The scene where Buffy is basically taking over the watcher council is actually the first scene i ever saw. My parents showed it to me when i was panicking that i won't be able to write an essay about Mozart and 9 years in a musical academy will be for nothing.
Tell me about it. You have no idea how hard it is to find a damn clip from this episode floating around RUclips. People act like it isn't awesome or something.
I just love the face Giles has when Buffy tells of the counsil and gets his old job back with retroactive payment no less, he is so proud of her as are we all who watched it back in the day.
I don't think Buffy was particularly trusting Spike, just choosing the best option in hand to protect her family. She also knows he can't hurt them, so I find it believable. The last speech is one of the best in the whole series, even if Buffy should have told them to pay her too!!!!! >:( All our jaws dropped when we heard the "Glory is a god" revelation.... They really knew how to keep us paying attention!! Enjoying your reactions to season 5 a hell lot, Shan!! Thank you!!
Yeah trust has little to do with why she left her family with spike, he’s the only person available that’s near her level. Willow is also powerful but her knowledge and ability is still a little unpredictable, nobody else would even slow glory down.
The fact that the Council doesn't even pay Slayers is just stupid. Not simply cruel or authoritarian, but actively counter-productive to their own stated goals. If a Slayer is worrying about where their next meal is coming from, they won't be as effective a fighter. Maybe it gives them more leverage over a rogue slayer, but that cuts both ways- they could give the Slayer a wage, then threaten to cut off funds if they didn't toe the line. There's no pragmatic reason not to pay them, other than the executives being a bunch of tradition-bound, penny-pinching asses (even their hit team from season four complained about how miserly the Watchers' Council Board of Directors was). But when the stakes are THE SURVIVAL OF REALITY, maybe shell out an extra 20,000 or 30,000 bucks a year so the Slayer can afford a cheap apartment and decent meals. The indifference to Slayer casualties is also stupid, as an experienced Slayer will be a better fighter than a new one, and the policy alienates Watchers in the field who actually know the Slayers personally. Though I wonder if the Council was always this bad, or if they just were going through a period of bad leadership under Travers. We do see other Watchers who seem more competent.
The whole Slayers-don't-get-paid thing bothered me a lot as well, but then I guess not many Slayers traditionally are supposed to have lived as long as Buffy has, so maybe that's why they never did anything about it? Bit bleak, really.
I'd guess that it dates back to a time when most women were expected not to work outside the home, and it was just assumed that their Watcher would provide for them. The Council being traditionalists, they presumably never updated the policy.
I think Glory is one of the most beautiful and strong villains in Buffy's universe. Personally it's my favorite! Anyway congratulations for the reaction is always a pleasure to spend time with your videos !!!
One of my favourite episodes ever, for that last scene alone. Sarah kills it in pretty much every scene she's in, but scenes like this give me major goosebumps.
The turning point for Glory: she's a God. That was a brilliant twist. Plus, her whole speech in the Magic Box was a turning point for Buffy. She became a powerful slayer in this episode. She knew her power and wasn't afraid to announce it to everyone. She realized how important she is to the council and to the world. This is why S5 continues to be my favourite season: it was full of brilliantly written episodes and well-thought of twists and turns. Also, my word of advice: watch episodes 15, 16 and 17 together. Plus, I'm starting my _Buffy_ marathon tomorrow. Seven seasons. Seven days. 144 episodes. I'm fucking PUMPED!
Always liked this episode. Obviously, the end where Buffy is laying down the law is pure awesomeness. And the revelation of Glorificus being a God, well, that was a game changer for sure. Oh, and Anya's "Willow's a demon?" comment is so perfectly in character for her.
soo happy to see your reactions :) spike is hysterical. and yes love spike and joyce's friendly relationship. hope you are doing well :) have a great weekend as well.
One of the themes of this season is power. Who has it. Who doesn't. How we deal with being powerless. Riley's problem was ultimately he couldn't handle Buffy's power. It made him feel like less of a man. The council is similar. So was Buffy's professor. Glory is all about power...
