My Top 10 Buffy or Angel Episodes (to pair with wine and a good cry)

[@williamcrow9713]

I suffer from depression. That comes in the form of numbness. Buffy and Angel are the go-to shows for me that help me realize the power there is in feeling. These shows have literally saved my life before.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

+William Crow I hope you enjoy the other top 10 as much. And thank you for sharing. Welcome to the channel

[@williamcrow9713]

Big fan already :) just needed the reminder today.

[@tanyamue8752]

I realize that this is an old comment but I still wanted to say: SAME. Whenever I experience a particularly bad blow and can't deal with life I immediatly return to Buffy. Contrary to the popular opinion, season 6 is my favorite season because it's so dark, I can relate to it the most. The first time I ever watched Buffy was when I was 10 and it was with my older cousin, the first time I ever watched Angel was when I was 24 and suffering from an episode so bad that it brought on pre-psychotic symptoms. I'm currently rewatching both. More than people, these shows make me feel understood and not alone.

[@benbrennan4953]

Stay strong brother xx

[@CloudslnMyCoffee]

I'm glad you are still here

[@chezs7037]

"I Will Remember You"...the entire last scene Buffy and Angel have together before they erase the day. Lots of wine and crying occur when I watch this one, but I love it so. One of the most beautiful episodes for me

[@atwoodsmariano]

that episode definitely deserves a place on this list at least in the top 5 I'm surprised it's not on this list at all tbqh

[@soysonialo]

agree!! bangel fans facebook.com/BangelFans-365272080843109/

[@taylorm6797]

I feel that. The final scene of Buffy whispering "I'll never forget" to Angel destroys me. Angel had a chance at true happiness with Buffy and he sacrificed it all for the greater good. That episode absolutely kills me. It's so raw, beautiful, and tragic all at once.

[@amandapierson5232]

Yup! That one gets me everytime

[@trevpeeps307]

It’s hands down the best Bangel episode. I agree it should be top 5

[@Erdrick68]

"There's a hole in the world. Feels like we ought to have known." Such an incredible line.

[@TiaNEVERTamera]

Erdrick68 it gives me chills

[@cameronlapp9306]

I will always associate it with the 9/11 Memorial in New York after going there.

[@RagnarOdinson]

ALWAYS loved that line. 1:13 to 1:23 the words there. That feeling of being broken is nearly all I've known since 2004. That cool September night the Only thing I've ever Really LOVED was torn away from this world, and away from me... Forever. Still, 15 years gone, and not a day goes by that my thoughts don't turn to her. Even If only for a moment. A moment is all it takes, the briefest flash of a memory perhaps thought to be long forgotten, a memory of her face with THAT look on it. That look, nearly lost to the sands of time and our failing minds... But that too is merely one of her hundred different wordless expressions. These memories of that smile, those eyes that burned with at times more than just a glimmer of evil sparkling in those eyes, and once you knew how to really See, you could see behind the Cheshire grin and hypnotic eyes. I could see that Well Of Stars, the depth of here soul, I see HER... And she saw ME. Lindsey, I'll miss you till I breathe my Last breath. My words can never express my sorrow. I only wish I could have taken all your pain and put it in me... If I could've carried that burden for you, then Maybe I could still see your face, hear your voice and smell your skin.

[@docelephant]

Song recommendation: Winifred by Seth Boyer

[@procrastinator99]

"This will do."

[@RetepAdam]

Seven words reduce me to tears without fail every time: "We're not supposed to move the body." Devastating.

[@RetepAdam]

Fred's death isn't far behind. Wesley's either.

[@RetepAdam]

And Anya's shattered sense of self at the end of "Selfless." Sorry, I'm not a nutter. I'm just on mobile and lack the capacity to edit haha

[@EkseteraEksetera]

+RetepAdam I rewatched "The Body" yesterday and SMG's acting in it is still phenomenal. It's actually even more shattering that Buffy doesn't break down in tears after saying that line.

[@mishael53]

For me, Anya's struggle to understand the humanity of death and how stupidly "mortal" it is gets to me.

[@katie2606]

HA HA HA WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME

[@RobbieBlair]

While Willow's performance in "The Body" is absolutely spectacular, the bit that always gets me is Anya's breakdown. There's something in it (and her performance) that so perfectly captures the impenetrability of loss -- the way it is so entirely inexpressible, impossible to understand. Here's a copy/paste of the scene / monologue I'm referring to: Anya: Are they gonna cut the body open? Willow: Oh my God! Would you just... stop talking? Just... shut your mouth! Please! Anya: What am I doing? Willow: How can you act like that? Anya: Am I supposed to be changing my clothes a lot? Is that the helpful thing to do? Xander: Guys- Willow: The way you behave- Anya: Nobody will tell me. Willow: Because it's not okay for you to be asking these things! Anya (crying): But I don't understand! I don't understand how this all happens. How we go through this. I mean, I knew her, and then she's, there's just a body, and I don't understand why she just can't get back in it and not be dead anymore! It's stupid! It's mortal and stupid! And, and Xander's crying and not talking, and, and I was having fruit punch, and I thought, well Joyce will never have any more fruit punch, ever, and she'll never have eggs, or yawn or brush her hair, not ever, and no one will explain to me *why*.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

That one definitely gets a lot of people. I need to watch the episode again. I think I felt more like Willow in that scene, actually getting annoyed with Anja leading up to that dialogue. But we'll see when we get there for the guide...someday.

[@RobbieBlair]

I can totally understand being annoyed with Anya. Let me see if I can explain why it hit me, though. Anya seems to serve as a device for commentary on social norms because she cuts through the bullshit. Her outsider status allows her to say the sort of things that we all tend to think or feel but aren't allowed to say due to social rules. There's a lot I loved in her speech, but Anya's role here seemed to be to ask these questions that try to understand from a few angles - the mechanics of death, the behavior that follows - without being able to do so. Ultimately, when she breaks down, it is because she is confronting something that our social rules often prevent us from talking about: The fact that death is impossible to understand. We can try to ritualize certain elements of our response and we can try to comfort and we can try to understand the mechanics of how and why death happens. But ultimately, that tangible absence of the Other is something that rests outside of our ability to fully process. By removing the (basically) pointless social rules surrounding death, Anya reaches the heart of the issue, and highlights both the poignancy and the impenetrability of the whole experience. And there we go. Three paragraphs, and I still feel like I didn't get to it at all. :/

[@Cypresssina]

+Rob Blair I think you did a great job. You said exactly what I feel about Anya in that scene. She breaks my heart every time.

