This is often cited as one of THE best episodes of Buffy ever made, and I being a Spike fan I totally agree with that. lol As writer Jane Espenson said at the time Spike's character rapidly became popular when he first hit the screen, but after FFL aired his popularity went through the roof and I think you can guess as to why. Not only was the backstory they invented for him emotionally engaging, but James Marsters now really 'owned' this part and exploited that to the full. Also in a purely shallow note I don't think he ever looked so beautiful and feral as he did when he was dressed as punk Spike. Dear lord....*fans self*
I'm 100% heterosexual but I have to fan myself over punk Spike, too! Marsters just oozes charm and sensuality even when he's being evil (especially then!).
This is definitely one of my top, if not my favorite episode of Buffy. Spike's background just makes me love him even more because you see his human roots. And agreed - that entire speech while they're fighting is AMAZING. I also love the editing of that scene, it's perfect.
Angelus has always been the epitome of evil, where he likes to torture his victims either physically or mentally before the kill. Spike, on the other hand, while always playing the tough guy and being the vicious vampire when need be, has also shown the spark of humanity in him as shown by his love of Drusilla and now Buffy. (For reference go back to the Judge in Surprise and Innocence.) This episode shows where that spark comes from in that William was a good loving person and some of that personality has been retained in Spike.
I agree, from the first time we saw Spike he was different 'a vampire who could love'. I have a theory on Spike that I would love to go in to but can't until Liam has seem all the way to End.
Angelus saw killing as an art (Drusilla was his masterpiece as he destroyed her mentally and physically and then turned her as an immortal monument to his depravity). Spike was less evil but more violent, he killed for the rush and saw killing as light entertainment.
This is such a good episode! Both the story and the presentation---the back and forth between Spike's subway fight and his conversation with Buffy is so cool.
If you recall, in Lover's Walk, Spike was complaining about catching Drusilla making out with a Chaos Demon. "Have you ever seen a Chaos Demon? They're all slime and antlers. They're disgusting."
Yeees! Also an all-time favourite here. I've rewatched this episode way too many times... As for William, the moment he appears as a romantic poet (as in Byronic here) just made so much sense as the template for Spike's personality. He never stopped being that ("I may be love's bitch, but at least I'm man enough to admit it"), but now it's through a soulless demon (and one controlled by the chip, to make things extra complicated).
One of my favourite episodes too. Seeing Spikes past further explains how personality traits transform as someone is sired, he was sooo emotional, so raw & passionate when he was human, even without a soul it shines through. Love was his core value. Also, when he says he doesn’t like to think of such terrible things, it’s almost like he’s too pure to handle that darkness.
Oooh also, his punk persona from the 70s until here makes a lot of sense since he never fit in with that kind of crowd he was obviously born into, like of course he’d love punk !!
This episode is fantastic ❤ Spike comforting Buffy is one of my favorite scenes. I have always been so intrigued by Spike having a certain level of humanity, even as a soulless vampire. His backstory in this episode just adds more layers to his character
Honestly, 'Fool For Love' speaks for itself... its beauty and horror are absolutely stunning! We see Buffy staked and go to Spike for information (because Giles doesn't like to think about Buffy's untimely demise) about how he killed two slayers (Boxer Rebellion and NYC. And now you know from whom Spike stole his iconic leather duster), and he waxes poetical about the life of a Slayer until she demands answers and they duke it out. We learn William wasn't always bad, but extremely misunderstood poet ("You're beneath me" - Cecily)... we see Dru sire him, the havoc they wreaked as a deadly foursome (Angel, Darla, Dru and Spike) and how he became the vampire we all know and love. And then we end on Spike comforting a heartbroken Buffy on the steps of her back porch ❤ The Scoobs were adorkable as always! Dawn was a gem covering for Buffy! And we might finally get a reason for Joyce's recent illness. I'm excited to see your reaction to 'Darla' (AKA Angel 2x07)
I loved seeing Spike's backstory, it really gives perspective on his time as a human and shows a side of him we never knew about. Great reaction Liam :)
That look of shock when you saw Buffy get staked by an average vampire is just one of the many reasons why your reactions are worth watching. 👍 I mean, granted, that scene itself although brief, still catches me by surprise 'cause of how he singlehandedly bested her 'cause she kept running her mouth like that. lol Note to self: Never get too casual in a fight or else... you might just get an accident. But a big lesson on Buffy's part for sure. And I love how you were so touched by the change in Spike's reaction from furious to concerned. It's just like, wow. He went from Spike to William there. Best episode so far!
Honestly, I wasn't expecting Buffy to be stabbed. Such a shocking turn of events and proof that even if you're good at something, you can make mistakes. And Buffy got too ahead of herself and out of the near 100 episodes I've seen, it's just surprising to see Buffy, who usually deals with vamps, get bested by your average joe vamp!
Great reaction to one of my personal favorite episodes of the series. I think this was a masterclass in creating a really compelling back story for an established character.
One of the most important episodes of this season, if not the entire series, simply because it breaks everything up to that point we knew about vampires, which were always suggested to be nothing more then soulless monsters only really interested in getting their next meal in the grand scheme of things. This episode showed even things without a soul could show more, well soul, then we were led to believe. And I love them for having the courage to do that.
The best part of Spike's backstory besides showing how he became the character we know, we also get very deep detail into not only how he got the drop on the 2 Slayers he killed, but it also explains in a way one of the things that makes Buffy tick. Every other Slayer didn't have that. They always thought they had to deal with it alone and embraced death over life.
Yes this episode was great. The back story on Spike, the transitions. And then Buffy using that same line that crushed him right before he was turned was amazing. Spike is an iconic character.
