Topic: Tom's Buffy and Angel Marathon

[Tom]

21. Primeval (2000-05-16)
Writer: David Fury (Writer)
Director: James A. Contner
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), James Marsters (Spike), Leonard Roberts (Forrest Gates), Amber Benson (Tara), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Jack Stehlin (Dr. Angelman), Conor O'Farrell (Colonel McNamara), George Hertzberg (Adam), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Lindsay Crouse (Maggie Walsh), Bob Fimiani (Mr. Ward), Jordi Vilasuso (Dixon)

A good episode, but I am a little disappointed with this showdown. I never really liked the Adam arc.

Rating:



22. Restless (2000-05-23)
Writer: Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Seth Green (Oz), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), James Marsters (Spike), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Amber Benson (Tara), Mercedes McNab (Harmony Kendall), David Wells (Cheese Man), Michael Harney (Xander's Father), George Hertzberg (Adam), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Seth Green (Oz), Armin Shimerman (Principal Snyder), Sharon Ferguson (Primitive), Phina Oruche (Olivia), Rob Boltin (Soldier)

In the past I never really liked this episode all that much. I was always disappointed, that instead of a good two-part series finale we got this coda episode.
But taken as a stand-alone episode, this one is really great and this time around I really enjoyed it. This is one of Joss's experimental episodes. In my opinion he captured the dream sequences great. They did feel like real dreams with all the constantly changing circumstances. Also nice that we got to see some old faces like Oz, Olivia and Snyder. And nice that we got to see the actor who was playing Adam without the makeup.

Rating:

[Tom]

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Five
Year: 2000
Director:
Rating: 15
Length: 945 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78
Audio: English: Dolby Digital Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital Surround
Subtitles: Danish, English, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish

Extras:
Commentary
Featurettes
Outtakes
Photo Gallery
Scene Access
Scripts
Trailers

[Tom]

It has been awhile since my brother and I watched any Buffy episodes. But now with "Heroes: Season 3", "Red Dwarf" and other series we have watched the last few month together out of the way, we have finally time to continue with this marathon.

[Tom]

5.01 Buffy Vs. Dracula
Writer: Marti Noxon (Writer)
Director: David Solomon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Rudolf Martin (Dracula), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), Amber Benson (Tara), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), E. J. Gage (Mover #1), Scott Berman (Mover #2), Marita Schaub (Vampire Girl #1), Leslee Jean Matta (Vampire Girl #2), Jennifer Slimko (Vampire Girl #3)

I never really liked this episode. I don't like the way Dracula is portrayed. He is similar in character to Byron from Babylon 5, who I also don't like. Also I think Dracula as a real figure doesn't fit into Buffyverse. He doesn't even look like other vampires in the series.

Rating:



5.02 Real Me
Writer: David Fury (Writer)
Director: David Grossman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Mercedes McNab (Harmony Kendall), Bob Morrisey (Homeless Man), Amber Benson (Tara), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Brian Turk (Mort), Chaney Kley Minnis (Brad), Faith S. Abrahams (Peaches), Tom Lenk (Cyrus)

This is a great introduction for Dawn. I never had a problem with her as an addition to the series. I like the way they introduced her. And also Harmony is a riot.

Rating:



5.03 The Replacement
Writer: Jane Espenson (Writer)
Director: James A. Contner
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Michael Bailey Smith (Toth), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Kelly Donovan (Xander Double), Cathy Cohen (Building Manager), David Reivers (Foreman), Fritz Greve (Construction Worker)

I enjoyed this episode. Even though the premise is nothing new, it is fun to watch two different Xanders. And we aren't even bothered with bad split-screen effect, because Nicholas Brendon's twin brother doubled for the second Xander.

Rating:



5.04 Out Of My Mind
Writer: Rebecca Rand Kirshner (Writer)
Director: David Grossman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Mercedes McNab (Harmony Kendall), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Charlie Weber (Ben), Time Winters (Dr. Overheiser), Amber Benson (Tara), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Dierdre Holder (Hospital Doctor)

Nothing special. At least this episode is preparing the departure of Riley from this series. He is a character I never really liked.

