Someone important to you dies and it feels almost insulting that the world keeps on spinning. Buffy walked outside and everything was sunny and normal. I liked that part of this episode.
Similar thing with the parking ticket. In those moments you feel like the regular everyday day to day thing like tickets should just stop, but it all keeps going without you and without them.
The most moving part for me, besides Anya’s speech of course, is when Buffy is trying to explain to Giles “we’re not supposed to move the body”...and then it’s like by saying it out loud made it finally sink in that she’s dead. The look of shock on her face. So heartbreaking. SMG’s acting is next level and so underrated.
@@MARYWTHER Agreed. When Buffy has to tell Dawn is absolutely heartbreaking, because everyone can relate to that. Everyone has had that moment when they were a kid. When they get off the school bus or get called into the principals office and Mom or Dad is waiting for you. And the first words out of their mouth is, something awful has happened.
"We're not supposed to move the body!" That line always breaks me, because it breaks Buffy. She's finally realized her mother is truly gone. And Sarah Michelle Gellar (and all the other actors) shines so beautifully in this episode. Thank you for this heartfelt reaction!
No actors on Buffy or Angel were ever nominated for an Emmy for their performances. The only non-technical Emmy nomination Buffy ever received was for writing (Joss for Hush). Buffy only ever won technical Emmy awards (such as makeup, special effects, editing).
God I love Sarah’s acting here, it really humanises the show because this isn’t something she can fight and defeat as per usual and Anya’s monologue is simply amazing. Oh and fun fact, Sarah fought tooth and nail for Joyce not to get killed off and she wasn’t happy about it.
And tbh time isn't healing much of the pain either, it makes it less sharp, but missing them so much making that void and grief pain go deeper as time pass by.
I had been through four deaths in a year when this first aired, strangely I longed to see it, as it was given great write ups and I just thought it wouldn't bother me( I'm a bit of an emotional idiot) it actually really helped me come to terms with everything
I actually think the episode is harder to watch the second time round, this might sound a bit odd, but the first time your mind is mostly going, what is happening?... No??? But the second time you know and you have all the time to pay attention to the details and it just hit me so much harder. I cried at Anya the first, but the second time, and every time since it start when buffy tells Giles not to move the body and then again at Dawn's school scene.
Dawn's reactions to things will usually have me in tears even when I have otherwise held out up to that point. "But where did she go?" is guaranteed to break me during even my hardest hearted viewings.
I don't necessarily agree that it is harder to rewatch. What I will say is that it is an extremely different experience to rewatch the episode. In fact, it is in some ways a better episode on second viewing. On first watch, the early scenes have a bit of a whip-saw effect on the viewer, heightening the sense of immediacy of the loss and priming your emotional reactions. You desperately want to believe they saved her and the opening sequence with the holiday dinner lends it credibility. Then suddenly, that rug is ripped out from beneath you. On second watch, you know going in that the opening scene and the miracle scene are actually all inside Buffy's head. She's the hero, she saves people, it is her calling, and her mind is going 'why can't I save her???'. Then there is Xander's moment in Willow's dorm room. On first watch, its an almost misplaced moment of comedy. On rewatching it you realize that to him, ALL of his girls are hurting and he can't do a damn thing about it. He needs to feel something, just to feel real himself and in what is one of his rare moments of actual weakness he puts his fist through a wall. Then, in typical Xander fashion he gives them the strength to move on by pulling their thoughts away from what is destroying their ability to move forward... "I'm stuck."
I agree, the episode is better every time I watch it. The small things, the truly amazing way things were shot, and acted, are just perfect. The way that everyone experiences the loss differently, and expresses it just as differently, it is just so well done.
I cry pretty much from start to finish. Buffy repeating "mom" in the beginning gets me going and there's no stopping after that. Every time I dry my eyes, another scene gets me started again.
Awarriorstill later on when they are at the hospital what really gets me is when anya wishes that Joyce didn’t die. For a vengeance demon you know how powerful that is and it breaks my heart.
It really is more of lighthearted show, pretty much up until this episode(really it started getting much darker when she went to college) but once her mom dies, there is this depression that comes over the show and imo never leaves. Buffy's death and the move to UPN the show got even darker.
It was a crime that Sarah did not win an Emmy for this. It is the most realistic portrayal of immediate grief I have ever witnessed. Everyone in this episode is simply brilliant.
The Tara/Willow first kiss was so important in the history of LGBT television. Instead of it being a "look at the lesbians kiss" moment like every other portrayal of lesbian relationships up to this moment on TV, it was a "Look at these two people who are sharing heartbreaking emotions together kiss." That was a very important distinction.
Absolutely. Might even be good, in retrospect, that their kissing was hidden in S4 (e.g. New Moon Rising, or Restless), because this watershed moment is surrounded by an episode about something else entirely, so they're just a couple like any other.
Exactly Right! I always Loved that, instead of "A Very Special Episode"(which "The Body WAS, for other reasons), it just Happened and it wasn't a sexy kiss. It was a couple Consoling each other, as would be Natural. We, the Viewers, "know" they kiss, it has been a Whole Season, without Seeing it. It didn't Matter that they were both Female, but what Mattered was they were both Hurting. One Moment, that didn't Interrupt the flow. Everyone had to deal with a Natural Death, in their Own Ways.
I vaguely remember an article interviewing Joss, and how he was disappointed that the TV network executives wouldn’t allow LGBT kissing, hence the metaphor of magic. His frustration increased in that it took an episode as moving and memorable as this one for the network to bury the significance of their kiss.
@@timmer14414 well he was also uncomfortable with the TV trend that was going on of ads "on a Very Special episode, 2 girls/guys will kiss?!?!? Holy Jesus! Tune in for this freaky shit." Joss said he had Tillow's first kiss deliberately in a moment that couldn't be cheaply exploited.
This was height of Sarah Michelle Gellar's acting here. 20 years past, still chills me to even watch a reaction of it. Even in the beginning, Buffy saying she doesn't remember how to do a CPR is just brilliantly thought of
When she’s taking to the paramedics and you see how it’s film from her heigh looking up, almost like to say she became a child again. The fact that there’s no music as well makes it so real... And when she says “the body” as if it finally became real that Joyce had died... This episode is HEAVY! Not to mention Dawn’s reaction; Willow freaking out because of a jumper only because Joyce liked it and she wanted to support Buffy so bad but she just didn’t know how, Tara just being there for them, Alex punching a wall, Anya finally showing her humanity and innocence as well by not being able to get the concept of death... It’s a lot! The acting and production was great. 💐
Re: that kiss... It was indeed their first onscreen kiss, and Joss had to fight for it (a little bit, anyway). The network was like "Can there not be a kiss?" and he was like "There's a kiss or I'm out" and the network was like "Fine, leave it in".
Another example of how they were lucky to be on the WB; even though the same network disallowed same-sex kissing in season 4, they acquiesced to Joss here, which might have been a bigger fight on a major network at that time.
They never disallowed same sex kissing since they actually did it first with Dawson's Creek. Which is why Joss decided to turn Willow into a bisexual character and also why the network pushed for same sex relationships.
So, foreshadowing: Remember that scene in 4.01 when Buffy and Willow were looking for books in the college library? Buffy: "I can't wait till mom get's the bills for these books. I hope it's a funny aneurysm."
Possibly the greatest, most honest episode of television ever made. And yet so hard to watch. But there's some weird catharsis in it. It certainly helped me.
This is an incredibly important episode in the series and in television (for its innovation and brilliance in writing and actor execution) ... I think you'll appreciate it soon enough. It's heartbreaking but so important. From a filmmaker perspective, this episode is brilliant... from the steady-cam/long tracking shots, the muted music/usage of ambient sound, harsh bright lighting and jarring cuts ... and the writing is superb BRILLIANT! From a fan perspective, I hate that Joyce died. But it is pivotal for Buffy's character. Joyce is/was someone Buffy had always relied on and now she's gone. Suddenly this 21-year-old Buffy is given even more responsibility--that is so tragic and human. I like that they killed off a character in a natural way. It wasn't supernatural and Buffy can do nothing to stop it. You felt helpless with her. BRILLIANT! But I miss Joyce, of course, she's a wonderful character and SMG's acting is heartbreaking and she definitely deserved her Golden Globe nomination for this episode
I lost my mom 2 years ago and was unable to watch this episode for almost all that time. But thanks to the reactors here on YT I finally been able to watch my favorite series completely again. (That happened like 2 weeks ago) So Shannan and all others like you. Thanks for sharing your reactions with us. Trust me, they make a difference and carry significant value! :) 20:06 Wow, that's so true. I never even noticed. Anya expressing her wish, so poetic.
