S5E10 Into the Woods. Riley has given Buffy an ultimatum. Will Xander's advice convince her not to let Riley go? Will she make it in time to stop him from leaving?
The thing with Buffy and Riley’s relationship is he was the rebound Buffy was never over angel when she got with Riley. She always kept him at arms length because she had her heart ripped into a million pieces with angel and it left emotional scars. She never truly let Riley in despite his efforts and maybe on paper he is the perfect guy but it was the complete wrong time for Buffy and they just weren’t right for each other.
So true. "I will remember you" makes it very clear, given Riley was already in the picture when Angel walked up to her and kissed her without saying a word. Her response tells you everything.
I appreciated Xander's speech from a narrative perspective because before he said it I really didn't blame Buffy at all for Riley's dumb assery, but what he said about her treating him as a rebound and not ever going full in got to me; I can see that. But at the same time, why the fuck is he like "ok i have this problem with your lack of emotional vulnerability, which I have never mentioned and only mention now because you found out i've been slumming it up with the vampires to get the feeling of a woman's dependence which I don't feel like you're giving me. please make a decision as to whether or not you want to continue dating me or i will leave in an hour." like BOIIII i thought you were normal and then you go and do shit like this
Not about a "woman's dependence", it doesn't have anything to do with gender but about a couple having each other's backs. Buffy didn't want to let Riley in cause she didn't love him.
That’s actually pretty normal, cause people are not perfect and most of the times insecurities come along.. Riley made mistakes, but I don’t blame him cause he wasn’t ready to face his fears… such a shame Buffy didn’t catch him in time.. I love Spuffy but I think Riley was the best choice for her… in a world of madness they could have made a home for each other..
@@lmatt88 if she didn’t love him why she ran to catch him before he left? She did love him, not the same way she did with Angel, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not love.. Angel was her forbidden fruit, and that created some sort of co-dependency as well, but with Riley she started something that made her feel “naked”, she couldn’t hide from him, she had no excuses… the only way she could protect herself was by pushing him away, so she could have control over the relationship… Xander is on point on every word.
@@Vale9118 I don't think she fell in love with Riley and it probably has to do with this. She couldn't feel like she could share her "slayer world" with him. Buffy looked for love inside the supernatural world, either with Angel, Spike or the Dracula thing whatever it was. It's like that's where she belongs and regular humans can't reach her. Of course Riley couldn't handle the fact that she was stronger than him but I think in a way she couldn't handle it either.
I was definitely not a Buffy/Riley fan even though I think she deserved that bit of normalcy but man this scene! The music is so full of hope, Xander's speech is truly insightful and the fierceness of Buffy's run was immense. When she ran over the bridge and Riley looked up I think no matter how you felt about them that everyone wanted for one moment that she made it in time
- You shut down, Buffy. And you've been treating Riley like the rebound guy... when he's the one that comes along once in a lifetime... He's never held back with you. He's risked everything. And you're about to let him fly because you don't like ultimatums...? If he's not the guy, if what he needs from you just isn't there, let him go. Break his heart and make it a clean break... But if you really think you can love this guy... I'm talking scary, messy, no-emotions-barred need... If you're ready for that... then think about what you're about to lose. -... .... .... Xander... -... Run !
There are others. Buffy fans are nuts they love angel and spike who killed babies. But hate Riley a human who put himself at risk to keep the college kids safe from demons. Also just Clark Kent levels of decency. He screwed up the relationship, it’s his fault, because of his insecurities. But he was still a beyond decent dude.
@@jimmy2k4o I agree that he’s a good guy. I don’t have a problem with Riley as a person. I think he’s a bit whiney at times but he’s not a bad person by any means. I just think he wasn’t right for Buffy and the way he left and they all tried to play it like it was Buffys fault he was insecure is fucked up and kinda leaves a sour taste in my mouth about it.
I’ve always said he was the best relationship she had. He just had insecurities issues when it came to the dynamics of their relationship, and her emotional detachment.
Riley was a bit of a knob really, and had some hangups he needed to contend with, but as a beau I was good with him and Buffy being a thing and was crushed when this episode aired.
Love this scene gives me chills every time. How Zander told Buffy how it is about taking a chance on someone but broke my heart when it was too late. Tell the person you care about how you feel....you never know when that chance may never come along again
I like Xander telling her the truth in this scene. Make her realize how crappy she was to Riley. Like he said, that she's treating him like a rebound when he's the one that comes along once in a lifetime.
Except he’s wrong. Buffy loved Riley. It’s not her fault Riley couldn’t see that. Riley was insecure. He couldn’t handle that Buffy was stronger then him. That’s not the once in a lifetime guy. That’s every guy. Acting all sweet and nice then getting insanely jealous and insecure when you have a life outside of them and don’t need them to protect u 24/7. Xander’s speech was wrong. Riley was insecure and blamed Buffy for it as an excuse to “cheat” on her. Which I get isn’t technically what he was doing. But he went to other women to feel something he didn’t feel from his girlfriend. Not because she didn’t give it to him, but just because it wasn’t as much as he wanted. I’d call that cheating.
