Quick fun fact for Restless: The scene with Tara and Buffy in the bedroom was originally supposed to be between _Faith_ and Buffy. Which would make their dialogue here consistent with the conversation Buffy and Faith had earlier in the season in their shared dream. Similarly, the scenes with Tara and Buffy in the desert were supposed to be Buffy with _Angel_ as her spirit guide. In both cases, I believe David Boreanez and Eliza Dushku were unavailable for the filming. Tara was _perfect_ as an ethereal guide in the desert, I believe.
"I walk. I talk. I shop. I sneeze. I'm going to be a fireman when the floods roll back, and I don't sleep on a bed of bones." I want that quote as a tattoo. I love it so much.
I have a very silly theory that bc Buffy got turned into a rat while under the effect of a love spell back in S2 ("and then a sudden need for cheese"), that's why she likes cheese (which Willow informed Riley of) and why the cheese guy is there in Restless. I don't think that's really why, but I like my theory.
While never confirmed I always took it as partially what you said and partially Joss making fun of himself. He knows the criticism of the show. He makes room for the cheese (silliness). It will not protect you (from heartache). I wear the cheese it does not wear me (I know what I'm doing with the humor and I own it). "Waves slices" (see me, I'm here)🤷♀️ That was always my take
I think you're right. It could be, they were pulled into Buffy's dream or mind by the first slayer. They were running through it like it was a maze. It's possible that the cheese was the clue that they were in her head. Now that I think about it, why would Willow mention she loves cheese? It was so random. I thought it was a joke but it could be that Joss was bringing that fact back in our minds about Buffy, planting that seed.
I didn't translate it, TPN did, but the text on Tara's back is a poem by Sapho written in greek. It says "Aphrodite on a many colored throne, deathless daughter of Zues, weaver of wiles, I now beg you dont, my mistress, crush my spirit with anguish and torment. But if you ever heard my voice before from afar, come. " but the rest of the poem that hasnt been written yet finishes "For if she flees, soon she'll pursue. She doesnt accept gifts but she'll give. If not now loving, soon she'll love. Even against her will. "
@MsKimifer yeah, if you haven't seen TPNs video on restless its full of neat insights and details. They also translated Giles and Anya's French in Xander's dream for those not fluent in french
@sirmoonslosthismind oh really? I didn't know that... sorry, I live in a place where French is spoken in small communities (Louisiana) but even that French is it's own dialect and not "proper french"
It's MUCH easier to understand everyone's dream except Buffy's. Buffy's largely involves future events or future implications of current events. So it's easier to see in retrospect later in the series. You have to remember that Buffy gets prophetic dreams as the Slayer. So her dreams are different.
For 4x22 Restless, you were pretty on point with your interpretations of the dreams. The Cheese Man was a non-sensical thing that appears in most of our dreams but people have written some brilliant insights on what it could mean for BtVS. The painting on Tara’s back by Willow was a love poem by Sappho. And my favourite fun fact, the backing band for Giles was Christophe Beck (music genius for BtVS) and Four Star Mary who are the music for Oz’s band Dingoes Ate My Baby
Giles - (in French) "... the house where we're all sleeping. All your friends are there having a wonderful time and getting on with their lives. The creature can't hurt you there." Xander - (in English) "What? Go where? I don't understand." Giles - (in French) "Oh for God's sake, this is no time for your idiotic games!" Anya - (in French) "Xander! You have to come with us now! Everybody's waiting for you!" Giles - (in French) "That's what I've been trying to tell him." Xander - (in English) "Honey, I don't... I can't hear you..." Anya - (in French) "It's not important. I'll take you there." Xander - (in English) "Well, wait. Where are we going?"
The wall that Joyce is in is a metaphor for the wall between Buffy and her mom that developed in season 4. You see that in the episode with Faith where Faith said that Buffy forgot about her.
4x22 -- Whedon said he took advantage here of the fact that they didn't have a very large sound stage, and a lot of the sets shared walls and opened into each other.
I can totally see the inspiration for Cabin in the Woods with the Primeval episode when they’re in the computer room and a chaos of monsters are outside.
The episode Restless literally tells you what’s going to happen in seasons 5 and 7, but it’s not possible to pick up on until you’ve seen those seasons. Once you’ve finished seasons 5 and 7, you can go back to this episode and understand _everything._ it’s pretty clever.
I think you talked over it, but in Giles' dream, when he was being scalped, he said, "You never had a Watcher", implying he'd figured out she was the first Slayer.
FYI the scene between Xander and Armin Shimerman as Principal Snyder is a parody of a similar scene with Marlon Brando as Colonel Kurtz in “Apocalypse Now.” Shimerman is fantastic as Brando.
It’s from a very common phenomenon where if you fall asleep while listening to something, like a film or so, your mind can still process what you hear, and it can affect your dreams to include elements from it. Xander’s mind is incorporating the movie they’re watching.
This isn't a spoiler, I swear. Don't waste your time fretting about the meaning of the cheeseman. He literally meant nothing, had no hidden plot, and was a representation of the randomness of dreams. Just the 'wtf' element that all dreams seem to have. 😅 Which is brilliant, in my opinion.
so you've just eliminated any fun we can have watching them possibly continue to read into it. closing the door on that is a spoiler too you know. let them theorise for our fun even if they go down the wrong avenue. that's part of the fun.
Earlier this season, Riley asks Willow to tell him about Buffy and the first thing she says is "she likes cheese". I always assumed it was a sort of call back to that and that just bc she likes cheese so much the cheese man ends up in the crazy dreams.
Personally, upon seeing this for the first time, I concluded that the spell they cast tapped into the primal source of the slayer's power in its entirety, right from the very beginning. In her "possessed" state, Buffy says as much just before she eliminates Adam: "you could never hope to grasp the source of our power". This is somehow echoed in Tara's narration at the end of the season finale: "You think you know... what's to come... what you are. You haven't even begun."