I cried my eyes out with that soft ending of her conforting her. That was so sweet!!! He is Sooooo in love of Buffy !! Did you notice they sigh together at the end?
@4:02 Once again the master of observation. She would be less physical with a stomach injury. Barring his obvious blond spot he showed his capacity for it through the whole episode. As did Dru. Whedon flashbacks are the best flashbacks. Dru's turning Spike was actually romantic. It is remarkably telling to me that Spike was so good, so pure in the last life that even though he's a vampire capable, willing and happy to do the most vile things possible, that he still has base instincts for so much kindness and good use of capacity to see, even without a conscience his core self has humanity that can be as bright as he is dark. Have to listen to the rest of the review after my cat sit. But eagerly waiting. ❤️
Now this was crisp. The story, the dialog, and the editing. There was no doubt you were going to love this episode. Strap yourself in, that is all I am going to say ;)
James Marsters has a scar under his left eyebrow. In the show, they even gave his vampire forehead that scar. In this episode Spike is shown wearing a safety pin at the same spot, implying that Spike's scar might have come from that. William Pratt, the man Spike was before he got sired by Drusilla, doesn't seem to have that scar, but further research is required.
Idc what anyone says, including Joss because he said it, but....Joyce's condition is not natural. It's supernatural. She never had a problem with her brain before the monks cast that memory spell. The "shadow" the doctors saw on her brain was probably the spot where those fake memories were stored. Her nerve system could not take the pressure of those memories pressed on her brain. These backstories are everything. I love that their vampire lore of the og 4 vamps. You saw for yourself that his true human nature was sweet and romantic. Wouldn't hurt a fly. Because of the chip, old glimpses of William showed through....like a body memory echoing who he really was, until his demon gets angry. So, the chip is playing with his mind and gets his head turned around.
Great reaction!! Loved it :) This is one of my favorite episodes. I love what it brings to the Buffy universe. And I just like that we get to see William/Spike's story, how he became who he is now. James Marsters did a fantastic job at portraying these different versions of his character; you could really see the development of that character in just one episode. Also, I gotta say. That final scene. Absolutely brilliant. Earlier on, Spike told her that every slayer has a death wish, and when she'll have hers, he'll be there. And then he shows up at her porch precisely when she feels that her world is crumbling down with what's happening to her mother. He shows up when she has that death wish. But instead of killing her like he planned to, he asks her if there is anything he could do to help her. And when she shows that she doesn't wanna talk, he gets it. He sits down and offers her some highly needed comfort by just giving her company and a small, hesitant pat on the back. When the camera slightly moves to the side after that pat and it shows theme sitting next to each in silence (well, there is that beautiful non-diegetic sound that makes the scene even more emotional, but that's a trick for us, the audience), I am always holding my breath at how the whole scene is incredibly simple yet so strong, emotional, and meaningful... God, it is such a beautiful scene. I also like how it shows you how Spike, despite being a vampire with no soul, still is that romantic and gentle William deep down inside of him.
That's my favorite episode Everytime i see it, i fall in love again with it. Spike back story and speach to Buffy about the slayers death wish, the dialogues, the realisation, the "you're beneath me" everything is just brillant. And when you will see the events of the Boxer Rebellion from Angel point of view in the Angel serie it will add depth to it. Thanks for your videos and sorry for any mistakes english isn't my native language
Hey laim! Just wanted to say you are such a light and your reactions make me smile! I love you and have been watching your videos a lot these days and you make it so enjoyable Thank you so much for being you my friend! I hope you know you have a fan over here in sweden! Much Love! Anna!
Thank you so much Anna. I really adore the support given to me, thank you for raising a smile on my face with your lovely comment and sending so much love over to Sweden :D
Intercutting between the past and present in a fight scene is something you don't see often and it's pulled off really well here. The Oliver/Slade fight in Arrow's season 2 finale is also great for the same reason.
I was a teen when I first saw this show, and I'm now realizing as I revisit that this episode's final porch scene lodged itself somewhere in the recesses of my brain as an indelible emblem of deep, conflicted emotions. I hated Spike at first, saw him as undeserving, and then I began to cry when he cried. Now, no matter how many times I see this final scene, it hits me just as hard.
One of my favorite episodes of the series and Kali Rocha, who plays Cecily (and someone else who shall not be named...yet) is outstanding. I want a whole story for Cecily about where she goes after she goes through some changes- maybe because of her experiences with William? And the actress also appeared as one of the most underrated characters on Grey's Anatomy, Sydney Heron- a chipper, pleasant surgical resident who alluded to having seen some serious darkness and made a choice to rise above it. She was disliked by the other residents for her positive outlook but I believe it's due to her extensive life experience. I have several headcanons for that show (one involving The Chief, who also appeared on 90210)- including Cecily eventually finding a new life in Seattle where her raison d'etre to make things right for people (without getting toooo spoilery) makes her a perfect fit to be a doctor, helping people every day. I love to imagine the journey this character has been on in the past...150 years or so.
