12/5/08 - 12/12/08 Episode Discussion: Graduation Day

[SpikedBuffy]

So, I was thinking that since these are such great episodes, let's put them together into one massive discussion!

Discuss Graduation Day part 1 and 2 here!

🙂

 

[Edmund Blackadder]

My absolute favourite 2 parter of the show.

Its got a great villain, its got a great story and theme and the ending is magical (the scene where they all sit, not the fight).

I love the Mayor and he is fantastic in the finale...until he turns into the worm, I wasn't hugely a fan of the worm idea BUT I loved him eating Snyder.

I also loved the Sunnydale High students fighting. I love thaht single moment of community when the who class of 99 stand up and fight.

I thought the Faith/Angel/Buffy storyline was great and adored the Faith/Buffy fight - even if I thought the outcome of Buffy being sapped of blood by Angel a little 'meh'.

I thought Wesley was great when he came back too, even though he was out of the fight instantly.

In fact I have a bone to pick with that.

OK, he came back in Angel and redeemed himself, but I did feel at the time a little let down that he was floored so quickly after making the great step to stand and fight.

 

[SpikedBuffy]

🙂 This is an all time favorite for me as well.

I love the Buffy and Faith fight. We had been waiting for that all season, with seeing a few spats here and there. Seeing Buffy trying to be more assertive and comanding was great!

I love the end to.
Oz: Take a moment. We survived.
Buffy: It was a hell of a battle.
Oz: Not the battle. High School. (silent pauses) We're taking a moment. (a few seconds later) And we're done!

I just love that!

 

[Bluebird]

What an epic two-parter this was. I loved it! So much happening in just a couple of episodes and a great ending to the high school years.

I think the students fighting the Mayor and his army was one of the greatest Buffy scenes. But poor Larry.🙁

I loved the last scene, Oz quietly saying how they survived high school and to take a moment, and the last shot showing the yearbook with 'The Future Is Ours' on it. Sums it up, really.

 

[white avenger]

I loved these episodes, especially the fight between Buffy and Faith. That was some great choreography, and especially when you consider how much of it was the actual actors instead of stunt doubles. The final fight at the end was good, and I agree, Wilkins should have turned into something more impressive than a giant slug/worm, but I guess they were kind of limited in their choices, since it had to be something that could chase Buffy down the halls of the school. And what high school student hasn't at some point, wanted to reduce their school to rubble?

The only real inconsistency, in my opinion, was how Snyder stood up to Wilkins at the end. I mean, come on, we have bn shown throughout the last 3 seasons that he is, if not hero material, at least not suicidal. He should have been cowering behind the nearest barricade, not trying to intimidate a freight train sized demon.

Then, there's the thing about Harmony being turned in the middle of the battle (of course, we don't know about that until the next season). Wilkins specifically told all of his vampire fighters, "I catch any of you boys snacking, and it's the wood shed for you!" I just can't see any of them being stupid enough to disobey him.

All in all, though one of the really great 2-parters of either series. About the only one that I like better is the 4-part crossover arc the next season featuring Faith's return.

 

[sk]

Season 3 really ended with a big bang.
It was sad to see the library gone though, I miss it in later season...

The Faith vs Buffy fight is one of the best, I agree with that.

The Mayor really was a great villain.
The scene when he visits the library is brilliant.
The Mayor: Violent outbursts like that, in front of the children? You know, Mr. Giles, they look to you to see how to behave.
I love it 🙂

Another great example is at the hospital, when he worries about Faith. Thats not your ordinary kind of bad guy.

Overall it's one of my favorite finales.
I always like it when the gang works together, beats the bad guys and have a smile at end.
It makes me smile too.

/SK

 

[Kean]

Two of my very favourite Buffy epidoes ever. Season 3 had been a juggernaut of a season with each episode surpassing the previous and this double-parter was the perfect cumlination of that. The Buffy/Angel/Faith storyline was fantastic, with us getting our very first glimpse of the darkness within Buffy. I love her confrontation with Wesley in the Mansion.

Buffy:"I'm talking about watching my lover die"...sneds joy to a little Bangel's heart😉

Wesley:" You can't just turn your back on the Council"
Buffy: " They're in England, they can't tell which way my back is turned"...sometimes you just have to love this girl.