A memory for me on the two seperate occasions when my parents died is that horrible, twisted physical knot in my guts. I couldn't believe how much grief wasn't just in the mind.
Did you notice the opening scene with Buffy desparately trying to save Joyce is a 5 minute single shot? The scene with Dawn in the school bathroom is also a long single shot. The"fake-out" clip of Joyce being saved is the wish going through Buffy's mind as the EMTs work on Joyce. I've seen this episode several times and Anya's breakdown gets me every time.
alooncnej Minus the adding an annoying little sister part. I wish after the whole Key storyline Dawn had vanished or Willow reverted her back to her original state of being a physical object & they put her in Giles archives 😂 They needed to erase what those monks did of adding fake memories to the Summer family to make them believe Dawn is real in order to protect the key thing. It felt intrusive and forced.. it messed up the show for me.
Congratulations, You just survived the most difficult 45 minutes to watch in TV history. This is so difficult to watch when you have lost someone in a very similar way.
JL M This is definitely the hardest episode ever, because it's all the way through, not just a horrible sad part at the end like Tara's death or the Red Wedding, it's the entire 45 minutes
@@anatoldenevers237 That cut to the closeup to Joyce's lifeless face near the opening of the episode is still jarring even 20+ years after the episode was originally broadcast.
They really hit hard with this episode but it's amazingly done by all the actors. Even the effect of having no background music made it as realistic as possible. I don't think I've seen any show handle a death in a more realistic way than this. One of the best made episodes of any show.
I cry my eyes out every single time I watch this episode. Whenever I do a rewatch, I dread this episode coming up because it's just an emotional roller coaster from start to finish.
One of the best uses of no music ever, it's only after re-watching this episode years ago I realized there was absolutely no music in this episode. The impact is massive and hits you in the heart.
If anyone actually got angry at you for not uploading sooner, forget them, they're either still children/immature in the first place, self-entitled adults who need to grow up in the second place, or sociopaths/jackasses who can easily be ignored all together. You do this at your own time frame and don't let anyone pressure you otherwise. Beautiful reaction, and I knew I couldn't get through this without getting tearful myself.
You held it together WAY better than I did when I first watched it. I was a complete blubbering mess when I first saw it - couldn't even see the screen through my tears at one point.
That fake out is one of the cruelest things Joss Whedon has ever done and that’s saying something. I’ve be dreading this since you started Season 5. I can properly count the number of times I’ve watched this on one hand and I thought I was prepared for this, I was not. I really liked your reaction. I still can’t get over the show and Sarah Michelle Gellar didn’t get an Emmy nod for this episode. Also, I’d didn’t really expect you to be your talkative self. I originally watched it with my mum and sister and I don’t think we spoke throughout the whole episode, just commercial breaks. I’m sorry about your mum but please don’t ever feel that you have to share things that you don’t want too. My grandfather died when I was 17 and I was very much like you. I didn’t cry, I took care of my sister and other close family members but I did cry at the funeral and wouldn’t go out of the car for the burial. It took me a long time before I could talk about him because I didn’t like how it made everyone upset and how it made me feel. I would get annoyed which is stupid.
That fake out was something that only after a second viewing did it catch on that it was what was going on in Buffy's head. Her last shred of hope was that her mom would be okay. And Sarah was so so good in this, but the rest of the cast was great too. Alyson and Emma were both amazing.
It's not a fake out as much as it is what happens to some of us. It's scary accurate for me. When my aunt was dying of cancer I imagined her getting better, I dreamt it too. And people being happy and it was a miracle ...but then you go in the room and see her dead. This sunken feeling in your stomach and your heart shattered into a million pieces... it's not a fakeout. It's wishful thinking desperation.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting anything in particular, because all of us experience this episode in different ways. I was expecting what you gave us, your natural reaction. Tell me if I'm wrong, but what I got from you was anger, to restrain any other emotion, I'd say. At least in my case, that's one of the ways I react when I'm not feeling especially well. Other times I allow the feeling to take over me and flow with huge sobs. Listening to what Tara say, I realized any reaction is perfectly normal, even laughing. This death is different from the rest for only one reason: the episode purposely makes us feel uncomfortable enough to force us to confront very personal feelings that we usually avoid. The good part is it helps. This episode helps once it's assimilated. Thank you so much, Shan. Believe it or not, it was a great video
You're right. I was expecting her to react the way she reacted to any sad moments of Buffy but then I realised that this episode gave a lot of people such a different way of reacting or responding to death or at least the natural one, the one that's too real and painful to even imagine. Her reaction was spot on because I also reacted with a mixture of anger, shock, sadness, but I'd say that came in later than I realised 'cause of the way the scene was played out. It was one of those episodes where you're supposed to feel like "no it's not really happening" or "are you serious?" and it's going to end but then you realised, it's really happening and you get a little pissed like Joss is really messing with your feelings about what's happening to Buffy's mother. I wasn't overwhelmed with sadness until Buffy had that realisation/awareness of what's been happening and then Dawn's reaction came. Anyway, I love your analysis about how this episode makes us feel uncomfortable and the concept of death and how everyone feels differently about responding to it... in a way, this ep is cathartic for reasons that some have people gone through it, some have yet to face and confront it at some point.
That moment after she throws up and goes to the door and you can hear life going on all around her. When we lose someone we feel like the entire world should mourn, but sadly they barely even notice.
god this episode is maybe one of the best episodes of television EVER. it's so cathartic? and it really understands the process of grieving? i lost my mother at 20 and it just... got it all so right. so well acted, planned, directed, written, executed........... really hits no matter how many times i watch it..
Hey Shannan, great reaction! In the future, don't be afraid to cry. But also, don't be afraid to NOT cry. Whether in your videos or in real life, your reactions to your experiences are your own, and you never need to apologize for them.
I thought I was ready for this, but I am not. "The Body" is easily one of the best-written episodes ever in television history. It hits home, because it was a real-world death. It wasn't a death by supernatural means; it's a death by human means, so it's a way we can naturally pass. Just know this: we were all where you are, and it's an emotional rollercoaster ride. And it's easily why the fifth season is one of my top three favourite seasons! Plus, the fact it was void of any music is also chilling to me. All of the actors did award-worthy work for this episode. Anya's speech, to me, is one of the highlights of the episode, because it was, again, REAL! It's how we all kind of just react to death. It's how I felt after my father's death. I am hoping you're okay after watching this episode, and we are ALL here for you!
I read somewhere that the showrunner Joss Whedon had based it around his own loss of his mother so I feel like that probably made it all the more realistic. Once you experience a serious loss yourself you definitely know things people who haven't been there, don't.
reliving this episode with you was both amazing and heartbreaking, in some way things hit home even harder because I know what to expect. Thank you for this raw and moving reaction, I’m glad you took the time you needed to watch this, we’re all right here by your side through it all
I got into Buffy late in its original run. I knew of the show pretty much right from when it premiered, but never bothered with it because I'd seen the 1992 movie and didn't much care for it. While channel surfing one night in February 2001, I stumbled across an episode so compelling that I couldn't help but watch from beginning to end. THIS was that episode. It's been twenty years, and Buffy has been one of my favorite TV shows ever since that night.
this is such a heartbreaking episode and so realistically done as someone who has lost loved one I think this looked way to real! The creepy silence in the house scenes, the moment Buffy opens the door and you can see sunshine outside and sounds of the world going on as usual.. these scene she plays in her head hoping everything will still be fine.. Sarah's performance that portrays state of shock so perfectly... Dawn crying over some stupid thing in school like it's the biggest tragedy ever before finding out really tragic news.... everything was so real. and Sarah gave one of the best performances of her career there and it was hard to watch... Mid season 5 is when show really started to become darker and heavier.
I LOVE this episode. It is probably my favorite episode of TV ever and I cry EVERY time. The lack of background music is absolutely oppressive and perfect. The little details, like Buffy pulling down Joyce's skirt or how loud the wind chimes sound after she barfs, are fantastic and using Anya to represent a child's view of death all help to make this a masterpiece of story telling about death.