And this episode also served the purpose of telling the audience ‘hey, this spell was a one time use. Don’t be complaining that they “should just use that spell again’ any time there’s a big bad that our heroes are struggling against.” Because one thing people hate is a power up that then never gets used again without good reason
Prophecy Girl is mine (Buffy's breakdown in the library still gets me 27 years later), but Restless is definitely up there. 'Course, I don't think Buffy has ever had anything resembling a bad finale. I think Chosen might be the weakest, but it's still amazing.
I love seeing the confusion of people when they see Restless for the first time. Who wasn't confused the first time ? This episode is the most confusing and craziest episode of the show, but one of the best and most interesting ones. The writing is excellent and it's a fantastic subject in psychological studies. A big advice : rewatch it from time to time while you watch the rest of the show. You will be even more amazed. So many things we can't understand at first, but that makes sense later. And regarding the cheese-man, yes, he represents the nonsense of our dreams sometimes. Once again, this episode is pure genius, and kudos to your thoughts about what was happening. ;-) And welcome season 5!
I love how the last three episodes of season 4 really clarify their personalities. The way they drift and don’t listen to each other in yoko factor, how they vow to grow and reconnect in primeval, literally to the point of acknowledging their strongest best traits and combining souls (and let’s not forget it was Xander who suggested it, thus proving he IS the heart, because he has so much faith about their group) finished with their core fears and hints of their future challenges in restless. It’s just so perfectly done. And it makes sure the audience knows who they are, for season five, one of my favourite seasons.
Happy "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" Thursday evening with Sergio & Cody! 😊 Two of my favorite episodes of the season for this week. Episode 4x21: Anya confessing to Xander that she loves him. The talk between Buffy and Willow was sweet. It's the final showdown between Buffy and Adam. Love the spell that Willow did. And the Initiative is gone. Episode 4x22: It's the season 4 finale! And we get to meet the very first Slayer. Already looking forward to the start of season 5 next week. 😊
Love you guys. I highly recommend that you do my favorite horror series, “Penny Dreadful,” next, which has some of the best acting you will ever see in a television series, especially by Eva Green, Rory Kinnear, Harry Treadaway and Timothy Dalton.
22:09 Someone on Patreon has probably answered this already but the writing on Tara's back is a poem by Sappho, an Ancient Greek poet who wrote poetry about women loving women, which is the reason for the word "sapphic" (also lesbian, as she lived on Lesbos) Also, this is the most I've ever seen reactors GET Restless on the first watch. You guys are so attuned to the show's themes.
I didn't realize the first time watching it but rewatching again years later made me realize how the supernatural wasn't just in one place like in Sunnydale even tho it is a Hellmouth but that it's everywhere to the point that the government is very much aware of it.
Omg so much foreshadowing in Restless. You both are going to look at this episode differently once you finish the show. “You think you know what’s to come, what you are. You haven’t even begun.” One of my favorite quotes from the whole series! Bring on Season 5! Arguably the best season of Buffy.
Restless is by far my favorite episode of Season 5. I absolutely love episodes that center on symbolism and dreams, there is SO much in these dreams that are symbolic not only of the present but of the future. It's amazing how masterful this episode was written.
Whedon has said the Cheese Man represents the random nonsense of dreams, but I think he's also a meta-commentary about how the show uses humor. "I've made a little space for the cheese slices." Even in serious moments, the show makes room for some of its campy, cheesy humor. "These will not protect you." Xander frequently plays the role of comic relief, but this won't keep him safe. "I wear the cheese. It does not wear me." The humor doesn't control the show. It serves to break up the serious and sometimes overly dramatic moments, but doesn't overpower them. Finally, it's the sight of the cheese man that breaks Buffy out of the dream, and her humor is a vital part of her ability to save the day.
This makes alot of sense. Even thought Joss has always said the cheese guy is random nonsense, I think the things you stated were probably in his subconscience and therefore have unintentional meaning. ✌🏻
I really hope you guys revisit this episode after you finish the series to see how it lines up. I’m still so impressed 20+ years later. Seasons 5, 6, and 7 are hinted at in such an amazing way. Season 5 is probably my favorite season (it varies bc I love the entire series so much) so I’m VERY excited for your reactions to it!
I love your channel and these reactions to Buffy. I really hope you watch the entire series. It's so comforting and fun rewatching my favorite show with you guys. Also, you are responsible for me buying a, "Buffy will patrol tonight" shirt and a Sunnydale shirt lol.
This entire dream sequence is Buffy's perception of everyone, her subconscious and they're interacting with it since they're in her mind. The characters seem to act and have agency, but this is how she perceives them even when they come together to break out of the spell. This is so layered because it feels real for everyone, it seems like their real fears and internal conflict are being played out. So Buffy sees their struggle. She's perceptive even when we saw her being obsessed with Riley and busy with slaying. This really shows the contrast between the lone slayer vs the slayer with a support system. They really are a force to be reckoned with when together.
"I wear the cheese it does not wear me" is a modified version of the line from Leo Dicaprio in Man in the Iron Mask: "I wear the mask, it does not wear me."
Congratulations for not only completing the first 4 Seasons but continuing your wonderful reactions You are not only improving but excelling. Great job. Restless is intriguing, captivating, and beware can be a sink hole to explore. We could not go back and rewatch for study. Beware! Some have not returned. There are many ways to approach Restless. Rewatch one time and then wait to study this masterpiece after finishing Season 6. It makes it easier to understand. Lastly, remember the traits of the characters and how they deal with dreams. Willow, Xander, and Giles are civilians. People dream about their past and present while dealing with events that may have impact. But Buffy dreams differently. Lie her strength, Buffy’s prophecies in her dreams guide and protect her. Buffy dreams of the present and the future. Buffy has dreams that are to be used with implications of needed actions. To understand Restless you should understand the Scoobys dream for therapy while Buffy dreams to help The Slayer with her future battles.
