Buffy the Vampire Slayer Talk || s4e07 "The Initiative"
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ส.ค. 2024
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I love how Spike immediately assumes Buffy got millions of dollars in funding to lock him in that cell
Stupid pen...
@@Atem_in_the_streets Yes clearly the mastermind that put him in that cell.
@@Atem_in_the_streets ballpoints can be tricky
Harmony vs. Xander. The best fight in the Buffyverse.
Nick and Mercedes' recollections of this scene are some of my favorite cast interviews.
Yes.
@@mjtpli link?
@@tupac1971ever I don't have a link but I know Mercedes talked about it on an episode of the Buffering the Vampire Slayer podcast - www.bufferingthevampireslayer.com/#listen-section
@@mjtpli I'm gonna have to go back to that episode. I remember absolutely laughing at it
Your excitement is exactly the reason that Spike became a regular character.
I always found Spike way more interesting a character than Angel.
@TheVolourn
angel is zero dimensional.
@TheVolourn In what regards? All he does is brood. Spike is a much better character
@@racafritz agreed
@@racafritz This times a thousand.
alley early in the episode "I love spike, but he is a danger to all the characters I like" que its always sunny music " SPIKE GETS A CHIP IN HIS BRAIN"
Girl believe me everybody is excited about Spike.
After all these years, Spike and Willow's conversation is still one of my favorite scenes in the series.
I could see your brain functioning trying to catch up when you saw that they added Spike as a regular. Best reaction of the episode.
i liked how she could recognize the theme and intro was a little off so the credits reveal matches the big riff when spikes face comes on
nice
Alley: *56k modem sounds*
It's really cool seeing somebody watch this episode with fresh eyes who enjoys it so much. I forgot how scary it was when Spike attacked Willow in her dorm room and it actually seemed like she might die and how well they did the reveal of the Initiative. There's a lot of great humor in this episode and in the season as a whole. It's always a good episode when Parker gets beaten up.
I can't say Spike restores my faith in men exactly, but he sure does bring me joy
@Ke Ge Listen, he's a problematic fave lol. But season 4 Spike is pure fun.
@Ke Ge It's mostly choosing to see that situation for what it is - a Joss' Faulty Problem Solving™ issue, because he hated Spike being the favorite - but that is a whole other can of worms for later 😂
@Ke Ge
SPOILERS
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every protagonist who's on the show long enough does some really messed up stuff. spike is one of the few who has a legitimate justification, in the form of not having a soul at the time.
@Ke Ge Shame on you. That's messed up to say. You obv haven't listened to Still Pretty.
@Ke Ge I'm responding to your first comment, saying people "need to get help" essentially if they don't feel your way about a very complicated and sensitive scene/storyline. It's especially complicated for sexual assault survivors. And youre not supporting anyone by telling everyone their feelings need to be a certain way (your way), or that they are "Spike apologists" and "need help". People can feel complicated ways about it. I recommend listening to the r*pe survivor on Still Pretty discuss that scene/storyline, but based on your comment to me, you seem too much of a j**k off to try.
"I wondered what she would do if she ever got funding." Spike *would* think that. Best. Leo.
It truly is the BEST line in the series!!
Now you know why Riley is a TA. Professors love TAs that show initiative!
Ba ha ha..zing!
Iiii see what you did there 😉👍
U did not have to do this
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@@clwilliams9276 🤣 🤣
Ah yes, Parker’s best scene. Getting the treatment he deserves.
Her face when James was in the credits gave me so much joy 🥺🥺
Oz is gone: =(
But Spike is here: OMGTFHVIHP
@@MarisuSedai Yeah but isn't Riley there too?
Omg Alley having a freak out contemplation still does not forget to dab XD
Graham is the best thing in the Initiative.
"Maybe she's Canadian"
@@mz6956 The true captain cardboard
@@blackcanary4222 How? He only ever had 1 facial expression. 😂
@@blackcanary4222 He defo had a dry sense of humour lurking under there. I really liked him.
He’s so wholesome!
6:11 - Love that reaction.
Doug Petrie says he approached the scene where Spike attacks Willow in a "how would this go if we actually killed her off for real" kind of way. Apparently there were rumors on internet forums at the time that Willow was going to be killed off, so they wanted to lean into those rumors and make the audience nervous. And of course the live viewers had to then sit through commercials before finding out about Spike's performance issues.