Love this episode, but I also think here there is an "incongruence" in the main history: in Season 2, Spike said to Angel he was "his Sire"; now: usually, to be someone's "sire" means you CREATED him/her... but here it is Drusilla who creates Spike... am I wrong? Also: This is why I prefer spike a thousand times over Angel: Angel is a hero, yes, but it's only his soul that makes him so. As soon as he loses it, it's like unleashing a monster ... Spike, on the contrary, despite being soulless, struggles with himself to change, to improve, to grow up as a person and, paradoxically, as a "human being"... This being said: thanks for your reactions, I watch them all and you are awesome!!!! :-)
This will always be one of my favourite episodes, not inly because of finally getting to see Spike’s backstory, but the storytelling aspect was awesome! I love the parallels between what we see of Angel’s backstory in s2, (and beyond), to Spike’s this season. We saw human Angel as a ‘drunken, whoring, layabout’ who wasn’t worth much and rebelled against his father and what was good and right, to an extent. Vs human Spike who was a quiet, romantic poet, who was ridiculed, bullied and rejected by all of his peers as well as the woman he was in love with... As vampires its also obvious the difference in Spike and Angelus - angelus takes evil to a new level, adores the depravity, thinks of it as art. Spike just likes the rush and thrill of the fight. He likes to fee alive from the rush of the battle, the chase and escape. Angelus is cunning and doesn’t like the fight, instead likes to dominate and be in control... Its amazing how different the two vampires can be. And amazing that both were sired by powerful female vampires (darla and dru), but for different reasons. I cant help but think Darla saw the savagery Angelus would reap, vs Dru saw that Spike would be her brave care-taker. I also love seeing how Spike got both his eyebrow scar and his coat - two iconic parts of his character and appearance - from the slayers. Trophies and reminders.
Oh. Wow. LOVE to watch the creation of Spike, from the ground up: We see him get his un-life, his name, his scar, his hair [hint: 1977], and, finally, his cool leather duster!
Spike might have said that he's gonna kill her and get a big headache, but I very much doubt that. He's a demon with no soul, if he's able to kill people with a gun despite his chip, he would've done so long ago just to feed on people.
Yeah, the whole shotgun thing was one of this plot holes that BTVS had from time to time. In the previous season, Spike was given a fake pistol and couldn't even point it at xander without the chip going off. No way was he going to able blow buffys head off
@@manbearpig7359 I think that he just thinks he's going to be able to shoot through the pain, because he's so angry at that point. So I don't think it's a plot hole as such - more just a tool to show how his mood ends up changing completely the second he sees Buffy hurting.
@@jeanetteking434 That damned Hubris Monkey was on my back. As you say, it was Petrie. That's what happens when I treat imperfect memory as Gospel. At least I got to mispost Jane's name. Best. Leo.
It was really well done. And yeah it is. Growing things a bit out for once. Was going to cut it when I'd see my girlfriend next but yeah, that's no longer happening so I'm going to see how far it goes without looking stupid.
So you got me thinking about Liam and while I'll save that for an Angel episode as it fits his show better but it got me thinking about William and how he likes to hurt women but he also has a logical drive not to lose love because of Cecile and not harm a loved one beyond a certain point because of his reverence for Drusilla. Anywho thanks for the aid in potential insight.
I get that this was a good way of getting spike's backstory and seeing his battles with other Slayers, however I do feel like Buffy herself, having lost her battle with the master, should have been able to answer the questions of why the slayer loses. She also knows about kendras final fight. Also, Giles saying there's no one left to tell the tale..? What about the watchers and families or whoever of the previous Slayers from the 80s and 90s, like r we expected to believe there's just no one left? I'm sure she could look a few people up. But yeah...kind of ok way to get to spikes backstory
The Council is so sketchy I doubt there is anyone really left to tell the tale. I also doubt they give the full story and the council probably controls a lot of that info. Good point about the master.
I feel like it's best to understand from the victor's side rather than her own. Despite the fact Buffy stands out from all other slayers, Spike even noted the differences in the first and seccond slayers he killed and really you want a good analysis from someone like Spike rather than questioning yourself. For her to understand the Slayers and the journey to being better, she has to leave no stone unturned.
But the watcher isn't necessarily there in the final fight. As far as I can tell, Giles is fairly unique in how he performs his duty as a watcher in that he becomes a so very active part of the slaying. If we consider how both Wesley (initially at least) and Gwendolyn (even taken into account her being a fake) act as watchers they're mostly sending the slayer out on missions on their own. Likewise, Kendra's watcher is never spoken of as being there when she's on mission (what useful things could he possibly tell anyone of her final battle for example?) and both the slayers that Spike killed were there on their own. And what does Buffy really know of Kendra's death? No one actually saw how she lost, Cordelia having ran away and all the others being knocked unconscious by that time. Not to mention that the way she lost was rather special and I'm not sure any of the others - with the exception of Spike that is - could have explained to Buffy what actually happened there.
I don't believe slayers have death wishes. I believe this is just Spike trying to get into her head. There's no way Buffy secretly wants to die, she has a mother and a sister. And the slayer Spike killed in NYC... she has other reasons to live for.
I'm not so sure, the life of a Slayer with all that entails must be really hard and straining emotionally. They are basically not only living with constant PTSD but they are also constantly forced to feed that PTSD. There are lot's of irl soldiers that have experienced far less trauma than a Slayer faces that have a huge death wish.
@@lilywong9672 PTSD is not something that you have and then suddenly get rid off, it's something that you for the most part have to live with your entire life (my wife suffers from ptsd) and people with PTSD does often have a high skill in hiding it from others. Buffys behaviour in When She Was Bad showed clear signs of PTSD, and there are one other significant episode as well that I cannot comment on due to spoilers since it comes later in this very season.
