TV: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

[Brian]

I know this show is done, but it lives in syndication. I've been checking it out for a few days and I like what I see. I have a few questions from the fans (I know a few of you are) before I spring for the DVDs.


Does the first season pick up where the movie left off?

Is Angel (a spin-off of Buffy, right?) any good considering I like Buffy? I mean, is it the same stuff that was on Buffy? Same writers, directors, etc.? It comes on syndication now too.

Can I pick up the show pretty much anywhere and not be lost (actually, that is what I plan to do, just seeing what you all think).

For instance, right now on F/X they are showing what I think is the final season. The storyline is dealing with a group called "The First". Buffy just rescued Spike (the dude that was rumored to play Tarkin in Episode III) from some cave.

But on Sunday night they showed an episode where Willow (Michelle from American Pie) was in some time warp and she couldn't see her friends and there was some weird monster that paralyzed it's prey whenever it scratched them. That show was from 1998.


I don't know what happens to the characters; like who dies and what not so try not to spoil it for me if possible.

I'll probably have more questions with the more episodes I watch.

[Brian]

Apparently no one here watched Buffy...

[xSithxMaulx]

Originally posted by Brian@Feb 19 2004, 11:06 PM
Apparently no one here watched Buffy...
Me and my dad were huge buffy fans. Now my dad is into Smallville.

Angel was good, but now it is so crappy due to lack of good ideas.

Last new one had puppets on some show controlling kids and absorbing there life when they touch the TV....and Angel turned into a puppet....

[Mann]

Buffy is awesome! One of the greatest shows ever!

Angel's last episode was sooooo funny. that puppet holding the sword was hilarious!

[Spacehunter24]

I think the series is supposed to pick up after the movie. I did watch BUFFY early on until I realized how crappy it was. But I seem to remember a line in the first episode that referenced the movie's finale, the big fight inside the gym during the dance.

Personally, though, I prefer the movie. It knew how to have fun without taking itself so seriously, and it wasn't just teen angst in disguise.

[goodwije]

Yes the series takes place after the movie, there are several references to what happened in the movie, but it is not truely derived from it. The story line goes, Buffy in the movie ended up burning the gym down, coupled with the fact that Buffy's mother and father (Joyce and Wayne) have divorced leads Joyce to find a new job in a new town and trying to start over. In the the first 3 or 4 seasons Buffys mom has no idea Buffy is the Slayer. If you have only seen the last season episodes you will not see Buffy's mother she has died by then, also Dawn is not around in the older seasons, she did not show up untill later.

I really liked the old shows, i enjoyed seeing how Buffy, Willow and Xander became friends and all they go through, i think some of the problems with the newer episodes is it leaned too heavily on all that they have been through, but if you are digging the new ones, you will like the older as well, I think.

As far as Angel. At first it really was almost the exact same as Buffy, and they are still pretty simular, which they are meant to be, they just showcase different characters. I know some people who were way into Buffy but never liked Angel, and i know others who stopped watching Buffy after Angel moved away from Sunnydale. But a lot of us liked and watched both.

And yes that last Angel cracked me up as well, it was the classic Angel/Buffy lighthearted show.

[Brian]

Thanks for the info. So are the DVDs worth the purchase since the episodes are being shown on F/X every weekday? As in are there any good extras and deleted scenes, etc?

[Darth Vegas]

Yes they're worth purchasing. The season 5 dvd set even includes episodes that were never aired.

I'd suggest you take it slow though, start out with one set, and if you like it, get the others.

The Angel dvd sets are pretty good too.

[Darth Vegas]

Originally posted by Brian@Feb 17 2004, 08:49 AM
Is Angel (a spin-off of Buffy, right?) any good considering I like Buffy? I mean, is it the same stuff that was on Buffy? Same writers, directors, etc.? It comes on syndication now too.
Buffy is more of a fun and campy serial mixed with all sorts of classic and modern horror, and plenty of new stuff, like Lesbian Witches and so forth. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Angel is a much darker version of the Whedonverse, sort of comparable to Batman, it's very different than Buffy in many ways.

Yes, alot of the same writers and directors worked on both series.

[Brian]

That's why I like Buffy because of the reasons you gave.

I'll check out Angel after I get caught up with Buffy.

Thanks for the info.

[Smeghead]

<span style="color:green">Bond: What's this about unaired episodes? I hadnt heard that. (I'm still saving up for season 5 on DVD)

Brian: Buffy does have a bit of a learning curve when you first start watching, 'cause it takes a little while to get to know who's who and such. But you should catch on quick. And there are alot of websites that can help you catch up. http://www.buffyguide.com has summaries for every episode from seasons 1-4 and most of season 5. When I started watching, that helped alot.

