Hello! Welcome to the final episode of Buffy season 6. With just one season to go, I can't believe how quick this journey has gone, and I am SO not ready for it to be over 😭 thank you to everyone for being here to share it with me! I am following a watch order for Buffy season 7 and Angel season 4 and that is all sorted, so I don't need any advice on that as it's working well! More on that to come in the first episode of Buffy season 7, which will be uploaded next Saturday (a week from today). Buffy starts first in my watch order, so as to keep it to Buffy Saturdays and Angel Tuesdays (Australian time), this is the best way to ensure we keep that pattern. I know it's not crucial or important to have it on the same days, but I'm used to it now! I hope you all can join me for the final season 💜
Thanks to you, I've changed my all time favorite show ranking. Doctor Who is still top 5. But Lost is no longer #1. I'll put Buffy now on #1. It's too rich. Too many emotions. Too many memories. And a lot of lovely interactions in the comments of these reactions I won't forget so quick... 🥰😘🫶
@@julesreactsOn your next watch,plz call out Spike's misogyny by constantly calling Buffy a B**ch.Also,Buffy is a show with the female protagonist as a hero and having her forgiving and MOTHERING Spike in the final season is a stain on the show.The last season is all about Spike's guilt,his redemption and Buffy's healing and trauma was pushed aside for Spike!!Having to watch her defend and champion her stalker and rapist was difficult to watch.
the "behind the scenes" reason was actually because the actor couldn't stop laughing at something (i forgot what) but instead of removing it and labeling it as a blooper, they kept it because it gave more authenticity to the scene
It’s so beautiful that Xander the only one without powers is the one to save the world and not through a bombastic act of violence but by showing his oldest best friend that he would love her no matter what
There is a recurring theme in Buffyverse in which some vampires are more “human” than others. Not all vampires are the same. The first reference to this was the judge, who suggested that he might be able to burn spike or Drusilla, but could not burn Angel/Angelus, saying “There is no humanity in him.” At a later m point, Drusilla said “Vampires “can love.. if not wisely,“ referring to her relationship with spike over the centuries. Hypothesis: some vampires, when turned, retain part of the human soul. Angelus was a notable exception. Harmony would be an example of a vampire with a little bit of her original soul, but no morals whatsoever aside from occasionally defending mortal girl friends.
@@mediablindspots Yeah, it depends on the type of person they were when they were human. It's like the difference between soulless Spike and soulless Angel. Liam (Angel) was a violent, womanizing drunk. Basically a garbage human, so when his soul was removed it made him an even worse monster. William (Spike) on the other hand, was a sweet, gentle creature. A romantic poet. So, without a soul, he became something of a wild child and an addict of the thrill of the fight not just the kill. But, unlike Angelus, he was capable of love. A love that could easily be twisted due to his lack of a soul, but for him, it was love. Poor Dru was screwed, because Angelus made her insane as a human before he turned her.
@@ms_scribbles *SPOILERS* Liam was acting out against his father: "I've lived down to your every expectation." I'm not saying he wasn't responsible for his actions, at the age of 24 he definitely was. However, I'm hesitant to call him "a garbage human". He was certainly misguided, but he was more of an embarrassment to his family than anything. Liam wasn't doing anything criminal or violent (drunken brawls aside). He wasn't out to harm anyone. Except himself & his father's pride, anyway. What made him so vicious as Angelus was his desire to prove that he could "make something of himself": the very thing his father repeatedly said he could never do. That was his motivation, the driving force behind his decisions. Spike's driving force was love. Love of Dru, his mother, even Angelus. He didn't want approval so much as admiration. When he couldn't get it from Angelus he acted out against him. Not unlike Liam acting out against his father... & the wheel turns... ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
That really was good writing, though. Because everything Willow says and does in that conversation is proving how right Giles was, even how right he was to go that hard. But Willow thinks the only thing that matters is proving that she can handle the power, not having the wisdom to be a responsible magic user, and she thinks the fact that she can do all this is proving Giles wrong.
Love how this season began with Buffy clawing her way out of her grave, alone and in the dark, and ends with her climbing out with her sister on a beautiful sunny day. Shows the journey Buffy has gone on this season.
