1/2/09 - 1/9/09 Episode Discussion: The Freshman

SpikedBuffy

SpikedBuffy

Love Isn't Brains
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Episode: The Freshman
Season: Four


Discuss the season premiere of Season 4 here. We are going to see the group go through a lot of changes. What did you like about this episode? What didn't you like? Do you have any favorite quotes from this one?

How are the characters changing? For example, what were your opinions on Buffy suddenly unable to defeat Sunday. Or Giles being slightly harsh with her when she originally went to him for help.
 
I gotta say I really love "The Freshman", and the giant fight at the end was just soooo entertaining to watch! Sunday was a great one-shot villain. I loved the lines about Mr. Pointy, cause calling back to the past of the show is something I always love to see. Buffy's sudden weakness was great for the episode and really in character, IMO. Xander's conversation with Buffy to lift her spirits up made me so happy, and I loved how at the end they were one big family again! Great episode 7.5/10
 
Ooooh... good rating! We should do that. What rating do you give it? Out of 10 stakes? 🙂
 
I love the opening on this episode.
- Buffy: I gotta stay sharp
While missing the vampire completely. Makes me smile every time.

Also kinda fun the see the changed roles. Willow being the secure one while Buffy being very uncertain and worried.

I'm not a big fan of the introduction of Riley though. I found that scene pretty lame. Not sure why, but it don't really work for me.

Regarding Sunday being able to beat Buffy. I have always thought is just down to Buffys lack of confidence at that moment. She don't believe in her self and therefor don't fight as good as she could.
Later when she gets her confidence back she has no problem even with one arm hurt.

I can't really rate Buffy episodes. I'll probably just end up giving everyone 10 out of 10 so it quite pointless...

/SK
 
SpikedBuffy said:
What, you didn't love Riley getting beaned with the psychology book? 🙂 I thought it was wonderful.
Click to expand...
Haha, its not so much that part but the concussion line that I don't like.
Can honestly not explain whats wrong with it, its just one of those things.

/SK
 
This is one of my least favorite episodes, which is odd because most of the beginning of S4 I love.
First, I hate Buffy going all wishy washy whiney again. I never quite understand why she shifts from basically kick-butt girl at the end of S3 to lost in space girl with no self esteem at the beginning of S4.
I'd expect maybe some inner self esteem issues, but she seems to be totally floundering around with no direction. I hate seeing her like that.
I like her in S3 and in S7...those are my favorite seasons for Buffy herself.

I also don't get these vampires on campus. Why are they even there? How do they get into the dorm rooms? WHY get into the dorm rooms? Clothes and posters hardly seems like a good enough reason.

And, they broke the umbrella. That's really enough right there. I always cringe when I know the entire episode is coming up because I hate the breaking the umbrella part!
 
The Freshman was ok, and I always forget that it's a Joss episode cos it's just ok. It was a good way to show Buffy feeling out of place with the new setting and all, but when you watch it again it's not one of the most enjoyable ep's.

Oh, but I love Xander's speech in the Bronze. 😀
 
I really liked the episode; I think the introduction to college life was a microcosm to her life as a Slayer. The isolation, her being alone, not fitting in et al to the end where she realizes that she still has her friends and she as a person has not changed. Good episode and wonderful villain vamps, esp the surfer dude Thai-stick vamp.
 
It´s weird, it´s Season 4 and people should hate everything xD But this episode is sooo amazing *_*
Has so great quotes and moments! Yeah, the blond vamp leader is lame, but who cares about her? lol

The cool part for me is the hole "hey! we are college girls!"
Willow being herself, all happy cause she wants to study, the first scene is awesome, kicking some vamp ass while discussing about the courses to take haha

Xander talking about his "road trip"

And when Buffy is in the nest roof, watching Sunday go around her stuff.

And.. the brilliant part! When Xander has more brains than Buffy! \o/
Xander: You up for a little reconnaissance?
Buffy: You mean where we all sculpt and paint and stuff?
Xander: No, that was the renaissance.
Buffy: Oh. I've had a really long week. Let's go look at the house.

8/10
 
I guess we can chalk that one to his day as soldier as that word is military term. I have to say i was bit disappointed Buffy had so much trouble with some random vampire (never considered her more) after dealing with likes of Master, Spike and Angelus.

Breaking umbrella felt both good and sad. Good as i hoped it would be final straw for Buffy to finally kill that vamp and sad as it meant a lot for her.
 
Overall, I thought it was a solid episode. It really showed her isolated and alone before Xander shows up. Sunday was a cool vampire and it was really sad to see her go. But, being that it's a Joss episode, it had some good laughs.

"Yeah, well you made one big mistake."
"and that would be..."
*music stops*
"... ... ... I'm not sure what that mistake is but if there was one I think that it would--"
*Punch!*
 
the willow buffy switch is good.... for an episode Willow gets to be clued in and Buffy really aint, which is cute to see Buffy vulnerable and clueless
 
Skanky Vamp
Skanky Vamp
isn't, not aint.. please use proper grammar
L
Lou
Just looking for a way to KONK Scobby through your Karma....please ignore me running through with a pan!
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