Although Xander's "The suspense is killing Angel" is one of my favs too😀

I could gush about these eps forever, Snyder getting eaten, Willow and Oz 'panicking', Xander and his glee at being 'Key Guy', The Snake Mayor's 'Oh Gosh' right before he was kaboooomed! lol oh and my favourite part; the look that Buffy and Angel share right at the end. I know I should hate it was just so perfect. Oh Bangel how I miss you! We really need to get some Buffy/Angel smoochies in the comics!

 

[definition of insane]

Loved it, loved it, loved it...what a better way of ending the high school years than blowing up the school?

And what I think is the best Xander/Angel exchange that really does show just how petty Angel is as well...in just those 2 little words Angel almost conveys "Why the hell does Xander get to be key guy?" (oh you could so see that happening in an Angel alternate universe, don't deny 😉 )

As epic and kick ass as that battle was, I'd still like to see the hommus offensive 😛

 

[bloody pet]

I put this one off for the longest time ( I was not allowed to go to my grad or prom) and see buffy getting to go to hers hurt

But when I did watch it it was so cool they all gathered together to fight the mayor
some funny moments are whebn giles is sparing with wes and reading the paper at the same time and I think it comes from this ep when buffy says:

Giles always says please and after I get a cookie. lol

And gotta love how oz painicks. it was willows first time and when faith shot angel i wanted to kill her (i was a angel fan back then but saw how much hotter spike was)🙂

plus they did what we all wanna do at at one point in school and some of uss still want to do it BLOW IT UP!!!! so to buffy mad props girl,

 

[PrincessBuffy16]

I have just one thing to say.. I can't stop crying when Angel leaves.

 

[Emzzie]

Ah, I'm not even a Bangeler and I wanted to start crying when Angel left. Angel kicked butt in the fight too. And when he had to suck Buffy's blood? I just loved him in this episode. Oh gosh, maybe I'm BECOMING a Bangeler?!!! I love the ending and I thought it was a great way to end high school. I loved when the kids ripped off their gowns. It was epic! I re-watched the ep today, so I feel in love all over again! Maybe I'll even add it to my list of favorites?

 

[PrincessBuffy16]

Oh and bite scene. It is so passionate and powerful, it's just beautiful. And when he is leaving, I'm just sitting there and watching them how they look at each other and then he leaves. I always say it was a right thing to do, but Angel I think it's time to come back 😀

 

[Eleftheria]

^ i haven't watched the whole episode yet...but i found that scene on youtube in French...it was magnificent...Buffy forcing him...and he wants to resist and can't...the bite is very pasionate and it is so strong they both fall on the floor...and BUFFY BREAKS THE TABLE!I think it somehow symbolises the relationship...so passionate and loving...but dangerous...!I love Angel!!!And Buffy for risking her own safety and life to save his!

 

[ThomasMagic]

Yep i really enjoyed this one!!
It was great how all the students teamed up together against The Mayor!
The Finale was awesome!!
I loved it when the mayor was giving the speech lol!

 

[Nikita]

Well, again, reviving a thread because I feel it important for me to give my 5 cent.

This episode is the best two parter in the history of the series. None come close and the only one who comes SEMI close would be Becoming. Faith made part 1 and Buffy made part 2, and it's the way it should be. Eliza and Sarah played their roles beautifully and you just knew that something big was gunna go down. Faith didn't deserve to be stabbed, but maybe that's just me being a fan and fighting for my favorite character. Faith knew that she was gunna be fed to Angel as well, so she left. She'd rather her die and Angel die then her die and Angel live. Yet, they both live anyway.

Big Snake! Snyder got eaten and I wasn't sure whether or not I was supposed to be happy or sad.

The whole big battle is on a whole, epic. In a way, it's more epic then Chosen because it was so unexpected. Everyone goes insane, pulls out their weapons and goes all out on the mayor, Buffy and Giles make him go boom and it all works well.

Anya explaining the Pure Demon-ness of what the mayor was going to ascend to was win, and I'm disapointed that they didn't, TRULY touch on the fact that Anya is an expert on demonology.