[@houseofmatrix6174]

That was one of the best scenes

[@YozoraHeart]

I loved Anya's honesty. I think I always appreciate Anya's character because of how often she's willing to just cut through it all. "Am I supposed to be changing my clothes a lot? Is that the helpful thing to do?" That would normally sound ENORMOUSLY rude, but you have to listen to her tone. It's so honest and heartfelt. I just wanted to give her a hug.

[@topher2113]

"Profound depression isn't really measured by how bad you feel, but by how little you feel." I have never had someone so perfectly describe depression, at least how I have experienced it.

[@dumbdumb977]

I made it with (mostly) dry eyes, but Fred's childish last words broke me. At least you spared us Buffy's heart wrenching "Mommy"

[@lordfarquaad8267]

I get teary just reading that.

[@alexman378]

+Dumb Dumb I think that Fred's last words are so stabbing, is because it's such a simple question to ask in the end when what's happening has absolutely nothing to do with you. Grrrr, that list was tough in general

[@hotbons]

Same.

[@cristonsloan]

I think Marvel kinda stole Joss' dialogue a bit with Fred's last words when they did the final Spider-man scene in Infinity War. They're obviously big fans of his work, considering they chose a TV show maker to write and direct their biggest film ever at the time...

[@andrewwolf1206]

shiver

[@Nixaay]

The ending of Tabula Rasa was a total tear jerker for me, with Michelle Branch playing in the background and Willow and Tara breaking up, Giles leaving Buffy, Buffy feeling so isolated that she seeks refuge with Spike. So much sorrow for so many characters.

[@datickywickygurl]

Dude, Buffy's "Who's gonna take care of us?" speech in "Forever". That one gets me every. damn. time. Also Cordelia's goodbye in "You're Welcome". That's like a dagger in the heart. It took years for me to not cry whenever I heard Anya's speech in "The Body". And I wouldn't consider it a tear-jerker moment because I was actually too shocked by it to cry, but the end of "Seeing Red," "Your shirt" I'd give that an honorable mention. I got a bit choked up by #3 while watching this video. Nice work making a girl cry Ian! :P

[@VanessaLevinPompetzkiWrites]

+Beauty Effulgent ALL OF THOSE :(

[@datickywickygurl]

+Beauty Effulgent Also a few ideas for upcoming vids. Top 10 funniest episodes. Top 10 moments Buffy proved she was a total badass. Top 10 Speeches/Monologues. Top Musical Moments (including live performances & scores). Top Most Shocking Moments.

[@mindyp51a]

+Beauty Effulgent Yep!

[@TulipLynn]

Oh my gosh, Anya's speech still gets me.

[@AryannaEO]

Yeah Cordelia saying "You're Welcome" and then Angel gets the call that she passed and then says "Thank You" that hit me so hard. I just watched both shows for the first time and just finished Angel a couple weeks ago.

[@biancavancleef276]

The moment that always gets me is the end of Dead Things, when Buffy is sobbing into Tara's lap and begging Tara not to forgive her

[@scoutpark5230]

I kinda don’t like myself and it used to be a lot worse and the way that scene resonated with me made me acutely aware of that problem. It helped me and gave me a moment of clarity and feuded one of the most productive sobbing sessions in my last few years

[@coffinmatt]

Four words: "Our rats are low."

[@McBenjiii]

Coffin Matt First soldier down.

[@cristonsloan]

Is that it? Are we done?

[@jayb7775]

Owwwwww.... Seeing it again in "You're Welcome" brings it all back, and adds Cordy on top.

[@laurapeter3857]

Hero

[@michellemaher2010]

The good fight, yeah?

[@HHHBFResurrected]

"The big bad for the sixth season is desperation itself, and how we deal with it through self medication or self destruction" Spot on. As a adolescent teenager I hated S6's lack of cohesive structure, it felt very wishy washy with no credible threat ever built up until Willow on the cusp of the finale. Having watched it back since as a man with fully developed neuroses it instantaneously has become my favorite season. Considering the layered psychology you incorporate into these reviews, I can't wait to hear your impressions of it.

[@catlover-fp5ig]

*depression I don't normally nitpick like this, but it's a very important distinction.

[@swordofetro8291]

Hands down best Buffy/Angel moment ever is in the Buffy/Angel crossover episode that deals with them finally being forever and the story ending, it is called "I Will Remember You, Part 1 and 2". The day has to be swallowed up and Buffy says "I'll never forget" but she does and so does everyone else. Only Angel remembers the day, forever. PS-- Also, Sarah got so into the scene that she really started crying and David messed up his line and said "Sarah, please" to try and get SMG to stop crying.

[@TheJennapink]

That moment in Angel "I Will Remember You" episode when Buffy learns that her and Angel can't be together and she won't remember their time together. It makes me tear up when she learns that they only have a minute to say goodbye. ugh makes my heart ache!

[@mandipandi303]

I just wrote this comment, too! I positively sob every time I watch it. It's one of the few times we see Angel cry in either series, and it destroys me. It's especially heartbreaking that Angel is the only one who remembers they got to be together. I like to think that Angel eventually earns the Shan Shu prophecy, and he and Buffy do get their happy ending for real when Buffy (as she puts it) stops being cookie dough and becomes cookies.

[@hairy_cornflake]

I seriously don't know how many times Alyson Hannigan made me cry in that show. She's just so talented in her role, she just kills it. And it is why Willow is my favorite character.

[@Rozzebella]

I've always thought season 6 of Buffy was the only depiction of depression that I have truly been able to resonate with.

[@gillysummerss]

Buffys emotional arc through the seasons is one that i resonate with very deeply.

[@MrMeow1234321]

While I'm not a Willow/Kenedy fan by any means, I think the killer in me is a great episode that never really gets that much attention. When Willow falls to her knees and begs Tara to come back and apologizes for ¨killing her¨ (she was never gone she was with me) my heart breaks.

