I recently decided to bingewatch Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Since I’d never seen a single episode prior to this viewing, there will be no spoilers (or possible foreshadowing) discussed. Click here for the rest of the Buffy reviews.
Hysterically funny and entertaining from start to finish.
This was positively the funniest episode of Buffy so far. Much like the show itself, this episode has a ridiculous title and yet is full of a complex, rich premise.
When our beloved Cordy breaks up with Xander on Valentine’s Day, he decides to use the help of a fellow schoolgirl who knows witchcraft in order to cast a love spell on his ex-girlfriend. The funny thing is, I was certain the witch was going to be the villain of the week because of how she was introduced; therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when the show subverted my expectations and simply turned this into a fun, painless episode. Color me impressed.
It’s no secret I’ve been enjoying Xander and Cordelia together this season, so I was mighty cheerful when this episode focused heavily on their relationship. They’ve always provided the show with some extra comical energy (not that it needs it), but to have the entire female population go crazy over him made this even funnier. I don’t think I’ve seen anything funnier all year than that herd of hormonal women running and screaming after Xander and Cordelia at Buffy’s house while Buffy herself, who turned into a rat (!), was trying to escape from a hungry cat. Absolutely hysterical.
There’s also a great message behind this one (no surprise there) about not trying to impress other people and simply being yourself. It’s a positively happy note, and Buffy doesn’t try to spoonfeed us anything. I can certainly see myself watching this one over and over again.
Spells, Bits & Quotes
– I’ve arrived at a point in my Buffy bingewatch where I’ve started humming the theme song even when I’m not watching. Think I’m addicted yet?
– The Angel/Dru/Spike love triangle is also positively hilarious/compelling here. Spike gets his “pet” a necklace while Angel hands her a warm girls’ heart. Angel 1, Spike 0.
– I was so annoyed at those mean girls shunning my Cordy! Glad she showed them who’s boss in the end. Adios, Harmony, I hope we never see you again.
– Heartwarming moment: Cordelia was actually wearing the necklace Xander got her, even though she pretended to take it out of her locker. I actually squealed “aww” in my fangirl-iest voice ever.
– Nifty little detail: the score this week was freaky and extremely fitting with all the witchcraft and spells! Kudos, show.
– Buffy looked very sexy in that black raincoat. Did SMG get another haircut this week? She sure looks blonder now.
– Even though Buffy seducing Xander was probably my favorite (and the funniest, without a doubt), I love how there was so much history in Willow and Xander’s seduction scene in his bedroom.
– Loved that we spent a couple seconds from the perspective of Buffy as a rat. The trap with the cheese on it? Priceless.
– Awesome twist: Drusilla saving Xander from Angel because, obviously, she had the hots for him. It’s amazing when this show brings every single character into a structured and well-plotted storyline. I’m beyond impressed.
– Nifty visual sight: Dru knocking the kitchen door open with one punch. Talk about badass.
– Hilarious scene: some girl reaching into the basement window, breaking stuff and screaming at Xander “please let me touch you!”.
– Buffy: Go ahead. You know you wanna say it.
Willow (grinning): My boyfriend’s in the band!
Amy: Cool.
Buffy: I think you’ve now told everybody.
Willow: Only in this hemisphere.
– Angel: Dear Buffy…I’m still trying to decide the best way to send my regards.
Spike: Why don’t you rip her lungs out? It might make an impression.
Angel: Lacks…poetry.
Spike: It doesn’t have to. (thinks) What rhymes with lungs?
– Cordelia (looking at the necklace): Xander…thank you. It’s beautiful. I wanna break up.
– Amy: I don’t know, Xander. Intent has to be pure with love spells.
Xander: Right. I intend revenge. Pure as the driven snow.
– Giles: Look, here’s another. Here. (reading) “Valentine’s Day. Angel nails a puppy to the–”
Buffy: Skip it!
– Amy: I know what his heart wants.
Buffy: Funny, I know what your face wants. (punches her, hard)
– Drusilla: Your face is a poem. I can read it.
Xander: Really? It doesn’t say ‘spare me’ by any chance?
– Buffy: I remember coming on to you, I remember begging you to undress me. And then a sudden need for cheese.
– Cordelia: I do what I wanna do, and I wear what I wanna wear. And you know what? I’ll date whoever the hell I wanna date. (Xander smiles) No matter how lame he is.