I've always felt this to be the show's very best season finale, and that's a hill I'm willing to die on! Alyson Hannigan's acting, the score during the broken yellow crayon speech, the themes, the callback to Buffy climbing out of the grave, the cliffhanger, Giles, Anya's look of pride for Xander, even the path those two swords take to be a part of the final battle, it's all just... Perfect.
@@andreduarte8372 Well, "The Gift" is my favorite episode of all time, but I agree with you with every other aspect. Season 6 is definitely my favorite over all. Because it is SO rich on themes, chatacter development and the big bad is something else, not the cliché world ending doomsday device as usual. Just some nerds. 😅 Feels more natural and authentic than other seasons. Plus, I really connected with the characters in this season. Each one had their moments. It's just been tremendous storytelling overall.
@Scripture-Man Well. Willow IS the big bad. 😅 Just doesn't support my argument so I left that out. BECAUSE it only develops in the last few episodes. 🤷♂️
All of Spike's dialogue was very cleverly written to make viewers think that his goal was getting rid of the chip. Though if you think about it, that doesn't make any sense, since it's already been proven that he can hurt Buffy even with the chip, so removing it wouldn't change anything.
The initial “this bloody chip” rant was a slightly disingenuous misdirection, and not the only one, but it did pay off nicely in the last scene of the season, so I really can’t complain. Also, if you look at the actual text, it all adds up.
I just thought that by removing the chip, he'd be back to being SOMETHING, instead of being half and half. I think I mentioned it in the outro, but it would be difficult to be neither here nor there. SO glad he's now just like his best mate Angel 😅💜
removing the chip would have made sense when taking into account his quote of "it [the chip] doesn't let me be a monster, and i can't be a man. im nothing", as no more chip would mean that he could be the vampire he was: not live with humans anymore but in the shadows (as he'd call it), kill humans to drink their blood, making new vampires, etc. with the chip, yes he could hurt buffy, but because of it he couldn't have a "normal life" from his viewpoint. although, all his talks about "wanting to make a change for buffy" after this quote was hinting at something more than just the chip indeed
Looking back at what Spike has been saying about his quest might give some insight into his intentions: "Bi- is going to see a change." "Make me what I was." "I want to give Buffy what she deserves."
it takes a lot to make me cry watching fantasy shows but that scene with Xander and Willow, the moment she collapses and breaks always brings me to hard sobs. Such a beautiful moment 🥲
Six seasons of Xander being useless and grating to pay off in this one moment, saving the world with his sheer humanity, compassion and unconditional love for his best friend. No-one else would have been able to save the planet with a simple, sincere “I love you” but Xander here.
Giles laughing after Buffy told him about all the things that happened since he left is just such an iconic moment. doing exactly what Buffy needed at just the right time, giving her that moment of joy again.
I've watched a fair amount of TV in my almost 70 years. And for me, Seasons 5, 6 and 7 are still 3 of my most favorite seasons of any show, ever. There are some great shows out there with some great seasons, but these three are special. At least to me.
Jules, I can't believe you're in Season 7! I have loved this journey through the Buffyverse with you. I love reactors reacting to the final moments of this episode, especially the shock with Spike. As much as I dislike Xander at times, the love and friendship he has with Willow is such a moving, endearing thing. Willow was in so much pain over losing Tara in such a horrible way, that she turned to rage and magic rather than deal with her grief- many people use anger to hide their pain and lose themselves in addiction and self-destructive behavior. Buffy realizes that she wants to live and wants Dawn to know and explore the world, Giles' return and his role in stopping Willow. Anya was also very endearing here. As for what went on with Spike, my lips are sealed until you begin Season 7. Wonderful reaction as always, I love how you are so honest about your emotions and that you are not afraid to express them. See you next season (Saturday). 🥰
@@Muirmaiden yes, season 7. Will Spike return and if so, how? I know the answer but I'm excited. Ep. 1 and 2 specifically of season 7 are also ranked very high on my list. Perhaps top 10...
