Just finished S5.

[whitewolf]

This was a massive improvement over S4. The story was much better and Glory was a much better Big Bad than Adam. The season finale was really good, but it seemed more like a series finale. The last scene at her tomb stone was really sad.

Oh, but I think I've found an even more useless group than the Initiative. The freaking Order of Byzantium. Seriously, it's 2001 and you all ride horses and use swords? Really, at least the Initiative knew how to use guns. Besides trying to kill Dawn? Buffy's right, what kind of God do they serve?

Willow- She developed a lot in this season. Her and Tara's relationship was one of my favorite things about this season. The fight they had over Tara worrying that her and Willow's relationship was just a college experiment was a a really powerful scene. Also, seeing Willow go all black magic on Glory was awesome.

Giles- He had a much better role here than in S4. Watching him and Anya work together was pretty funny as well. I loved him in "The Gift" when he killed Ben. It was a really powerful scene and shows how much Giles cares about Buffy.

Buffy- She had a lot of good moments. Seeing her tell the Watcher's Council to go to hell was great. Watching her handle Joyce's death and try and take care of Dawn was really well done.

Dawn- From what I've read here she isn't a popular character, but I like her. You could tell she really cared about Buffy. Sure she was kind of immature when she attacked Buffy after Joyce's death, but come on she's 14 and her mom just died. She's allowed to be immature.

Tara- I love Tara. She is just a really good person. She always seems to try and open herself to other people and see the good, despite how horribly she was raised. I love watching her and Willow together, their relationship seems more real to me than any of the others. Tillow is the best relationship in the series.

Xander- He grew a lot in this season. Replacement was a great episode for him and he is really maturing as a person, despite my feelings on his choice of women. Sorry, Anya just annoys me, but she is funny at times.


Spike- He is awesome, end of story. It's been great watching him go from the main villain to an anti-hero. Intervention was a great episode for him and when Buffy died you could tell he was hurting. I also liked seeing him bond with Dawn.

Glory- A huge improvement over Adam. She really seemed like a major threat. I also liked the mystery with her and Ben. My original theory was that Ben was one of her fellow hell gods who was seeking redemption or something, but only one of them was able to manifest in the world at one time. He mentioned siblings once so I assumed he was talking about her at that point. Still, though a much better villain and seeing Giles kill him was great, because in the end he was no better than Glory. Dawn's right he was a monster.

 

[Evil Angelus 95]

Indeed, the finale that is S5 is one of the most emotional moments in the series. And since you mentioned it, S5 was actually meant to be the last season of Buffy ever because the network it was on (WB) was ending, so everything on that network was in doubt, including Angel. So, "The Gift" was supposed to be the series finale. And, when you think about it, it could indeed work very well as one. (A sad one at that)

Good to see another person that actually likes Dawn as well, because I don't really understand all the hate there is about her in the world. She wasn't nearly as bad as many make her out to be. I actually enjoy her character alot.

Spike did indeed make an huge improvement in his character throughout this season, to the point that I actually liked him a little bit, although my opinion changed later on. (Won't spoil anything 🙂)

The same goes for our big bad this season, mainly because ANYTHING is an improvement over what Adam was. Out of all the big bads in the 'verse (Including Angel's own series), Glory would have to be within my top five, mainly because she had some moments that made me chuckle, and yet at the same time, fear for our heroes. (Example, the one where she takes over Ben, and also the one where she captures Spike)

So, only two more seasons (at least of Buffy) to go. As always, I look forward to reading your thoughts.

---------- Post added at 09:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:52 PM ----------

Actually 4 more seasons. I plan on reading the comics too.

Oh, awesome. I actually just finished Season 8 about a week ago. You're in for a good read! 🙂

 

[Robb Stark]

This was a massive improvement over S4. The story was much better and Glory was a much better Big Bad than Adam. The season finale was really good, but it seemed more like a series finale. The last scene at her tomb stone was really sad.

I like S5 a lot, and I think that's reflected in it being a lot of people's favorite season. I don't think it's the best, but it's a big, big step up from S4. They actually managed to give Riley a good send off, and when the story turns fully to Spike I think it really picks up.