Phireo remember when her and Buffy but their heads in their hands at the exact same time in Season 2 episode ‘Passion’. That’s like nothing I’ve ever seen in a Buffy reaction 😂😂
This episode is very close to my heart. For personnal reasons. When I watched it the first time, I didn't get it, I didn't really pay attention to its importance. But after some tough life experience, I had a different look on it and I ENJOY IT. This episode affected me since I rewatched it in an amazing way, litterally made me rethink all my life, made me stand for myself in real situations. "The power, I have it" I'll never forget this line. It's very difficult to understand, as a kid, as a teen or even as a young adult, how normal grown ups are. How all these people in positions of power (professors / bosses / trainors ...) are really not as extraordinary and knowledgeable as they want to seem. Humiliating, criticsing in a destructive way, seems like nothing is good enough no matter how hard you work and try they'l keep putting you down because they are the ones above it all, they have power over you and use it to seem out of touch. You'll feel like no matter what you do or how hard you work, you'll never be as wise, knowledgable and amazing as they are. But really, they're just mostly trying to put you down, make you feel like you're nothing, humiliate you, make you their slave, make you their tool, because they need you, YOU the hard working, the creative, YOU have the power, and once you realise they are exploiting you and actually they know NOTHING most of the time about the thing they are teaching or exploiting you for, and that's why they keep making it so hard for you, once you realise that, you can understand that you're good enough, that you're not a "tool", that your work is valuable and that you have rights to stand for. I love this episode, love it love it love it. BTVS is a brilliant show, it teached me everything I should know about how life works, and Buffy gave me the power to stand up for myself. Such an underated show. People judge it and don't wanna watch it, cause "vimpires" and the "title is lame" and it's "a teen show" and "the FX are so bad" bla bla... When they really just don't know what this show has to offer. I feel lucky and blessed that I watched it at such a younge age and that I absorbed all the good messages in it. Oh, and also I love the "leftist" insinuations, being a socialist myself. Greatest show of all time!
Excellent reaction. Buffy has known since 'Becoming' that Spike can be trusted when his goals coincide with Buffy's. Maybe she's noticed that he's trying to impress her or something. Regardless, she doesn't want Dawn anywhere near the WC so Spike, with his chip and vampire strength, is the only option she can come up with in the moment. There is more than one type of power and the WC certainly wields some, but so does Buffy and hers is almost unique. That seed was planted in the story long before this episode which is one of the things I really enjoy about BtVS. The writers introduce plot points and themes with little or no fanfare, nurture them with minor appearances across multiple seasons until it's time to put them under the spotlight.
The Council is at its best, or at least its most effective, when wielding indirect power- as researchers, beurocrats, or magicians. In a direct physical confrontation, they're just ordinary humans, and most of them don't have a military mindset or training.
She is not a demon .... she is not a Slayer ... she is a goddess! Glory is a far worse enemy than Buffy could imagine, someone with powers yet to be discovered .... and has a mysterious connection with Ben, who certainly can not be a normal human. This episode really deserves the vision, not only for the revelation of the identity of the Big Villain of the season, but especially for the formidable speech of Buffy. When someone asks me why I love so much the protagonist of this series, I make them listen to this speech, a speech where Buffy manages to reaffirm the importance of her role, of how both the Council needs her and not the opposite because she has power and certainly not them. That's why I keep saying that Buffy is one of the best TV heroines ever created
Buffys, Spike, and Xander know how to give good speeches! -Buffy gives motivational/leader. -Spike is the experience and love. -Xander is the observant he sees what others don't
This episode lives on as the well known “power” speech episode. It marked the turning point for Buffy as she finally took charge embracing her role as the slayer and letting everyone know about it. It also sent a message to people in general showing us that women can be seen as powerful figures in all walks of life and an inspiration to women all around the world to stand up for yourself
The first time I saw this episode I had already figured out by the end that Glory was going to be some sort of deity or higher being. Her line about Buffy getting down on her knees and "worshiping" her just struck me instantly. Gotta love the writers dropping hints like that before the big reveal.
I think that Buffy took Joyce and Dawn to Spike because he's the next best fighter of the group, and the only other one who might be able to fight Glory. Also, he can't hurt them himself because of the chip. And yeah, one of the great things about this show is that even "Filler" episodes still matter.
I love "Checkpoint" as a complement to "Helpless," down to Buffy protecting a family member against an insane foe she feels powerless against. The whole episode is meant to wear Buffy down in her anxiety, confusion, humiliation, and perceived powerlessness, until she has an epiphany and realizes that she wields immense power, as does her team, as she uses it to smack the patriarchy (The Watchers' Council), leverage information, and to get Giles's job back. Another subversion of "Helpless." And it was a necessary comedic break after "Into the Woods" that still had some genuinely terrifying moments, like Glory with Dawn. Then that plot twist of Glory being a god. The Big Bads get bigger each season, but I was definitely not expecting a god. I would love a Spike/Joyce hanging out web series.
I like your “Glory is a Slayer” theory, even if it’s not true. I don’t remember reading or hearing that theory back when this was first aired, but it’s an intriguing idea for a different path the story might have taken. What happens when a Slayer goes REALLY off the rails? It would also help explain their extreme measures with Faith, if they had some idea of where her rebellion could lead. It’s “Choose Your Own Adventure” time!
@@russellward4624 yea I’ve said it already, but the Slayer theory was just daft. Shan was way off on this one. I never thought that, or knew anyone else who did
Omg I just love your reactions! Buffy has been my favourite since it first aired in the nineties & it’s great watching someone experiencing it for the first time.
great reaction to a great ep that had some of the best dialogue in Buffy's "Power" speech at the end... loved the council's attempt at a review in an attempt to pick apart the team but only revealed what makes them so strong together... and the reveal at the end.... I was sooooo waiting as it felt like the wind up to a big "What?!" from you, but alas..... :( keep em coming Shan!
you know Sarah Michelle Gellar reaction/acting when she found out Glory was a God is just fantastic it really deliverer chills of how much trouble she really is in compared to what we have seen so far
Couldn't see Glory being a slayer, she's way too powerful, and she'd know instantly who Buffy was when they fought, and she didn't, neat theory, but yeah, she's a God, not a demon, one would think that means she's much more powerful than a demon, and thus why she can kick Buffy's arse.