Restless is one of the best episodes of the show imo. On first watch it seems very disjointed from Primeval which seems like the finale. . It takes a few watches to figure it out and even then answers don't come until future episodes.
I shared this on the Patreon upload but thought I'd share it here too. Some fun facts: In Giles' dream the man on the piano is Christophe Beck, who wrote the score for a few seasons. The band is Four Star Mary, who are the real Dingoes Ate My Baby.
Restless is such a cozy, comforting episode.. seeing the gang fall asleep with movies and snacks after a night of hardcore slayage always makes me wish i was there with them ☺️..
"Is that how she thinks about Xander?" Probably, but it's also only slightly less subtle than some of Willow and Tara's actual conversations before Willow came out: Willow: "I had so much fun last night, those spells we did...I hope you don't think I come over just for the spells?" Tara: "No, of course not." _Sly grin_ "...But you wanna do a spell..."
While you can read some symbolism in the order of Xander calling from set to set, the fact that they were collocated as they were is just random happenstance in the real world.
Good one guys! Yeah, Restless is a confusing but fascinating episode. Lots of backstory AND foreshadowing. You will love to go back to this one after you have ended the whole show.
If y'all ever crave more of Anthony Head's singing, he played the lead in Repo Man as well as Frankenfurter in some live renditions of Rocky Horror (one of which also features Amber Benson/Tara) :D
Restless is definitely one to rewatch and break down once you've finished the show. And Prophecy Girl, the season 1 finale. Buffy's speech when overhearing the prophecy about her and the Master is interesting on rewatch.
It's great how quickly you caught on to the spirit/heart/mind/hand cards' relationship to how each character was being killed in their dreams. Willow was "spirit" by the way, not... whatever it was you said (I can't remember now! 🙂). So she was turning to stone or something to represent her spirit being drained away.
I really wish Season 4 was more tightly written. The elements like the Scoobies drifting apart after high school, and the Slayer/Scoobies versus Science/Government could have been really fun. The elements are there, but it they could have been a lot better.
Hey guys, love your channel! I know Buffy and Angel still have some mileage before you reach their finales but I want to throw some replacement shows in the ring to generate some buzz for them. If you want to do more supernatural shows that have decent drama, action and comedy, I recommend Grimm, Wynonna Earp, and one of my faves, THE MAGICIANS.
Listen, personal preference, but 4x22 is *my* favorite Buffy episode(though there are some close seconds) This show is at it's best when its experimenting and taking huge risks. This episode is so different from what its telling and how its telling it from anything else i had seen before, while still being very, very Buffy.
They went straight into the intro ao that all the credits would be over by the time the dreams started. They didn't want the credita overlapping the dreams.
Television around this time was very different compared to today, so the choice to have this episode as the finale wasn't all that ballsy. It was confusing to us viewers, but it wasn't a gamble for the show. Pre-streaming, television shows didn't have nearly as much competition as we see today. At the time, networks heavily relied on their so-called "flagship" shows to bring viewers to their channel. Viewers would see ads for the network's other shows during commercial breaks and so on. Buffy as the highest rated/watched show of the WB network was the flagship show. Season 5, and pretty much seasons 6 and 7, were guaranteed before this episode was penned. And yes, like others have said, this episode is a fun rewatch after you finish the series.
Yeah shows today never know when their last season is so they go out with a bang each finale which Buffy did in the past, but after 3 good seasons and a guaranteed renewal they allowed themselves an episode like this and I actually like it. It keeps you curious about what's next, if the first slayer is showing up then things are getting serious.
What a great time I just had. Big old glass of wine (maybe two, who's counting?), you guys and the masterpiece season four finale episodes. Primeval is action packed in the best way and, even though Adam is not many people's favourite big bad, the spell to take him down is awesome. Restless is just phenomenal. It still gives me chills every time I see it and is definitely in my top three eps. Now...let's go season five!
A quick search on IMDB will show the movie/show references are STRONGLY inspired by the following for 'Restless': 'Apocalypse Now' (1979) Xander falls asleep watching this movie and his dream parallels a Colonel Kurtz scene; 'Twin Peaks' - (yes, even the cheese guy, I get major "log lady" vibes from him.) Wild episode.
What gets to me in BTVS are Whedon's links between the show and reality. Here I would turn to Miller's play Death of a Salesman in relation to Buffy. Only thing I can get hold of, although the Scoobies dreams and continuing cheese-man's appearances are so revealing. Buffy and both her demanding destiny/wish to be free and young are mirrored by the play. Buffy as Louise Brooks, 20's dark flapper vamp, is like Willy Loman of the play in the weird production (now Giles gives a great power circle pep talk). Both are in a dream-like state, dreaming of earlier, happier days (Willy of the 1920's, Buffy dressed as the wild and free icon of that era). The ridiculed and persecuted witch Willow, aptly named Rosenberg, like the executed un-Americans, is left without the society's protection and perishes while others watch and deride her. Also like in another Miller play, The Crucible. Buffy and Loman follow the American Dream, which eludes them, and turns them into loners, Buffy with a great responsibility, Willy with a loser's sadness inside. Both have contacts with the real life outside the show and play - to me Whedon is commenting the state of the world in everything.
Be very very very very careful with the comment section this episode and the next few. Buffy fans can't help but be "clever" with "subtle" hints for this stretch of episodes! Be extremely careful!!
I saw a comment ina season 7 reaction that made me want to be able to go through the screen and punch the commenter. Why would you even do this kind of thing? :/
@@staceyj-z4t Without any spoilers can only say that they made an early reveal of a very much hated s7 character's origin in their debut episode and I was livid. Poor reactor.
