Buffy 7x13 The Killer In Me

I loved your reaction to the whole Giles not touching things set up. The resolution was perfect, all that I’d anticipated, the seriousness with which you took it and its release at the comic moment they all jump on top of him. And I’m happy you like Kennedy. I take it she’s not very popular. I don’t keep up much with such opinions. I suppose it’s of the variety that “she’s not as good as Tara”, but I’m happy for Willow to find someone as good as Kennedy. You’ve liked Kennedy from the beginning but, understandably, were cautious when she makes her move on Willow this episode. But if she didn’t prove herself by staying with her and bringing Willow back from the darkness, I don’t know what could. It makes me happy that you saw this, too.

This is a really good episode. Adam Busch did great at playing Willow. I love the "I'm not The First" scene. That one always cracks me up. I also love the way they filmed this episode by flashing back and forth between actual Willow and "Warren".

I can finally congratulate you on catching on to Giles not touching anything. I'm really glad you did because it's very hard to catch on the first watch (I didn't catch it myself) and I think it makes the red herring so much more believable. If I were in Buffy's position, I would choose to repair the chip. Since the chip has been acting wonky (e.g. Spike was able to punch Rona onto the ground without being hurt in the last episode) and it's entirely possible that a repaired chip could prevent the First from triggering Spike. It's not a guarantee, but it is the safer option and Buffy can always call the Initiative again to remove it if they find out the First can still trigger him or if it starts to break down again.

There is a DVD commentary track with this episode by David Solomon, the director, and Drew Greenburg, the writer. They discussed a number of interesting behind the scenes production tidbits. This was the last episode filmed before Christmas and to give the young ladies a longer holiday break (really just to save money) none of the potentials, except Kennedy, appeared. They were supposedly sacked out in the tents behind Giles. All of the scenes in which both Willow and Warren were each other, were filmed in duplicate with each actor and then cut together for the final edit. When Buffy and Spike first opened the hatchway to the Initiative, we were supposed to see a lot of concrete fall into the opening. The director said he was disappointed that it wasn't more obvious in the final edit. But they were trying to make it look sealed up, if not filled in. Just to be clear, the gun sale to Willow (and to Warren in season 6 as well) was absolutely illegal. There is a federally required FBI background check and a five day waiting period before taking possession of a handgun.

I never noticed how the episode came full circle with Kennedy making Willow some tea. Well spotted!

Stay strong and stay safe Juliette and Australia. Moral support from Europe. - - - - About the episode, I really like Kennedy and I wish there would have been more room to explore her character if it weren't the last season. But still great to see someone who can be there for Willow after the hardships she endured last season. And I like the way you were invested in the whole Giles situation during these couple of episodes. Now you can have your sigh of relief as he turned out be ok.

Oh severe weather - cyclone Alfred? Be safe, Juliette!

Hope you're well and keeping safe Juliette 💜