That ending scene is one of if not my favourite from the whole show. Xander stoping willow is just so beautiful. She was focused on revenge and ignoring her sadness till he makes her confront it. Its so beautiful, it show how far they've gone and how they are at the end best friends. Willow really need him right now
Willow's big issue this season has been one of avoidance. Magic played into her need to always find a workaround, a cheat, to evade facing any of the hardships of life. Even here, at the end, her quest for vengeance against the trio and ultimately a way to end everything were all just excuses for Willow to avoid confronting her grief.
@@commonstragedy Xander refers to himself as a carpenter during the standoff. ("This carpenter can drywall you into the next century.") Of course Joss Whedon intended the reference. ... Which, by the way, went totally over my head first time I watched, because I don't (to paraprase Shepherd Book says) follow in the footsteps of that particular carpenter.
Buffy vs. Willow was something, but Giles vs. Willow took it to the next level! What a finale... the only time TPTB knew it'd be a season finale and not a series finale, so they could leave things a bit more opened ended (ie: Buffy wanting to show Dawn the world, Spike's returned soul). And here we go into the FINAL season!
Season Six was the harshest of seasons. Still some of my favourite episodes. I really liked Once More With Feeling, the Musical, Tabula Rasa, Double Meat Palace which gave me a nice 1950's sci-fi horror vibe, As You Were where they gave Riley Finn a nice send off, Older and Far Away where they get trapped in the house, Life Serial when the nerds were fun, And even Hell's Bells. I still kind of think that Vengeance Demons who renounce their demon hood are cursed to suffer the fate that they used to extract vengeance for. Anya is damned to be betrayed by the man she loves because she gave up being a vengeance demon for wronged women. She is cursed to become one. Let's Xander off the hook a little. Lot of my least favourite episodes, including Normal Again, Dead Things and Smashed and Wrecked. Shame the return of Amy ended up being so negative. The death of Tara. The death of Katrina. Rough Rough Season.
na, Spike wanted his chip removed and to be a normal vampire again. The demon either misinterpreted what he wanted, or misinterpreted on purpose just because he could and still comply with Spike's request and the deal. Some people disagree with this, but it doesn't matter, they are allowed to be wrong.
@@Psi105 If you want a chip in your head removed, you go to a brain surgeon ! Not a demon in a cave... Especially since there are brain surgeons that can do that ! Since the initiative had some of them, at the very least. Also... Spike's words are purposefully misleading. BUT not the demon's words if you think about it !! He's mocking Spike for wanting what he's come to ask him ! He's saying that the slayer has made him an excuse for a demon... If he was there to be a big bad demon and get rid of the chip, why mock him for what he's here for ? He was 'disgusted' that Spike would ask for his soul back, because of his love for Buffy. Making him, in his eyes, an excuse for a demon...
I love that ending and Spike getting his soul back as much as anyone, but the way they set it up is so weird! They clearly want us to think he's trying to get his chip out so he can hurt her or even kill her. But he can ALREADY hurt her, even with the chip. We've seen him do that pretty dang recently. Agree 100% on Xander. In a lot of ways, he's a character who hasn't aged well (especially in the early seasons). But I love him as one of the few characters left who doesn't have special powers but is still committed to helping Buffy and fighting evil.
You did it! Congratulations on making it through probably the most underrated of the classic seasons of Buffy. It's been a joy watching your reactions.
I love the scene with Willow and Xander so much! Xander was the only one who could possibly get through to Willow, because he had known the weak, nerdy version of her from the beginning and loved her all along. She didn't see any value in that version of herself, and everyone else in her life had only known the more confident person she became since meeting Buffy. As Restless revealed, she feared that her new, cool and powerful self was only a costume over the pathetic nerd, and that was the root of her magic addiction, as she expressed in Wrecked. "If you could be, you know, plain old Willow or super-Willow, who would you be?"
The terrible irony is that she doesn’t realize that she was the most useful character in the Scooby gang aside from Buffy from day 1, but that her value steadily degraded as she got more into magical shortcuts
An alternate finale where Dark Willow decides to stick around and gets Anya and a soulless Spike, with chip removed, to be her top minions would have made for a really wild season 7.
