The fact that you analyze some of these monster of the week season 1 episodes this much makes me really look forward to you getting to some of the real standout episodes. I’d say staring with the finale of this season is when you see the show start to mature and really come into its own.
This one is so polarizing. It’s one of my favorites of the season! The cast really feels relaxed and into their roles here, like they’ve had some practice and now they’ve meshed. Snyder is HILARIOUS. His hatred of kids and mega sass is all I ever wanted. And overall the feel of the episode is super creepy.
I think it's honestly a super well put together episode in general. Watching it again in the edit, the ways it constantly uses what the show has set up as the norm in the audience's mind up until that point and then subverts that is really well done. I just think they undermined what they'd achieved by not making Sid more likable. To me, anyway.
@@TylerAlexanderpersonally, I don't dislike Sid. I mean yeah he's a little raunchy but I find a certain amount of that to be funny and this definitely falls on the funny side. But even if I didn't like his personality I think he would still be a good character and so I disagree, personally, about him underminding the complicated twist of the story. His abrasiveness and off-coloredness help sell the idea that this is the bad guy. So it's even more of a surprise when he turns out to be the good guy. I will say personally that when I first watched this episode I thought Snyder was the bad guy all along. LOL
@@TylerAlexander oh yeah totally. 🤗 there's nothing wrong with that at all. I was just sharing my own. I really enjoy these reactions by the way. Everytime I see you have a new Buffy one I get so excited.
What I love about this episode is that it's all misdirection right up until the reveal at the end and the Magician is the culprit which in hindsight should've been obvious as misdirection is what Magicians are famous for
A lot of reactors rock out to the intro! Also, the fact that you've been able to analyze season 1 episodes this well is really making me look forward to the other seasons.
Agreed, the switch-up makes this episode a lot better than it would have been without it. Not many people's favourite of season 1. I'm glad you remembered Snyder, though! He's the highlight of this episode for me - the actor's delivery of "But he was eaten" is iconic.
If at any point in the next 10-15 episodes you feel yourself starting to wonder why we love this show, TRUST. THE. PROCESS. I tried a couple of times to get my husband to watch buffy and failed. Then I skipped MOST of season 1 (not all, twkk) and we made it all the way through, and he is a fan. Love these videos. Keep up the awesome job.
Yay more Buffy! Loving your reactions. I'm English and been living in Aotearoa NZ for 15 years and somehow you make me feel homesick... I think it's the humour and attitude. Anyway you make me laugh my ass off and I'm so enjoying your buffy reactions, please keep going. Can't wait to see what you make of the next season!
Ah Snyder - love him or hate him, he can never feel indifferent to him. A good episode if not a great one, with lots to recommend it. Thanks as always for your humour and your insight. Watching your Buffy reactions is always a pleasure.
I'd say the one great thing about this episode is that it once again subverts expectations regarding the "monster of the week" and shows the shades of gray that can happen in this world (i.e. the puppet's a horny creep, but he's not full-on EVIL).
You aren't the only one who rocks out to the theme song! And I don't think anyone will argue with for calling Xander "cringe". It's a common word used to describe the whole of season one honestly! It gets much better. The show that is, Xander stays Xander 😂
Really enjoy your buffy reactions, cant wait for you to get to season 2, it is my fav season! I enjoy your comments and analysis' of the characters and the exploration and observations of moral dilemnas showcased in each episode 😊happy to be going on this buffy journey with you
I literally never skip the intro because its such a bop and feels so 90s to me idk. Please keep up this series, I really am digging your point of view.
I think this was the only episode in all of Buffy that ran thru the end credits. (Well, except for a notable exception.) Love the Greek play at the end.
Another nice reaction. I can't wait for you to get to Season 2 when it starts really taking off. These episodes have more feels once you do. Xo. Thanks for another great reaction!