"A god... I can see how that could be a problem" That is the point. After going Angel, then a slayer, Adam going after a god in a woman's body was genius!!!!! Loved this episode. The setup: Watchers have all the power, Glory has the power but Whedon revers it. but hits you with the reveal: Glory is a god. And how do you fight a god?
The Slayer is the instrument with which they fight evil? Who they magically conscript and don't even pay? So Slayers are essentially the Council's slaves?
Not slaves. They're the guides, the watchers also chosen by destiny to guide THE CHOSEN ONE/THE SLAYER. I suppose you can look at it your way, but essentially they are all slaves. The watchers are paid monetarily yes, but The Slayer has been granted super human abilities that put them above normal human laws. That is not bad compensation. I'd take it.👍🏻🏹
@@thelegendofthem6120 Until your homeless and have no food, while your watcher lives in a mansion, eating haute cuisine and wearing bespoke/haute couture clothing
As an old timer who watched this show when it originally aired, I get irrationally angry whenever you pause the show to think thuoghtful questions about what's going on. (That's so unfair! lol) Then I forgive you right away and am thankful for all your work and your fandom of this wonderful show.
22:39 did you meow? I love the delivery of the "power" speech and how it's supposed to give you all that "we are gonna win" feeling, and at the very end, in the words of Kaleo "way down we go" lots of quotes in this coment.
BTVS Is & has always been my favorite show since 97'. I was 10 then. As soon as each season was available for DVD purchases, I instantly bought them & they were not cheap! For these last 27 yrs I'd re-watch the entire series 2-4 times a year. It'll never get boring but I will admit season 7 wasn't all that spectacular, but since I'm #TeamSpike I did enjoy Buffy FINALLY showing her love towards Spike in S7. Seasons 4 & 5 are my favorites & I still cry every time I watch the episodes that make u cry. Buffy crying cause Angel lost his soul, Buffy killing Angel, Angel breaking up w/Buffy, Buffy on Angel's show when he became human, Joyce dying, Buffy dying, Tara dying, etc.... A good show makes u feel like ur in their world, & Buffy the Vampire Slayer will always hold Oscar for the best tv show ever aired. At least it does in my heart.
Yes to what you said about the uni professor! Buff should have been praised for developing her own theories! Also her thoughts are that Rasputin might have been a vampire cos they were saying he was nearly impossible to kill - then the professor says last week she was questioning the mysterious sleeping patterns of Prussian generals....cos maybe they slept during the day!!!
I love that ending! Buffy knew she was way in over her head and in trouble going up against a God! Thing with Gods, theirs aways sacrifice that has to be made and Buffy makes the ultimate for the greater good. When i first saw this ending i felt hopeless for Buffy and knew a great sacrifice has to made to beat Glorifcus
As always, I enjoyed the reaction. Personally, this has always been one of my favorite episodes, but only because of the confrontation with the council at the end. This was the moment, to me, when Buffy finally realizes that she not only has the power they need, but she has also grown out of adolescence and is rapidly becoming an adult. I'm also a big fan of Passion of the Nerd (I think you subscribe to that channel as well) and the ebook he recommends (still 99 cents US last I looked at Amazon) is a great reference. But I cannot recommend that you read it until you are through with the series. It will almost certainly cause you to go back and re-watch most or all of the series, but with perhaps a slightly revised opinion. Did for me, in any event. But if you read it, spoilers will be found, so please hold off until you have completed the series. If I could give more than one thumbs up per review, I would, but alas, I am limited to just the one.
It’s almost as if the writers make Xander utterly useless to Buffy simply in order to emphasise his role as ‘heart’ of the group, yet all it actually does (in my opinion) is make him seem silly...because who wouldn’t learn some fighting skills in his position, especially knowing what’s out there and how often Buffy and the gang are in life-threatening situations? Also, the other scoobies have non-slayer related qualities as well, it’s not like Xander is the only one with any ‘heart’ to offer, and yet they still also bring something extra that is useful to the slayer cause. It just doesn’t make sense that after all these years Xander hasn’t bothered to develop in any other area except his self-confidence (something Willow has also done...so, again, Xander isn’t unique here).
There are not many filler episodes in Buffy. This is not a filler episode. Most episodes are about characters, their problems and what they go through and the monster or obstacle of the episode is there to create a scenario for the characters to get enlightened or to evolve. A filler episode is there because the show needed to do something easy to fill the season without much impact on characters or overarching story. Buffy rarely does that, because all stories are based on a character development and build around that.
