I don't think the quality of the show drops at all after S3. S5 is my favourite followed by S6 and S3 joint second, so when I finish Season 3 there is no sadness, I just look forward to great episodes later in the series! The dynamic of the Scoobies changes but I don't think that makes the show any worse. I think part of what made the Scoobies seem closer in high school is that they were all doing the same thing, trying to get through Sunnydale High - together.
After that, they all did different things, and that's the way it should happen. To me, that doesn't make me appreciate the Scoobies' relationship any less. Plus, I can relate to the Scoobies lives a lot more after they leave high school.
I never experienced a lot of what they went through in the high school years (demons aside obviously) - no tragic loves, no bullying, no jocks, nerds, cheerleaders or whatever. School was neither hell, nor bliss, it was...fine. So I guess the whole high school being hell metaphor never really connects with me.
Whereas, S6 - oh I can relate to that in so many ways.
After that, they all did different things, and that's the way it should happen. To me, that doesn't make me appreciate the Scoobies' relationship any less. Plus, I can relate to the Scoobies lives a lot more after they leave high school.
I never experienced a lot of what they went through in the high school years (demons aside obviously) - no tragic loves, no bullying, no jocks, nerds, cheerleaders or whatever. School was neither hell, nor bliss, it was...fine. So I guess the whole high school being hell metaphor never really connects with me.
Whereas, S6 - oh I can relate to that in so many ways.
Blaze
This post is perfect!