Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel - First Time Viewer

[tomalak301]

Three episodes into season 2 and he's already tired of Bangel.

I was wondering what Tigers had to do with this series, but then I realized this is a teenage comedy and this might be the series where the combination of names to form a "ship" might have started. In fairness, we've barely seen "Bangel" as you call it. We've mostly seen angsty Angel and Xander while Buffy is all being cool doing her own thing.

 

[Agony_Boothb]

It doesn't, but maybe hold that opinion until I get closer to season 5?

If it makes you feel any better most people loved what happened to Spike. I'm an outlier.

 

[tomalak301]

If it makes you feel any better most people loved what happened to Spike. I'm an outlier.

We will see. I've actually been impressed with this show's character development so far, so anything is possible.

 

[Black Manta]

The first really great episode to me was Halloween. I remember it was even covered by USA Today back in the day. It didn't become my favorite all time show until What's My Line? There's a lot of clunker episodes in season two, but don't get discouraged. It rights itself.

 

[CorporalClegg]

I was wondering what Tigers had to do with this series, but then I realized this is a teenage comedy and this might be the series where the combination of names to form a "ship" might have started. In fairness, we've barely seen "Bangel" as you call it. We've mostly seen angsty Angel and Xander while Buffy is all being cool doing her own thing.

Well, "Bangel" is really more of a joke amongst the fandom. It's almost meant to be ironic in its use of the classic 'ship' name thingy. It really refers to their whole being together and interactions - their body language and mannerisms and way of speaking to or at each other. So even those first verbal jabs after she swung down from the lamppost in the pilot is 'Bangel.'

Spoiler: Very mild Angel [series] spoilers...

It actually comes to a humorous climax in the Angel episode Fredless, when two Buffy-related characters mockingly reenact Bangel to a third character.

 

[Grendelsbayne]

SPIKE!!!!!!

Ok, I have a question. Did you all fall in love with Spike during his introduction or did it take a while.

Everyone I know loved the character right away. He was actually supposed to die a few episodes later but audiences were so into him that they completely changed their plans.

 

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

Yep. Spike was given a 5 episode arc but everyone loved him too much to have him die. I loved it in School Hard when everyone at Sunnydale High is getting eaten by Spike’s vamp gang and he’s just like “This is... Neat.” And Drusilla is so funny in her own insane way.

 

[Iamnotspock]

I loved it in School Hard when everyone at Sunnydale High is getting eaten by Spike’s vamp gang and he’s just like “This is... Neat.”

Wasn't that in 'Halloween', when everyone turns into their costumes and he's roaming the streets amid the carnage?

 

[Velocity]

Such a great series! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

 

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

Wasn't that in 'Halloween', when everyone turns into their costumes and he's roaming the streets amid the carnage?

I just checked and you’re right. My bad.

 

[Jayson1]

I feel like I am watching the show again for the first time by reading this thread. Pretty neat.

Jason

 

[Sparkle Fabulosa]

I’ve actually decided to rewatch again it because of this thread. It’s been a few years.

 

[tomalak301]

I'm watching the Inca episode, and can someone gag Xander please. Maybe this is a product of the time (And Willow's bib suspenders) but every single comment he's making is cringeworthy. This is the first time I've actually noticed it as very obvious.

This episode is highlighting the reputation of dirty american quite well.

Also, Scott Evil is in Buffy and he's wearing an Islanders shirt. That's kinda cool.

 

[Turtletrekker]

There are only couple of episodes where you should watch episodes in order. And probably by that time you need some change anyway.

This viewing guide is for watching maximum amount of episodes from either series in a row, so minimum amount of service or disc switching: http://buffyfest.blogspot.com/2009/04/buffyangel-episode-watching-guide.html?m=1

This is pretty good, but it does have a few weird spots.

Spoiler

Season4/Season 1 - It splits Five by Five and Sanctuary, which makes no sense - that's a two-parter, why would you break it up?
Season 5/Season 2 - I think it's better to watch Buffy through The Gift, and then watch the Pylea arc, rather than breaking up either one.

Here is another chronology that isn't as concerned with disc swapping so is perhaps a little more accurate. YMMV.

http://josswhedon.blogspot.com/2012/04/buffy-and-angel-episode-viewing-order.html?m=1

 

[tomalak301]

I'm watching the Inca episode, and can someone gag Xander please. Maybe this is a product of the time (And Willow's bib suspenders) but every single comment he's making is cringeworthy. This is the first time I've actually noticed it as very obvious.

This episode is highlighting the reputation of dirty american quite well.

Also, Scott Evil is in Buffy and he's wearing an Islanders shirt. That's kinda cool.

Inca Mummy Girl was an episode that started out rough but got better as it went along. I still cringed at some of Xander's ugly american-ness and then when he notices Buffy at her house and describes her outfit as white trash. I'm sorry but this was the first episode since the first few first season episodes where I felt was kind of dated. The stuff at the dance was pretty good though, and in seriousness to the Scott Evil comment, having Seth Green on this show might be interesting. I think this is where he got his start and then Austin Powers really made him a "name" actor.

Willow as an Eskimo was kind of adorable. Really felt for her during the scenes where she says she's waiting for Xander to do something or she has to move on.

 

[Grendelsbayne]

Inca Mommy Girl was an episode that started out rough but got better as it went along. I still cringed at some of Xander's ugly american-ness and then when he notices Buffy at her house and describes her outfit as white trash. I'm sorry but this was the first episode since the first few first season episodes where I felt was kind of dated. The stuff at the dance was pretty good though, and in seriousness to the Scott Evil comment, having Seth Green on this show might be interesting. I think this is where he got his start and then Austin Powers really made him a "name" actor.

Willow as an Eskimo was kind of adorable. Really felt for her during the scenes where she says she's waiting for Xander to do something or she has to move on.

I always liked the twinkie scene and the Willow/Oz stuff, but yeah, the rest of this episode is heavily skippable.

 

[tafkats]

Inca Mummy Girl is pretty cringeworthy. Between Xander's douchey behavior, and all the ethnically insensitive costumes ... yeah.

Also, why does Sunnydale High School host official school events in a bar?

 

[tomalak301]

Reptile Boy was an ok episode, highlighted by Willow's outburst putting Angel and Giles in their place. With all the pressure Giles puts on Buffy and Angel blowing Buffy off, it's nice that Willow is the voice of reason in this situation. I hope we get a Willow episode soon because it feels like she's being sidelined so far. Heck, if there is an apt comparison, I would say she's the current season Cisco (Flash) so far, the techie who needs a lot more to do.

I can actually relate to the whole uncomfort thing at the house party. I remember when I transferred to the 4 year college and they would have house parties, they were some of the most uncomfortable social gatherings I've been a part of. I need to work on being more social, but you can't be social at a house party, not when everyone is getting drunk and they will forget you the next day.

 

[CorporalClegg]

Willow being the adult in the room (often when Giles is in it) is intentional. You're picking up on one of the main conceits of the show.

Along those same lines, "One girl in all the world..." is intentionally patronizing. But more on that later.

 

[tomalak301]

Inca Mummy Girl is pretty cringeworthy. Between Xander's douchey behavior, and all the ethnically insensitive costumes ... yeah.

Also, why does Sunnydale High School host official school events in a bar?

It's a show on a budget?

In show reason? With all the damage the school should have from the vampire attacks, maybe they think the nearby bar is closer.