Rating:

[Tom]

5.05 No Place Like Home
Writer: Douglas Petrie (Writer)
Director: David Solomon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Clare Kramer (Glory), Charlie Weber (Ben), Ravil Isyanov (Monk), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), James Wellington (Nightwatchman), Paul Hayes (Older Nightwatchman), Staci Lawrence (Customer), John Sarkisian (Old Monk)

In this episode Buffy learns about Dawn's true nature. I enjoyed this episode. I also like that Giles and Buffy are growing closer again and he is a confidante for Buffy. I never really liked his storyline in season four where he is pushed out of the group and he felt useless.

Rating:



5.06 Family
Writer: Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Mercedes McNab (Harmony Kendall), Clare Kramer (Glory), Charlie Weber (Ben), Amy Adams (Beth Maclay), Steve Rankin (Mr. Maclay), Amber Benson (Tara), Ezra Buzzington (Bartender), Peggy Goss (Crazy Person), Torry Pendergrass (Damon), Megan Gray (Sandy), Brian Tee (Intern), Kevin Rankin (Donny)

A nice Tara episode. Amy Adams has a small role as Tara's cousin. I love how they welcome Tara in their little Scooby family at the end.

Rating:



5.07 Fool For Love
Writer: Douglas Petrie (Writer)
Director: Nick Marck
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), David Boreanaz (Angel), Mercedes McNab (Harmony Kendall), Julie Benz (Darla), Juliet Landau (Drusilla), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Kali Rocha (Cecily Adams), Edward Fletcher (Male Partygoer), Katharine Leonard (Female Partygoer), Matthew Lang (2nd Male Partygoer), Chris Daniels (Stabbing Vampire), Kenneth Feinberg (Chaos Demon), Steve Heinze (Vampire #1), Ming Liu (Chinese Slayer), April Wheedon-Washington (Subway Slayer)

A great episode. I always love flashback episodes. It's funny to see Spike before he was turned into a vampire.
And also the end is one of the most touching scenes in the series.

Rating:



5.08 Shadow
Writer: David Fury (Writer)
Director: Daniel Attias
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Clare Kramer (Glory), Charlie Weber (Ben), Kevin Weisman (Dreg), William Forward (Doctor), Amber Benson (Tara), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Megan Gray (Sandy)

An average episode. Nothing special.

Rating:

[DJ Doena]

A nice Tara episode. Amy Adams has a small role as Tara's cousin. I love how they welcome Tara in their little Scooby family at the end.

"We are blood kin. Who are you?" - "We are family."

[Tom]

5.09 Listening To Fear
Writer: Rebecca Rand Kirshner (Writer)
Director: David Solomon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Charlie Weber (Ben), Nick Chinlund (Major Ellis), Kevin Weisman (Dreg), Randy Thompson (Doctor Kriegel), Amber Benson (Tara), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Paul Hayes (Older Nightwatchman), Keith Allan (Skinny Mental Patient), Erin Leigh Price (Vampire Chick), April Adams (Nurse Lampkin), Barbara C. Adside (Creature), Debbie Lee Carrington (Creature)

I never liked this episode all that much. I think it is a stupid idea to have an extra-terrastrial life form in Buffy. It doesn't fit the series. Added to that it looked really stupid.
The only saving point is the storyline of Joyce's illness.

Rating:



5.10 Into the Woods
Writer: Marti Noxon (Writer)
Director: Marti Noxon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Bailey Chase (Graham Miller), Nick Chinlund (Major Ellis), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Randy Thompson (Doctor Kriegel), Rainy Jo Stout (Junkie Vampire Girl), Emmanuel Xuereb (Whip), Adam G. (Tough Vamp)

The good thing about this episode: Riley is gone!
Otherwise really forgettable.

Rating:



5.11 Triangle
Writer: Jane Espenson (Writer)
Director: Christopher Hibler
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Abraham Benrubi (Olaf the Troll), Amber Benson (Tara), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Ranjani Brow (Young Nun)

Nice to see Willow and Anya interact and finally coming to a truce.