I'm sorry I'm late to your channel but must say, I can't stop smiling & laughing. You are so energetic and fun. I love your insights into Buffy. I started my B journey in the 1st airing of season 2 while channel-hopping. Don't even remember which episode it was really but had to be an Angel one because SMG & DB had so much chemistry, I couldn't look away. I was hooked. I don't know why but the age gap between Angel & Buffy never bothered me (because it's fiction & I'm a hopeless romantic) but also I look at it from two angles: 1) Soul Mates find each other multiple times throughout lifetimes (or different lifetimes, depending on when either died). 2) Barring his obvious allergies to beheading, sunlight & wood, Angel's technically immortal...Buffy isn't. And by that, I mean, as the slayer, she has a VERY SHORT & VIOLENT life expectancy. So she finds her true love (though colored through the pink tint of teenagery) she needs to grasp onto it with all her slayer might. Anyway, season 2 was my intro to this amazing feat of tv. And when I got to see season 1, I was ecstatic. This was back in the days before internet or dvds, so I didn't get to see the 1st season until that following summer on repeats. It was a thing we old folks had to do. The WB (called that before it merged with UPN & became CW, oh the irony (wait for s6 you'll get that reference then)) was still finding it's audience so lots of promo ads for all its new shows. I have never understood people claiming season 1 is bad. Yes, it had a limited budget which makes some of the fx not as good & yes, you can see the stunt doubles more often than not, but it's all about suspension of disbelief. If you enjoy that the show is about a *vampire slayer*, you can see past some of the quirks. I still enjoy season 1 to this day. Moreso now that I can relive it through the eyes of newer 1st time viewers. Do I wish you'd chosen to watch the whole series before seeing the final episode, hell yeah (for many reason, but mostly the journey itself but also the characters you didn't have a clue about (Faith)) but better late than never. Hope you are able to avoid spoilers. Some people out there just don't respect the narrative flow.
Either Xander had asked Willow the exact same question about the square root in the past or he really worked out an actual square number 841. Perhaps he is smarter than Willow?
@TylerAlexander with this show there is always a thread going through each episode that caries the show throughout the seasons. Some episodes are more specific to the seasons theme/thread and others like this can feel more episodic or 1 off. As for the Sid character, when I watched the crassness they gave that character felt like it was trying to do 2 things, 1 - have you guess a bit if this is the bad guy or not, the reveal that he is not give the viewer a bit of sympathy to him. I also believe the second reason they made him so crass was to give the user the sense that he has been in this dummy curse for a LOT of years, the dialog feels closer to what was acceptable for past generations. Combining these 2 elements adds to the sympathy we feel when we realize he is the good guy, he is cursed, and he has been dealing with this for a very long time. Then we find out he is just trying to end it and be released. With all that said, I do agree with you that its not the favorite episode of the season but still not a bad episode.
Yeah, this episode is so-so, but the ending is funny... 😂 To be fair, seasons 1 and 2 have quite a number of (let's say) average monster-of-the-weak episodes. It gets better in the 2nd half of season 2, which has some fantastic episodes (some of the best of the show), and in season 3 pretty much every episode is good. Hope you have enough patience to stay with Buffy long enough to get to the really great parts.
I like the twist, the gags in the last two scenes.. also willow saying “.. it’s not though.” The teachers pet and robot ones are often called the worst. I’m fine with those. The weakest for me would be “never kill a boy”.
I know it’s just me, but i enjoyed the never kill a boy. You have the uno reverse of the kid being the anointed one, and the guest stud was so hot, AND sensitive. And honestly, I don’t think he would have been a bad boyfriend for Buffy, or Willow. I still feel like the episodes that offer the least to me are one and two (except for Cordelia’s “What is your childhood trauma?!” That’s immortal. My least favorite episode of 2-5, by far, if it was in season one, it would still be the worst of the season, and the ending scene is particularly bad, writing wise.
@@RLucas3000 Not saying I hated it. I do think Owen was Buffy’s type. Her going bonkers over him was believable and cute. I just didn’t see Cordie going after him. I think that made the whole competition between them feel a bit cringe to me. I think all it would have taken to fix it (for me) would be to put him in a letterman jacket. He just happens to be a star athlete, putting him right at the top of the schools pecking order but he doesn’t seem to notice or care.
Some of these episodes were very rushed because the 1st season was a midseason replacement and because it had a very small budget. Thank goodness it was given time to develop into one of the best shows of it's time.
