What did you love/like about Season 3?
- Thread starter Joshua
- Start date
What's not to love? There was great character development for the Scoobies, an awesome BIg Bad, the best evil sidekick ever in Mr Trick, Faith and hundreds of teenagers armed with crossbows under their graduation gowns. It's all good!
As far as not being stresful, I fouund the whole killing of the deputy mayor and its aftermath quite harrowing.
As far as not being stresful, I fouund the whole killing of the deputy mayor and its aftermath quite harrowing.
Riley's Way
Townie
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2012
- Messages
- 96
- Age
- 36
I'm not a huge fan of the high school seasons, but to me season 3 was alright, better than the previous 2, Faith added some depth to the show, I couldn't stand her as a good slayer but when she turned bad she became very interesting .. The mayor was cool too!
white avenger
white avenger
Could I just say Faith and let it go at that? Good and bad, she brought an entire new personality to the term "Slayer." Kendra could have done the same thing, of course, but we never really got to know her.
Faith + Mayor = Super awesome arc
Then you have some outstanding episodes like Lover's Walk, The Wish, The Prom, all episodes designed to maximize the angst. Season 3 imo is one of the most re-watchable seasons there is 🙂
Then you have some outstanding episodes like Lover's Walk, The Wish, The Prom, all episodes designed to maximize the angst. Season 3 imo is one of the most re-watchable seasons there is 🙂
Robb Stark
King in the North
When I think of S3, the word that comes to mind for me is climax. S3 really feels like the ultimate coming together of a number of long-building plot points to me. The build in all the major stories is brilliant, through-and-through. I mean, The Mayor is a phenomenal big bad. He's built well, his threat becomes more and more intense, his dynamic with Faith is amazing. Faith's arc is excellent as well, and not just because she's an awesome character. Her relationship with Buffy develops perfectly and the evolution of it throughout the entire season was one of my favorite aspects of the season. Her presence really added to the show. You could see Faith getting edgier and darker at such a steady pace, and you just knew she had to square off with Buffy eventually. Their final fight was an amazing finish to Faith's storyline.
And of course, the Angel storyline was off-the-charts incredible. I thought it fed off of what happened in S2 so well. All of the struggles all the characters go through as Angel reintroduces himself back to the team were interesting to watch (even Xander's). I'm a huge sucker for all the Bangel moments, but I thought Angel really began to develop into an outstanding character. The ending to S3, with Angel walking away, was one of the best moments of pure emotion I found in the entire series.
Also, I thought S3 was strong for the entire cast. Xander, Willow, Cordelia and Oz all have terrific seasonal arcs that I felt really fed off each other. I know some aren't crazy about the way Willow and Xander finally got together, but I really liked it.
The stand alone episodes are the best from every season in my books. "Faith, Hope & Trick", "Homecoming", "Band Candy", "Revelations", "Lover's Walk", "Amends", "The Wish", "The Zeppo", "Helpless", "Dopplegangland" and "Earshot" were all amazing. I mean hell, I just named like half the freaking season.
S3 just fired on every cylinder imaginable. There isn't a single major weakness. I think all around, S3 is the strongest Buffy we ever saw. It's balanced so well and delivers on all the big angles, storylines and arcs with great payoffs.
S2 might be my favorite season, but I love S3.
And of course, the Angel storyline was off-the-charts incredible. I thought it fed off of what happened in S2 so well. All of the struggles all the characters go through as Angel reintroduces himself back to the team were interesting to watch (even Xander's). I'm a huge sucker for all the Bangel moments, but I thought Angel really began to develop into an outstanding character. The ending to S3, with Angel walking away, was one of the best moments of pure emotion I found in the entire series.
Also, I thought S3 was strong for the entire cast. Xander, Willow, Cordelia and Oz all have terrific seasonal arcs that I felt really fed off each other. I know some aren't crazy about the way Willow and Xander finally got together, but I really liked it.