Thanks Shan, it's cathartic to watch this with a reactor. Anya's speech may live with you for a while, it's such a genuine, human moment. Some background, after Hush, Joss was told how he uses music as a crutch to manipulate emotions to the point that the writing may be mediocre but the music ramps things up. As you may have noticed, there was no music at all. The emotion was real and raw. Joss wanted to show how your world just fragments when something like this happens, since it happened to him when his mother passed away. If you watch it again at some point, it's a little easier to appreciate the small moments that make this such a fantastically well done episode.
As heartbreaking as this episode is, its so beautifully done by Joss and the team... I really enjoyed watching this episode recently with Joss' commentary on the how's and the why's of certain scenes and how he chose to shoot them, his motivations and intentions. If anybody hasn't, i'd recommend watching "Hush", "Restless" and "The Body" with Joss Whedon's commentary. Very enlightening and interesting... The actors did a fantastic job in this episode. They really did. Everytime I feel like the tears are slowing, something else happens and the tears start up all over again!
Honestly people who complained to you just because they didn't have the reactions on the "The Body" last week along with "I was made to love you" get on my nerve. They are acting like you owe us something. You owe us nothing !! and come on the order you watched Buffy/Angel episodes is perfect, I watch them in the same order than you and it's the perfect method to fully appreciate the crossover. Also you have a life, so people need to understand that you are not at their disposition. I can understand the feeling to not can be able to wait to see the reaction of ours favorite episode, but that's not a reason to come here and to act like child. Just wait and one day it will arrive and the pleasure to watch the video will be more fabulous. Shan, really, you owe us nothing !! As for the reaction, you were perfect. The body is an episode difficult to watch emotionally speaking, some cry during all the episodes and others are just in shock, so your reaction is common don't worry. We understand you because we have felt the same thing. As for your mom, first of all I don't see why people asked you things like that, that's not of their business ! they maybe were concerned if you have or haven't a life that is in some way related to this episode, I can understand the concern but they crosssed the line of the private life ! I have no problem with you sharing your life if you desire it, but don't hesitate to correct us if you think that some people are going too far with their question.
This is such a beautiful episode that always brings up so much emotion for me. I also like how we finally get to see a kiss between Willow and Tara. Joss had been told he couldn't have two women kissing on the show in a sexual way, and so with this episode he told them, "It's not sexual - it's a kiss of comfort". The higher ups couldn't argue that. Anyway, this was a beautiful reaction. I went through all the emotions with you and got teary eyed myself. Thanks for sharing.
It's hard to watch straight from the start but Anya breaks me every single time. One of the best pieces of television i have ever seen imo. Hugs all around X
Okay, first off. Thank you for such a beautiful, human reaction. *hugs* This episode is so painful and hard to watch, but also one of the best episodes in Buffy's run, according to a lot of fans. In my experience of having friends watch the show, people react to The Body in their own ways, because people deal with sad things in different ways. I always sob, but I know some people who laugh to cope with all the emotions this episode brings up. Please take care of yourself after this one.
This episode. Some scenes, lines, even camera angles and the way the scenes were shot are so well thought out they still have such a powerful effect on me, and the same with a lot of people. The most depressing episode of Buffy by a mile; it's a masterpiece. The part where she says "You're not supposed to move the ____" still gets to me, along with Anya's heartbreaking monologue, and Willow's and Dawn's meltdown. So I really looked forward to seeing your reaction to this episode 'cause I liked how deeply affected you were with the way the story built up since season 1 of Buffy, it's so genuine. The first time I saw this episode, I could hardly breathe, speak, and was just completely dumbfounded at the entire scene with Joyce just lying there lifeless... it was one of those "this can't be happening" scenes of Buffy (and I love the way Joss just teases the viewers with that whole "good-as-new-miraculous-thing-happened-but-never-did' point of view before it snaps you back to harsh reality). Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I think the fact that people told you about this episode gave you some idea what to prepare for because when it first aired, oh my gosh... I don't think ANYONE would be prepared to watch this... and even if you were told that you should prepare yourself for a roller coaster of emotions... I think the reason why the first time you see this it's so shockingly depressing is the fact that a character in this series died and it was so unexpected and you see yourself in the main character's shoes, as if it's happening to YOU. And what the heck are you supposed to feel, do, or say in that situation. Your reaction was a very appropriate one because it's one of those things where you're left thinking WHAT then BAM! it hits you like a ton of bricks. I've never experienced this in real life before but I'd say my reaction would be 10x worse that what I'd imagine it to be if I witnessed my own mother in that same situation.
One of the best Buffy episodes made in my opinion, sheerly down to the way in which it was filmed/directed/screenplay and emotions portrayed by the actors. This episode was truly a testament to reality and the destruction and sadness which comes with death, as well as adding an element of comedy (Xander's fist) and a snippet of horror (Vampire) towards the end of the ep. Very well made. I used to watch these episodes growing up as a teen and I'm glad to be watching them all again with 'After Show Reactions'. Thanks for the uploads ASR! :D
It messes me up thinking about how as a teenager, the same age as Dawn here I never even cried once at this episode because I was so emotionally damaged and only coming back 10 years later am I finding myself able to cry with all of them and I feel happy that I can cry.
So many emotions. I’ve seen this episode at least 20 times and even watching this I’m sitting at my desk at work wiping tears. My favorite episode because of how well executed it is.
Rewatching ur reaction I can’t believe in all the times I watched this episode I never really realized the enormity of Anya saying I WISH Joyce wasn’t dead
A lot of people sited this episode as helping them get over their grief of actual loved ones. It made me think of my mom. This episode is the greatest. I love it. It makes me cry everytime but I love it.
Love that you (or your editor?) left the black rectangle there where the episode had been, during the delivery of your final thoughts. Indicative of the lingering effects of the episode still weighing upon your mind, whilst simultaneously representing the dark, black hole that it left upon your (and all of our, let it be stressed) emotions. Editing genius. :)
Thanks for having the courage to react to this episode. And big thanks for making the whole unedited reaction available. It really means a lot that you were willing to share your heart with us through this beautiful and grueling story. Peace and love.
I think I'm most surprised by the fact that you're German. You've got a German fan here. I found your reaction to this episode so heartbreaking and moving, especially when Buffy had the daydream sequence of Joyce surviving, and there was hope in your eyes and I just wanted to cry along.
Thank you for reacting to this episode. When you react to episodes like this, it feels like we've bonded a little more because now you know what the rest of us went through and how we felt when this episode first aired. I wish I was there to give you a hug after you watched this episode because I needed a hug when I first watched it.
I love the way this episode is done. How there is no music. The way the camera doesn't show the paramedics full face when talking to Buffy. How she says good luck to them as they leave. Anya breaking down because she just doesn't understand. Willow searching for an unimportant shirt, etc. All the little small details are amazing. That being said, I've only seen it like 3 times plus a few reactions. I don't want to watch it again despite how well done it is
I honestly just had to chime in and tell you that a friend of mine introduced me to this channel about 6 days ago and I can't stop watching. I was in my early 20s when this show first aired in the US, and I started watching in the middle of season 2 and I finally understood why so many of my friends loved it. And while watching the errant episode here and there, I haven't done a full series rewatch since it ended and that's why I enjoy watching this channel so much. I feel like in a lot of ways, I'm experiencing some things all over again but also feeling like it's the first time. So thank you for that. But as we got closer to "The Body", I knew I was headed for a lot of tears. I cried pretty hard when I first saw this episode, but I'm in my forties now, and 10 years ago, I lost my mom to cancer and I've avoided this episode like the plague. And watching your reactions and also watching the moments of the episode had me revisiting a lot of my own horror at losing my mom, which while being prepared for it, still never prepares you for how you're going to react and feel when it happens. Needless to say, I cried HARD watching your video and I have to say that you handled it beautifully. I'm also glad that the people in the community sent you something to hopefully cheer you up a bit because this episode, despite its absolute brilliance, is ROUGH. So I just wanted to chime in and thank you for helping me to recapture some of my youth, and by the end of this reaction video, I kinda felt like there was someone else comforting me after revisiting this ep. I know you're currently doing other CW shows that have similar fan bases and I'm just glad you're keeping on with this. So thank you again for doing this. It's been honestly my favorite thing about RUclips in a long time.
