@@beachgirl4583 He just released the Why You Should Watch Firefly video and he released a video on a movie about a month ago (Eternal sunshine I think) I think he's working on Buffy vs Dracula next
On Xander's joke: I never thought of it as literally something Xander says. The whole dream is about what Willow is afraid people are saying about her behind her back, and Xander's joke is exactly what WILLOW is afraid he's thinking. The fact that she's off-screen is irrelevant. Everything on screen is her, even if she's not in frame. This is my favorite Buffy episode. I've been looking forward to your take, and you don't disappoint!
@@starcrysis23 This has always been my interpretation too. It's not Xander's thoughts. It's what Willow imagines Xander is thinking, which is why it's delivered in such an over the top, overly juvenile way.
I always thought of it as a commentery on how lesbian relationships are seen as more acceptable in media because they can be fetishized for male viewers.
It's also possible that it _indirectly_ came from Xander, as the dreamers are all mentally linked and fetishized versions of Willow and Tara will invite him to a threesome in his dream. It's possible that she's subconsciously picking up on that and it's affecting her own dream.
I think it's obvious enough, a crude, simplistic family with a lot of damaged or demented members. A harsh father who doesn't respect Xander, a yammering mother who never even bothers to understand Xander and all. Xander is with the scoobies so that he might be away from all that. That's why he tries his best not to share, and had always been uneasy when his family comes as a topic of discussion.
@@subutaynoyan5372 and the apparently closest member of his immediate family is his Uncle who has likely exposed Xander to "booze, whores and fur flying" and lends him his cool car while unable to drive due to a stack of DUIs.
I think there was some element of physical abuse as well. Remember that Xander’s father plunged his hand into his chest before becoming the First Slayer. Not to mention that he compares what’s at the top of the stairs to vampires, monsters that pose a physical threat to him.
"Bottom line is, even if you see 'em coming, you're not ready for the big moments. No one asks for their life to change, not really. But it does. So what, are we helpless? Puppets? No. The big moments are gonna come, can't help that. It's what you do afterwards that counts. That's when you find out who you are."
Relating to Willow's dream: I don't think Buffy is a specific person. She's just a flapper, which has a lot of meaning and history to unpack. The flapper look was a response to women winning the right to vote in America in August of 1920, and the fashion was purposefully androgynous, with some aspects of the masculine (basically, anything but feminine). The square flapper dress downplayed a woman's curves. And the shortened and angular hair was a rejection to the traditional soft, long hair that is still considered the ultimate feminine hairstyle. As well, flappers smoked because it was considered unfeminine. Smoking was associated with "the boys club," the workplace, aggression--and prostitution. Ultimately, the flapper mentality was about rejecting femininity (unmarried, working) and embodying masculinity (smoking, ambition). Buffy as a Slayer is the same kind of over-simplified feminist symbol. Like the flappers, Buffy is that kind of feminist symbol in how she emulates masculinity (fighting) and not in any of her feminine traits.
I completely agree. The Gatsby reference is very intriguing, but I think you're assessment is on point because it's the same way I felt about Xander's 'sometimes I do a spell' joke. Willow's sees the both of them as apart from herself by the fact that they both display shallow proclivities for selfish sexual power. Willow is afraid that everyone she'll ever meet will be just as concerned with simple-minded sexual pleasure, and the estranged power they can thereby derive for themselves, as her best friends seem to be. As hard as Willow might seek out her unknown potential of spiritual love, one that she could share and grow with another person, she worries that she'll always end up as awkward and alone as she was even before she met Buffy and it would all be her fault. Acting(living) for Willow is not about behaving openly around others but rather hiding her desire for a deep connection, one that she feels she might fall short of maintaining or even deserving since she might not be able to make up for her awkwardness and her latent discontent with her own power disadvantages among her social circle.
Add to that Buffy’s monologue in the play - probably my favorite speech in the series, with its B-movie hack level understanding of a woman rejecting male domination. (Plus it’s just hilarious and I think SMG does it in one breath)
I'm surprised they didn't have her give the speech in a transatlantic accent, as though she were Bette Davis or Katharine Hepburn in a 30's black & white "talkie" film.
One thing you didn't touch on that links well with your other thoughts is how Xander is the only one to perceive Buffy's feeling of isolation in his dream. Visually represented by having Buffy sitting in the sandbox while Xander stands outside it. He also warns her about it, urging her to reconsider. To me, this is a great representation of his 'heart' role in the group, intuitively understanding his friends' pain and throwing them a lifeline, whether they believe they want one or not. Great vid, I look forward to the next.
I fully agree with this. I also thought the fact that Buffy seemed so childlike in Xander's dream was a representation of how he sees her as someone who needs protecting, despite her powers. He is always trying to help her both physically, like when he followed her in prophecy girl and becoming part 2 even though he knew he couldn't do much, and emotionally, with his speech about how she is his hero.
This comment and the replies are so well thought out and they completely coincide with how Xander has felt about Buffy and how that has changed and grown. He has always loved her and who she is because they were always best friends. They would do anything to protect each other, as a true friend would.
@@livkate1 I’m not entirely sure Xand’s protection/hero role is something the writers’ room wanted to depict here. Certainly, for a VERY long time his relationship with her was seen as her responsibility-see S5 TPN episode guide where Riley, in particular, creates & _effects_ this dynamic. Xand’s love & almost-obsession for her is still raw, & not yet worked thru, emotionally, by him, so that he still feels the history of their relationship (from S1). If however, Restless is a foreshadowing of his engagement with the Buffster on a _different_ level (such as during the middle arc of S5 & during The Body) as an independent thinking friend only, then yes, this is relevant, conceptually.
@@cindytartt4048 I am not sure whether the writer's room wanted to depict that it was Buffy's responsibility the way her potential relationship with Xander went, even though they did mean it that way with Riley, which was utter crap. I am pretty sure it was shown by the writers from the start that Xander would never deserve Buffy just because of his passion for her, as constantly shown by him ignoring Willow in the background looking at him the same way as he was looking at Buffy; because if rejection is a crime, that him being rejected by Buffy is karma, but i kinda feel that the show's point was that you feel what you feel for who you feel, and you can't help it. However as far as Xander's emotions for Buffy not being worked through by him is concerned, to that i say, well duh, obviously, the man is highly emotionally immature, I am sure he hasn't processed why he felt the way he felt towards her and when those feelings changed and how much they have progressed over the years. I very squarely believe that when Buffy called him "brother", it was the first time Xander realized that his feelings for Buffy have evolved into protective big brotherly ones; visually depicted by Buffy dressed in a typical teenage little sister getup- spaghetti top and jeans with shoulder length blond straight hair playing in a sand box.
You seriously blew me away with this video. I always saw this episode as a great example of the "theater of the absurd." I also feel like this episode gave me some insights on myself. Xander and Willow, to me, represent aspects of myself that I hate: my insecurities and my fear of being stuck. In contrast, I was drawn to Buffy because she represents the kind of person I want to be. I also think that the episode gives a hint as to how the characters saw Spike, or at least aspects of him. Xander sees Spike as being absurd, associating him with Giles since they're both British. Giles, however, sees Spike in a black and white filter, which to me means that he sees all vampires in that same "black and white" mentality. He doesn’t understand Spike at all. I CANNOT BELIEVE WE'RE ABOUT TO GET INTO MY FAVORITE SEASON! I CAN'T WAIT!
"represent aspects of myself that I hate" I can so relate, sigh. To pick up on the rest of your comment first: I think it's interesting, that only the male characters had Spike in their dreams. Buffy and Willow didn't (I think). *[Kind of spoiler-y....yes, definitely spoiler-y!]* Later in the series Spike will represent an aspect of Buffy which she hates about herself. The "demon part" of her slayer-ness, so to speak. At least that's my take of S6...or one of my takes. But I get ahead of myself. I can't wait for the S5 guide too (the first season I consciously anticipated back then, and I was not let down).
my interpretation was simply that he's black and white because Giles is older, especially in spirit, so his cultural knowledge of vampires isn't The Lost Boys or whatever, it's old B&W horror movies.
As soon as you mentioned Willow's spirit being sucked out by the 1st Slayer, it *finally* dawned on me. Holy hell, how have I never noticed that the First Slayer removes Willow's spirit, Xander's heart, and Giles' mind??? Especially since the enjoining spell is one of my favorite moments of the show. So much of art is interpretation, but I feel like I just crawled out from underneath a 500# anvil.
@@KeldorTheWhiteWhat’s extra embarrassing is this wasn’t some arcane callback, it was the next episode! It should not surprise anyone that poetry was my least favorite subject in English class.
@speabody what's worse is I really enjoyed poetry. Atleast you have an excuse lol. I always thought of myself as someone who could see this type of thing. Apparently I was wrong.
@@KeldorTheWhite Lol. Yeah I just didn't get it. I felt dumb. Who knows if I get it now. Same when we read Shakespeare. No clue. "Hey, speak English!," as Cordelia says in Becoming Pt 2. I bet a lot of kids just read the Cliffs Notes. The influence of Cliffs Notes can not be overstated. To be fair I'm sure a lot of people missed it, particularly with a week between episodes. Also it's a dream, that's enough of an attention-shifter. We don't process stream of consciousness like we do an arc episode.
@@SWood-xs1my It's usually Giles' tendency to take note on who's saying what. When Harmony says something, he automatically denies it, when Riley says the exact same thing, he agrees. Harmony is a stupid girl, you know. No way she can be right.
This video is a god damn piece of art, and I just wanted you to know that, aside from sheer entertainment value, these recaps mean a lot to me for personal reasons too. I struggle with anxiety and sometimes I feel like it controls me. Listening to you discuss absurdist philosophy has introduced me to it and given me a whole new perspective. I still struggle, but now I have something to rationalize my anxiety with thanks to you. This video was the pinnacle of that and I just want to thank you for it.
Yes, this is the best video essay I've ever seen. Brilliantly well thought out, entertaining, and informative. I like to watch this every once in a while because it's so good.
I don’t really know how to properly express how this made me feel, and i think it’s too late in the night to articulate any part of how much this means to me. Some of the things you brought up are things that I’ve never thought of that sort of break my heart (like how in some part of their mind, none of the scoobies really get the task of being a slayer). The last five minutes are wonderfully beautiful, and remind me a lot of the ending from “fear itself”. Your comforting descriptions of life, morality, meaning, fear, relationships, etc. are genuinely phrases and ideas that I revisit when I’m in a spiral of feeling terrible, or when I’m talking to my therapist about confronting my anxiety. I know this is most definitely a terrible mess on nonsense, but I can’t express the gratitude I have for you over your incredibly beautiful videos that perfectly remind me of why I love buffy, as well as help me confront issues of distress in my own life. Thank you so so much, and congrats on finishing season 4
I have always wanted to know what the poem on Tara's back was, when you read it I burst into tears and had to pause the video until I could continue. The entire video was incredible and powerful. Thank you for the gift of your analysis and revealing the beautiful and devastating prophecy that Willow wrote unfinished.
This video popped up on my feed and I love the Whedonveres so I had to watch it. And I’m so glad I did! This breakdown is no joke, seriously good quality!
I understand that the long form nature of the video was done out necessity and was very taxing but I'd like to see it brought back for special occasions like Chosen, not fade away or the body or perhaps for the dense lyrics of once more with feeling.
I read Joyce being behind the wall as more of a foreshadowing about her brain tumor. Essentially she is trapped behind an illness which Buffy cannot save her from and one that Buffy ultimately ignores to focus on other pressing business. I think Joss knew he was going to kill Joyce off the next season and designed this moment to be a reflection of what was to come rather than what has passed. Like the Dawn stuff. Buffy's dream is all about the future more than it is the past, hence the lack of Angel. It is the most premonitory of the four dreams.