Great reactions, love the finale (an episode that deserves repeat viewing). Eagerly looking forward to your season 5 reactions, so much good stuff is waiting.
"Restless" is a fantastic end to the season, and a solid episode: very avant-garde! Now I can't wait for you guys to review Season 5, which is my favorite season of the show!
I love your reactions! Every time, in the beginning of your vids, I'm trying to guess which scenes you're watching and if I'm right I give myself a pat on the shoulder! :D I always love how new watchers are confused about Adam being killed in the second to last episode, I was so confused when I first saw it. But I really enjoy the last episode of this season. Also, it's very sweet of you guys to give Chucky a pumpkin!
Yeah there's something a bit mystical about Tara because we don't fully know her yet which works in this dream episode, it would not feel the same with Angel or Faith.
Season 4 has one of the weaker story arcs, but so many great themes running through it! The characters all struggle with communication, and establishing their identity as they transition into a new phase of life through trial and error. One big theme is magic versus science and technology. We have Giles with his chainsaw and Adam resisting Jonathan's spell, but magic wins in the end. Another theme is primitive versus modern. Intellectual students give into their base urges and become cavemen, and Buffy has to face a native warrior who wants vengeance for his lost people. Oz struggles to control his primitive werewolf side. Primeval SuperBuffy defeats Adam, but modern Buffy overcomes the First Slayer in her dream. There are also themes of male versus female, order vs chaos, and control vs independence.
I'm so glad you guys enjoyed season 4 so much! It's definitely a lot of people's least favorite season, but I think it has a lot of great stuff. I'm also so glad that you're definitely going on to season 5 and I can't wait to continue this Buffy journey with you!
4x22 -- Joss Whedon (who wrote and directed this) did a commentary on the DVD which covers some of what he was going for, including his thoughts on the cheese man. But IMO it's more fun to come up with your own interpretations first. It's like poetry and modern art; there are no wrong answers.
S4 was always going to be slightly difficult because The High School years were over, and the show had to find a new direction. Overall I thought it was disappointing compared to other Seasons and felt somewhat disjointed. Adam, even wasn't really a 'Big Bad' compared with the arc of other seasons. That being said, Primeval was an entertaining episode with the big fight towards the end reminiscent of a Bond Film, with lots of people in a massive big fight in a complex with all sorts of weapons etc, but bullets are flying everywhere but nobody getting hit! We see Willow again gaining amazing power, and being able to transfer to Buffy to make her invincible, there were shades here of The Matrix with the slow motion shots and the strange deflection of Adam's attacks. Riley shows great courage to remove the chip from his chest, and when Buffy pulls out Adam's power source we get a great sense of satisfaction. Once again we have an X-FILES type ending where the men discussing closing down The Initiative could easily be Smoking Man and The Syndicate or Assistant Director Skinner and The FBI top brass as a closing X-FILES scene.
Quick fun fact for Restless: The scene with Tara and Buffy in the bedroom was originally supposed to be between _Faith_ and Buffy. Which would make their dialogue here consistent with the conversation Buffy and Faith had earlier in the season in their shared dream.
Similarly, the scenes with Tara and Buffy in the desert were supposed to be Buffy with _Angel_ as her spirit guide.
In both cases, I believe David Boreanez and Eliza Dushku were unavailable for the filming.
Tara was _perfect_ as an ethereal guide in the desert, I believe.
I wear The Cheese. The Cheese does not wear me.
@@melissaroszkowski8911I made some space for the _cheese_ slices.
"I walk. I talk. I shop. I sneeze. I'm going to be a fireman when the floods roll back, and I don't sleep on a bed of bones." I want that quote as a tattoo. I love it so much.
it's what everyone wants, and almost no one feels like they have -- agency. control. buffy will not let the past dictate her path to her.
And she has that privilege [redacted] does not because she was the first. And as the previous commenter said, sadly, she had no agency. 😥
here we go season 5 my favorite season
Season 5 is my fave too. The emotional roller coaster they are about to get on. They aren’t prepared! 🙌🏽 😭
Same. Perfectly planned, structured and foreshadowed.
saaaaame. I'm so hyped for them to dive into it.
It’s a new Dawn. It’s a New Day. It’s a New Season! And I’m feeeeling gooood!
I have a very silly theory that bc Buffy got turned into a rat while under the effect of a love spell back in S2 ("and then a sudden need for cheese"), that's why she likes cheese (which Willow informed Riley of) and why the cheese guy is there in Restless. I don't think that's really why, but I like my theory.
While never confirmed I always took it as partially what you said and partially Joss making fun of himself.
He knows the criticism of the show. He makes room for the cheese (silliness). It will not protect you (from heartache). I wear the cheese it does not wear me (I know what I'm doing with the humor and I own it). "Waves slices" (see me, I'm here)🤷♀️
That was always my take
@@reneeg9406 I agree, that's a very sensible explanation and probably correct. I'm just being cheesy myself XD
I also like your theory. I'm going to accept that as the reason from now on
I think you're right. It could be, they were pulled into Buffy's dream or mind by the first slayer. They were running through it like it was a maze. It's possible that the cheese was the clue that they were in her head. Now that I think about it, why would Willow mention she loves cheese? It was so random. I thought it was a joke but it could be that Joss was bringing that fact back in our minds about Buffy, planting that seed.
Men... with your... sales...
A watcher scoffs at gravity.
So many memorable quotes in this episode.
E21: Did you notice who came up with the idea to destroy Adam by removing his power source? It was Johnathan in Superstar!