Hey Liam, fav ep. From this Season. Spike Centric. ❤️🧑🏼❤️Made me love him, & Understood him even more. He stuttered, & he was bullied, of course he became a Punk. forever a Vampyre boy, with Drusilla's fatal forever kiss 💋💔❤️💔🔥🔥🔥 But like Liam, Angelus's evil side Angelus's was always degrading his younger blood bro, jealousies arise. William wanted to trust Liam, Angelus, but he was only the bullied one. Still ever fighting his lonely pain. Spike's, & William's, Purity for the kill, Angelus's desire to make others tormented, & controlled William, & Angelus's women Vamp fam. 💔❤️💔🤦🏼♂️🌄🤷🏼♂️❤️🤦🏼♀️💔 Buffy repeated the cruel line That Cecily used on William, it always bothered me, that Spike/William would entrust, Buffy with this past knowledge. But unlike other Vamps, Spike laid his soul bare to her. Only to get kicked down by even Angelus. He truly wares his heart on his leather clad sleeve. & Hides William behind Spike.🤷🏼♂️🥀🥀 James said people are going to laugh at me, but I'm going to be In his corner, his only protector... Because William is a beautiful Character, he's the Angel Angel wishes he could be, & the part of Spike, Spikey a part of him...🤦🏼♂️💔 Dru a seerer knew him the best. & She said she knew, Spikey's unbelievable infatuation with Buffy, from before, & feared something. ✨🧀🥤🌃🙆🏻♀️🐶❤️ Thank you Liam, Cheers! You got to finally know the Vamp fam, The Whirlwynnd.💔❤️💔💋 William, remained the Romantic, but over sexed, Because he's a Vampyre. Spike is angry, true Punk, but William is more loving, obsessive. ⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️🌬️🥀💀🥀🔥🔥 🤷🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🙍🏻♀️ Welcome to the original Hellmouth.✨❤️🌎❤️✨ ❤️🌎❤️Cheers everyone.🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♂️ 💁🏻♀️🐶❤️🌄❤️✨
i enjoy this episode but i'm in the minority of people who don't think it's one of the best episodes ever. it wouldn't even be in my top 10 favorite episodes from the series.
Warren Day it’s in my top ten probably. I appreciate how they tie everything in and explain Spike’s seeming inconsistencies so well. Accent, poetry quotes, badassery, even his scar and coat. Things we didn’t really know needed explaining. It also really expands on his relationship with Angel which sheds light on past and future events.
Also, random question, since Americans are notoriously bad at doing convincing English accents, how is James Marsters for you? From my American ears' perspective he sounds great, but how do the authentic Brits find it? I know he tries very hard, but David's Irish accent for example, takes me out of the moment, in comparison.
I'm from the South of England and honestly, I was shocked when I heard his real accent. I never thought the Spike accent was his real accent - it's good but it still feels a little off in places - but I assumed he was actually English and just using an exaggerated accent.
I don't have any problems whatsoever. Fortunately, I've heard Marsters do American before but I believe this is my earlier I've heard from him and tbh he's pretty good.
As a Londoner it's not flawless like Wesley's is, which never falters. Spike says can't like an American, not caRn't, as is said in Southern England. His accent on 'bollocks' is ever so slightly off too, but not enough to be annoying. Dru's accent is also spectacular
Don't ask for other shows/movies on another show. That's rude to Liam. If you want to *kindly* request a Harry Potter reaction, do so on another Harry Potter video or better yet, check the schedule.
This is often cited as one of THE best episodes of Buffy ever made, and I being a Spike fan I totally agree with that. lol As writer Jane Espenson said at the time Spike's character rapidly became popular when he first hit the screen, but after FFL aired his popularity went through the roof and I think you can guess as to why. Not only was the backstory they invented for him emotionally engaging, but James Marsters now really 'owned' this part and exploited that to the full. Also in a purely shallow note I don't think he ever looked so beautiful and feral as he did when he was dressed as punk Spike. Dear lord....*fans self*
I'm 100% heterosexual but I have to fan myself over punk Spike, too! Marsters just oozes charm and sensuality even when he's being evil (especially then!).
EYE. CON. ICK.
(waves hand) BITCH
(The way you spreaded that out reminded me of Spike's famous line xD)
"Out for a walk---- Bi***." 🙎🏼♂️
Spike : Best. Charcter. of. the. Show.
I think I love you 😍
I just love "what can I say. I've always been bad." **Proceeds to be very sweet and not at all bad**
@@Talisguy Agreed no way he started into poetry after that
Spike only turned "bad" 'cause 1) he was soulless 2) his own personal "Yoda" taught him well (see ep3 s2) 😉
@@RitsychServare Who's personal daddy taught her well, sadly before taking her soul lol
This is definitely one of my top, if not my favorite episode of Buffy. Spike's background just makes me love him even more because you see his human roots. And agreed - that entire speech while they're fighting is AMAZING. I also love the editing of that scene, it's perfect.
Angelus has always been the epitome of evil, where he likes to torture his victims either physically or mentally before the kill. Spike, on the other hand, while always playing the tough guy and being the vicious vampire when need be, has also shown the spark of humanity in him as shown by his love of Drusilla and now Buffy. (For reference go back to the Judge in Surprise and Innocence.) This episode shows where that spark comes from in that William was a good loving person and some of that personality has been retained in Spike.
I agree, from the first time we saw Spike he was different 'a vampire who could love'. I have a theory on Spike that I would love to go in to but can't until Liam has seem all the way to End.
Angelus saw killing as an art (Drusilla was his masterpiece as he destroyed her mentally and physically and then turned her as an immortal monument to his depravity). Spike was less evil but more violent, he killed for the rush and saw killing as light entertainment.
@Danii Decay well said. I totally agree
Pro trick : watch movies on flixzone. Been using them for watching a lot of movies these days.
@Ronald Rohan yup, have been using Flixzone for months myself :D
This is such a good episode! Both the story and the presentation---the back and forth between Spike's subway fight and his conversation with Buffy is so cool.
That was some fantastic editing, even the fourth wall break. The dialogue really backs that bit up too!