I'm sorry i'm bumping an old comment but I feel compelled to say that one of the bonus things on the Buffy Dvds i think it was Joss himself, said about how the actress who played Joyce didn't want to be as present in season 4, and Joss said ok but u have to come back for season 5 so that we can kill u off. Joss planned stuff like 2 seasons in advance. This was why Joyce was only in like 2 episodes in season 4
I think that Joyce trapped behind the wall was a foreshadowing of both her and Buffy's later deaths. She's trapped beyond, where she can't be reached. Cut off from the living world, and is in a dirty place with mice nibbling at her knees, like dead and buried. She says that Buffy though could probably break through. Buffy dying and coming back was breaking through the wall separating the dead from the living.
joss def knew he was gonna kill off joyce. i believe i saw somewhere that he had told the actress who played joyce during the filming of season 3 that her character would soon be killed off. not sure tho
When Buffy is walking down the hallway at the end of the ep, you can see a slice of cheese stuck on a painting. (Credit for this easter egg goes to Buffy Virgin Podcast).
It's not cheese, it's part of the painting. There are 3 very similar paintings next to each other and two of them have the yellow square. You can see the paintings in the background of S5E5 in the end when buffy says sorry to dawn.
I've never left a comment before, I don't know why, but this video's length (and the editing live streams I always sneak at but never comment on), implored me I should show my absolute gratitude before I even viewed it. Thank you, for this incredibly immersive and rewarding video, and for all the indescribable videos you make. I have watched so many of them over and over, and I never dreamt as an 8 year old girl, and now as a 23 year old (I'm from the UK and so only had access to Buffy through my Dad's impulsive, albeit inconsistent Ebay watching) that I would feel such an immense connection with what Buffy means to me. The moment my dad introduced me to this world I was engaged, and when he would surprise me after school with a newly acquired, pirated copy from his mate or Ebay steal of a Buffy season I would be filled with excitement. It would never be consecutive, I watched The Gift after already seeing Chosen; but that didn't matter. My immediate connection with Buffy is a testament to Joss's immaculate characterisation, that I didn't even need to know where this story as a whole was going, to connect with the stories these wonderful characters portrayed, episode to episode. However, thanks to you I see the story fully, the journey, as it should be. Buffy was a fragmented yet withstanding part of my upbringing, that I suppose I never really gave enough credit to- up until I discovered your channel. After my dad passed away when I was 19 years old, I instinctively began watching Buffy again, for the first time in maybe 8-9 years. It became my shelter and comfort, but I never really understood why until I found you channel. You have taken all my sentimental love for this show and presented it to me in a way which is meaningful and academically astounding. I will never ever tire of your commentary and analysis, for your guide showed me in a time of such deep deep despair, a pit I never thought I would claw my way out of, that there is such meaning in life, if you CHOOSE to see it. Thank you.
Shawn Clarke Wow. So much of how I feel about and how the show affected me at 50! Thank you for sharing you made me cry a few "feels" as it also after a crisis that I accidentally turned to Buffy and found a strange balm for my pain.
You know in an interview with Joss about this episode, he said he was basically sitting down to write a 40 minute tone poem.....character studies of our core group through poetry. I feel like that's what you did here. I mean, all of your videos are beautiful, but this one takes it up a notch. I have the book "Why Buffy Matters", and I did get a lot insight into this episode because of it....like a lot that I would have never been able to ascertain on my own, but as usual, you were able to provide me with even more insight, especially in the character study aspect of everything. I knew this was going to be a longer video since I saw your editing live stream pop up several times, but this video did not feel like nearly 40 minutes. It flew by, and I was sad for it to end. Great, great job. Also, your cameo with the lighter was everything. :)
His actions are far less problematic than Willow's (using magic to control Tara, going on a revenge spree and trying to destroy the world) and Spike's (trying to rape Buffy in Seeing Red) and yet most people excuse them just fine 'cause they're fan favorites.
@@eli-jl8yf I haven't watched this video yet, but I do wanna say that while certainly many characters act in problematic ways at times, Xander's actions aren't presented as such. Sure, all the characters are flawed and that's part of what makes them relatable, but Xander is presented as "the heart" in a way that seems to excuse a lot of his behavior.
@nimusine How does him being the heart excuse his behavior? All it does is imply that he's the most passionate and impulsive of the group... which he is. Just like Giles is the mind because he's the most rational while Willow is spirit beacuse of her magic. It's simbolic, that's all. Regarding his actions... that is an argument that is often used in fandom, that he's not "punished" enough for his flaws or whatever. But the thing is the less you screw up the less the narrative needs to hold you accountable, and like I said his mistakes are less serious than say killing somone or assaulting someone. And I'm saying this as somone who loves Willow and likes Spike. Finally, when Xander does screw up, the narrative does frame his actions as problematic. When he cheats on Cordelia with Willow, Cordelia does not forgive him or take him back but actually insults him at every chance she gets. When he leaves Anya at the altar, he's punished not only by his coscience but also by having to see Anya sleeping with Spike, a guy he loathes. When he gets mad at Anya, she (so the narrative) calls him out on his hypocrisy. The Lie is the only time where he screws up and gets away with it... but I would say that he actually doesn't. His punishement comes in Selfless where he's forced to live the same situation Buffy did, he knows that stopping Anya is the right thing but he can't do it because he loves her. Some sort of poetic justice and also the reason why the lie is mentioned in that ep. So, yeah, Xander definitely gets what he deserves most of the time.
@@nimusine I don't think the point of Xander being the heart is to excuse his behavior. There's no excuse for it. However, when you look at him through the metaphor he represents and really try to understand him as a character, you might be able to see why he acts like he does. What he does isn't right, but if you say you don't understand why or how he could do it, all you're saying is you don't understand who he is.
This was so incredibly good. I love all your videos, but as an aspiring filmmaker seeing you break down the cinematic techniques used was an extra treat. One thing I noticed while I was watching this video is that I focused more on how the Scoobies were drifting apart from each other than anything else and how much it bothered me. It bothered me a lot more than it did when I first watched the series back in junior high. I think it goes to show how much we project ourselves unto the media we watch. I'm about to head off to college and one of my great fears has been of drifting apart from by friends and being alone again, and that anxiety was reflected in what I focused on when watching this video. I don't really know where I'm going with this. I guess I just really need to rewatch this show. It's been too long.
When talking about Willow's dream version of Buffy as the flapper you mentioned how she thinks of Buffy as empty-headed. It reminded me of in Chosen when Willow tells Kennedy "you know Buffy, sweet girl, not that bright." That line always hurt me, but it fits in with how she sees her here. And can I just say "we are not our thoughts, but the thing witnessing our thoughts" is an amazing... well, thought. "fear is not a choice, but what we do afterwards is" - I'm going to try and remember this. It feels like a completely new way of looking at life for me.
Good points. Also, Willow’s surprise at Buffy’s high SAT score. Willow knows that Buffy is smart. What she doesn’t realize is that Buffy is distracted and encumbered by the burden of being the Slayer. Remember when Willow and Xander (and Anya?) were “patrolling” with Riley, but were loudly eating chips? Is that how Willow sees Buffy’s night job, or is it simply a nod to how useless the Scoobies are in action? The little put downs of Buffy’s struggles in school show Willow’s insecurity, and lack of understanding of what Buffy has to sacrifice every night (sleep, studying), while she’s out patrolling. Buffy is both intelligent, and physically attractive. People notice her. Willow was previously unnoticed, unless someone needed help with their school work. Willow sees Buffy as someone with power: over boys (first, Xander), over adults (teachers, parents), over demons. Willow’s insecurity about her own sexual attractiveness is shown every time she grabs or references her boobies (“look at these!” and “I am a girl!”). Willow’s issue was always power. She felt powerless compared to Buffy, in everything but academic achievement. Someone else had another take on the flapper dream/reference, but I can’t paraphrase it due to migraine onset. It’s in the comment section on this video.
@@beachgirl4583 Astute analysis. This subtext becomes text in season 6 when Willow declares, "Oh Buffy. You really just need every square inch of your ass kicked", and again a year later, when she (and everyone else) turn on Buffy.
I love that almost 20 years later people are still trying to figure out what the cheese man means when joss has stated that he means absolutely nothing. That's how good this show is.
@@mamakash That's exactly where I think the Cheese Man must have originated from. The cheese was even kind of a joke in the episode 4x07 (The Initiative). _"Willow: She likes cheese._ _Riley: What?_ _Willow: Well, I'm not saying it's the key to her heart, but Buffy... She likes cheese."_ _"Riley: Um...Buffy... (He pauses looking at a loss.) You do the reading on chapter 9?_ _Buffy: Uh-huh. (She gives him a look.)_ _Riley: Wow. Some theories, huh? _*_Cheese? (He holds up a cube of cheese on a stick.)_* _Cut to the woods. Xander sees things being thrown into a pile."_ _"Buffy: Uh, last night... At the party, You wanted to tell me something?_ _Riley: Oh, yeah. Very important stuff. I don't remember any of it now. But you would have been fascinated, possibly even moved. Did Willow tell you I like cheese?_ _Buffy: You're a little peculiar."_ Riley's offer...it at least seems similar, coming out of nowhere. Just like the cheese man. _"([...] Xander backs away, turns, sees the bald man _*_holding up a plate of cheese slices._*_ )"_ _"(The bald guy leans in between Buffy and the First Slayer, _*_holding up two slices of cheese._*_ [...])"_
I honestly don't care what Whedon says in some event. Cheese is Buffy, and the cheeseman is revealing how scoobies feel about their current relationship with her. - I've made a space for the cheese slices represents Willow's complain and distaste about being disconnected with Buffy. Their friendship had reduced to something squeezed in the corner, overwhelmed with all the things that're going on in both their lives. - These won't protect you implies even though Xander thinks Buffy would shield her in all situations, in the end, she'll not protect him. Since he was maimed by Caleb and all, when Buffy was present, I think it was just refering his trust to Buffy. - I wear the cheese, it doesn't wear me part of Giles is the most obvious one. I don't think I even need to explain it much. Giles was supposed to keep Buffy under control, telling her what to do, being her overseer, instead, the became Buffy's companion, someone who's more in her influence than she is in his.
I have never before left a comment on RUclips on a video I have watched. I first found your channel a week ago on the "Top 10 Episodes to Pair With Wine and a Good Cry". I work as a licensed marriage and family therapist. I found myself referring to quotes in that video from your introduction about depression and how we insulate ourselves from loss with clients within hours of seeing it. I have now watched several of your videos--most recently this one. I am a hardcore Buffy fan and find immense joy and love in the show, but I have a genuinely deeper appreciation for both the show and the ways it can act as a platform to discuss such important topics such as love, loss, and fear. This video, specifically it's last moments in discussing fear, touch me. It is an eloquent discussion, in many ways, of Pema Chodron's work: the idea of "intimacy" with fear, knowing fear, and smiling. We are the sky: everything else is just weather. I felt moved and compelled to express my gratitude for the countless hours you have devoted to your channel and the meaning you have clearly brought hundreds of viewers. I would like you to know that your videos have even shown up in my therapy room with people who will never know your channel and who will never know this media, at all, but who know versions of your words because of the beauty I have found in them and relevance I have immediately felt them have to the clients I have in my practice, as well as clearly to me and my own relationships. We all have a profound effect on one another in the words, feelings, and meanings we share with the world. Don't ever underestimate the impact you have beyond the immediate sphere that you can see.
This was amazing. when it's all said and done, you're gonna be responsible for some of the most valuable and thorough examination of an important piece of media ever. Thank you for this. You're doing the Lord's work, my man!