I always wondered what would have happened if Spike had gone through with his threat, and brought her back. A dark Willow would have been bad news.
@@blimfark875 we all know what dark willow looks like 😬
@@clwilliams9276 Except we don't, the vampire Willow we saw earlier was turned before learning magic. She'd be way more dangerous at this point.
@@DaDunge true except we don't know if witches can become vampires in this universe. Ik in TVD, when witches become vampires they lose their powers. I don't think there was ever a witch turned vampire in this show. But then again, we have Dru the seer who kept her powers after turning so maybe ur right n we coulda seen badass witch vamp willow.
@TheVolourn True, but would Buffy be able to stake her? And an evil willow would easily out do Angel with the mind games. Also, Willow is loaded with plot armor.
"Is he invisible?"
The wonders of Alley brain...
please-
nah, i could see immediately what alley was getting at. the glass wall was reflecting some of the wall tiles onto spike, and she thought those were the floor tiles behind him.
I thought the same thing when I first watched the episode.
"He looks invisible" has the same energy as "wake up in a coma"
@@andressotil4671 Nice observation! Agreed.
Real talk - Spike joining the cast is basically the same kind of level up that SPN got when Cas came on the scene.
YES
SO TRUE
That conversation between Spike and Willow is perfect!
Your credits reaction gives me life. You gotta give it to him though, if a cosmetics company were to do experiments on demons, Spike would be the one they'd choose
Yup. They starved him so his lips would be pale enough to test pigment properly
I love the use of humor in this show. The Xander-Harmony fight scene and the scene with Willow-Spike where Spike "couldn't perform." The show definitely starts to pick up momentum with this episode. Fasten that seat belt, Alley:)
As to professor Walsh's angle, in the first episode Willow said her specialty was operant conditioning...
"A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend" Words to live by.
Spike is such a dork thinking that it was Buffy that put him in a cage. 🤣 I love him. 🤣
OMG your reaction to Spike being in the credits was so fucking adorable. I LOVED this reaction. My favorite video of yours so far.
Xander and harmony slow mo fight has the same energy of simba and scar slow mo fight
I was thinking the same when I first saw that fight lol.
the spike-willow scene is basically my favourite thing ever televised... i must have seen it 10 times and it still kills me
This season is so underrated.
AGREED. It’s hands down the funniest season, and while the arc/ Big Bad is pretty weak, there are so many great moments that it’s truly enjoyable to watch.
This EPISODE is underrated. Like, its my fave ep in the entire show. Spike is my favorite character.
i'm tired of apologising for it being my favourite season tbh. yes i KNOW its main plotline is weak but it's comedy gold and does some great character work. and of course it has season 4 spike
@@mooble1325 i love spike, i wish Riley woulda just disappeared from the season. Like, it coulda been perfect without him. Just put in a miscellanies character in in place of riley, just a random commando guy with no plot or character arc that dies at the end of the season or even just halfway through. I like the villain of the season n how the season ends and all the stuff with Spike (like literally every scene) so it woulda just been perfect if Riley wasn't there. There was no need for him. For a love interest for Buffy.
It definitely has some of the best episodes. 6 or 7 great ones.
The Spike-Willow scene is one of my all-time fav! 😀🙃😎👍
SAME
Oz's departure was supposed to take place over the course of the season, but his Austin Powers schedule wouldn't allow it. So his entire season arc was compressed to 2 episodes.
Austin Powers 2 was already shot and in the can before season 3 of Buffy finished. Seth left because he wanted to pursue other projects, not related to a film he already shot. Not long after he left Buffy he was in Canada shooting Knockaround Guys, kind of a forgettable film. Of course he went on to Family Guy and then co-created Robot Chicken.
I had never seen someone this excited about Riley lol, kinda love that tbh. It made me so happy to watch Alley enjoy this episode so much and knowing she's now more motivated for the rest of the season :)
I like Oz but switching him out for Spike is a big plus. Putting him in weird situations with characters are some of the best moments on the show, like every second of screen time him and Joyce have. Honestly sad that him and Joyce didn't get a talk show out of it.