Buffy never really loved Riley. If it had been Angel in that helicopter, she would have jump her ass off into that thing, would have thrown a rock, or a shoe, she would have done something for Angel.
@@anthonycampos8057 Did you not watch the video Anthony, Xander made Buffy realize that she never really loved Riley and basically only treated like the rebound guy. But unfortunately when she was finally ready to be more emotionally involved and love him, he left. DUUUUUUUUUH
@@anthonycampos8057 It wasn't too late. Buffy's too immature. It's her schtick. Wait until the entire relationship implodes because of her failure to open up. Then try to open up after the damage has been done. -She did it with Scott Hope after he broke up with her in season 3 for not investing. -She did it with Riley (in this video) right when he was about to leave. -She did it with Spike right when his life was about to end.
@@anthonycampos8057 Yeah. But luckily it was too late. >Riley was a man good enough to be a TA, a military soldier, and an emotionally supportive boyfriend. Willing to accept and even assist her Slayer duties. Little baggage attached. >Buffy is a woman with a lot of baggage attached, heavy trauma, a never ending obsession with Angel (a man she hasn't dated since high school), and chooses to be emotionally detached in relationships. Riley deserved better. But held out hope that the woman he was with would change. When he realized that she wouldn't, he realized his self worth and moved on to a better woman (Sam).
This is a really great scene and the whole running after him and try to stop him from leaving stuff is great and maybe if I was more invested in Riley and Buffy it would of pulled On my heart strings more. It’s just I didn’t care for Riley and that’s the issue. If i cared more about Riley this would of been more emotional for me.
never got all the hate for riley. he was sweet, likable, badass, funny and fit into the cast well. fan service got rid of riley for spuffy which sucked
She was going to end up with spike regardless. In the comics her major love interest was spike and Angel It makes sense tho, she’s a dark girl who’s in love with the darkness.
I honestly think that Xander's wrong, I mean yeah they had one fight but Riley should've talked to Buffy about how he was feeling. I mean Buffy's mom was dying so she kept him at a distance people grieve in different ways, after Joyce died Buffy kept busy and avoided Dawn, people grieve in different ways. Besides the first time Riley sees Buffy after being caught as a buffet he demands forgiveness, I mean come on Riley your girlfriend's the vampire slayer. I honestly think Riley should've been the one to go after Buffy instead.
Riley talked to Buffy in episode 4 of season 5 and Buffy got blindly defensive. He talked to her again in this very episode about it, and she was blindly defensive again.
I agree with the comments but Buffy been told Riley she really didn’t want to have a relationship with him because she’s knows where it’s gonna lead to but despite her better judgement he kept trying and she let him in and he realized that he’s not Superman I will admit Xander did have a point but Buffy just got out a relationship with the man she thought she loved and was gonna be with for ever I don’t think she was truly over Angel.
I think the reason Xander's monologue feels unfair is because I don't think it's about Riley. I think Xander is projecting his unreconciled feelings for Buffy and in that moment when she runs, he finally - in the unrequited crush sense - let her go. The fact that the next scene is his confession of love to Anya is very telling in that sense. Big shout out to Passion of the Nerd for that revelation.
The scene is about Riley and Buffy, he just happened to realize something wanted to make sure Anya to know that he loves her. It doesn’t take away that’s it’s about Riley cause it still is. Sometimes you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone, that’s what happens you’re used to being with some toxic that you can’t be happy with what need you.
It's annoying that Xander always has to be the one to tell Buffy off, yet nobody, besides Giles, holds him accountable for like ANYTHING he does! Buffy never judges him for his terrible decisions. Not for cheating on Cordelia with Willow. Not for accidentally making all women murderously attracted to him. Not for leaving Anya at the alter... Never! He can flerp-a-derp his way through life, and all of his poor behavior is forgiven because he's the main comedic relief. But Buffy's not allowed to react in her own way when she's having a meltdown.
@@catarena8031 I mean let us not forget when she gave him a lap dance in the beginning of season 2 to piss him and willow off… nah. She’s not perfect either and got a way with some truly bitchy shit. But because she’s a slayer she gets a write off lmao.