I'm reasonably sure I've said it before, but I'll say it again anyway: Season 1 (as a whole) has a very episodic feel to it. There isn't a huge amount of character growth, & challenges are surmounted with relative ease. With a couple of exceptions of course. I think this pretty much comes down to the show being unproven & not standing on particularly firm ground; and having to play it a little bit safe as a consequence in order to improve their chances of getting a second season. Of course when it came to producing the 2nd season & beyond, the show had already proven itself because season 1 was a massive success. So there was a lot more freedom to do what they wanted to do, safe in the knowledge that a couple of underperforming episodes wouldn't sink the whole show. And (as you'll see when you get further into the show) they didn't waste the opportunity: season 2 shows a lot more progression & character growth. And it doesn't always come easily; some of this growth is very painful & traumatic for the characters. But then, putting them through the wringer like that makes it that much easier for us to empathise with the characters & regard them as actual people. Looking back on season 1, the lack of growth is a little jarring, particularly since I don't recall being particularly bothered by it the first time I saw those episodes (many, many years ago). Maybe it's rose tinted glasses, maybe it's the ignorance of youth... Guess I'll never really know.
MY LIFE IS INFINITELY BETTER right now cuz you posted tihs. This one is not my fav cuz... WHYYYYYY IS HE SAYING THOSE THINGS ABOUT A CHILD?!?!?!??!?!? omg he's disgusting. Other than that the rest is great. I also started rocking out after i saw you rocking out and NOW I CANNOT STOP. Just me or does Morgan look 35? The stress really got to that 16-yo. Right, he could've given Buffy some Slayer-history from first-hand experience of having fought along-side one. Maybe he was there (already cursed) when that Slayer died. They could've done so much if they cut out all the dirty jokes and fleshed (haha) out his character.
You made a comment at a certain point... and I was... no, I can't say anything, my lips are sealed!! I was never a fan of the 'villain of the week' episodes, but this one is one of my favourite ep in S1. They portrait the evil puppet cliche in scary movies so well, I was totally fooled the first time I watched it. And then the unexpected twist: a (wooden) suit does not make the man (dummy)! The final scene is hilarious: when the curtain opens, you just see the scene through the spectators' eyes: 'I don't get it' Lol It's the perfect representation of the classic comedy. But also of the classic tragedy: the monster is defeated, the hero's body carried in triumph after the ultimate sacrifice. And then there's Snyder! Remember: he won't allow orrible murders with hearts taken in his school.... and also smoking...
Best thing about this episode is our introduction to Snyder, one of the great characters in the show, highly irritating, but highly entertaining as well, who has really got it in for the Scoobies straight off. Again S1 is hard going for newbies to the show, as many of the storylines are fairly weak, love the fact that you really enjoy these early episodes. You really seem to be loving this show as the Series progresses, and believe me from mid Season 2 onwards it improves leaps and bounds.
I think the lesson for this episode was that you don't get to choose who your allies are. That applies to the puppet as well as the principal.that said, it gives me the ick
Yeah, There are a few things in this episode I like, but I think this is the first ep we've had were there isn't a strong sense of the monster being a metaphor for something the main cast is going through. Sure there's a little bit of everyone having to do something they don't want to do because of their 'boss' Principal Snyder, but this one mainly focuses on plot and pulling off a little unexpected switch. I enjoy the sort of scary movie + noir detective genre of this one, but for sure miss the emotional resonance for the characters. Also, the way that little line about the Korean slayer in 1930s LA sends me off imaging an excellent noir spin-off show!? I would love to watch that.
From 21st century eyes, Xander is absolutely cringe. He was back then, too, but it wasn't as easily noticeable because of the era. The more I watch Buffy, the less I like Xander as a person. He's necessary for the series, I feel, but he is also so immature in this first season that it sometimes makes me want to dropkick him. I love to hate Snyder. He's perfect for this role as abrasive principal, the opposite of the kind (and very missed) Flutie. By the way, you need to show off your cat more! As someone who also has a black mini-panther, I would love to see more of your beautiful creature. Your commentary always makes me smile and sometimes giggle. I can't comment on it, of course, because of possible spoilers, but knowing what's to come and that you're still so fresh into this long, strange journey, it's great crack to listen to your observations! A few episodes into Season 2, this show hits its stride and never looks back (and also they got a bigger budget, LOL). Season 1 has its growing pains, but you're already seeing glimpses of what could be and what may be. Future seasons, there may be a clunker episode here and there (subjectively), but season 1 is a necessary building block. If it helps to think about, back when this show first aired, we the audience *never* knew if the series would be renewed, nor did the producers. It actually gives it some extra tension, particularly as the finales approach. That's all I want to say about that, though. I don't want to inadvertently spoil anything for you.
Honestly Im just waiting for you to get to season 2 to jump into watching your reactions, its one.of those season 1s of a show thats hard for me to rewatch.
