"Witch"

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Episode 3 Season 1

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"She said I was wasting my youth so she took it."

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Original US airdate: March 17, 1997

Re-watched: January 30th, 2021

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• Writer: Dana Reston 

• Director: Stephen Cragg 

• Guests: Kristine Sutherland, Elizabeth Anne Allen, Robin Riker 

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In an interesting twist for a series entitled Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the third episode does not actually feature any vampires. This was alluded to in the first two episodes and is again mentioned by Giles: Sunnydale is home to more supernatural things than just vampires. This episode is the first with Amy, a character we will come to know better, and focuses on the theme of living vicariously through your children, or maybe better, how involved parents should be.

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Teen series often have absent parents and Buffy is no different. In the film (fans consider the original film script but not the actual film to be canon), Buffy had two absent parents. In series, Buffy's mother is present, although this does not have to contradict the film. Considering that Buffy's slaying is interpreted as delinquent tendencies by her mother and her principal(s), that Buffy was kicked out of her school for burning down the gym, and that her parents are now divorced, it is conceivable that Buffy's mother saw a need for change and/or no longer has the ability to travel quite so much. However, Buffy's mother is a divorced mom, trying to get her art gallery up and running, so while she is a part of Buffy's life, she is not living through her daughter. 

 

It's interesting to note at that Willow and Xander do have absent parents. While we don't know this quite yet, Willow's parents are hardly mentioned, and her mother only makes one appearance. While Willow does seem to want a more involved mother, in Xander's case it seems slightly different. He also rarely mentions his parents, and when he does mention family, it's often a drunk relative. Xander's parents may not be so much absent but rather Xander may want to absent himself from them. 

 

So, the Scoobies, or Slayerettes as Willow calls them in this episode, lead fairly independent teenage lives. In this episode, Amy presents a contrast. Her mother is pushing her to become a cheerleader and is training with her for six hours a day. After accidents with three cheerleaders (and Buffy herself being cursed), it becomes clear that Amy is a witch. Through the Scooby Gang's investigation, they learn that Amy is not, in fact, a witch but her mother is and has switched bodies in order to relive her high school glory days. This is the ultimate version of living vicariously through your child. 

 

In the end, Giles casts a spell to save the day, which he claims is his first spell-casting, although we later learn this is not true, and Buffy saves herself and Amy from a final spell by knocking a mirror into position so the spell returns to Amy's mother, who disappears. While Buffy and Amy do not know where her mother has gone, fans know Amy's mother is now trapped in her cheerleading statue in the high school. 

 

For me, it's the final exchange in this episode that always touches me. Joyce says she's been trying to figure Buffy out but has come to the conclusion that she will never get it. Buffy asks Joyce if she wishes she were 16 again. Joyce's answer that it's "a frightful notion", and she wouldn't want it even if it helped her understand Buffy shows to me, as someone who was once 16 and is now thinking ahead to when her kids are 16, that we are limited in what we can understand about our teenage offspring. Having kids is an amazingly strange experience. In their first year (or years?), there is an amazing intimacy. You know everything about them. But they grow up and pull away. It's the most intimate relationship a mother will ever have and yet you see them pull away year by year. And you have to let them. This final exchange is, in a way, Buffy and Joyce negotiating around their ever-changing relationship. 

 

As a final, completely different note about this episode, I'd like to talk about the arcs. With the rise of premium-cable series and streaming networks, and even just the DVD, makers of series knew watchers would be re-watching, binging and paying attention to details. Buffy in some ways was too young in its first seasons to really know this (there were issues in the DVD releases with songs not having the right licenses and little inconsistencies, etc.) But Buffy was also at the forefront of the "soap-operaization" of TV dramas. It was not necessarily the first or the only, but instead of having every episode be a stand-alone episode with the exception of a few "to be continued..." episodes, Buffy had a seven-season arc that Joss Whedon planned from the beginning (I question whether the whole plan remained intact for the entire duration - that the show was nearly cancelled after the 5th season may have changed some aspects of this plan, but it was still planned and as far as I know, the final ending more or less happened as desired). Every season also had a season arc. So while nearly every episode can be watched alone and has a story that begins and ends with that episode, many elements carry over (the big bad, the character development, details like Amy's mother in the statue will be revisited), and this is one aspect that makes Buffy so great. Every time I go back to the beginning, I get to see the characters grow and change and can reflect on my own growth and change in that same time period and beyond. And sometimes I wonder what 40-year-old Buffy is doing. Is she still slaying those vampires? Is she still figuring out how to be an adult? I know I am...

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In fun facts, this is the first time we see Giles's gray Citroen car. 