[@sparklefairykitten]

For me the most gut-wrenching and tear-jerking scene is when Xander talks Dark Willow down and she collapses into his arms. His repeated affirmations that he will always love her are bringing her back to herself, but she doesn't want to come back because she doesn't want to accept the grief of Tara's death. So she keeps fighting him, until she has no magic left and resorts to punching him with her fists and then finally starts sobbing. So powerful.

[@elvishladdy3404]

As soon as you got to Fred's death, I lost it. Out of either show her death made me absolutely break down into a blubbering mess. And seeing it again brought those feelings all back. Another fantastic video, but I need to go wipe my eyes now.

[@DarkLinknl]

Then i have good news for you in the angel comics that follow after the final season. Fred returns from extinction and reunites with the group🥳

[@kristentaylor3390]

Angel, I will remember you... That episode kills me every time I watch it. The last scene between Buffy and Angel is like a gut punch.

[@jarjared3522]

Doyle's death always hits me real hard as he was one of my favorite characters in Angel. Doyle's story is a very underrated one in my opinion and knowing what happened to Glenn Quinn, the actor who portrayed Doyle, makes his departure all the more devastating. Cordelia's death in Your Welcome is another one that hits me hard as she and Angel share one kiss together and then she is gone, she died in her coma and Angel is alone and emotionally devastated once again.

[@funnyjcutie]

And that tape they played in the series of Doyle doing the commercial "Is that it? Am I done?". Instant sobbing for me.

[@IMeMineWho]

I just wrote those were my 2 picks and then saw your comment!

[@ricstormwolf]

Any of the ones with Fred were excruciating. She was such a sweet, lovable character.

[@BeckettBaladas]

"you are my sunshine, my only sunshine" - "you make me happy..." that scene is just brutal.. ;_;

[@MarcelaR-L]

I first watched this episode 10, 15 years ago? And I can’t listen to this song without thinking of Fred.

[@SmeedyGirl]

Fred and Wesley...oh, man. Excuse while I spend the rest of the day in a perpetual state of sobbing.

[@letsgo33]

"Chosen" gets me every time, because it's the end, because Anya, because I'm saying goodbye to all my favorite characters. I guess I'm a happy cryer though, and when Buffy shares her power, I can't help but cry at the sense of completeness of the show as it illustrates so well what the show itself did to so many girls, me included: empowering them. On the not-happy crying side, I would have "I Will Remember You" way up there.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

+Vanessa Bourdages Chosen is a thrill. Hmm...maybe another list is in order.

[@Yosi-Berman]

As a person who lost his mother at 15 "The Body" speaks to me on a personal level. The crafting of the emotions is simply superb. Xanders anger, Willows want to support without stopping for her own grief, Dawns denial (that was me), Buffys shock, Tara trying to support by bringing up her own grief and then remembering this isn't about her, and I cry every time Anya shares her confusion. And still, even though Tara dies randomly in the most painful way, Freds death was the hardest for me. It's the slow hollowing, the fact that while watching the episode it looks like one of those times the group will save her and everything will be fine right? and the constant reminder that she's gone by Illirias presence

[@babs3241]

I loved the scene in the church with Spike -- one of the best uses of imagery around. I don't remember which site had the essay, but the comment on Spuffy S7 was this: Buffy always blamed herself for Angel losing his soul, and looked at herself badly because of it. Now, she is worth the regaining of Spike soul. It makes her see herself and her worth differently. There's nothing about "Restless" that I don't love, but I guess it wouldn't really make the tragic list. Maybe a nice, refreshing list of most kick-butt fight scenes? :D

[@PeterABarta]

The Willow/Tara moment is beautiful and important, but Anya's speech in the Body is, for me, one of the defining moments of the whole series and perhaps her character's finest moment.

[@schok51]

Great list. Another moment that makes me feel everytime I watch it: the song "something to sing about" in Once More With Feeling. Buffy admitting her depression to her friends, and telling them they're to blame for it("So that's my refrain. I live in hell, since I've been expelled from heaven"). The look of horror and sadness on Willow's face ,realizing what she's done. And then Spike's lines stopping her from killing herself("Life's not a song. Life isn't bliss, life is just this, it's living"). At least the episode ends on a semi good note. And then another intense Buffy/Spike moment in "Dead things" when Spike tries to stop her from getting herself arrested, causing her to lash out at him and beat him up. Very similar to the Faith/Angel moment.

[@alc9633]

i NEVER realised that theme of split personalities and how dawn fitted into it until now Joss WHedon gotta stop messin me up like this fuck

[@michaelduque7198]

So torn, I did sob uncontrollably at "Would you like me to lie to you now?" and I hadn't even really been keeping up with Angel when I first saw it. The raw emotion behind that performance was enough to affect me. However, The Gift has always been my number one emotional episode: just hearing the music can start my eyes to well up. Buffy's sacrifice and last words to Dawn are just gut-wrenching. Also - how could you leave off Anya's monologue during The Body? It's the one time I truly get an sympathy towards her character and just seeing her exasperation and confusion at the whole mortal coil always brings on a good cry. Loved the Top 10, keep 'em coming!

[@STARSTyranT]

Genuinely stunned that Becoming wasn't higher - or that I Will Remember You wasn't featured at all. But top pick for no.1. What a heart breaker - and I also think that Wesley is given the greatest arc in television history. Also Buffy being given the only perfect evening of her life in The Prom should also be considered.

[@jasondetilly5647]

I've been living in Japan for four years. It may sound dumb, but it gets really lonely sometimes, even after going out with a bunch of friends. You have no idea how many times I've let this video play while going to sleep after such nights... Like a far away comforting lullabye. Thank you so much for sharing your love for these two terrific shows. Your videos reach farther than you may think.

[@barkevvv]

sometimes I ask myself "why don't I go and rewatch Angel?" and then I remember, "oh yeah, I don't want to cry like a baby right now" Wesley and Fred are so god damn tragic :l

[@Loungefly37]

"Please Wesley why can't I stay" has to be number 1 for me. Also I love the WIllow and Tara kiss in The Body, but was sweet and beautiful moment in a very brutal episode while Anya's speech about Joyce in the same episode is gut wrenching. Just curious why you chose the former over the latter?

