Buffy the Vampire Slayer S05E02: 'Real Me' Analysis & Breakdown | Passion of the Nerd

[@saar144]

This episode has one of my favorite quotes of the entire show: Harmony: “Slayer, at last we meet” Buffy: “we’ve met, Harmony, you halfwit”

[@Philbert-s2c]

Yeah, I love that bit.

[@Xehanort10]

Harmony's so useless nobody ever bothered to stake her.

[@rwwilson21]

It has one of mine too. In the same scene actually. Buffy: " Harmony, when you tried to be caption of the cheerleading squad, you were bad. When you tried to be chair of the Homecoming committee, you were really bad; but, when you try to be bad...you SUCK!"

[@MrGeekFreek]

This is also the episode where Anya's love of money started. Anya: Look at this. Now I'm burdened by a husband and several tiny pink children and more cash than I can reasonably manage. Xander: That means you're winning. Anya: Really? Xander: Yes. Cash equals good. Anya: I'm so pleased. Can I trade the children in for more cash?

[@Textile_Courtesan]

That's called insurance fraud, I tell the screen each time I watch her say that.

[@Anjalena]

@@EmoBearRights True, but that's not the point of the statement by Anya or why it's funny. =)

[@ryukisgod2834]

Anya: I have 3 kids and no money😭 Anya: why couldn’t I have no kids and 3 money?

[@subutaynoyan5372]

Thing is, it was the first thing Anya did in harmony of her friends and surroindings. The first thing that she appreciated about american society was capitalism.

[@MarsiaPowers]

@@ryukisgod2834 Is still say "Money into Money Money Money"

[@LoungingPotato]

I honestly really like Dawn. *Especially* throughout season 7. She gets so much hate, which I understand but only to a point. I will say that it can be tough to empathize with a character who is *meant* to be obnoxious but if most people can do that for Cordelia, Xander, Harmony, or Anya, then I don't see why the same can't be done for Dawn. Also, Tara and Dawn have one of my absolute favorite relationships in the show and I will continue to thrive off of their natural familial bond until the day I die

[@tsstevensts]

Can I share a scene from season six? "I'm old enough to look at the books. That's a strange place for a horn..." Tara grins as it dawns on her.

[@LoungingPotato]

@@tsstevensts Your contribution is very much appreciated. Thank you for sharing Scene #59 on why I love Tara and Dawn's relationship

[@menachemsalomon]

Tara groks Dawn in a way none of the other characters do because she too is a younger sister.

[@Crinbo]

She’s one of the best things about Season 7 imo

[@naet1983]

@GiRayne Amy Adams played 'Cousin Beth'. I think Donnie was her brother but i'm not sure if he was older or younger than her.

[@Braxiatel_Collection]

My favourite joke in this episode was always the one where Dawn says she told Joyce she wants to be like Willow and Tara but she went really quiet and made her go upstairs. Gold!

[@klaramu6070]

Interestingly, this is played for laughs (very effectively, I might add) in a brief scene between Joyce and Willow/Tara in 5x1 Buffy vs Dracula, which in turn very strongly infers that Willow must have had "a talk" with Joyce between that episode and this one.

[@paulhammond6978]

@@klaramu6070 Yes. I always loved that Real Me told us without telling us that Willow had clued Joyce in in the meantime.

[@MrAwesomebassplayer]

Dawn can’t be the worst character in the buffyverse because Connor exists.

[@doublepipe.]

He wasn't too bad in season 5.

[@Philbert-s2c]

@@doublepipe. Considering that he was only in one or two episodes, that's not saying a whole hell of a lot :)

[@doublepipe.]

@@Philbert-s2c But in those episodes, he was way better than before.

[@josephdavis9234]

He's also pretty cool in the comics.

[@argo1221]

@@doublepipe. Exactly, season 5 shows how growing in a good and stable family allowed him to be a better person. I don't particulary like Connor as a character neither I hate him. What people tend to forget is that he grew up without the "good principles of life". Holtz taught him to be a warrior, to be merciless and to hate Angel, during 17 years!!! So of course he wasn't going to change in some months. He's like an allegory of the kids who grow up in horrible families with bad education and when they're taken away from their abusive parents and arrive to a new family, they don't suddenly become angels with good manners.

[@menachemsalomon]

Of the Scoobies, Tara is the only one that _is_ a younger sibling. As far as we know, neither Buffy, Willow, or Xander has any older siblings (or younger, even), and Anya, well maybe Aud had siblings, but they're long dead. Tara, on the other hand, has a bossy, annoying, likely misogynistic, and (almost) abusive older brother. So she understands "with perfect clarity" what Dawn feels like, and empathizes with her wonderfully. For similar reasons, I've always liked Dawn. I don't even have to go to meetings. (The difference between alcoholics and drunks, you know.) Because I have an older brother, and I am an older brother to five others.

[@georgebailey8179]

They're also the newcomers to the gang. Sure, Dawn has retrospectively been there since Buffy arrived in Sunnydale, but only now is she becoming old enough to hang with them. I wonder to what extent they're bonding as the outsiders.

[@taylordot8431]

(SPOILERS) I remember people being mad at Dawn because of how she reacted to finding out she's The Key and I wonder how exactly people thought she was supposed to react to finding out her life and memories are all fake, because I have no idea how I'd respond in her position.

[@fadedneverland6091]

Exactly. Michelle gets hate for that too but I think, as a 14-year-old actress acting alongside many seasoned pros, she did a great job with really tough material. Team Dawnster.

[@mindyp51d]

YES!