Don't worry, you are not alone about Xander! I LOVE Buffy (the show), but gosh would it have been 6625764 times better without Xander in it (He doesn't add anything, and besides from a very few exceptions, he treats everyone (especially his friends) horribly)
Why wouldn't it be tolerated? Is it really the teacher's business what the students have with them, as long as it doesn't distract anyone? Sure, some teachers are control freaks, maybe even most, but not all of them.
Most teachers would consider a student sat there with their hand in a puppet sat next to them VERY distracting lol. I don't think it really reaches territory of 'control freak', that's just an odd thing for a student to do with no explanation. It's not this big a deal though either 😂
I really dislike a lot of season 1 so sometimes it’s nice to find a good reactor to watch it with because I forget a lot if silly, goofy or funny things I do like in episodes I usually skip, like this one. Thanks for watching along.
Nothing wrong with ripping on Xander. Every rewatch, I find I like him a little less (he was one if my favorites when I watched this back in college). He's got some great moments here and there, but I think he's aged a bit less well than the other characters. I also think that the older I get, the less patience I have for his antics. Kind of a bummer.
Rot13 to discuss a spoiler, should be easy to find a decoder online: “V ernyyl ubcr nyy gur cevapvcyrf trg rngra” Zl tbbqarff gung vf npghnyyl Falqre’f sngr, vfa’g vg? V’z tbaan unir gb gel gb erzrzore guvf pbzr gvzr. 😂
Ooooh I miss Rot13, from the early days of reactors lol, why aren't more people using it these days to avoid spoilers? Anyway yes, you're right on that. Nyfb, gung pbzzrag nobhg jnagvat Ohssl gb or grfgrq? YBY Pnershy jung lbh jvfu sbe V thrff...
This episode certainly isn't perfect, but i like it better than you. I dig the puppet, and agree that they definitely should have allowed more time to develop his character.
Certainly one of the more average episodes. The monster of the week thing does get a bit stale and when the show settles and starts interweaving storylines through episodes that it really steps up a bit in my opinion.
Often my impulse is to defend Buffy... but yeah, I'm not defending this one. I enjoy the comedy moments (both the episode and your reaction!) but this is still one of my least favourite episodes overall, so it only goes up from here.
I think you should be as much as a jerk to xander as You want! If he is being problematic which his character often is- call it out! (just one fan’s opinion) I actually don’t mind this episode - it has a few twists and turns there are a lot worse monster of the week episodes in my opinion!
Ok, the air drumming won me over. Subscribed. I love many parts of this episode (the ending is so great), but the dirty old man attitude from the puppet is annoying. As a result, I both love this episode and find it incredibly annoying.
I agree with a lot of what you said about this episode. I liked how Sid expanded the universe in a way (showing that there were non-slayer demon hunters out there, curses, and his whole history), but they didn't really spend enough time exploring that. One of the weaker episodes for sure, but still enjoyable
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
The fact that you analyze some of these monster of the week season 1 episodes this much makes me really look forward to you getting to some of the real standout episodes. I’d say staring with the finale of this season is when you see the show start to mature and really come into its own.
This one is so polarizing. It’s one of my favorites of the season! The cast really feels relaxed and into their roles here, like they’ve had some practice and now they’ve meshed. Snyder is HILARIOUS. His hatred of kids and mega sass is all I ever wanted. And overall the feel of the episode is super creepy.
I think it's honestly a super well put together episode in general. Watching it again in the edit, the ways it constantly uses what the show has set up as the norm in the audience's mind up until that point and then subverts that is really well done. I just think they undermined what they'd achieved by not making Sid more likable. To me, anyway.
@@TylerAlexanderpersonally, I don't dislike Sid. I mean yeah he's a little raunchy but I find a certain amount of that to be funny and this definitely falls on the funny side.
But even if I didn't like his personality I think he would still be a good character and so I disagree, personally, about him underminding the complicated twist of the story. His abrasiveness and off-coloredness help sell the idea that this is the bad guy.
So it's even more of a surprise when he turns out to be the good guy.
I will say personally that when I first watched this episode I thought Snyder was the bad guy all along. LOL
@@amandapanda6963 that is totally fair, it's entirely down to my own tastes 😊
@@TylerAlexander oh yeah totally. 🤗 there's nothing wrong with that at all. I was just sharing my own.
