Buffy The Vampire Slayer - S06x19|♡Uncut Reaction &Review♡

This was one of the few times where I take myself out of the immersion of the show. Where I don't blame the character for their actions, but the writers and showrunners. That shower scene felt so unnecessary. All that character growth the past 2 and half seasons felt wasted. Learning to care for Buffy and Dawn. Willing to sacrifice himself instead of spilling the beans to Glory about Dawn being the key. Even helping the scoobies when he was never obligated to after Buffy died in season 5. If this was truly in his character's nature, he would have tried it sooner or it would have been mentioned in one of the discussions or flashbacks about his past. There are plenty of other ways they could have got to Spike's journey at the end of season 6 and start of 7 without that scene. Even though they have him realize when he gets back to his crypt he would never really have gone that far after he says "why didn't I do it" it's worthless. As the scene should have never happened in the first place. I would have preferred them having Buffy just come off even more cruel or harsh when dumping him or after he slept with Anya. I think this could have still set up him going to get fixed so he could "give the slayer what she deserves". I'm sure I will have many disagree with me on this. Just my opinion.

I don't think the way Tara was killed was only for shock value. This show has never shied away from delving into real-life issues, and it seems pretty clear that the themes of this episode were about rape and gun violence. Unfortunately, good people get shot and killed by random or stray bullets fairly frequently in the United States - lights put out in an instant, just as Tara's was. Sadly, these types of incidents are quickly buried by the constant news churn, or pushed aside and forgotton by larger tragedies, and this was a way to shine a light on them. Just my opinion.

Oh get a grip with the R*pe stuff, I've tested this millions of times, asking people what was worse, the rape of one woman, or hiroshima, and 392 out of 415 (and counting when I check someone else in future) said the rape, and that is madness. That's nonsense, that's self worship of women, putting it as an issue above everything else, it's not, it's not worse than murder or genocide or anything even close. And spikes killed thousands of people over the ages, and it's pretty much implied angelus and spike have killed and raped, thousands over the ages and much worse darker things. Stop putting a show on for the camera's, it's literally evil to put womens sexual sanctity so far above all other all other issues and evils in the world, it's self worship the maximum. If you truly do think it's worse than everything else, perhaps you should spend some serious time (literally) sitting down and contemplating why you actually think that. Are you SURE you just aren't thinking this because it's what everyone else thinks? It's not like it's not a bad thing, but it's not like it's the ultimate evil, or even close and it's about time the world stopped pretending it is.

I've watched this show several times all the way through and I maintain that this was the episode where the writers just decided it was time to burn this show to the ground. 😅 I hate it so much.

All is forgiven since he has blonde hair and a jaw line uwu

Tara getting shot & dying wearing the blue sweater that Willow was looking for so much in "The Body" because "Joyce liked it so" - every little detail is just so sad.

So for me the reaction to this one is interesting. Obviously, what Spike tried to do was horrible. That said, Willow actually DID rape Tara and it's overlooked because it wasn't violent. Yes, Tara seemed to enjoy "being" with Willow in Once More With Feeling, but she was literally under her spell. Willow's forgetting spell was the magical equivalent of a date rape drug to make her compliant. Tara had previously said she couldn't be with Willow while she was addicted, and by making her forget all her reasons to say no, she took away Tara's ability to provide informed consent. When an assault looks violent people assume it's worse. When it's under duress but they experience pleasure they feel like it's their fault and are told it's not that bad or they're not a "real" rape victim. In Tabula Rasa, Tara even calls it a violation. I just hate that people still love Willow but never forgive Spike for attempting what she actually did.

If it makes you feel any better the actors that played Warren and Tara actually dated for 7 years. :)

I wish I had better words to say, but this is a rough season, it’s dark and brutal and unkind. There are parts of this episode that are grotesque and unfair and unnecessary, but they are just pieces of whole. I know it sucks, but if you keep trust ing the process and continuing the journey, you’ll find the light again. It’s out there, I promise.

Damn it’s crazy how much I was anticipating and dreading these upcoming episodes.

One down

SoFie: I hate Warren so much Me: Ooooh just you wait

We're all there with you Sofie... Watching your excitement at seeing Tara in the opening credits physically pained me, knowing what was to come... And that's not even mentioned the Spike/Buffy scene, which I also don't know how to begin to comment on. I'm so sorry you had to go through this episode, and all I can really say is that we're all here with you! This is hands down one of the hardest episodes to watch (on par with The Body imo). It's not fair. And it's so fucked up. And I can't promise that things are gonna get better right away. But please know that we're all in this together! A few helpful (and maybe slightly consoling) pieces of context that I'm sure others on here have also noted: Joss Whedon wanted to remind everyone that Spike, regardless of his status as a chip-brained fan favorite, was still a demon without a soul. I won't comment on whether or not it was right to use an attempted rape to get this point across, but the intent was to dunk the viewers in a sobering, ice cold shower. And for what it's worth, this scene absolutely BROKE James Marsters. He was absolutely inconsolable on set afterwards. And as for Tara, no matter how unfair it feels, this was a specific writing choice to fuel critical character arcs for the rest of the season--can't say much else without it being a spoiler. But I will say that there was originally suspicion that it was because the networks didn't like the lesbian pairing (back then LGBT characters were a bigger deal than they are now)--and this has been confirmed to be COMPLETELY untrue! As much as it seriously pains me to say it, I can honestly say that what happened to Tara did happen for good writing choices at the end of the day, even if it's impossible to see it just yet. And lastly, I'll leave you with a quick thought--Buffy is still one of my favorite shows of all time, DESPITE this episode, and I'm sure most people here will agree. Hang in there, Sofie! Sending love and support!