I'm curious as to why you thought Glory was a Slayer. She demonstrated *far* greater strength than any Slayer, Vampire or Demon had demonstrated up 'til that point, and her ability to drain one's sanity was something else. So I may have missed it, but I'm wondering what your reasoning was behind your theory of Glory being a Slayer.
Just remember what the monk told Buffy: "we had to hide the key, gave it form, moulded it flesh, made it human, and sent it to you." Glory's looking for her key. Not a teenage girl.
I am wondering if that outcome wasn't somewhat how the council wanted it to go. I mean they went overboard with the threats and tests that they knew Buffy would fail. Like they wanted to push her too far. I wonder if it all wasn't just a test to see if she would raise to the occasion and take control.
Marginally possible, but, especially with Quentin Travers running things, I think this idea gives them far too much credit. If there was any redeeming quality to Quentin in particular, or his Council in general (besides thesies on Spike), it seems like at some point we would be shown some hint of it.
I actually kind of liked your Glory is a former slayer theory, that could have made a good plot-line by itself. Although Faith kind of already fulfills the slayer gone dark role.
Well I didn't mean Glory herself. I was just saying the idea of a rogue slayer from a long time ago wasn't a bad idea. However Faith already was the rogue slayer and in the comics we did get a similar story-line.
Ancient demons are far more powerfull then regular ones almost god like especially in their home world, but real Gods are above them like a regular demon versus a vampire slayer almost unkillable.
Shannan, I want to know what you were thinking and feeling the moment you heard the words "she's a god". We saw your reaction but I want to know if I'm reading your face right :) It was one of the moments in this show I've been awaiting your reaction to.
Spike and Joyce’s friendship is great.
"She's a God".. Buffy's reaction was all of us back then. Like how the f**k is Buffy going to slay this one?!
My reaction was "How the fuck did I not think of that one? Why the hell else would she be nigh invulnerable?"
This episode is underrated. I don’t hear anyone talk about it much, but I think it’s incredible with great pacing.
Epic episode of maybe the best of all seasons IMHO.
The scene where Buffy is basically taking over the watcher council is actually the first scene i ever saw. My parents showed it to me when i was panicking that i won't be able to write an essay about Mozart and 9 years in a musical academy will be for nothing.
WoncoTheSane let's not go that far.. it's not the best episode
Not the best episode. True. Right. Just an "epic episode", but season five IS (IMHO) the best season.
Tell me about it. You have no idea how hard it is to find a damn clip from this episode floating around RUclips. People act like it isn't awesome or something.
I just love the face Giles has when Buffy tells of the counsil and gets his old job back with retroactive payment no less, he is so proud of her as are we all who watched it back in the day.
As I said in previous videos, I love Spike and Joyce together. Their on screen chemistry is gold!
I don't think Buffy was particularly trusting Spike, just choosing the best option in hand to protect her family. She also knows he can't hurt them, so I find it believable.
The last speech is one of the best in the whole series, even if Buffy should have told them to pay her too!!!!! >:(
All our jaws dropped when we heard the "Glory is a god" revelation.... They really knew how to keep us paying attention!!
Enjoying your reactions to season 5 a hell lot, Shan!! Thank you!!
tsukigalleta I still can’t believe slayers don’t receive a living wage
Yeah trust has little to do with why she left her family with spike, he’s the only person available that’s near her level. Willow is also powerful but her knowledge and ability is still a little unpredictable, nobody else would even slow glory down.
The fact that the Council doesn't even pay Slayers is just stupid. Not simply cruel or authoritarian, but actively counter-productive to their own stated goals. If a Slayer is worrying about where their next meal is coming from, they won't be as effective a fighter. Maybe it gives them more leverage over a rogue slayer, but that cuts both ways- they could give the Slayer a wage, then threaten to cut off funds if they didn't toe the line. There's no pragmatic reason not to pay them, other than the executives being a bunch of tradition-bound, penny-pinching asses (even their hit team from season four complained about how miserly the Watchers' Council Board of Directors was). But when the stakes are THE SURVIVAL OF REALITY, maybe shell out an extra 20,000 or 30,000 bucks a year so the Slayer can afford a cheap apartment and decent meals. The indifference to Slayer casualties is also stupid, as an experienced Slayer will be a better fighter than a new one, and the policy alienates Watchers in the field who actually know the Slayers personally. Though I wonder if the Council was always this bad, or if they just were going through a period of bad leadership under Travers. We do see other Watchers who seem more competent.
The whole Slayers-don't-get-paid thing bothered me a lot as well, but then I guess not many Slayers traditionally are supposed to have lived as long as Buffy has, so maybe that's why they never did anything about it? Bit bleak, really.
I'd guess that it dates back to a time when most women were expected not to work outside the home, and it was just assumed that their Watcher would provide for them. The Council being traditionalists, they presumably never updated the policy.
I think Glory is one of the most beautiful and strong villains in Buffy's universe. Personally it's my favorite! Anyway congratulations for the reaction is always a pleasure to spend time with your videos !!!