I would watch Spike and Joyce reacting to Passions
I love Spike so much, I wish they did a spinoff purely on Spike rather than Angel. Like, keep angel in hell n give Spike a like 2 season show about him and Dru and then have that stop when he rejoins Buffy n the gang
@@clwilliams9276 They did publish a Spike and Dru novel 'Pretty Maids all in a Row' set in the past.
@@blacktronlego I didn't know that. Thats pretty cool lol
Back in episode one they already hinted at it. Willow was excited and mentioned that Professor Maggie Walsh was a leading expert in operant conditioning (changing people's behavior with rewards and punishment).
Maggie Walsh is a specialist in Operant Conditioning as Willow pointed out early in the season. That's the connection. One underlying theme is that Walsh and the Initiative see the demons and vampires as subhuman. thus highly susceptible to pain-based reinforcement conditioning. I love your Bufyverse creation content! Kudos.
Love this episode, especially Spike saying “Piffle”❤️
Spike's been 'clockwork orange-d'! Operant conditioning really is Maggie Walsh's specialism like Riley said back in The Freshman.
So glad you like Riley, he's honestly one of my favorite male characters on this show.
Season 4 Riley, at least, is pretty adorable. Real, healthy relationships aren't as dramatic as Bangel.
Spoiler:
Or Spuffy, for that matter.
I liked him too.
I distinctively remember how twenty years ago, French TV channel Série Club used that scene with Spike and Willow during a talk show about teen fictions, they even had a psychiatrist to really hammer in the point that this scene was really about E.D., as if it wasn't clear enough!
E.D.?
@@countrye3013 Erectal Dysfunction
@@MacLeeland ...my brain went "eating disorder"...
Started off as rape and then played off as a joke.
The quote of the day was so perfectly on point! Spike is also the only vampire ever.
alley's reaction at 5:22 is priceless
Spike is still my favourite character in the entire show
Buffys my first but spike is a close second and I can say the actor is the nicest guy I meet him years ago and got him to sign my spike puppet.
@@spikejr3113jr me too. Buffy and Spike are my all time favorite characters in the whole universe
I have GOT to stop watching these videos at night - I can't sleep after enjoying your enthusiasm and excitement.
The Spike situation is a version on the Clockwork Orange scenario.
Have you ever considered going back to the Supernatural episode that James Marsters and Charisma Carpenter guest starred in, now that you're a Buffy fan?
Hahah that would be awesome
Or the one with the nerds whose motto is "What would Buffy do?"
Your excitement about Spike's presence in the credits is something I've been waiting for since S2. You never disappoint. Every time I'm like "oh I can't wait to see Alley react to ______" you always are just, so so hype. Or upset, as the situation calls for it.
I'm so excited that you're so excited! This is my third fave season, and you haven't made it to my first yet...Spike is my favorite thing to ever happen to this show. And Riley, I like him. Not everyone does, but he's such a breath of fresh air after Broody McForehead.
I always liked Riley, too. Never could understand the hostility towards him.
Same, season 4 is one of my favorites and I like Riley a lot, he's a really nice change compared to what we've seen before in the show, and Marc Blucas is the nicest coolest guy!
I'm happy that you're enjoying the show. I'm one of the fortunate ones who was watching the show as it originally aired. It is still my favorite show of all time.
Prepare yourself. There are episodes in your future that are widely considered to be some of the best TV ever aired by both fans and critics. I almost wish I could trade places with you so I could experience these again for the first time.
No kidding. I think Season 4 is the worst overall season in the show, BUT, Season 4 does have some of the best episodes!
@@Briansgate the problem with this season is that it's a transition period. For three years the premise was how does a quirky sophomore transfer, who at the surface you might expect to be a cheerleader, but she has a secret identity slaying vampires, how does she fit that in with teenage drama at a highschool? Season 4 is how does she do that in college... It's not a stretch to question if there is anything new to tell. They already held Oz back a grade so the gang had to graduate and a lot of the cast including secondary characters were completely different. Jonathan for instance was in far more episodes those first three seasons than I remembered. But Giles is no longer a Watcher, Angel and Cordelia moved on, the principal was eaten (again), and the school is now a crater. Season four might as well be a different show with some familiar characters. That said it gave the writers an opportunity to really create something new and these are establishing episodes to explore the new dynamics. It's a rough start only as much as any new show as they build a foundation to carry things forward.