[@PassionoftheNerd]

+Loungefly37 I'm not sure. I know that is a cherished scene in The Body for a lot of people but for some reason it never...quite...landed for me. And it should've. Great performance by Emma and it fits into the thematic exploration of the episode. She is the child's perspective. Freshly human and souled after 1000s of years. I think its all great. But for some reason its just not as meaningful to me as the rest of the episode. There's probably a little more but that episode is so cherished I also don't have any desire to trounce on something that is sacred for people.

[@Loungefly37]

Understandable thanks for the reply! I look forward to your next video.

[@lorenagagamonster]

@@PassionoftheNerd I think it's the performance for me. It feels a bit forced. Just the tiniest bit. I love the monologue and I think it does land but to me there's something lacking in the delivery.

[@mossomness]

I agree with this list SOOOO much. I thought that, as we neared number 1, Wesley's death wouldn't make the cut. It makes me cry more than any other Buffyverse moment. Then it was your number 1, and I was so excited. Mainly because you word things so eloquently. I wanted your input on my favorite character, and his death. And you delivered beautifully. Thank you.

[@Wurzelknecht]

The one that comes to mind that wasn't on the list was "I will remember you" from Angel Season 1. One of the most heartbreaking moments in both series to me.

[@sierrbear13]

The end of the Angel episode "I Will Remember You". I can't believe it wasn't included. It absolutely destroys me every time. Given, I've been a Bangel shipper since day one, but it also makes my Spuffy loving brother ugly cry as well. It's the episode we refer to as "the one that cannot be named". Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Soul crushing. Why couldn't Joss let them be happy, dammit?! :(

[@mckennawest12]

I feel that Spike really did love Buffy, and I think the almost rape needed to happen for their relationship to develop. PLEASE DO NOT CRUCIFY ME JUST YET. After Spike admitted his love for Buffy he didn't want to hurt her. He believes he has enough control over himself that he won't; he thinks he can continue to be the "big bad" and still have her. Yes he fought with her, but fighting had always been something he got off on and honestly sometimes Buffy did too (who kissed who during the fight in the abandoned house?). They are so equal in strength and power their fights, are as Spike likes to call them a "dance". She is so powerful it would take a lot for him to hurt her that way. When he almost rapes her he realizes just how much of a monster he is; he realizes he is still a danger to Buffy no matter how much he wants to think he can change. To quote him "It's the chip. It won't LET me be a monster. And I CAN'T be a man. I'm nothing" It shows him finally realizing something has to change. In the Spike and Buffy scene from the video Buffy ask's him why he got his soul and he says "Why does a man do what he mustn't, for her, to be hers. To be the kind of man who would nev-" try to rape her? He can't even say the word. When Spike talks about Drusilla his language is always very possessive using words like "belong" and "mine". This was the love he was able to show as a vampire but here with his soul he says "To be HERS"

[@cristonsloan]

That's a beautiful last line in your paragraph. Never saw that before. Thank you for that.

[@mydogeatspuke]

I completely agree. So many people forget that when Spike tried to rape Buffy, he was still a soulless demon. He had tried so desperately to fight that nature, to be a man, but it was impossible. He just wasn't wired that way. It was that moment (realising that no matter how much he thought he loved her, he simply wasn't capable of it) that forced him to look at what he was, and it's why he went to get himself a soul. For her. Whilst as a demon his "love" for her was no more than an animal obsession, he still tried his best to do right by her because he foolishly believed after she came back that their darkness was the same. With a soul, he was one of the kindest and most caring people she'd ever known. That part of him was from before he was turned, and he needed the soul to silence the monster that would always overshadow it.

[@Scheherazade-pr4jt]

@@mydogeatspuke Absolutely. Couldn't have said it better myself. From a storytelling perspective, the almost rape is a necessity. Buffy lore establishes that vampires are soulless demons but I think people tend to forget that in regards to Spike and almost seem to have a double standard where they hold him accountable for everything he does but excuse Angel for things like murdering Jenny, torturing Giles, stalking and harrassing Buffy and almost ending the world. I think it comes down to this: there's a clear divide between Angel's behaviour and that of Angelus. The two act so remarkably different that both the audience and characters within the show treat him as almost 2 separate entities. Spike, on the other hand, is different. His behaviour shifts and oscillates over the series without a curse to explain it so the audience attributes it as something inherent to him. As he falls in love with Buffy, we see him show kindness and great acts of selflessness such as when he refuses to reveal Dawn's whereabouts even under torture by Glory. We see him capable of these things and we think it's the real him but really, would any of that have happened without the chip in his head? I think people forget that Spike until that point had never really reformed or even made a conscious decision to be good. The chip is not a substitute for a soul. He never stopped being a monster or even I think stopped wanting to be one. The chip leashed him and rather than banishing the monster in him, it just allowed the traces of humanity left in him to shine through at moments. For his and Buffy's relationship to progress, there had to be a moment where Spike decides to be good by choice, rather than by circumstance as he had been so far and for that to happen there had to be a moment where he realises there was a choice to be made. That's why, while I wish it could have been done any other way, I see Seeing Red as a necessary step for the story and kinda admire Joss Whedon for not being afraid to take the story there.

[@iloveyourunclebob]

Why did this make me cry though

[@mckennawest12]

@Maximus Prime TL:DR if spike hadn't tried to rape Buffy he wouldn't have realized how much of a monster he is and he wouldn't have ever fought to get his soul back. He needed to mess up enough to realize he couldn't remain as he was and be enough for Buffy.

[@JasonLives666]

Once again, a great list. Well thought out, well described. Other Top 10 Ideas 1. Top 10 Actiony Episodes from Buffy/Angel 2. Top 10 Fight Scenes from Buffy/Angel 3. Top 10 So bad its good episodes from Buffy/Angel 4. Top 10 Character Based Episodes from Buffy/Angel 5. Top 10 WORST Episodes from Buffy/Angel

[@MrMeow1234321]

+JasonLives666 or top 10 funniest.