I didn't translate it, TPN did, but the text on Tara's back is a poem by Sapho written in greek. It says "Aphrodite on a many colored throne, deathless daughter of Zues, weaver of wiles, I now beg you dont, my mistress, crush my spirit with anguish and torment. But if you ever heard my voice before from afar, come. " but the rest of the poem that hasnt been written yet finishes "For if she flees, soon she'll pursue. She doesnt accept gifts but she'll give. If not now loving, soon she'll love. Even against her will. "
Damn. 😶
@MsKimifer yeah, if you haven't seen TPNs video on restless its full of neat insights and details. They also translated Giles and Anya's French in Xander's dream for those not fluent in french
TPN is absolutely amazing. Been watching his videos for a decade at this point. Amazing guy with amazing analyses.
@@Harlequin669
also for those who are fluent in french. (native speakers have complained about the quality of the french.)
@sirmoonslosthismind oh really? I didn't know that... sorry, I live in a place where French is spoken in small communities (Louisiana) but even that French is it's own dialect and not "proper french"
It's MUCH easier to understand everyone's dream except Buffy's. Buffy's largely involves future events or future implications of current events. So it's easier to see in retrospect later in the series.
You have to remember that Buffy gets prophetic dreams as the Slayer. So her dreams are different.
Restless is not the finale, perse, but it is an interlude between season 1-4 to Seasons 5-7.
For 4x22 Restless, you were pretty on point with your interpretations of the dreams. The Cheese Man was a non-sensical thing that appears in most of our dreams but people have written some brilliant insights on what it could mean for BtVS. The painting on Tara’s back by Willow was a love poem by Sappho. And my favourite fun fact, the backing band for Giles was Christophe Beck (music genius for BtVS) and Four Star Mary who are the music for Oz’s band Dingoes Ate My Baby
The last episode of this season will make sense in time. The growth of the characters is always so amazing. And gotta love hearing Giles's singing.
Giles - (in French) "... the house where we're all sleeping. All your friends are there having a wonderful time and getting on with their lives. The creature can't hurt you there."
Xander - (in English) "What? Go where? I don't understand."
Giles - (in French) "Oh for God's sake, this is no time for your idiotic games!"
Anya - (in French) "Xander! You have to come with us now! Everybody's waiting for you!"
Giles - (in French) "That's what I've been trying to tell him."
Xander - (in English) "Honey, I don't... I can't hear you..."
Anya - (in French) "It's not important. I'll take you there."
Xander - (in English) "Well, wait. Where are we going?"
@@elphiegreen ah mais je croyais qu'il disais "culture "
expect.... it is so badly prononced that no french people can understand what Giles says.
I think this is not even Anthony Head's voice !
The wall that Joyce is in is a metaphor for the wall between Buffy and her mom that developed in season 4. You see that in the episode with Faith where Faith said that Buffy forgot about her.
But she is kind of always there, as well, living in the walls.
4x22 -- Whedon said he took advantage here of the fact that they didn't have a very large sound stage, and a lot of the sets shared walls and opened into each other.
I can totally see the inspiration for Cabin in the Woods with the Primeval episode when they’re in the computer room and a chaos of monsters are outside.
The episode Restless literally tells you what’s going to happen in seasons 5 and 7, but it’s not possible to pick up on until you’ve seen those seasons.
Once you’ve finished seasons 5 and 7, you can go back to this episode and understand _everything._ it’s pretty clever.
I think you talked over it, but in Giles' dream, when he was being scalped, he said, "You never had a Watcher", implying he'd figured out she was the first Slayer.
"A watcher scoffs at gravity!" is one of my favorite lines! Giles seems to have a lot of those! xD
SEASON 5 ALREADY ??? HOLY BUFFY
No spoilers but I recommend to you guys to rewatch this episode after you finish season 5.
Perhaps even after season six
I really forgot how much foreshadowing there was for the next 2 seasons
Restless is worth a rewatch after every season, just to see what clues you can find that you missed before.
FYI the scene between Xander and Armin Shimerman as Principal Snyder is a parody of a similar scene with Marlon Brando as Colonel Kurtz in “Apocalypse Now.” Shimerman is fantastic as Brando.
Yep, that, and the chopper sounds were the video they were watching bleeding into his dreams as sounds sometimes do when we're dreaming.
That’s one of my favorite parts. He hammed it up like Brando!
More of an homage than a parody.
It’s from a very common phenomenon where if you fall asleep while listening to something, like a film or so, your mind can still process what you hear, and it can affect your dreams to include elements from it.
Xander’s mind is incorporating the movie they’re watching.
This isn't a spoiler, I swear. Don't waste your time fretting about the meaning of the cheeseman. He literally meant nothing, had no hidden plot, and was a representation of the randomness of dreams. Just the 'wtf' element that all dreams seem to have. 😅 Which is brilliant, in my opinion.
Yeah, watching your critiques on the Cheeseman was kinda… Cheesy 🧀;)
so you've just eliminated any fun we can have watching them possibly continue to read into it. closing the door on that is a spoiler too you know. let them theorise for our fun even if they go down the wrong avenue. that's part of the fun.
Earlier this season, Riley asks Willow to tell him about Buffy and the first thing she says is "she likes cheese". I always assumed it was a sort of call back to that and that just bc she likes cheese so much the cheese man ends up in the crazy dreams.
I agree. Telling someone who hasn't seen it whether something is or isn't important is a spoiler.
I like that you mentioned this; I don't think it takes anything away from the watching of this episode. Ignore the folks who are negative about it.
Personally, upon seeing this for the first time, I concluded that the spell they cast tapped into the primal source of the slayer's power in its entirety, right from the very beginning. In her "possessed" state, Buffy says as much just before she eliminates Adam: "you could never hope to grasp the source of our power". This is somehow echoed in Tara's narration at the end of the season finale: "You think you know... what's to come... what you are. You haven't even begun."