I think the DVDs are worth it, because the episodes in syndication are cut a little for time, so occasionally there are little bits left out, that while not vital to the plot, are missed if you know they're there. You'll probably find that seasons 2-3 are the strongest complete seasons out of the series, but there are alot of really good single episodes in the later seasons.</span>

[Darth Vegas]

Originally posted by Smeghead@Feb 20 2004, 12:14 PM
<span style="color:green">Bond: What's this about unaired episodes? I hadnt heard that. (I'm still saving up for season 5 on DVD)</span>
There's like 2 or 3 episodes on the disk that were never aired, that's what I heard anyway. Could be wrong about that though.

[Brian]

So how many seasons did Buffy run and in what year did it start? This 2003 season showing on F/X right now, I suspect is the final season since the show is now done. The team is fighting some group called "The First." The latest episode is when a fake preist kicks everyone's ass (including Faith). Great episode.

There are also 1998 episodes and 2002 episodes showing.

I recently watched an episode from 1998 where Willow couldn't see her friends and her friends couldn't see her, but they were all in the same place. I was lost. The next show from 1998 coming up is where Buffy vows to finally kill the evil Angel. That's what the episode description says anyway.

The 2002 episode is where Buffy counsels some girl that can see the time of her death or something.


Which seasons are we talking about here?

[Darth Vegas]

Originally posted by Brian@Feb 21 2004, 07:45 AM
So how many seasons did Buffy run and in what year did it start?
7 seasons, started in 97'.

[Brian]

I checked out that site Smeghead provided. I'm catching up there. Thanks!

[Brian]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>But on Sunday night they showed an episode where Willow (Michelle from American Pie) was in some time warp and she couldn't see her friends and there was some weird monster that paralyzed it's prey whenever it scratched them. That show was from 1998.[/b][/quote]

What was the name of this episode? Anyone?


Edit: Nevermind, I figured it out. The episode was from season 7, not 1998 (Same Place, Same Time).

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by TK-007+Feb 21 2004, 08:02 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TK-007 @ Feb 21 2004, 08:02 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-Smeghead@Feb 20 2004, 12:14 PM
<span style="color:green">Bond: What's this about unaired episodes? I hadnt heard that. (I'm still saving up for season 5 on DVD)</span>
There's like 2 or 3 episodes on the disk that were never aired, that's what I heard anyway. Could be wrong about that though. [/b][/quote]
I don't think that's right, Bondy. Season 5 DVD has 22 episodes which was what was aired.

You might be thinking of the mess at the end of season 3 - when two epiosodes were not shown because of that school shooting and were held back for ages?

[Mann]

I remember that! That was the season finale that had the Sunnydale kids using weapons to fight bad guys, and then the parents fighitng as well. That is one of my favorite episodes.

best part is the end of the principal...god that was funny.

[Rob]

Does the first season pick up where the movie left off?

No, the show is based on the movie, it does not pick up where the other left off.

Is Angel (a spin-off of Buffy, right?) any good considering I like Buffy? I mean, is it the same stuff that was on Buffy? Same writers, directors, etc.? It comes on syndication now too.

Yes, Angel actually shows up in the first episode of Buffy.

Can I pick up the show pretty much anywhere and not be lost (actually, that is what I plan to do, just seeing what you all think).

If you watch FX they just recently started over with season 1, episode 1(yesterday I believe).

For instance, right now on F/X they are showing what I think is the final season. The storyline is dealing with a group called "The First". Buffy just rescued Spike (the dude that was rumored to play Tarkin in Episode III) from some cave.

See above.

[Brian]

Thanks, Rob. I've figured everything out now. I finished up season 7 and now I'm watching season 1 on F/X. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Brian]

To anyone that knows the answer:

Was Buffy "cancelled" in the traditional sense (drop in ratings), did the show just run its course, or did SMG just get tired of it and wanted to do other things (i.e. Scooby Dooby Doo)?

[goodwije]

Well from what i have heard, Whedon and company wanted to carry on, however SMG felt personally that it had run its course and wanted out. Don't knwo how much truth there is to it though.

[Brian]

Thanks for the info. I seem to have read that somewhere about SMG. She's married and stuff now and probably wants to do more movies. Understandable.

[Brian]

Don't Wait For Willow (http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=1&id=34521)

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by goodwije@Mar 4 2004, 09:25 PM
Well from what i have heard, Whedon and company wanted to carry on, however SMG felt personally that it had run its course and wanted out. Don't knwo how much truth there is to it though.
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>


I think that was about it. Wheldon etc didn't fight too much to keep her because I think they realsied that the show (lovely as it was) had lived out its natural life and Wheldon wanted to go on to films himself too.

