I must say that i was a little ..meh... on the first series first time around.....until Out of Sight. I couldnt get into it...but then thats probably because i had to watch it while doing homework...The last two episodes though really made me sit up and take heed of this series. I loved that OOMOOS FINALLY gave Cordelia a 3 dimensional character. And Prophecy girl is even now one of my fave season ends...off both series(though in fairness i cannot fault any season ender). When i finally got around to buying the season 1 Videos(my gosh was it that long ago!!) my POV changed. I was older and more adept at giving all aspects of the shows a good once over. Now granted i still hate teachers pet but the rest are amazing.
The two part opening with the Master, Luke, Darla and the Angel character, and Buffy, Giles, Xander, Jesse and Willow hey even Cordelia(who up to her joining Angel i think should have been a recurring character NOT a full cast member JUST because she was underused...and rightly so.) were all great..
The Witch was another good one...showing us that americans CAN do a great school based supernatural thriller....
Never Kill a boy was good, showing the pressure on Buffy to separate her 'work' life and social life. Finally concluding that when both combines its not safe for the novice.
The pack was an interesting take on Bully Gangs and it was especially interesting that Joss brought forth the idea that someone who does get bullied will one day IF the opportunity presents itself, will bully those i a weaker position.
Angel....what can i say...this was for me the episode that launched him as a decent character and if anyone doubted Joss's choice that Angel was perfect for a spin off THIS WAS the episode to show them(ok now just show them 5 saesons of remarkable programmes...i mean back at the beginning of season 3 buffy).
For all its teen comments on society I Robot is a favourite because it acdtually deals with an issue thats prevelant to every age group...the sinister undertones and use of the internet...plus Buffy kicking robot ass is cool(ONLY bettered by the magnificent...and my fave epi....Ted in season 2 Ritter is awesome...anyone 'beg to differ'..lol).
I didnt think i'd like Puppet Show BUT i did. On second watch i love the Snyder Character here, how giles has been drawn into the show AND i love teh puppet...so funny...again if it wasnt for Smile time Sid puppet would be tops(why does Joss always feel the need to better himself....puh)
Finally Nightmares....what a marvellous one. it deals with the fears of each character BUT also with the audience it shows the trauma of abuse...very well done.
BUT as much as i love all the above...Prophecy Girl gets my Vote
I just love Buffy's acceptance of her calling. After spending a year fighting it she knows its what she has to do. I love how as well she does Die...its Xander that saves her AND i love her attitude soon as she is revived...that scene mixes the theme with her kicking ass....plus two of my fave series lines...'ohh look a bad guy' and
'Master: You're dead!
Buffy: I may be dead, but I'm still pretty. Which is more than I can say for you'
sorry that i waffled on.