When ever doing a rewatch of the series I tended to pass over Restless. I loved the beauty of it and its creativity, but I found it difficult to connect with it. But your break down showed so much depth I couldn’t find myself. I have read a lot of the comments and what I have noticed that a lot of us that love Buffy so much deal with depression and anxiety on a daily basis and this show has found a way for us to face it and understand how to handle it at times. We are all our choices, and it helps me to know that others understand that feeling of being swallowed by those choices. This is absolutely one of the best guides ever. It was so beautiful and I loved your breakdown of Buffy’s response to the original slayer. One of my favorite lines has always been “I don’t sleep on a bed of bones.” It was always so powerful. To sum up, thank you for all your hard work and your dedication. These videos have helped me out of some hard times.
Having my own difficulties with life is perhaps the biggest reason I love this show so much. Not only do you bring it life and give real food for thought but it helps me understand or acknowledge things that are both wonderful and terrible in my own journey. By doing your reviews it only helps me understand why this show matters to me, I would like to thank you for this. Thank you x
I've always loved this episode so much, as it reveals new and alternative angles of interpretation every time I watch it! In addition to what you said about this episode representing a lot of the themes and arcs of Season 4, I also feel like it is extremely representative of each character's arc over the course of the series, as well as the themes of the series as a whole. Xander literally "leaves the basement" and makes a career for himself in construction, but in a lot of ways he never "leaves the basement" in his position in the group - and as you touched on in the video, his relationship with Anya is brought down by his fear of that state of being. Willow's story continues to be about her disconnection with what makes her her (as the more adept she is at magic, the more she sees that as her only trait), and her journey in and out of darkness. Giles continues to struggle with his relationship to Buffy and if him being near her is holding her back from growing up (much like she is very childish in the carnival, and in the sandbox/swings scene). And Buffy's journey, and that of the show, is really about what it means to be The Chosen One while still wanting to connect through family, friendship, and love - and if that is even possible. Anyways, went on a bit of a tangent, but really fantastic and in-depth work as always, and I've very excited for the next episode (and the next, and the next, etc.)!
You did a truly beautiful job, thank you. Restless is my favourite episode of the entire show, so I will add a few things: 26:52 “Faith and I just made that bed” references Faith’s own dream in 4x15 This Year’s Girl and “little sis coming”. Furthers the notion that the two slayers have shared dreams due to the cosmic primeval connection they have. A more tenuous reach at metaphor, I can’t help but think of “they found a shadow” with Joyce’s head in the shadowy recess behind the wall in Buffy’s dream. Buffy doesn’t free her because saving Joyce’s life is beyond her capabilities as a slayer. 5:47 Tara saying “you don’t know everything about me” seems to foreshadow Tara believing she and the women in her family are demons in 5x6 Family. And finally, I read somewhere that Anya saying “I think this year is going to be a big year for vengeance” was written because they had plans for Anya to become a vengeance demon again in season 5, but postponed it to season 6 because it would’ve made s5 too crowded. But seriously Ian, what a tremendous job you did. You deserve a medal for this.
and from What’s My Line Part One: Snyder: It's worth nothing, Harris. Whatever comes out of your mouth is a meaningless waste of breath. An airborne toxic event. Xander: Well, I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to be so honest with me. And I can only hope that one day I'm in the position to be that honest with you. (Restless: “I never got the chance to tell you how glad I was you were eaten by a snake.”) Okay maybe that’s really reaching. But the intertextuality in this episode, intentional or otherwise, makes me so giddy. I’ll stop now 😶
I really like your analysis here, the only note I would make is to remember that it was Willow's dream. When Tara is saying Willow doesn't know her, it's not really Tara saying it. It's not about Tara, or Tara's fear. It's about Willow. Other than that, you had some interesting perspectives I enjoyed reading!
I started watching your guide midway through season 2 and have been waiting for this video. It's in my top five for the series. I wanted to say thank you for the level of attention and detail here (two different guides?!) as well as switching up your format. I found it a bit more like your earliest videos and that was really needed here to cover an episode as complex as this one. Also, I wanted to single out one thing I loved. Your bit about our thoughts are not ourselves. I have severe depression and before I was officially diagnosed and knew what was going on, it seemed like the end of the world. It's taken a lot of time to differentiate between thoughts that I have and what I think because I'm going through a depressive episode. As I tell people when describing my first experiences with depression, "If you hear these thoughts in your brain, in your own voice, wouldn't you think it was true?" It takes a great deal of self reflection to be able to decide between thoughts that are true to you and ones that are coming in as a result of external or internal circumstances. As you've repeatedly stressed throughout this guide, we are not defined by our circumstances.
Dear Ian, I had a baby several months ago and am currently a stay at home mom. I need you to know that some weeks, your videos are the only thing I have to look forward to. Thank you for all the time you put into them, for being such a great guy, for going full time with this, and for keeping me from going crazy ( serious cabin fever on the way). I'm a really big Buffy fan, I watch all seasons once a year ( at least - and my boyfriend is starting to get sick of it but oh well!) ever since high school. This show is truly special to me and has gotten me trough some tough times and now so do you. You give me a new perspective on some episodes and I appreciate that! But even more, you make me feel better on days that I feel like the worst version of myself. In a way - You've saved the/my world a lot. Thank you, again. -Blue Bird
I've always thought of the "primordial mud" as melted weapons, as the bag looks like the bag she keeps her weapons it. Riley calls her killer in disgust when he sees that she has painted her face with weapon paste.
It's always a treat seeing Buffy fans who genuinely "get it" ~ Massively enlightened by the sapphic poetry on Tara's back, though, that's new to me, and made me weep! That Willow was so close to Her darkness already. Their love is so bright and pure that the flip-side can only be the polar opposite, Yin/Yang, exactly as you said. 😭💔
Excellent conclusion to a mixed season (of episodes, not of reviews). Thank you for going so deep into the various meanings behind it. This has always been one of my favourite episodes (partly because it FELT like a dream, unlike the "dreams" in most media), but because there was always that elusive feeling that it meant MORE. Of the many important and relevant moments in the interview comes from your analysis of Xander's dream, and it reminds me of what Orson Scott Card (and many, many others) observed in "Speaker for the Dead:" Once you understand a person, you cannot hate them. And...seeing Joyce being blocked off like that has kinda broken my heart since Season 5.
I can see it. A lot of people turn their brains off when they watch TV and just relax. Nothing wrong with it - I did that with most of Buffy during my first watch-through...over a decade ago.
I haven't even finished watching the video but I have to comment. The Xander bit is amazing and overwhelming at the same time, I can't believe how much I love and care for this characters, even if he isn't my favorite I could understand a lot about what happens in Hell's Bells. Thank you, Ian.
This has surpassed ALL of my hopes for this episode's guide. I am in complete AWE!! Thank you so much for all of the hard work you put into this episode. Restless has always meant so much to me and you have absolutely done it justice, and then some!! It's so fascinating the way different people interpret this episode and, despite the number of times I've already watched it, you've given me a new perspective and now I want to re-watch. I loved your thoughts on Joyce in the wall being a symbol of Buffy's increasing distance from her mother (and old life.) That adds a rich layer of context to Buffy's dream narrative. Previously, I'd always seen it as a visual throwback to School Hard when Buffy instructs her mother (through the hole in the door created by the axe) to stay in the classroom while she saves the day. I figured she would recall this in the dream as another example of someone she feels she is responsible for, since Joyce seems to be helpless and resigned to her circumstances in the wall. It always made me feel that it added to Buffy's feelings of isolation in the dream since, under normal circumstances, Joyce would be the one looking after Buffy, and not the other way around. Buffy feels she can only rely on herself. I had also never considered that Giles, Willow, and Xander might be sharing a dream at some point but that's a really cool idea! .I just figured Giles viewed Xander as the one always needing rescuing and getting injured (gaping hole in chest), and Willow as the helpful one with the good ideas (reading the books, knows about the "primal force"). The "Rupert" reference I imagined was his subconscious desire to be recognized for his true self, apart from just "Giles" the authority figure, as the Scoobies all view him to be. I don't think there's a right or wrong interpretation here, and this shared dream idea is really interesting and provides a new lens for me to view this scene through now. All in all, thank you so much for this video. You've brought to my attention details I never noticed or understood before (Willow's views on Buffy in her dream, the *ahem* va-jayjay hallway/curtains, Tara's Sun AM tarot cards and their relation to the clock, the fact Spike wore the same suit in Restless and Tabula Rasa, the reasoning behind the fake-looking background in the ice cream truck scene, and I could go on but I think I'll end this terribly long essay-of-a-comment instead.) IN CONCLUSION THIS VIDEO WAS MAGNIFICENT, AS ARE YOU, SIR.
Millie Hansen I think you're completely right about Joyce in the wall. Ever since she became the Slayer (an adult), her mother is no longer her comforter and protector. Joyce is cut off from her and, in fact, Joyce is another responsibility for Buffy. Faith used Joyce to get at Buffy, so that is something she'll have to deal with now, protecting her mother. Her attachments, in a way, make her feel even more alone because she is the one with the power and so she has to make the calls. Sorry if you think I just re-stated all you said. I tried not to, but in sum, just wanted to say you make a great point I didn't think about, so thanks!
@@quibily Very well said! This idea of her feeling almost burdened by, and isolated from, her friends and family because of the imbalance of power and responsibility, while still wanting and often prioritizing that love and connection with them, even if it causes her extra pain, is a running theme for her. I suppose that’s also part of the metaphor for growing up that the writers are going for, now that I write that out, haha. I’m also reminded of a scene in S7 ("Conversations w/ Dead People" I think??) where she's talking with that vampire she knew from HS and he's psychoanalyzing her. She’s discussing her guilt over feeling simultaneously better than and unworthy of her friends. An inferiority complex about her superiority complex, in the vamp’s words. And I guess this all leads to my fav line of the series when Buffy says “Being the slayer made me different but it’s my fault I stayed that way.” Buffy’s whole struggle is with feeling that she is different and that those closest to her can’t understand her, but she eventually realizes that she was the one choosing to put up those barriers all along. Anyway, is this a really long stream of consciousness ramble? YUP! Looks like it is. Sorry for my word vomit, hopefully it made some kind of sense!
Millie Hansen No, I liked it! It's good that you tied the analysis to the source by finding quotes from the show, several seasons later. It's def a running theme for her. I'm actually glad she doesn't really have an episode like all super heroes do, where they cut themselves off from the people they love because they don't want to put them in danger. While I get it, I get so tired of seeing it!
37 minutes of wonderful analysis, and it still barely scratched the surface. There are just so many layers to dig into. An amazing episode of both the series and your guides. Thank you.