[James William Alexander Atreides]

Originally posted by Brian@Feb 17 2004, 11:49 AM
I know this show is done, but it lives in syndication. I've been checking it out for a few days and I like what I see. I have a few questions from the fans (I know a few of you are) before I spring for the DVDs.


Does the first season pick up where the movie left off?

Is Angel (a spin-off of Buffy, right?) any good considering I like Buffy? I mean, is it the same stuff that was on Buffy? Same writers, directors, etc.? It comes on syndication now too.

Can I pick up the show pretty much anywhere and not be lost (actually, that is what I plan to do, just seeing what you all think).

For instance, right now on F/X they are showing what I think is the final season. The storyline is dealing with a group called "The First". Buffy just rescued Spike (the dude that was rumored to play Tarkin in Episode III) from some cave.

But on Sunday night they showed an episode where Willow (Michelle from American Pie) was in some time warp and she couldn't see her friends and there was some weird monster that paralyzed it's prey whenever it scratched them. That show was from 1998.


I don't know what happens to the characters; like who dies and what not so try not to spoil it for me if possible.

I'll probably have more questions with the more episodes I watch.
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>


1. The TV show did pick up where the movie left off with Buffy leaving Los Angeles to live a new life in Sunnydale. Unfortunately, her destiny followed her there too.(Probably different directers and producers though it was still Joss Whedon's creation.)

2. Angel is alright. But I don't think it is as good as Buffy(unless you're a big David Boreanaz fan).

3. The episode "Chosen" was the series finale. It has Buffy and friends defeating the First and his minions and the destruction of Sunnydale. The producers apparently thought the destruction of the Hellmouth would fulfill Buffy's destiny as a Slayer. Buffy and the rest seem to reflect on what to do next at the end. Some die though but I won't tell you who. You'll have to check it out.

Here's some sites to check out:
http://www.buffyguide.com/episodes.shtml
http://www.angelicslayer.com/tbcs/episodes/
http://www.tv.com/buffy-the-vampire-slayer...ry.html?q=Buffy (http://www.tv.com/buffy-the-vampire-slayer/show/10/summary.html?q=Buffy)
http://www.buffyworld.com/buffy/season1/season1.php

[Brian]

Haha! Thanks for the info, but I've seen all the Buffy and Angel episodes at least twice now. You're about 2 years too late! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif


P.S. I have all the Buffy eps on DVD. Hoping they have a huge Angel DVD collection like the Buffy Chosen Collection released last year.

[DarthAnakin]

Any new news on the Buffy animated series?

[Brian]

Haven't heard anything, but it probably won't ever happen. I have heard of a new comic book series, though. I'm sure our resident Timeline Guru, JTS could shed some light.

*Paging JTS, Paging JTS*

[James T. Skywalker]

I've heard nothing on the Buffy/Angel/Spike/Faith TV front for months. And the last comic news I heard about was Angel: The Curse from IDW, and I believe that series is already over.

~JTS

[James William Alexander Atreides]

Let's get some news:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/buffy/interviews...ips/clip5.shtml (http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/buffy/interviews/espenson_clips/clip5.shtml)
http://www.tv.com/buffy-the-animated-serie...&full_summary=1 (http://www.tv.com/buffy-the-animated-series/show/16283/summary.html&full_summary=1)

Rest in Peace Buffy A
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skullwink.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/shocked.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/worried.gif

[GuyontheCouch]

I have a question for all of you out there concerning Buffy. I have just recently gotten into the show, and yes I do know that I am way behind the power curve on this one, especially since I am 27 years old. Anyways, my question is this: In the second to last episode of the first season Angel says he can't do mouth to mouth resucitation on Buffy because he has no breath as a vampire. In what I believe to be the second to last episode of the second season, I may be off on that though, Spike, for the first time in the series, lights up a cigarette and procedes to smoke it. As a vampire who has no breath how can one smoke a cigarette? I would really like the opurtunity to pose this question to Joss himself and hear him say, "Oh cocky-doody, my bad!" but as he has probably faced this question countless times over the past years and probably would never give that kind of response anyways I bring it here.

[Darth Vegas]

A simple continuity fluff/total disregard of logic.

Also consider this: if Vampires couldn't breath they wouldn't be able to speak.

[GuyontheCouch]

Well, I do suppose that the vocal chords could be vibrated in a manner not requiring the exhalation of breath. But to inhale smoke requires lungs that are not collapsed which would be the case if they were devoid of air. I don't see any other possible way here.