"The Gift" is one of the best Buffy episodes ever. The whole thing is awesome. All the Buffy/Spike moments, the final battle with Glory, Dawn, all of it. And Spike may have the best moment of the entire season when he steps up to defend Dawn and has that "I made a promise to a lady" moment to that freaking demon. Love that.

Oh, but I think I've found an even more useless group than the Initiative. The freaking Order of Byzantium. Seriously, it's 2001 and you all ride horses and use swords? Really, at least the Initiative knew how to use guns. Besides trying to kill Dawn? Buffy's right, what kind of God do they serve?

Oh my god, I forgot about them. They're crap. Absolute crap. I mean, remember in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, when Indy's fighting those jackasses who keep getting in his way of the Grail? The Order of Byzantium seemed like a really useless version of those guys, only, they didn't have guns and boats. Okay, if those guys fighting Indy can have guns and speed boats in 1940 or whenever, those Byzantium guys have no excuse.

On a side note, one thing that has always, always bugged me about the scene when they show up is, Buffy, Spike and the rest are running like hell from Glory, right? The sh** has really hit the fan, and Buffy even tells Spike to "just drive" because they have "nowhere to go". Are you freaking kidding me? Nowhere to go? Angel has a whole team in L.A., which is like what? Two hours away? This isn't a Bangel thing, it's a let's-try-and-make-sense thing. They didn't even have to go there, but to not even mention it when things are that bad seemed a little silly.

Dawn- From what I've read here she isn't a popular character, but I like her. You could tell she really cared about Buffy. Sure she was kind of immature when she attacked Buffy after Joyce's death, but come on she's 14 and her mom just died. She's allowed to be immature.

I've always liked Dawn. You're a little off put when she first shows up, you don't really know what to make of her, but I found she really grows on you. And she's pretty amazing in S7. That's my favorite Dawn season.

Tara- I love Tara. She is just a really good person. She always seems to try and open herself to other people and see the good, despite how horribly she was raised. I love watching her and Willow together, their relationship seems more real to me than any of the others. Tillow is the best relationship in the series.

I've never been sold on Tillow like so many are. I like Tara, don't get me wrong, and I think she develops a LOT in S6, but I just never really felt the appeal that so many seem to get from her. I mean, she's absolutely beloved on here, but I actually found her a little bland. As for Tillow, I liked a lot of relationships ahead of it. Plus, I was always an Oz guy 🙂.

Xander- He grew a lot in this season. Replacement was a great episode for him and he is really maturing as a person, despite my feelings on his choice of women. Sorry, Anya just annoys me, but she is funny at times.

Anya drives me nuts. Can't stand her. Sorry. She's funny at times with some great one-liners, but the vast majority of the time she's just annoying and makes no sense.

Spike- He is awesome, end of story. It's been great watching him go from the main villain to an anti-hero. Intervention was a great episode for him and when Buffy died you could tell he was hurting. I also liked seeing him bond with Dawn.

Yep, Spike is the man. It was cool to see them do him so differently than Angel, because it wouldn't have been that hard to just go the easy way and recreate Bangel. I like that they didn't do that. Spuffy is pretty awesome. It's very unique and showcases Spike brilliantly. "Intervention" is a great episode, with a fantastic closing scene, and I thought Spike was excellent in "The Gift".

 

[Jodast]

Glad you enjoyed it. As I mentioned before it is my favourite season and seeing people enjoy it on their first view makes me all warm and fuzzy inside 🙂

Kudos for the Dawny love. I don't know why she gets such a bad rap. Well I do because I've read people's arguments and they are very well reasoed, but I still like her, whiny brat or not. She changes the dynamic of the Scoobies and gives characters a different purpose (ie protecting her) which, although it's why I like her could easily be why others don't.

Your character synopses are pretty much how I feel about all of them. Except Spike. Don't get me wrong I don't hate him or particularly dislike him, I'm a bit 'meh' about him, which I think is worse.

Oh boy do you have some surprises coming your way with season 6. I am probably looking forward to seeing your reactions to it more than I was for my beloved season 5. Now if that isn't some kind of foreshadowing...😀

Keep up the great work, I love reading your opinions.