@@tonybost6817 listen to what I'm saying. I never claimed Buffy was perfect but her mistakes always get clocked and addressed, usually by Xander. Yet Xander's done multiple things throughout the show that the show itself feels doesn't need judgment. Like when Cordelia realized that he accidentally bewitched all other women because he wanted to bewitch HER (which he intended to do to break her heart because she broke up with him) she isn't disgusted by that. She's won over by it and takes him back. Weird. Wouldn't be how I imagine a young woman with such high internalized self worth to react, but anyway. Then there's the lying about what Willow said to Buffy before she went go to kill Angel. It finally gets brought up years later and just gets brushed over because it's just not important anymore when, at the time it should've. The show just never allows Buffy or Willow to find out about it when it mattered so that's just another thing Xander, the self appointed life coach gets away with.
Xander to Buffy. Xander to Anya. Xander to Cordelia. Xander to Faith. Xander to Willow. Xander to Dawn. WOOOOOOW! Xander is probably the only guy who can get through these crazy-super women.
I love this scene only because it sadly helped me make a decision on a relationship that I needed to let go for the guys sake. He was a good guy and I was stringing him along because he was always there for me and dependable. This part of Buffy made me realize what I was doing and I did the right thing and let him go.
This is such a weird scene. They play this powerful music, they play Xander’s speech like it’s some big meaningful moment. And it’s ridiculous, because he’s wrong. Riley was an insecure baby man who couldn’t handle that Buffy was a strong independent woman who didn’t need him. She did want him however, and that wasn’t good enough for him. So he blamed her for not feeling loved or needed enough and went to find that somewhere else. Which isn’t technically a wrong thing to do. But u break up with her then. U don’t tell her it’s her fault the way she loved you wasn’t enough so you cheat on her and go find it somewhere else. And then Xanderconing in and giving Buffy a hard time acting like Riley’s some great guy who Buffy needs to fight for. No. When u cheat on someone u give up all right to expect them to fight for you. Riley was never okay with her being stronger then him. He was always insecure about how much she cared about him even though she told him again and again he was her everything. And she showed it in her own way. Riley had the problems. Not Buffy. Their breakup was entirely and completely 100% his fault. And putting the blame on Buffy like she didn’t try hard enough so of course he cheated on her and he’s the best she’s ever going to get so she should fight for a cheater. Is mega fucked up.
Like the majority of Buffy viewers, I wasn't a fan of Riley. But I feel like what Xander is saying is a bit unfair. Yes, Buffy treated Riley like the rebound guy. And that wasn't fair to Riley. But she treated him that way because that's essentially what he was for her. He was a good guy, and was somebody's once-in-a-lifetime. But not Buffy's. I think she ran after him because she knew he deserved better than to let things end that way between them. But he was definitely not the love of her life.
As much as I am not a Riley fan, I will admit that Xander's statement is so true. Buffy missed out on having either a genuine relationship without much problems, or having the chance to reconcile (she got to do that in season six). When Riley left Sunnydale that was a relief for me. I was like "Good ridance to that dullard, now the show can finally get back on track", No offence to Riley fans or those that were sentimental about this scene, but that is how I felt when I watched this.
He was alive literally and figuratively and had a code of honor, the best boyfriend. Sike as William was an asset to his friends, and continued to add insight as spike.
good riddance? good riddance for Buffy to miss out on having a real relationship for once with someone she actually loves and can have a future with rather than these fake relationships with aging vampires that she knows will go nowhere and ultimately end in disaster? yeah good riddance
JReed1985 well if she didn't then why was she running to try and stop him from leaving in the first place, you don't actually think she was running after him to simply break up with him
So...I know it lacks the drama of what we got, but my question in this scene was always why didn't Buffy try to find a rock or something to throw to get Riley's attention? Granted Buffy was not good for Riley as he had a major inferiority complex and wanted her to be obsessed with him, but still, there had to have been something around there she could have thrown. It would have been really funny going against the score though lol.
I gotta disagree with Xander (although gotta give a hand to Nicolas on his speech👍 despite of irrating writing by complicate things in argument) in this part which his attitude problem hasn’t changed a bit😑 which annoys me is his judgmenting over between slayer strength and having love interest as friendly vampire with a soul since season 1 his crush on her but shows hasn’t proven his maturity to handle rejection and frankly only act as though ‘maturing’ except he is not being quite a man!, when he still being Buffy’s shadow to her when he doesn’t approve having Buffy with type of guys like angel with special quailties despite of vulnerable to can’t go out daytime can’t have romantic make out because of the soul curse which is a puzzle missing, I mean give it a rest!😑 that was the one when still holding on to jealousy feeling guys have high quailties than he I mean what’s his Delima is with Anya now because he can’t handle the Buffy’s choice around what type guys that is right for her, and Riley may be a person that goes out in sunlight, except unlike angel’s mythology experient qualification weather report he’s a soldier Boy Scout without much understanding the difference between vampire and demons good or bad with like Xander but with way insecurity over Buffy not loving him enough but only to make out with him as replacement angel can not do and because she’s stronger than him and Xander and has a problem with buffy having guys that are quick learners and have mythology and needs dangerous, monstrous strength power which makes him still being insecure jerk when only using knowledge speech manipulating out guilt trip buffy to regret Riley whatever his problem needs to drop the anti-angel negative subject just because he doesn’t like him much fine, but tired of his shadowing Buffy choice by jealousy over type guys which angel and spike on her side with demon abilties useful😑
Honestly, I used to like Riley as a kid, but now as an adult, he's actually kind of a douche--especially here (I mean, he has his charming moments, but overall, kind of a tool). He's essentially the guy who cheats on his girlfriend and then tells her she has to get over it or he's gone. Honestly, I don't think they were ever built for long term. I don't think his ego could stand feeling like a side kick to his gf forever.