Xander is the guy who resuscitated Buffy when Angel could not, and now he's the guy who saved the world from his grieving best friend when Buffy could not. . I'm just going to steal a little Xander quote from last season's finale: "And the glorified bricklayer picks up a spare." Glad you like Xander as much as you do, because I get really, really tired of the regular Xander hate in this fandom. He's flawed, yes, but so is Buffy, so is Willow (as this season made very obvious), so is Giles. They are all flawed characters, just as people should be. He comes from an abusive home, and yet he always tries to do what he feels is right. In a world of demons and vampires and witches and sorcerers, he's just a regular guy with a regular job, who never fails to stand up to be counted when the chips are down. Anyway, another great reaction, as always!
There's a lot of hate for Xander, most people don't like him in the comments but everyone likes/dislikes different things so I get it! I may not agree with everything that Xander does or says, but I still like him as a character. He's always made me laugh and you're right, he is a regular guy thrown into this crazy world but he is always there for his friends - especially shown in this episode 💜
Let’s not forget The Zeppo, in which Xander faces an undead sociopathic killer who has named his Bowie knife. In the final confrontation, Xander doesn’t flinch, the device is disarmed, and thus he saves the high school. In the process, he inadvertently stops the apocalypse by saving all his Scooby Gang friends, who were closing the Hellmouth at the time, plus saving the town from the other zombies by letting Oz out
I always felt that most of the hate towards him was unjustified though I do think that he was the less developed main character of the show despite having really good moments and centric episodes. I honestly wish this show had a multiverse concept (not including the wishverse) so we could have seen alternate versions of him (and the other characters). Sure we have fan fiction that does it but if it was official it would have been interesting.
@WelshDragon8423 he cheated on Cordelia, lied to Buffy about what Willow said, tried hooking up with a teacher, was constantly ogling Buffy, left Anya at the altar, and he was proud about being Dawn's crush. The dude is a creep.
It HAD to be Xander. No-one else could have done it. Willow thought there was nobody who could love her as much as Tara did. She was wrong. Xander did love her as much, just not in the same way.
The wording Spike used was intended by the writers to throw off the viewer. He was always doing the trials to get his soul back so he could be worthy of Buffy.
I cant wait till next season with spike. Theres so much i've wanted to say about him for so long and now with his soul returned I can finally spill a little. If you remember back to season 2, The Judge said that spike reeked of humanity (As well as drusilla, but when we see her without him, we can tell most of that was her love for spike). And, looking back, you start to realise that even without the chip, spikes always been a little different to other vampires. Hes been evil, yes, but he's never truly took to the beauty of slaughter like angelus. He was never about ruling the world as undead masters like Darla and the master. All he wanted was to live life and fight like hell. His demon was more Human than any other vampire we've seen. And now he, willingly, fought to gain his soul back. What vampire that we've met would *ever* fight for such a burden. I wont say more, I dont wanna get into spoilers, but its something to keep in mind as we move forward. And im so excited.
I always get chills at seeing Willow finally transform back to her old self, as she cries in Xander's arms. As a Big Bad, she never needed to be destroyed; she just needed to be hugged and told she was loved, and to grieve for Tara 😢 Also... a carpenter stepping before evil, being prepared to sacrifice himself, and saving the world through unconditional love? Where have I heard that one before? 🤔
Willow was never the Big Bad for this season, but life/growing up. Every character has their own arc dealing with growing up in the worst ways. Buffy=Depression/Apathy Spike=Longing Dawn=Isolation and being ignored. Willow=insecurity and addition Xander=fear Anya=existential crisis and loss of meaning The trio= insecurity, life not meeting expectations, lack of purpose. Tara was the only one with the maturity to make good decisions, which did not save her. Life can suck and Buffy comes out of the grave this time wanting to experience and relish it.
I think the silent majority likes Xander; it's just that the anti-Xander faction is very vocal. LOL. This is my first time commenting but I wanted to chime in to say that I always appreciate your reactions. Have a lovely day!
Awww thank you! Yes, often the minority is the most vocal for sure! It's actually really nice to see a few good words for Xander in the comments today 💜
I have great hopes for Jonathan and the other one in Mexico. Maybe they can redeeem themselves by becoming a crime fighting duo like Batman and er, the other one.