I really enjoy these reactions by the way. Everytime I see you have a new Buffy one I get so excited.
@@TylerAlexander that’s totally fair.
It’s not that no one else rocks out to the theme song, everyone does. They are just complementing your style.
What I love about this episode is that it's all misdirection right up until the reveal at the end and the Magician is the culprit which in hindsight should've been obvious as misdirection is what Magicians are famous for
A lot of reactors rock out to the intro! Also, the fact that you've been able to analyze season 1 episodes this well is really making me look forward to the other seasons.
Agreed, the switch-up makes this episode a lot better than it would have been without it. Not many people's favourite of season 1. I'm glad you remembered Snyder, though! He's the highlight of this episode for me - the actor's delivery of "But he was eaten" is iconic.
If at any point in the next 10-15 episodes you feel yourself starting to wonder why we love this show, TRUST. THE. PROCESS.
I tried a couple of times to get my husband to watch buffy and failed. Then I skipped MOST of season 1 (not all, twkk) and we made it all the way through, and he is a fan.
Love these videos. Keep up the awesome job.
Yay more Buffy! Loving your reactions. I'm English and been living in Aotearoa NZ for 15 years and somehow you make me feel homesick... I think it's the humour and attitude. Anyway you make me laugh my ass off and I'm so enjoying your buffy reactions, please keep going. Can't wait to see what you make of the next season!
🥺❤️
I cannot emphasise this enough: never. NEVER. Apologise for mocking Xander.
Ah Snyder - love him or hate him, he can never feel indifferent to him. A good episode if not a great one, with lots to recommend it. Thanks as always for your humour and your insight. Watching your Buffy reactions is always a pleasure.
I'd say the one great thing about this episode is that it once again subverts expectations regarding the "monster of the week" and shows the shades of gray that can happen in this world (i.e. the puppet's a horny creep, but he's not full-on EVIL).
You aren't the only one who rocks out to the theme song!
And I don't think anyone will argue with for calling Xander "cringe". It's a common word used to describe the whole of season one honestly! It gets much better. The show that is, Xander stays Xander 😂
I also rock out to the intro. Xander gets somewhat better.
“i want to see buffy struggle”
😳🫣🙃
The foreshadowing is real... 😫
Really enjoy your buffy reactions, cant wait for you to get to season 2, it is my fav season! I enjoy your comments and analysis' of the characters and the exploration and observations of moral dilemnas showcased in each episode 😊happy to be going on this buffy journey with you
I literally never skip the intro because its such a bop and feels so 90s to me idk. Please keep up this series, I really am digging your point of view.
Oh, my God, for all these years, I thought Xander was saying "Rad Rob!"
I think this was the only episode in all of Buffy that ran thru the end credits. (Well, except for a notable exception.) Love the Greek play at the end.
Another nice reaction. I can't wait for you to get to Season 2 when it starts really taking off. These episodes have more feels once you do. Xo. Thanks for another great reaction!
The Puppet Show has always been a favorite of mine from season 1 haha
5:57 Did you just use the Old English for knife, knifr? Because if so, that's kinda cool.
I'm sorry I'm late to your channel but must say, I can't stop smiling & laughing. You are so energetic and fun. I love your insights into Buffy. I started my B journey in the 1st airing of season 2 while channel-hopping. Don't even remember which episode it was really but had to be an Angel one because SMG & DB had so much chemistry, I couldn't look away. I was hooked.
I don't know why but the age gap between Angel & Buffy never bothered me (because it's fiction & I'm a hopeless romantic) but also I look at it from two angles:
1) Soul Mates find each other multiple times throughout lifetimes (or different lifetimes, depending on when either died).
2) Barring his obvious allergies to beheading, sunlight & wood, Angel's technically immortal...Buffy isn't. And by that, I mean, as the slayer, she has a VERY SHORT & VIOLENT life expectancy. So she finds her true love (though colored through the pink tint of teenagery) she needs to grasp onto it with all her slayer might.
Anyway, season 2 was my intro to this amazing feat of tv. And when I got to see season 1, I was ecstatic. This was back in the days before internet or dvds, so I didn't get to see the 1st season until that following summer on repeats. It was a thing we old folks had to do. The WB (called that before it merged with UPN & became CW, oh the irony (wait for s6 you'll get that reference then)) was still finding it's audience so lots of promo ads for all its new shows. I have never understood people claiming season 1 is bad. Yes, it had a limited budget which makes some of the fx not as good & yes, you can see the stunt doubles more often than not, but it's all about suspension of disbelief. If you enjoy that the show is about a *vampire slayer*, you can see past some of the quirks.