Good episode. Best two parter. Faith! 😀 You know what is funny though? Both of the new slayers get near death in the 1st parter? (Kendra died, Faith didn't.) I thought it could've been repetitive, but done so well that it didn't bother me ^.^

 

[SlayerFae]

You know, I always do this... I start watching season 7 or something, and I start falling (back) in love with those episodes and I forget just how AMAZING Graduation Day is... When I saw this thread I had to give myself a facepalm. I suddenly remembered I used to watch Graduation Day as often as I watch End of Days and Chosen lately.

Graduation Day was probably one of the most epic 2 parter events ever. As someone said earlier, SO much happened in just two episodes. The Mayor visiting the library, Buffy and Angel bickering until he gets poisoned, Buffy rebuking the council, the KNOCK OUT, DRAG OUT EPIC brawl between Faith and Buffy (GOD What I wouldn't kill to learn how to fight like that), Willow and Oz finally making love, Anya planting more foreshadowing seeds that she cares for Xander and finally... GRADUATION.

In true Joss fashion

Buffy: My God. He’s gonna do the entire speech.
Willow: Man, just ascend already.
Buffy: Evil.

I think that is my favorite line from the WHOLE two parter... except for the little moment between Willow and Oz after the "panicking." It was the sweetest thing ever. And guys, while I loved Tara and Willow's relationship, and I KNOW that it was the most powerful for Willow, in so many ways, I'm still a Willow/Oz 'shipper to the core.

Oz: I know what you mean
Willow, smiling: Which part?
Oz: Everything's different now.


And another great moment:

Angel: Ow.
Buffy: Stealthy.
Angel: Not my best entrance. I think they were mopping in the halls.

I totally cracked up at that one.

The entire graduation battle was really epic too, and I totally felt bad for Larry, not so much for Snyder *GRINS* The way everyone came together for just that one moment... it really proves that Buffy had more social support at school than she ever believed she had, and that people really can come together for the greater good. Plus, I would have KILLED to be asked to carry a stake and crossbow at my graduation! Or a flame thrower, that would have been cool too... Assuming I could lift one.

And, alas Bangel... *sniff* The whole thing made me sad. Not to mention the crossover next season from Pangs to I Will Remember You... OMG I Will Remember You makes me cry at the end EVERY TIME. That whole "It's not enough time!" scene totally kills me. BUT... THAT BEING SAID... <3 Spuffy too, so there!

 

[BuffyElevated]

This is my absolute favorite finale out of all the seasons. Both parts of "Graduation Day" are packed full of everything I love about BtVS: humor, drama, sex, action. 😀

I can't help but giggle everytime I see that scene where Angel is mistaking Willow for Buffy. It's not really funny, but it is to me. LMFAO I kept waiting for him to try to kiss her or something. AWKWARD. 😉

Oz and Willow are just so damn cute. Seriously, watching episodes like this one makes me hate Tara. LOL

The fight between Buffy and Faith is probably one of my fave fight scenes of the series. There's sexual tension, then this whole kick-ass fight, and then Faith STILL gets away... I love when Faith says "You did it... You killed me." It's pure awesomeness. 🙂

The big battle is the best fight scene of the series, in my opinion. There couldn't have been a more perfect way to handle their graduation. I do get a little sad when they blow up the school though... R.I.P., Sunnydale High.

And then, of course, the sad final scene where Angel stares at Buffy through the fog. That moment is so beautiful and sad.

 

[brinkster130]

This is my absolute favorite finale out of all the seasons. Both parts of "Graduation Day" are packed full of everything I love about BtVS: humor, drama, sex, action. 😀

Totally agree. It is my favorite finale too. 😀

I can't help but giggle everytime I see that scene where Angel is mistaking Willow for Buffy. It's not really funny, but it is to me. LMFAO I kept waiting for him to try to kiss her or something. AWKWARD. 😉

Oz's line makes me laugh too:

Oz: "Any change?"
Willow: "He's delirious. He thought I was Buffy."
Oz: "You, too, huh?"

And then, of course, the sad final scene where Angel stares at Buffy through the fog. That moment is so beautiful and sad.

That was a great scene.