Rating:



5.12 Checkpoint
Writer: Douglas Petrie (Writer), Jane Espenson (Writer)
Director: Nick Marck
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Clare Kramer (Glory), Charlie Weber (Ben), Cynthia Lamontagne (Lydia, Watchers Council Member #1), Oliver Muirhead (Phili), Kris Iyer (Nigel), Kevin Weisman (Dreg), Troy T. Blendell (Jinx), Amber Benson (Tara), Harris Yulin (Quentin Travers), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Wesley Mask (Professor Roberts), Justin Gorence (Orlando), Peter Hussman (Mailman), Jack Thomas (Council Member #4), John O'Leary (Council Member #5)

I always loved how Buffy puts the council guys into their place and gets Giles his job back. And Buffy's face when she finds out what Glory is. Also the interviews are really fun.

Rating:



5.13 Blood Ties
Writer: Steven S. DeKnight (Writer)
Director: Michael Gershman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Clare Kramer (Glory), Charlie Weber (Ben), Troy T. Blendell (Jinx), Amber Benson (Tara), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Justin Gorence (Orlando), Michael Emanuel (Burly Guard), Joe Ochman (Janitor), Paul Bates (Crazie #1), Carl J. Johnson (Crazie #2), Candice Nicole (Young Buffy), Elyssa D. Vito (Young Dawn)

In this episode Michelle Trachtenberg gets to shine. Here she proves she can handle this season's most important role.

Rating:

[Tom]

5.14 Crush
Writer: David Fury (Writer)
Director: Daniel Attias
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Mercedes McNab (Harmony Kendall), Charlie Weber (Ben), Amber Benson (Tara), Juliet Landau (Drusilla), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Frederick Dawson (Porter), Greg Wayne (Student), Joe DiGiandomenico (Matt), Walter Borchert (Jeff), Asher Glaser (Boy in Bronze), Jennifer Bergman (Girl in Bronze), Nell Shanahan (Waitress)

Spike's crush for Buffy becomes known. And we get to see Drusilla again. A good episode.

Rating:


5.15 I Was Made To Love You
Writer: Jane Espenson (Writer)
Director: James A. Contner
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Clare Kramer (Glory), Charlie Weber (Ben), Shonda Farr (April), Adam Busch (Warren Meers), Troy T. Blendell (Jinx), Amber Benson (Tara), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Amelinda Embry (Katrina), Paul Darrigo (Driver), Gil Christner (Resident), Kelly Felix (Teenager), Paul Walia (Friend)

An okay episode. It introduces Warren, who will have a bigger role in season six.

Rating:



5.16 The Body
Writer: Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Randy Thompson (Doctor Kriegel), Amber Benson (Tara), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Kevin Cristaldi (First Paramedic), Stefan Umstead (Second Paramedic), Loanne Bishop (911 Operator), J. Evan Bonifant (Kevin Berman), Kelli Garner (Kirstie), Rae'ven Larrymore Kelly (Lisa), Tia Matza (Teacher), John Michael Herndon (Vampire)

One of the best Buffy episodes of the entire series. Very heart-wrenching with great performances.

Rating:



5.17 Forever
Writer: Marti Noxon (Writer)
Director: Marti Noxon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), David Boreanaz (Angel), Clare Kramer (Glory), Charlie Weber (Ben), Troy T. Blendell (Jinx), Amber Benson (Tara), Joel Grey (Doc), Todd Duffey (Murk), Andrea Gall (Customer), Alan Henry Brown (Funeral Director), Darius Dudley (Minister), Annie Talbot (Lady With Baby), Noor Shic (Lady with Rosary)

Disappointing after the previous episodes. The plot where someone tries to use a resurrection spell on a loved one is tired.

Rating:



5.18 Intervention
Writer: Jane Espenson (Writer)
Director: Michael Gershman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Clare Kramer (Glory), Adam Busch (Warren Meers), Troy T. Blendell (Jinx), Amber Benson (Tara), Sharon Ferguson (Primitive), Todd Duffey (Murk), Kelly Donovan)

The "First Slayer" storyline is boring. But the Buffybot provides fun, and Spike gets to proof himself at the end.