The stand alone episodes are the best from every season in my books. "Faith, Hope & Trick", "Homecoming", "Band Candy", "Revelations", "Lover's Walk", "Amends", "The Wish", "The Zeppo", "Helpless", "Dopplegangland" and "Earshot" were all amazing. I mean hell, I just named like half the freaking season.
S3 just fired on every cylinder imaginable. There isn't a single major weakness. I think all around, S3 is the strongest Buffy we ever saw. It's balanced so well and delivers on all the big angles, storylines and arcs with great payoffs.
S2 might be my favorite season, but I love S3.
Evil Angelus 95
Total Dork
After the ending to S2, I was really left craving for more, and once I started watching S3, it instantly delivered.
Once we get introduced to Faith, she adds another dimension to the entire Slayer position, showing that, unlike Buffy, she actually enjoys slaying vampires and demons. As the season progresses, we see her getting more and more dark with each passing episode, until basically she snaps and goes completely dark.
Angel's return was one that I was looking forward to, considering that I had been spoiled by my parents so I knew that he had his own show. I knew nothing about it otherwise, so my first thought was the show was going to take place while he was in the Hell dimension. (...That would make a good fanfic...). The way he returned to the series was perfectly executed, and the moment when he collapses to his knees and hugs Buffy was one of the most emotionally charged things I've ever seen in a TV show.
Also the way he struggled to make amends with the other Scoobies was really interesting to see, considering that all of them, with the exception of Willow, really didn't want him back (Giles and Xander, I'm looking at you). Still, the way he doesn't turn from that and keeps trying is one of the things that adds so much to his character this season.
The big boss this season was one of the more intimidating, in my opinion, considering that he constantly hovered over the entire season, more so than Angelus did in S2 or the Master in S1. The constant way he was portrayed really made me actually kinda fear for our heros, even though we know they always win in the end 😛
In short, how much did I like S3? I finished the last 17 episodes of it in one day. Granted I was sick and stayed home all day, but still. S3 is defintely one of the better seasons out there.
Once we get introduced to Faith, she adds another dimension to the entire Slayer position, showing that, unlike Buffy, she actually enjoys slaying vampires and demons. As the season progresses, we see her getting more and more dark with each passing episode, until basically she snaps and goes completely dark.
Angel's return was one that I was looking forward to, considering that I had been spoiled by my parents so I knew that he had his own show. I knew nothing about it otherwise, so my first thought was the show was going to take place while he was in the Hell dimension. (...That would make a good fanfic...). The way he returned to the series was perfectly executed, and the moment when he collapses to his knees and hugs Buffy was one of the most emotionally charged things I've ever seen in a TV show.
Also the way he struggled to make amends with the other Scoobies was really interesting to see, considering that all of them, with the exception of Willow, really didn't want him back (Giles and Xander, I'm looking at you). Still, the way he doesn't turn from that and keeps trying is one of the things that adds so much to his character this season.
The big boss this season was one of the more intimidating, in my opinion, considering that he constantly hovered over the entire season, more so than Angelus did in S2 or the Master in S1. The constant way he was portrayed really made me actually kinda fear for our heros, even though we know they always win in the end 😛
In short, how much did I like S3? I finished the last 17 episodes of it in one day. Granted I was sick and stayed home all day, but still. S3 is defintely one of the better seasons out there.
BuffyElevated
Scooby
I love everything about Season 3... The Scoobies experiencing their last year of high school and planning out where to go from there, Faith, The Mayor, the torturous relationship between Buffy and Angel, Faith, Joyce finally knowing Buffy is The Slayer, and did I mention Faith?? 😉
BlessedLunatic
Townie
Season 3 is quite possibly my favorite season! It's a tie between 3 and 2, I think.
I love the story arc...the Mayor is the excellent and unique villain who does horrible things with a polite smile and some down home charm, and I enjoy the mystery of it...they know something is up with him, but they have to put the pieces together to figure out who/what he is and what he's planning to do. It keeps building throughout the season.