Hi Ian, Thank you so much for this lovely analysis. I really enjoyed it! I recently rewatched Restless and found it so charming, funny, and as you say, full of details I had not appreciated before. I wanted to add something about the interaction of Buffy with Riley and Adam in her dreamscape and I would be curious to know what you think about it. The scene that you included in your analysis of Buffy walking into a war room with Adam and Riley was such a telling little episode of her dream. The angle, the focus on the gun on the table, the map on the wall, and finally, the talk about ‘naming things’. The fact that Adam and Riley are, as representatives of the Initiative, taking the time to ‘name things’ is consistent with their behaviour throughout this season. Members of the initiative have names for the demons they catch (grouping them all as ‘subterranean’ and ‘hostile’) and they are, at the same time, dismissive of the tradition of research that already exists in this field. For example, we see Giles trying to offer his help and expertise only to be rejected flippantly by Professor Walsh. This was always an interesting theme for me that even after members of the Initiative/army formally learn of the slayer’s existence, they don’t ever want to use HER forms of research (namely, books, the Watchers’ council, ancient artefacts) and instead of any curiosity about her, try to indoctrinate her into their realm. You have spoken about this in discussing the dichotomy of the season: magic versus science; feminine versus masculine, of course. I think that this final confrontation with the initiative was such a sharp extension of that metaphor and the unwillingness of the institutional force to partake in any meaningful form of collaboration with what they deem unworthy (read: feminine!). Riley and Adam spending time on the important business of giving names to things that already have names only for that to be followed by a comment about building a pillow fort, a ridiculous image that undercuts its own importance was really the gist of it all. Additionally, the only visible object in the room (aside from the gun whose symbolism I find quite obvious) is an atlas. This brought to my mind a very patriarchal and colonialist view of the European man ‘discovering’ and naming new places juxtaposed with Tara and Willow allowing the cat’s personality to show them a name suited to her. Also, following the medieval tradition of thinking about onomatology, knowing someone’s or something’s name means that they would gain a certain power over them which really brings the contrast between the interactions of Riley/Adam and Willow/Tara to the fore. There is another thing that I would like to say with regard to Adam’s character in this scene and how I read it (it might be a little excessive and reading too much into that single line! But here goes). I viewed Adam’s character as a culmination of two literary precedents: Frankenstein’s monster and the first Man, Adam. Both of these characters have a significant relationship to naming things. The monster, famously, lacked a name and his namelessness was a crucial signifier of his creator’s lack of care for him. In Milton’s Paradise Lost, however, God asks Adam to roam the world and give names to other animals and beings indicating his intellectual superiority to them. I found it interesting that these two characteristics and intertexts were conflated in this scene. Anyway, thanks again for your work! I really do enjoy it and look forward to each and every episode of the Buffy Guide!
In many ways, I actually relate to Xander the most. Thank you for articulating him so well, I feel like he is one of the most misunderstood characters, and maybe now you've explained some stuff, people might just get him a little more.
It is true that restless is a work of art. This video is also a work of art. The whole series of Buffy is amazing but watching your guide has added another layer to my favorite piece of entertainment. Thank you so much for making these videos. (Congratulations on finishing season 4!!!)
You know. I really really love your guide, I have been in love with Buffy and Angel for most of my life and every time I re-watch I get flooded with new meaning as I am growing. Seeing your perspective on this episode has helped me to understand somethings about me. So thank you. I guess restless is my favorite episode of Buffy.
The scene of Joyce inside the wall....it always reminded me of a something out of a Samuel Beckett play. It reminded me of Happy Days, just this human happily existing in this negative spaces, totally ignoring the very real threat that’s around. Restless really embraced absurdity and used it sooooo well.
buffy's "mommy" you edited in made me burst into tears. thank you so much for these videos. it's like I am watching Buffy for the first time again, which is something I always wished for.
this is absolutely incredible. this episode has always been my favorite, but i've never been able to analyze it as much as i would like to, so this video was amazing to watch. the amount of work you put into it is SO impressive
When I’m not busy preforming neurosurgery or working on my pet project, cold fusion, I sometimes watch You tube videos. At least, I used to. With this, the bar has been set so high, I now fear that the likes of Grumpy Cat or The Star Wars Kid shall bring me joy, no longer. To quote Barbra Walters: “ I feel like I’ve had a full meal, not just nachos “. In the presents of an effort so detailed and memorizing, the work of my other favorite You Tubers has faded away to become almost... well, it rhymes with, “ blinvisible “. That... was... awesome, dude! Liked, subbed, hooked! More please.
"We give our fear power and meaning. And just like Buffy, we always have the choice...and wake up." Seriously, your videos can make me cry and feel and think deeply just as much as a Buffy episode. And in a lot of ways, Buffy saved my life. Your videos really mean a lot to us, and I really appreciate the work you've put in. Thank you.
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this video for years now, and it did not disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. Truly, outstanding work Ian! ❤️
So many things make more sense now! Especially Xander. Before this you didn't get to know his background much, and this analysis opened him wide for the world to see who he really is. It's heartbreaking.
That "brother" line has always stood out to me. It may be a nail in the coffin of his chances with her but it is also an promotion from dear friend to someone you can never forget about. No matter where you go and for how long you stay away, you'll never forget your siblings. I feel like it's the moment Xander becomes secure in his relationship with Buffy.
I have a reoccurring theme in my dreams of being at university with my university friends, or school with my school friends, and not understanding the material/missing a deadline/trying to find loopholes to pass classes. I know without question it is my deepest fear - and perhaps truth - that I am not as smart as any of them, that I will always be behind. You can bury so much in the chaos of consciousness, but your subconsciousness will never lie. That said - I am okay with feeling this way, and even the truth of it. I know now I may not be as smart as many of my friends, but I am skilled in my own ways, and I am loved. I am worthy.
Weird how Buffy can help us through so much heh? I have two kinds of regular dreams; one with either a huge family fight/tragedy (usually involving my mom and or sister), and one where I start losing the only boyfriend I ever fell in love with, and then the dreams where I most of the time am like an undercover FBI agent, a cop, a vigilante whatever tasked to track a serial killer rapist, I always have to stop him and then I am chased by him, kidnapped, I always end up having to stop him from hurting others (a lot of times there's a younger girl that I pity more than me and I fear for her because she's an innocent victim and with my background I know what kind of sick things he's going to do to both of us) and I end up having to do anything even kill him, to get out of there... so yay for great dreams lol (at least I remember them and they're very cinematic. I always remember what kind of frame I would use were I to shoot it as a movie, with what light, and music and narrative structure etc hahahah )
You missed the obvious, Tara talks of naming 'her' and then Willow opens the curtains to reveal the sunrise or 'dawn'. Also the Buffy play scene we have dark haired Buffy raging against male gun toting Riley and Xander dead on the floor foretells the end of season 6.
Man those forty minutes flew by. I'd love to see you talk about Hannibal with Madds Mikkleson cause that was a series with some really interesting and bizarre dream sequences, I'd be curious for your take on them.
OMG...this was phenomenal!! You did an amazing job carefully analyzing every aspect of this episode. There were several elements of each character's dream along with various personal issues and fears that also resonate with me. You've granted me so much clarity and healing in ways that I cannot express. I've been a fan of BTVS since it aired in 1997, although I was in elementary school, It was and still remains my favorite show ever, that I still watch today!!! You are the best!!! Exuberant joy is mine!!!
To this day, this incredible masterpiece is one of my favourite video reactions of yours. Spectacular! Much like the episode itself, I always pick up something different each time I rewatch this. And yes, I couldn’t agree more about Oz and the warm fuzzies, lol. I also can’t help but giggle at Xander’s joke, while I do still concede it probably wasn’t the right place for it.
You should be a scholar at university publishing essays about pop culture. You have such an insightful, academic approach to things. I actually recommended these videos to my students when I taught a class on BtVS. Much respect.
Absolutely stunning and arguably your greatest work yet. This episode is so damn complex, it had my head spinning and almost left me physically ill from the mental strain of trying to process it all, when I first watched it.
Omg this is awesome! Please don’t stop these guides! I thought I know a lot about Buffy but had no idea how much I missed and learning about them only makes me love the show more.
I'm going to echo others and just say this is a beautiful analysis, somehow you manage to reflect where I'm at on my journey and help me to realise everything's going to be OK. I am so grateful for that and I want you to know, you make a difference.
So while I've watched the series quite a few times, I've only watched Restless once, because its absurdity always made me feel really weird and kinda depressed. Seeing the whole thing broken down, the incedible amount of information that was blown our way with this episode, makes me think it needs a rewatch. Your videos are changing the way I look at the series and the chacarters completely, and while that's a little bit sad, it also makes this show that much more important. Buffy has been there for me when even I wasn't. I think I speak for everyone when I say that this video's incredible. 37 minutes felt like 3.
This is the one I’ve waited for since discovering your work, and I plan on watching this multiple times to the point where I have this episode memorized.
This is your masterpiece Ian. You didn't just go and get the rock, you turned that rock into a diamond.
BlueStocking,
Where is Ian? It’s been ages, without a peep from him. Is he ok?
@@beachgirl4583 He just released the Why You Should Watch Firefly video and he released a video on a movie about a month ago (Eternal sunshine I think)
I think he's working on Buffy vs Dracula next
Alexandra Schroeder,
Thank you. Ian replied on the Firefly video. Dracula should be up soon. :D
@@beachgirl4583 I'm excited to see the beginning of the Buffy vs Dracula that he's been talking about
On Xander's joke: I never thought of it as literally something Xander says. The whole dream is about what Willow is afraid people are saying about her behind her back, and Xander's joke is exactly what WILLOW is afraid he's thinking. The fact that she's off-screen is irrelevant. Everything on screen is her, even if she's not in frame.
This is my favorite Buffy episode. I've been looking forward to your take, and you don't disappoint!
I really like this interpretation and I’m taking it as fact now
@@starcrysis23 This has always been my interpretation too. It's not Xander's thoughts. It's what Willow imagines Xander is thinking, which is why it's delivered in such an over the top, overly juvenile way.
Agreed.
Xander is also an ex-boyfriend of Willow.
She is dreaming about them talking and judging her (because she is unsecure of her identity).
I always thought of it as a commentery on how lesbian relationships are seen as more acceptable in media because they can be fetishized for male viewers.
It's also possible that it _indirectly_ came from Xander, as the dreamers are all mentally linked and fetishized versions of Willow and Tara will invite him to a threesome in his dream. It's possible that she's subconsciously picking up on that and it's affecting her own dream.
I always took it that Xander was abused at home. In what way, it's unclear, but he really doesn't share it with his friends.
I always guessed it to be Emotional abuse.
Probably some neglect. His parents are heavy drinkers and they don't really care about or pay attention to what's going on in his life.
I think it's obvious enough, a crude, simplistic family with a lot of damaged or demented members.
A harsh father who doesn't respect Xander, a yammering mother who never even bothers to understand Xander and all.
Xander is with the scoobies so that he might be away from all that. That's why he tries his best not to share, and had always been uneasy when his family comes as a topic of discussion.
@@subutaynoyan5372 and the apparently closest member of his immediate family is his Uncle who has likely exposed Xander to "booze, whores and fur flying" and lends him his cool car while unable to drive due to a stack of DUIs.
I think there was some element of physical abuse as well. Remember that Xander’s father plunged his hand into his chest before becoming the First Slayer. Not to mention that he compares what’s at the top of the stairs to vampires, monsters that pose a physical threat to him.
"Bottom line is, even if you see 'em coming, you're not ready for the big moments. No one asks for their life to change, not really. But it does. So what, are we helpless? Puppets? No. The big moments are gonna come, can't help that. It's what you do afterwards that counts. That's when you find out who you are."
Whistler. Freaking awesome episode 😎
Relating to Willow's dream: I don't think Buffy is a specific person. She's just a flapper, which has a lot of meaning and history to unpack. The flapper look was a response to women winning the right to vote in America in August of 1920, and the fashion was purposefully androgynous, with some aspects of the masculine (basically, anything but feminine). The square flapper dress downplayed a woman's curves. And the shortened and angular hair was a rejection to the traditional soft, long hair that is still considered the ultimate feminine hairstyle. As well, flappers smoked because it was considered unfeminine. Smoking was associated with "the boys club," the workplace, aggression--and prostitution. Ultimately, the flapper mentality was about rejecting femininity (unmarried, working) and embodying masculinity (smoking, ambition). Buffy as a Slayer is the same kind of over-simplified feminist symbol. Like the flappers, Buffy is that kind of feminist symbol in how she emulates masculinity (fighting) and not in any of her feminine traits.
Terrific analysis, @quibly!