I love what Will & Xander's relationship has become. While I'm not the biggest fan of Xander in the early seasons, what we see in this episode is why I think it's important not to overlook his faults. He's come so far since season 1 & he deserves props for that (especially having seen what his family is like). Alyson Hannigan breaks me in that final scene every time. I can't believe we're going into season 7!!! Where did the time go? Lovely reaction, as always!! See you for the next one! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
So, that's now two _Buffy_ season finales which end with a song by Sarah McLachlan! (Full of Grace in S2, and now Prayer of St Francis in S6).Clearly someone at Mutant Enemy was a fan...
One of best episodes. The biggest hero is Xander, the worst villain is Willow and most badass is Giles...really great change of rules. 🙂 And great acting of Alyson Hannigan, her desperation allways makes me cry. Yes and Spike gets back his soul.
This is how I know its Friday. 22 pages left in the book of Buffy and only one chapter left. It seems like yesterday when we discovered Jule's channel and now it seems we have known her forever. What a blessing how this show brings people together.
Spike truly BELEIEVED he wanted the chip out. He wanted was an end to his internal conflict: If the chip was removed, he believed he could return to being a monster; if his soul was returned, he can "be what she deserves." The question is which did he want more? Removing the chip would allow him to "be what he was before," but returning his soul would allow him to "be what he was BEFORE."
Since you will now be starting the final season of Buffy, I don't know if it is too early to start thinking about what to watch next, but I have some recommendations: Agents of Shield (has a lot of the Whedon fingerprints on it, same great writing and pacing). Person of Interest. Incredibly well done and thought provoking. And Orphan Black, had me hooked from the very first scene. Just if you do that last one, beware to NOT watch the 'Next On' at the end of the episodes. The editors put *major* spoilers in those.
Good job catching the call back to Buffy crawling out of the grave. Though this time into light rather than darkness. The thing is, I don't even think Xander was trying to stop Willow. I feel that he really thought the world was going to end and he was being honest that he wanted to be with Willow when it did. "He's now a vampire with a soul, like Angel" in the same interview where he confirmed that Spike did in fact go to get his soul back and not the chip out (though you were intended to believe that) he was asked the same question "so Spike's like Angel now?" and he replied "No, we already have Angel on his own show". They're both Vampires with souls, but beyond that are still very different characters.
I absolutely loved the crawling out of the grave moment! It's SO different to the start of the season. It just makes me feel SO positive for what is to come. Famous last words 🤣
I feel like I only just realised right now that that callback was why this episode was called "Grave" and why it ended with Buffy coming out of the grave again, but finally to come into the light and start to make things better.
There is a difference between Angel and Spike. Spike earned his soul so can't actually lose it again. Angel's soul is just a curse which can be lost (and his soul).
Seriously… Talk about range! A true character actress, who has the rare ability to force a true suspension of disbelief in the viewer experiencing her portrayal of emotion
i always enjoy peoples take on spikes part over these finales. because i feel people forget that spike is really not an introspective person. they say "oh spike went there to get his soul because buffy deserves better" i personally think its far more likely that spike went there to be come big and bad again but the entity in the cave realized he actually wanted something else. it's like wishing for your hearts desire but it turns out to be different from what you think it is.
Well, here we are, Jules. I honestly can't believe we're here already. Congratulations on completing another season, now the question remains, are you ready for one last trip through the Hellmouth? This is a brilliant finale to a brilliant season, with all of the story arcs concluding wonderfully. I really don't understand why some people hate this season, I adore it! Yes, it may be darker, but it ends on such a positive and optimistic note, with so many positive resolutions. Plus, there are just so many top-tier episodes. I can't believe I never made the connection that the season begins and ends with Buffy crawling out of a grave though - good catch! I love that Xander is the one to save Willow, and he does just through love and friendship (without being cheesy). I've always maintained that Xander is the heart of the Scoobs and this is one of his greatest moments to shine. Heck, it's one of my favourite moments in the whole show. It's one of the reasons why I love Xander and will defend him against those who trash him. That Spike reveal at the end took me by such surprise, it was such a clever bait and switch. However, I do think that it makes it retroactively weird that he was always so aggressive when talking about Buffy getting what she deserves. Plus, how awesome was it to have Giles back, and being a badass to boot? I'm so psyched to join you on the final leg of your Buffy journey, Jules. There are still tough times to come, but I promise you that it's going to be one Hell (mouth) of a final ride. Oh and just for a little context, by this point I believe Firefly was in production, so you're approaching the brief period in time when Buffy, Angel and Firefly were all on the air together.