You missed the point...the point wasn’t the fact that his girlfriend is stronger than him. It’s the fact that she didn’t respect him enough to feel love and included in her life. If you watch the season again you’ll see why he behave the way he did, Buffy treated him like didn’t matter to her and he felt like he was just there. He honestly thought Buffy didn’t love him because of how she was treating him, the man gave up everything for this girl and be apart of her world. He wanted to feel deeply wanted by her but couldn’t because she didn’t allow him to. Buffy was so affected by her previous relationship with Angel that she couldn’t even love Riley right.
A good man will always be hard to find...same thing goes for a good woman. Anything that has worth and value will always be hard to find. Just like diamonds and pearls. Gotta work your butt off to get your prize.
This broke my heart. I liked Riley and was.dreading the spike romance arc which was so forced and terrible. I can't stand spike as a villain his awesome/funny but as this "weepy try hard wanna be good guy who is actually just trash" a big no.
i really hate riley but it was sad to see her in pain and blaming herself 4 what happened even though its all hes fult and she would never of been with spike so yay and that he comes back and rubs in her face that hes married and shes going though hell
I personally sidnt really go for Riley and Buffy. Honestly i think he was to insecure and he couldn't tell that in her own way she did love him. And he basically cheated on her because she wasnt making feel a certain type of way. So i dont really aggree with his whole speech.
This scene still gets to me every time I watch it. This was indeed the one ☝️ time when I didn’t get upset with Zander for interfering in her love life, he actually told her the truth and what she was losing. It’s just really unfortunate that it was in fact too late!! Even though I’m a Angel & Buffy shipper, I truly think that Riley was in fact the best fit for Buffy, he loved her so much and would do anything for her. Riley was the one man who could take Buffy into the light, and because she didn’t get that through her thick skull sooner, she lost him forever!! 😢
Riley was the best fit for Buffy. But Buffy doesn't deserve Riley. Riley deserved better. Which he got with Sam. Also. Honestly. I don't buy that Buffy didn't get what she was losing until it was too late. Honestly, it feels like Buffy was more upset that the relationship didn't end on her terms. She always seems sad when things don't end on her terms.
It occurred to me that Riley is the only boyfriend Buffy had that Xander actually liked.
Because he wasn’t threatened by him . He knew that Buffy wasn’t that into him like Spike or Angel
@@mystiquefemme ok. I have no idea how you got all of that.
Because Riley wasn't a vampire 😅
The thing with Buffy and Riley’s relationship is he was the rebound Buffy was never over angel when she got with Riley. She always kept him at arms length because she had her heart ripped into a million pieces with angel and it left emotional scars. She never truly let Riley in despite his efforts and maybe on paper he is the perfect guy but it was the complete wrong time for Buffy and they just weren’t right for each other.
Actually they were. Xander opened her eyes and made her see that. Their story will always be one of a missed opportunity.
So true. "I will remember you" makes it very clear, given Riley was already in the picture when Angel walked up to her and kissed her without saying a word. Her response tells you everything.
Powerful scene with great acting. Personally i think sarah is one of the most underated actresses of hollywood.
Agreed
I appreciated Xander's speech from a narrative perspective because before he said it I really didn't blame Buffy at all for Riley's dumb assery, but what he said about her treating him as a rebound and not ever going full in got to me; I can see that. But at the same time, why the fuck is he like "ok i have this problem with your lack of emotional vulnerability, which I have never mentioned and only mention now because you found out i've been slumming it up with the vampires to get the feeling of a woman's dependence which I don't feel like you're giving me. please make a decision as to whether or not you want to continue dating me or i will leave in an hour." like BOIIII i thought you were normal and then you go and do shit like this
Lmao damn when you put it like that, I feel less bad for Riley 😅
Not about a "woman's dependence", it doesn't have anything to do with gender but about a couple having each other's backs. Buffy didn't want to let Riley in cause she didn't love him.
That’s actually pretty normal, cause people are not perfect and most of the times insecurities come along.. Riley made mistakes, but I don’t blame him cause he wasn’t ready to face his fears… such a shame Buffy didn’t catch him in time.. I love Spuffy but I think Riley was the best choice for her… in a world of madness they could have made a home for each other..
