I really dislike that the moral of this episode is less “misogyny and sexual harassment & abuse are wrong!” and more “don’t do steroids!”

From Buffy getting locked in the swimmer’s car, the coach blaming it on her slutty outfit, and the scoobies not listening when she explains what happened / reacting like she’s blabbering on, to the coach throwing her into the pit with the sea monsters because they “have needs”. Buffy then jokes that doing the whole swim team is gonna do wonders for her reputation. The continued theme of misogyny is dismissed as a side effect of the steroids and “boys being boys” rather than anything serious or systemic.

As someone who’s been rewatching this show since it was first released, I totally get that it’s a product of its time, but I would’ve loved to have seen some kind of “ah, sexual harassment = bad” moment.

I've been able to fulfill a childhood dream of owning the full series on VHS thanks to a very impulsive charity shop purchase. You can imagine my surprise when I realised almost all are still sealed!

I was planning on getting hold of a VCR to watch these and relive my childhood but I don't want to open them!

Not bad for £20 😁

I got to talk to her a little when I picked up my gf at the airport. Amber is such a sweet, kind, beautiful person.

In other words, Angel left so Buffy could have a normal life, a normal relationship. And in this scene, Buffy tells Angel how happy she is with Riley; I know she was furious about the whole Faith thing. But does this scene prove that Angel did the right thing by leaving?

Plus she loves the show so much she owns the boxsets and frequently rewatches! One. Of. Us!

Link

Which Buffy pods have you liked and disliked? Which ones have you disliked (or possibly liked) because of bias against a specific character?

I might have listened to one too many. I listened to Becoming Buffy, which is good and well-researched, but they do have a pro-Angel, anti-Spike bias.

Another Buffy Podcast is the opposite. I only listened to a couple episodes, but the Angel hate, Spike bias made it pretty annoying for me. Not that people can't have an opinion but to constantly see everything a character does through a bad light is tiring.

Sunnydale Nation is an ongoing one I like though.

All the official info and photos from Mattel are up live on the Mattel site.

Attention all mini monsters and diminutive demons: a tiny but deadly Slayer, chosen by fate, is about to be your demise! Polly Pocket is paying tribute to the most fangtastic trio of the ‘90s and early ‘00s with a Buffy the Vampire Slayer compact, perfect for fans of the cult-classic TV show. Place micro figures of the core Scoobies group, Buffy, Willow, and Angel, into eerie scenes from Sunnydale High, as well as Restfield Cemetery, site of many of Buffy’s most epic showdowns. Stake in hand and Vampyr book at the ready, Buffy Summers is ready to seize the moment and start slaying!

• Polly Pocket™ Buffy the Vampire Slayer™ Compact
• Comes with Buffy, Willow, and Angel micro figures, plus a mini stake weapon and Vampyr book accessory that can be held by the micro figures
• The compact’s top half features scenes from Sunnydale High, including the library and a classroom, where the Scoobies meet to discuss their plans
• The compact’s bottom half features a spooktacular Restfield Cemetery scene where you can reenact supernatural showdowns, complete with headstones for Tara, Joyce Summers, and Buffy herself
• Open Buffy’s grave and place her inside so you reenact her extraordin-eerie resurrection!
• The compact’s gothic-style exterior features a lineup of characters, surrounded by iconic symbols from the show
• Lenticular cover design causes the stylized scene to change depending on how you turn or tilt the compact
• Window-box packaging features more art in the style of the show and makes for a perfect display

Colors and decorations may vary. Product subject to availability. Purchase limits subject to change at the sole discretion of Mattel.

I’ve just learned that in the Middle Ages there were several illustrations about killer bunnies. Anya would approve.

I never understood Bangel fans calling Riley boring because imo Angel isn't that much more interesting during his time on Buffy.

Yes Angel has a much richer background with Angelus, Darla, Drusilla and the curse. But a lot of what makes him interesting gets explored on his own show. On Buffy he's mostly the mysterious guy who gives Buffy information, makes out with her or is someone she has to worry about.

Angelus is obviously great, but that's also when Angel isn't Angel.

I think him trying to help Faith in "Consequences" is one of the first times Angel himself becomes interesting. He understands what it's like to do horrible things and have to live with them, which basically becomes the premise of his spinoff.

I'm not saying Riley is some amazing character either. I just always thought him being the All-American guy was kind of the point. He was supposed to be the anti-Angel. Normal, dependable and someone Buffy could have a relationship with without all the supernatural drama. I just don't think Marc Blucas played that type of character particularly well.

I don't hate Riley and I'm not saying Buffy should've ended up with him. I'm Team Cookie Dough Buffy.

I just think Angel benefited massively from getting his own show and developing an identity outside of being Buffy's boyfriend. Riley never got that opportunity.

As a long time Buffy fan I've been replaying BTVS: Chaos Bleeds for the first time in over 20 years. I've documented my thoughts here for those that want to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAORMVEPA9E

What do you guys think? I know the gameplay isn't great but getting to explore the Sunnydale locations and play as some of my favourite characters was enough for me to thoroughly enjoy the game. In addition the story neatly adds to the shows canon.