[Darth Vegas]

Originally posted by GuyontheCouch@May 10 2006, 12:45 PM
Well, I do suppose that the vocal chords could be vibrated in a manner not requiring the exhalation of breath.Quoted post

Human vocalizations are created through the movement of air from the lungs and across the vocal cords. The vocal cords vibrate which produce sounds that we form into words and other communication signals.

Whether or not Vampires require oxygen they'd have to be able to breath in order to speak as we do.

It's really best when we just ignore these sort of things and just enjoy the show. Because as you make your way through each season of Buffy (and you should also check out Angel) you're going to find more and more things like this that bother you.

[Ripley]

Got the first season off of Netflix. Quality viewing time if I say so myself.

[BobPalpatine]

I'm rewatching the entire series at the moment. I'm about halfway done with the second season.

[Ascertain]

Things for Buffy (the show) went south as Angel and Cordy left town. Anya was a poor Cordy replacement.

[Ripley]

I'm rewatching the entire series at the moment. I'm about halfway done with the second season.
That's about how far I am now for my first time watching. Favourite episodes have been Teacher's Pet, Nightmares, and Halloween. Plus anything with Spike in it rocks as well.

[BobPalpatine]

Most of the best episodes of the series are yet to come. :)

I'll have to buy all the Angel seasons on DVD and rewatch those too...

[Cobalt12]

Things for Buffy (the show) went south as Angel and Cordy left town. Anya was a poor Cordy replacement.
I agree, Cordy was a crucial part of the Scooby Gang.

[Ripley]

Am I the only one who can't stand Buffy's mom? She irritates the hell out of me.

[Jjm3233]

Seeing this thread again inspired me to start rewatching Buffy, I am almost through season 1 - last episode: Angel.

[James T. Skywalker]

Am I the only one who can't stand Buffy's mom? She irritates the hell out of me.

You gotta admit, though, the episode after her death was pretty moving.

I didn't know until a couple years later that this was the only episode of the series that had no music behind the acting at any point.

~JTS

[Ripley]

You gotta admit, though, the episode after her death was pretty moving.

I didn't know until a couple years later that this was the only episode of the series that had no music behind the acting at any point.

~JTS
I'll find out when I reach it. I'm still in the middle of season three.

[BobPalpatine]

You gotta admit, though, the episode after her death was pretty moving.

I didn't know until a couple years later that this was the only episode of the series that had no music behind the acting at any point.

~JTS

Yea, Body was a great moment in tv.

[James T. Skywalker]

I'll find out when I reach it. I'm still in the middle of season three.

Heh. Whoops! ;)

~JTS

[Ripley]

I agree, Cordy was a crucial part of the Scooby Gang.
I gotta disagree. I like Anya way more than Cordy(she was always my least favourite of the original cast members). I enjoy Angel, but I like Spike as a main a lot more.

[Ripley]

In the middle of Buffy season five/Angel season two. I gotta say I really like Cordy way more on Angel that I her time on Buffy. The only think I haven't really liked about season four and five is that I feel the Initiative and Glory are nowhere near as good as the Master, Spike/Dru/Angel, and Faith/Mayor.

[James T. Skywalker]

In the middle of Buffy season five/Angel season two. I gotta say I really like Cordy way more on Angel that I her time on Buffy. The only think I haven't really liked about season four and five is that I feel the Initiative and Glory are nowhere near as good as the Master, Spike/Dru/Angel, and Faith/Mayor.

That's for sure. And Wolfram & Hart and Darla/Dru were better, even, than the Master, IMHO. And of course they're better than the Initiative/Adam and Glory.

~JTS

[Ripley]

That's for sure. And Wolfram & Hart and Darla/Dru were better, even, than the Master, IMHO. And of course they're better than the Initiative/Adam and Glory.

~JTS
I enjoy Darla/Dru as well (Dru is my favourite non-regular character). Lindsey and Lilah are quite effective as well.

Just got Fray in from inter-library lone. Will be getting to it in a bit.

[Brian]

For all you comic book lovers that might want to follow the events after "Not Fade Away" - the final episode of Angel, check out IDW. I've collected all of their recent Angel comics and they are grade A.
http://www.idwpublishing.com/titles/angel/titles/titles.shtml

Check out Spike vs. Dracula (illustrated by Joe Corroney, a popular Star Wars artist!)
The Spotlight oneshots are nice too.