I completely agree. The Gatsby reference is very intriguing, but I think you're assessment is on point because it's the same way I felt about Xander's 'sometimes I do a spell' joke. Willow's sees the both of them as apart from herself by the fact that they both display shallow proclivities for selfish sexual power. Willow is afraid that everyone she'll ever meet will be just as concerned with simple-minded sexual pleasure, and the estranged power they can thereby derive for themselves, as her best friends seem to be. As hard as Willow might seek out her unknown potential of spiritual love, one that she could share and grow with another person, she worries that she'll always end up as awkward and alone as she was even before she met Buffy and it would all be her fault. Acting(living) for Willow is not about behaving openly around others but rather hiding her desire for a deep connection, one that she feels she might fall short of maintaining or even deserving since she might not be able to make up for her awkwardness and her latent discontent with her own power disadvantages among her social circle.
Add to that Buffy’s monologue in the play - probably my favorite speech in the series, with its B-movie hack level understanding of a woman rejecting male domination. (Plus it’s just hilarious and I think SMG does it in one breath)
I like this idea very much.
I'm surprised they didn't have her give the speech in a transatlantic accent, as though she were Bette Davis or Katharine Hepburn in a 30's black & white "talkie" film.
Spoiler version... and NO Spoilers version.
That's heroic.
The insertion of Buffy's quiet, broken, "Mommy?" at that point just about killed me 😭
Rewatching Buffy and I just watched the exact episode before catch up on these. Hit hard!
One thing you didn't touch on that links well with your other thoughts is how Xander is the only one to perceive Buffy's feeling of isolation in his dream. Visually represented by having Buffy sitting in the sandbox while Xander stands outside it. He also warns her about it, urging her to reconsider. To me, this is a great representation of his 'heart' role in the group, intuitively understanding his friends' pain and throwing them a lifeline, whether they believe they want one or not. Great vid, I look forward to the next.
I fully agree with this. I also thought the fact that Buffy seemed so childlike in Xander's dream was a representation of how he sees her as someone who needs protecting, despite her powers. He is always trying to help her both physically, like when he followed her in prophecy girl and becoming part 2 even though he knew he couldn't do much, and emotionally, with his speech about how she is his hero.
That's actually a nice detail - also links to Xander being stated as "the one who sees" in season 7.
This comment and the replies are so well thought out and they completely coincide with how Xander has felt about Buffy and how that has changed and grown. He has always loved her and who she is because they were always best friends. They would do anything to protect each other, as a true friend would.
@@livkate1 I’m not entirely sure Xand’s protection/hero role is something the writers’ room wanted to depict here. Certainly, for a VERY long time his relationship with her was seen as her responsibility-see S5 TPN episode guide where Riley, in particular, creates & _effects_ this dynamic.
Xand’s love & almost-obsession for her is still raw, & not yet worked thru, emotionally, by him, so that he still feels the history of their relationship (from S1).
If however, Restless is a foreshadowing of his engagement with the Buffster on a _different_ level (such as during the middle arc of S5 & during The Body) as an independent thinking friend only, then yes, this is relevant, conceptually.
@@cindytartt4048 I am not sure whether the writer's room wanted to depict that it was Buffy's responsibility the way her potential relationship with Xander went, even though they did mean it that way with Riley, which was utter crap. I am pretty sure it was shown by the writers from the start that Xander would never deserve Buffy just because of his passion for her, as constantly shown by him ignoring Willow in the background looking at him the same way as he was looking at Buffy; because if rejection is a crime, that him being rejected by Buffy is karma, but i kinda feel that the show's point was that you feel what you feel for who you feel, and you can't help it.
However as far as Xander's emotions for Buffy not being worked through by him is concerned, to that i say, well duh, obviously, the man is highly emotionally immature, I am sure he hasn't processed why he felt the way he felt towards her and when those feelings changed and how much they have progressed over the years. I very squarely believe that when Buffy called him "brother", it was the first time Xander realized that his feelings for Buffy have evolved into protective big brotherly ones; visually depicted by Buffy dressed in a typical teenage little sister getup- spaghetti top and jeans with shoulder length blond straight hair playing in a sand box.
You seriously blew me away with this video. I always saw this episode as a great example of the "theater of the absurd." I also feel like this episode gave me some insights on myself. Xander and Willow, to me, represent aspects of myself that I hate: my insecurities and my fear of being stuck. In contrast, I was drawn to Buffy because she represents the kind of person I want to be. I also think that the episode gives a hint as to how the characters saw Spike, or at least aspects of him. Xander sees Spike as being absurd, associating him with Giles since they're both British. Giles, however, sees Spike in a black and white filter, which to me means that he sees all vampires in that same "black and white" mentality. He doesn’t understand Spike at all.
I CANNOT BELIEVE WE'RE ABOUT TO GET INTO MY FAVORITE SEASON! I CAN'T WAIT!
"represent aspects of myself that I hate"
I can so relate, sigh. To pick up on the rest of your comment first: I think it's interesting, that only the male characters had Spike in their dreams. Buffy and Willow didn't (I think). *[Kind of spoiler-y....yes, definitely spoiler-y!]* Later in the series Spike will represent an aspect of Buffy which she hates about herself. The "demon part" of her slayer-ness, so to speak. At least that's my take of S6...or one of my takes. But I get ahead of myself. I can't wait for the S5 guide too (the first season I consciously anticipated back then, and I was not let down).
As for Spike, I really love how we got to see him beyond the "bloodthirsty british vampire"-facade he tried to maintain.
my interpretation was simply that he's black and white because Giles is older, especially in spirit, so his cultural knowledge of vampires isn't The Lost Boys or whatever, it's old B&W horror movies.
I love that Anya states the theme outright.
Anya has never been subtle.
Anya is a replacement for Cordelia after Cordelia leaves Buffy.
As soon as you mentioned Willow's spirit being sucked out by the 1st Slayer, it *finally* dawned on me. Holy hell, how have I never noticed that the First Slayer removes Willow's spirit, Xander's heart, and Giles' mind??? Especially since the enjoining spell is one of my favorite moments of the show. So much of art is interpretation, but I feel like I just crawled out from underneath a 500# anvil.
Same
@@KeldorTheWhiteWhat’s extra embarrassing is this wasn’t some arcane callback, it was the next episode! It should not surprise anyone that poetry was my least favorite subject in English class.
@speabody what's worse is I really enjoyed poetry. Atleast you have an excuse lol. I always thought of myself as someone who could see this type of thing. Apparently I was wrong.
@@KeldorTheWhite Lol. Yeah I just didn't get it. I felt dumb. Who knows if I get it now. Same when we read Shakespeare. No clue. "Hey, speak English!," as Cordelia says in Becoming Pt 2. I bet a lot of kids just read the Cliffs Notes. The influence of Cliffs Notes can not be overstated. To be fair I'm sure a lot of people missed it, particularly with a week between episodes. Also it's a dream, that's enough of an attention-shifter. We don't process stream of consciousness like we do an arc episode.
Harmony: Props?
Giles: No.
Riley: Props?
Giles: Yes.
MrGeekFreek 😂😂😂
Ooh what do we think this meant? Just that Giles trusts Riley more?
Think the idea is supposed to be more that a man's opinion is more important (or heard) than a woman's.
@@alanw083 ooo subtle feminism! Can't believe I didnt get that!
@@SWood-xs1my It's usually Giles' tendency to take note on who's saying what. When Harmony says something, he automatically denies it, when Riley says the exact same thing, he agrees.
Harmony is a stupid girl, you know. No way she can be right.
Tara: You think you know. What's to come, what you are. You haven't even begun.
Ian, your analysis on Xanders dream has helped me see things about my own life and recent events in it in a whole new light. Thank you.
This might have been a therapy session for me..
Also, love your cameo during Giles' song 🤣
This video is a god damn piece of art, and I just wanted you to know that, aside from sheer entertainment value, these recaps mean a lot to me for personal reasons too. I struggle with anxiety and sometimes I feel like it controls me. Listening to you discuss absurdist philosophy has introduced me to it and given me a whole new perspective. I still struggle, but now I have something to rationalize my anxiety with thanks to you. This video was the pinnacle of that and I just want to thank you for it.
ppp
Yes, this is the best video essay I've ever seen. Brilliantly well thought out, entertaining, and informative. I like to watch this every once in a while because it's so good.
I don’t really know how to properly express how this made me feel, and i think it’s too late in the night to articulate any part of how much this means to me. Some of the things you brought up are things that I’ve never thought of that sort of break my heart (like how in some part of their mind, none of the scoobies really get the task of being a slayer). The last five minutes are wonderfully beautiful, and remind me a lot of the ending from “fear itself”. Your comforting descriptions of life, morality, meaning, fear, relationships, etc. are genuinely phrases and ideas that I revisit when I’m in a spiral of feeling terrible, or when I’m talking to my therapist about confronting my anxiety.
I know this is most definitely a terrible mess on nonsense, but I can’t express the gratitude I have for you over your incredibly beautiful videos that perfectly remind me of why I love buffy, as well as help me confront issues of distress in my own life. Thank you so so much, and congrats on finishing season 4
I have always wanted to know what the poem on Tara's back was, when you read it I burst into tears and had to pause the video until I could continue. The entire video was incredible and powerful. Thank you for the gift of your analysis and revealing the beautiful and devastating prophecy that Willow wrote unfinished.
What did we do to deserve such quality?
This is seriously a work of art, Ian. Beautiful.
This video popped up on my feed and I love the Whedonveres so I had to watch it. And I’m so glad I did! This breakdown is no joke, seriously good quality!
CaptAssassin,
This is one of his best, but they’re all (the BtVS and AtS videos) worth watching.
I understand that the long form nature of the video was done out necessity and was very taxing but I'd like to see it brought back for special occasions like Chosen, not fade away or the body or perhaps for the dense lyrics of once more with feeling.
how I would have loved this for Innocence and Becoming for example..
the body would be too heartbreaking, but to ask for this format for OMWF is asking him to give way more than should ever be asked of anyone.
Yes, "Restless" is a work of art.
And so is this episode of the Guide. Thank you so much for this.
currently sobbing at the soft "Mommy?" overlay when Buffy walks away from Joyce in the wall... crushingly beautiful
It took me a moment to get the reference from "a dark power is 'aboot' to rise". Hahahahaha.
What is it a reference to?
@@meris8486 He's making fun of the way Kendra says it in season 2
CHEEK FIYYGHT?
Kendi Arndt I laughed at that too!
Could have been said about Gachnar, too.
I read Joyce being behind the wall as more of a foreshadowing about her brain tumor. Essentially she is trapped behind an illness which Buffy cannot save her from and one that Buffy ultimately ignores to focus on other pressing business. I think Joss knew he was going to kill Joyce off the next season and designed this moment to be a reflection of what was to come rather than what has passed. Like the Dawn stuff. Buffy's dream is all about the future more than it is the past, hence the lack of Angel. It is the most premonitory of the four dreams.
I thought it was a callback to School Hard where Joyce is locked in the library and Buffy is talking to her through the ax-hole.
It should also be noted that prophetic dreams are an explicit Slayer power.
I'm sorry i'm bumping an old comment but I feel compelled to say that one of the bonus things on the Buffy Dvds i think it was Joss himself, said about how the actress who played Joyce didn't want to be as present in season 4, and Joss said ok but u have to come back for season 5 so that we can kill u off. Joss planned stuff like 2 seasons in advance. This was why Joyce was only in like 2 episodes in season 4
I think that Joyce trapped behind the wall was a foreshadowing of both her and Buffy's later deaths. She's trapped beyond, where she can't be reached. Cut off from the living world, and is in a dirty place with mice nibbling at her knees, like dead and buried. She says that Buffy though could probably break through. Buffy dying and coming back was breaking through the wall separating the dead from the living.
joss def knew he was gonna kill off joyce. i believe i saw somewhere that he had told the actress who played joyce during the filming of season 3 that her character would soon be killed off. not sure tho
When Buffy is walking down the hallway at the end of the ep, you can see a slice of cheese stuck on a painting.