Rating:



5.19 Tough Love
Writer: Rebecca Rand Kirshner (Writer)
Director: David Grossman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Clare Kramer (Glory), Charlie Weber (Ben), Troy T. Blendell (Jinx), Anne Betancourt (Principal Stevens), Leland Crooke (Prof. Lillian), Amber Benson (Tara), Todd Duffey (Murk), Alan Heitz (Slook), Pat Skipper (Doctor (uncredited))

Glory thinks that Tara is the key and goes after her. The beginning of the finale.

Rating:

[Tom]

5.20 Spiral
Writer: Steven S. DeKnight (Writer)
Director: James A. Contner
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Clare Kramer (Glory), Charlie Weber (Ben), Wade Andrew Williams (General Gregor), Karim Prince (Dante), Amber Benson (Tara), Justin Gorence (Orlando), Lily Knight (Gronx), Todd Duffey (Murk), Jack Donner (Cleric #1), Bob Morrisey (Crazy #1), Paul Bates (Crazy #2), Carl J. Johnson (Crazy #3), Mary Sheldon (Nurse)

A nice continuation of the season finale.

Rating:



5.21 The Weight of the World
Writer: Douglas Petrie (Writer)
Director: David Solomon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Clare Kramer (Glory), Charlie Weber (Ben), Dean Butler (Hank Summers), Lily Knight (Gronx), Bob Morrisey (Crazy #1), Amber Benson (Tara), Joel Grey (Doc), Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers), Todd Duffey (Murk), Alexandra Lee (Young Buffy), Paul Bates (Crazy #2), Carl J. Johnson (Crazy #3), Matthew Lang (High Priest Minion)

A good episode. Funny how Spike has constantly remind everyone of Glory's and Ben's true nature.

Rating:



5.22 The Gift
Writer: Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Emma Caulfield (Anya Jenkins), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Anthony Stewart Head (Giles), Clare Kramer (Glory), Charlie Weber (Ben), Amber Benson (Tara), Joel Grey (Doc), Todd Duffey (Murk), Craig Zimmerman (Minion #1), Josh Jacobson (Teen), Tom Kiesche (Vampire)

A great season finale. Even a great series finale like how WB has promoted it at the time (Buffy was switching networks after this season). Everyone gets their moments: Willow/Tara (Willow being bad-ass and restoring Tara's mind), Xander/Anya (proposal), Spike/Buffy, Giles (handling Glory/Ben) and of course Dawn and Buffy.

Rating:

[Tom]

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Six
Year: 2001
Director:
Rating: 15
Length: 922 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Subtitles: Danish, English, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish


Plot:
Get ready for the Scooby gang to go through some drastic changes in this vampishly compelling series. Back from Heaven, Buffy finds out that living and actually feeling are two very separate things. She cannot feel pain, hate or love. At least she cannot feel these things with humans... But could she have feelings with a vampire? Spike is hot on her tail to find out!

While the fire is burning between Buffy and Spike, Tara and Willow are having problems. Willow is forced to face her addiction to magic, the very thing that brought Buffy back from the dead! Meanwhile, romance has blossomed between Anya and Xander. Could we be hearing wedding bells in Sunnydale?

As sparks fly within the gang, a new dangerous and menacing trio arrive in Sunnydale... but they are nerds! Warren and his mischievous gang plot to take over Sunnydale and leave havoc in their wake. What could they have done to finally push Willow over the edge and into darkness? Only Buffy can save the day and the fate of the world...

Extras:
Commentary
DVD-ROM Content
Featurettes
Karaoke Sing-Alongs
Outtakes
Scene Access
Trailers

[Tom]

6.01 Bargaining: Part 1
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Marti Noxon (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: David Grossman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Anthony Stewart Head (Rupert Giles), Franc Ross (Razor), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), Paul Greenberg (Shempy Vampire), Mike Grief (Klyed), Harry Johnson (Parent #1), Hila Levy (Pretty Girl), Geoff Meed (Mag), Joy DeMichelle Moore (Ms. Lefcourt), Robert D. Vito (Cute Boy), Kelly Lynn Warren (Parent #2)

An okay beginning to the new series. Nothing really special.