Here's their most recent offering: http://www.idwpublishing.com/news/angel.shtml

I HIGHLY recommend picking these up. Especially if you like Star Wars comics. Not so much if "EU" isn't your thing. These comics are essentially Angel "EU" stuff since Joss nor any of his staff are writing the stories.

Seems like that's what the editors at IDW are communicating (talks/e-mail) with Joss to get somewhat of an "OK" to run with certain stories. I think/hope...This is just my best educated guess though.

[Ripley]

Fray was a blast to read. Also noticed some similarities to Star Wars Legacy in it.

[Brian]

I'm a bit slow on the take. I'll have to pick up Fray next time I'm in the library.

[Brian]

12:00 AM, 22-SEPTEMBER-06 Buffy Lives--In Comics Dark Horse Comics will publish a new series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer comics that will pick up the story of the cult TV show and act as a de facto eighth season, Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0609/18/index.htm) reported.

The new Buffy series is targeted for a March launch, and the first story arc will be a four-part series that will chronicle events after the Buffy television series' finale, which aired in 2003. Buffy creator Joss Whedon will write, with art by Georges Jeanty.
Since Joss is writing this series, it is "canon"? Does it really matter?

Linkage:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0609/18/index.htm
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=5&id=38217

[Ripley]

Since Joss is writing this series, it is "canon"? Does it really matter?

Linkage:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0609/18/index.htm
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=5&id=38217
As far as I know Fray, Tales of the Vampires, Tales of the Slayers comic, and The Origin are the only Buffy EU currently considered canon. The new series will probably be canon since Joss is writing the opening arc.

Well I finished Angel season two and have five episodes of Buffy season five left. Angel wise I loved the season more than the first. I personally found no fault in it.

Buffy so far has been different. I greatly enjoy Dawn, the first episode, and The Body was brilliant. Glory, on the other hand, is by far the worst villain in the entire show's history (big bads and monsters of the week included). Warren also irritated the hell out of me, which lead to my near puking at finding out he doesn't croak till season seven. There are great individual episodes, but the arc overall with Glory blows. I'd greatly prefered if Dracula had been the big bad since he owned every minute he was onscreen. I wouldn't go so far as say Buffy jumped the shark, but I have noticed a bit of the quality going down. So I'm hoping dark Willow and the First Evil (with Nathan Fillion's suposedly terrible accent) makes up this Glory debacale. While Adam/Initative wasn't as good as the first three seasons, he didn't blow like Glory.

[Ripley]

About half way through Angel season three/Buffy season six. Thank god season six is making up for that Glory aftertaste left in my mouth.

[James T. Skywalker]

What do you think about Angel Season 3?

~JTS

[nefertiti]

I came in late to this show. A friend of a friend, etc... It's good. I get a kick out of the one-liners. B's mom could be a pain. I thought Anaya was a good replacement for Cordy. A couple of times she steals the show. Xander is the comic relief (Dracula episode) - Renfield! As fantastic as it seems, there is a plausability to it.

(...quietly refastens the straight jacket before the men in white find out she can get free...)

[Ripley]

What do you think about Angel Season 3?

~JTS
Great as well. Gavin and Lindwood are poor replacements for Holland and Lindey, but I love Holtz. Him and Lindsey are my favourite Angel villains so far. Fred's a nice addition to the crew, and I'm enjoying the development of Wesley and Cordy (funny considering I disliked Wes and hated Cordy back when they were on Buffy). At the half way point I have to give a slight edge to Angel because while while I'm not the biggest fans of Gaivn and Lindwood I like them more than Warren- who I haven't liked since he first show up.

Oh yes, Once More With Feeling kicked ass on so many levels. Easily my favorite of the conept episodes.

But the biggest complaint I have is the no crossover deal from Buffy going to UPN. Having the Angel/Buffy reunion off-screen blew.

[James T. Skywalker]

They allows some crossovers in Season 7/Season 4 of Buffy/Angel. And the crossovers kick major ass.

Oh, and Wesley absolutely is THE character of Season 3. Alexis Denisof should've won a supporting actor SOMEthing for that season. Wesley's character arc from his introduction on Buffy to the end of Angel is probably the best character development of any in the history of television, IMVHO.

~JTS

[nefertiti]

I agree, Alexis Denisof's character did a transformation that neither stars ("B" or Angel) achieved during the run of their series.

[TAGLINE]

I agree that Denisof went from book nerd coward to complete and total bad ass...amazing arc.

However, Spike took alot of his thunder.

[nefertiti]

Oh Man! How could I forget Spike! He had some excellent one-liners.... Oh, ya hahaha Spike!!!

[Ripley]

Finished Angel season three. The Denisof family must have pissed off Whedon due to both of their characters' going through hell at the same time. :nahnah: I do agree with the setiment that Wes is the character of season three.