That scene when Spike talks to Buffy on the train about her wanting a death wish gives me chills everytime. Such good acting and writing.
If you recall, in Lover's Walk, Spike was complaining about catching Drusilla making out with a Chaos Demon. "Have you ever seen a Chaos Demon? They're all slime and antlers. They're disgusting."
Yasssss man the journey with Bufffy and her friends is always wild. And Sarah is such a great actress at what she does. Best Vampire Slayer ever ✊✊✊
The ending scene is one of my favourites.
Yeees! Also an all-time favourite here. I've rewatched this episode way too many times... As for William, the moment he appears as a romantic poet (as in Byronic here) just made so much sense as the template for Spike's personality. He never stopped being that ("I may be love's bitch, but at least I'm man enough to admit it"), but now it's through a soulless demon (and one controlled by the chip, to make things extra complicated).
The small part of his humanity to remain, it is really great to widen that aspect of himself
@@LiamCatterson Yes! The ending is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, all at once...
One of the best episodes of the entire show. That slow-mo scene with Spike, Drusilla, Angelus and Darla is iconic!
One of my favourite episodes too. Seeing Spikes past further explains how personality traits transform as someone is sired, he was sooo emotional, so raw & passionate when he was human, even without a soul it shines through. Love was his core value. Also, when he says he doesn’t like to think of such terrible things, it’s almost like he’s too pure to handle that darkness.
Oooh also, his punk persona from the 70s until here makes a lot of sense since he never fit in with that kind of crowd he was obviously born into, like of course he’d love punk !!
Spike is also my favorite character. I mean Buffy is still the number one but Spike was back then the reason I really got into BTVS
One of the best episodes in the series.
This episode is fantastic ❤ Spike comforting Buffy is one of my favorite scenes. I have always been so intrigued by Spike having a certain level of humanity, even as a soulless vampire. His backstory in this episode just adds more layers to his character
Honestly, 'Fool For Love' speaks for itself... its beauty and horror are absolutely stunning! We see Buffy staked and go to Spike for information (because Giles doesn't like to think about Buffy's untimely demise) about how he killed two slayers (Boxer Rebellion and NYC. And now you know from whom Spike stole his iconic leather duster), and he waxes poetical about the life of a Slayer until she demands answers and they duke it out. We learn William wasn't always bad, but extremely misunderstood poet ("You're beneath me" - Cecily)... we see Dru sire him, the havoc they wreaked as a deadly foursome (Angel, Darla, Dru and Spike) and how he became the vampire we all know and love. And then we end on Spike comforting a heartbroken Buffy on the steps of her back porch ❤
The Scoobs were adorkable as always! Dawn was a gem covering for Buffy! And we might finally get a reason for Joyce's recent illness. I'm excited to see your reaction to 'Darla' (AKA Angel 2x07)
God damn every episode is great in this season.
Halfway thorough S5, so far, so good :D
I loved seeing Spike's backstory, it really gives perspective on his time as a human and shows a side of him we never knew about. Great reaction Liam :)
This is one of my all time fave episodes! I'm so glad you loved it.
This script is really something, isn't it? And the acting, and the direction. Amazing stuff.
It's really up there in high quality writing. Like Buffy usually is but this episode really takes it a whole other level!
This season is absolutely incredible. My favourite by far. And spike is such an amazing character
That look of shock when you saw Buffy get staked by an average vampire is just one of the many reasons why your reactions are worth watching. 👍 I mean, granted, that scene itself although brief, still catches me by surprise 'cause of how he singlehandedly bested her 'cause she kept running her mouth like that. lol Note to self: Never get too casual in a fight or else... you might just get an accident. But a big lesson on Buffy's part for sure. And I love how you were so touched by the change in Spike's reaction from furious to concerned. It's just like, wow. He went from Spike to William there. Best episode so far!
Honestly, I wasn't expecting Buffy to be stabbed. Such a shocking turn of events and proof that even if you're good at something, you can make mistakes. And Buffy got too ahead of herself and out of the near 100 episodes I've seen, it's just surprising to see Buffy, who usually deals with vamps, get bested by your average joe vamp!
Great reaction to one of my personal favorite episodes of the series. I think this was a masterclass in creating a really compelling back story for an established character.
One of the most important episodes of this season, if not the entire series, simply because it breaks everything up to that point we knew about vampires, which were always suggested to be nothing more then soulless monsters only really interested in getting their next meal in the grand scheme of things.
This episode showed even things without a soul could show more, well soul, then we were led to believe.
And I love them for having the courage to do that.
Fantastic reaction Liam
Spike Origin story.
He and Angel are quite alike with their philosophies.
Joyce's situation is painful to watch
The best part of Spike's backstory besides showing how he became the character we know, we also get very deep detail into not only how he got the drop on the 2 Slayers he killed, but it also explains in a way one of the things that makes Buffy tick. Every other Slayer didn't have that. They always thought they had to deal with it alone and embraced death over life.
Yes this episode was great. The back story on Spike, the transitions. And then Buffy using that same line that crushed him right before he was turned was amazing. Spike is an iconic character.
I cried my eyes out with that soft ending of her conforting her. That was so sweet!!! He is Sooooo in love of Buffy !! Did you notice they sigh together at the end?
@4:02 Once again the master of observation. She would be less physical with a stomach injury. Barring his obvious blond spot he showed his capacity for it through the whole episode. As did Dru.
Whedon flashbacks are the best flashbacks. Dru's turning Spike was actually romantic.
It is remarkably telling to me that Spike was so good, so pure in the last life that even though he's a vampire capable, willing and happy to do the most vile things possible, that he still has base instincts for so much kindness and good use of capacity to see, even without a conscience his core self has humanity that can be as bright as he is dark.