Well, here we are Lady Jules. The final season right around the corner. Can't wait for you to see how this beautiful journey goes from here. You think you know...what's to come...what they are...they haven't even begun.
I knew this episode was going to turn you into emotional mush, Jules and you didn't disappoint. :) So many good scenes but the Xander/Willow scene on Kingman's Bluff gets me every single time. I'm also a Xander fan (and a Giles fan!) and I love that rather than there being a supernatural solution to Willow's rampage, it's Xander's humanity and long-term friendship with her that brings her back and saves the world. I know he has many faults but his solid belief in his friends and the very fact that he is literally powerless gives his character its own power.
So much to praise about this one… The Buffy/Giles daughter/father reunion, Anya being absolutely adorably Anya, and Buffy working out all the issues with Dawn when they were stuck in a hole in the ground, were all solid gold.
Awwww 💜💜 I loved the ending and resolution to this one! Save the world with love and heart! You are so right about Xander - he's got no powers, nothing much to offer, but he's there for his friends day in and day out. LOVE IT!
One of the best episodes, Spie getting his soul back was necessary after the Buffy SA thing he acted human like but in the end was still a demon playing human.
Now you know Jules. Tara'a death, though senseless and tragic, was what the story needed. Everyone loved Tara so much, that we kind of understood where dark Willow came from, even if we didn't agree with how far she went. It was powerful motivation -not just some big bad that wanted to end the world. It allowed Giles' surprise return to be even more impactful, and Xander's role to move from just a comedy sidekick. And you'll see in Season 7 (no spoilers) that Tara's death still play's an incredible part in this story, allowing the growth and development of Willow in ways that wouldn't be possible otherwise.
As per season 4, episode 21 (the joining spell that brought about the anger of the first slayer), Willow represents Buffy's spirit. Giles represents her mind. Xander represents her heart. And Buffy herself represents the force of will and action (the hand). Buffy has had a broken spirit throughout this entire season, as represented by Willow. Buffy's first plan was to force her spirit to cooperate. That can't work. Her next plan was to reason with her spirit using her mind (Giles). That doesn't work either. That's why it had to be Xander. Because the only thing that can heal a broken spirit is the heart.
Great to see Giles back to help out and I hope Willow gets back to normal eventually this is going to be an exciting episode today have a good weekend Juliette.👋🐈⬛🇦🇺
Oh boy another Vamp with a soul🤨😬😬Great episode thanks so much Juliette🥰Loved seeing a somewhat evil Willow episode, (strange I know) but man her acting was sooo awesome! Like Angel and everyone else that plays a hero it's interesting to see what they can bring to the table in a evil role🤩
Yeah, Whedon was being a little overly clever with Spike's dialogue in this. While technically it could be taken as either wanting his chip out or wanting his soul back, the delivery and choice of wording made the obvious interpretation that he wanted the chip out, which Whedon was counting on.
Amazing episode and reaction! I was in tears too, of course. Finally, a happy ending after such a dark (but brilliant) season. As a fan of Giles, Dawn, and Xander, I LOVED this episode. Xander saved the world, with only the power of love. :-) Plus the twist about Spike. Joss Whedon is the man.
@@julesreacts Your emotional reaction is really lovely and your insights are always very smart and insightful. Been watching your reaction videos what seems like a long time now, and I'm not going anywhere! You've changed over the years, too. You seem more mature now (in a good way). I get the feeling you've got a family now and that's changed you as a person. Could be wrong though!