My very darkly beautiful nights Glory and Darla are always there.
One of my favourite episodes ever, for that last scene alone. Sarah kills it in pretty much every scene she's in, but scenes like this give me major goosebumps.
The turning point for Glory: she's a God. That was a brilliant twist. Plus, her whole speech in the Magic Box was a turning point for Buffy. She became a powerful slayer in this episode. She knew her power and wasn't afraid to announce it to everyone. She realized how important she is to the council and to the world. This is why S5 continues to be my favourite season: it was full of brilliantly written episodes and well-thought of twists and turns.
Also, my word of advice: watch episodes 15, 16 and 17 together. Plus, I'm starting my _Buffy_ marathon tomorrow. Seven seasons. Seven days. 144 episodes. I'm fucking PUMPED!
Always liked this episode. Obviously, the end where Buffy is laying down the law is pure awesomeness. And the revelation of Glorificus being a God, well, that was a game changer for sure. Oh, and Anya's "Willow's a demon?" comment is so perfectly in character for her.
At last, I've been waiting since you first started watching season 5 for you to find out that Glory is a God. Didn't disappoint.
I love Buffy’s speech to the council and Giles looking proudly on. Already looking forward to next week :)
"Mr Giles will be reinstated as my Watcher at full pay..."
"*cough* retroactively..."
"...To be paid retroactively from the month he was fired."
soo happy to see your reactions :) spike is hysterical. and yes love spike and joyce's friendly relationship. hope you are doing well :) have a great weekend as well.
One of the themes of this season is power. Who has it. Who doesn't. How we deal with being powerless. Riley's problem was ultimately he couldn't handle Buffy's power. It made him feel like less of a man. The council is similar. So was Buffy's professor. Glory is all about power...
The moment you and Buffy make the same exact face!
*Still in the reaction, but paused.*
Again!?
Phireo remember when her and Buffy but their heads in their hands at the exact same time in Season 2 episode ‘Passion’. That’s like nothing I’ve ever seen in a Buffy reaction 😂😂
This episode is very close to my heart. For personnal reasons.
When I watched it the first time, I didn't get it, I didn't really pay attention to its importance. But after some tough life experience, I had a different look on it and I ENJOY IT. This episode affected me since I rewatched it in an amazing way, litterally made me rethink all my life, made me stand for myself in real situations.
"The power, I have it" I'll never forget this line.
It's very difficult to understand, as a kid, as a teen or even as a young adult, how normal grown ups are. How all these people in positions of power (professors / bosses / trainors ...) are really not as extraordinary and knowledgeable as they want to seem.
Humiliating, criticsing in a destructive way, seems like nothing is good enough no matter how hard you work and try they'l keep putting you down because they are the ones above it all, they have power over you and use it to seem out of touch. You'll feel like no matter what you do or how hard you work, you'll never be as wise, knowledgable and amazing as they are. But really, they're just mostly trying to put you down, make you feel like you're nothing, humiliate you, make you their slave, make you their tool, because they need you, YOU the hard working, the creative, YOU have the power, and once you realise they are exploiting you and actually they know NOTHING most of the time about the thing they are teaching or exploiting you for, and that's why they keep making it so hard for you, once you realise that, you can understand that you're good enough, that you're not a "tool", that your work is valuable and that you have rights to stand for.
I love this episode, love it love it love it.
BTVS is a brilliant show, it teached me everything I should know about how life works, and Buffy gave me the power to stand up for myself. Such an underated show. People judge it and don't wanna watch it, cause "vimpires" and the "title is lame" and it's "a teen show" and "the FX are so bad" bla bla... When they really just don't know what this show has to offer.
I feel lucky and blessed that I watched it at such a younge age and that I absorbed all the good messages in it.
Oh, and also I love the "leftist" insinuations, being a socialist myself.
Greatest show of all time!
Yup they always forget that Spikes is Evil . A cute evil thing ❤️ .
Excellent reaction.
Buffy has known since 'Becoming' that Spike can be trusted when his goals coincide with Buffy's. Maybe she's noticed that he's trying to impress her or something. Regardless, she doesn't want Dawn anywhere near the WC so Spike, with his chip and vampire strength, is the only option she can come up with in the moment.
There is more than one type of power and the WC certainly wields some, but so does Buffy and hers is almost unique. That seed was planted in the story long before this episode which is one of the things I really enjoy about BtVS. The writers introduce plot points and themes with little or no fanfare, nurture them with minor appearances across multiple seasons until it's time to put them under the spotlight.
The Council is at its best, or at least its most effective, when wielding indirect power- as researchers, beurocrats, or magicians. In a direct physical confrontation, they're just ordinary humans, and most of them don't have a military mindset or training.
A god ''I can see how that would be a problem'' class reaction.
She is not a demon .... she is not a Slayer ... she is a goddess!
Glory is a far worse enemy than Buffy could imagine, someone with powers yet to be discovered .... and has a mysterious connection with Ben, who certainly can not be a normal human.
