Buffy 7x17

This is a somewhat controversial opinion, but I'm pretty much on Giles' side in this episode. He's right about the trigger still being active. He's also right about them not knowing whether the chip was working when the First used Spike. Logically, having the chip re-activated would've been the right choice. And now, freeing Spike when he's clearly not de-triggered is just dangerous. It's only blind luck and, ironically, principal Wood's meddling, that de-triggered him. On the other hand principal Wood is clearly in the wrong here. The result of his actions may have been good, but his intentions were purely selfish revenge. Buffy, finally, is blinded by feelings. She claims she needs Spike as a fighter, but that's a flimsy excuse. Spike could've fought demons with the chip too. And in this episode she just frees him without giving the de-triggering process time to work. And we know Spike's soul isn't stopping the triggering. That all said, I don't agree with Giles going along with Wood's plan. Giles knew that Wood was acting out of a desire for revenge. And I believe he should've known it was the wrong way forward. He should've found another way.

This is one of my favorite epidodes. Seeing William, and then Spike in the same episode with his mother. His emotions still carried over from him as a human and him as a vampire. His emotions towards his mother were always the same. Even with him turning her it was because of his love for her to keep her with him forever. It's almost like he had a bit of a soul the entire time, but in a really messed up way.

I feel so torn on this season because it has some of my favourite and least favourite episodes. This is one of the former. It's one of Spike's defining moments and the show is better for it. The episodes exploring his past have always been exceptional. That final scene is heartbreaking for Buffy and Giles but it has so much meaning given the past they have. I admit I usually skip reactions to Buffy once they get to this point and move over to Angel but this is one I would never skip. Your emotional understanding with "William"'s struggle is exactly why I watch you. Also, totally unrelated, but your top is awesome. I am feeling stone age warrior vibes.

Yes, this is such an emotional episode. The actress who played Spike's mother was excellent. Yes, Spike has always been a fool for love, even when he became a vampire, his love for his mother still remained. Giles betraying Buffy is not good...

Glad you like this season, so many fans hate it and it annoys me because it's pretty good overall. I always rank it right in the middle.

Will Buffy ever trust Giles again? This is the second time he has betrayed her after Helpless. And she knew he wasn't trustworthy in The Gift. He's also abandoned her at times of need. The Freshman and Tabula Rasa. He's not a dependable person anymore. Buffy's scene with Wood was one of the most intense of the series. "More importantly I'll let him." Buffy has never said anything like that before. Buffy said she would now let Dawn die if it would save the world, when she wouldn't to defeat Glory. I think a big reason is the Potentials. How can she be willing to put their lives at risk and not be willing to do the same with Dawn?

This episode has an excellent DVD commentary track with Drew Goddard - writer, David Fury - writer/director, D. B. Woodside - Robin Wood, and James Marsters - Spike. The co-writers got into a friendly tiff over a scene Drew Goddard wrote for the script and David Fury filmed but eventually cut as the director. During the cemetary scene, when Giles was speaking about making hard choices, he told Buffy about his killing Ben/Glory at the end of season 5. Drew made an argument for including that bit of dialog but David cut it for time. Also, when Willow got the call from Fred, they mentioned that this episode of Buffy was pre-empted by coverage of the start of the Iraq War. It actually aired a week after the next episode of Angel creating a disturbance in the force/time line.

Season 7 is my least favourite season of Buffy. I've watched it a few times and I've never enjoyed it. I just want to say that watching it along with you is the first time I have really enjoyed this season of the show. Thank you.

Such a good episode, and a great reaction as always. People of my generation in Canada will likely also recognize that folk song from a children's TV show that was very much loved here, The Friendly Giant. It was used as the theme song and has always had a special place in my heart. One of those little ditties I find myself humming randomly quite often. :)

This episode is basically the sequel to "Fool for Love" from season 5, and I love it so much. It's one of my favorite episodes from the entire show. I really dislike Giles going behind Buffy's back though.

Great reaction, Jules! Quite the messy (in a good way) episode indeed. Tactically speaking, I think killing Spike is the wrong move because like Buffy said, he is a strong fighter. Locking him up until the trigger is dealt with is a much better option. However, I do understand Giles going behind Buffy's back because he did try explaining to her that unchaining Spike while he still has a trigger is frankly an unreasonable notion and she just wouldn't hear of it. I do think it's really interesting how different Buffy is acting in the role of general though (i.e. she is willing to sacrifice Dawn now if she has to and says the mission is what matters). There are a few things I think Spike is wrong about in this episode. For one, he says that Nikki knew what she was signing up for, but like you pointed out, Slayers are chosen. Also, Nikki not quitting being a Slayer for Robin's sake doesn't necessarily mean that she didn't love him. For instance, Buffy didn't quit being a Slayer to take care of Dawn, but I think it's safe to say that Buffy still loves her. Although I agree with Spike and you that the demon inside his mom was twisting how she actually felt as a human, I think the difference between a vampire and their original human version (or their new ensouled version in Spike's case) is not as black and white as he claimed. Finally, Spike should not have taken the jacket back from Robin. How does Spike expect Robin to move on if he's wearing a constant reminder of what he did to provoke Robin in the first place?

Agreed Juliette. This episode is pure brilliance indeed. It left me thinking though, was it right of Giles & Wood to try and take out Spike? And if you think it wasn't, was it actually for the best anyway? I mean, we now have a trigger-free Spike and that can only be a good thing whether you agree with Giles & Wood or not. That was an excellent reaction to an equally excellent episode. Thanks Juliette, and have a lovely weekend.

I mean, it actually *does* get even *better* (it's the final season of "Buffy"), but getting deeper into the heads of these characters (sometimes rather literally) is great! Caroline Lagerfelt really brought the shock and awe as Spike's mum. Oh, and: love the "JULES REACTS" icon...🎯