@@lmatt88 if she didn’t love him why she ran to catch him before he left? She did love him, not the same way she did with Angel, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not love.. Angel was her forbidden fruit, and that created some sort of co-dependency as well, but with Riley she started something that made her feel “naked”, she couldn’t hide from him, she had no excuses… the only way she could protect herself was by pushing him away, so she could have control over the relationship… Xander is on point on every word.
@@Vale9118 I don't think she fell in love with Riley and it probably has to do with this. She couldn't feel like she could share her "slayer world" with him. Buffy looked for love inside the supernatural world, either with Angel, Spike or the Dracula thing whatever it was. It's like that's where she belongs and regular humans can't reach her. Of course Riley couldn't handle the fact that she was stronger than him but I think in a way she couldn't handle it either.
And that's why Buffy should have invested in a cell phone.
Or a car. Seriously, why does she never drive anywhere?
@@Mooncastyre Only in the season 3 and season 7 💀😂
Actually Joss Whedon wanted to keep sucht helpful tools like cell phones away from the show as long as possible.
Lmao, I know this was so random. It probably would have made sense in the 80s
🤣🤣🤣🤣
I was definitely not a Buffy/Riley fan even though I think she deserved that bit of normalcy but man this scene! The music is so full of hope, Xander's speech is truly insightful and the fierceness of Buffy's run was immense. When she ran over the bridge and Riley looked up I think no matter how you felt about them that everyone wanted for one moment that she made it in time
Riley was the only guy that made sense for her to be with. There was a future there.
- You shut down, Buffy. And you've been treating Riley like the rebound guy... when he's the one that comes along once in a lifetime... He's never held back with you. He's risked everything. And you're about to let him fly because you don't like ultimatums...? If he's not the guy, if what he needs from you just isn't there, let him go. Break his heart and make it a clean break... But if you really think you can love this guy... I'm talking scary, messy, no-emotions-barred need... If you're ready for that... then think about what you're about to lose.
-... .... .... Xander...
-... Run !
Am I the only one here, who truely likes Riley? I always have, and always will.
Love him
There are others.
Buffy fans are nuts they love angel and spike who killed babies.
But hate Riley a human who put himself at risk to keep the college kids safe from demons.
Also just Clark Kent levels of decency.
He screwed up the relationship, it’s his fault, because of his insecurities. But he was still a beyond decent dude.
@@jimmy2k4o I agree that he’s a good guy. I don’t have a problem with Riley as a person. I think he’s a bit whiney at times but he’s not a bad person by any means. I just think he wasn’t right for Buffy and the way he left and they all tried to play it like it was Buffys fault he was insecure is fucked up and kinda leaves a sour taste in my mouth about it.
I’ve always said he was the best relationship she had. He just had insecurities issues when it came to the dynamics of their relationship, and her emotional detachment.
Riley was a bit of a knob really, and had some hangups he needed to contend with, but as a beau I was good with him and Buffy being a thing and was crushed when this episode aired.
*you telling me a **_slayer_** couldn't have **_THROWN A FUKKEN ROCK!! _**_#goddamittBUFFY_*
Love this scene gives me chills every time. How Zander told Buffy how it is about taking a chance on someone but broke my heart when it was too late. Tell the person you care about how you feel....you never know when that chance may never come along again
I like Xander telling her the truth in this scene. Make her realize how crappy she was to Riley. Like he said, that she's treating him like a rebound when he's the one that comes along once in a lifetime.
Except he’s wrong. Buffy loved Riley. It’s not her fault Riley couldn’t see that. Riley was insecure. He couldn’t handle that Buffy was stronger then him. That’s not the once in a lifetime guy. That’s every guy. Acting all sweet and nice then getting insanely jealous and insecure when you have a life outside of them and don’t need them to protect u 24/7. Xander’s speech was wrong. Riley was insecure and blamed Buffy for it as an excuse to “cheat” on her. Which I get isn’t technically what he was doing. But he went to other women to feel something he didn’t feel from his girlfriend. Not because she didn’t give it to him, but just because it wasn’t as much as he wanted. I’d call that cheating.
@@caitlynford3001 they both made mistakes, the truth is in the middle..
Buffy never really loved Riley. If it had been Angel in that helicopter, she would have jump her ass off into that thing, would have thrown a rock, or a shoe, she would have done something for Angel.
Did you not watch the video. She did love him. Their story will always be one of a missed opportunity.
@@anthonycampos8057 Did you not watch the video Anthony, Xander made Buffy realize that she never really loved Riley and basically only treated like the rebound guy. But unfortunately when she was finally ready to be more emotionally involved and love him, he left. DUUUUUUUUUH
@@aurelienelizabeth4709 YES!!! THATS MY POINT
@@anthonycampos8057 so, it is not even different from mine, you just wanted to feel yourself existing, don't you? Whatever...