Have to listen to the rest of the review after my cat sit. But eagerly waiting. ❤️
Now this was crisp. The story, the dialog, and the editing. There was no doubt you were going to love this episode. Strap yourself in, that is all I am going to say ;)
James Marsters has a scar under his left eyebrow. In the show, they even gave his vampire forehead that scar. In this episode Spike is shown wearing a safety pin at the same spot, implying that Spike's scar might have come from that. William Pratt, the man Spike was before he got sired by Drusilla, doesn't seem to have that scar, but further research is required.
Idc what anyone says, including Joss because he said it, but....Joyce's condition is not natural. It's supernatural. She never had a problem with her brain before the monks cast that memory spell.
The "shadow" the doctors saw on her brain was probably the spot where those fake memories were stored. Her nerve system could not take the pressure of those memories pressed on her brain.
These backstories are everything. I love that their vampire lore of the og 4 vamps.
You saw for yourself that his true human nature was sweet and romantic. Wouldn't hurt a fly.
Because of the chip, old glimpses of William showed through....like a body memory echoing who he really was, until his demon gets angry. So, the chip is playing with his mind and gets his head turned around.
This would diminish her death. Some fights Buffy cannot fight. I like your thoughts but to say she died unnaturally removes the magic imo
Thanks for this. So good to see you enjoying season 5 so much; it is a very special ride.
I've never really cared for Spike one way or the other and this episode still lands in my top 3. It's that incredible.
Yes we love Spike a maximum amount after that episode. 😄
Without spoiling anything, I can't wait to see your reactions to Spike's character growth in the rest of the series!
Great reaction!! Loved it :)
This is one of my favorite episodes. I love what it brings to the Buffy universe. And I just like that we get to see William/Spike's story, how he became who he is now. James Marsters did a fantastic job at portraying these different versions of his character; you could really see the development of that character in just one episode.
Also, I gotta say. That final scene. Absolutely brilliant. Earlier on, Spike told her that every slayer has a death wish, and when she'll have hers, he'll be there. And then he shows up at her porch precisely when she feels that her world is crumbling down with what's happening to her mother. He shows up when she has that death wish. But instead of killing her like he planned to, he asks her if there is anything he could do to help her. And when she shows that she doesn't wanna talk, he gets it. He sits down and offers her some highly needed comfort by just giving her company and a small, hesitant pat on the back. When the camera slightly moves to the side after that pat and it shows theme sitting next to each in silence (well, there is that beautiful non-diegetic sound that makes the scene even more emotional, but that's a trick for us, the audience), I am always holding my breath at how the whole scene is incredibly simple yet so strong, emotional, and meaningful... God, it is such a beautiful scene. I also like how it shows you how Spike, despite being a vampire with no soul, still is that romantic and gentle William deep down inside of him.
Phenomenal episode, and your reaction--especially to the end scene--is priceless!!! :)
Honestly, the ending has broken me so many times because I keep revisiting it. I like pain apparently xD
@@LiamCatterson But it's such good pain! The moment Spike puts his hand on her shoulder to comfort her...man, I lose it. That's good stuff!
That's my favorite episode
Everytime i see it, i fall in love again with it. Spike back story and speach to Buffy about the slayers death wish, the dialogues, the realisation, the "you're beneath me" everything is just brillant. And when you will see the events of the Boxer Rebellion from Angel point of view in the Angel serie it will add depth to it.
Thanks for your videos and sorry for any mistakes english isn't my native language
Hey laim! Just wanted to say you are such a light and your reactions make me smile! I love you and have been watching your videos a lot these days and you make it so enjoyable Thank you so much for being you my friend! I hope you know you have a fan over here in sweden!
Much Love!
Anna!
Thank you so much Anna. I really adore the support given to me, thank you for raising a smile on my face with your lovely comment and sending so much love over to Sweden :D
One of the best of S5!! Love that bloody awful poetry!!
Intercutting between the past and present in a fight scene is something you don't see often and it's pulled off really well here. The Oliver/Slade fight in Arrow's season 2 finale is also great for the same reason.
Ahh yesss, I remember that. I loved that moment so much too
It’s so amazing! Because it shows how Buffy is so into the story he’s telling, it’s like she’s there
Haven't watched this yet, but just wanted to say 🤩😍🙆♀️
I was a teen when I first saw this show, and I'm now realizing as I revisit that this episode's final porch scene lodged itself somewhere in the recesses of my brain as an indelible emblem of deep, conflicted emotions. I hated Spike at first, saw him as undeserving, and then I began to cry when he cried. Now, no matter how many times I see this final scene, it hits me just as hard.
Definitely one of my top 5 favorite episodes of Buffy! And I really loved your reaction to it. Spike is definitely my all-time favorite vampire.
One of my favorite episodes of the series and Kali Rocha, who plays Cecily (and someone else who shall not be named...yet) is outstanding. I want a whole story for Cecily about where she goes after she goes through some changes- maybe because of her experiences with William? And the actress also appeared as one of the most underrated characters on Grey's Anatomy, Sydney Heron- a chipper, pleasant surgical resident who alluded to having seen some serious darkness and made a choice to rise above it. She was disliked by the other residents for her positive outlook but I believe it's due to her extensive life experience. I have several headcanons for that show (one involving The Chief, who also appeared on 90210)- including Cecily eventually finding a new life in Seattle where her raison d'etre to make things right for people (without getting toooo spoilery) makes her a perfect fit to be a doctor, helping people every day. I love to imagine the journey this character has been on in the past...150 years or so.