[@jenjen4louise]

My vote's for #3. I know many hate it, but one of my guilty pleasures is Beer Bad. My vote for worst episode would have to be Where the Wild Things Are, which in my opinion had the dumbest plot line.

[@ReneeCamus]

+jenjen4louise Yes, I love Beer Bad. I don't really understand why people hate it so much. Yes, it's a pretty obvious metaphor, but so what. It's funny! :)

[@taylorm6797]

@@MrMeow1234321 Beer Bad is the funniest to me. I loved caveman Buffy. 😂

[@brionycollins7898]

After being a long time fan of Buffy, I finally finished Angel today. I didn't realise how much I loved Wesley until he was gone. Definitely agree with your entire list on this one!

[@triciag4955]

I read this once. I think you might like it . Wesley receives a visit from three women who loved him best. m.fanfiction.net/s/6651325/1/

[@brionycollins7898]

I just read it. It's beautiful! Illyria's voice is captured so well. This story gives me a little closure after Angel finished. Thanks for sharing!

[@triciag4955]

+Briony Collins Glad you enjoyed it

[@kyfarm]

@@triciag4955 Thank you, I have never gotten over them killing Wesley off. I still don't forgive them. I don't even want to see any more of their work. haha Seriously,

[@taylorm6797]

Wesley had the most character development and for me, it was the best part of the show. His downfall from an obnoxious and pompous Englishman Watcher to a gutted social outcast that lost the woman he loved. It was so heartbreaking to see Fred and Wesley to only have a day together when they belonged together the entire time. And his death scene tears my heart out. God Wesley was doomed from the start.

[@alexman378]

To me, this is one of my top 3 scenes to cry on in Buffy "I love you" "Heh, no you don't. But thanks for saying it. Now go! I wanna see how it ends" Everything, the music when Buffy takes his hand and fire comes out, Spike's eyes when he finally gets that sentence after 2 years waiting for it, his realization that it's probably BS but getting to hear it was good enough at this point and the fact that he laughed with that smug face as he was being diminished was so fucking beautiful an ending to this character that I was just left there speechless. I only wish I can be like that when my time comes.

[@TheBloobster]

This is the greatest series in the history of KZbin... maybe the whole galaxy.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

+debisib I dunno. Drunk history is pretty funny. And I really like Walk Off the Earth.

[@RuptimusPrime]

Dude, that's not ok. You can't just do that. You can't just make a grown man cry with a youtube video, that's not cool. Great list though, and I completely agree with what you said at the start - That if you're feeling emotionally numb, this is the show to snap you out of it. You definitely picked the best of the emotional episodes. If I had to pick one that you missed, I think I'd pick the Bangel scene at the end of Amends. I definitely get a bit teary when she says "I tried to make you go away... I killed you and it didn't help and I hate it! I hate that it's so hard..."

[@bradleyelsken1886]

You're very profound and you speak beautifully. You should be an author

[@Thenic_verse]

"You're Welcome" I fee like it's Cordelia's "The Gift". It almost makes you forget about the character Assassination of season 4.

[@VanessaLevinPompetzkiWrites]

+Nic Camp GAH the worst character assassination of all time,

[@Thenic_verse]

+Vanessa Levin-Pompetzki it's truly hard for me to watch most of season 4 lol. She spends 3 episodes with memory loss scared, confused and lost. The arc ruins her because She digresses into this weak and fearful woman. Once her memories do return she's possessed and Idk who that character was "Jasmine" but she was not my Cordy. That was a character assignation lol. I know behind the scenes issues forced this but damn Cordelia suffered lol. it's sad "You're Welcome" almost didn't happen for Cordy.

[@VanessaLevinPompetzkiWrites]

+Nic Camp I agree completely. I was SO disappointed with that story arc, and her brief appearance in season 5 didn't do enough to fix it for me. This article is a great one on Cordy: jennycrusie.com/for-writers/essays/the-assassination-of-cordelia-chase/

[@EkseteraEksetera]

+Nic Camp I hate everything that happens with Cordy in season 4. The fact that there are things in that season that i actually really like is made worse by them being pretty much tied to her arc. I'd rather they have killed Cordelia, one of my favourite characters, off in season 3 than do what they did. I was thoroughly happy with 'You're welcome' though, and i think it's Charisma Carpenter's best performance in the role.

[@Thenic_verse]

+Vanessa Levin-Pompetzki My favorite Article. But on because I'm a Cordelia Super Fan.

[@growrz]

You are absolutely right. I discovered Buffy when I was deep in the throes of depression as well, and it is what helped me reconnect with my emotions. I think I could use that again, and maybe that's why I've been watching the crap out of it and these videos lately. Thank you for providing them. Also, I read that book by Mark Field you suggested and it was fantastic. It's nice to see hints of his analysis in here; it's clear you see things similarly. Congratulations on #50.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

+growrz I try never to go back to Mark's text so that I can continue to develop my own critical voice and perspective, but for this video there was so much jumping around I used it to help me remember what was going on these seasons. I wrote him and told him I was going to cite him as a source here. He's been extremely generous, and his book means a lot to me.

[@growrz]

+Passion of the Nerd It's a fantastic book and I'm glad you recommended it. Between the two of you my perspective on this, my favorite series, has changed for the even better. Wish I could watch with you guys!

[@162Jenni]

I kinda feel the same about The Body. I love it but I can't get myself to really watch it. It's just so emotionally draining. But I do love the moment between Willow and Tara. I think it really shows how important Tara is as a character. Even the moment in the hospital where Tara talks to Buffy.

[@CitanulsPumpkin]

I'd like to see a top 10 ten laugh out loud episodes list. For me the Buffybot episode and Smile Time would be near the top of the list while Him would be number one. "I know how I'll win AJ. I'l kill the principal." Just the sight of Buffy swerving into the school parking lot in her mom's old jeep, only to hop out and draw the rocket launcher she used to kill the Judge was a highlight of the series and a high point for Season 7. Robin Wood's casual paperwork as the Slayer walks into the background and aims a bazooka at his head was priceless. The Bugs Bunny/Scooby Doo style struggle over the weapon as Xander and Spike tackle her and run away was amazing.