One of the many things that make Buffy such a gripping show is the no holds barred, heart-wrenching drama. Would I like for my favourite characters ever to not have to endure all of these sadistic plot twists? Yes. But would I love the show as much if they didn't? Honestly, probably not. After having seen the show so many times, the soul-crushing cry has turned into more of a cathartic cry. A place to let the feelings out. Sending virtual hugs your way, SoFie.

Damn I was seriously dreading this episode :(

About the bathroom scene, i remember when the show was aired Whedon said that was shooting because ppl used to love Spuffy and he wanted for us to remember that spike is not a person, but a demon. I know this is a hard episode and the next episodes are gonna be hard too, I'm so sorry , i was shock too when I watched this. Tragically beautiful episode. Tara didn't deserve this.

Seeing how happy SoFie was to Amber Benson’s addition to the opening credits (knowing what was coming)…😞.

I recommend watching the next episode as soon as you're able. Some find it cathartic.

Terrible scene with Buffy and spike . I saw something that joss has always hated how popular spike was on show. So they did the one thing Nobody could forgive. To turn fans against spike . They could have done any other storyline except that . Lazy on writers part . An joss whedon had bad relationships with the cast . Who knows why he killed off Tara. He was difficult to work with . The scene with willow eyes turning red is similar to the scene where Bonnie got her powers back after Enzo died . The writers did a terrible job with the spike character this whole season . But season 6 is the most reality based Harsh season of Buffy. Season 7 will Be lighter . Hang in there. Things will get better

Oh man I kinda don’t wanna watch it reading how upset you are by it. Sending love!! This show is great but yeah this one is a shocker.

It is a whedon show - always remember that... At least we got 1 full day of happiness with them being together.

This is certainly one of the most shocking episodes in the series. It's kind of the 'Red Wedding' of BUFFY, but a hard watch because you become so invested in the characters on a personal level on this show, more so (arguably) than GoT etc. It's also very well executed for the most part, with all those emotions you feel towards Warren being exactly what the makers want you to feel. It's particularly hard for anyone who is invested in the Tara/Willlow relationship (and the opening credits are arguably a cruel joke too far). That said, what happens here is well foreshadowed - both in-episode (where Xander's somewhat obtuse scene with Buffy in his apartment is as much about Spike's 'evil' vampire nature as it is about his or Buffy's relationships or perceived failings), and also earlier in the season, where the rocky and violent relationship between Buffy and Spike has edged many times into some very grey areas. Fans of that mesmerising relationship (I'd count myself one, and Sofie has clearly been, up to this point) are in for an unpleasant jolt in Seeing Red, one that nothing in the episode satisfactorily resolves. However, this ep, while a hard watch, in many ways sets up key storylines for the rest of the season, and even the series: the writers definitely have a plan (one that ultimately works for me), while the episode itself feels unbearably raw. Side note: I did meet Adam Busch and Amber Benson a couple of times while they were together (some time after the end of the series) and they were a delightful couple, un-traumatised by this horrific conflagration between their characters, but very aware of the episode's power to shock and even anger. It was a little cathartic to see them getting on so well!

Right there with you. Big hugs. :( :(

I'm so sorry Sofie. This episode is one of the hardest to take. I first saw it when it aired on television when I was in high school and I was so angry.

This episode is always a brutal watch, and you handled it exactly the way you should have. Never apologize for being human.

Your face at the end breaks my heart. I’m so sorry. We’re here and understand how much this episode hurts.

I haven't watched the reaction yet but I'm already tearing up... I'm so scared.

I will never forget the moment I saw this episode live. I remember even the chair I was sitting in and how it looked out the window. Tara being shot was the single most shocking and upsetting thing I'd even seen on film, and I was insane with grief over it as a kid. TARA FOREVER

So sorry Sofie. It fills me with dread every time a reactor gets to 6.19. It’s a well made episode, but I absolutely despise the choices the show runners made and think they could have made different choices and been effective with the overall story. I’m still salty about Tara, and I saw this when it originally aired.

Definitely an episode fans dread to see a reactor get to 😔

Before watching reaction: Gulp. After watching: Things we learn from Buffy - When these writers give you what you want, be scared.

The bathroom scene was particularly difficult on James. He said it ultimately lead to him needing therapy, and after that he has insisted that every contract for everything he's done since has a clause saying he will NOT do a scene like this ever again. He's talked about how during the first take, he was so tense and stressed, it aggravated an old whiplash injury and as soon as he walked through door, he felt something snap in his neck and he just crumpled on the floor; likening it to a puppet's string's being cut. He's said between scenes he'd be curled up in the fetal position.

All I can really say is, fuck Joss Whedon. Like, even though he had stepped back in his duties during this season and wasn't the main writer of this episode, his fingers prints are all over it. He told Amber about this back in season 5, and told Adam, the guy who played Warren and who was dating Amber at the time, "I'm going to have you shoot your girlfriend." And Adam replied, "Oh, cool, Warren's getting a girlfriend," and Joss said, "No, your real girlfriend." I still remember FINALLY seeing Amber in the credits and then... this fucking ending...

bathroom scene is by far my least favorite in the entire series and what i would remove if i could make one change.

Oh dear :(