I still enjoy season 1 to this day. Moreso now that I can relive it through the eyes of newer 1st time viewers.
Do I wish you'd chosen to watch the whole series before seeing the final episode, hell yeah (for many reason, but mostly the journey itself but also the characters you didn't have a clue about (Faith)) but better late than never.
Hope you are able to avoid spoilers. Some people out there just don't respect the narrative flow.
Either Xander had asked Willow the exact same question about the square root in the past or he really worked out an actual square number 841. Perhaps he is smarter than Willow?
@TylerAlexander with this show there is always a thread going through each episode that caries the show throughout the seasons. Some episodes are more specific to the seasons theme/thread and others like this can feel more episodic or 1 off. As for the Sid character, when I watched the crassness they gave that character felt like it was trying to do 2 things, 1 - have you guess a bit if this is the bad guy or not, the reveal that he is not give the viewer a bit of sympathy to him. I also believe the second reason they made him so crass was to give the user the sense that he has been in this dummy curse for a LOT of years, the dialog feels closer to what was acceptable for past generations. Combining these 2 elements adds to the sympathy we feel when we realize he is the good guy, he is cursed, and he has been dealing with this for a very long time. Then we find out he is just trying to end it and be released. With all that said, I do agree with you that its not the favorite episode of the season but still not a bad episode.
Yeah, this episode is so-so, but the ending is funny... 😂 To be fair, seasons 1 and 2 have quite a number of (let's say) average monster-of-the-weak episodes. It gets better in the 2nd half of season 2, which has some fantastic episodes (some of the best of the show), and in season 3 pretty much every episode is good. Hope you have enough patience to stay with Buffy long enough to get to the really great parts.
KITTEH!!!!! Hi kitty !!! 4:13
Waiting very long between episodes is always worth it for the opening theme song rocking out. haha
I love the analysis' Tyler does.
yet another fantastic video
God I loved this episode
I like the twist, the gags in the last two scenes.. also willow saying “.. it’s not though.”
The teachers pet and robot ones are often called the worst. I’m fine with those. The weakest for me would be “never kill a boy”.
I know it’s just me, but i enjoyed the never kill a boy. You have the uno reverse of the kid being the anointed one, and the guest stud was so hot, AND sensitive. And honestly, I don’t think he would have been a bad boyfriend for Buffy, or Willow. I still feel like the episodes that offer the least to me are one and two (except for Cordelia’s “What is your childhood trauma?!” That’s immortal. My least favorite episode of 2-5, by far, if it was in season one, it would still be the worst of the season, and the ending scene is particularly bad, writing wise.
@@RLucas3000 Not saying I hated it. I do think Owen was Buffy’s type. Her going bonkers over him was believable and cute.
I just didn’t see Cordie going after him. I think that made the whole competition between them feel a bit cringe to me.
I think all it would have taken to fix it (for me) would be to put him in a letterman jacket.
He just happens to be a star athlete, putting him right at the top of the schools pecking order but he doesn’t seem to notice or care.
Some of these episodes were very rushed because the 1st season was a midseason replacement and because it had a very small budget. Thank goodness it was given time to develop into one of the best shows of it's time.
So many people hate this episode but I love it.
I'm reasonably sure I've said it before, but I'll say it again anyway:
Season 1 (as a whole) has a very episodic feel to it. There isn't a huge amount of character growth, & challenges are surmounted with relative ease. With a couple of exceptions of course.
I think this pretty much comes down to the show being unproven & not standing on particularly firm ground; and having to play it a little bit safe as a consequence in order to improve their chances of getting a second season.
Of course when it came to producing the 2nd season & beyond, the show had already proven itself because season 1 was a massive success. So there was a lot more freedom to do what they wanted to do, safe in the knowledge that a couple of underperforming episodes wouldn't sink the whole show. And (as you'll see when you get further into the show) they didn't waste the opportunity: season 2 shows a lot more progression & character growth. And it doesn't always come easily; some of this growth is very painful & traumatic for the characters. But then, putting them through the wringer like that makes it that much easier for us to empathise with the characters & regard them as actual people.