This episode really deserves the vision, not only for the revelation of the identity of the Big Villain of the season, but especially for the formidable speech of Buffy. When someone asks me why I love so much the protagonist of this series, I make them listen to this speech, a speech where Buffy manages to reaffirm the importance of her role, of how both the Council needs her and not the opposite because she has power and certainly not them. That's why I keep saying that Buffy is one of the best TV heroines ever created
Yes!🙌🏻
Gotta love Buffy’s speeches
Buffys, Spike, and Xander know how to give good speeches!
-Buffy gives motivational/leader.
-Spike is the experience and love.
-Xander is the observant he sees what others don't
"Ive clocked field time"
I LOVE THEM!!!!
This episode lives on as the well known “power” speech episode. It marked the turning point for Buffy as she finally took charge embracing her role as the slayer and letting everyone know about it. It also sent a message to people in general showing us that women can be seen as powerful figures in all walks of life and an inspiration to women all around the world to stand up for yourself
Yet strangely she didn't demand higher wagers... I mean any wages.
"She's a slayer!!" now I kinda wish she was, you got so excited 😆
To quote Xander: "That was excellent."
The first time I saw this episode I had already figured out by the end that Glory was going to be some sort of deity or higher being. Her line about Buffy getting down on her knees and "worshiping" her just struck me instantly. Gotta love the writers dropping hints like that before the big reveal.
I think that Buffy took Joyce and Dawn to Spike because he's the next best fighter of the group, and the only other one who might be able to fight Glory. Also, he can't hurt them himself because of the chip. And yeah, one of the great things about this show is that even "Filler" episodes still matter.
Glory can.t tell who the key is, that's why she send that snake to find out for her.
I love "Checkpoint" as a complement to "Helpless," down to Buffy protecting a family member against an insane foe she feels powerless against. The whole episode is meant to wear Buffy down in her anxiety, confusion, humiliation, and perceived powerlessness, until she has an epiphany and realizes that she wields immense power, as does her team, as she uses it to smack the patriarchy (The Watchers' Council), leverage information, and to get Giles's job back. Another subversion of "Helpless."
And it was a necessary comedic break after "Into the Woods" that still had some genuinely terrifying moments, like Glory with Dawn. Then that plot twist of Glory being a god. The Big Bads get bigger each season, but I was definitely not expecting a god.
I would love a Spike/Joyce hanging out web series.
I like your “Glory is a Slayer” theory, even if it’s not true. I don’t remember reading or hearing that theory back when this was first aired, but it’s an intriguing idea for a different path the story might have taken. What happens when a Slayer goes REALLY off the rails? It would also help explain their extreme measures with Faith, if they had some idea of where her rebellion could lead. It’s “Choose Your Own Adventure” time!
Yea but Glory is clearly way more powerful than a slayer. A slayer can’t crack the foundation by stamping her feet.
@@russellward4624 yea I’ve said it already, but the Slayer theory was just daft. Shan was way off on this one. I never thought that, or knew anyone else who did
They were gonna make that Vampire chick from season 3s first episode a former Slayer turned Vampire
@@Howyaduing No , they weren't. That was just a fan theory , based on nothing , and was debunked by the showrunners.
And you mean Season 4.
I absolutely love the end of the episodes when the twist occurs. The look on your face as you process what just happened is priceless.
I'm not sure what was better: the disappointment over Glory not being a slayer, the shock of her being a god or the mixture of both reactions.
Omg I just love your reactions! Buffy has been my favourite since it first aired in the nineties & it’s great watching someone experiencing it for the first time.
Hopefully, if Glory asks Buffy if she is a God, Buffy remembers to say "Yes!"...
YOU get a shiny new like for this. And now I can't stop thinking about Glory vs. Gozer.
Doe.....Ray.....Egon!!!
@@alexh8613 A criminally underrated gag if ever there was one.
Why do I feel called out by this comment?
She should've guessed Glory was a god because she kept saying "oh my god..." everytime Glory punched buffy, threw Buffy, or punched a hole in a wall.
I love your reaction at the end when you just 'can't think'
The way Glory can fight in those heels... definitely a goddess! ;-p
great reaction to a great ep that had some of the best dialogue in Buffy's "Power" speech at the end... loved the council's attempt at a review in an attempt to pick apart the team but only revealed what makes them so strong together... and the reveal at the end.... I was sooooo waiting as it felt like the wind up to a big "What?!" from you, but alas..... :( keep em coming Shan!
I always loved the revelation to what Glory is. "She's a God" and buffys "Oh."
I love this episode, it's so funny at points and buffy taking the power away from them is so powerful!
you know Sarah Michelle Gellar reaction/acting when she found out Glory was a God is just fantastic it really deliverer chills of how much trouble she really is in compared to what we have seen so far
Couldn't see Glory being a slayer, she's way too powerful, and she'd know instantly who Buffy was when they fought, and she didn't, neat theory, but yeah, she's a God, not a demon, one would think that means she's much more powerful than a demon, and thus why she can kick Buffy's arse.