Rating:



6.02 Bargaining: Part 2
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), David Fury (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: David Grossman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Franc Ross (Razor), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), Mike Grief (Klyed), Geoff Meed (Mag), Richard Wharton (Homeowner)

Better than the first half. I like the reactions when they realise what they have done to Buffy. They really weren't thinking this through.

Rating:



6.03 After Life
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Jane Espenson (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: David Solomon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), Lisa Hoyle (Demon)

A good episode. Buffy confides in Spike about where she really was. This was nicely handled.

Rating:



6.04 Flooded
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Douglas Petrie (Writer), Jane Espenson (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Douglas Petrie
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Anthony Stewart Head (Rupert Giles), Danny Strong (Jonathan Levinson), Adam Busch (Warren Meers), Tom Lenk (Andrew Wells), Todd Stashwick (M'Fashnik Demon), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), John Jabaley (Tito), Brian Kolb (Bank Guard), Michael Merton (Mr. Savitsky)

An average episode. I like the three geeks, though they haven't much to do here.

Rating:

[Tom]

6.05 Life Serial
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), David Fury (Writer), Jane Espenson (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Nick Marck
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Anthony Stewart Head (Rupert Giles), Danny Strong (Jonathan Levinson), Adam Busch (Warren Meers), Tom Lenk (Andrew Wells), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), Enrique Almeida (Marco), Richard Beatty (Small Demon), Winsome Brown (Woman Customer), Clint Culp (Bartender), Alice Dinnean Vernon (Mummy Hand), Mark Ginther (Horned Demon), Jonathan Goldstein (Mike), Noel Albert Guglielmi (Vince), Paul Gutrecht (Tony), Jabari Hearn (Steve), James C. Leary (Loose Skinned Demon), Christopher May (Male Customer), Derrick McMillon (Ron), David J. Miller (Rat-Faced Demon), Jennifer Shon (Rachel), Andrew Cooper Wasser (Slime-Cover Demon)

I liked Jonathan's attack best. Warren's didn't really lead to anything and Andrew's was rather average.

Rating:



6.06 All the Way
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Steven S. DeKnight (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: David Solomon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Anthony Stewart Head (Rupert Giles), John O'Leary (Kaltenbach), Kavan Reece (Justin), Amber Tamblyn (Janice), Dave Power (Zack), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), Lorin Becker (Witch Woman), Charles Duckworth (Glenn), Chad Erickson (Guy), Lily Jackson (Witchy Poo), Emily Kay (Maria), Steven Anthony Lawrence (Chunky Kid), Adam Gordon (Carl), Dominic Rambaran (Paramedic #1), Anthony Sago (Paramedic #2), Sabrina Speer (Girl), Dawn Worrall (Christy)

A rather boring Halloween episode. It focuses too much on Dawn and her friend.

Rating:



6.07 Once More, with Feeling
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Anthony Stewart Head (Rupert Giles), Hinton Battle (Sweet), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), Timothy Anderson (Henchman), Hunter Cochran (College Guy #2), Alex Estronel (Henchman), David Fury (Mustard Man), Marti Noxon (Parking Ticket Woman), Matt Sims (College Guy #1), Daniel Weaver (Handsome Young Man), Zachary Woodlee (Demon/Henchman), Scot Zeller (Henchman)

I love this episode. Joss Whedon shows here for the first time, that he can write entertaining musicals. I own the soundtrack to this episode and still like to listen to it from time to time.

Rating:



6.08 Tabula Rasa
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Rebecca Rand Kirshner (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: David Grossman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Anthony Stewart Head (Rupert Giles), Raymond O'Connor (Teeth, the Loan Shark), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), David Franco (Vamp #3), Stephen Triplett (Vamp #2), Geordie White (Vamp #1)

A great episode. It is fun to see the reactions of everyone after they lost their memories. I also like all the references to previous episodes. The only thing I didn't like about this episode is the ridiculous shark demon.