[@sterlingross919]

In Go Fish's defense, we did get to see Xander in a speedo.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

Xander in a banana hammock is a sound defense for most things.

[@frogurtcremebrulee5252]

The first time I started to realize I was gay.

[@romeocastillo316]

@Steven Lee "wet buffy"? Really?

[@romeocastillo316]

@Steven Lee yikes

[@FadzaiSimango]

**sigh** '90s Nicholas Brendon was underutilized. That scene was an unexpected instance of the 'female gaze' landing on a male character who had otherwise never been sexualised (in say, the way Angel, Spike and Riley were).

[@paraboo8994]

I remember being hella confused when Dawn suddenly popped up, seemingly with a whole backstory I somehow had missed and everyone in the show going on as if nothing had happened. I think it's a testament to the writing that they planted her in there and then dragged the reveal out for as long as they did. It made for a really great hook.

[@ninjanibba4259]

It’s a testament of bad writing on this part

[@PaxIesus]

My name is Pax, and I like Dawn. Though, to be fair, I hated her when I first watched through the series. Well, I was confused by her and then hated her. Subsequent viewings, in context of who she was, made me appreciate all that she brought to the saga. While introducing a new sibling or marriage is often the sign that a show has jumped the shark, for Buffy, it was the herald to my favourite season.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

HI, Pax.

[@thekueken]

@The Reverse Maybe it can join with the support group for classic Sailor Moon fans that started liking/appreciating the pink girl Chibi-Usa on reruns / when getting older...

[@Beacuzz]

I put it in someone else's comment but I'll put it here too. I think Dawn just reminds to many of us of who we were in middle school and high school. The Scoobies all feel just polished enough to be metaphors and good characters but Dawn feels so much realer. I knew kids like her. Hell, some of her reactions I had!

[@bobgray6498]

I love Real Me. Having a lower score than Go Fish is completely ridiculous lol I like Dawn too! She's definitely grown on me a whole lot. I like her even better as she matures

[@katiestolealltheunicorns9309]

I think maybe many teens watching the show were like Dawn when they wanted to be Buffy.

[@thekueken]

So, in a sense while Buffy was everything to strive for, Dawn was everything they disliked about themselves, hence the hate? But also, I think, as an adult one can appreciate the awkwardness of being a teen much easier, than when you're a teen and just feel shame and - through Buffy's POV - annoyance.

[@Meg_intheclouds]

I am a combo of like season 1-3 willow and Dawn. I mean I’m about the age of willow season 1, also super nerdy (and gay lol). I can relate a lot to both. In season 5-7 Dawn feels so relatable to me, like I always really liked her. Everyone is like that as a teenager really, like her whole crush on xander we’ve all crushed on someone way older than us because we find them cool and nice. And like I find her diary so cute

[@StarlightDreamDolls]

The first time I watched Buffy as a teen, Dawn was annoying. Watching it again as an adult... I looooove her to bits. Also, season 5 is one of my fav. Best villain too

[@ginime_]

I find Dawn a little annoying but teenagers her age can be really annoying so it's very fitting for the character

[@StarlightDreamDolls]

@GiRayne Totally agree. As an adult, I love characters for the way they add to the story, for how they are, cohesively speaking (if that makes sense, english second language), so I absolutely ADORED her.

[@StarlightDreamDolls]

@@ginime_ and I love that about her

[@lacrartezorok4975]

Well, i was the annoying little sibling, and this episode made me feel more empathy for Buffy than for Dawn.

[@StarlightDreamDolls]

@@lacrartezorok4975 I was the big sibling always annoyed, I guess that's why I hated her as a teenager. But growing up changed my views.

[@Elisheval]

Never understood the miss muffet thing, thanks. This episode has one of Anya's best lines: "Can I trade in the children for more cash?" Looooove it!

[@RBailley]

Completely lost it at "LOWER THAN GO FISH!!!" Nothing deserves that.

[@jmwild1]

Really? Really?! REALLY??

[@tsstevensts]

When I have done writing and the topic of rape came up it's treated as low hanging fruit, too easy a thing for amateurs to use as some cheap shock or way to make a villain vile. Go Fish really demonstrates how it can be used as a crutch for bad writing. Instead of going the more nuanced idea of the coach wanting what's best for the team they take the easy way out and use rape for some cheap heat and karma. Buffy's Bond liner is easily up there with the worst in the series.

[@JohnZ117]

That it rates lower than "Teacher's Pet" irks me more. I can tolerate "Go Fish," to a point, on a really good day, but never the other.

[@RBailley]

"Teachers Pet" always gives me a laugh with the casette tape.. "Go Fish" nothing, nada. Maybe a giggle for "Dude, what is that foulness?" but for all the wrong reasons.

[@saar144]

Doublemeat Palace does.

[@fightscrimewhilesleeping4024]

Yeah, I hated Dawn my first watch through. But, in retrospect, I feel like a lot of that was "Dawn was a typical teenage girl (um..."keyness" notwithstanding), and /I/ was a typical teenage girl full of self-loathing and internalized misogyny that I was projecting onto a fictional character." (Like, I was literally fifteen when season 5 was airing). Now, hating Dawn just feels...SO adolescent, y'know? Like, grow up and stop hating on a fifteen-year-old lol.

[@Wednesdaywoe1975]

I was a little older than Buffy, so I felt protective of her, as Buffy eventually did.

[@oliviamackenzie9725]

Speaking for the teenage girls, HEY!