Of all the horrible things Joss Whedon has done to us over the years, not giving us an entire episode of Spike & Joyce is probably the most 'orrible.
"Is that what you think is the only thing that's eaten over there?" And tea. :)
Buffy, you forgot to ask to get paid too.
We are getting spoilt by you today love
I like Dawn - she lets no one outside of her family mess with her or those she loves
This is a very important episode, not a filler by any definition.
The lady Watcher getting all moist over Spike cracks me up
"A god... I can see how that could be a problem" That is the point. After going Angel, then a slayer, Adam going after a god in a woman's body was genius!!!!! Loved this episode. The setup: Watchers have all the power, Glory has the power but Whedon revers it. but hits you with the reveal: Glory is a god. And how do you fight a god?
Glory reminds me of a crazier Katherine Heigl...
Another great reaction. I think the God news temporarily broke our girl...buffering on Buffy lol 💜
It was funny in the fight with Glory in episode 5, you kept saying ' oh my "God" ' every few seconds.
This episode should have been five minutes long.
Buffy: Give me the information or Glory destroys the world. You guys got another one you can live on?
Checkpoint and Earshot have always been my favourite episodes of the series!
The Slayer is the instrument with which they fight evil?
Who they magically conscript and don't even pay? So Slayers are essentially the Council's slaves?
Not slaves. They're the guides, the watchers also chosen by destiny to guide THE CHOSEN ONE/THE SLAYER. I suppose you can look at it your way, but essentially they are all slaves. The watchers are paid monetarily yes, but The Slayer has been granted super human abilities that put them above normal human laws. That is not bad compensation. I'd take it.👍🏻🏹
@@thelegendofthem6120 Until your homeless and have no food, while your watcher lives in a mansion, eating haute cuisine and wearing bespoke/haute couture clothing
@@ronaldfasshauer4390 stop
so we find out that glory is a god.
Explains Glory’s ego.
there's the "holy shit" moment and like all of us, done perfectly!
As an old timer who watched this show when it originally aired, I get irrationally angry whenever you pause the show to think thuoghtful questions about what's going on. (That's so unfair! lol) Then I forgive you right away and am thankful for all your work and your fandom of this wonderful show.
This episode was so good, and I loved your reaction!!! Also, I just love Buffy's hair this season... season 5 was her best hair, imo!
22:39 did you meow?
I love the delivery of the "power" speech and how it's supposed to give you all that "we are gonna win" feeling, and at the very end, in the words of Kaleo "way down we go"
lots of quotes in this coment.
hahaha
no i said yeah
I love when episodes make you speechless at the end xD
Right at 18:57 - Shan and Willow have the exact same look on their faces!
Who the hell is Shan?
BTVS Is & has always been my favorite show since 97'. I was 10 then. As soon as each season was available for DVD purchases, I instantly bought them & they were not cheap! For these last 27 yrs I'd re-watch the entire series 2-4 times a year. It'll never get boring but I will admit season 7 wasn't all that spectacular, but since I'm #TeamSpike I did enjoy Buffy FINALLY showing her love towards Spike in S7. Seasons 4 & 5 are my favorites & I still cry every time I watch the episodes that make u cry. Buffy crying cause Angel lost his soul, Buffy killing Angel, Angel breaking up w/Buffy, Buffy on Angel's show when he became human, Joyce dying, Buffy dying, Tara dying, etc.... A good show makes u feel like ur in their world, & Buffy the Vampire Slayer will always hold Oscar for the best tv show ever aired. At least it does in my heart.
I kinda love the fact that when you say seeing it on the 21st, I know I'll be seeing it on the 20th due to time zones :P
ditto!!
Didn't occur to me til years later that Buffy should have demanded pay - and back pay - for herself.
Yup, that's how I reacted at the end
Yes to what you said about the uni professor! Buff should have been praised for developing her own theories! Also her thoughts are that Rasputin might have been a vampire cos they were saying he was nearly impossible to kill - then the professor says last week she was questioning the mysterious sleeping patterns of Prussian generals....cos maybe they slept during the day!!!
You got Buffy's expression after finding out Glory is god.
Thank you for pausing it on Giles... beautiful Giles
18:45. Like A Boss.
Imagine having to wait for this as a mid-season finale!
I love that ending! Buffy knew she was way in over her head and in trouble going up against a God! Thing with Gods, theirs aways sacrifice that has to be made and Buffy makes the ultimate for the greater good. When i first saw this ending i felt hopeless for Buffy and knew a great sacrifice has to made to beat Glorifcus
I really loved buffy speech
As always, I enjoyed the reaction. Personally, this has always been one of my favorite episodes, but only because of the confrontation with the council at the end. This was the moment, to me, when Buffy finally realizes that she not only has the power they need, but she has also grown out of adolescence and is rapidly becoming an adult.