And Faith is a great look at a "dark" Slayer, and gives a glimpse of, perhaps, what Buffy could've become if she hadn't had her family and friends to keep her grounded. She's a great character, and she goes through a tremendous amount in just one season's time.
All of the characters go through some development and maturity. Willow gains a lot of self-confidence, Xander grows up a little, Cordelia manages to become less self-centered while at the same time still being the Cordy we all know and love, and Buffy deals with quite a bit in her personal life, as well as learning more about what it means to be a Slayer. I like that Joyce now knows what Buffy does. I like that Angel ultimately sacrifices his own happiness (which is a big no no anyway) to do what's best for Buffy and leave. I like Wesley, who is so ridiculously green and inept that he even makes season 1 Giles look awesome by comparison. I like (well, not like, but find interesting) how Giles gets a bit more jaded and has to deal with all that happened to him in the last year (death of Jenny, torture, losing Buffy, trying to find her again), as well as knowing he'll have to put Buffy through the Cruciamentum, and then ultimately getting fired for refusing to play along.
I also really love the relationship dynamic between Buffy and Giles throughout the season. Though in some ways it's heartbreaking, in other ways they're at their strongest together this season. There are so many father/daughter-esque moments, as well as some great Watcher/Slayer stuff. Season 3 really melds the two aspects of their relationship together nicely. I give him a lot of credit for being as accepting of Buffy and Angel's relationship as he was, all things considered.
It's just a solid season of television, plus it has some really great individual standalone episodes.
I love the story arc...the Mayor is the excellent and unique villain who does horrible things with a polite smile and some down home charm, and I enjoy the mystery of it...they know something is up with him, but they have to put the pieces together to figure out who/what he is and what he's planning to do. It keeps building throughout the season.
And Faith is a great look at a "dark" Slayer, and gives a glimpse of, perhaps, what Buffy could've become if she hadn't had her family and friends to keep her grounded. She's a great character, and she goes through a tremendous amount in just one season's time.
All of the characters go through some development and maturity. Willow gains a lot of self-confidence, Xander grows up a little, Cordelia manages to become less self-centered while at the same time still being the Cordy we all know and love, and Buffy deals with quite a bit in her personal life, as well as learning more about what it means to be a Slayer. I like that Joyce now knows what Buffy does. I like that Angel ultimately sacrifices his own happiness (which is a big no no anyway) to do what's best for Buffy and leave. I like Wesley, who is so ridiculously green and inept that he even makes season 1 Giles look awesome by comparison. I like (well, not like, but find interesting) how Giles gets a bit more jaded and has to deal with all that happened to him in the last year (death of Jenny, torture, losing Buffy, trying to find her again), as well as knowing he'll have to put Buffy through the Cruciamentum, and then ultimately getting fired for refusing to play along.
I also really love the relationship dynamic between Buffy and Giles throughout the season. Though in some ways it's heartbreaking, in other ways they're at their strongest together this season. There are so many father/daughter-esque moments, as well as some great Watcher/Slayer stuff. Season 3 really melds the two aspects of their relationship together nicely. I give him a lot of credit for being as accepting of Buffy and Angel's relationship as he was, all things considered.
It's just a solid season of television, plus it has some really great individual standalone episodes.
BuffyElevated
[No message]
WallflowerBitca
A Bitca
I love a great many things... One of the best bits for me was the Xander/Cordy/Willow/Oz love ... would you call it a square? Cuz it ain't a triangle. I have my High School Ships and my College Ships as I call them - i.e - Willow/Oz all the way in High School Ships but Willow/Tara all the way in College. And season three was my favourite when it came to High School Ships. There was epic Buffy/Angel stuff happening, the ever fabulous Buffy/Faith sexual tension, Willow/Oz cuteness and Xander/Cordelia AWESOMENESS. Xander and Cordy crack me up. Romantically, season 3 was my favourite high school year.
Then there was the Faith storyline. What can I say? Faith is awesome. The Mayor was hilarious. And thank GOD Mr Trick wasn't the 'Big Bad'.