I've been dreading this one, because I knew -- I KNEW -- I was going to start weeping the moment I saw that the video was up and that I wouldn't stop until after it was over and that's just what fucking happened. 20 years later, and this episode still rips my heart right out of my chest. The part that really digs the knife in and twists it about is Emma Caulfield's brilliant monologue, as Anya, not understanding why Joyce is dead, and why she just can't get back in her body and be alive again. That kills me every single fucking time.
I really appreciate your reaction and pushing through it. I felt that you were not ready last week, and that's perfectly fine. You handled it quite well! This episode touches on how Buffy is powerful when it comes to unnatural death but when it comes to natural death she is powerless. This episode shows that tender part very well and very much progresses Buffy's character as well as the others. Splendid episode touching on real world issues that even heroes have to go through...Thank you and stay well :)
I also feel that this episode made the series the most memorable for me and an instant favorite. Not many series can pull off such an episode. This episode made me see that these are real people with real issues, just like you and me. Thanks again, dear.
It’s a rough episode to get through. It’s also one of the best episodes of anything ever written for television. Don’t worry about crying, everyone does.
This episode was so elegantly written, because it shows a reaction to someone who lost a loved one, specially a mother and SMG portrayed that perfectly. I remember watching this episode for the first time and I burst to tears. You can feel the despair and everything with it. So heart breaking
I like how this specific episode is the one that showed up in my recommendations when I haven't watched anything Buffy related in two years. RUclips still knows how much I love this episode. It's just such a well-done episode.
It was a beautiful episode and shows each character showing different ways of coping with grief that I don’t think anyone could find an aspect of someone in this episode they can’t relate to
You're brave to film this Reaction, many would have skipped it because it is a very painful episode of BTVS. Sarah Michelle Gellar lobbied very hard to keep the Joyce Summers character and change this storyline, but Josh Whedon wouldn't budge.
@@Neurodivergent-j1f I forgot I put this much personal information online (I edited the comment)... But thank you. I'm more fortunate than many people. I lived at home until into my 30's. I have ten times the memories and time with my parents than even most of my siblings. My parents didn't passaway until I was in my 40's.
Thank you for your reaction, and thank you for putting up the full version for us to watch, I watched the full version reaction. I appreciate your honest reaction. This episode, as sad as it is, shows how well made and powerful this series really is, the kind of impact it can make, and just why this series is a must watch, a nice piece of the 90's-early 2000's that cannot be re-captured. Again, thanks for taking the time to react, I look forward to your next one.
One of my favorite episodes of television of all time. I especially love how this episode has absolutely zero music or sound effects beyond the ambience which is made louder than usual. When the sound effects are scarce things like bodybag zipper being zipped feel extremely unsettling and abnormal. Really highlights the kind of emotional state Buffy is through the episode.
Sending you hugs. This episode is one that needs tissues. This is coming from the girl who cried during Infinity War. Everything is gonna get sadder and sadder from here on. Brace yourself. Tara was right about death being sudden. I've lost people I loved and never went to a funeral, but it's always been sudden. I am never gonna be over this episode.
Hi. Yes, I'm browsing comments from last year. I just wanted to mention that you are not alone in crying during Infinity War. I think it hit a lot of viewers pretty hard. I don't think I cried during Infinity War, but I cried during Endgame.
This was SO well done an Episode! Emmy performance following Emmy performance. Buffy can fight Demons, Vampires and Gods, but decays to "Mommy?". No One can find the "Right" way. Anya just wants to Understand. If you can't give a Reaction to THIS Episode, just watch the Characters, and ANY way you Feel is RIGHT, and showing an Emotional Reaction is a TRIBUTE to the Crew! I've rarely felt so Strongly for people(except maybe OMWF, coming up).
I've lived MANY more years than probably most of you & have watched more TV than I could ever say. This episode of Buffy is one of THE most moving & well done pieces of television that I've EVER watched, bar none😢 NO matter how many times I've watched, it still touches my soul beyond words. Buffy is, & will FOREVER be, my number 1 TV show- EVER! Be good to one another. Life is soo..fleeting & every single moment must be lived as if it were the last.❤
this was the best and most heartbreaking episode nothing has made me feel like this. the way that it was shot was amazing and the fact that there was no music or anything just talking makes it harder.
Such a sad but beautiful episode! It’s just so human... this is my second favourite episode out of the whole 7 seasons and I am so happy and thankful that you reacted to it. I know it’s a hard one to watch and I know a lot of people skip it because of the context. I completely understand why you had to take a break after the last episode, your health is more important. But Thankyou for reacting to it! Thankyou! It’s just a beautiful episode 🖤
About a year and a half ago, I lost my husband of 17 years on New Year's Eve 2019. I came home from the hospital, in shock of course, and I watched The Body. It actually did help me at the time. Another reason for me to love Buffy.
I’m on a rewatch and haven’t seen this episode since the early 2000s.. and wow, such a bigger impact on me today. Not only that, I’m following along 4 reactor channels episode by episode, and you are just the first.. got 3 more to watch with tears flowing 🥺
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"I wish that Joyce didn't die."
So few people pick up on the significance of Anya, an ex demon who granted wishes, saying that. Kudos.
Strangely, I completely identified with Anya. No matter how many times you experience it there never seems to be anything to do or say.
I know it destroys me every time.
I have never caught that, too cool.
Someone important to you dies and it feels almost insulting that the world keeps on spinning. Buffy walked outside and everything was sunny and normal. I liked that part of this episode.
I loved the sounds of children playing... because that's just the way the world is.
So well said. That is exactly the feeling.
yep, your entire world have falling down but, the rest of the world continues like nothing happen
Wow I never thought about that scene when she went outside like that. Good job on pointing that out 🤧🤧🤧
Similar thing with the parking ticket. In those moments you feel like the regular everyday day to day thing like tickets should just stop, but it all keeps going without you and without them.
I like the fact that there no music in this episode at all, nothing to tell you how to feel just your own unguided emotion.
I love it. You can actually feel the seriousness of the entire episode because of the lack of it
Absolutely, that what a good director can do. Just show and if its done right you will get it.
@Ben Reder and Anya giving us an example of kids dealing with grief
The most moving part for me, besides Anya’s speech of course, is when Buffy is trying to explain to Giles “we’re not supposed to move the body”...and then it’s like by saying it out loud made it finally sink in that she’s dead. The look of shock on her face. So heartbreaking. SMG’s acting is next level and so underrated.
Anya's speech of not understanding "why" still makes me tear up
yeah. That too also breaks my heart. it was wonderfully shot too. where you watch from the classroom perspective
When the dispatcher asked about "the Body" Buffy said "No my mom". Then when Buffy said "The Body" and shocked herself and broke down.
To me there also is the scene where Buffy has to go to school to tell Dawn...
@@MARYWTHER Agreed. When Buffy has to tell Dawn is absolutely heartbreaking, because everyone can relate to that. Everyone has had that moment when they were a kid. When they get off the school bus or get called into the principals office and Mom or Dad is waiting for you. And the first words out of their mouth is, something awful has happened.
"We're not supposed to move the body!" That line always breaks me, because it breaks Buffy. She's finally realized her mother is truly gone. And Sarah Michelle Gellar (and all the other actors) shines so beautifully in this episode. Thank you for this heartfelt reaction!
Yes. When reality sets in…
I love that lines too :
"Was it sudden ?"
-"No. And yes. It's always sudden"
Watching this, I am amazed at the performances from the whole cast, but especially Sarah Michelle Gellar. How did she not win an Emmy for this?
Captain Phoenix Because Emmy voters are clueless about TV.
Joss got an Emmy nomination for Hush, but not this, which is criminal.
She was nominated for and Emmy for the body. But question is why didn’t she win 😮
No actors on Buffy or Angel were ever nominated for an Emmy for their performances. The only non-technical Emmy nomination Buffy ever received was for writing (Joss for Hush). Buffy only ever won technical Emmy awards (such as makeup, special effects, editing).
Selena Marie She was nominated for the Golden Globe. She was never nominated for an Emmy.
God I love Sarah’s acting here, it really humanises the show because this isn’t something she can fight and defeat as per usual and Anya’s monologue is simply amazing. Oh and fun fact, Sarah fought tooth and nail for Joyce not to get killed off and she wasn’t happy about it.