[@cepahreinholt8710]

Exactly what I felt. As a teenager girl I couldn't stand tipycal teenager girl behaviors. I was probably a little bit anti youth and misoginic (I was only friend with guys at the time).

[@timf7413]

I feel the same way in regards to a lot of Xander's more obnoxious moments, given that I was a teenage boy when the show was originally airing and found a lot of that relatable, even though some of those same things make me cringe a bit in retrospect.

[@izabella7174]

I hate children so maybe that's why I can't stand Dawn

[@mindyp51d]

I think the biggest problem people had with Dawn was the characters was originally written to be 10 to 12 years old. Then, when Michelle Trachtenberg came in to read for the part and blew Whedon et.al. away, the writing wasn't really adjusted for age, and Dawn just seemed incredibly immature--and it didn't help that Buffy, Joyce, Giles, and the Scoobies were written to continually treat her as that original 10 to 12 year old, i.e., a prepubescent who hadn't been exposed to a household in which Slayers, vampires, witches and "things that go thud in the night" were a regular occurrence. It was sorta like forcing a square peg into a round hole.

[@madelinekurtz2243]

I get why people hate Dawn, I like her a bunch. As a middle child I relate to her SO much.

[@TheCrippledEgg]

Same. I can see why she comes off as annoying, but for the most part I can see where she comes from.

[@RachL87]

She isn't a middle child though, she's the youngest.

[@Yellowbulma]

when I first watched Buffy when I was a kid I hated Dawn with a passion. Now that Im older and have rewatched Buffy so many times, I actual like Dawn.

[@TheTWK70]

I love Dawn. She can a little annoying at times but that's to be expected and realistic. She's great character.

[@tsstevensts]

I absolutely love Dawn, the bit here with Xander would extend later in the season but with Spike, love a bit in the comics where during fighting it's Xander clinging to her leg and not the other way around. The bits that are read as her being annoying...about the only characters without scenes where they are annoying or outright nasty are Tara and Oz, and most of the cast had done far worse than anything the Dawnster had.

[@cognitivedissonance8406]

In keeping with the metaphorical nature of Buffy’s relationship to the Scoobies, I’ve always read Dawn as Buffy’s inner child. She has even less of a choice to grow and accept her role as adult with Dawn’s sudden presence forced on her.

[@allsingersme]

I really like Dawn too. I feel like too many people take her at face value in this episode and then... Don't bother paying attention to her or her character development. She's great. Also not my fav - how could she be when Buffy AND Spike AND Willow AND Tara are RIGHT THERE - but she's definitely an under appreciated gem.

[@MrUseless247]

Character development??? she remained a whiny little brat throughout her entire run. You would think she would have a special bond with Spike since he babysat her while Buffy was dead, or you think she wouldn't be a brat after her mother JUST died, how about when she threw a fit cuz she wasn't in Buffy's disillusional episode while she still was having a mental break down. IDK LoL I couldn't stand that character, and I will never understand why they wrote her in the show. Tara and Spike were perfect additions, but I can't say that about Dawn.

[@allsingersme]

@@MrUseless247 lol ok, I guess you agree with them

[@MrUseless247]

@@allsingersme LoL...it woulda been more tolerable if she was a younger child. Buffy became a slayer when she was a teenager, so having a bratty teen didn't fit the dynamic.

[@AggieNC]

@@MrUseless247 I disagree, Season 5 was all about her discovering her place in the universe. Wanting to step up like Buffy, but finally being accepted as Buffy's sister even though it was via magic. Season 6 was about Buffy learning to let go of protecting Dawn by herself and instead training Dawn in self-defense. Dawn was also still dealing with the lost of her mother and Buffy, plus Buffy's distance and coldness. In Season 7, Dawn was finally stepping up and helping with the slayers and battling the final big bad, she learned that being a Slayer wasn't her calling and that instead she could help teach the slayer trainees. Similar to Buffy, she was fighting to have a normal life. Don't let her current feelings for her blind you. Confirmation bias prevents us from seeing what we don't want to see.

[@MrUseless247]

@@AggieNC I still disagree. After Buffy figured out that wasn't her sister, she learned how to accept her pretty quickly. She knew Dawn was made out of her essence, so in many ways Dawn wasn't just her sister, she was part of her. Dawn being trained on how to protect herself didn't do much. Dawn (repeatedly) continued to make one bad choice after another, to the point where Buffy had to scold her like a child, reminding her how her own calling (as the slayer) came around the same age as Dawn. The only difference between the two, Dawn has a kick-ass superhero sister to protect her, and if shes willing train her. All she had to do was quit acting like a small naive child, and quit making idiotic decisions. Once she does, she doesn't just put her own life in danger, it puts everyone else in harm's way. They'll now have to run out, and put their life on the line to save Dawn. What I recall about their mother's death was pretty heart wrenching and a well directed episode. However, Dawn continue to be Dawn. She whined like a child, gave Buffy attitude when she tried to comfort her, and had a stink-face when Buffy wasn't. Didn't bother to take in that her older sister lost her mother as well. She wasn't considerate of those around her (though, they aren't family) they still had a fondness over Joyce (including Spike). Yet she still couldn't quit acting like a spoil brat. And Dawn finally stepping up and fighting the big baddy was something she finally did right (... Kinda!!!). Not after she bitched-&-moaned about not being a chosen one, than did the same when she thought she was one. She didn't have her sister's back, and told her to leave the house, just cuz Buffy was being straight forward with her pep-talks for the Scooby gang and the potentials. It's okay for Buffy to get her ass handed to her and die to protect them, but it's a no-no if she couldn't protect them all. At that very moment Dawn shoulda been the one to stand up for Buffy, but she instead stood against her. And let's not forget when Willow brought her back from the dead, how THEIR debt was now Buffy's. Dawn had more than one occasion to step up and show the audience she wasn't a self-centered child, but she never did.