Wow, Holtz really is a *******.

[Ripley]

Finished Buffy season six. All I have to say is that Darth Rosenberg kicked Spike out of my favourite villain slot.

[nefertiti]

Agree! Willow was the she-b*tch that year! And didn't Anya have some great lines!

[nefertiti]

Some Buffy news with Joss...

http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting={0C084F89-5673-43B9-9FFC-022578DAA927}

[TAGLINE]

TVGuide.com: Is Battlestar your favorite current TV show?
Whedon: Yes, that is my favorite show. Maybe ever.



:cheers: :bigsmile:

[Ripley]

Halfway through Angel season four, and I just finished watching "Conversations With Dead People." Both of them have been great, but I wonder if I'll still be into season seven once the potentials show up (which I heard is where the season weakens).

[nefertiti]

The potentials weren't that bad.... Buffy with kids...lots of them. Geller hones her craft, yes, there is still camp and some "way-out-there" stuff going on, but these guys pulled it off!

[Ripley]

The potentials weren't that bad.... Buffy with kids...lots of them. Geller hones her craft, yes, there is still camp and some "way-out-there" stuff going on, but these guys pulled it off!

So far I dislike Connor way more than the potentials. He was fine in season three and the beginning of season four, but by the time the beast dies he really grades on my nerves.

[Ripley]

Finished Angel season four today. While Denisof was the man in season three, Amy owned season four. Her role and the father/son *******ization of Manilow were the only two things I really liked about the Jasmine plot (gods obviously don't work as villains at all). The final episode was great as well.

So Angel season four up till Faith left is an A Plus. Afterwards it's a C Minus. So essentially that season had the best and worst of the show.

[nefertiti]

Couldn't stand that Conner kid! Was ok with Jasmine-plot...but I guess Joss saw the writing on the wall and maybe lost interest. Fred did what Wesley did - transformed their characters into "awesome." What did you think of the last show of the series?

[James T. Skywalker]

nefertiti, do you mean the last show of Buffy or of Angel? Because from what I can gather, Rip still has to watch Season 5 of Angel.

Oh, and Ripley: Connor gets better in Season 5...

~JTS

[TAGLINE]

Connor is in like 3 episodes of season 5...?

[nefertiti]

Forgot the last season was 5!!! Sorry Rip.... what I meant was ...boy, are you gonna enjoy the last season. Amy is terrific! There is little of Connor. And Alexis continues to suprise! Enjoy!!!

[James T. Skywalker]

Connor is in like 3 episodes of season 5...?

And they're still better than most of his appearances Season 4. ;)

~JTS

[TAGLINE]

And they're still better than most of his appearances Season 4. ;)

~JTS

Connor pre-Jasmine, decent...post-Jasmine annoying as hell.

Season 5 he's almost as annoying because he has no edge...he's just a good boy...I hate overall.

[James T. Skywalker]

Season 5 he's almost as annoying because he has no edge...he's just a good boy...I hate overall.

I just thought it was funny since no one expected it. Especially after Wes broke the spell that kept his memories back and Connor knew, but preferred to remember the life that his father chose to give him.

Definitely seemed more appreciative than Season 4, and infinitely better than post-Jasmine. Plus, his appearance in the final episode was very good.

~JTS

[Ripley]

Well after five months I just got done watching "Chosen." Buffy seven, much like Angel four, had some of the best and worst moments of the show. "Conversations With Dead People" is by far one of the best episodes in the entire series, the flashbacks about Anya and Spike were great, and I really enjoyed Andrew's presence in the series. The links to Fray made me gitty all over.

In the more neutral territory is the Potentials. While they didn't drive me up the wall as they did with other people they weren't exactly the most enjoyable lot. I liked the return of Faith, but I found her role in Buffy weak in comparison to her actions on Angel.

In the bad is, going from bad to the worst part of the series, is Caleb; Kennedy; and Buffy getting kicked out of her house. Nathan's and Gina's roles in the two shows simply reinforced my belief that one of the reasons Firefly is the weakest of three Whedon shows come from the fact the crew of Serenity are not as good actors as the Buffyverse gang. The accent was terrible with the Caleb character himself basically Warren that can actually beat people up (and I'm not exactly the biggest Warren fan in the first place). Kennedy started off ok, but went straight to hell when she hooked up with Willow. It was like the reactions some EU fans have to Mara hitching up with Luke and her actions towards the other old guard, except multipiled by a hundred. Every time Kennedy starts *****ing at Buffy, knowing she has never been through anything near what Buffy has, made me really want an ubervamp to rip her neck out. I have a hard deciding if her or Connor is worse.