Way back when I first watched this season on its initial run i wasn't blown away by this season but there were some episodes that I liked a lot. On later viewing it may be my favorite season.
Next season is my absolute favorite, but I really do love season 4. I'm always surprised that some people give it some flack.
Usually when i refer to a season 4 i usually sell it as a let down season... cause almosr every show ive seen when it came to season 4 they have been throwaways Buffy being the first and definstely not the last
@@wbrownshadow I love season 4.
I'm in the camp of thinking 4 is the worst season, but, to be fair, has some of the best episodes.
@@Briansgate Agreed theres a few episodes in the season that are enjoyable and interesting but nothing really that much to redeem the entire season
It took me 20 years to realise that when Willow says that Buffy likes cheese, she probably actually means the stereotypical wining and dining and romantic gifts kind of cheese, not a literal block of cheddar.
I loved It when Riley punched Parker
pretty much the character's peak :)
@@mjtpli yes it was
They had to throw that in there 'cause 1) it's to satisfy the viewer's dislike for the character and he finally gets what he deserves (Buffy knocking him on the head with a stick in "Beer Bad" wasn't enough lol) 2) Riley punching him in the face made his character likeability go up a notch or two just 😆
Alley: ”Fuck it up, Buffy!”
Buffy: *fucks up the ice cream machine*
Spike. The one reason I truly stayed with Buffy after being a good girl and following advice to sit through S1
I couldn't wait for you to see the Spike/Willow thing it was the BEST.😂😂 Your reaction did not disappoint!🤣
“Always wondered what would happen if that bitch got funding” is one of my favorite moments in this series
One of these days I'm going to be able to come in early enough to let you know you got into the buffy reactor award thing I'm doing. Oh well fantastic reaction. Spike, Riley, Buffy being me if I had superpowers breaking that ice cream machine and of course, the callback to Buffy's brief stint as a rat "and then a sudden need for cheese."
It was episode 7, after all...
S1E7 Angel
S2E7 Lie To Me
S3E7 Revelations
S4E7 The Initiative
All in my opinion show-changers...
Interesting pattern...
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@@idvchampionships no spoilers! That's why I only listed S1 through S4... ;)
@@idvchampionships yep, but some clues as to the pattern changing. On the other hand I don't think Alley will remember any hints by that point, so its all good.
Note: willow fully stands by that "giles is the only man" poster from now on
"One of the guys , I forget his name" ?! HOW could you forget Graham ! Look at that man's jawline. And eyes. And everything.
dont feel bad about not being hyped with how this season started. its definitely one of the rockier starts. just dont let it get you down because theres still some really good stuff in the season later on.
I do love the scenes with Xander and Giles. The actors have a chemistry about them even if the characters have a ‘son who always disappoints his father’ feel.
Your reactions are genuinely so entertaining, I love these videos so much. They make my day!
i’m so happy for you because the show still has so much to offer. it’s reallllyy worth continue watching.
Oz gone...sad. Spike back apparently to stay? WOOHOO!!!!! Squeee!
James Marsters is the best!
"you only mean danger" she says
spike, five seconds later: *screaming in excruciating pain trying to bite Willow*
this is a good episode.
I respect the commitment to the dab everytime the guitare says VROWWW for the third time
I think your profile picture is kind of a spoiler for her. Just saying:/
@@stoplisteningtothestatic7078 hey spoilers nerd, I'm not changing my pic for 1 channel I follow :) next time mind your business
If I wasn't already subscribed, this episode's reaction would have forced me into it. Great reaction to the true start of the season!
Cabin in the Woods is recommended. It is not connected to the Bufferverse, but has a vibe that I expect you to like.
And it's from the same creators.
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I didn’t like that movie I felt like the ending was too absurd and came out of no where
Yes Alley, Spike is one of the main characters now!
Xander vs Harmony best fight ever: D
Willow who believes that Spike can't bite her because of her because it is undesirable .... poor puppy ....
Riley member of the Mysterious Organization which is commanded by Walsh? Notable Polt twist, especially for the future implications between Buffy and Riley, completely oblivious to their double lives (feels like you're in a superhero series, right?).
Really a great episode that opens up many ideas for the future, between these revelations about the Organization and a Spike now unable to kill ..... and Parker getting stung in the face (good Riley).