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"Teacher's Pet"

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Episode 4 Season 1

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"You have a first-rate mind and you can think on your feet, imagine what you could accomplish if you actually did the [homework]."

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Original US airdate: March 24, 1997

Re-watched: February 6th, 2021

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• Writer: David Greenwalt 

• Director: Bruce Seth Green 

• Guests: David Boreanaz, Ken Lerner, Musetta Vander, Jackson Price, Jean Speegle Howard 

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This episode, like the previous, does not focus solely on vampires, but in contrast to the previous, does contain a vampire sub-plot, with Buffy fighting "fork guy", a vampire who may be a minion of the Master. Angel also contacts her with intel a 2nd time, this time, at the Bronze, and Xander and Willow see him for the first time. Also, Angel continues his pattern of giving Buffy gifts. In the two-part series opener, it was a silver cross, and this time it is his leather jacket. Both become powerful symbols for Buffy's relationship with Angel (and the cross further becomes a symbol of Buffy's Slayerhood). 

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The main plot line focuses on Buffy and Xander. For Xander, the theme of his popularity is explored. This will be a main recurring issue for Xander, often leading him astray. During high school, Xander's desire to be popular (and his being in love with Buffy) will cause him to make wrong decisions several times. In this episode in particular, the new substitute biology teacher, Natalie French, is killing the young men of Sunnydale High School. It turns out she is a giant praying mantis, intent on mating with and murdering Xander (and a fellow student named Blayne). In Xander's haste to be seen as cool and sexy, he refuses to heed warning signs and an explicit warning from Buffy. While Xander needs Buffy's help to escape, he does manage to show some ability to take charge of the situation. When Blayne panics, Xander remains calm and even finds a weapon. He stays cool and tries to use everything at his disposal to get out. This is really the first episode that lays the groundwork for Xander's development. He'll never be the superhero, but he will eventually be someone who can handle himself in a tough situation. 

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For Buffy, the theme is intelligence. Prior to becoming the Slayer, Buffy was focused on being a cheerleader and popular, not something usually connected with strong academic performance. Now that Buffy is the Slayer, she's seen as even farther removed from being a model student. Her teachers and principal are all aware of her permanent record (and that she burned down a school building) and may not see her as worth investing in. Her biology teacher, Dr. Gregory, does. He sees her intelligence and her ability to think on her feet and encourages her to be a better student. Unfortunately, Dr. Gregory is killed by Natalie French. However, Buffy is able to show her abilities by researching her praying mantis foe and coming up with most of the plan to take Miss French out. 

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This will never be my most favorite episode. I just am not excited about the Mrs. Robinson plot line, although at least it is dealt with as a tale of caution, showing the dangers of sexual predators preying on boys. What does strike me, especially as an educator, is the role of Dr. Gregory in inspiring Buffy to do better. This is what resonates with me. How do you motivate young adults to do their best and give it their all, especially when many, like Buffy, are caught up with other things such as their own health issues, work, supporting family, etc.? My ultimate take-away from this episode is that you never know what someone is dealing with but you can still expect greatness from them and give them the benefit of the doubt when performance falters (and give them support, too). 

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In fun facts, we learn Xander's middle name is Lavelle.

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"Never Kill a Boy on the First Date"

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Episode 5 Season 1

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"Clark Kent had a job. I just want to go on a date."

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Original US airdate: March 31st, 1997

Re-watched: February 13th, 2021

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• Writer: Rob Des Hotel & Dean Batali 

• Director: David Semel 

• Guests: Mark Metcalf, David Boreanaz, Christopher Wiehl, Geoff Meed

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This episode brings the focus back the vampires, and more specifically the Master. This is the episode where five die and from the ashes, the Anointed One arises, who will play a role in the final episode of this season. Like the first episode, there is a bit of a bait and switch. The five dead were killed in a vampire-induced van crash, and one passenger is an unhinged, ex-con religious fanatic who is assumed to be the Anointed One. When he rises, Buffy kills him and it is assumed she has thwarted the prophecy. The Anointed One, however, is a young boy (who also died in the van) and he is successfully brought to the Master. 

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Against this backdrop, the main themes of responsibility and sacrifice play out. Buffy is still yearning for a normal teenage life and Giles is trying to shape her into a better Slayer. A conflict arises when Owen, a boy at Buffy's school, invites her on a date and she chooses her social obligations over slaying. Her actions put Giles in danger, and while trying to salvage the situation, Owen nearly gets killed. Buffy thinks this has killed her chances at dating Owen, but the next day, he says that nearly dying made him feel alive and that he wants more such experiences with Buffy. Buffy turns Owen down and Giles tells Buffy about being told when he was 10, he was destined to be a Watcher like his father and grandmother before him. 