@Scripture-Man ah thank you! I suppose I feel more comfortable with making reactions these days compared to a couple of years ago when I didn't know what I was doing. I'm also 45 this year, so getting on 🤣
Huh, hadn't actually considered who i'd choose between Giles and Willow (not sure I could). Great season finale IMO, resolves all the stories and averts the apocalypse in a more interesting way than "And then there were lots of VFX !". Xander _at his best_ really _is_ capable of saving the world. (and I _think_ you figured it out afterwards but Giles _believed_ Buffy about what had gone on - he laughs because things went _so_ awry that it kinda _was_ absurdly funny :)
I never saw that coming with Spike. And with the history of the show up to this point, I really thought they had brought back Giles just to kill him. And Xander and willow at the end always makes me cry. I've always liked Xander, so I just don't get the hate.
I like Xander, too! I often feel that I am one of the very few that do like him. He makes me laugh. He's not perfect, he's made mistakes, but we all have. Yes, honestly, a few people have said that ASH wanted to spend more time with his family so I really thought Joss would just kill him off 😭😭 I'm constantly so worried about our characters dying... 😔
When do people in deep mental anguish ever correctly identify the underlying issues? Almost never! The cave demon ignored Spike's superficial request, and Spike seemed surprised to receive his soul. Not what he wanted, but perhaps what he needed.
I loved your reaction to this! We all missed Giles too. With Spike, there were plenty of clues other than the obvious ones said snarkily. The 1st one being Buffy beating Spike up: "I am not your girl! You don't...have a soul! There is nothing good or clean in you. You are dead inside! You can't feel anything." Then in Entropy, Spike to Anya: "I care. What he done to you? I've never stooped that low, and I'm an 'evil, soulless thing.' According to some people." Then Seeing Red and "why didnt I do it?" (The chip doesn't work with Buffy, therefore it must be some iteration of good/love/soul). It was obvious he loved her, even Dru picked up on it seasons ago: Buffy: "Whatever you think you're feeling, it's not love. You can't love without a soul. Dru: "Oh, we can, you know. We can love quite well. If not wisely." So the set up for Spike to realise that the only way Buffy will ever love him is if he has a soul has been there for a while, and the chip was a last minute misdirect. But yes, remember that Angel was cursed with his soul to stop him being Angelus. Spike earned his to stop him being, well, Spike.
Xander is always the victim of the writers they always put him in positions to disagree with Buffy but it's written in a way to guide viewers to siding with Buffy. Realistically though he is right most of the time. In season 2 finale he was right to not tell Buffy about the spell for the soul for example. Overall this season is in the middle of the pack. There was a lot of character assassination for what Joss wanted to have happen. Not as reliant on plot conveniences like Angel this season.
Spike is a desperate POS who can't take no for an answer.Buffy never asked him to go get a soul.He went for selfish reason and that is to get Buffy to love him (something she's not obligated to do)just because he now has a soul.That's manipulation!P.S,Angel was neither a good fit for Buffy.
She had a nice, dry spell there for a bit 😅 I more meant it that way, that she was off magic for a while and only now just started back up again. But yes, Giles is fully out of the loop these days. I don't know why no one bothered to email or write him a letter?! I know it was the early 2000's but we still had email back then and everything 🤣
He got a coven update on Willow going dark, also presumably tapping into the mystical Internet, before coming to Sunnydale. He was clearly prepared with spells designed specifically for her.
I feel this episode showed the love between Xander and Willow, their love is not romantic nor intimate and it's not even a sibling like love. It goes deeper than that to I wouldn't say soul mates but rather soul friends.
Spike was expecting his chip to be removed/turned off to become a normal vampire so he could kill Buffy. It was a surprise cliffhanger for the audience. The writers, however planned him for to have his soul all along.
He could already kill Buffy. He didn’t go to the demon underworld and go through demon trials to get his chip removed. He would have gone to Johns Hopkins or some other MEDICAL facility to get his chip removed.
Now that trauma and aftermath of "Seeing Red" are behind you, it's a good time to try to track down a song by Annie Griffith (aka Annie Walker), also called "Seeing Red". There's a recording of it under the band name "Wilderwood".
The reason this show is so great is the characters. They are all essentially good and kind people but they are flawed and make dumb mistakes. In other words, they are actual human beings.
