The Pack
OK, so I'll start off by saying this is one of my top ten favourite episodes (as some others have already mentioned). Interestingly enough it's the only Season 1 episode that makes it into my top ten favourites which I think shows just how much of a departure it was from the tone of the rest of the season.
Some have said it was a bit darker than the other season 1 episodes, and with the exception of "Prophecy Girl" I think that's probably abour right. But then, since "Prophecy Girl" was a finale and potentially the last episode of the show, it had to be a bit darker.
"The Pack" then was Joss telling the viewers what the show COULD be if it kept going. It was him giving us a glimpse into where he wanted to take things - especially by using the regular characters to do it. I much preferred the dark version of Xander introduced in this episode to the dark version of Willow that was attempted later on. I think this one played out a lot better.
And, like most early episodes of the show, this one had a clear high school metaphore to go with the literal demon storyline of the show. The episode dealt with high school bullies and the 'pack' mentality that these bullies assumed. It was meant to show that these people only really bullied the weak, and did so in large numbers - often with one person leading the group...
It's interesting then that Xander (who until he's possesed IS one of the people bullied) assumes the leadership role after he is possessed by a hyena. I know some have argued that the predatory nature lay dormant in Xander and was simply unleashed, but I think of it instead as Xander's leadership abilities who had previously lay dormant being unleashed albiet in a darker way. He is, after all one of the scooby gang and we do know he is capable of some pretty heroic stuff. I think it's also because he was at the time saving Lance, and therefore asserting himself as the alpha male out of the group.
Incidentally take a look at Willow's clothes which fluctuate in season 1 between being incredibly nerdy and borderline hip/quirky. Apparently Joss kept dressing her down (trying to play up her nerdiness) but the producers wanted her looking a little 'cooler'.
The music in this episode is also something to notice, especially the song played early on at the Bronze "Reluctant Man" and the later scene where they are walking through the schoolyard.
Incidentally did anybody notice that the blonde bully only has one line? "Crunchy"
Was it wrong that I was more upset about the death of Herbert the school mascot than I was at the fact that Flutie got eaten? heh. Also, did anybody notice the amusing forshadowing of season four when Willow and Xander were studying?
Xander: "Explain why I have to learn this."
Willow: "Cause otherwise you'll flunk math."
Xander: "Explain how that's bad."
Willow: "Oh you know, you fail math, you flunk out of school, you end up being the guy who sweeps the floors at the pizza place and says 'hey kids, where's the cool parties this weekend?'"
He he! Poor season 4 Xander 😉
I love the Dodge ball scene incidentally...all the memories of traumatic gym classes come back here 😉
As for Xander's 'felony sexual assault', I think it was simply the primal animal spirit acting on the desire to mate. Xander himself would never have attempted to do that, whereas Spike was acting as Spike - out of frustration and desperation. Dont' see it as much of a comparison really.
OK, enough of my rambling.