[@austins3399]

Thank you, Ian, for perfectly articulating why I love this episode and why I completely support Dawn as a character. Long-running shows can often struggle to integrate a new character into established dynamics, but every aspect of Dawn’s presence in the show just *fits* so perfectly. I completely buy her relationships with the Scoobies and I love what she adds to the series from here forwards. My favorite interactions Dawn has are the ones with Spike later on in the season. He calls her “niblet”! Also, I would give up the world for Tara. She continues to show that she’s the most kind and empathetic character on the show. I’m fascinated by the way she acts as a “grounding influence”, as you once put it, in a way that’s distinct from Oz but equally amazing. I firmly believe that if Buffy had explained her turmoil to Tara earlier in season 6, everything would have been OK by the midseason. In fact, everything would have been OK forever. Everyone is OK. Let me have this. I’m not ready to cover season 6.

[@countrye3013]

I liked Dawn's character more after understanding her thematic role in the season. I started watching Buffy quite young and most of everything went right over my head.

[@MichaelPerlov]

Hey, thanks for giving Riley props! Also totally agree about Dawn, I think it might be hard to appreciate her character at first, especially at a young age, but as one becomes older/more mature, she becomes easier to relate to.

[@quinnsinclair7028]

Michael Perlov Just like Season 6.

[@Beacuzz]

I think she might remind too many of us of what we were like. Buffy and the Scoobies are all a little polished for middle school/ high school. Dawn feels like kids I knew.

[@toshomni9478]

Never understood why people make fun of his looks or acting. The problem with his character was entirely in the writing.

[@izabella7174]

@@Beacuzz she made me reconsider having kids

[@LLivLLaffLLuv]

Every once in a while on the Buffy subreddit someone is like "Who is Dawn??? Did I somehow miss something???" It's great, people are good about not spoiling.

[@hnek]

I like Dawn too! as a person who has both been and had younger siblings I think she does a great job and also expands beyond that. Boy I love this season.

[@livmammonepoems]

“And I curse the life that doesn’t include Anthony Stewart Head coming over and speaking softly to me at bedtime.” Preach. Thank you so much for this analysis. I ADORE this episode and I love Dawn. Although I think that has to do with me not watching Buffy until my late 20’s (and tbh with Harriet the Spy being a childhood hero.) So it feels excellent that you enjoy it as well!

[@ipereiramoral]

My name is Irene, and I like Dawn. And I need that Spike T-shirt very badly.

[@Formallyknownashandle]

Been waiting on a new video from you. Your channel is appreciated! I ❤️ Buffy.

[@wendywhoisit1819]

And I ❤ both Buffy and Angel reviews

[@1nelsondj]

I'm a fan of this episode, it's brilliant in how it shows us Dawn's place in the world without actually explaining how she got here after 4 years of nonexistence. A reflection of that which you didn't mention is how many times we hear her speak from off-screen, as if she's always been there on the sidelines, just out of shot. The show is implying maybe she was there all along we just didn't notice. Cute.

[@alexandraschroeder2327]

Man....now I curse the life that doesnt include Anthony Stewart Head speaking softly to me at bedtime And, uhh... My name is Alex And I like Dawn

[@PassionoftheNerd]

HI, Alex.

[@Grenn1471]

I like Dawn........... ..... Well........season 7 Dawn, anyway....

[@alexandraschroeder2327]

Dawn's great in s7

[@thomasknash]

Side note: I also love how meta this episode is and the character of Dawn is. She is the retcons on tv shows and comic books come to life, and for her and other characters to become aware of that fact. It's like watching Bewitch and people suddenly realizing that is a different Darren.

[@TheTragedyMachine]

so the marcus blucas meme is still going good very good

[@jmwild1]

What's the over/under on seeing Riley Sex Face again?

[@jmwild1]

@m jam Between now and Into the Woods we're going to see it again. I feel it. Be prepared.

[@justabitofamug6989]

Dawn really is a relatable character. She even gets a crush on spike, which we can all relate to at some point in the series

[@Alfador42]

Dude, there's a no words to express how much I love these reviews. Please never stop.

[@hufflepuffin17]

Heading over to IMDB to do my small part to boost that score. Who's with me?!

[@beachgirl4583]

I am! I did it after the edit session last night.

[@abcliam123]

It is now a 7.2 on IMDb seems like a good score for it

[@donsample1002]

You're correct that this episode is criminally underrated, and I like Dawn, too.

[@maribeld84]

I love Dawn! Yes she has her moments, but I agree with your comments about how in this very first episode she does feel like she's always been there

[@TheKeyser94]

I think the character really impact Dawn as a character is the one were Buffy is the mental hospital, were we left wondering what is Buffy real world. The fantasy world were she have huge responsibilities but a broken family or the one were she is a mental hospital? That episode give you nightmares because it left you wonder if all what it pass in the last seasons was real.

[@bridgettejohnson4910]

Hi my name is Bridgette, and I too like Dawn. In all seriousness though, watching Buffy at a pre-teen age, her character gave me an "in" into the show I never thought I would have. Dawn created an invitation into this world that the other characters don't provide. Especially when you have a bossy older sister.