The hardest Buffy episode to watch
Tell me about it. I lived the first act a couple years ago with my father.
So sorry for your loss...I lived the first act with my mother 6 years ago :o(
That sucks, I'm sorry to hear that.
They say it's easier when you know they're sick, but I found that to be BS.
And tbh time isn't healing much of the pain either, it makes it less sharp, but missing them so much making that void and grief pain go deeper as time pass by.
I had been through four deaths in a year when this first aired, strangely I longed to see it, as it was given great write ups and I just thought it wouldn't bother me( I'm a bit of an emotional idiot) it actually really helped me come to terms with everything
I actually think the episode is harder to watch the second time round, this might sound a bit odd, but the first time your mind is mostly going, what is happening?... No??? But the second time you know and you have all the time to pay attention to the details and it just hit me so much harder. I cried at Anya the first, but the second time, and every time since it start when buffy tells Giles not to move the body and then again at Dawn's school scene.
Dawn's reactions to things will usually have me in tears even when I have otherwise held out up to that point. "But where did she go?" is guaranteed to break me during even my hardest hearted viewings.
I don't necessarily agree that it is harder to rewatch. What I will say is that it is an extremely different experience to rewatch the episode. In fact, it is in some ways a better episode on second viewing.
On first watch, the early scenes have a bit of a whip-saw effect on the viewer, heightening the sense of immediacy of the loss and priming your emotional reactions. You desperately want to believe they saved her and the opening sequence with the holiday dinner lends it credibility. Then suddenly, that rug is ripped out from beneath you.
On second watch, you know going in that the opening scene and the miracle scene are actually all inside Buffy's head. She's the hero, she saves people, it is her calling, and her mind is going 'why can't I save her???'.
Then there is Xander's moment in Willow's dorm room. On first watch, its an almost misplaced moment of comedy. On rewatching it you realize that to him, ALL of his girls are hurting and he can't do a damn thing about it. He needs to feel something, just to feel real himself and in what is one of his rare moments of actual weakness he puts his fist through a wall. Then, in typical Xander fashion he gives them the strength to move on by pulling their thoughts away from what is destroying their ability to move forward... "I'm stuck."
I agree, the episode is better every time I watch it. The small things, the truly amazing way things were shot, and acted, are just perfect. The way that everyone experiences the loss differently, and expresses it just as differently, it is just so well done.
I cry pretty much from start to finish. Buffy repeating "mom" in the beginning gets me going and there's no stopping after that. Every time I dry my eyes, another scene gets me started again.
@@sk70091 everytime! just bawling
Oh man, Anya's speech gets me every time. Friggin' fruit punch.
Awarriorstill later on when they are at the hospital what really gets me is when anya wishes that Joyce didn’t die. For a vengeance demon you know how powerful that is and it breaks my heart.
The part that always gets me is “or brush her hair”. It’s such a mundane, intimate thing, brushing your hair. Idk, it just connects to me.
Fruit punch.
Gut punch.
Emma nailed that monologue. The cracks in her voice just destroy me every time.
Agreed. That was the moment, I think, where I understood Anya.
Every time I hear “WE’RE NOT SUPPOSE TO MOVE THE BODY”, it breaks me every time
"Buffy is more of a lighthearted show" - After Show Reactions, _Halloween_ reaction.
It really is more of lighthearted show, pretty much up until this episode(really it started getting much darker when she went to college) but once her mom dies, there is this depression that comes over the show and imo never leaves. Buffy's death and the move to UPN the show got even darker.
It was a crime that Sarah did not win an Emmy for this. It is the most realistic portrayal of immediate grief I have ever witnessed. Everyone in this episode is simply brilliant.
The Tara/Willow first kiss was so important in the history of LGBT television. Instead of it being a "look at the lesbians kiss" moment like every other portrayal of lesbian relationships up to this moment on TV, it was a "Look at these two people who are sharing heartbreaking emotions together kiss." That was a very important distinction.
Absolutely. Might even be good, in retrospect, that their kissing was hidden in S4 (e.g. New Moon Rising, or Restless), because this watershed moment is surrounded by an episode about something else entirely, so they're just a couple like any other.
zabukazar ist cute c:
Exactly Right! I always Loved that, instead of "A Very Special Episode"(which "The Body WAS, for other reasons), it just Happened and it wasn't a sexy kiss. It was a couple Consoling each other, as would be Natural. We, the Viewers, "know" they kiss, it has been a Whole Season, without Seeing it. It didn't Matter that they were both Female, but what Mattered was they were both Hurting. One Moment, that didn't Interrupt the flow. Everyone had to deal with a Natural Death, in their Own Ways.
I vaguely remember an article interviewing Joss, and how he was disappointed that the TV network executives wouldn’t allow LGBT kissing, hence the metaphor of magic. His frustration increased in that it took an episode as moving and memorable as this one for the network to bury the significance of their kiss.
@@timmer14414 well he was also uncomfortable with the TV trend that was going on of ads "on a Very Special episode, 2 girls/guys will kiss?!?!? Holy Jesus! Tune in for this freaky shit." Joss said he had Tillow's first kiss deliberately in a moment that couldn't be cheaply exploited.
This was height of Sarah Michelle Gellar's acting here. 20 years past, still chills me to even watch a reaction of it. Even in the beginning, Buffy saying she doesn't remember how to do a CPR is just brilliantly thought of
When she’s taking to the paramedics and you see how it’s film from her heigh looking up, almost like to say she became a child again. The fact that there’s no music as well makes it so real... And when she says “the body” as if it finally became real that Joyce had died... This episode is HEAVY! Not to mention Dawn’s reaction; Willow freaking out because of a jumper only because Joyce liked it and she wanted to support Buffy so bad but she just didn’t know how, Tara just being there for them, Alex punching a wall, Anya finally showing her humanity and innocence as well by not being able to get the concept of death... It’s a lot! The acting and production was great. 💐
Re: that kiss... It was indeed their first onscreen kiss, and Joss had to fight for it (a little bit, anyway). The network was like "Can there not be a kiss?" and he was like "There's a kiss or I'm out" and the network was like "Fine, leave it in".
Another example of how they were lucky to be on the WB; even though the same network disallowed same-sex kissing in season 4, they acquiesced to Joss here, which might have been a bigger fight on a major network at that time.
They never disallowed same sex kissing since they actually did it first with Dawson's Creek. Which is why Joss decided to turn Willow into a bisexual character and also why the network pushed for same sex relationships.
Unbelievable that anyone would even ask that. I know it was a few years back, but still.
When you take away the music it is amazing how many scenes in movies/TV fall flat, which makes this whole epsiode all the more remarkable.
IMHO The Body is the single greatest piece of television ever.
So, foreshadowing:
Remember that scene in 4.01 when Buffy and Willow were looking for books in the college library?
Buffy: "I can't wait till mom get's the bills for these books. I hope it's a funny aneurysm."
And now it's a tvtrope
Oh wow, just when I thought I knew the ins and outs of Buffy, I didn't pick up on that. Damn lol.
Oh.....that’s horrible.
Possibly the greatest, most honest episode of television ever made. And yet so hard to watch. But there's some weird catharsis in it. It certainly helped me.
This is an incredibly important episode in the series and in television (for its innovation and brilliance in writing and actor execution) ... I think you'll appreciate it soon enough. It's heartbreaking but so important.
From a filmmaker perspective, this episode is brilliant... from the steady-cam/long tracking shots, the muted music/usage of ambient sound, harsh bright lighting and jarring cuts ... and the writing is superb BRILLIANT!
From a fan perspective, I hate that Joyce died. But it is pivotal for Buffy's character. Joyce is/was someone Buffy had always relied on and now she's gone. Suddenly this 21-year-old Buffy is given even more responsibility--that is so tragic and human. I like that they killed off a character in a natural way. It wasn't supernatural and Buffy can do nothing to stop it. You felt helpless with her. BRILLIANT! But I miss Joyce, of course, she's a wonderful character and SMG's acting is heartbreaking and she definitely deserved her Golden Globe nomination for this episode
Janis70 if you notice there was no background music at all. To enhance feeling of the numbness
I know and I love it! Friggin' brilliant and ballsy as heck!