Buffy getting kicked out of her house was the only moment in watching both Buffy and Angel in which I started cursing out the TV. Worse than Connor, Jasmine, and that digusting piece of crap known as Glory. Complete and utter character assassination all abroad. How Buffy's friends could turn on her like that defies all the logic. Buffy should of went to LA, hook up with Dave and his new lawyer army, and destroyed the Hellmouth instead of working with the Scoobies again. Showed that despite his past that Spike was only voice of reason in Sunnydale besides Buffy. Thankfully the next episodes somewhat made up for it, but frak that moment was terrible beyond words.

So how do I rank the seasons as a whole?

1). Season six. I know I am in the minority, but season six was a blast. I myself could really relate the general "grow up" theme of the season more so than the other themes in other seasons. The Trio's immaturity formed a great foil to other characters' growing pains. Plus Darth Rosenberg is sexy. "Once More, With Feeling" also sends this season straight to the top.

2). Season two. The season that introduced Spike, Dru, and evil Dave will always have a special place in my heart. Oz's introduction, Jenny's death, first full length season, a beast that killed armies being destroyed by a RPG, the introduction Ethan, the list goes on. Simply amazing season overall.

3). Season one. As I have said to many people online and in person, the only thing that has left such as lasting impression as "Welcome to the Hellmouth" and "The Harvest" is the first time I watched A New Hope. Season one has that special place in my heart was what started it all. After going through the show "Nightmares" is still in my top ten if not top five favorite episodes in the series.

4). Season four. Year four as special place known as the first Buffy season (and still currently the only at the moment) I have bought, so it is the one I've watched the most. "Hush," "Restless," Faith waking up, and Spike becoming a regular are the high points of the season. I myself liked Reilly quite a bit. Also the rather disjointed feel of the overall arc helped support the feeling that freshman year in college makes a person question their beliefs.

5). Season three. Next to Dark Willow the Mayor is the best big bad, the overall arc of season three is the best, Faith is a nice counterpoint to Buffy, the single Spike episode made me laugh. Wesley annoyed me quite a bit during his tenior- although he and Cordy (who I loathed during her Buffy years) would win me over on Angel. The alternate universe episode was pure gold.

I had a hard time deciding where to place what in the previous five due to my love of it all. The last two are the only ones I had significant problems with.

6). Season seven. Read what I've posted previously.

7). Season five. For having such a strong opener in "Buffy vs. Dracula" I was frankly shocked at how the end product turned. Glory sucked everytime she showed up- Drac should have been the big bad. I simply cannot stress how much I dislike Glory. The character and the acting was terrible. The major plus is obviously "The Body" which is a masterpiece of televison. So far this is only year that I liked the Angel season more than the Buffy.

[TAGLINE]

Ranking the Buffy Seasons:

1) Season 2- One of the finest seasons of television ever. the Introduction of Angelus, Spike, Dru...Holy crap!

2) Season 3- YES! They came back swinging.

3) Season 5- Some lows, but The Body totally made up for it, and it was Gellar's finest work, no question.

4) Season 6- Once More with Feeling. nuff said!

5) Season 7- Some low points I agree, but the final few make up alot of it, and Spike's arc is SO STRONG, as well as NATHAN FILLION!!!!

6) Season 4- My only gem is Hush. The rest...nah. Hated Adam. Hated how they treated Spike.

7) Season 1- I liked it, but meh, it wasn't BUFFY yet, it was still searching.

Ranking Angel:

1) Season 5- NO DOUBT, the most creative and loose and had a kick ass finale! Also it had Spike...so it gets major points

2) Season 3
3) Season 2
4) Season 1
5) Season 4

Ranking Firefly...oh wait, just one season...screw them...Still if compared to the rest of Whedonverse, I would put it right below season 2 of Buffy.

Best Performances in Buffyverse:

1) Wesley (Alexis Denisof)- HOLY CRAP...the evolution of Wesley from Buffy to Angel was AMAZING...from scared booksmart wannabe to bad ass,m shoot first know it all...I just love reflecting on it.

2) Angel (David Boreanez)- When David goes Angelus, I get goosebumps. But when he's brooding, he's engaging as all hell. However, when he was "happy" he was great. Seeing him love Connor unconditionally, pine after women he can't be with, and how he finally took control of Wolfram and Hart.

3) Willow (Allyson Hannigan)- She went from Naive young witch, to the most powerful on the planet. She watched the love of her young life leave, became gay and saw her true love die in front of her, and go on a rampage. All the while Hannigan was remarkably in touch with Willow's sweetness and INTENSE anger.