 

[white avenger]

Oh, but I think I've found an even more useless group than the Initiative. The freaking Order of Byzantium. Seriously, it's 2001 and you all ride horses and use swords? Really, at least the Initiative knew how to use guns. Besides trying to kill Dawn? Buffy's right, what kind of God do they serve?

In defense of the Knights, (though I, too, was somewhat underwhelmed by their general performance) with the exception of a single rocket launcher, their arsenal isn't a bit less primitive than what Buffy, and apparently every other Slayer before her, used to quite good effect. Their problem wasn't as much weaponry as it was the virtual invulnerability of their opponent, and almost certainly, it was that self same invulnerability that caused them to concentrate on secondary, hopefully easier to kill, targets like Dawn and, if they had been able to locate him, Glory's mortal host, Ben. And as for the justification of their mission to God, I'm sure that they would be very quick to point out that their objective was to save, not only this dimension, but all others as well, by stopping the Key from being activated. The death of one teenaged girl (who wasn't really a girl in the first place, but rather a ball of green glowing energy, most likely soulless) while regrettable, would be justifiable. (Pretty much the same excuse that Angel has used on several similar occasions)

 

[BuffyElevated]

Season 5 is my favorite season, because of all the character development going on and the Glory storyline. I'm glad you enjoyed the season! 🙂

 

[JCoatsworth]

Oh, but I think I've found an even more useless group than the Initiative. The freaking Order of Byzantium. Seriously, it's 2001 and you all ride horses and use swords? Really, at least the Initiative knew how to use guns. Besides trying to kill Dawn? Buffy's right, what kind of God do they serve?

Yes, that was pretty much the one thing I didn't like about season 5. I don't really like knights in general and I find them rather ridiculous in this season. Well, they kinda add to the story, so I guess it's okay.
Your posts are always so interesting. I'm really looking forward to reading your thoughts on season 6 🙂

 

[dexeded]

Favourite episode(s)? Least favourite episode(s)?

 

[whitewolf]

Favourite episode(s)? Least favourite episode(s)?

Favorite episodes: I'll just list my top five, but honestly there weren't many I didn't like this season.

"The Body"- This one was great, but really hard to watch. It was so painful, I'm not sure I want to watch it when I rewatch the series.

"Blood Ties"- This episode is where I really started to like Dawn. The actress who plays her is very good and despite her strange circumstances she is relateable. Who hasn't felt like they don't belong? Buffy's speech about blood: It's Summer's blood. It's just like mine." Great episode.

"Fool for Love"- I just love learning more about Spike's past.

"Tough Love"- This episode was great for learning more about Tara and Willow. Everything from their fight at the beginning,to Willow finding Tara and going after Glory for revenge.

"The Gift"- This was a great finale and could have been a satisfying end to the series. The end scene at Buffy's grave was a wonderful, but sad scene.

Honorable Mention: "Into the Woods"- Just because I never have to deal with Riley again. He is as dull as ditch water.

Least favorite:
There really aren't many I didn't like, one springs to mind though.

"I was Made to Love You"- I found this one kind of dull honestly and wasn't a big fan.

 

[Pike]

Is this your first time through the show? Season Five is an outstanding season. While Glory is just another Big Bad.. she is such a dominant character. The new-bad-guy-every-season always reminds me of Power Rangers.. but for some reason, it really works on Buffy. The show seems like it finally matures.. something it tried to do the previous season. If you liked this season, I really look forward to your viewing of Season Six =)

 

[whitewolf]

Is this your first time through the show? Season Five is an outstanding season. While Glory is just another Big Bad.. she is such a dominant character. The new-bad-guy-every-season always reminds me of Power Rangers.. but for some reason, it really works on Buffy. The show seems like it finally matures.. something it tried to do the previous season. If you liked this season, I really look forward to your viewing of Season Six =)

Yeah this is my first time through. Season 5 is great. I'm looking forward to 6, I hear there is a lot involving Willow. Ha it does kind of remind me of power rangers now that you mention it, but it does work well for Buffy. Angel seems to breaking that trend though by making Wolfram and Hart the overarching villain.