And this episode also served the purpose of telling the audience ‘hey, this spell was a one time use. Don’t be complaining that they “should just use that spell again’ any time there’s a big bad that our heroes are struggling against.” Because one thing people hate is a power up that then never gets used again without good reason
"Restless" is probably my favorite season finale.
Prophecy Girl is mine (Buffy's breakdown in the library still gets me 27 years later), but Restless is definitely up there. 'Course, I don't think Buffy has ever had anything resembling a bad finale. I think Chosen might be the weakest, but it's still amazing.
"Be back before dawn ..."
Don't you dare 😂😂
Shhhhhhhhh! lol
You have no idea how lucky your guys are that you can watch it ASAP. I had to wait the whole summer when it first aired.
I love seeing the confusion of people when they see Restless for the first time. Who wasn't confused the first time ? This episode is the most confusing and craziest episode of the show, but one of the best and most interesting ones. The writing is excellent and it's a fantastic subject in psychological studies. A big advice : rewatch it from time to time while you watch the rest of the show. You will be even more amazed. So many things we can't understand at first, but that makes sense later. And regarding the cheese-man, yes, he represents the nonsense of our dreams sometimes. Once again, this episode is pure genius, and kudos to your thoughts about what was happening. ;-) And welcome season 5!
I love how the last three episodes of season 4 really clarify their personalities. The way they drift and don’t listen to each other in yoko factor, how they vow to grow and reconnect in primeval, literally to the point of acknowledging their strongest best traits and combining souls (and let’s not forget it was Xander who suggested it, thus proving he IS the heart, because he has so much faith about their group) finished with their core fears and hints of their future challenges in restless. It’s just so perfectly done. And it makes sure the audience knows who they are, for season five, one of my favourite seasons.
Damn how handsome is Adam sans makeup? Wouldn't he have made a great Terminator?
Happy "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" Thursday evening with Sergio & Cody! 😊
Two of my favorite episodes of the season for this week.
Episode 4x21: Anya confessing to Xander that she loves him. The talk between Buffy and Willow was sweet. It's the final showdown between Buffy and Adam. Love the spell that Willow did. And the Initiative is gone.
Episode 4x22: It's the season 4 finale! And we get to meet the very first Slayer.
Already looking forward to the start of season 5 next week. 😊
Love you guys. I highly recommend that you do my favorite horror series, “Penny Dreadful,” next, which has some of the best acting you will ever see in a television series, especially by Eva Green, Rory Kinnear, Harry Treadaway and Timothy Dalton.
22:09 Someone on Patreon has probably answered this already but the writing on Tara's back is a poem by Sappho, an Ancient Greek poet who wrote poetry about women loving women, which is the reason for the word "sapphic" (also lesbian, as she lived on Lesbos)
Also, this is the most I've ever seen reactors GET Restless on the first watch. You guys are so attuned to the show's themes.
Getting ready for season 5 and Ultimate hair Buffy🤘❤
The cheese man is just a fun gag. Everything else…so much meaning
I didn't realize the first time watching it but rewatching again years later made me realize how the supernatural wasn't just in one place like in Sunnydale even tho it is a Hellmouth but that it's everywhere to the point that the government is very much aware of it.
Omg so much foreshadowing in Restless. You both are going to look at this episode differently once you finish the show.
“You think you know what’s to come, what you are. You haven’t even begun.” One of my favorite quotes from the whole series!
Bring on Season 5! Arguably the best season of Buffy.
Restless is by far my favorite episode of Season 5. I absolutely love episodes that center on symbolism and dreams, there is SO much in these dreams that are symbolic not only of the present but of the future. It's amazing how masterful this episode was written.
Oh the foreshadowing.
Restless I love how it connects to the earlier dream scene with faith massive foreshadowing
Whedon has said the Cheese Man represents the random nonsense of dreams, but I think he's also a meta-commentary about how the show uses humor.
"I've made a little space for the cheese slices."
Even in serious moments, the show makes room for some of its campy, cheesy humor.
"These will not protect you."
Xander frequently plays the role of comic relief, but this won't keep him safe.
"I wear the cheese. It does not wear me."
The humor doesn't control the show. It serves to break up the serious and sometimes overly dramatic moments, but doesn't overpower them.
Finally, it's the sight of the cheese man that breaks Buffy out of the dream, and her humor is a vital part of her ability to save the day.
This makes alot of sense. Even thought Joss has always said the cheese guy is random nonsense, I think the things you stated were probably in his subconscience and therefore have unintentional meaning. ✌🏻
I really hope you guys revisit this episode after you finish the series to see how it lines up. I’m still so impressed 20+ years later. Seasons 5, 6, and 7 are hinted at in such an amazing way. Season 5 is probably my favorite season (it varies bc I love the entire series so much) so I’m VERY excited for your reactions to it!
I love your channel and these reactions to Buffy. I really hope you watch the entire series. It's so comforting and fun rewatching my favorite show with you guys. Also, you are responsible for me buying a, "Buffy will patrol tonight" shirt and a Sunnydale shirt lol.
This entire dream sequence is Buffy's perception of everyone, her subconscious and they're interacting with it since they're in her mind. The characters seem to act and have agency, but this is how she perceives them even when they come together to break out of the spell. This is so layered because it feels real for everyone, it seems like their real fears and internal conflict are being played out. So Buffy sees their struggle. She's perceptive even when we saw her being obsessed with Riley and busy with slaying. This really shows the contrast between the lone slayer vs the slayer with a support system. They really are a force to be reckoned with when together.
"I wear the cheese it does not wear me" is a modified version of the line from Leo Dicaprio in Man in the Iron Mask: "I wear the mask, it does not wear me."
Congratulations for not only completing the first 4 Seasons but continuing your wonderful reactions You are not only improving but excelling. Great job.