4) Spike (James Marsters)- Oh the joy of watching Buffy was seeing just how vulgar Spike was going to be. As a villian, he was terrifying. As a regular basic annoyance, he was hilarious and milked it for all its worth. As a love interest and hero, he was amazing and heartfelt. Back on Angel, it was Spike as all three again...I loved it and wish he had more.

5) Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar)- Yes the beginning of Buffyverse is Gellar, Bt with Emmy award worthy performances in The Body, Becoming, Hush, and Chosen...She secured her spot on the top five. Just AMAZING work form someone who generally sucks on film...

6) Giles (Anthony Stewart Head)- I loved this man, because he was so perfect as the bumbling by the books watcher, and became one of the most important people in all the Scoobies' lives: the father figure. He was the glue, and I am so glad he came back for the end.

7) Fred (Amy Acker)- The sweetest and smartest character of any series. Is there no way that She was not charming? She could shoot someone (and did at times) and you loved her for it. This is what made Illyria so incredible.

8) Mayor Richard Wilkins (Harry Groener)- The best full on villian of all the series. He was all smiles when the evil was on, and his plan was masterful. However, when it came to Faith...he LOVED her...a Demon that loved? NO WAY! but he made it work. Probably far too underappreciated overall.

9) Cordelia (Charmisa Carpenter)- The hottest of all of them. Totally smoking, totally obnoxious, and yet she totally has balls! She's not the brightest bulb, but she had a HUGE heart, and cared about everyone. When it came to Angel, she might not have been the most compelling love interest, but she was the longest and at times the arc was far more believable.

10) Faith ( Eliza Dushku)- Season 3 Faith was the breakout killer arc. Her downfall was superb, and her rise back up made it all the more satisfying. She is the slayer we all expect Buffy to have been, but she's more reckless and more intense.

[Ripley]

Finally watched "Not Fade Away" a few mintues ago. Fantastic ending that was stonger yet sader than "Chosen." Those two finales ultimately showed the differences between the shows. Buffy, the young and coming hero, finally achieves victory after years of fighting Angel, the man tormented by all the evil he has done, keeps on fighting regardless of he gains shanshu or not. It's not the fact he will get the reward in the end, it is the fact he is fighting for it. Although I felt Angel could have gone on for another year or two the ending was great enough.

On the Angel seasons I'd say they each got better than the former, except for the fourth which was clearly the worst. Angel's final season rocked in all areas (best of the series), and like it's final episode, I found to be way stronger than Buffy's last season.

Oh yes, Denisof and Acker are far and away the best actors on the show next to Dave (Angel's probably the hardest character to act). Wes' development, the actions of Fred (probably the most heroic character out of the lot), and the transformation into Illyria showed their range. Plus I was reminded why Jayne is my fav Firefly kid since Baldwin owned as Hamilton.

God how do I wish the Spike movie got made. Thank the maker for the Buffy season eight comics. At least there is more material coming out of the Buffyverse- I'd perfer a TV movie but I'll settle with canonical comics. Since I'm getting Tales of the Slayer in the mail I'll pick up Fray again from the library since I'm now properly in that time frame.

[Brian]

The "Season 8" comic should be arriving this Wednesday. Who's getting it? I know I am.

Download a free 6-page preview at darkhorse.com: http://media.darkhorse.com/downloads/PDFSamples/BuffySeason8_1Sample.pdf

And because this year marks the 10-year anniversary of BTVS on TV, TV.com is running a retrospective on all things Whedon: http://www.tv.com/. Check it out.

[Brian]

Tony Head (Giles) comments on "Ripper" and Buffy: Season 8.

CBR News also caught up with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” vet Anthony Stewart Head, who was at the awards with Paris Hilton and Bill Moseley promoting their horror musical “Repo! The Genetic Opera!” “I get to rip people's body parts out and sing about it,” Head remarked. “It's very cool.”

At Comic-Con International this year, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” creator Joss Whedon told fans the long-rumored Giles project, named “Ripper” after the watcher's one-time nickname, may finally come to fruition. Head confirmed that Whedon was in talks with the BBC. “It would be a one-off, and it would probably be a two hour movie, or a 90 minute movie for TV,” Head explained. “We're looking at maybe something in the summer, just kind of depends on the availability of rights and things.”

Head admitted his exposure to Dark Horse's comic book continuation of the series, “Buffy: Season 8,” was limited to what little Whedon had shared with him. “But by all accounts everyone's raving about it, it's great stuff,” the actor said.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=12177