(Credit for this easter egg goes to Buffy Virgin Podcast).
When I first saw this episode I thought it was foreshadowing the cheese man returning 🤣
It's not cheese, it's part of the painting. There are 3 very similar paintings next to each other and two of them have the yellow square. You can see the paintings in the background of S5E5 in the end when buffy says sorry to dawn.
I've never left a comment before, I don't know why, but this video's length (and the editing live streams I always sneak at but never comment on), implored me I should show my absolute gratitude before I even viewed it. Thank you, for this incredibly immersive and rewarding video, and for all the indescribable videos you make. I have watched so many of them over and over, and I never dreamt as an 8 year old girl, and now as a 23 year old (I'm from the UK and so only had access to Buffy through my Dad's impulsive, albeit inconsistent Ebay watching) that I would feel such an immense connection with what Buffy means to me.
The moment my dad introduced me to this world I was engaged, and when he would surprise me after school with a newly acquired, pirated copy from his mate or Ebay steal of a Buffy season I would be filled with excitement. It would never be consecutive, I watched The Gift after already seeing Chosen; but that didn't matter. My immediate connection with Buffy is a testament to Joss's immaculate characterisation, that I didn't even need to know where this story as a whole was going, to connect with the stories these wonderful characters portrayed, episode to episode.
However, thanks to you I see the story fully, the journey, as it should be. Buffy was a fragmented yet withstanding part of my upbringing, that I suppose I never really gave enough credit to- up until I discovered your channel. After my dad passed away when I was 19 years old, I instinctively began watching Buffy again, for the first time in maybe 8-9 years. It became my shelter and comfort, but I never really understood why until I found you channel. You have taken all my sentimental love for this show and presented it to me in a way which is meaningful and academically astounding. I will never ever tire of your commentary and analysis, for your guide showed me in a time of such deep deep despair, a pit I never thought I would claw my way out of, that there is such meaning in life, if you CHOOSE to see it. Thank you.
Shawn Clarke Wow. So much of how I feel about and how the show affected me at 50! Thank you for sharing you made me cry a few "feels" as it also after a crisis that I accidentally turned to Buffy and found a strange balm for my pain.
Shawn Clarke must.resist.the feels.
Oh who am I kidding 😭🤧
Deb Carsey Im sorry to hear you had a bad time, but I’m glad to hear that you found something, in this case buffy, to help you through your pain! X
I hope you started speaking up in the livestream chats.
"Restless takes us directly inside of them, and shows us the colours these characters have decorated their anxieties with."
To you, the "cheese guy" might not mean anything.
But to me, he is legen-DAIRY.....
*slow clap
Passion of the Nerd omg is this real? I’m fangirling, Ian! Thanks for the all the videos!! I hope you know how much we appreciate you!
You know in an interview with Joss about this episode, he said he was basically sitting down to write a 40 minute tone poem.....character studies of our core group through poetry. I feel like that's what you did here. I mean, all of your videos are beautiful, but this one takes it up a notch.
I have the book "Why Buffy Matters", and I did get a lot insight into this episode because of it....like a lot that I would have never been able to ascertain on my own, but as usual, you were able to provide me with even more insight, especially in the character study aspect of everything.
I knew this was going to be a longer video since I saw your editing live stream pop up several times, but this video did not feel like nearly 40 minutes. It flew by, and I was sad for it to end. Great, great job.
Also, your cameo with the lighter was everything. :)
I appreciate you giving proper respect to Xander. That character is so important to understand, and so few really get it.
While I think it’s important to understand Xander, that hardly excuses some of his behavior in the later seasons.
His actions are far less problematic than Willow's (using magic to control Tara, going on a revenge spree and trying to destroy the world) and Spike's (trying to rape Buffy in Seeing Red) and yet most people excuse them just fine 'cause they're fan favorites.
@@eli-jl8yf I haven't watched this video yet, but I do wanna say that while certainly many characters act in problematic ways at times, Xander's actions aren't presented as such. Sure, all the characters are flawed and that's part of what makes them relatable, but Xander is presented as "the heart" in a way that seems to excuse a lot of his behavior.
@nimusine How does him being the heart excuse his behavior? All it does is imply that he's the most passionate and impulsive of the group... which he is. Just like Giles is the mind because he's the most rational while Willow is spirit beacuse of her magic. It's simbolic, that's all. Regarding his actions... that is an argument that is often used in fandom, that he's not "punished" enough for his flaws or whatever. But the thing is the less you screw up the less the narrative needs to hold you accountable, and like I said his mistakes are less serious than say killing somone or assaulting someone. And I'm saying this as somone who loves Willow and likes Spike. Finally, when Xander does screw up, the narrative does frame his actions as problematic. When he cheats on Cordelia with Willow, Cordelia does not forgive him or take him back but actually insults him at every chance she gets. When he leaves Anya at the altar, he's punished not only by his coscience but also by having to see Anya sleeping with Spike, a guy he loathes. When he gets mad at Anya, she (so the narrative) calls him out on his hypocrisy. The Lie is the only time where he screws up and gets away with it... but I would say that he actually doesn't. His punishement comes in Selfless where he's forced to live the same situation Buffy did, he knows that stopping Anya is the right thing but he can't do it because he loves her. Some sort of poetic justice and also the reason why the lie is mentioned in that ep. So, yeah, Xander definitely gets what he deserves most of the time.
@@nimusine I don't think the point of Xander being the heart is to excuse his behavior. There's no excuse for it. However, when you look at him through the metaphor he represents and really try to understand him as a character, you might be able to see why he acts like he does. What he does isn't right, but if you say you don't understand why or how he could do it, all you're saying is you don't understand who he is.
This was so incredibly good. I love all your videos, but as an aspiring filmmaker seeing you break down the cinematic techniques used was an extra treat.
One thing I noticed while I was watching this video is that I focused more on how the Scoobies were drifting apart from each other than anything else and how much it bothered me. It bothered me a lot more than it did when I first watched the series back in junior high. I think it goes to show how much we project ourselves unto the media we watch. I'm about to head off to college and one of my great fears has been of drifting apart from by friends and being alone again, and that anxiety was reflected in what I focused on when watching this video.
I don't really know where I'm going with this. I guess I just really need to rewatch this show. It's been too long.
28:30 was evil
best video yet
That was the meanest thing ever.
Damn. I think this is your best work yet.
When talking about Willow's dream version of Buffy as the flapper you mentioned how she thinks of Buffy as empty-headed.
It reminded me of in Chosen when Willow tells Kennedy "you know Buffy, sweet girl, not that bright." That line always hurt me, but it fits in with how she sees her here.
And can I just say "we are not our thoughts, but the thing witnessing our thoughts" is an amazing... well, thought. "fear is not a choice, but what we do afterwards is" - I'm going to try and remember this. It feels like a completely new way of looking at life for me.
Good points.
Also, Willow’s surprise at Buffy’s high SAT score. Willow knows that Buffy is smart. What she doesn’t realize is that Buffy is distracted and encumbered by the burden of being the Slayer.
Remember when Willow and Xander (and Anya?) were “patrolling” with Riley, but were loudly eating chips? Is that how Willow sees Buffy’s night job, or is it simply a nod to how useless the Scoobies are in action?
The little put downs of Buffy’s struggles in school show Willow’s insecurity, and lack of understanding of what Buffy has to sacrifice every night (sleep, studying), while she’s out patrolling.
Buffy is both intelligent, and physically attractive. People notice her. Willow was previously unnoticed, unless someone needed help with their school work. Willow sees Buffy as someone with power: over boys (first, Xander), over adults (teachers, parents), over demons.
Willow’s insecurity about her own sexual attractiveness is shown every time she grabs or references her boobies (“look at these!” and “I am a girl!”).
Willow’s issue was always power. She felt powerless compared to Buffy, in everything but academic achievement.
Someone else had another take on the flapper dream/reference, but I can’t paraphrase it due to migraine onset. It’s in the comment section on this video.
@@beachgirl4583 Astute analysis. This subtext becomes text in season 6 when Willow declares, "Oh Buffy. You really just need every square inch of your ass kicked", and again a year later, when she (and everyone else) turn on Buffy.
I just hear that voice...and I'm at ease...I know this will be good 😍😊
I love that almost 20 years later people are still trying to figure out what the cheese man means when joss has stated that he means absolutely nothing. That's how good this show is.
Didn't Willow once tell Riley that Buffy liked cheese? "I'm not saying it's the way to her heart..."
mamakash
Yes.
@@mamakash
That's exactly where I think the Cheese Man must have originated from. The cheese was even kind of a joke in the episode 4x07 (The Initiative).
_"Willow: She likes cheese._
_Riley: What?_
_Willow: Well, I'm not saying it's the key to her heart, but Buffy... She likes cheese."_
_"Riley: Um...Buffy... (He pauses looking at a loss.) You do the reading on chapter 9?_
_Buffy: Uh-huh. (She gives him a look.)_
_Riley: Wow. Some theories, huh? _*_Cheese? (He holds up a cube of cheese on a stick.)_*
_Cut to the woods. Xander sees things being thrown into a pile."_
_"Buffy: Uh, last night... At the party, You wanted to tell me something?_
_Riley: Oh, yeah. Very important stuff. I don't remember any of it now. But you would have been fascinated, possibly even moved. Did Willow tell you I like cheese?_
_Buffy: You're a little peculiar."_
Riley's offer...it at least seems similar, coming out of nowhere. Just like the cheese man.
_"([...] Xander backs away, turns, sees the bald man _*_holding up a plate of cheese slices._*_ )"_
_"(The bald guy leans in between Buffy and the First Slayer, _*_holding up two slices of cheese._*_ [...])"_
I honestly don't care what Whedon says in some event.
Cheese is Buffy, and the cheeseman is revealing how scoobies feel about their current relationship with her.
- I've made a space for the cheese slices represents Willow's complain and distaste about being disconnected with Buffy. Their friendship had reduced to something squeezed in the corner, overwhelmed with all the things that're going on in both their lives.
- These won't protect you implies even though Xander thinks Buffy would shield her in all situations, in the end, she'll not protect him. Since he was maimed by Caleb and all, when Buffy was present, I think it was just refering his trust to Buffy.
- I wear the cheese, it doesn't wear me part of Giles is the most obvious one. I don't think I even need to explain it much. Giles was supposed to keep Buffy under control, telling her what to do, being her overseer, instead, the became Buffy's companion, someone who's more in her influence than she is in his.
@@subutaynoyan5372 makes the most sense of what I've read re. the cheeseman thus far
I have never before left a comment on RUclips on a video I have watched. I first found your channel a week ago on the "Top 10 Episodes to Pair With Wine and a Good Cry". I work as a licensed marriage and family therapist. I found myself referring to quotes in that video from your introduction about depression and how we insulate ourselves from loss with clients within hours of seeing it. I have now watched several of your videos--most recently this one. I am a hardcore Buffy fan and find immense joy and love in the show, but I have a genuinely deeper appreciation for both the show and the ways it can act as a platform to discuss such important topics such as love, loss, and fear. This video, specifically it's last moments in discussing fear, touch me. It is an eloquent discussion, in many ways, of Pema Chodron's work: the idea of "intimacy" with fear, knowing fear, and smiling. We are the sky: everything else is just weather. I felt moved and compelled to express my gratitude for the countless hours you have devoted to your channel and the meaning you have clearly brought hundreds of viewers. I would like you to know that your videos have even shown up in my therapy room with people who will never know your channel and who will never know this media, at all, but who know versions of your words because of the beauty I have found in them and relevance I have immediately felt them have to the clients I have in my practice, as well as clearly to me and my own relationships. We all have a profound effect on one another in the words, feelings, and meanings we share with the world. Don't ever underestimate the impact you have beyond the immediate sphere that you can see.