I lost my mom 2 years ago and was unable to watch this episode for almost all that time. But thanks to the reactors here on YT I finally been able to watch my favorite series completely again. (That happened like 2 weeks ago) So Shannan and all others like you. Thanks for sharing your reactions with us. Trust me, they make a difference and carry significant value! :)
20:06 Wow, that's so true. I never even noticed. Anya expressing her wish, so poetic.
Yes, Shan is so astute, I've seen this episode dozens of times and not noticed that.
A memory for me on the two seperate occasions when my parents died is that horrible, twisted physical knot in my guts. I couldn't believe how much grief wasn't just in the mind.
Did you notice the opening scene with Buffy desparately trying to save Joyce is a 5 minute single shot? The scene with Dawn in the school bathroom is also a long single shot. The"fake-out" clip of Joyce being saved is the wish going through Buffy's mind as the EMTs work on Joyce.
I've seen this episode several times and Anya's breakdown gets me every time.
Sarah Michelle Gellar was very against killing of Joyce. She even argued with Joss Whedon not to do it but he's still done it.
slanis *Joss Whedon* didn't even want *Buffy's parents shown on screen from the beginning.*
He wanted a young mom storyline for Buffy.
He was right I love Sarah but Joss knew how make the show amazing
alooncnej Minus the adding an annoying little sister part. I wish after the whole Key storyline Dawn had vanished or Willow reverted her back to her original state of being a physical object & they put her in Giles archives 😂
They needed to erase what those monks did of adding fake memories to the Summer family to make them believe Dawn is real in order to protect the key thing. It felt intrusive and forced.. it messed up the show for me.
@@okayfloatstudios3097 It made it better ...especially the reaction for this episode. Two young sisters lost their mom.
Just watched this one and I needed to see others share the pain :(
Yeah, I saw. Big hugs from me xx
Hang in there Liam, It was a rough one :(
Congratulations, You just survived the most difficult 45 minutes to watch in TV history.
This is so difficult to watch when you have lost someone in a very similar way.
JL M This is definitely the hardest episode ever, because it's all the way through, not just a horrible sad part at the end like Tara's death or the Red Wedding, it's the entire 45 minutes
@@anatoldenevers237 That cut to the closeup to Joyce's lifeless face near the opening of the episode is still jarring even 20+ years after the episode was originally broadcast.
They really hit hard with this episode but it's amazingly done by all the actors. Even the effect of having no background music made it as realistic as possible. I don't think I've seen any show handle a death in a more realistic way than this. One of the best made episodes of any show.
Even though I’ve seen this multiple times, I’m crying right along with you! 💔😭
I've even seen this reaction twice and still it bloody gets to me.
I cry my eyes out every single time I watch this episode. Whenever I do a rewatch, I dread this episode coming up because it's just an emotional roller coaster from start to finish.
One of the best uses of no music ever, it's only after re-watching this episode years ago I realized there was absolutely no music in this episode. The impact is massive and hits you in the heart.
If anyone actually got angry at you for not uploading sooner, forget them, they're either still children/immature in the first place, self-entitled adults who need to grow up in the second place, or sociopaths/jackasses who can easily be ignored all together. You do this at your own time frame and don't let anyone pressure you otherwise. Beautiful reaction, and I knew I couldn't get through this without getting tearful myself.
You held it together WAY better than I did when I first watched it. I was a complete blubbering mess when I first saw it - couldn't even see the screen through my tears at one point.
the no music at all part was a genius decision by joss. every character on this episode produced some award winning acting in this episode.
For me this is to this day one of the hardest episodes of TV i've ever watched
That fake out is one of the cruelest things Joss Whedon has ever done and that’s saying something. I’ve be dreading this since you started Season 5. I can properly count the number of times I’ve watched this on one hand and I thought I was prepared for this, I was not. I really liked your reaction.
I still can’t get over the show and Sarah Michelle Gellar didn’t get an Emmy nod for this episode. Also, I’d didn’t really expect you to be your talkative self. I originally watched it with my mum and sister and I don’t think we spoke throughout the whole episode, just commercial breaks. I’m sorry about your mum but please don’t ever feel that you have to share things that you don’t want too.
My grandfather died when I was 17 and I was very much like you. I didn’t cry, I took care of my sister and other close family members but I did cry at the funeral and wouldn’t go out of the car for the burial. It took me a long time before I could talk about him because I didn’t like how it made everyone upset and how it made me feel. I would get annoyed which is stupid.
That fake out was something that only after a second viewing did it catch on that it was what was going on in Buffy's head. Her last shred of hope was that her mom would be okay. And Sarah was so so good in this, but the rest of the cast was great too. Alyson and Emma were both amazing.
It's not a fake out as much as it is what happens to some of us. It's scary accurate for me. When my aunt was dying of cancer I imagined her getting better, I dreamt it too. And people being happy and it was a miracle ...but then you go in the room and see her dead. This sunken feeling in your stomach and your heart shattered into a million pieces... it's not a fakeout. It's wishful thinking desperation.
Not a fake out. Exactly what went through my head when the first responders started CPR on my father.
What did you think of the fake out he did with Cordelia in her last episode of Angel?
To be honest, I wasn't expecting anything in particular, because all of us experience this episode in different ways. I was expecting what you gave us, your natural reaction. Tell me if I'm wrong, but what I got from you was anger, to restrain any other emotion, I'd say. At least in my case, that's one of the ways I react when I'm not feeling especially well. Other times I allow the feeling to take over me and flow with huge sobs. Listening to what Tara say, I realized any reaction is perfectly normal, even laughing.
This death is different from the rest for only one reason: the episode purposely makes us feel uncomfortable enough to force us to confront very personal feelings that we usually avoid. The good part is it helps. This episode helps once it's assimilated.
Thank you so much, Shan. Believe it or not, it was a great video
You're right. I was expecting her to react the way she reacted to any sad moments of Buffy but then I realised that this episode gave a lot of people such a different way of reacting or responding to death or at least the natural one, the one that's too real and painful to even imagine. Her reaction was spot on because I also reacted with a mixture of anger, shock, sadness, but I'd say that came in later than I realised 'cause of the way the scene was played out. It was one of those episodes where you're supposed to feel like "no it's not really happening" or "are you serious?" and it's going to end but then you realised, it's really happening and you get a little pissed like Joss is really messing with your feelings about what's happening to Buffy's mother. I wasn't overwhelmed with sadness until Buffy had that realisation/awareness of what's been happening and then Dawn's reaction came. Anyway, I love your analysis about how this episode makes us feel uncomfortable and the concept of death and how everyone feels differently about responding to it... in a way, this ep is cathartic for reasons that some have people gone through it, some have yet to face and confront it at some point.
That moment after she throws up and goes to the door and you can hear life going on all around her. When we lose someone we feel like the entire world should mourn, but sadly they barely even notice.
This eps leaves me an emotional wreck. No matter how many times I watched it, I always cry. Special Anya scene. Thank you, hope your alright.
god this episode is maybe one of the best episodes of television EVER. it's so cathartic? and it really understands the process of grieving? i lost my mother at 20 and it just... got it all so right. so well acted, planned, directed, written, executed........... really hits no matter how many times i watch it..
Hey Shannan, great reaction! In the future, don't be afraid to cry. But also, don't be afraid to NOT cry. Whether in your videos or in real life, your reactions to your experiences are your own, and you never need to apologize for them.
I can't, I can't...Alyson Hannigan crying instantly makes me cry. I don't know how she does it, it's horrible, she's way too talented!
Probably the most brutal episode of any show i've seen! So well made and everything is so real and quiet with no music.
I thought I was ready for this, but I am not. "The Body" is easily one of the best-written episodes ever in television history. It hits home, because it was a real-world death. It wasn't a death by supernatural means; it's a death by human means, so it's a way we can naturally pass. Just know this: we were all where you are, and it's an emotional rollercoaster ride. And it's easily why the fifth season is one of my top three favourite seasons! Plus, the fact it was void of any music is also chilling to me. All of the actors did award-worthy work for this episode. Anya's speech, to me, is one of the highlights of the episode, because it was, again, REAL! It's how we all kind of just react to death. It's how I felt after my father's death. I am hoping you're okay after watching this episode, and we are ALL here for you!
I read somewhere that the showrunner Joss Whedon had based it around his own loss of his mother so I feel like that probably made it all the more realistic. Once you experience a serious loss yourself you definitely know things people who haven't been there, don't.