Rating:

[Tom]

6.09 Smashed
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Drew Z. Greenberg (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Turi Meyer
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Danny Strong (Jonathan Levinson), Adam Busch (Warren Meers), Tom Lenk (Andrew Wells), Elizabeth Anne Allen (Amy Madison), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), Jordan Belfi (Ryan), John Patrick Clerkin (Man), Rick Garcia (Reporter), Jack Jozefson (Rusty), Lauren Nissi (Girlfriend), Melanie Sirmons (Brie), Kelly Smith (Innocent Girl), Patrice Walters (Woman), Adam Weiner (Simon)

This is the start of the low point of this season for me. I like that Amy is back, but I do not like the way she is used here. Also they start here with beating the magic use=drug use metaphor to death. And the "magic spree" that Willow and Amy go on is too much like Sabrina the Teenage Witch. And I don't like Buffy and Spike humping while bringing a building down.

Rating:


6.10 Wrecked
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Marti Noxon (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: David Solomon
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Elizabeth Anne Allen (Amy Madison), Jeff Kober (Rack), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), Fleming Brooks (Mandraz), Michael Giordani (Jonesing Guy), Colin Malone (Creepy Guy), Mageina Tovah (Jonesing Girl)

This is where they have gone to far with the whole magic thing. They didn't even try to hide the drug comparison anymore. They even introduced a magic drug dealer. Also Willow's break-down at the end and her withdrawal symptons are that of a drug addict.

Rating:


6.11 Gone
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), David Fury (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: David Fury
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Danny Strong (Jonathan Levinson), Adam Busch (Warren Meers), Tom Lenk (Andrew Wells), Daniel Hagen (Social Services Supervisor), Susan Ruttan (Doris Kroeger), Dwight Bacquie (Security Guard), Jessa French (Cleo), Elin Hampton (Co-Worker), Jeffrey Jacquin (Meter Man), Kelly Parver (Girl in Park), Lyndon Smith (Little Boy), Melina Webberley (Little Girl)

The premise is interesting, but I didn't like how childish invisible Buffy was behaving. Nice that the gang finally meets up with the geek trio.

Rating:

[Tom]

6.12 Doublemeat Palace
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Jane Espenson (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Nick Marck
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Elizabeth Anne Allen (Amy Madison), Pat Crawford Brown (Old Lady), Brent Hinkley (Manny), Kirsten Nelson (Lorraine Ross), Kali Rocha (Halfrek), Douglas Bennett (Phillip), Marion Calvert (Gina), Kevin C. Carter (Mr. Typical), T. Ferguson (Gary), Victor Z. Isaac (Pimply Teen), John F. Kearney (Elderly Man), Sara LaWall (Housewife Type), Andrew Reville (Timothy)

An average episode with its moments. Though Willow with her withdrawal symptoms gets on my nerve.

Rating:



6.13 Dead Things
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Steven S. DeKnight (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: James A. Contner
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Danny Strong (Jonathan Levinson), Adam Busch (Warren Meers), Tom Lenk (Andrew Wells), Amelinda Embry (Katrina Silber), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), Bernard K. Addison (Cop #1), Marion Calvert (Gina), Eric Prescott (Cop #2), Rock Reiser (Desk Sergeant)

Okay, but nothing which really stands out for me. The Geek trio are getting themselves deeper into the "dark side" then they would have like (at least Andrew and Jonathan).

Rating:

[Tom]

6.14 Older and Far Away
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Drew Z. Greenberg (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Michael Gershman
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Kali Rocha (Halfrek), Ryan Browning (Richard), Amber Benson (Tara Maclay), Elizabeth Cazenave (Teacher), James C. Leary (Clem), Laura Roth (Sophie)

An average episode. Dawn behaves too childishly though.

Rating:



6.15 As You Were
Writer: Joss Whedon (Created By), Douglas Petrie (Writer), Joss Whedon (Writer)
Director: Douglas Petrie
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy Summers), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), Emma Caulfield (Anya), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers), James Marsters (Spike), Alyson Hannigan (Willow Rosenberg), Marc Blucas (Riley Finn), Ivana Milicevic (Sam Finn), Marilyn Brett (Lady), Alice Dinnean Vernon (Baby Demon Puppeteer), Adam Paul (Skanky Vamp), Ryan Raddatz (Todd)

This episode is fanservice to the one Riley fan. Nothing special, but also nothing bad.

Rating: