FIRST TIME WATCHING: Buffy the Vampire Slayer S2E12

I think the show gets a lot better at serious moments later, cause it started out less serious, it wasn't sure how to do melodrama in the beginning

ONE PUNCH MAN

This is my pick for worst episode of season 2, and one of the worst of the series. As a "monster of the week" episode, the main plot is largely irrelevant, but there are some nice character moments. But unlike some of the stronger "MotW" episodes, there's no real character development here. Xander and Cordelia extend their secret romance, but that's been going on for a few episodes already. Buffy and Angel have some relationship conversations, which is a little development for them but largely it's just a lot of kissing. Willow has very little to do, as she's the first of the Scoobies to be mind-controlled, so we don't really get any meaningful scenes with her. I guess this is the first episode where Giles and Joyce have a scene together (unless I'm misremembering) so it's somewhat notable for that. As one last dig at the episode, I can never get over the way the mind-controlled students are "mining" in the basement. I get that they can't really have them hitting the floor with pickaxes, but the way they're just lightly tapping the floor always stands out to me and feels very cheesy. All that said, I love the character dynamics in this era of the show, so even though this one is kind of a dud, I still enjoy it on rewatches. And the monster design (specifically, the creature that hatches in Buffy's bedroom) is thoroughly creepy, giving that scene a bit of genuine horror flair. Thankfully, this is the last "bad" episode for a while, and season 2 is almost all gas from here on out. Looking forward to the next one!

The thing about the eggs going off never occurred to me before. In the UK our eggs aren't washed, so it's best not to keep them in the fridge.

I'll never understand the Ted hate, tbh. That's always the one I'm excited for 😂

Regarding the Ted episode, I think a lot of the problem is watching a character we like being completely gaslit while her support structure is crumbling around her. As her friends and mother all take his side, think Buffy is making everything up and she is just isolated. And to me, its the definition of a filler episode. Nothing changes between the beginning and end of the episode. There is no plot or character development. You can skip episode 11 and you wouldn't even notice.

Not doppleganger. Mirror -> the guy was absent in the reflection.

LOVE Bad Eggs! It’s some well needed campy fun to me 😭 especially considering what happens next The way I seized up when Buffy said “Passion”… 👁️‍🗨️👄👁️‍🗨️

Nat, not sure who told you "Ted" was considered one of the worst episodes of the series, but as a longtime fan I've never heard that. I think they meant today's episode, "Bad Eggs", which IS generally considered one of the worst of the series.

I would say it shows what a badass Buffy is that she isn't reacting to the creature in her room. She fights dangerous and gross stuff all the time and who knows how many things she's fought we haven't even seen. She just gets into battle mode and takes it down.

I mainly grew up in Abilene Texas. Attended ACU 3 semesters and sang in the a cappella choir. Played a Knight in Murder in the Cathedral. (I mostly attended the other universities there and almost finished my BFA at UT Arlington.)

I think it's safe to say that the writers of this episode have read Heinlein's The Puppet Masters.

I'd love a Widow's Bay reaction and it would be perfect for Natmare season. It's one of the best shows of the year in my opinion and manages the very difficult genre of horro/comedy (meaning it is a genuine horror show, but also laugh out loud funny at times with dry humor).

Season 3 probably the best season; at least in terms of overall plot. Also the production quality is also better and the stand alone episodes are better integrated. Also the character arcs just gets better and better throught the season.

i used to alway think Lyle was the guy that played Jayne in firefly when i first saw this but then he actually shows up later as another character in Angel. Between Buffy and Angel i think the most of firefly cast make either guest appearances or are reoccuring characters for a season.

Happy "Buffy" Tuesday, Natalie! 😊 The "Bad Eggs" episode. Pretty good episode. We get a couple of new vamps for Buffy to fight. And a school project turns bad as Buffy's relationship with Angel heats up. Already looking forward to the reaction for the next episode. It's one of my favorites of the season and series. Have a great day today! Stay Golden! 💛

Hi Natalie - I think that the Bad Egg Episode is one of the worst ones in the Buffy Series. Compared to the Ted Episode it was gross and dumb, other than the Xander and Cordelia dueling questions bit in the Sex class. I don't have the same level of cringe from the more dramatic episodes and scenes as you do. The late 90s and Early 2000s had many shows that were far more Soap Opera cringe than Buffy does, because there's always some twists, jump scares, and comedy in the majority of Buffy episodes. The Buffy Series ran for 7 years, so that's 7 seasons. Cheers Dave

It was a lot of re-watches before I understood what happened on the mall escalator. It was a mirror she looked in, and saw the reflection of the escalator. That's when she saw he wasn't in the reflection. I didn't realize it was a reflection for a long time. You caught it quicker than I did.

Great one! The next episode is a 2 parter and really should be watched together. Please consider it.

Just want to say how much I’m appreciating this rewatch with you! I used to watch Buffy all the time but it’s been a minute. A great part of Buffy is the camp and the humor. It’s part of the whole experience and it’s endearing. However, if you’re not into the drama of the show, it’s about to get a whole lot more sincere, so buckle up 😅 Also, if the other show you were talking about was Widow’s Bay, that is a PHENOMENAL show as well, and would be great to get around to eventually even if not in time for Halloween.

If you want another show for Spooky season FROM would be awesome. Even if you only watched 1 season and waited till next Sep/Oct for the next season. Also maybe the Buffy The Vampire Slayer movie for Natmares?

Happy Tuesday Nat. Always look forward to watching more Buffy with you 😊 Oeuf! Well you did say this was the perfect show for spooky season Nat 😅 Thanks for another fun reaction today.