Restless is intriguing, captivating, and beware can be a sink hole to explore. We could not go back and rewatch for study. Beware! Some have not returned. There are many ways to approach Restless. Rewatch one time and then wait to study this masterpiece after finishing Season 6. It makes it easier to understand.
Lastly, remember the traits of the characters and how they deal with dreams. Willow, Xander, and Giles are civilians. People dream about their past and present while dealing with events that may have impact.
But Buffy dreams differently. Lie her strength, Buffy’s prophecies in her dreams guide and protect her. Buffy dreams of the present and the future. Buffy has dreams that are to be used with implications of needed actions. To understand Restless you should understand the Scoobys dream for therapy while Buffy dreams to help The Slayer with her future battles.
Restless is one of the best episodes of the show imo. On first watch it seems very disjointed from Primeval which seems like the finale. .
It takes a few watches to figure it out and even then answers don't come until future episodes.
Can't wait for you to rewatch restless after you finish the show! Enjoy s5 its such a good one 👀
I shared this on the Patreon upload but thought I'd share it here too.
Some fun facts:
In Giles' dream the man on the piano is Christophe Beck, who wrote the score for a few seasons. The band is Four Star Mary, who are the real Dingoes Ate My Baby.
Be back before Dawn….
Notable quotable
Restless is such a cozy, comforting episode.. seeing the gang fall asleep with movies and snacks after a night of hardcore slayage always makes me wish i was there with them ☺️..
"Is that how she thinks about Xander?"
Probably, but it's also only slightly less subtle than some of Willow and Tara's actual conversations before Willow came out:
Willow: "I had so much fun last night, those spells we did...I hope you don't think I come over just for the spells?"
Tara: "No, of course not."
_Sly grin_ "...But you wanna do a spell..."
While you can read some symbolism in the order of Xander calling from set to set, the fact that they were collocated as they were is just random happenstance in the real world.
yes yes yes i love restless
Good one guys! Yeah, Restless is a confusing but fascinating episode. Lots of backstory AND foreshadowing. You will love to go back to this one after you have ended the whole show.
If y'all ever crave more of Anthony Head's singing, he played the lead in Repo Man as well as Frankenfurter in some live renditions of Rocky Horror (one of which also features Amber Benson/Tara) :D
The cheese man is so iconic
I love any sort of fantasy or dream sequence with Giles. He is such a wonderful character.
"Little Miss Muffet counting down from 7-3-0." - Faith, season 3.
Oh, that clock's completely wrong.
I know you…curds and whey.
- Gymbros, lovingly to their protein powder.
Restless is definitely one to rewatch and break down once you've finished the show. And Prophecy Girl, the season 1 finale. Buffy's speech when overhearing the prophecy about her and the Master is interesting on rewatch.
the text on taras back is a saphic love poem
I love seeing you over-analyze the cheese because that's the point of the cheese man
It's great how quickly you caught on to the spirit/heart/mind/hand cards' relationship to how each character was being killed in their dreams. Willow was "spirit" by the way, not... whatever it was you said (I can't remember now! 🙂). So she was turning to stone or something to represent her spirit being drained away.
Restless is one of my top 10 Buffy episodes and one that you should revisit when you've finished the show. So much foreshadowing.
I really wish Season 4 was more tightly written. The elements like the Scoobies drifting apart after high school, and the Slayer/Scoobies versus Science/Government could have been really fun. The elements are there, but it they could have been a lot better.
Oh and we will absolutely be joining you for season 5, it is widely considered one of the top seasons of Buffy, if not THE top!
Hey guys, love your channel! I know Buffy and Angel still have some mileage before you reach their finales but I want to throw some replacement shows in the ring to generate some buzz for them. If you want to do more supernatural shows that have decent drama, action and comedy, I recommend Grimm, Wynonna Earp, and one of my faves, THE MAGICIANS.
I’d say True Blood would be something they should look into next. And maybe Carnivale.
Listen, personal preference, but 4x22 is *my* favorite Buffy episode(though there are some close seconds)
This show is at it's best when its experimenting and taking huge risks. This episode is so different from what its telling and how its telling it from anything else i had seen before, while still being very, very Buffy.
They went straight into the intro ao that all the credits would be over by the time the dreams started. They didn't want the credita overlapping the dreams.
Television around this time was very different compared to today, so the choice to have this episode as the finale wasn't all that ballsy. It was confusing to us viewers, but it wasn't a gamble for the show. Pre-streaming, television shows didn't have nearly as much competition as we see today. At the time, networks heavily relied on their so-called "flagship" shows to bring viewers to their channel. Viewers would see ads for the network's other shows during commercial breaks and so on.
Buffy as the highest rated/watched show of the WB network was the flagship show. Season 5, and pretty much seasons 6 and 7, were guaranteed before this episode was penned.
And yes, like others have said, this episode is a fun rewatch after you finish the series.
Yeah shows today never know when their last season is so they go out with a bang each finale which Buffy did in the past, but after 3 good seasons and a guaranteed renewal they allowed themselves an episode like this and I actually like it. It keeps you curious about what's next, if the first slayer is showing up then things are getting serious.
Restless could be taught by a dozen of people and still have different interpretations...this episode is genius.
I know its not original to not love this season but i just can't wait for it to be over and they hit season 5 lol
What a great time I just had. Big old glass of wine (maybe two, who's counting?), you guys and the masterpiece season four finale episodes. Primeval is action packed in the best way and, even though Adam is not many people's favourite big bad, the spell to take him down is awesome. Restless is just phenomenal. It still gives me chills every time I see it and is definitely in my top three eps. Now...let's go season five!
SO excited for y’all to start Season 5!
It is crazy how much is told to the audience without us knowing in 'Restless'.
