall, "Tough Love" reinforces the series’ exploration of complex emotional and ethical dilemmas, particularly around the themes of love, power, and responsibility. ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

[@alex.9398]

It is interesting that Oz expresses worry about Willow becoming too powerful and Tara expresses a similar sentiment with Willow responding negatively both times. I do like this episode a lot but the whole argument between Willow and Tara feels quite forced. They just from one subject to the next so fast. It's the one big failing of the episode I feel.

[@julesreacts]

OOOOHHH great thoughts!! I'd forgotten that Oz said that... hmm...

[@alex.9398]

@@julesreacts Thanks.

[@jameshenner5831]

wizard fight! well, sort of.

[@KeatonWarner1]

👍

[@BinaryHedgehog]

Are you saying there’s a connection between Ben and Glory?

[@bombseel]

I feel like they set up parts of the fight well but not others. Tara has been worried about Willow's power in small ways in the past and Willow doesn't respond to people disagreeing. Tara has reasons to doubt that Willow will stay with her! Some of it is probably biphobia, but I also think compulsory heterosexuality causes people to go back in the closet after their first gay relationship. Plus Willow cheated on Oz, stole Xander, and then almost went back to Oz, though that last part is understandable. She's also still possessive over Xander. Obviously I don't think Willow is a bad person but she made mistakes. But why is none of this communicated by Tara? It's just a given that Tara would feel insecure about her relationship But it was explored poorly imo. I think it was supposed to be that they start arguing and all their problems come out but that didn't come across

[@TheInfamousRPGGroup-on-Rumble]

wait, ben is glory?

[@julesreacts]

😱

[@tonydeluna8095]

Two for two today Mrs Jules ❤

[@drb6771]

💖💖💖💖👋👋👏👏🙌🙌

[@pixy-onewing]

❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍

[@Sytrylt]

[@tomswift3482]

Hello, Jules!💜 I have to say, right off, I'm not a big fan of this particular episode. Mainly for the exact reason you start to explain in the Outro. They, once again, revert to some situation, which rises "out of nowhere" and make one character, again Willow, start acting like a weak and selfish teenager, or even younger, simply to set up the meeting for Tara at the fair. So all that happens here becomes Willow's fault, she has a minor self-pitying hissy fit, and then - if only minions were smart - actually reveals Tara's importance in front of the minion, at 8:02.🙄 Yes - foster care - it is, I suspect, the reason the Principal asked Buffy to remain a moment, whilst sending Tara to the outer office. Another well worn TV trope - removing children from parental.guardian care - but a much more realistic one here in the USofA. These interior story gaps could have been much more intelligently filled - perhaps if they had someone with "a very over-active imagination" on staff.🤔 I do believe you are correct in them all coming together to defeat Glory, as you mention. I think they must now concentrate on doing what they can to protect Dawn, and restore Tara, since she will most certainly be of help in any major confrontation.😊 But I did like Giles, showing he definitely hasn't lost anything - his door trick with the minion was great, and I laughed at the fact the tough, not talking, minion broke under the pressure of being bound with twine.🤣😂 Not my favorite episode - I generally dislike it when Joss, and his minions, treat their characters with one note disrespect. It's just lazy. However, the story was advanced a bit, and they have a starting point out of the meandering so things can start progressing once more. Thank you Jules. I always enjoy your opening/closing recaps/thoughts, as well as the story reactions - always thoughtful, always on point, and this was definitely true here.🥰 Have a great weekend Jules,💜🤗💜 maybe a World Culture Fair visit! Me, well I I'll be starting mine with chores and a Juliette Marathon Gaming Adventure! Whatever you do, I hope it is relaxing and marvelous fun. Take care.😊

[@julesreacts]

Tom 👋💜 excuse me whilst I whisper my comment to you, and cough weakly, throughout 🤣 I don't like seeing people fight, especially Willow and Tara. Two usually sweet and soft spoken ladies. Willow sure is impressive with her magic these days, though. It sort of feels like she's been progressing behind the scenes as we don't really see too much of it. For her to do what she did to Glory is huge. Where did that come from!? Not too long ago, she couldn't move a vending machine and Tara had to help. I always assumed that Tara was more powerful and might actually become very, very powerful and now it seems it could be the opposite! Fun times in Sunnydale indeed 😅 Enjoy your weekend, dear Tom 😊💜

[@StoryOfUsFinalDraft]

I know people fan Tara but I don't care glory got to her. She's a freaking boring character!! Ever scene I just fast forward after a few seconds of each scene that pops up of her. The actress plays over acting in the sweet shy quiet girl department too much and its to boring. I'd rather see random Parker pop up in another scene than a whole scene of Tara. 🎬 ... I would have rather seen Amy with good entertaining character be the one written into willows life. So in conclusion fock Tara wish glory would have killed her on that bench at the carnival.