I love this ep. I also loved your reaction! So heartwarming when Spike comforts Buffy at the end.
Love this episode, but I also think here there is an "incongruence" in the main history: in Season 2, Spike said to Angel he was "his Sire"; now: usually, to be someone's "sire" means you CREATED him/her... but here it is Drusilla who creates Spike... am I wrong?
Also: This is why I prefer spike a thousand times over Angel: Angel is a hero, yes, but it's only his soul that makes him so. As soon as he loses it, it's like unleashing a monster ... Spike, on the contrary, despite being soulless, struggles with himself to change, to improve, to grow up as a person and, paradoxically, as a "human being"...
This being said: thanks for your reactions, I watch them all and you are awesome!!!! :-)
This will always be one of my favourite episodes, not inly because of finally getting to see Spike’s backstory, but the storytelling aspect was awesome!
I love the parallels between what we see of Angel’s backstory in s2, (and beyond), to Spike’s this season. We saw human Angel as a ‘drunken, whoring, layabout’ who wasn’t worth much and rebelled against his father and what was good and right, to an extent. Vs human Spike who was a quiet, romantic poet, who was ridiculed, bullied and rejected by all of his peers as well as the woman he was in love with... As vampires its also obvious the difference in Spike and Angelus - angelus takes evil to a new level, adores the depravity, thinks of it as art. Spike just likes the rush and thrill of the fight. He likes to fee alive from the rush of the battle, the chase and escape. Angelus is cunning and doesn’t like the fight, instead likes to dominate and be in control...
Its amazing how different the two vampires can be. And amazing that both were sired by powerful female vampires (darla and dru), but for different reasons. I cant help but think Darla saw the savagery Angelus would reap, vs Dru saw that Spike would be her brave care-taker.
I also love seeing how Spike got both his eyebrow scar and his coat - two iconic parts of his character and appearance - from the slayers. Trophies and reminders.
Great reaction. I really enjoyed this eps, special seeing how Spike killed two slayers.
Oh. Wow. LOVE to watch the creation of Spike, from the ground up: We see him get his un-life, his name, his scar, his hair [hint: 1977], and, finally, his cool leather duster!
And the origins of his ability to monologue in fluent Shakespearean, haha!
Spike might have said that he's gonna kill her and get a big headache, but I very much doubt that. He's a demon with no soul, if he's able to kill people with a gun despite his chip, he would've done so long ago just to feed on people.
Yeah, the whole shotgun thing was one of this plot holes that BTVS had from time to time. In the previous season, Spike was given a fake pistol and couldn't even point it at xander without the chip going off. No way was he going to able blow buffys head off
@@manbearpig7359 I think that he just thinks he's going to be able to shoot through the pain, because he's so angry at that point. So I don't think it's a plot hole as such - more just a tool to show how his mood ends up changing completely the second he sees Buffy hurting.
It says so much about this show that as great as this episode is the show continues to surpass itself.
So are you a 'spuffy' shipper Liam? I mean this episode can turn anyone into one with that ending!
Btw, I would love to watch you go back into a few foreshadow heavy episodes after finishing the show. This show is really well put together.
This is a TOP 5 Buffy episode for me too.
It is perfect.
This... this... :'( Fool for love... my heartttt
Great episode. Possibly my top one that’s NOT written and directed by Wheedon.
But Liam, that is... a lot of hair.
No surprise to me as to the quality as it was writ by one of my faves, Jane Espenson. Best. Leo.
Leo Gallagher I thought it was written by Doug Petrie.
@@jeanetteking434 That damned Hubris Monkey was on my back. As you say, it was Petrie. That's what happens when I treat imperfect memory as Gospel. At least I got to mispost Jane's name. Best. Leo.
It was really well done. And yeah it is. Growing things a bit out for once. Was going to cut it when I'd see my girlfriend next but yeah, that's no longer happening so I'm going to see how far it goes without looking stupid.
Spike w/o a soul is so much better than Angel w/ one
One of the greats
So you got me thinking about Liam and while I'll save that for an Angel episode as it fits his show better but it got me thinking about William and how he likes to hurt women but he also has a logical drive not to lose love because of Cecile and not harm a loved one beyond a certain point because of his reverence for Drusilla. Anywho thanks for the aid in potential insight.
You ain't seen nothing yet! 👀
Yess!
When you started with Buffy you listed your favourite TV shows. Where does it rank so far?
Third. Behind Agents of SHIELD and Doctor Who
@@LiamCatterson Give it time...
No spoilers, but I suspect that you'll truly enjoy at least some of the remaining parts of season 5!
I get that this was a good way of getting spike's backstory and seeing his battles with other Slayers, however I do feel like Buffy herself, having lost her battle with the master, should have been able to answer the questions of why the slayer loses. She also knows about kendras final fight. Also, Giles saying there's no one left to tell the tale..? What about the watchers and families or whoever of the previous Slayers from the 80s and 90s, like r we expected to believe there's just no one left? I'm sure she could look a few people up. But yeah...kind of ok way to get to spikes backstory
The Council is so sketchy I doubt there is anyone really left to tell the tale. I also doubt they give the full story and the council probably controls a lot of that info. Good point about the master.
I feel like it's best to understand from the victor's side rather than her own. Despite the fact Buffy stands out from all other slayers, Spike even noted the differences in the first and seccond slayers he killed and really you want a good analysis from someone like Spike rather than questioning yourself. For her to understand the Slayers and the journey to being better, she has to leave no stone unturned.
