Xander’s Reaction to Buffy’s Sexy Dance

[MissChristina]

I’ve watched this episode a dozen times (When She Was Bad S02E01) and I’m still fuzzy on interpretation: What is Xander’s reaction during Buffy’s sexy dance?

I’m looking at his face and body language (he pretty much stops dancing and stands there while Buffy uses him as a pole), but:

Is he confused?
Is he aroused?
Is he enjoying it?
Is he insulted?
Is he angry?
Is he frustrated? By what was happening and/or Buffy’s overall attitude/behavior?
Does he want her to stop? Don’t stop?

 

[AlphaFoxtrot]

As a recovering teenage boy, it is entirely possible to feel all of those things at the same time in such a situation.

 

[WillowFromBuffy]

He is conflicted, because he is getting what he has dreamed about, but he realises quickly that Buffy is just toying with him.

What Buffy does is kinda cruel, but you also have to respect it as one of the greatest power moves on the show.

 

[Thieving gypsy]

The fact that people still refer to it as "Buffy's sexy dance".. Its like someone took the shows innocence and locked it in a time capsule.


Xander pulls a stunned mullet because the problem with wanting things is that sometimes you get them.

 

[WillowFromBuffy]

The fact that people still refer to it as "Buffy's sexy dance".. Its like someone took the shows innocence and locked it in a time capsule.

It's referred to as Buffy's sexy dance, not Buffy's outrageous dance.

 

[Mr Trick]

I'd say its a mix of WTF is going on and being aroused? I think he is so much in the moment that the thought of making her stop never really crossed his mind.

 

[Taake]

I’ve watched this episode a dozen times (When She Was Bad S02E01) and I’m still fuzzy on interpretation: What is Xander’s reaction during Buffy’s sexy dance?

I’m looking at his face and body language (he pretty much stops dancing and stands there while Buffy uses him as a pole), but:

Is he confused?
Is he aroused?
Is he enjoying it?
Is he insulted?
Is he angry?
Is he frustrated? By what was happening and/or Buffy’s overall attitude/behavior?
Does he want her to stop? Don’t stop?

I also feel like it is all of the above. Like conflicted, but happy because finally, but also mad because it's not real, frustrated because she's using him… lol, the whole shebang.
From his body language though I interpret that he'd rather she stop, because he knows its a lie.

The fact that people still refer to it as "Buffy's sexy dance".. Its like someone took the shows innocence and locked it in a time capsule.

Nitpicking on how people phrase things is a rather unpleasant practice. If you object to the phrase "sexy dance" you could've said something about the dance per se and what you'd rather call it, rather then condescend to another member.

 

[MissChristina]

From his body language though I interpret that he'd rather she stop, because he knows its a lie.

Hmm, I really like this interpretation! I re-watched “Bewitched Bothered Bewildered” (S02E16) last night, and was reminded that Xander wanted Buffy to stop her romantic advances in this episode because it was a lie, I think this makes the most sense. Thanks!

 

[Give Us A Kiss]

I think he kind of liked it, probably fueled some of his fantasies later on.

 

[Honoria Dedlock]

It's a subtle touch to Buffy's character...she may be the slayer, but she does on occasion enjoy using her sexuality to get what she wants, a bit like Cordelia. She does the same with Spike in intervention.

I think SMG would have killed it as Cordelia tbh. I often wonder what the show would be like had she played that role as originally intended.

As for Xander I think it's all you listed...but mostly arousal. Lol