@@aurelienelizabeth4709 thats not what you said
Back then and now,, This scene and song 🎵 really gets to me. I was crying inside.
Xander was right. Buffy never let Riley in. Despite Riley being everything Buffy want in a normal relationship she still didn't open up to him.
Xander did make her realize it in the end that he was actually the one. Unfortunately it was too late.
@@anthonycampos8057 It wasn't too late. Buffy's too immature. It's her schtick. Wait until the entire relationship implodes because of her failure to open up. Then try to open up after the damage has been done.
-She did it with Scott Hope after he broke up with her in season 3 for not investing.
-She did it with Riley (in this video) right when he was about to leave.
-She did it with Spike right when his life was about to end.
@x-man9473 Well, in this situation, it was Xander who had to smack some sense into her.
@@anthonycampos8057 Yeah. But luckily it was too late.
>Riley was a man good enough to be a TA, a military soldier, and an emotionally supportive boyfriend. Willing to accept and even assist her Slayer duties. Little baggage attached.
>Buffy is a woman with a lot of baggage attached, heavy trauma, a never ending obsession with Angel (a man she hasn't dated since high school), and chooses to be emotionally detached in relationships.
Riley deserved better. But held out hope that the woman he was with would change. When he realized that she wouldn't, he realized his self worth and moved on to a better woman (Sam).
This is a really great scene and the whole running after him and try to stop him from leaving stuff is great and maybe if I was more invested in Riley and Buffy it would of pulled On my heart strings more. It’s just I didn’t care for Riley and that’s the issue. If i cared more about Riley this would of been more emotional for me.
never got all the hate for riley. he was sweet, likable, badass, funny and fit into the cast well. fan service got rid of riley for spuffy which sucked
by the way didn't Spike try to rape buffy?
She was going to end up with spike regardless.
In the comics her major love interest was spike and Angel
It makes sense tho, she’s a dark girl who’s in love with the darkness.
I honestly think that Xander's wrong, I mean yeah they had one fight but Riley should've talked to Buffy about how he was feeling. I mean Buffy's mom was dying so she kept him at a distance people grieve in different ways, after Joyce died Buffy kept busy and avoided Dawn, people grieve in different ways. Besides the first time Riley sees Buffy after being caught as a buffet he demands forgiveness, I mean come on Riley your girlfriend's the vampire slayer. I honestly think Riley should've been the one to go after Buffy instead.
Riley talked to Buffy in episode 4 of season 5 and Buffy got blindly defensive.
He talked to her again in this very episode about it, and she was blindly defensive again.
I agree with the comments but Buffy been told Riley she really didn’t want to have a relationship with him because she’s knows where it’s gonna lead to but despite her better judgement he kept trying and she let him in and he realized that he’s not Superman I will admit Xander did have a point but Buffy just got out a relationship with the man she thought she loved and was gonna be with for ever I don’t think she was truly over Angel.
No. Xander smacked some sense into her and made her realize that Riley was the one.
This was so emotional ugh Xander can be the most amazing friend
This scene always reminds me that Sunnydale was lacking in taxi services.
I think the reason Xander's monologue feels unfair is because I don't think it's about Riley. I think Xander is projecting his unreconciled feelings for Buffy and in that moment when she runs, he finally - in the unrequited crush sense - let her go. The fact that the next scene is his confession of love to Anya is very telling in that sense. Big shout out to Passion of the Nerd for that revelation.
The scene is about Riley and Buffy, he just happened to realize something wanted to make sure Anya to know that he loves her.
It doesn’t take away that’s it’s about Riley cause it still is. Sometimes you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone, that’s what happens you’re used to being with some toxic that you can’t be happy with what need you.
It's annoying that Xander always has to be the one to tell Buffy off, yet nobody, besides Giles, holds him accountable for like ANYTHING he does!
Buffy never judges him for his terrible decisions.
Not for cheating on Cordelia with Willow. Not for accidentally making all women murderously attracted to him. Not for leaving Anya at the alter... Never! He can flerp-a-derp his way through life, and all of his poor behavior is forgiven because he's the main comedic relief. But Buffy's not allowed to react in her own way when she's having a meltdown.
first they do tell him off, BUT buffy wrong a lot and her freind have a right to call her on it.
i mean for the shit buffy did and they forgive her
@@catarena8031 I mean let us not forget when she gave him a lap dance in the beginning of season 2 to piss him and willow off… nah. She’s not perfect either and got a way with some truly bitchy shit. But because she’s a slayer she gets a write off lmao.