[@MrMeow1234321]

+CitanulsPumpkin not to mention ¨his physical presenance has a penis!¨ ¨I can work around it!¨ That one always gets me along with ¨Ice cream my treat?'' I would also put story teller pretty high on the list.

[@guyr3618]

+CitanulsPumpkin Great idea! The masterpiece episode when it comes to humor is "Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered", though. That episode really perfects the escalating-situation type of humor. I was having trouble breathing by the time I finished this episode for the first time, I was laughing so hard. "I know what Xander wants!" "That's funny, I know what YOUR FACE wants!"

[@PseudonymousCoward]

+CitanulsPumpkin I remember loving The Zeppo the first time I saw it. There are a ton of snipes and other kinds of perceptive humor, though the entirety is a little heavy-handed on repeat viewings. Buffy: "I don't know what to do." Angel: "Then let me decide for you. I can face this thing." Buffy: "You can't." Xander: "Is it hard to play guitar?" Oz: "Not the way I play it."

[@toshomni9478]

+CitanulsPumpkin So agreed! Tabula Rasa has to be on the list of funniest episodes for me although it has its share of drama too. Also, any episode that features Angel dancing.

[@AIKIDOJRA]

+CitanulsPumpkin What about Harmony's got minions!, or the epic Xander /Harmony fight?

[@EchoTru24]

Thank you for this. In a low place at the moment, you reminded me that watching relevant buffy episodes always helps me. Also thank you for including the faith and angel moment. That always kills me. An incredibly moving and beautiful scene.

[@tea_fran]

Angel, Season 5. "Oh, and you're welcome." This scene right here is the biggest punch in the gut.

[@montevideo3580]

I REALLY love this video of yours! Especially your intro talking about how "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" deals about human emotions and how you yourself experienced great sense of grief. I think what makes "Buffy" so great is that you can identify with the characters and their emotions. To me there were several cases where I could relate to what the characters were feeling whether this was feelings of being lonely, isolated, rejected or whatever. It gave me some sense of comfort knowing that I'm not the only one who went through this. The show works in several levels and this is one of them.

[@canadiankazz]

Oz and Willow's break-up always makes me cry when I watch it. As soon as Allison's lower lip begins to tremble, I tear up.

[@becomingmoriah]

Great list! Another episode that always makes me cry is Dead Things, especially that last scene when Buffy finally tells someone about her and Spike. Watching her beg not to be forgiven, seeing the shame on her face and Tara just wanting to help her... ugh. Gets me every time.

[@MShaiqable]

Oh and I Will Remember be brings me to tears and breaks my heart every time without fail. Joss really puts us through the ringer. Genius.

[@quinnwilder6990]

I can't believe a simple list video made me cry so hard. What you are doing with these guides is fantastic. I am so looking forward to any more videos you make of whatever sort. Buffy and Angel have always been my favorite TV shows but listening to you talk about them has brought the realization that, more than that, they are two of the best works of art I'm ever likely to experience. What happened to Tara and the stark untheatrical way it was done all by itself makes Seeing Red one of the most heartbreaking episodes. I'd argue that Cordelia's character arc is the best and most unexpected on both shows and Faith's runs a close second. Anya's whole story was brilliant and devastating too even though I hate they way they wrote her final scene.

[@markfudge5642]

a great list, I would only add Anya's I don't understand rant in the '' bodies episode'' Xanders speech to Dawn in potential (season 7) ''you're not special you're extraordinary and when Johnathon gives Buffy the class protector award. more top ten (top ten Anya moments)

[@maxking235]

Damn you! Thanks to you, I'm now a puddle. Great list. How about your funniest Buffyverse episodes, to balance it out? I need a hug.

[@melodyclark1944]

+Max King Band Candy for the win!

[@frakkintoasterluvva7920]

Max King Something Blue, Tabula Rasa, Band Candy from Buffy, Spin the Bottle and Smile Time from Angel. To round up the top 10, maybe The Puppet Show, Intervention, Superstar, Pangs?

[@EchoTru24]

Also "Wesley, why cant I stay?" - 5 of the most heart wrenching words I've ever heard. 😢 did wish you had included anya's breakdown in the Body though. Unless I missed it

[@Hellnogizmo]

Eleven and a half minutes into this video... and I don't think I've ever seen or heard a more elegant way of explaining the heart and soul of this show... I sort of occasionally downplay my fandom for the show. I don't have holy water or stakes lying around, or on my wall or anything... but the show is definitely, and will always definitely.. be in the deepest part of my heart. :) You Sir.. have portrayed that affection excellently. ;)

[@nerdshadow3272]

"I KILLED Angel!" when Buffy is arguing with Xander about whether or not to slay Anya. Her explanation shows that even after all those years, her relationship with Angel was the most important and losing him was the greatest loss. It was a short moment in an episode about something else but my heart felt it big time.

[@ethanf6136]

It also kinda disapproves the statement that their love was immature and puppy love since all these years she still loves him

[@SaraJohnstone91]

I always found Buffy's performance in Innocence where she lies on her bed crying to the most dramatic IMO. It's most likely because as a girl I can relate exactly to these feelings and actions since I've been there. Holding his friendship ring and bursting into tears.. I'm not sure how guys handle the end of relationships, but I've pretty much done exactly what Buffy does in that scene.

[@lunabreeders]

+Sara Johnstone Right? I rewatched this ep the other day and I thought the same thing, this scene is so relatable.

[@Cinephileofmany]

+Sara Johnstone Ah yes, that's a great one. The whole episode really. As a male, I got dumped about two days before I turned 17 by my first love. Pretty much acted this way. Couple of my friends did as well, but we won't talk about that now, though I'm sure we all remember.

[@SaraJohnstone91]

+Gregg Smith Wait so guys actually cry the way Buffy did in that scene? I know guys cry and get sad, I'm not dumb but they act like that too over girls?

[@datickywickygurl]

+Sara Johnstone Yeah girl, I've been there too.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

Yes. Though not recently. It's been at least a week

[@morthempstock9477]

You should have titled this one NSFW because I watched it at work during my lunch and nearly teared up in front of my colleagues.