[@tanyamue8752]

I just found your channel and now I'm pausing my Buffy and Angel rewatch so I can binge all of your videos first. None of my friends have ever watched Buffy so watching your videos and reading all the comments is a great substitute for actually discussing the show with anyone. So thank you tons! I've been wondering if you've ever heard of Syfy's The Magicians? I found it by going through a couple of lists along the lines of "what to watch when you miss BTVS" and even though Buffy will (probably) forever be my favorite show, The Magicians now comes in second ever since I discovered it two years ago. It's similar to Buffy in that it effortlessly combines drama, fantasy and comedy, often makes you feel the most when it's being the most ridiculous and has a lot of great social commentary and pop culture references. I find it not quite as deep and thought out as Buffy but nonetheless, it's a very entertaining and a lot more cynical and bottom line, I'd love for you to watch it and make the same style of video essays for it plsss.

[@quinnsinclair7028]

Damn I loved the bit. I was really pulling for that to continue through the season.

[@lorijones9579]

This is one of my favorite episodes because of Harmony mostly. I love the note wrapped around a rock and her "at last we meet." Nobody gets that Dawn is so new and therefore can't help being disruptive to their lives. Buffy's compassion for Dawn jumps when she realizes that Dawn is a helpless young girl who really did not grow up knowing all the rules.

[@alluretxff8753]

YESS! this episode has got to be on my favourite btvs episodes list. we get to see dawn as a person (even tho we don’t really know she’s not really buffys sister yet) and harmony and her “gang”s attempts at the slayer were way too funny. the episode as a whole is pretty hilarious. down to harmony and her minions and spikes one memorable line “what evil for dummies?”. also anyas beginning obsession with cash in the game of life.

[@MANJYOMETHUNDER111]

It's ok Ian, I like her too.

[@MrUseless247]

You are the reason why I had to binge watch Buffy and Angel. IDK if I should thank you or hate you, both series has their moments.... I look back with some confuse memories. LoL!!!

[@zenmasterfu]

I love how she is immediately intimately there, without explanation. Like a classic day time soap bringing in a new character as ratings slip, but infinitely better handled. The brilliance of BtVS continues.

[@danieljohnson6975]

"She also dislikes alot of the things we do", Shows Riley

[@davidhaim5099]

Dawn is ok. The problem with her character is that they writers didn't quit know what to do with her in later seasons. In season 5 she is exactly what she was written to be: the young annoying sister of Buffy who happens to be an ancient magical key. She also symbolizes the human side of Buffy,unlike Glory that symbolizes the slayer side of Buffy. Problems start in season 6 - the writers had no idea what to do with her, and she kind of feels "redundant" as a character. In season 7 anyone anyway got pushed aside by the sheer number of new characters, so even in season 7, she has no real character or plot role.

[@LucyLynette]

I've always appreciated Dawn's potential as a character in this story, and always been deeply disappointed in the actual execution. Nothing against MT personally, but I think if they had stuck with the plan of making Dawn a child rather an adolescent, it would have compensated for a lot of the problems, at least partially. But no, SMG brought MT to Joss' attention like she wanted to adopt a puppy, essentially "I like her. Can we keep her?" And the writing didn't actually accommodate the change. It's not believable to me that a little sister old enough to clearly remember Darla nearly killing Joyce in the kitchen would still be as sheltered, spoiled, immature, and not understanding of Buffy's life as Dawn is. There are flashes of moments of Dawn acting according to her age and the maturity level one would expect from a girl of her upbringing, but it doesn't start to get even mildly consistent until around Wrecked, a year and a half down the line. By then, much of the audience would have been glad to see that particular episode go worse for her, but for the impact it would have on Buffy. Dawn's thematic role in Buffy's life is a magnificent addition to the circle of metaphor-laden relationships already around her, but the literal relationship never really worked for me. And Dawn not acting her age is the main reason it didn't. If the age gap were a few years larger, I might buy Dawn as "bratty, clueless kid sister, who doesn't understand or appreciate Buffy's role in the world." But a Dawn only a year younger than Buffy was when she met Merrick, written to be intelligent and observant, should have been well beyond that. It would have made more sense for Dawn to have figured out the slayer secret earlier than Joyce, looked up to her sister big time in the early years, and pestered Buffy for slayage stories until she became the slayer's secret sounding board. I would have bought them as sisters if they had a closer relationship with a five year age gap, or the canonical relationship with the originally intended 7 to 9 year age gap. The combination we got not only didn't make much sense, it made Dawn an unlikable and unbelievable character.

[@menachemsalomon]

Wow. Those are good points. You've been saving them for a while, I suppose, but really well made.

[@odoridori]

@@menachemsalomon I think one if the unavoidable issues with Dawn's character is that the child actor isn't going to be a child actor for very long.

[@alysiamerdavid-wasser9165]

@Lucy Never thought of that. She WOULD remember the "no invite" rule, or at least be skeptical. Valid points.

[@edbangerrr1489]

idk whats better. Your delight over the dramatic poetry reading or the very end of this episode guide lol

[@mayalackman7581]

I actually prefer the fighting style of the later seasons because it's more realistic. I used to take martial arts classes from one of the top martial artists in the USA (possibly the world, but I'm not sure of that). He is also one of the minority of martial artists to have actually used martial arts in self defense. He once said "the reason we train so hard is because when a real fight comes all our techniques will be forgotten except basic punching and kicking. If we don't train we'll lose that too and will just be flailing about and scratching with our fingernails." That quote has always stuck with me and as a result the season 5-7 fighting just feels more grounded and real to me.