This was amazing.
when it's all said and done, you're gonna be responsible for some of the most valuable and thorough examination of an important piece of media ever. Thank you for this. You're doing the Lord's work, my man!
When ever doing a rewatch of the series I tended to pass over Restless. I loved the beauty of it and its creativity, but I found it difficult to connect with it. But your break down showed so much depth I couldn’t find myself. I have read a lot of the comments and what I have noticed that a lot of us that love Buffy so much deal with depression and anxiety on a daily basis and this show has found a way for us to face it and understand how to handle it at times. We are all our choices, and it helps me to know that others understand that feeling of being swallowed by those choices. This is absolutely one of the best guides ever. It was so beautiful and I loved your breakdown of Buffy’s response to the original slayer. One of my favorite lines has always been “I don’t sleep on a bed of bones.” It was always so powerful.
To sum up, thank you for all your hard work and your dedication. These videos have helped me out of some hard times.
Having my own difficulties with life is perhaps the biggest reason I love this show so much. Not only do you bring it life and give real food for thought but it helps me understand or acknowledge things that are both wonderful and terrible in my own journey. By doing your reviews it only helps me understand why this show matters to me, I would like to thank you for this. Thank you x
I've always loved this episode so much, as it reveals new and alternative angles of interpretation every time I watch it! In addition to what you said about this episode representing a lot of the themes and arcs of Season 4, I also feel like it is extremely representative of each character's arc over the course of the series, as well as the themes of the series as a whole.
Xander literally "leaves the basement" and makes a career for himself in construction, but in a lot of ways he never "leaves the basement" in his position in the group - and as you touched on in the video, his relationship with Anya is brought down by his fear of that state of being. Willow's story continues to be about her disconnection with what makes her her (as the more adept she is at magic, the more she sees that as her only trait), and her journey in and out of darkness. Giles continues to struggle with his relationship to Buffy and if him being near her is holding her back from growing up (much like she is very childish in the carnival, and in the sandbox/swings scene). And Buffy's journey, and that of the show, is really about what it means to be The Chosen One while still wanting to connect through family, friendship, and love - and if that is even possible.
Anyways, went on a bit of a tangent, but really fantastic and in-depth work as always, and I've very excited for the next episode (and the next, and the next, etc.)!
Xander's career choice in construction is also symbolic of his building a new life for himself.
you mentioned in the intro about Cordelia's outfit being in Willow's dream but you didn't talk about it at all in the actual essay. I'm intrigued.
Oooh, yes! Please explain, Ian :-)
You did a truly beautiful job, thank you. Restless is my favourite episode of the entire show, so I will add a few things:
26:52 “Faith and I just made that bed” references Faith’s own dream in 4x15 This Year’s Girl and “little sis coming”. Furthers the notion that the two slayers have shared dreams due to the cosmic primeval connection they have.
A more tenuous reach at metaphor, I can’t help but think of “they found a shadow” with Joyce’s head in the shadowy recess behind the wall in Buffy’s dream. Buffy doesn’t free her because saving Joyce’s life is beyond her capabilities as a slayer.
5:47 Tara saying “you don’t know everything about me” seems to foreshadow Tara believing she and the women in her family are demons in 5x6 Family.
And finally, I read somewhere that Anya saying “I think this year is going to be a big year for vengeance” was written because they had plans for Anya to become a vengeance demon again in season 5, but postponed it to season 6 because it would’ve made s5 too crowded.
But seriously Ian, what a tremendous job you did. You deserve a medal for this.
and from What’s My Line Part One:
Snyder: It's worth nothing, Harris. Whatever comes out of your mouth is a meaningless waste of breath. An airborne toxic event.
Xander: Well, I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to be so honest with me. And I can only hope that one day I'm in the position to be that honest with you.
(Restless: “I never got the chance to
tell you how glad I was you were
eaten by a snake.”)
Okay maybe that’s really reaching. But the intertextuality in this episode, intentional or otherwise, makes me so giddy. I’ll stop now 😶
I really like your analysis here, the only note I would make is to remember that it was Willow's dream. When Tara is saying Willow doesn't know her, it's not really Tara saying it. It's not about Tara, or Tara's fear. It's about Willow. Other than that, you had some interesting perspectives I enjoyed reading!
I started watching your guide midway through season 2 and have been waiting for this video. It's in my top five for the series. I wanted to say thank you for the level of attention and detail here (two different guides?!) as well as switching up your format. I found it a bit more like your earliest videos and that was really needed here to cover an episode as complex as this one.
Also, I wanted to single out one thing I loved. Your bit about our thoughts are not ourselves. I have severe depression and before I was officially diagnosed and knew what was going on, it seemed like the end of the world. It's taken a lot of time to differentiate between thoughts that I have and what I think because I'm going through a depressive episode. As I tell people when describing my first experiences with depression, "If you hear these thoughts in your brain, in your own voice, wouldn't you think it was true?" It takes a great deal of self reflection to be able to decide between thoughts that are true to you and ones that are coming in as a result of external or internal circumstances.
As you've repeatedly stressed throughout this guide, we are not defined by our circumstances.
I get it @Alicia Bardoner. I also have depression.
Dear Ian,
I had a baby several months ago and am currently a stay at home mom. I need you to know that some weeks, your videos are the only thing I have to look forward to. Thank you for all the time you put into them, for being such a great guy, for going full time with this, and for keeping me from going crazy ( serious cabin fever on the way). I'm a really big Buffy fan, I watch all seasons once a year ( at least - and my boyfriend is starting to get sick of it but oh well!) ever since high school. This show is truly special to me and has gotten me trough some tough times and now so do you. You give me a new perspective on some episodes and I appreciate that! But even more, you make me feel better on days that I feel like the worst version of myself. In a way - You've saved the/my world a lot. Thank you, again.
-Blue Bird
This was amazing! I've never really understood the episode despite being an avid fan.... Now I do. Love your work
I've always thought of the "primordial mud" as melted weapons, as the bag looks like the bag she keeps her weapons it. Riley calls her killer in disgust when he sees that she has painted her face with weapon paste.
It's always a treat seeing Buffy fans who genuinely "get it" ~ Massively enlightened by the sapphic poetry on Tara's back, though, that's new to me, and made me weep! That Willow was so close to Her darkness already. Their love is so bright and pure that the flip-side can only be the polar opposite, Yin/Yang, exactly as you said. 😭💔
Excellent conclusion to a mixed season (of episodes, not of reviews). Thank you for going so deep into the various meanings behind it. This has always been one of my favourite episodes (partly because it FELT like a dream, unlike the "dreams" in most media), but because there was always that elusive feeling that it meant MORE.
Of the many important and relevant moments in the interview comes from your analysis of Xander's dream, and it reminds me of what Orson Scott Card (and many, many others) observed in "Speaker for the Dead:" Once you understand a person, you cannot hate them.
And...seeing Joyce being blocked off like that has kinda broken my heart since Season 5.
I am actually amazed how many people thought this episode is just some experiment, rather than a deep voyage to characters' inner turmoils.
I can see it. A lot of people turn their brains off when they watch TV and just relax. Nothing wrong with it - I did that with most of Buffy during my first watch-through...over a decade ago.
Oh, man. This is so good. Well worth the wait.
I haven't even finished watching the video but I have to comment. The Xander bit is amazing and overwhelming at the same time, I can't believe how much I love and care for this characters, even if he isn't my favorite I could understand a lot about what happens in Hell's Bells. Thank you, Ian.
This has surpassed ALL of my hopes for this episode's guide. I am in complete AWE!! Thank you so much for all of the hard work you put into this episode. Restless has always meant so much to me and you have absolutely done it justice, and then some!! It's so fascinating the way different people interpret this episode and, despite the number of times I've already watched it, you've given me a new perspective and now I want to re-watch. I loved your thoughts on Joyce in the wall being a symbol of Buffy's increasing distance from her mother (and old life.) That adds a rich layer of context to Buffy's dream narrative. Previously, I'd always seen it as a visual throwback to School Hard when Buffy instructs her mother (through the hole in the door created by the axe) to stay in the classroom while she saves the day. I figured she would recall this in the dream as another example of someone she feels she is responsible for, since Joyce seems to be helpless and resigned to her circumstances in the wall. It always made me feel that it added to Buffy's feelings of isolation in the dream since, under normal circumstances, Joyce would be the one looking after Buffy, and not the other way around. Buffy feels she can only rely on herself.
I had also never considered that Giles, Willow, and Xander might be sharing a dream at some point but that's a really cool idea! .I just figured Giles viewed Xander as the one always needing rescuing and getting injured (gaping hole in chest), and Willow as the helpful one with the good ideas (reading the books, knows about the "primal force"). The "Rupert" reference I imagined was his subconscious desire to be recognized for his true self, apart from just "Giles" the authority figure, as the Scoobies all view him to be. I don't think there's a right or wrong interpretation here, and this shared dream idea is really interesting and provides a new lens for me to view this scene through now.
All in all, thank you so much for this video. You've brought to my attention details I never noticed or understood before (Willow's views on Buffy in her dream, the *ahem* va-jayjay hallway/curtains, Tara's Sun AM tarot cards and their relation to the clock, the fact Spike wore the same suit in Restless and Tabula Rasa, the reasoning behind the fake-looking background in the ice cream truck scene, and I could go on but I think I'll end this terribly long essay-of-a-comment instead.) IN CONCLUSION THIS VIDEO WAS MAGNIFICENT, AS ARE YOU, SIR.
Millie Hansen I think you're completely right about Joyce in the wall. Ever since she became the Slayer (an adult), her mother is no longer her comforter and protector. Joyce is cut off from her and, in fact, Joyce is another responsibility for Buffy. Faith used Joyce to get at Buffy, so that is something she'll have to deal with now, protecting her mother. Her attachments, in a way, make her feel even more alone because she is the one with the power and so she has to make the calls. Sorry if you think I just re-stated all you said. I tried not to, but in sum, just wanted to say you make a great point I didn't think about, so thanks!
@@quibily Very well said! This idea of her feeling almost burdened by, and isolated from, her friends and family because of the imbalance of power and responsibility, while still wanting and often prioritizing that love and connection with them, even if it causes her extra pain, is a running theme for her. I suppose that’s also part of the metaphor for growing up that the writers are going for, now that I write that out, haha. I’m also reminded of a scene in S7 ("Conversations w/ Dead People" I think??) where she's talking with that vampire she knew from HS and he's psychoanalyzing her. She’s discussing her guilt over feeling simultaneously better than and unworthy of her friends. An inferiority complex about her superiority complex, in the vamp’s words. And I guess this all leads to my fav line of the series when Buffy says “Being the slayer made me different but it’s my fault I stayed that way.” Buffy’s whole struggle is with feeling that she is different and that those closest to her can’t understand her, but she eventually realizes that she was the one choosing to put up those barriers all along. Anyway, is this a really long stream of consciousness ramble? YUP! Looks like it is. Sorry for my word vomit, hopefully it made some kind of sense!
Millie Hansen No, I liked it! It's good that you tied the analysis to the source by finding quotes from the show, several seasons later. It's def a running theme for her. I'm actually glad she doesn't really have an episode like all super heroes do, where they cut themselves off from the people they love because they don't want to put them in danger. While I get it, I get so tired of seeing it!
@@quibily That's true, way too cliche!