[@markfudge5642]

Just a thought but there is room for some 2/3 minute top tens. Off the top of my head, 1: Top ten comedy lines. 2: Top ten, one or two episode characters. 3: Top ten character arcs. 4: Obvious top ten moments for each main character. 5: Top ten scenes. I know how hard you work for each episodes and can see you doing on of these quicker ones to break up the challenge of the episode guide while still adding content to this fantastic channel. As always thank you.

[@codeblack9407]

Mark Fudge he definitely should do those

[@anonymous-dirigible]

I'd love to see top 10 character arcs! I think that would be really fun and Ian's take is sure to be interesting.

[@christyballinger5130]

Darn You!!!! I'm a complete crying dork mess, but I still loved it. Ty for these videos on my favorite shows. Great job!

[@sterlingross919]

The episode after A Hole in the World is another one that is heartbreaking. I was already crying during Fred's death but the entire episode afterwards is just heart wrenching. Especially the final scene where she leaves home. Also, another (Angel) episode that had me absolutely bawling You're Welcome. Not because it was sad, per say, but just because of Cordelia. Losing a character that had been there since the very beginning of Buffy and who had gone through such a drastic, magnificent change (season four of Angel aside) was practically traumatic.

[@darkdesigns]

100% agree with the ending of Shells. I have that song on my iTunes library, and just listening to it is enough to make me tear up a bit, thinking about Fred driving away. :'(

[@taylorm6797]

Cordelia's death did something to me. She went from a shallow bitch to a caring and incredible woman. Her character development was fantastic and often point out that she is the embodiment that a person can change.

[@Alex-op1jo]

Although I favor Buffy over Angel as a show, Angel was more heart wrenching to me. I cried and felt grief during season five seeing three members of Angel's team die. It was non stop and I cried during this show MUCH more compared to Buffy. I felt so much heart ache for these characters and what they were going through. I'm still not over the deaths and I don't think I ever will get over them.

[@thegeekclub8810]

Congratulations, Passion! I'm very happy to see you reach this landmark. Your honestly my favorite KZbinr, you've given me a whole new appreciation for Buffy, reviewing, and story-telling. I'm glad I found this channel. I'm a little surprised that Once More With Feeling is my favorite episode, and the verse from Walk Through the Fire "To come and save the day/Or maybe melt away/I guess it's all the same" was one of the most heartbreaking on the show in my opinion. Grief is something we watch with the internal reassurance that the heroes will move past it. Hopelessness is devastating to watch as it is everything we don't want in our heroes, who carry us through our grief. I'm quite happy you put A Hole in the World so high on the list, as its my favorite episode of Angel (and probably of both of the shows) and I feel it is vastly underrated.

[@thegeekclub8810]

I meant to say I was surprised Once More With Feeling didn't make the list.

[@NCC-1701_no_bloody_a_b_c_or_d]

At first I was "YAY, NEW VIDEO!!!!" Then came the memories and the tears. Great list, both shows have such powerful moments, because the characters are so... human. We care so much. What the feel, we feel. When they hurt, we hurt.

[@rocky2332]

My god I love your videos. You and your big brain have read so much more into each series than I possibly could that I feel I've missed so much despite the fact that I've watch each series multiple times. Thank you

[@thechosengirlreviews]

Great #1! Fresley! That scene is so heartbreaking.

[@jmwild1]

The part of Faith's moment you cut past that hit me in the gut harder than the rest of that scene was when the fight shifted quickly from a choreographed dance to her pounding on Angel's chest, seizing, and exploding in pain while screaming "I'm evil! I'm bad!" over and over before she begs to die.

[@notsosuperpete1689]

"I Will Remember You" is my number 1 tearjerker easily! Although there's so many others to chose from. Great picks!:) How about top 10 funniest lines. Hmm, might wanna make it top 100...

[@PassionoftheNerd]

+NotSoSuperPete This one took forever and a day. How about a top 5?

[@TunezCottage]

I think I was near tears at at least four separate times watching this. Good job, you managed to just interrupt the moment and move on to the next in a manner as to stop me from completely breaking down. In one of the comments below I read the monologue from Anya (The Body) and it actually broke me. I could hear her delivery in my head. It's heartbreaking really because she's reflecting a child's thoughts on losing someone they held close. Which is something I can relate to. There are just so many layers to the reactions from everyBODY in that episode. I can't wait to see your talk on it. I'm currently watching your guide side-by-side with my latest rewatch of the series and have only gotten past season 1. Loving it so far. I'm on season 5 of Angel tho so you have some catching up to do but keep taking your time because the quality of the content you're providing is more than worth the wait.

[@literosexual6541]

I love this video so much, I've re watched it so many times I can't count them anymore.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

Hmm...I should make a new one then.

[@literosexual6541]

+Passion of the Nerd Yes please!

[@Jage24]

Yes! I constantly rematch this video just for the opening monologue. It's beautiful.

[@elizabethaustin3296]

For me, "Wesley, why can't I stay?" is the most devastating line. In anything. Ever. Fred is such a beloved, well-developed character, filled with optimism and a determination to live life to the full even in the darkest of moments, and with the potential to do so much with her life. And she was just starting what would have been a wonderful, heart-melting relationship. There's just so much she hasn't done yet! And she's so undeserving of this fate! That line is supremely painful, not only because of all of Fred's ties to the world, but also because of what it must do to Wesley, who has always loved her and has always loved to watch her blossom.

[@rainaworkman549]

I Will Remember You? Was kind of surprised that was left out. SMG's face is the epitome of devastation.

[@georginakaye1021]

It took me over a year to find your video, but I have just watched it, finally, and all I can say is... Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It is so wonderful to watch such a finely crafted video about the emotional complexities of Buffyverse. Like you, it changed my life.

[@hpaich]

My heart breaks at the beauty and pain. Bangel FOREVER.

[@AYoung1368]

I come back to this show and these videos time and time again. I appreciate Buffy and you for this oasis when the world becomes too much. From the bottom of my heart, thank you

[@LeftHandedGuitarist]

Well, that's started my morning off with a lot of tears! Completely agree with #1.