[@quinnsinclair7028]

Dawn’s always been the character I related to most. I’m sure everyone remembers her line “Get out, GET OUT, GET OUT!” It’s what everyone always bring up whenever talking about how terrible she is. But can anyone who quotes it actually remember the context in which she was that distraught?

[@mrs.schmenkman]

Quinn Sinclair Well, I came from a big family and ya... I remember screaming those exact words to my littler relatives I felt terrible but ya that is how powerful teen angst is.

[@LoungingPotato]

@@defrostedrobot77 Yeah, a teenager dealing with depression and extreme loneliness can feel some selfish things, sometimes. Who would have thought?

[@quinnsinclair7028]

defrostedrobot77 It was more like eight people piled into her room interrogating her about something she didn’t do because (from her perspective) they couldn’t stand the idea of spending five more minutes in a house with her.

[@LoungingPotato]

@@defrostedrobot77 That's more of an opinion than a fact. Some people prefer focusing on complicated and flawed characters who don't always say or do the right thing and others just want to see the main plot of the story move forward. But to each their own, obviously! I'm definitely more of someone who prefers seeing more depth to characters being played out on-screen, sometimes in smaller or menial moments, whether I agree with them or not.

[@alysiamerdavid-wasser9165]

idk who i said this to last night during the live stream, but i was [surprised] that my most repeated line from the show was actually from Dawn: "There's a translation? *Whatever, I'm over it* .", lol. i say it all. The. TIME. Keeps the little things in perspective.✌💗

[@AverySometimesReads]

I love Dawn! She can certainly be very annoying but she’s a teenage little sister. That’s basically her job. She’s always felt very real and very sympathetic and I have Protective Older Sibling feelings about her.

[@beachgirl4583]

I like her, too, and I’m the big sister. She reminds me of myself and my sister at that age. We were often fighting, and annoying each other, and our parents. “Mom!?” in tandem is realistic. So was “Get out!”

[@trentrossdale638]

Please finish this series it is too good!!!! I love your commentary!!

[@ToShanshuinFiction]

I remember being 11/12 when I watched season 5 as it aired and it was the first season of Buffy I latched onto, mostly because I finally related to a character. Entering middle school, not having the friend group, and being altogether socially inept, clingy, and impulsive is pretty much the norm for preteens but to see it in a show I already valued so much was a game changer. So, yes, I love Dawn.

[@odoridori]

Dawn hate (not dislike) always comes off as immature to me. She isn't my favourite character or anything but she's easy to empathise with when you think of things from her perspective. Except the shoplifting. I can't relate to that stuff.

[@anonymous-dirigible]

I've always read Dawn's shoplifting as a self-destructive cry for attention. SPOILERS BELOW Y'ALL: After the events of The Body, she feels overlooked and unimportant to the Scoobies for any reason beyond her Key-ness, so she's acting out in the hopes that someone will notice and give her any kind of feedback - punishment feels better than indifference. It's also possible that she's stealing as a way to "prove" her own worth to herself - Buffy is strong and Willow does magic and Giles is smart, and while Dawn doesn't have those qualities she can tell herself that she IS ballsy/sneaky enough to lift things from under the noses of her friends and family without them noticing. Not healthy, obviously, but decisions a real teen with an unstable home life might make. (I also like Dawn, but I started my original viewing of Buffy at the age of 13 and during season 6)

[@annatalksaboutstuff9476]

Ian, I literally punched the air when you said you liked Dawn! I was so worried since there are so many Dawn haters, but I love her so much. The Real Me and Potential are such underrated episodes. And yeah... this made me realize basically the entire reason I like Riley in season five is his interactions with Dawn, haha!

[@bellathom8937]

I had no clue this episode was so disliked. I absolutely love this episode.

[@MoTheSistars]

I love you for making these Buffy guides!

[@lovecraftianleviathan8918]

My response to Dawn being a member of the cast and a character on the series: _”GET OUT, GET OUT, GET OOOUT!!!”_

[@displeasedone]

I like Dawn, don't get me wrong, but I mean c'mon, this episode has Harmony in it! How could it ever not be leagues ahead of Go Fish?!

[@katthor7311]

Displeased, Bad internet! So disgraceful for sure.

[@Apollo-wl3im]

I love Dawn. Of course she’s really obnoxious in Season 5, but she’s supposed to be like this. In Season 5 she feels like a real teenage girl and, like you mentioned, life with her seems so natural from the get-go. I love the changes she goes through as she adapts from this season onwards, and she is arguably my absolute favourite character in Season 7.

[@grainneryan9772]

I like Dawn too! Season 5 and 2 are my joint favourites

[@BinaryHedgehog]

I too hate that bit where someone overhears the wrong thing and then misses the nice thing and acts out because of it. Probably the clumsiest example is in the Angel episode ‘Birthday’.

[@josephdavis9234]

The best time it happened was in Shrek.

[@tricyclebell]

I like Dawn too :) I sometimes think how we feel about each character (and each season) has a lot to do with what head space we were in when we watched buffy for the first time. I found Buffy at 22 and I think as a result I found the later seasons more relatable. I was also far enough remover from my tween self that Dawn didn't hit my buttons the way she might have a few years earlier.

[@Finkeren]

This episode is just CRIMINALLY underrated. Even on first viewing it was delightfully intriguing and gut-bustingly hilarious, even as I kept shaking my head in disbelief.

[@tothorsi]

The episode is indeed highly underrated, what a great introduction to Dawn. One of my favourite episodes and Dawn is a great character, everyone who is the little sister can recognise themselves in her.