There was also the Riley line "I came first so I got to be the cowboy" very telling.
Also brilliant video. There is so much to unpack here.
37 minutes of wonderful analysis, and it still barely scratched the surface. There are just so many layers to dig into. An amazing episode of both the series and your guides. Thank you.
Hi Ian,
Thank you so much for this lovely analysis. I really enjoyed it! I recently rewatched Restless and found it so charming, funny, and as you say, full of details I had not appreciated before. I wanted to add something about the interaction of Buffy with Riley and Adam in her dreamscape and I would be curious to know what you think about it.
The scene that you included in your analysis of Buffy walking into a war room with Adam and Riley was such a telling little episode of her dream. The angle, the focus on the gun on the table, the map on the wall, and finally, the talk about ‘naming things’. The fact that Adam and Riley are, as representatives of the Initiative, taking the time to ‘name things’ is consistent with their behaviour throughout this season. Members of the initiative have names for the demons they catch (grouping them all as ‘subterranean’ and ‘hostile’) and they are, at the same time, dismissive of the tradition of research that already exists in this field. For example, we see Giles trying to offer his help and expertise only to be rejected flippantly by Professor Walsh. This was always an interesting theme for me that even after members of the Initiative/army formally learn of the slayer’s existence, they don’t ever want to use HER forms of research (namely, books, the Watchers’ council, ancient artefacts) and instead of any curiosity about her, try to indoctrinate her into their realm. You have spoken about this in discussing the dichotomy of the season: magic versus science; feminine versus masculine, of course. I think that this final confrontation with the initiative was such a sharp extension of that metaphor and the unwillingness of the institutional force to partake in any meaningful form of collaboration with what they deem unworthy (read: feminine!). Riley and Adam spending time on the important business of giving names to things that already have names only for that to be followed by a comment about building a pillow fort, a ridiculous image that undercuts its own importance was really the gist of it all.
Additionally, the only visible object in the room (aside from the gun whose symbolism I find quite obvious) is an atlas. This brought to my mind a very patriarchal and colonialist view of the European man ‘discovering’ and naming new places juxtaposed with Tara and Willow allowing the cat’s personality to show them a name suited to her. Also, following the medieval tradition of thinking about onomatology, knowing someone’s or something’s name means that they would gain a certain power over them which really brings the contrast between the interactions of Riley/Adam and Willow/Tara to the fore.
There is another thing that I would like to say with regard to Adam’s character in this scene and how I read it (it might be a little excessive and reading too much into that single line! But here goes). I viewed Adam’s character as a culmination of two literary precedents: Frankenstein’s monster and the first Man, Adam. Both of these characters have a significant relationship to naming things. The monster, famously, lacked a name and his namelessness was a crucial signifier of his creator’s lack of care for him. In Milton’s Paradise Lost, however, God asks Adam to roam the world and give names to other animals and beings indicating his intellectual superiority to them. I found it interesting that these two characteristics and intertexts were conflated in this scene.
Anyway, thanks again for your work! I really do enjoy it and look forward to each and every episode of the Buffy Guide!
This is such an underrated comment!
@@anotherlemontree aww, thanks:)
In many ways, I actually relate to Xander the most. Thank you for articulating him so well, I feel like he is one of the most misunderstood characters, and maybe now you've explained some stuff, people might just get him a little more.
I love hearing different takes on Buffy, and don't hear it enough, and I especially love your commentary, so a nearly 40m video from you... 😍
Good stuff. Even seeing the sausage being made, I know it is good stuff. Thanks, Ian!
Once you see the sausage being made, all you wanna do is make sausage
The recap this episode deserved. Well done
It is true that restless is a work of art.
This video is also a work of art.
The whole series of Buffy is amazing but watching your guide has added another layer to my favorite piece of entertainment.
Thank you so much for making these videos.
(Congratulations on finishing season 4!!!)
22:27 That never gets old. I giggle every time. Great episode analysis. I love watching these.
You know. I really really love your guide, I have been in love with Buffy and Angel for most of my life and every time I re-watch I get flooded with new meaning as I am growing. Seeing your perspective on this episode has helped me to understand somethings about me. So thank you. I guess restless is my favorite episode of Buffy.
The scene of Joyce inside the wall....it always reminded me of a something out of a Samuel Beckett play. It reminded me of Happy Days, just this human happily existing in this negative spaces, totally ignoring the very real threat that’s around. Restless really embraced absurdity and used it sooooo well.
buffy's "mommy" you edited in made me burst into tears. thank you so much for these videos. it's like I am watching Buffy for the first time again, which is something I always wished for.
This is amazing, truly appreciated and off the charts brilliant. Should be taught in media/film courses. Great content!
Super long TPN: Buffy review? I will take it good Sir! Keep up the good work! 🎶...and try not to bleed on my couch. I just had it steam cleaned.🎶
this is absolutely incredible. this episode has always been my favorite, but i've never been able to analyze it as much as i would like to, so this video was amazing to watch. the amount of work you put into it is SO impressive
When I’m not busy preforming neurosurgery or working on my pet project, cold fusion, I sometimes watch You tube videos. At least, I used to. With this, the bar has been set so high, I now fear that the likes of Grumpy Cat or The Star Wars Kid shall bring me joy, no longer. To quote Barbra Walters: “ I feel like I’ve had a full meal, not just nachos “. In the presents of an effort so detailed and memorizing, the work of my other favorite You Tubers has faded away to become almost... well, it rhymes with, “ blinvisible “. That... was... awesome, dude! Liked, subbed, hooked! More please.
"We give our fear power and meaning. And just like Buffy, we always have the choice...and wake up."
Seriously, your videos can make me cry and feel and think deeply just as much as a Buffy episode. And in a lot of ways, Buffy saved my life. Your videos really mean a lot to us, and I really appreciate the work you've put in. Thank you.
jo047c ...but then at some point we realize that our fears are quite small, like in Fear, Itself.
This... This is a thing of beauty... This might be the best thing you've ever done.
Im rather speechless, well done my brother, well done indeed
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this video for years now, and it did not disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. Truly, outstanding work Ian! ❤️
Dear lord, Ian... Even from a body of work so consistently high-quality, this is your finest piece yet.
I think I might love you.
So many things make more sense now! Especially Xander. Before this you didn't get to know his background much, and this analysis opened him wide for the world to see who he really is. It's heartbreaking.
That "brother" line has always stood out to me. It may be a nail in the coffin of his chances with her but it is also an promotion from dear friend to someone you can never forget about. No matter where you go and for how long you stay away, you'll never forget your siblings. I feel like it's the moment Xander becomes secure in his relationship with Buffy.
Yeah. Until I wrote this script I'd never really considered what that moment meant - only that something happened for him there. It's pretty neat.
Your videos are food for my soul. Thank you, you make me feel not so alone in my thoughts and feelings.
I'm at a loss for words. I'm going to have to watch this again before I can properly express how amazing your work is!
This is a bloody masterpiece. Bravo, sir.
Oh man. This was awesome. I love this episode in general, but the lens you put in this just made me love it that much more.
I have a reoccurring theme in my dreams of being at university with my university friends, or school with my school friends, and not understanding the material/missing a deadline/trying to find loopholes to pass classes. I know without question it is my deepest fear - and perhaps truth - that I am not as smart as any of them, that I will always be behind. You can bury so much in the chaos of consciousness, but your subconsciousness will never lie.
That said - I am okay with feeling this way, and even the truth of it. I know now I may not be as smart as many of my friends, but I am skilled in my own ways, and I am loved. I am worthy.
Weird how Buffy can help us through so much heh? I have two kinds of regular dreams; one with either a huge family fight/tragedy (usually involving my mom and or sister), and one where I start losing the only boyfriend I ever fell in love with, and then the dreams where I most of the time am like an undercover FBI agent, a cop, a vigilante whatever tasked to track a serial killer rapist, I always have to stop him and then I am chased by him, kidnapped, I always end up having to stop him from hurting others (a lot of times there's a younger girl that I pity more than me and I fear for her because she's an innocent victim and with my background I know what kind of sick things he's going to do to both of us) and I end up having to do anything even kill him, to get out of there... so yay for great dreams lol (at least I remember them and they're very cinematic. I always remember what kind of frame I would use were I to shoot it as a movie, with what light, and music and narrative structure etc hahahah )
This, the essay on the body, and 5 by 5 have got to be your best works. Blown away by how methodical and beautiful this is
You missed the obvious, Tara talks of naming 'her' and then Willow opens the curtains to reveal the sunrise or 'dawn'. Also the Buffy play scene we have dark haired Buffy raging against male gun toting Riley and Xander dead on the floor foretells the end of season 6.
Man those forty minutes flew by.
I'd love to see you talk about Hannibal with Madds Mikkleson cause that was a series with some really interesting and bizarre dream sequences, I'd be curious for your take on them.
OMG...this was phenomenal!! You did an amazing job carefully analyzing every aspect of this episode. There were several elements of each character's dream along with various personal issues and fears that also resonate with me. You've granted me so much clarity and healing in ways that I cannot express. I've been a fan of BTVS since it aired in 1997, although I was in elementary school, It was and still remains my favorite show ever, that I still watch today!!! You are the best!!! Exuberant joy is mine!!!
To this day, this incredible masterpiece is one of my favourite video reactions of yours. Spectacular! Much like the episode itself, I always pick up something different each time I rewatch this.
And yes, I couldn’t agree more about Oz and the warm fuzzies, lol. I also can’t help but giggle at Xander’s joke, while I do still concede it probably wasn’t the right place for it.
Fantastic review and analysis of not just one of my favourite BtVS episodes, but one of my favourite episodes of television in general.
20 years later and I’m finally understanding the whole episode a lot better. Thank you!
Same. Blew my mind when I first watched it. Ian enriching Buffy again.
You should be a scholar at university publishing essays about pop culture. You have such an insightful, academic approach to things. I actually recommended these videos to my students when I taught a class on BtVS. Much respect.
This is one of your best essays. All the work you're putting in - it's all worth it.
Absolutely stunning and arguably your greatest work yet.
This episode is so damn complex, it had my head spinning and almost left me physically ill from the mental strain of trying to process it all, when I first watched it.
I have a hard time picking a favorite episode in my favorite show but this one is definitely up there!
Omg this is awesome! Please don’t stop these guides! I thought I know a lot about Buffy but had no idea how much I missed and learning about them only makes me love the show more.
Alright you sold me. Going to pause this and re-watch Restless before beginning this dissection.
This is amazing Ian, I always love your ending thoughts connecting us to these characters
I love every mention of oz being noted with "....and I love oz, he is the best 😊 Anyway! Back to buffy" 😂
Great job. I absolutely adore restless. It is my favorite episode of any television show, although I might say The Gift is the best episode.
I'm going to echo others and just say this is a beautiful analysis, somehow you manage to reflect where I'm at on my journey and help me to realise everything's going to be OK. I am so grateful for that and I want you to know, you make a difference.
So while I've watched the series quite a few times, I've only watched Restless once, because its absurdity always made me feel really weird and kinda depressed. Seeing the whole thing broken down, the incedible amount of information that was blown our way with this episode, makes me think it needs a rewatch. Your videos are changing the way I look at the series and the chacarters completely, and while that's a little bit sad, it also makes this show that much more important. Buffy has been there for me when even I wasn't. I think I speak for everyone when I say that this video's incredible. 37 minutes felt like 3.
You know, you are right: this episode is a work of art. But you know what else is a work of art?
This VIDEO.
Brilliant. Absolutely fantastic.
This is the one I’ve waited for since discovering your work, and I plan on watching this multiple times to the point where I have this episode memorized.
glad you got to this one, it's my all-time favourite buffy episode