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The final realization for Buffy is that her responsibilities to her friends (and her responsibilities as the Slayer) are more important than dating or being a typical teenager, and that her life poses a risk to those who know her, so she needs to choose her friends wisely. She notes that Giles, Willow and Xander know the danger and choose to be as safe as possible. 

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The themes of responsibility and sacrifice are the core themes for Buffy and the seven seasons show her journey to fully accepting her role as Slayer and fully accepting (some of) the sacrifices needed. It's also interesting to note how much Buffy's acceptance of being the Slayer (and of her responsibilities as Slayer) are driven by her relationships. She is fine blowing off slaying until Giles is in danger, at which point she drops everything to save him. This importance of her circle of friends - her created family - will also be a core theme in the series. 

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In fun facts, this is the episode Cordelia meets Angel, Giles mentions there being no instruction manual (later refuted by Kendra), and Buffy has a pager for this episode only (one wonders why... it would have been practical.)

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"The Pack"

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Episode 6 Season 1

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"And the weird behavior award goes to..."

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Original US airdate: April 7th, 1997

Re-watched: February 20th, 2021

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• Writer: Matt Kiene & Joe Reinkemeyer 

• Director: Bruce Seth Green 

• Guests: Ken Lerner, Eion Bailey, Micheal McRaine, Brian Cross, Jennifer Sky, Jeff Maynard, James Stephens 

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This episode explores the dark side within us and the borders of civility using the metaphor of animal possession. While on a school field trip, Xander and four "mean kids" are possessed by the spirit of a hyena and start to lose their humanity. The five possessed students eat the school mascot, Herbert the pig, and, while Xander is attempting to force his attentions on Buffy, who is able to hit him with a desk and lock him in the library's book cage (the first time someone is, but not the last), the other four are called to the principal's office, where they eat Principal Flutie. Buffy, Giles and Willow save the day, and Xander returns to normal. 

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The central focus is, of course, what happens when you strip away all societal norms. Xander stops being nice to Willow, becomes a bully, and is a creep towards Buffy. It raises questions about Xander's true feelings for Willow, if he can cast her aside so easily, while also underscoring his desire for Buffy, normally kept in check by societal norms. It also raises questions about Xander. Normally an outsider, he becomes the alpha hyena, leading the pack of five. Just like in "Teacher's Pet", this hints, although more darkly, at Xander's inherent leadership skills and about how his lack of confidence may be the biggest hurdle in his path to growing up and taking on a stronger role.

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The troubling aspect, briefly mentioned above, is the concept of male aggression only being kept in check by norms but easily brought to the surface, which is also shown in Faith's view of men presented in season 3. Although the episode does not directly endorse Xander's assault of Buffy, by implying that norms are the only things keeping men and boys from attacking women and girls they desire, it does play into the concept of "boys will be boys" to a certain extent. However, the resolution of the situation, Buffy knocking out Xander and locking him up, does highlight that this behavior is not acceptable and women should fight back. So, it's a bit of a mixed bag in terms of feminist message and condoning men acting out. 

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Finally, there's a good message for educators. Don't show too much weakness in front of students or they will eat you like a pack of hyenas. Or maybe more fitting, most authority springs from some sort of social compact that we all agree on and as soon as that compact is disrupted, authority has no power. I think this is especially true in settings like education and something I take to heart as an educator. My power stems from my students accepting me as someone with authority. So I try to be confident, be human and treat my students with respect. So far, no one has eaten me, so it must be working.

 

RIP Principal Flutie, you will be missed. 

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"Angel"

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Episode 7 Season 1

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"What did you think? Did you think she would understand? That she would look at your face, your true face, and give you a kiss?"

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Original US airdate: April 14th, 1997

Re-watched: February 27th, 2021

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• Writer: David Greenwalt 

• Director: Scott Brazil 

• Guests: Mark Metcalf, David Boreanaz, Kristine Sutherland, Julia Benz 

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This will always be one of my favorite episodes. It sets up the key forbidden romance story and Angel's journey. It is also an episode of many firsts - Joyce meets Angel and Giles, we see Angel's apartment, we learn the outline of Angel's life, Buffy tests the "vampires need an invite" rule, the theme of vampires being like family is raised by the Master, Buffy uses a cross bow, and it is the first episode with the prologue. 

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The prologue was added to help new viewers be able to enjoy the show more easily, but it is still powerful both in terms of text and the images presented:

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In every generation there is a chosen one. She alone will stand against the vampires the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer.