Now the stakes are there! The Initiative helps ramp things up for the season. Highlights are the impotence talk of Spike, the punching of Parker, and of course Harmony vs Xander! IN SLOW MOTION! As for spike being a main character remember that originally he was slated for a small arc where he dies. Now he is recurring. Enjoy
The stakes have always been there. Right in Buffy's bag of weapons. ;)
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Willow is so sweet and selfless in this episode. One of my biggest problems with her character is when it's selfish (which I think happens more often than her stans would say) but she's so awesome here
That performance anxiety conversation is about the funniest thing they ever did.
Your reactions are the absolute best.
Breaking my ear drums but I feel ya with the Spike permanency.
I love how halfway through the episode you comment that there's a strange disconnect between the A plot of Spike vs. the Initiative and the B plot of Riley being a nice, normal guy who wants to get to know Buffy better... 😉
Season 4 is one of my favorite seasons. The episodes will continue to get better and better. This season brings a lot to the table in the best way possible. You’re gonna love it!
I freaking adore your enthusiasm for everything that Buffy is - watching your reactions feels like watching the show for the first time! Plus you pick up on so many of the more technical details. Definitely my favourite Buffy/Angel reactor. There are so many moments in the series I'm excited for you to see!
Ahhh finally! I really love this episode for some reason
Willow: "...until the day one of you leaves and rips the still beating heart from the other, who's now a broken, hollow mockery of the human condition."
Alley: "Um...yeah...Willow, this is projecting."
"There's nothing more dangerous than a psych grad student." -- Buffy Summers :)
This season is probably the hardest to get through as it’s lacklustre compared to the other seasons. BUT, once you get past season 4, you’re on season 5 which is an absolutely AMAZING season
I'm glad you're excited to watch more. You're getting close to one of the best episodes of TV ever.
Finally! I have been waiting for you too see this for so long!
God i love the funding line
It has been noted, the 7th episode of every season of Buffy is the season altering, most important episode for establishing the season
5:57 “That is the coolest shit ever.”
9:08 “I love this dude!”
Oh, my sweet summer child. 😜
I love your reactions. They are so fangirly, just like mine! (Side note, I can never get over how much you look like one of my friends!)
man I can't wait til you get to Hush... a freakin masterpiece
On Alley's Patreon, we have already seen her reaction to Hush. It's as great as you could imagine.
Even if you're not a patron, you can see how far along she is on her Patreon by the video titles: www.patreon.com/alleybox
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"A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend." I love Willow this season. 10/10 no notes.
With Oz and Willow, it was both of their reactions to the situation. Oz not disclosing the fact that both are wherewolves, then Willow uses magic to trigger Oz’s wolf transformation and to be enraged at Veruka. Oz now fully feels that he can’t control his wolf actions and can’t trust his support group- in high school his friends kept watch all night and helped him through the pain of recovering from his wolf form. In season 3 he ate the mercenaries working for Spike, now he attacks one of the few wherewolves he has contact with.
There were no mid season hiatuses back then
If you like that they added Spike now, continue to watch... It greats better!
Episode 7 is usually when the season arc kicks into gear.
Love to see you so happy and excited! I love season 4 of Buffy and I'm psyched you hit episode 7, which is kinda the pattern with Buffy on when the season really takes off. S1E7 "Angel", S2E7 "Lie to Me", S3E7 "The Initiative",...
s3 e7 is revelations i believe but YEP!
SPOILER
my 2 favourite ep 7s are yet to come...
Everyone has already said everything I wanted to say but damn I love your reactions so much. They make my week 😭🥺❤
lol
When Riley finds out what a Slayer can do, he'll realize how outclassed he is.
Episode 7 of every season is a big one.
But, then, you've heard that three times before.
Riley's a secret agent, T.A. and college student. I feel like I should have more than one job. I love your reaction to finding the Initiative. It's really very similar to the Men of Letters on Supernatural.
You seem somewhat enthusiastic at the prospect of James Marsters being a cast regular.
There are bound to be some interesting stories from this.
Looks like Spike took a visit to the vet and now he can't hurt the other puppies.
The scene where Spike throws Willow on the bed and turns up the music really disturbs me. Way too reminiscent of rape. He genuinely scares me in that moment
also you're hitting the point where BOTH buffy and angel shake off their new direction missteps and start going full non stop till some late series burnouts and then going full on to the end