[@TheYoghurt42]

99% of the Dawn hate comes from her being cast so much older than she was written I reckon. There's so much coddling of her that wasn't applied to Buffy at the same age (before her mum knew she was the slayer). And she generally seems far too immature and just, well, stupid for a 15-year-old. If she was 9 we would all forgive her much more easily and empathise with her more.

[@CraftinInTheTenkeep]

This is actually the first episode of Buffy I ever saw. It was a weird first episode, since it has Dawn explaining who the characters are.

[@dreamersrealm5096]

Nothing hypes me more than the Buffy Guide intro :)

[@JDSarmiento]

The episode is now rated a 7.3 on imdb. Much more appropriate even if still too low.

[@13livingit]

New to the buffyverse, just watched this episode and needed some context, knew Dawn isn’t brought in, out of the blue for no reason. Initial thoughts are what?!?! that is so random. Thanks for your videos. Loving this show.

[@acatonawall3938]

I like Dawn better than I did on first watching the show, however I think I get why she is such a polarising character. Looking back over the show's run you can see where new characters fit and their significance but their introduction is key. Tara is the main example. We see her for the first time as the shy, sweet girl who likes Willow and her subsequent appearances build her up and over the course of the show we watch her develop, take on storylines and why she is important is revealed. She is integral to everything naturally because her character is given time to grow. Dawn, and to a much greater extent Connor, were not introduced like Tara, as characters to develop and explore. Dawn and Connor were introduced as plot devices, designed to get the story from A to B as quickly as possible. This is fine but when you introduce a character this way you need to give your audience every reason to care about them and in both cases they didn't do it well enough. By giving the characters the starting point of annoying little sister and bratty teenage son and keeping them there for most of that crucial introductory period the audience is mostly alienated and once that sour taste is there a lot of viewers will never get past it.

[@acatonawall3938]

Watching again I realise you mention this right off the bat but my computer skipped the intro for some reason. Long story short, it is a failure in writing. Real Me is a superior episode than Go Fish is almost every aspect but I still think Cordelia talking to the fish boy in the pool thinking he is Xander tells you more about who Cordelia is in a minute and a half or so than they manage to do with Dawn in an entire season. It seems to me the writing sets Dawn up to fail as a compelling character if they can't do for her what they managed to do for Cordelia in 90 seconds.

[@kassykreutzer6972]

Dawn was a surprise, a successful surprise i had to go back to season 4 to make sure i didn't miss anything because as you said she felt so in there so lived in.

[@andrewthezeppo]

I like Dawn, she is not meant to be a likable character but she is effective. Michelle did solid work. Also Freddie teaching her to drive will never not be a cute story.

[@nsb144]

I love Dawn. Like honestly love her. And I'm not saying that this is why people hate her, but I think society in general has a hard time empathizing with teenage girls (especially when they don't have superpowers with which they fight vampires), and so getting people to like her was an uphill battle on a concept level. But I actually really appreciate the fact that they made her a real kid, and not a perfect Mary Sue to try to get people to like her. Also, I feel so bad for Michelle Trachtenberg and all the hate she got from the fandom, because that must really fuck you up as a teenager.

[@Rydia704]

Good episode review :) Glad you highlighted the change of fighting style. They actually got a new stunt team from season 5 onwards hence the floaty punches and kicks

[@AnaPradosA]

I also really like Dawn. Her point of view is also understandable, taking into account, what she is going through.

[@brittanylegg6410]

How did it take me this long to find your channel as such a Buffy fanatic?! I found you through the breakdown on Buffy HD, but took time to watch it all the way through because I got so riled on the show’s behalf when I would watch it. I finished, subscribed, and started exploring. And holy Hecate (love that) this channel is so dedicated to my most beloved fandoms it’s like something from a daydream. I hurl this fandom at people so much, I love finding people with a Buffy obsession. Thank you for creating this channel. I look forward to getting to see the continued Buffy breakdown and thoughts. Not to mention Firefly, Angel... Hope the musical episode breakdown has some focus on the music as well. Thank you, thank you, thank you! The more fans there are of this show, the stronger my faith in people (I’d say humanity but that would just be cutting out so many beloved demons) grows. Also, as I’m sure the creator here knows, apparently Dawn was originally supposed to be more like twelve, according to the commentary on Real Me, and the writers didn’t fully adjust when Michelle Trachtenberg was selected, aging the character up by her casting. Oh good grief is Harmony a fun villain. I mean Harmony Bites when she tries villainy, but unholy hellfire is she a treat to have on the show, and *Spoilers for Angel, for anyone bothering to read this comment longer than Giles’ exposition* I love her appearance there as well! In case I haven’t expressed my gratitude for your love given to the fandoms, THANK YOU AGAIN I find the more times I watch the series the more appreciation I have for Dawn. She is by no means more favorite character, but I think she has merit.

[@TheMustachedMustache]

I've grown to also like Dawn, especially after watching Angel and seeing a certain other teenage character and how she could have been written... god i hate connor

[@SixInchChaka]

I like Conner better than Pete Campbell honestly

[@JohnZ117]

I liked the character of Connor for what he was supposed to be, an adolescent stolen and raised by a mess of a man in a mess of a place. Any wonder that he would be a mess?

[@menachemsalomon]

@@JohnZ117 I think so, too, except for the anachronisms and culture clash he should have experienced but didn't.

[@JohnZ117]

@@menachemsalomon Curious for an elaboration.