A quick search on IMDB will show the movie/show references are STRONGLY inspired by the following for 'Restless':
'Apocalypse Now' (1979) Xander falls asleep watching this movie and his dream parallels a Colonel Kurtz scene;
'Twin Peaks' - (yes, even the cheese guy, I get major "log lady" vibes from him.)
Wild episode.
Love you guys. You cheer me up. Great reaction as always ❤
What gets to me in BTVS are Whedon's links between the show and reality. Here I would turn to Miller's play Death of a Salesman in relation to Buffy. Only thing I can get hold of, although the Scoobies dreams and continuing cheese-man's appearances are so revealing. Buffy and both her demanding destiny/wish to be free and young are mirrored by the play. Buffy as Louise Brooks, 20's dark flapper vamp, is like Willy Loman of the play in the weird production (now Giles gives a great power circle pep talk). Both are in a dream-like state, dreaming of earlier, happier days (Willy of the 1920's, Buffy dressed as the wild and free icon of that era). The ridiculed and persecuted witch Willow, aptly named Rosenberg, like the executed un-Americans, is left without the society's protection and perishes while others watch and deride her. Also like in another Miller play, The Crucible. Buffy and Loman follow the American Dream, which eludes them, and turns them into loners, Buffy with a great responsibility, Willy with a loser's sadness inside. Both have contacts with the real life outside the show and play - to me Whedon is commenting the state of the world in everything.
Be very very very very careful with the comment section this episode and the next few. Buffy fans can't help but be "clever" with "subtle" hints for this stretch of episodes! Be extremely careful!!
People like that are so annoying.
I saw a comment ina season 7 reaction that made me want to be able to go through the screen and punch the commenter. Why would you even do this kind of thing? :/
It's literally my most hated part of reactions. The comments aren't cleaver or funny. Wish people would just stop
Exactly. Why do people think talking about future episodes in any way isn't at least a little spoilerish?
@@staceyj-z4t Without any spoilers can only say that they made an early reveal of a very much hated s7 character's origin in their debut episode and I was livid. Poor reactor.
Great reactions, love the finale (an episode that deserves repeat viewing). Eagerly looking forward to your season 5 reactions, so much good stuff is waiting.
Your t-shirts, I am losing it, they are perfect 😍
I recommend watching Restless again at the end of the series too because so many more things make sense later on! So much foreshadowing
I love your interpretations of the dreams!
"I made more space for the cheese slices" 🤔 "OH......is it kraft?" LMAO that was great.
Always fun to watch reactors analyzing Restless =D
"Restless" is a fantastic end to the season, and a solid episode: very avant-garde! Now I can't wait for you guys to review Season 5, which is my favorite season of the show!
I love your reactions! Every time, in the beginning of your vids, I'm trying to guess which scenes you're watching and if I'm right I give myself a pat on the shoulder! :D
I always love how new watchers are confused about Adam being killed in the second to last episode, I was so confused when I first saw it. But I really enjoy the last episode of this season.
Also, it's very sweet of you guys to give Chucky a pumpkin!
I love so many Buffy episodes, but Restless is sublime.
Omg the ABSOLUTE BEST season is coming!!!
Please watch Repo! The Generic Opera for the channel!! Anthony Head is one of the leads and he sings the shit out of it.
Some of Tara's parts in Buffy's dream were supposed to be Angel, but i think Tara works perfectly in the dream.
Yeah there's something a bit mystical about Tara because we don't fully know her yet which works in this dream episode, it would not feel the same with Angel or Faith.
Yesssss, Restless!!!!!
Season 4 has one of the weaker story arcs, but so many great themes running through it! The characters all struggle with communication, and establishing their identity as they transition into a new phase of life through trial and error.
One big theme is magic versus science and technology. We have Giles with his chainsaw and Adam resisting Jonathan's spell, but magic wins in the end.
Another theme is primitive versus modern. Intellectual students give into their base urges and become cavemen, and Buffy has to face a native warrior who wants vengeance for his lost people. Oz struggles to control his primitive werewolf side. Primeval SuperBuffy defeats Adam, but modern Buffy overcomes the First Slayer in her dream.
There are also themes of male versus female, order vs chaos, and control vs independence.
I'm so glad you guys enjoyed season 4 so much! It's definitely a lot of people's least favorite season, but I think it has a lot of great stuff. I'm also so glad that you're definitely going on to season 5 and I can't wait to continue this Buffy journey with you!
I'm soooo excited for this one!!!! ❤❤❤
I love how you can see the inspiration for Cabin in the Woods in S4. Or vice versa maybe lol
3:50 Angel, Faith and Riley. Would be an interesting box... Especially for Buffy 😅
I'm ordering a "Buffy will patrol tonight" shirt now😂❤
4x22 -- Joss Whedon (who wrote and directed this) did a commentary on the DVD which covers some of what he was going for, including his thoughts on the cheese man. But IMO it's more fun to come up with your own interpretations first. It's like poetry and modern art; there are no wrong answers.
S4 was always going to be slightly difficult because The High School years were over, and the show had to find a new direction. Overall I thought it was disappointing compared to other Seasons and felt somewhat disjointed. Adam, even wasn't really a 'Big Bad' compared with the arc of other seasons. That being said, Primeval was an entertaining episode with the big fight towards the end reminiscent of a Bond Film, with lots of people in a massive big fight in a complex with all sorts of weapons etc, but bullets are flying everywhere but nobody getting hit! We see Willow again gaining amazing power, and being able to transfer to Buffy to make her invincible, there were shades here of The Matrix with the slow motion shots and the strange deflection of Adam's attacks. Riley shows great courage to remove the chip from his chest, and when Buffy pulls out Adam's power source we get a great sense of satisfaction. Once again we have an X-FILES type ending where the men discussing closing down The Initiative could easily be Smoking Man and The Syndicate or Assistant Director Skinner and The FBI top brass as a closing X-FILES scene.