I'm also a big fan of Passion of the Nerd (I think you subscribe to that channel as well) and the ebook he recommends (still 99 cents US last I looked at Amazon) is a great reference. But I cannot recommend that you read it until you are through with the series. It will almost certainly cause you to go back and re-watch most or all of the series, but with perhaps a slightly revised opinion.
Did for me, in any event. But if you read it, spoilers will be found, so please hold off until you have completed the series.
If I could give more than one thumbs up per review, I would, but alas, I am limited to just the one.
It’s almost as if the writers make Xander utterly useless to Buffy simply in order to emphasise his role as ‘heart’ of the group, yet all it actually does (in my opinion) is make him seem silly...because who wouldn’t learn some fighting skills in his position, especially knowing what’s out there and how often Buffy and the gang are in life-threatening situations? Also, the other scoobies have non-slayer related qualities as well, it’s not like Xander is the only one with any ‘heart’ to offer, and yet they still also bring something extra that is useful to the slayer cause. It just doesn’t make sense that after all these years Xander hasn’t bothered to develop in any other area except his self-confidence (something Willow has also done...so, again, Xander isn’t unique here).
If you start treating Xander like a Watcher-in-training, his purpose becomes much clearer
remember earlier in the season when glory found out who buffy was? she said "oh no, i was fighting a vampire slayer?! ugh how common!"
16:08 - I had to google "Timmy from Passions". Sad story, actually...
passions is a real sow?!
ruclips.net/video/iPXutZmLsmA/видео.html
@@victorsixtythree What the actual fuck. A new set of nightmares, and Spike watched that??
That explains alot doesn't it. The uncontrollable strength, the invulnerability. Especially when she is strong enough to take a Slayer toe to toe.
Buffy is in the big leagues now. Talk about work stress... lol
There are not many filler episodes in Buffy. This is not a filler episode. Most episodes are about characters, their problems and what they go through and the monster or obstacle of the episode is there to create a scenario for the characters to get enlightened or to evolve. A filler episode is there because the show needed to do something easy to fill the season without much impact on characters or overarching story. Buffy rarely does that, because all stories are based on a character development and build around that.
I'm curious as to why you thought Glory was a Slayer. She demonstrated *far* greater strength than any Slayer, Vampire or Demon had demonstrated up 'til that point, and her ability to drain one's sanity was something else.
So I may have missed it, but I'm wondering what your reasoning was behind your theory of Glory being a Slayer.
Just remember what the monk told Buffy: "we had to hide the key, gave it form, moulded it flesh, made it human, and sent it to you."
Glory's looking for her key. Not a teenage girl.
I am wondering if that outcome wasn't somewhat how the council wanted it to go. I mean they went overboard with the threats and tests that they knew Buffy would fail. Like they wanted to push her too far. I wonder if it all wasn't just a test to see if she would raise to the occasion and take control.
Marginally possible, but, especially with Quentin Travers running things, I think this idea gives them far too much credit. If there was any redeeming quality to Quentin in particular, or his Council in general (besides thesies on Spike), it seems like at some point we would be shown some hint of it.
Spike are respectfull Buffys mam and Don
Told you it would be fun. Now I can't wait for the next episode it's going to be a great one.
You and Buffy have the exact same WTF face!
Hello ASR, We are at the mid point,. Can't believe we are this far on the season already.
Alright i have to ask. What made you think that Glory was a Slayer?
in other news buffy is being rebooted. Nooooo.
yay 3rd viewer. One of my fave Buffy episodes. You can't not love the payoff at the end of this episode.
more great episodes to come.
Hi love watching Buffy And Angel wit u and I love spike he my fave
OMG, How long did it take you to process that information at the end :D
Silly question, but why do you always tell us "you'll be seeing this on RUclips on that day"? what's the point? we already know we're watching it :)
Just to let people know that Patreon is getting them a week early :P
I actually kind of liked your Glory is a former slayer theory, that could have made a good plot-line by itself. Although Faith kind of already fulfills the slayer gone dark role.
Glory is way too powerful to be a Slayer, plus she's always showing contempt for Slayers and considers them ordinary.
Well I didn't mean Glory herself. I was just saying the idea of a rogue slayer from a long time ago wasn't a bad idea. However Faith already was the rogue slayer and in the comics we did get a similar story-line.
Of course, blood sausage & bangers n'mash is all we Brits eat!!
UC Sunnydale has the worst professors.
I'm confused as to what the difference between a demon and a god are. Weren't the original demons incredibly strong and godlike?
Ancient demons are far more powerfull then regular ones almost god like especially in their home world, but real Gods are above them like a regular demon versus a vampire slayer almost unkillable.
Shannan, I want to know what you were thinking and feeling the moment you heard the words "she's a god". We saw your reaction but I want to know if I'm reading your face right :) It was one of the moments in this show I've been awaiting your reaction to.
Do you think you could recall the thoughts that ran through your mind? :P
I couldn't form a thought