But the watcher isn't necessarily there in the final fight. As far as I can tell, Giles is fairly unique in how he performs his duty as a watcher in that he becomes a so very active part of the slaying. If we consider how both Wesley (initially at least) and Gwendolyn (even taken into account her being a fake) act as watchers they're mostly sending the slayer out on missions on their own. Likewise, Kendra's watcher is never spoken of as being there when she's on mission (what useful things could he possibly tell anyone of her final battle for example?) and both the slayers that Spike killed were there on their own. And what does Buffy really know of Kendra's death? No one actually saw how she lost, Cordelia having ran away and all the others being knocked unconscious by that time. Not to mention that the way she lost was rather special and I'm not sure any of the others - with the exception of Spike that is - could have explained to Buffy what actually happened there.
I don't believe slayers have death wishes. I believe this is just Spike trying to get into her head. There's no way Buffy secretly wants to die, she has a mother and a sister. And the slayer Spike killed in NYC... she has other reasons to live for.
I'm not so sure, the life of a Slayer with all that entails must be really hard and straining emotionally. They are basically not only living with constant PTSD but they are also constantly forced to feed that PTSD. There are lot's of irl soldiers that have experienced far less trauma than a Slayer faces that have a huge death wish.
@@Henrik_Holst Yeah but from what we've seen of Buffy, she definitely does not have PTSD. And Faith only had a PTSD after killing the Mayor's aide.
@@lilywong9672 PTSD is not something that you have and then suddenly get rid off, it's something that you for the most part have to live with your entire life (my wife suffers from ptsd) and people with PTSD does often have a high skill in hiding it from others.
Buffys behaviour in When She Was Bad showed clear signs of PTSD, and there are one other significant episode as well that I cannot comment on due to spoilers since it comes later in this very season.
Why would having a mother and sister prevent someone from having any kind of death wish?
Hey Liam, fav ep. From this Season.
Spike Centric. ❤️🧑🏼❤️Made me love him, & Understood him even more. He stuttered, & he was bullied, of course he became a Punk. forever a Vampyre boy, with Drusilla's fatal forever kiss 💋💔❤️💔🔥🔥🔥
But like Liam, Angelus's evil side Angelus's was always degrading his younger blood bro, jealousies arise.
William wanted to trust Liam, Angelus, but he was only the bullied one. Still ever fighting his lonely pain. Spike's, & William's,
Purity for the kill, Angelus's desire to make others tormented, & controlled William, & Angelus's women Vamp fam.
💔❤️💔🤦🏼♂️🌄🤷🏼♂️❤️🤦🏼♀️💔
Buffy repeated the cruel line
That Cecily used on William, it always bothered me, that Spike/William would entrust, Buffy with this past knowledge.
But unlike other Vamps, Spike laid his soul bare to her. Only to get kicked down by even Angelus.
He truly wares his heart on his leather clad sleeve. & Hides William behind Spike.🤷🏼♂️🥀🥀
James said people are going to laugh at me, but I'm going to be
In his corner, his only protector...
Because William is a beautiful Character, he's the Angel Angel wishes he could be, & the part of Spike, Spikey a part of him...🤦🏼♂️💔
Dru a seerer knew him the best. & She said she knew, Spikey's unbelievable infatuation with Buffy, from before, & feared something.
✨🧀🥤🌃🙆🏻♀️🐶❤️
Thank you Liam, Cheers!
You got to finally know the Vamp fam, The Whirlwynnd.💔❤️💔💋
William, remained the Romantic, but over sexed, Because he's a Vampyre.
Spike is angry, true Punk, but William is more loving, obsessive.
⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️🌬️🥀💀🥀🔥🔥
🤷🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🙍🏻♀️ Welcome to the original Hellmouth.✨❤️🌎❤️✨
❤️🌎❤️Cheers everyone.🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♂️
💁🏻♀️🐶❤️🌄❤️✨
i enjoy this episode but i'm in the minority of people who don't think it's one of the best episodes ever. it wouldn't even be in my top 10 favorite episodes from the series.
Agree, great episode, gets better on rewatching, not in my top 10.
Warren Day it’s in my top ten probably. I appreciate how they tie everything in and explain Spike’s seeming inconsistencies so well. Accent, poetry quotes, badassery, even his scar and coat. Things we didn’t really know needed explaining. It also really expands on his relationship with Angel which sheds light on past and future events.
Still my favorite TV show episode ever hasn’t aired yet (it beats out GoT 6-10).
Also, random question, since Americans are notoriously bad at doing convincing English accents, how is James Marsters for you? From my American ears' perspective he sounds great, but how do the authentic Brits find it? I know he tries very hard, but David's Irish accent for example, takes me out of the moment, in comparison.
I'm from the South of England and honestly, I was shocked when I heard his real accent. I never thought the Spike accent was his real accent - it's good but it still feels a little off in places - but I assumed he was actually English and just using an exaggerated accent.
I don't have any problems whatsoever. Fortunately, I've heard Marsters do American before but I believe this is my earlier I've heard from him and tbh he's pretty good.
I'm so accustomed to Alexis Denisoff as Wesley that his normal speaking voice sounds like a bad American accent.
As a Londoner it's not flawless like Wesley's is, which never falters. Spike says can't like an American, not caRn't, as is said in Southern England. His accent on 'bollocks' is ever so slightly off too, but not enough to be annoying. Dru's accent is also spectacular
@@tigerlily8447 wikipedia tells me that Alexis Denisof went to drama school in London! That must have definitely helped XD
Spoiler:
Halfrek!
Harry Potter? ?
What's the day buddy?
It rhymes with matterday. ;)
Don't ask for other shows/movies on another show. That's rude to Liam. If you want to *kindly* request a Harry Potter reaction, do so on another Harry Potter video or better yet, check the schedule.