[@wavwouv]

Thank you for this video, excellent work as always! Personally, it's Anya's monologue in The Body that gets me every time I have watched the episode. The kiss comes more as a small relief and then I'm reduced to tears because Joyce will never have fruit punch again... sniff..

[@MShaiqable]

Oh God the feels! I agree with you though I'd change the numbers up for me. The one you missed which I'd want to add is that scene from Amends between Buffy and Angel up on the hill. Wesley's character development is one of my favourites too. Love Alexis Denisof for making me feel so much. Thanks for this video! Buffy and Angel always help be through my depression.

[@taylorm6797]

I forgot about Angel and Buffy on the hill. That scene guts me every time I watch it. The pain from loss is visible in both eyes and Angel's guilt is actually tearing him apart. I love it.

[@lenzino7383]

"Hush", "I Will Remember You", "Restless", "Waiting In The Wings", "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been", "Lullaby", "The Wish", etc. There are too many brilliant episodes from both series to deconstruct and analyze but I commend you for choosing only 10! Great job! :)

[@rainaworkman549]

God, I just want to listen you talk about Buffy ALL THE TIME.

[@babydollsarah]

I just wanted you to know how much I love your whole Buffy & Angel series. I finally have a place I can obsess about the buffyverse and I just really appreciate your channel!

[@lextasy227]

I love these top 10 videos! Not only do i like hearing ur favorites but u remind me of scenes ive forgotten about! I completely blocked Fred dying in my memory and omg yes i love Wesleys whole character arc in both series. Faith yelling im bad in the alley to Angel ugh such a good scene

[@crystaldragon15]

Your analysis of the Buffyverse is pretty astounding! I really enjoy your videos.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

Thank you.

[@joshuabraddy6264]

Great video! For me, a moment that always makes me teary is when Spike goes to shoot Buffy after she's received her bad news and he finds her on the back porch. There is so so much subtlety and nuance in James Marster's performance there - the slight dropping of the shoulders, a softening of the brow - its just too much! Also, another would be when Buffy re-invites Spike into her home after he says he'll wait outside while she grabs equipment etc. Arrgh. Loving the channel by the way, its really quality stuff. As for other episodes you could do, personally I'd just love to hear you do specific character episodes in which you discuss a character's actions throughout the series - analyze them, probe them, talk about what themes they embody and how they change and evolve over the series. I think that could be very interesting.

[@claradiaz7497]

I haven’t been able to rewatch Buffy in a hot second (thanks Netflix) but the last time I did, I was honestly a different person. Back then, I obviously felt the emotion The Body tries (and succeeds) to convey, but now, it means infinitely more to me, especially the scene between Willow and Tera. Two women, left confused and grieving, a person they thought of as family suddenly absent from their lives. It really hits home now. Thanks for including that scene.

[@being_nonchalant]

I really love your videos, you have an excellent narrative voice and I feel as though I am going through the pain of each scene as I did the first time as you recall them back to me. I'd love for you to do more Angel videos! Maybe some more 'top ten....' Or discussing individual characters arcs throughout both buffy and angel.

[@JOTennisVid]

His narrative voice makes think of the narrator in the movie Stand by me.

[@danielfalt1]

One of the most beautiful intro's I've ever seen to a list like this. Thank you.

[@Cinephileofmany]

Hmmm, the Buffy Angel breakup scene is very sad in The Prom. Has you hanging on every sentence. As always, excellent content.

[@ryanthompson1244]

#3 "Why can't I stay:" The scene between Lorna, Fred and Westley on the stairs is among the best bits of acting I've ever seen. The look on Lorgne's face is magical and haunting. Great video.

[@c.b.5535]

When Buffy is brought back after the sacrifice, and she pretends to be happy.......that was soul crushing.

[@sorcerer421]

dude... the way you speak about buffy and angel... please dont ever stop, I love the videos keep them coming scoobies like you are amazing and is one of the reasons i love this shows and the fandom. youve gave me such a different perspective with some stuff of the show... I cant wait for you to get to some episodes. but I digress, no mention of anya's speech on the body? willows speech is super powerfull, but anya left me broken... just as much as buffy saying "mommy" at the end of "I was made to love you"

[@JennyDarmody]

Good God that was good. I loved the intro and the moments were well picked. The Fred story was definitely one of the worst (best - but horrible) story lines for me because it's so rare that we lose our main characters. When we do, it's often expected in season finales or in big battles. It also often happens quick. What was most difficult about Fred was it was quite out of the blue and just felt like another dramatic episode but they were obviously going to figure out how to save her at the end...and then they didn't. And then to make matters worse, realising Illyeria had taken over her body I remember thinking there's still a way to fix this. It's mystical, they'll get Fred back. And then that gradual yet blunt realisation that there's no way to bring her back ever is so gut wrentching, I almost felt like I'd missed her death altogether because I wasn't processing it properly when it was happening. It's akin to how I felt reading the end of the sixth Harry Potter book, waiting for things to right themselves and having to come to the realisation on my own that they won't ever right themselves. Apologies, your videos force me to write long comments!

[@brittonius2]

I discovered this channel yesterday and I've already watched all your Buffy Reviews so far. You've astutely and masterfully broken down why I love BOTH these series, more so why I love certain episodes. Pretty much this entire list has a place in my heart. I honestly started to tear once you got to "The Body" and was all down hill from there. I cannot wait for your review Season 5 of Buffy. It's my favorite season and the brief mention of duality and split personality is probably one of the reasons why I love that season. I remember when Glory first appeared saying that she's kinda like Buffy or a Slayer on steroids. Buffy even mentions in one episode Glory's personality and attitude reminded her of Cordelia. And given your analysis Cordy having been the shadowself of Buffy, I think that it was an excellent observation of Glory being the darker, colder, uncontrollable and unstoppable part of Buffy that she could've been. Thank you so much for these videos, your thoughts and reviews, and I look forward to viewing more!

[@maybezan8149]

The yellow crayon speech is the one that absolutely guts me.

[@maybezan8149]

Oh, good! You cover it in the other top ten :)

[@psimplegamer46]

It's amazing how beautiful the cinematography on Buffy was. It still holds up and your brilliant insights go so well with the images that this video is a masterpiece.