[@menachemsalomon]

@@JohnZ117 Connor was raised in a hell dimension by a holdover from the 19th century. I don't know how many humans at all existed in Q'or Toth, but I'd guess exactly two. So any connection with girls would be unfamiliar to him, and he would be overwhelmed by Los Angeles. The "green" wore off too quickly, and he understood way too much about turn-of-the-millenium American culture. I think cultural differences are hard to imagine, and therefore hard to write. On the other hand, I'm a product of a subculture in the US, and I have seen - and experienced - extreme culture clash.

[@mrs.schmenkman]

Some things when seen, cannot be unseen. Hula-Hooping Ian is now permanently seered into my 👀. Uh- Thank You??

[@KarlyPerkins]

I kind of wish you would have done the bit for a couple more episodes but you probably chose a good place to drop it.

[@lucyanstett6430]

I've been a buffy fan since i was six and this series is so much fun. Thank you for the hard work and dedication to the show!!

[@DavetheRave4eva]

A point was raised in this video which ties into something I always wondered about regarding season 5. It is mentioned that Buffy taps into her power and begins to rely more on this than she does skill. I always remember her first two fights with Glory, where she was beaten physically as a perfect example of Buffy relying on her power in the face of an enemy that has more of it. As the season progresses she might not beat Glory in combat but she does begin to utilise better technique, adapting in order to hold her own. Recently subscribed and love these guides. Looking forward to the rest of season 5 and reliving this amazing show through your lens.

[@insouciantFox]

9:42 Now... I know what you're trying to say. You're really saying he's just a pal of Xanderrrrrr's.

[@mybuffysummers]

I would like to bring attention to the era iconic fashion choices they make for Dawn’s character as they are nothing but pure chef’s kiss flavored nostalgia

[@notsosuperpete1689]

I know Ian was kinda joking about Tom Lenk's role in this episode, but on the off chance it does bother anyone just remember they have used the same actor in multiple roles several times across Buffy and Angel. Werewolf hunter, vampire from Helpess, Demon from Ann just off the top of my head. And if that doesn't help (and to anyone bothered by Mahershala Ali's now duel role in the MCU), I dunno I guess sometimes people look a bit alike...

[@saar144]

Cecily...

[@TheCrippledEgg]

I thought the reason Buffy's fighting style changed so much was because of the departure of Jeff Pruitt and Sophia Crawford.

[@altochean]

I like Dawn, especially in this season. Later ones, not so much, because they turned her into the Joyce McGuffin. Even the way she acts works because look at how little Buffy shares with Joyce. I also had a thought - whoever did the costume decisions for the Faith/Buffy fight obviously gave Buffy's Spike's colours, which fits because Buffy went down the 'Slayer of Slayer's' path there. Just thought that was fun.

[@sammic375]

I love dawn! I never knew people didnt like her until my mom had made many negative comments towards her. But dawn feels more real than the others in a way I can relate too

[@canadiankazz]

Such a funny video! It was great fun watching you edit it. Dawn... isn't my favourite, but I have warmed up to her over the years. Seeing how believably Buffy and the others care for her helped with that.

[@everydaymarvin2490]

I loved this man! ☺ Great job. I have watched your vids off and on for years now. It is cool to put a face to the voice finally. This really is a pretty darn solid episode! I want to to go re-watch it now! I had no idea about the fighting style change. But it makes sense seeing as Buffy was focusing on the raw strength of the slayer as the seasons progressed. Thanks for taking out time to make this and I look forward to the next! Best, Marvin 😀

[@godfreyozzy7128]

"Dawn is a bit of a polarising character" Yeah, you either hate her or you despise her.

[@ToySouljah.]

I like Dawn and love this episode too and I’m shocked to find out this amazing episode is received so mixed by the fandom... actually I shouldn’t be shocked. This season is one of the series best (along with 2 & 3) but the fandom also seems to view this season in a polarizing way as well.

[@reneepope-munro8115]

I love Dawn, and am SO HERE for this exploration of her value.

[@mkitten13]

Being the baby in my own family, I felt a great kinship to Dawn in season 5. Her being babied, and trying to convince the rest of the group that she wasn't "just a kid". It just endeared her to me. I was less keen on her season 6 attitute, where I felt she was less trying to be seen as a capable person, but instead spent most of the time acting self-centered and less understanding of the others' struggle. I was however back to liking her in season 7, when I felt she had grown up more and had dropped the antics of the previous season.

[@Lara_Ameen]

Dawn has always been one of my favorite characters. I was the same age as Dawn and started watching Buffy when Season 5 aired (had to go back and find reruns and watch from the beginning). I watched seasons 5-7 as they aired and I always loved Dawn. Probably because I was such a huge fan of Michelle Trachtenberg already. As someone who wanted to grow up to be a writer (and I am), watching Dawn write in her diary was super relatable because that was me growing up! 🥰

[@ExplodingSousaphone]

I wouldn't start bringing up IMDB viewer ratings unless you're ready to have a serious talk about "Beer Bad". Love the work as always!

[@ms_scribbles]

Nah, I can't take to Dawn. She just makes me wonder when Whedon forgot how to write teenagers and just went for the tired old "shrieking demon thing that constantly harps about everything being unfair and having almost NO other traits" trope.

[@CarlyGarzaArt]

I love this episode bc it pays homage to Michelle Trachtenberg playing Harriet The Spy previously, which is one of my favorite movies ever. 🥺 There’s another scene later in s5 where Dawn rips up her journals and it definitely read as another reference to a Harriet the Spy scene. I justttt love that!!!