@@tonybost6817 listen to what I'm saying. I never claimed Buffy was perfect but her mistakes always get clocked and addressed, usually by Xander. Yet Xander's done multiple things throughout the show that the show itself feels doesn't need judgment. Like when Cordelia realized that he accidentally bewitched all other women because he wanted to bewitch HER (which he intended to do to break her heart because she broke up with him) she isn't disgusted by that. She's won over by it and takes him back. Weird. Wouldn't be how I imagine a young woman with such high internalized self worth to react, but anyway.
Then there's the lying about what Willow said to Buffy before she went go to kill Angel. It finally gets brought up years later and just gets brushed over because it's just not important anymore when, at the time it should've. The show just never allows Buffy or Willow to find out about it when it mattered so that's just another thing Xander, the self appointed life coach gets away with.
Xander to Buffy.
Xander to Anya.
Xander to Cordelia.
Xander to Faith.
Xander to Willow.
Xander to Dawn.
WOOOOOOW! Xander is probably the only guy who can get through these crazy-super women.
What's the point of being a slayer, if when she runs, she always arrives too late (Becoming part one, here...) Drive a car, Buffy, drive car...
I love this scene only because it sadly helped me make a decision on a relationship that I needed to let go for the guys sake. He was a good guy and I was stringing him along because he was always there for me and dependable. This part of Buffy made me realize what I was doing and I did the right thing and let him go.
This is such a weird scene. They play this powerful music, they play Xander’s speech like it’s some big meaningful moment. And it’s ridiculous, because he’s wrong. Riley was an insecure baby man who couldn’t handle that Buffy was a strong independent woman who didn’t need him. She did want him however, and that wasn’t good enough for him. So he blamed her for not feeling loved or needed enough and went to find that somewhere else. Which isn’t technically a wrong thing to do. But u break up with her then. U don’t tell her it’s her fault the way she loved you wasn’t enough so you cheat on her and go find it somewhere else. And then Xanderconing in and giving Buffy a hard time acting like Riley’s some great guy who Buffy needs to fight for. No. When u cheat on someone u give up all right to expect them to fight for you. Riley was never okay with her being stronger then him. He was always insecure about how much she cared about him even though she told him again and again he was her everything. And she showed it in her own way. Riley had the problems. Not Buffy. Their breakup was entirely and completely 100% his fault. And putting the blame on Buffy like she didn’t try hard enough so of course he cheated on her and he’s the best she’s ever going to get so she should fight for a cheater. Is mega fucked up.
My thoughts exactly. It's even more weird when you realize Marti Noxon wrote and directed this episode.
it was not 100 percent his fault, buffy lied and keep secrets, she even did not tell him her mom was sick so he could help her.
Can someone plz just upload the scene where Buffy and Riley talk about the situation
This was one of xander's finer moments.
Like the majority of Buffy viewers, I wasn't a fan of Riley. But I feel like what Xander is saying is a bit unfair. Yes, Buffy treated Riley like the rebound guy. And that wasn't fair to Riley. But she treated him that way because that's essentially what he was for her. He was a good guy, and was somebody's once-in-a-lifetime. But not Buffy's. I think she ran after him because she knew he deserved better than to let things end that way between them. But he was definitely not the love of her life.
That makes no sense. I think she did realize that she loved him.
But he thinks she let him go
if i am the rebond guy let me know i am the rebound guy.
if you job was a temp job, BUT they never told you it was a temp job would you be mad
As much as I am not a Riley fan, I will admit that Xander's statement is so true. Buffy missed out on having either a genuine relationship without much problems, or having the chance to reconcile (she got to do that in season six).
When Riley left Sunnydale that was a relief for me. I was like "Good ridance to that dullard, now the show can finally get back on track", No offence to Riley fans or those that were sentimental about this scene, but that is how I felt when I watched this.
He was alive literally and figuratively and had a code of honor, the best boyfriend. Sike as William was an asset to his friends, and continued to add insight as spike.
good riddance? good riddance for Buffy to miss out on having a real relationship for once with someone she actually loves and can have a future with rather than these fake relationships with aging vampires that she knows will go nowhere and ultimately end in disaster? yeah good riddance
Anthony Campos Some fans might debate that Buffy never truly loved Riley.
JReed1985 well if she didn't then why was she running to try and stop him from leaving in the first place, you don't actually think she was running after him to simply break up with him
+Anthony Campos no she wanted to at least apologise for the argument they had. If she was going to part with him, she wanted to be on good terms.
So...I know it lacks the drama of what we got, but my question in this scene was always why didn't Buffy try to find a rock or something to throw to get Riley's attention? Granted Buffy was not good for Riley as he had a major inferiority complex and wanted her to be obsessed with him, but still, there had to have been something around there she could have thrown. It would have been really funny going against the score though lol.
Or just thrown one of her stakes from inside her jacket!