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It highlights the lone nature of the Slayer, something that Buffy will fully subvert in season 7, and brings up an interesting concept that I don't think many fans considered until later seasons - who is the Slayer chosen by? By season 7, we will know the answer.

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So, let's talk about the forbidden romance. Angel is a 240-year-old vampire with a soul in love with a 16-year-old Slayer and high school student. While I overall find the older man issue problematic, as it does feed into society's view of there being "underage women", and where sex with these is seen as not really wrong, I do think the vampire presents an interesting case for forbidden love. As society has changed, most versions of forbidden love have disappeared. The family feud that kept Romeo and Juliet apart seems like something from another time as family ties become less important; dating someone from the wrong side the of tracks or a different race are also much more accepted (or at least accepted to the point that a TV show in the 90s would not want to present these things as socially unacceptable), and thus the vampire/slayer romance becomes the forbidden romance. Watching Buffy love Angel, lose Angel, get Angel back and finally have the relationship end is the roller coaster ride of the first three seasons and every time I watch it, I remember what it was like to be a teenager trying to figure out love and relationships, because in some ways they all seem forbidden and doomed to failure. Becoming an adult is a process of realizing what love and relationships mean.

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Additionally, this episode marks the start of Angel's journey or his redemption arc. Technically, his journey starts before this episode, but this is when fans learn of it. It turns out, although the writers assumed viewers would guess earlier, that many fans did not anticipate Angel was a vampire. Angel and Buffy fight the Three together, who are warrior vampires sent by the Master, and end up hiding together in Buffy's house. After they share their first kiss, Angel shows his true (vampire) face and flees her house. Later, Giles tells Buffy some of Angel's history and then Angel fills in some more during their showdown.

 

We learn that Angel was sired 240 years ago by Darla (who was sired by the Master, which we learn later). This is the first glimpse we have at dysfunctional vampire families. We learned that Angel was among the worst vampires and killed his own family. In his own words, "for a hundred years I offered ugly death to everyone I met and I did it with a song in my heart." But then, about 80 years ago, something changed. He was cursed by the Romani with his soul, giving him his conscience and his humanity back although he is still a vampire. So not a human but not fully a vampire, he comes to America and shuns others of his kind and doesn't feed on humans. For reasons later revealed, he comes to Sunnydale to help Buffy (although at this point, it is possible to speculate that his connection to Darla and the Master drew him there). In this episode, Darla plans to have Angel kill Buffy and return to the fold. Darla sets it up so Buffy thinks Angel bit Joyce. Buffy hunts Angel down at the Bronze (which is closed for fumigation) and tries to kill him. Sensing something is off, Buffy asks Angel why he did it, giving him the chance to tell his story and to kill her, which he refuses. Darla enters the scene and tries to kill Buffy. However, despite the long history between Angel and Darla (and the bond of being his sire), Angel stakes Darla. Later, Buffy and Angel talk (and kiss) at the (now open) Bronze, cementing their forbidden love forever.

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For Angel, coming to Sunnydale to help Buffy is the first step in finding his place in the world. It represents the choice to not just stop feeding, but to actively make the world a better place. It shows the possibilities within the Buffyverse for anyone to be a hero and that everyone is capable of change, but also that this is a place that can accommodate things outside of the norm or things that are "other". While Angel will never truly be a full-fledged member of the Scooby Gang (in part because he does not attend high school), he will become an important ally in good standing for much of his time in Sunnydale. These themes of redemption and acceptance are some of the most powerful presented in the series.

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A final note: watching a series with an eye to in-depth analysis always give us the chance to find continuity issues. One of these is that this episode shows an uninvited vampire sticking his arm through Buffy's door whereas in later episodes, there is basically a force-field at the door, not allowing any part of the vampire in. In one episode of Angel (the series), Angel even leans on this force-field and it holds him up. This is the price of TV created by multiple writers over multiple years, particularly before the advent of DVDs and streaming. While Buffy was merchandised on VHS and DVD, it did not start during the first season. So, this is TV produced at a time that it was (still) transient. It aired and it was gone. Maybe some fans taped it. Maybe it would be syndicated and have re-runs. But it was not really expected to be analyzed as many (like me) have done. Therefore, we should accept these disparities with grace. 

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Another mistake (seemingly) is the reference to Darla being dressed in kimonos the last time she sees Angel. In later episodes of Buffy, Angel indicates that he left Darla forever in Europe after being cursed by the Romani. Therefore, this could be assumed to be another mistake. However, later on Angel (the series), this will actually prove to be true, as Angel did try to return to Darla after he had his soul and the last time he saw her before Sunnydale, she was wearing a kimono.  

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