Looking back on season 1, the lack of growth is a little jarring, particularly since I don't recall being particularly bothered by it the first time I saw those episodes (many, many years ago). Maybe it's rose tinted glasses, maybe it's the ignorance of youth... Guess I'll never really know.
MY LIFE IS INFINITELY BETTER right now cuz you posted tihs.
This one is not my fav cuz... WHYYYYYY IS HE SAYING THOSE THINGS ABOUT A CHILD?!?!?!??!?!? omg he's disgusting.
Other than that the rest is great.
I also started rocking out after i saw you rocking out and NOW I CANNOT STOP.
Just me or does Morgan look 35? The stress really got to that 16-yo.
Right, he could've given Buffy some Slayer-history from first-hand experience of having fought along-side one. Maybe he was there (already cursed) when that Slayer died.
They could've done so much if they cut out all the dirty jokes and fleshed (haha) out his character.
Well you won't be desappointed with her struggling...
Always a pleasure to watch a new reaction from you. I like this episode because of the twist, IMO probably a mid-level season one episode.
You made a comment at a certain point... and I was... no, I can't say anything, my lips are sealed!!
I was never a fan of the 'villain of the week' episodes, but this one is one of my favourite ep in S1. They portrait the evil puppet cliche in scary movies so well, I was totally fooled the first time I watched it. And then the unexpected twist: a (wooden) suit does not make the man (dummy)! The final scene is hilarious: when the curtain opens, you just see the scene through the spectators' eyes: 'I don't get it' Lol It's the perfect representation of the classic comedy. But also of the classic tragedy: the monster is defeated, the hero's body carried in triumph after the ultimate sacrifice.
And then there's Snyder! Remember: he won't allow orrible murders with hearts taken in his school.... and also smoking...
Errr... did not being able to say anything make you feel ... _helpless?_
Cuz if so, we had the exact same reaction to his comment.
@@JhadeSagrav Exactly! Also a bit... restless, if you know what I mean...
always excited to see a new buffy reaction!
Best thing about this episode is our introduction to Snyder, one of the great characters in the show, highly irritating, but highly entertaining as well, who has really got it in for the Scoobies straight off. Again S1 is hard going for newbies to the show, as many of the storylines are fairly weak, love the fact that you really enjoy these early episodes. You really seem to be loving this show as the Series progresses, and believe me from mid Season 2 onwards it improves leaps and bounds.
Haha! As if anyone would eat Snider.
Fair comment.
🤭
*Snyder
Armin Shimmerman is amazing
I LOVE when he says she's trouble. I can just smell it, like a sixth sense, and Giles says no, that would be one of the five
A student DIED in the previous episode, Buffy is not batting 1000
I think the lesson for this episode was that you don't get to choose who your allies are. That applies to the puppet as well as the principal.that said, it gives me the ick
Yeah, There are a few things in this episode I like, but I think this is the first ep we've had were there isn't a strong sense of the monster being a metaphor for something the main cast is going through. Sure there's a little bit of everyone having to do something they don't want to do because of their 'boss' Principal Snyder, but this one mainly focuses on plot and pulling off a little unexpected switch. I enjoy the sort of scary movie + noir detective genre of this one, but for sure miss the emotional resonance for the characters. Also, the way that little line about the Korean slayer in 1930s LA sends me off imaging an excellent noir spin-off show!? I would love to watch that.
From 21st century eyes, Xander is absolutely cringe. He was back then, too, but it wasn't as easily noticeable because of the era. The more I watch Buffy, the less I like Xander as a person. He's necessary for the series, I feel, but he is also so immature in this first season that it sometimes makes me want to dropkick him. I love to hate Snyder. He's perfect for this role as abrasive principal, the opposite of the kind (and very missed) Flutie. By the way, you need to show off your cat more! As someone who also has a black mini-panther, I would love to see more of your beautiful creature.
Your commentary always makes me smile and sometimes giggle. I can't comment on it, of course, because of possible spoilers, but knowing what's to come and that you're still so fresh into this long, strange journey, it's great crack to listen to your observations! A few episodes into Season 2, this show hits its stride and never looks back (and also they got a bigger budget, LOL). Season 1 has its growing pains, but you're already seeing glimpses of what could be and what may be. Future seasons, there may be a clunker episode here and there (subjectively), but season 1 is a necessary building block. If it helps to think about, back when this show first aired, we the audience *never* knew if the series would be renewed, nor did the producers. It actually gives it some extra tension, particularly as the finales approach. That's all I want to say about that, though. I don't want to inadvertently spoil anything for you.
