Emergency Episode Choices!!!

The Ferg

The Ferg

Scooby
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Apr 7, 2008
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Omaha, NE
Alright, so my friend gladly decided today that he would watch 3 episodes of Buffy with an open mind. Now, keep in mind he's definitely a critic. So we need the best of the best.

The obvious first choice is Hush. It's the other two I'm having problems with. The Body is fantastic but I really don't think he has the emotional attachments needed to enjoy it. And I don't OMWF will do either. When I asked if he liked musicals he said, "Well, I'm kinda picky." So we'll stay away from that. Here's a couple episodes I was thinking, and I'd be extremely grateful if you guys could help out!

School Hard. It's legit. It shows off the best of vampires in the Buffyverse. Spike plays a big role. Everyone's still in high school.
Anne. This episode's greatness is debatable, but I think you really get the feel of who Buffy is as a person in this episode, and its a season-opener and... it's awesome.
Conversations With Dead People. It's a fantastic episode no doubt, and it's one of my favorite episodes ever, but idk if it's really a good series-starter.
Him. Holy crap it's hilarious! And it would introduce the whole magic theme of Buffy, and how it affects people (this time in a funny way).
Storyteller. Once again, it's just funny... With a hint of drama at the conclusion. And honestly, the easiest movies to watch are the comedic ones, so why not the same for episodes too?
Wolves at the Gate. He's a big comic book fan, and you really don't get much better than WatG as a comic and character-driver.

Idk when the next time I'm gonna see him is, but probs within the week.
 
great list! If I were you I'd consider adding like "Bad girls" or "Earshot" to it. I think those eps are amazing and both quite easy to get into.
 
I would go with Becoming part 1 & 2 and Fear Itself.

Becoming have broken hearts, apocalypse, sacrifice, action and a ending that makes people want to know what happens afterwards. And fear Itself is a light fun filler episode that deals wth some of the Scoobies issues. All episodes are typical for Buffy, and all great. Becoming might be a bit heavy tough, for someone who haven't watched the show before and will feel "left out". I would probably be draw in anyway, because they're so intense.
 
Tueuse de Vampires
Tueuse de Vampires
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Earshot, Innocence, Hush would be my recommendations, but I think School Hard or The Wish would be good ones too. Becoming I think you need a little more background before you can really enjoy it.
 
I don't really think I'm gonna show Becoming. It just has so many things that are finally culminating in this episode. The random viewing would just be confusing.

Also, I've decided School Hard to be the 2nd choice. Now I just need a third... I'm thinking a funny one, and apparently no one on BB has the same sense of humor. lol So I'm probs gonna show him Him. But if you guys can prove me otherwise... 😛
 
When I introduce a friend to Buffy, I usually show episodes that have a good introduction to the characters.

"Welcome to the Hellmouth"/"The Harvest" lets the viewer know who the characters are in a basic sense. If your friend is a critic though, this may not be the best. The actors grew quite a bit sense the first episode.

"Real Me" introduces the characters and always makes me laugh, as does "Storyteller."
 
What about The Zeppo? And obviously when I get a friend into BtVS I just start from the beginning. It doesn't make that much sense to show someone a random episode later in the series, he won't have a clue about who is who.
 
G
GrrArghx
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Any of the ones mentioned would be good, although if your friend likes them, will he get into the show? If there's a chance he might watch the series, you may not want to show episodes too far down line, or else he'll be majorly spoiled.
 
Tome
Tome
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dan k
good point
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Marisa
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Earshot, School Hard, and Seeing Blue are all great episodes. 🙂 You'd probably want to pick one that deals with the whole cast, and not just one individual character.

Also, I'd suggest not starting too late in the series. 🙂 Like, starting in S7 would give away pretty much EVERYTHING lol.

From Season 1, The Pack is considered to be an amazing episode, and I've found Nightmares to be both chilling and hilarious. I'd also suggest both of those. 😀
 
The Ferg said:
I don't really think I'm gonna show Becoming. It just has so many things that are finally culminating in this episode. The random viewing would just be confusing.
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I was just going to make the same comment. I noticed people were suggesting Becoming pt1 or/and 2. They're easily some of the best episodes from the show, but they're so integral to the progression of the show that it would be fruitless to show them out of context. Not only will the characters and plot-developments mean nothing, but if (by chance) your friend DOES decide he likes the show, a HUGE climax will have been revealed prematurely.

I know I'm probably too late to suggest anything, but for future reference, I would share episodes that work well out of context. Monster of the Week type episodes. There are plenty that are both reflective of the quality of the show as well as enjoyable to fresh eyes.

I'm probably the minority who would recommend Go Fish, but it's always been a favorite. Killed By Death. Him. I Only Have Eyes for You. Ted. Fear Itself. Living Conditions. Band Candy. The Puppet Show. School Hard. Halloween. etc...
 
I wouldn't watch Him or Earshot. Tried them on my brother, didn't work. The reason? They have some comedy, but if you don't know the show that's about it. Maybe 10 minutes where you laugh surrounded by 30 minutes you nearly fall asleep to.

I actually recommend The Wish. It introduced the 'verse a bit, with vampires, slayers, even demons, and it has an interesting alternate reality theme.

And somebody suggested Real Me? I think that would also be a great one.

Elsewise, I agree with School Hard. It's still early enough in the show that you hardly miss anything, and it introduces one very integral character.
 
The Wish is an interesting episode. I always liked watching alternative reality episodes in series!

Also Innocence!!! Probbably the episode I have watched so many times!!!

And finally, I only have eyes for you! Interesting episode, ghost possession and tragic love!
 
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