All in all, S3 was great!! I loved it.
The future is ours after all 😉
Then there was the Faith storyline. What can I say? Faith is awesome. The Mayor was hilarious. And thank GOD Mr Trick wasn't the 'Big Bad'.
All in all, S3 was great!! I loved it.
The future is ours after all 😉
Pike
Sunnydale Alumni
The show continued the story archs of the characters. Unlike Season One and some parts of Season Two, Season Three is moving forward full on. I loved the relationships, and swings that were thrown with Willow/Xander, and the break ups. I liked that Buffy and Angel weren't thrown right back at each other like nothing ever happened. There was an awesome Enemy. Faith turning. There was plenty to love here.
There is really less to not like. Maybe that the Buffy and Angel situation became a little repetitive.
While Season Six, and Five are my favorites.. Season Three I consider to be the Prime Year on Buffy- when people look back at the show, they may think of this cast, with these surroundings. Its good stuff.
There is really less to not like. Maybe that the Buffy and Angel situation became a little repetitive.
While Season Six, and Five are my favorites.. Season Three I consider to be the Prime Year on Buffy- when people look back at the show, they may think of this cast, with these surroundings. Its good stuff.
BuffyElevated
[No message]
Wild At Heart
the moon lights his way
The atmosphere, the darkness & grittiness of the season. I love the build up to the end of the Buffy/Angel relationship. The cast is brilliant as always. The introduction of Faith, my favorite character from the show. Willow truly begins her journey as a Witch this season & finds a footing for her own power. Anya is also introduced and love watching her as Anyanka & her scenes with Xander towards the end of the season are hilarious! Alot of tension this season built up throughout between Buffy & Faith as well as between all the characters & the Mayor. The Buffy/Faith fights are some of my absolute favorites. Everything about this season is flawless. Band Candy is a classic. I feel like Cordelia's character gains some depth in this season as well. So many things as you can see & I probably forgot alot!!!
sisterofmercy
Ray of Sunshine..
I loved the Mayor and Mr Trick and Lover's Walk for Spike. I also really liked the character development and the Woz relationship.
MarlieTheSlayer
Bangel shipper
I really, really LOVE, LOVE!!! The Bangel drinking scene!!! it's my favorite scene ever! Also... the song is just epic!
WallflowerBitca
A Bitca
For me, this is the season that really set up the next four that would follow... there is so much foreshadowing, character development and the introduction of SO many plots that will become pivotal in later seasons. It's so cleverly done, and the introduction of Faith couldn't have been better. Considering that Faith didn't even appear in that many episodes throughout the series, she really made a mark - and that wouldn't have been possible without the dark decisions they made for her this season. TOTALLY loved it.
R
Robb Stark
[No message]
white avenger
white avenger
I would say, "That Angel left Sunnydale," but I would only be joking. Really. Seriously. Honestly.
Seriously, though, Season 3 introduced one of my two favorite characters in the whole Buffyverse, Faith.
Seriously, though, Season 3 introduced one of my two favorite characters in the whole Buffyverse, Faith.
jokinghazard
Townie
itssmiletime
Potential
Although I always thought season 3 was a bit too heavy on the spectacle and some episode's concepts did outstay their welcome. The season was also really cutsey and soggy- sentimental in parts, and neglected alot of the emotional heights of the later seasons and season 2 felt more intimate.... I loved the character Faith, and episodes such as ''Anne'' ''Doppelgangland'' ''Helpless'' were fantastic. The Mayor was a very entertaining big bad, and Mr. Trick gave an essential comedic element to it. I loved Wes, even though I wished he was treated better, particularly in Graduation Day Part 1 & 2. Christophe Beck provides a beautiful score: Drink Me, Magic Snow Missile, Kralik's House.
Plus, hey, the only season where Oz was a reg for the whole season 🙂
Plus, hey, the only season where Oz was a reg for the whole season 🙂