Joss is a genius, it's the most brilliant episode I have ever seen, really
reliving this episode with you was both amazing and heartbreaking, in some way things hit home even harder because I know what to expect. Thank you for this raw and moving reaction, I’m glad you took the time you needed to watch this, we’re all right here by your side through it all
I got into Buffy late in its original run. I knew of the show pretty much right from when it premiered, but never bothered with it because I'd seen the 1992 movie and didn't much care for it. While channel surfing one night in February 2001, I stumbled across an episode so compelling that I couldn't help but watch from beginning to end. THIS was that episode. It's been twenty years, and Buffy has been one of my favorite TV shows ever since that night.
I remember this episode... i cried so much!! I like how they did no background music at all in this episode.
... and such a great acting by Sarah michelle Gellar 👌🏼
this is such a heartbreaking episode and so realistically done as someone who has lost loved one I think this looked way to real! The creepy silence in the house scenes, the moment Buffy opens the door and you can see sunshine outside and sounds of the world going on as usual.. these scene she plays in her head hoping everything will still be fine.. Sarah's performance that portrays state of shock so perfectly... Dawn crying over some stupid thing in school like it's the biggest tragedy ever before finding out really tragic news.... everything was so real. and Sarah gave one of the best performances of her career there and it was hard to watch... Mid season 5 is when show really started to become darker and heavier.
I LOVE this episode. It is probably my favorite episode of TV ever and I cry EVERY time. The lack of background music is absolutely oppressive and perfect. The little details, like Buffy pulling down Joyce's skirt or how loud the wind chimes sound after she barfs, are fantastic and using Anya to represent a child's view of death all help to make this a masterpiece of story telling about death.
Thanks Shan, it's cathartic to watch this with a reactor. Anya's speech may live with you for a while, it's such a genuine, human moment. Some background, after Hush, Joss was told how he uses music as a crutch to manipulate emotions to the point that the writing may be mediocre but the music ramps things up. As you may have noticed, there was no music at all. The emotion was real and raw. Joss wanted to show how your world just fragments when something like this happens, since it happened to him when his mother passed away.
If you watch it again at some point, it's a little easier to appreciate the small moments that make this such a fantastically well done episode.
As heartbreaking as this episode is, its so beautifully done by Joss and the team... I really enjoyed watching this episode recently with Joss' commentary on the how's and the why's of certain scenes and how he chose to shoot them, his motivations and intentions. If anybody hasn't, i'd recommend watching "Hush", "Restless" and "The Body" with Joss Whedon's commentary. Very enlightening and interesting... The actors did a fantastic job in this episode. They really did. Everytime I feel like the tears are slowing, something else happens and the tears start up all over again!
Honestly people who complained to you just because they didn't have the reactions on the "The Body" last week along with "I was made to love you" get on my nerve. They are acting like you owe us something. You owe us nothing !! and come on the order you watched Buffy/Angel episodes is perfect, I watch them in the same order than you and it's the perfect method to fully appreciate the crossover. Also you have a life, so people need to understand that you are not at their disposition. I can understand the feeling to not can be able to wait to see the reaction of ours favorite episode, but that's not a reason to come here and to act like child. Just wait and one day it will arrive and the pleasure to watch the video will be more fabulous. Shan, really, you owe us nothing !!
As for the reaction, you were perfect. The body is an episode difficult to watch emotionally speaking, some cry during all the episodes and others are just in shock, so your reaction is common don't worry. We understand you because we have felt the same thing. As for your mom, first of all I don't see why people asked you things like that, that's not of their business ! they maybe were concerned if you have or haven't a life that is in some way related to this episode, I can understand the concern but they crosssed the line of the private life ! I have no problem with you sharing your life if you desire it, but don't hesitate to correct us if you think that some people are going too far with their question.
I also don't understand how they were excited about it and looking forward to seeing ASR devastated.
Emma Caulfield gets me every time.
This is such a beautiful episode that always brings up so much emotion for me. I also like how we finally get to see a kiss between Willow and Tara. Joss had been told he couldn't have two women kissing on the show in a sexual way, and so with this episode he told them, "It's not sexual - it's a kiss of comfort". The higher ups couldn't argue that. Anyway, this was a beautiful reaction. I went through all the emotions with you and got teary eyed myself. Thanks for sharing.
Although he did threaten to pack up his office when they tried to get him to take it out and that threat was enough for them to give in.
It's hard to watch straight from the start but Anya breaks me every single time. One of the best pieces of television i have ever seen imo. Hugs all around X
Okay, first off. Thank you for such a beautiful, human reaction. *hugs* This episode is so painful and hard to watch, but also one of the best episodes in Buffy's run, according to a lot of fans. In my experience of having friends watch the show, people react to The Body in their own ways, because people deal with sad things in different ways. I always sob, but I know some people who laugh to cope with all the emotions this episode brings up.
Please take care of yourself after this one.
M. Elizabeth it's the best episode by far
I think The Body is one of the most amazing episodes of TV of all time. Absolutely devastating. I can’t watch it without crying.
This episode. Some scenes, lines, even camera angles and the way the scenes were shot are so well thought out they still have such a powerful effect on me, and the same with a lot of people. The most depressing episode of Buffy by a mile; it's a masterpiece. The part where she says "You're not supposed to move the ____" still gets to me, along with Anya's heartbreaking monologue, and Willow's and Dawn's meltdown. So I really looked forward to seeing your reaction to this episode 'cause I liked how deeply affected you were with the way the story built up since season 1 of Buffy, it's so genuine. The first time I saw this episode, I could hardly breathe, speak, and was just completely dumbfounded at the entire scene with Joyce just lying there lifeless... it was one of those "this can't be happening" scenes of Buffy (and I love the way Joss just teases the viewers with that whole "good-as-new-miraculous-thing-happened-but-never-did' point of view before it snaps you back to harsh reality). Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I think the fact that people told you about this episode gave you some idea what to prepare for because when it first aired, oh my gosh... I don't think ANYONE would be prepared to watch this... and even if you were told that you should prepare yourself for a roller coaster of emotions... I think the reason why the first time you see this it's so shockingly depressing is the fact that a character in this series died and it was so unexpected and you see yourself in the main character's shoes, as if it's happening to YOU. And what the heck are you supposed to feel, do, or say in that situation. Your reaction was a very appropriate one because it's one of those things where you're left thinking WHAT then BAM! it hits you like a ton of bricks. I've never experienced this in real life before but I'd say my reaction would be 10x worse that what I'd imagine it to be if I witnessed my own mother in that same situation.
The best episode of Buffy and one of the best hours of TV I've ever seen... just a beautiful, painful, amazing episode.
Anya's scene at 15:35 gets me every time, and the scene after with Tara is so good too - Love you for reacting to this, stay strong
The Body is one of the most brutal pieces of television ever made. Well done for getting through it love.
One of the best Buffy episodes made in my opinion, sheerly down to the way in which it was filmed/directed/screenplay and emotions portrayed by the actors. This episode was truly a testament to reality and the destruction and sadness which comes with death, as well as adding an element of comedy (Xander's fist) and a snippet of horror (Vampire) towards the end of the ep. Very well made. I used to watch these episodes growing up as a teen and I'm glad to be watching them all again with 'After Show Reactions'. Thanks for the uploads ASR! :D
As many times as I watch this through the years saw it when it first came out I never thought about Anya wishing.. yep I cried again
“We’re not suppose to move the body!!” Gets me every time maaaan 😔😔😔😔
It messes me up thinking about how as a teenager, the same age as Dawn here I never even cried once at this episode because I was so emotionally damaged and only coming back 10 years later am I finding myself able to cry with all of them and I feel happy that I can cry.
So many emotions. I’ve seen this episode at least 20 times and even watching this I’m sitting at my desk at work wiping tears. My favorite episode because of how well executed it is.
Rewatching ur reaction I can’t believe in all the times I watched this episode I never really realized the enormity of Anya saying I WISH Joyce wasn’t dead
A lot of people sited this episode as helping them get over their grief of actual loved ones. It made me think of my mom. This episode is the greatest. I love it. It makes me cry everytime but I love it.
Love that you (or your editor?) left the black rectangle there where the episode had been, during the delivery of your final thoughts. Indicative of the lingering effects of the episode still weighing upon your mind, whilst simultaneously representing the dark, black hole that it left upon your (and all of our, let it be stressed) emotions. Editing genius. :)
Thanks for having the courage to react to this episode. And big thanks for making the whole unedited reaction available. It really means a lot that you were willing to share your heart with us through this beautiful and grueling story. Peace and love.