IM NOT SOBBING I SWEAT THROUGH MY FACE
Spike will be happy. Lol
After this, I could not get behind the writer's decision to break up Xander and Anya, so I just stopped watching after he left her at the alter.
I gotta disagree with Xander (although gotta give a hand to Nicolas on his speech👍 despite of irrating writing by complicate things in argument) in this part which his attitude problem hasn’t changed a bit😑 which annoys me is his judgmenting over between slayer strength and having love interest as friendly vampire with a soul since season 1 his crush on her but shows hasn’t proven his maturity to handle rejection and frankly only act as though ‘maturing’ except he is not being quite a man!, when he still being Buffy’s shadow to her when he doesn’t approve having Buffy with type of guys like angel with special quailties despite of vulnerable to can’t go out daytime can’t have romantic make out because of the soul curse which is a puzzle missing, I mean give it a rest!😑 that was the one when still holding on to jealousy feeling guys have high quailties than he I mean what’s his Delima is with Anya now because he can’t handle the Buffy’s choice around what type guys that is right for her, and Riley may be a person that goes out in sunlight, except unlike angel’s mythology experient qualification weather report he’s a soldier Boy Scout without much understanding the difference between vampire and demons good or bad with like Xander but with way insecurity over Buffy not loving him enough but only to make out with him as replacement angel can not do and because she’s stronger than him and Xander and has a problem with buffy having guys that are quick learners and have mythology and needs dangerous, monstrous strength power which makes him still being insecure jerk when only using knowledge speech manipulating out guilt trip buffy to regret Riley whatever his problem needs to drop the anti-angel negative subject just because he doesn’t like him much fine, but tired of his shadowing Buffy choice by jealousy over type guys which angel and spike on her side with demon abilties useful😑
Like him or hate him the group looks kinda week without him
This just to be dramatic. Xander could've skipped the speech and just driven Buffy to stop Riley from leaving.
Honestly, I used to like Riley as a kid, but now as an adult, he's actually kind of a douche--especially here (I mean, he has his charming moments, but overall, kind of a tool). He's essentially the guy who cheats on his girlfriend and then tells her she has to get over it or he's gone. Honestly, I don't think they were ever built for long term. I don't think his ego could stand feeling like a side kick to his gf forever.
You missed the point...the point wasn’t the fact that his girlfriend is stronger than him. It’s the fact that she didn’t respect him enough to feel love and included in her life. If you watch the season again you’ll see why he behave the way he did, Buffy treated him like didn’t matter to her and he felt like he was just there. He honestly thought Buffy didn’t love him because of how she was treating him, the man gave up everything for this girl and be apart of her world. He wanted to feel deeply wanted by her but couldn’t because she didn’t allow him to.
Buffy was so affected by her previous relationship with Angel that she couldn’t even love Riley right.
😭😭😭❤️💔
A good man will always be hard to find...same thing goes for a good woman. Anything that has worth and value will always be hard to find. Just like diamonds and pearls. Gotta work your butt off to get your prize.
This broke my heart. I liked Riley and was.dreading the spike romance arc which was so forced and terrible. I can't stand spike as a villain his awesome/funny but as this "weepy try hard wanna be good guy who is actually just trash" a big no.
Too bad buffy didnt make it in time to stop riley from leaving. Too bad riley didnt look back to see buffy on the ground
No it was better for both of them the relationship was too one sided.
Its funny I feel like Riley my partner does not need me it hurts...
i really hate riley but it was sad to see her in pain and blaming herself 4 what happened even though its all hes fult and she would never of been with spike so yay and that he comes back and rubs in her face that hes married and shes going though hell
I think you're being a little hard on Riley.
at the end of the day thats my mind i am allowed to speak what i feel but i get why u put what u did back
I personally sidnt really go for Riley and Buffy. Honestly i think he was to insecure and he couldn't tell that in her own way she did love him. And he basically cheated on her because she wasnt making feel a certain type of way. So i dont really aggree with his whole speech.
For the best. I never liked Riley.
One of the worst scenes in the show.
This scene still gets to me every time I watch it. This was indeed the one ☝️ time when I didn’t get upset with Zander for interfering in her love life, he actually told her the truth and what she was losing. It’s just really unfortunate that it was in fact too late!! Even though I’m a Angel & Buffy shipper, I truly think that Riley was in fact the best fit for Buffy, he loved her so much and would do anything for her. Riley was the one man who could take Buffy into the light, and because she didn’t get that through her thick skull sooner, she lost him forever!! 😢
Riley was the best fit for Buffy. But Buffy doesn't deserve Riley. Riley deserved better. Which he got with Sam.
Also. Honestly. I don't buy that Buffy didn't get what she was losing until it was too late. Honestly, it feels like Buffy was more upset that the relationship didn't end on her terms. She always seems sad when things don't end on her terms.