Idk if this has ever been brought up, i couldn’t find a thread on this. BUT im rewatching, and im confused bc since when is the heart in the stomach? This is the master after he dies… can someone explain?

Really enjoying the point I’ve got to in my rewatch (S5E13) in Season 5. Whilst S4 has a lot of good individual episodes, S5 definitely has the most cohesive and compelling season storyline.

Introduction of Dawn

This is probably the best cold intro to any character ever, just for Dawn to turn up with no explanation. Were the forums going mad at this point during the OG run? I just remember being so confused and thinking I must have it wrong, that I had forgotten that Buffy had a younger sister who lived with her dad. Then the gradual reveal when we realise that it’s not right or normal, thinking Dawn was sinister for a moment and the lead up to finding out what she represents and that Glory is hunting her.

Ben is Glory

Again great reveal for this twist, I didn’t see it coming, did you guys?

Fool for Love

My favourite episode of the whole series. So much to unpack - Spike’s villain origin story, the scene on the subway interspersed with his ‘dance’ with Buffy, Spike speaking to her from the 1970s flashback, the duster coat, all phenomenal. Then it is topped off by the scene at the end with Spike showing his concern for Buffy and sitting in silence and solidarity on the step. Spike’s feelings for Buffy really open up another dimension for his character.

Magic Box

Really enjoyed the introduction of the Magic Box as one of the main sets, Anya really comes into her own in this season, she is so funny and likeable. I really like the relationship between Giles and Anya too. Haven’t a lot to say about Willow, Tara or Xander yet but Willow’s hair is so nice in this season and I also love Anya’s retro look.

The Watcher’s Council & Glory

Loved the Buffy boss moment when she tells the Watcher’s Council where to go and then the reveal about Glory being a God. Also maybe haven’t mentioned Glory is by far the most compelling villain in the series. Maybe not the scariest but the most entertaining.

I knew I recognised the Troll from somewhere. Turns out he is Gerry from ER.

So much tragedy to come in this season though I know but so well written. Although Buffy Bot and Warren yet to come too…

Not sure I'm the only one but I noticed after emailing and complaining about the wrong details I saw Joyce's tombstone was fixed. lol

At what point in Spike's arc with Buffy do you think he got back into writing poetry?

Pre-soul, post-soul? How would it differ?

What poets do you think he'd revere, or what contemporary poets would he be reading at the time?

A frend pointed out Love is a Dog From Hell by Bukowski...and although the picture makes sense, Bukowki's poetry is rough and subverses ideas of romance. Is he too gritty for Spike?

First time watching and I’m loving so far! Does anyone think the Moloch character feels SO appropriate in 2026 in the world of ChatGPT? The idea that Willow brought him into existence by talking to him: “you gave me life”. People talking to AI large language models are literally training them to take over. Also, the false information showing up on people’s devices!

If this was written in 2026 I’d say it was too heavy handed, but in 1997 I’m impressed!

Has anyone seen this wonderful shirt by kgullholmen in a eu online store lately?.

Spilled oil on mine and am heart broken.. But not yet willing to pay shipping and customs from the US..

Always Darkest is a three page comic at the end of the Retreat arc. It's Buffy's guilt induced nightmare. Doesn't have too much of a point. Buffy's recurring Angel and Spike threesome fantasy is a running joke throughout the comic seasons.

See how many Buffy episode name cards you can correctly place in order on the timeline before getting three strikes. Play it here: https://timelineguesser.com/play/eps_buffy

Let us know your score!

I wish the show had an epilogue where the main trio or all the characters were happy and just hanging out together having a good time after all the years of fighting evil, I wish we saw them get a break.

Edit: FOUND

Hello everyone! First time posting here, and hoping I'm not off-topic in any way or using the wrong tag, but I'm kinda desperate at this point.

As the title says, I'm currently looking for a specific Buffy-fanfic that I read some years ago on fanfic.net and I would appreciate some help since I can't seem to find it.

What I remember:

(- the link was listed on a Bangel-website with several other recs that seems to be offline now)

- it was an alternative take on Buffy's life pre-season one in LA while already being the Slayer

- she did meet Angel instead of Merrick and they hunted vampires together

- Buffy didn't know that Angel was a vampire initially

- Darla, Drusilla and Spike came across Angel and he pretended to never have been ensouled

- There was one scene in which the Fanged Four showed up in front of Buffy and some other people with Angel acting the hell out of still being Angelus

- Buffy had no clue what was going on, thought that Angel had been turned recently and vowed revenge

- She remarked on Angel's sudden "strange" (Irish) accent and him looking at her like he didn't know her, while being all touchy with Darla (whose name she didn't even know, I think she referred to her as "Blondie" in her mind)

- Buffy came into contact with another group of Vampire hunters (might have been a crossover of some kind) who told her the truth about Angel

If maybe somebody here remembers this fic, I'd be super happy if you could tell me the title