The scene where she throws up with the wind chimes gives me chills, it’s so sad
I think I'm most surprised by the fact that you're German. You've got a German fan here. I found your reaction to this episode so heartbreaking and moving, especially when Buffy had the daydream sequence of Joyce surviving, and there was hope in your eyes and I just wanted to cry along.
Thank you for reacting to this episode. When you react to episodes like this, it feels like we've bonded a little more because now you know what the rest of us went through and how we felt when this episode first aired. I wish I was there to give you a hug after you watched this episode because I needed a hug when I first watched it.
You just survived the most gruelling & intense 40 mins in television history.
I love the way this episode is done. How there is no music. The way the camera doesn't show the paramedics full face when talking to Buffy. How she says good luck to them as they leave. Anya breaking down because she just doesn't understand. Willow searching for an unimportant shirt, etc. All the little small details are amazing.
That being said, I've only seen it like 3 times plus a few reactions. I don't want to watch it again despite how well done it is
Plus the little touches, like the shirt Willow was looking for was in the chair. Anya put it on the open drawer when she sat down.
I honestly just had to chime in and tell you that a friend of mine introduced me to this channel about 6 days ago and I can't stop watching. I was in my early 20s when this show first aired in the US, and I started watching in the middle of season 2 and I finally understood why so many of my friends loved it. And while watching the errant episode here and there, I haven't done a full series rewatch since it ended and that's why I enjoy watching this channel so much. I feel like in a lot of ways, I'm experiencing some things all over again but also feeling like it's the first time. So thank you for that. But as we got closer to "The Body", I knew I was headed for a lot of tears. I cried pretty hard when I first saw this episode, but I'm in my forties now, and 10 years ago, I lost my mom to cancer and I've avoided this episode like the plague. And watching your reactions and also watching the moments of the episode had me revisiting a lot of my own horror at losing my mom, which while being prepared for it, still never prepares you for how you're going to react and feel when it happens. Needless to say, I cried HARD watching your video and I have to say that you handled it beautifully. I'm also glad that the people in the community sent you something to hopefully cheer you up a bit because this episode, despite its absolute brilliance, is ROUGH. So I just wanted to chime in and thank you for helping me to recapture some of my youth, and by the end of this reaction video, I kinda felt like there was someone else comforting me after revisiting this ep. I know you're currently doing other CW shows that have similar fan bases and I'm just glad you're keeping on with this. So thank you again for doing this. It's been honestly my favorite thing about RUclips in a long time.
I've been dreading this one, because I knew -- I KNEW -- I was going to start weeping the moment I saw that the video was up and that I wouldn't stop until after it was over and that's just what fucking happened.
20 years later, and this episode still rips my heart right out of my chest.
The part that really digs the knife in and twists it about is Emma Caulfield's brilliant monologue, as Anya, not understanding why Joyce is dead, and why she just can't get back in her body and be alive again. That kills me every single fucking time.
I really appreciate your reaction and pushing through it. I felt that you were not ready last week, and that's perfectly fine. You handled it quite well! This episode touches on how Buffy is powerful when it comes to unnatural death but when it comes to natural death she is powerless. This episode shows that tender part very well and very much progresses Buffy's character as well as the others. Splendid episode touching on real world issues that even heroes have to go through...Thank you and stay well :)
I also feel that this episode made the series the most memorable for me and an instant favorite. Not many series can pull off such an episode. This episode made me see that these are real people with real issues, just like you and me. Thanks again, dear.
Here we go....nervously presses 'play'....gulp...
Tough one! No music, no comercial breaks... just a rough ride. Well done ASR. I can't imagine reacting to that one live.
It’s a rough episode to get through. It’s also one of the best episodes of anything ever written for television. Don’t worry about crying, everyone does.
This episode was so elegantly written, because it shows a reaction to someone who lost a loved one, specially a mother and SMG portrayed that perfectly. I remember watching this episode for the first time and I burst to tears. You can feel the despair and everything with it. So heart breaking
I like how this specific episode is the one that showed up in my recommendations when I haven't watched anything Buffy related in two years. RUclips still knows how much I love this episode. It's just such a well-done episode.
It was a beautiful episode and shows each character showing different ways of coping with grief that I don’t think anyone could find an aspect of someone in this episode they can’t relate to
Every time I watch clips from Buffy online I'm consistently reminded of what a terrific actress Emma Caulfield is.
You're brave to film this Reaction, many would have skipped it because it is a very painful episode of BTVS.
Sarah Michelle Gellar lobbied very hard to keep the Joyce Summers character and change this storyline, but Josh Whedon wouldn't budge.
I’m praying for you.
@@Neurodivergent-j1f I forgot I put this much personal information online (I edited the comment)... But thank you. I'm more fortunate than many people. I lived at home until into my 30's. I have ten times the memories and time with my parents than even most of my siblings. My parents didn't passaway until I was in my 40's.
This is one of the most amazing episodes of tv. The writing, the direction, the acting - off the charts.
Thank you for your reaction, and thank you for putting up the full version for us to watch, I watched the full version reaction. I appreciate your honest reaction. This episode, as sad as it is, shows how well made and powerful this series really is, the kind of impact it can make, and just why this series is a must watch, a nice piece of the 90's-early 2000's that cannot be re-captured. Again, thanks for taking the time to react, I look forward to your next one.
One of my favorite episodes of television of all time. I especially love how this episode has absolutely zero music or sound effects beyond the ambience which is made louder than usual. When the sound effects are scarce things like bodybag zipper being zipped feel extremely unsettling and abnormal. Really highlights the kind of emotional state Buffy is through the episode.
Sending you hugs. This episode is one that needs tissues. This is coming from the girl who cried during Infinity War. Everything is gonna get sadder and sadder from here on. Brace yourself.
Tara was right about death being sudden. I've lost people I loved and never went to a funeral, but it's always been sudden.
I am never gonna be over this episode.
Hi. Yes, I'm browsing comments from last year.
I just wanted to mention that you are not alone in crying during Infinity War. I think it hit a lot of viewers pretty hard. I don't think I cried during Infinity War, but I cried during Endgame.
This was SO well done an Episode! Emmy performance following Emmy performance. Buffy can fight Demons, Vampires and Gods, but decays to "Mommy?". No One can find the "Right" way. Anya just wants to Understand.
If you can't give a Reaction to THIS Episode, just watch the Characters, and ANY way you Feel is RIGHT, and showing an Emotional Reaction is a TRIBUTE to the Crew! I've rarely felt so Strongly for people(except maybe OMWF, coming up).
I've lived MANY more years than probably most of you & have watched more TV than I could ever say. This episode of Buffy is one of THE most moving & well done pieces of television that I've EVER watched, bar none😢 NO matter how many times I've watched, it still touches my soul beyond words. Buffy is, & will FOREVER be, my number 1 TV show- EVER! Be good to one another. Life is soo..fleeting & every single moment must be lived as if it were the last.❤
Will always be one of those episodes you remember, The Body what an episode and so many memorable scenes in this episode.
this was the best and most heartbreaking episode nothing has made me feel like this. the way that it was shot was amazing and the fact that there was no music or anything just talking makes it harder.
Such a sad but beautiful episode! It’s just so human... this is my second favourite episode out of the whole 7 seasons and I am so happy and thankful that you reacted to it. I know it’s a hard one to watch and I know a lot of people skip it because of the context.
I completely understand why you had to take a break after the last episode, your health is more important. But Thankyou for reacting to it! Thankyou!
It’s just a beautiful episode 🖤
About a year and a half ago, I lost my husband of 17 years on New Year's Eve 2019. I came home from the hospital, in shock of course, and I watched The Body. It actually did help me at the time. Another reason for me to love Buffy.
One of my favorite episodes. I like that there was no musical scoring for the entire episode, which made it more poignant, more evocative.
I’m on a rewatch and haven’t seen this episode since the early 2000s.. and wow, such a bigger impact on me today. Not only that, I’m following along 4 reactor channels episode by episode, and you are just the first.. got 3 more to watch with tears flowing 🥺
I hate this episode so much. But I've watched it a dozen times. Joss' direction is incredible. And the silence is deafening.