Indoctrinating my boyfriend--advice on season 2

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OrMaybeMidgets

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As a relatively recent convert to the Buffyverse, I have had the need to bring people along with me to share in the wonderfulness. The most recent effort is directed at my partner--he's kind of an intellectual snob and his girlfriend way back when was a big Buffy fan so he's quite resistant. I started him on season 2 because he was generally familiar with who the characters are and I think season 2 is so much better than 1. Skipping certain episodes which I think will trigger his snobbery, while showing him the bulk of the story arc, so he'll get hooked. (So far I've gotten this text message: "btw, Buffy doesn't totally suck." Feeling modestly victorious)

The advice I need is what episodes of Season 2 are absolutely necessary for plot advancement purposes? Specifically, is there anything in Go Fish that he must see? Because I recall not loving that one myself and he's predisposed to be obnoxious...
 
As an oft described intellectual, obnoxious snob, who also had an ex-girlfriend as a big Buffy ban, I'd love to help, I'd just need to have a specific question answered.

What, exactly, is the nature of his "obnoxious, snobbery"? For example, my initial (and in some ways still present) reticent nature in regards to Buffy had a lot to do with my strong dislike of what I felt was dopey melodrama present in the show. Hence why my ex-girlfiends unabashed love for the Buffy/Angel arc drove me to dislike the show even more. On the other hand, if his dislike is driven by the obvious "cheese" factor in many of the episodes, then I'd say steer clear of not only of Go Fish, but also other ham fisted episodes like Ted and Bad Eggs.
 
I think he's less turned off by melodrama than by cheesy monster stuff. He seems to be able to appreciate melodrama in other settings (Deadwood, Weeds, for example) but the horror part is harder to take. It was the hardest thing for me to overcome, as well, but I fell in all the way once I let myself. Will avoid Bad Eggs. I love Ted, though, hard to resist Ritter.
 
OrMaybeMidgets said:
I think he's less turned off by melodrama than by cheesy monster stuff. He seems to be able to appreciate melodrama in other settings (Deadwood, Weeds, for example) but the horror part is harder to take. It was the hardest thing for me to overcome, as well, but I fell in all the way once I let myself. Will avoid Bad Eggs. I love Ted, though, hard to resist Ritter.
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Everyone loves Ritter. However, I think the cheesy robot thing will be a little much.

I'd also recommend that you try to get a few of the self contained character episodes from the season in as well; Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered; and Phases for example. Those are two episodes that are important for further character understandings that will lessen the impact of future revelations if left out. The werewolf thing might set off some negative cheese reaction, but hopefully the characterization will over power that. Same for The Dark Age. Were I to make a list of Season Two episodes to show, it would look something like this (in order):

1. When She Was Bad- (Neccesary)
2. School Hard- (Intro for Spike and Dru)
3. Reptile Boy- (Set up for Buffy/Angel)
4. Lie to Me- (Optional, character development)
5. The Dark Age- (Optional, character development)
6. What's my Line 1 & 2- (Necessary)
7. Surprise- (Necessary)
8. Innocence- (Necessary)
9. Phases- (Optional, character development)
10. Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered- (Optional, character development)
11. Passion- (Necessary)
12. I Only Have Eyes for You- (I'd argue optional, but it might be necessary for the ending with Spike standing up)
13. Becoming 1 & 2- (Necessary)

I just listed 15 out of 22 episodes, but many of those are optional character centric episodes. I'd say the most skippable ones of those lot would be The Dark Age, Lie to Me, and BB&B. What is learned from those is only really helpful if you can get him to watch the whole arc in the first place.
 
I think that instead of getting him into the story arc and using those necessary episodes, you should concentrate on the ones that have the best writing. That's what'll get him not just into the plotty Season 2 stuff, but others yet to come. That being said, I think "Lie to Me" "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and the "What's My Line?" episodes are imperative. Of course, also stick with the plotty ones, too. I'd shy away from "Phases" if he has an issue with the cheesy effects. I don't think I've ever seen a cheesier werewolf.
 
Ruminator said:
1. When She Was Bad- (Neccesary)
2. School Hard- (Intro for Spike and Dru)
3. Reptile Boy- (Set up for Buffy/Angel)
4. Lie to Me- (Optional, character development)
5. The Dark Age- (Optional, character development)
6. What's my Line 1 & 2- (Necessary)
7. Surprise- (Necessary)
8. Innocence- (Necessary)
9. Phases- (Optional, character development)
10. Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered- (Optional, character development)
11. Passion- (Necessary)
12. I Only Have Eyes for You- (I'd argue optional, but it might be necessary for the ending with Spike standing up)
13. Becoming 1 & 2- (Necessary)
Click to expand...
I'd definitely do without "Reptile Boy" (I hate the ep), but otherwise the list seems fine. 🙂
 
the lists above are perfectly fine but i've realized that even in the bad eps there are tiny tiny amounts that are sometimes vital to the plot as a whole. if your just trying to get him hooked then the over eps are perfect. but if it's something that you guys are trying to watch in order to discuss it in depth i would suggest to just watch them all.
 
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