I cannot wait until you get to the end of one of these seasons... won't say which but holy crap, you'll know when you get there
Yeah! A new Buffy episode!
*scowl and growl* Cordeeeelia
On a first watch this one was way too campy for me. These days I love this episode though. I missed your Buffy reactions 💜
Honestly Im just waiting for you to get to season 2 to jump into watching your reactions, its one.of those season 1s of a show thats hard for me to rewatch.
Please keep being critical of Xander! It's deserved.
Don't worry, you are not alone about Xander! I LOVE Buffy (the show), but gosh would it have been 6625764 times better without Xander in it (He doesn't add anything, and besides from a very few exceptions, he treats everyone (especially his friends) horribly)
Well, the more you learn about Whedon, the more surprising it is there weren't more questionable things.
Why wouldn't it be tolerated? Is it really the teacher's business what the students have with them, as long as it doesn't distract anyone?
Sure, some teachers are control freaks, maybe even most, but not all of them.
Most teachers would consider a student sat there with their hand in a puppet sat next to them VERY distracting lol. I don't think it really reaches territory of 'control freak', that's just an odd thing for a student to do with no explanation. It's not this big a deal though either 😂
I really dislike a lot of season 1 so sometimes it’s nice to find a good reactor to watch it with because I forget a lot if silly, goofy or funny things I do like in episodes I usually skip, like this one.
Thanks for watching along.
Nothing wrong with ripping on Xander. Every rewatch, I find I like him a little less (he was one if my favorites when I watched this back in college).
He's got some great moments here and there, but I think he's aged a bit less well than the other characters. I also think that the older I get, the less patience I have for his antics. Kind of a bummer.
Wait, you thought this was worse than Teacher's Pet? I don't think we can be friends anymore, ubsubscribe… (Just kidding)
trust me no one is gonna get upset at you for hating on xander 😭
aww... i never hated Xander. :( He's a sweet idiot.
People hate on him too much in the Fandom IMO...but I realize that's just my opinion. All the characters are flawed, that's what makes them good
@@tinesess3521 i dont want to spoil for Tyler but xander is misogynistic asf among many other things
@@JhadeSagrav sweet... misogynistic..
@@spikezcrypt fairly progressive misogynist that surrounds himself with strong females? 🤷
Every principal getting eaten? Intresting thought... you'll just have to keep warching.
Ha! Ha...!!!
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
All of us here enjoyed that completely.
Rot13 to discuss a spoiler, should be easy to find a decoder online:
“V ernyyl ubcr nyy gur cevapvcyrf trg rngra” Zl tbbqarff gung vf npghnyyl Falqre’f sngr, vfa’g vg? V’z tbaan unir gb gel gb erzrzore guvf pbzr gvzr. 😂
Ooooh I miss Rot13, from the early days of reactors lol, why aren't more people using it these days to avoid spoilers?
Anyway yes, you're right on that. Nyfb, gung pbzzrag nobhg jnagvat Ohssl gb or grfgrq? YBY Pnershy jung lbh jvfu sbe V thrff...
This episode certainly isn't perfect, but i like it better than you. I dig the puppet, and agree that they definitely should have allowed more time to develop his character.
Certainly one of the more average episodes. The monster of the week thing does get a bit stale and when the show settles and starts interweaving storylines through episodes that it really steps up a bit in my opinion.
Often my impulse is to defend Buffy... but yeah, I'm not defending this one. I enjoy the comedy moments (both the episode and your reaction!) but this is still one of my least favourite episodes overall, so it only goes up from here.
I think you should be as much as a jerk to xander as You want! If he is being problematic which his character often is- call it out! (just one fan’s opinion)
I actually don’t mind this episode - it has a few twists and turns there are a lot worse monster of the week episodes in my opinion!
Ok, the air drumming won me over. Subscribed.
I love many parts of this episode (the ending is so great), but the dirty old man attitude from the puppet is annoying. As a result, I both love this episode and find it incredibly annoying.
I agree with a lot of what you said about this episode. I liked how Sid expanded the universe in a way (showing that there were non-slayer demon hunters out there, curses, and his whole history), but they didn't really spend enough time exploring that.
One of the weaker episodes for sure, but still enjoyable