A superb opening scene with Giles and Willow having a 'power struggle' Willow repeats the line he said to her earlier in S6 when he referred to her as a 'rank arrogant amateur' great transition in her face and voice when she says 'buckle up Rupert cos I've turned pro'. When Buffy tells Giles all that has happened since he was away we get comic relief as Giles bursts out laughing. When Giles says to Buffy Willow has killed a human being and she has to live with that, we see Willow again appear with no feelings or emotion. Totally cold when Xander says to Dawn about Spike 'if he wasn't trying to rape your sister' Good point is the improvement of the special effects and sets etc. This is of course was helped greatly by switching to UPN as S6 and S7 had massive increases in budget. Willow thinks she now taken Giles power after invading his body, but good perception here in that what Giles has given her is not absolute power but some kind of poisoned magic mixed with human empathy. A great conversation with Dawn and Buffy in the cave where she asks Buffy about the attempted rape. A brilliant final scene where Xander uses the power of love to overcome Willow's power as he can see she is weakening. Brendon and Hannigan really knock it out of the park here. Even though Xander has has no super powers he once again saves the day as he did in Prophecy Girl S1 where he saves Buffy's life, and The Zeppo on S3 where he saves them all unbeknown to them. He doesn't get the credit he deserves sometimes. With all this going on we forget about Spike, but the ending scene is probably the most important. Great direction too by James A Contner, who also directed some of the very best episodes of BTVS and Angel, and one the best episodes of the The X-Files too in 'Soft Light'.
There have been many stages of setting up the idea that Giles is extremely well-versed in the Mystic arts, including dark shit, but that he is always holding back. This showed him at and beyond his full power, not holding back, but filled with the most beautiful loving hippie New Age magic you could imagine. So good! It was the fulfillment of a long, long buildup
It is such a great misdirect with Spike. Love seeing peoples reaction to that. I have some mixed feelings on the next season and its ending but overall looking forward to it.
I don't like that Xander told Dawn. That was for Buffy to do, when she felt ready to do. But Dawn did deserve to know. I understand why she felt safe with Spike. He was her protector while Buffy was gone, he never lied to her, and he didn't treat her like just a kid. But she can't be hanging out with him now. Not after what he did. Still, it should have been Buffy who told her, not Xander.
"Instead of yelling out Buffy's name, do something". To be fair Buffy was always trying to shield Dawn from all that, protect her herself, but keep Dawn from fighting. Dawn needed Buffy to ask her to fight.
If you rewatch the episode were Spike meets the demon, you can see a tiny drawing on the cave wall, picturing the demon restoring a soul in some beeing ;-) If the main goal had been to get rid of the chip, he would have turned to the Initiative guys or what is left over of them, or some surgeon or whatever. But for a soul he needs some magic powers. Also, like someone has pointed out, he could already hurt Buffy (which was again clearly demonstrated in Seeing Red), getting the chip out would change noting between him and Buffy. But a soul would ;-)
Hello! Welcome to the final episode of Buffy season 6. With just one season to go, I can't believe how quick this journey has gone, and I am SO not ready for it to be over 😭 thank you to everyone for being here to share it with me!
I am following a watch order for Buffy season 7 and Angel season 4 and that is all sorted, so I don't need any advice on that as it's working well! More on that to come in the first episode of Buffy season 7, which will be uploaded next Saturday (a week from today). Buffy starts first in my watch order, so as to keep it to Buffy Saturdays and Angel Tuesdays (Australian time), this is the best way to ensure we keep that pattern. I know it's not crucial or important to have it on the same days, but I'm used to it now!
I hope you all can join me for the final season 💜
Thanks to you, I've changed my all time favorite show ranking. Doctor Who is still top 5. But Lost is no longer #1.
I'll put Buffy now on #1. It's too rich. Too many emotions. Too many memories. And a lot of lovely interactions in the comments of these reactions I won't forget so quick... 🥰😘🫶
Ahhhh that is awesome! Well done to Buffy for claiming the throne 👏
It's been a privilege to follow you on your Buffy journey, Jules. I can't believe it's nearly over, but I'm looking forward to one final ride.
@@julesreactsOn your next watch,plz call out Spike's misogyny by constantly calling Buffy a B**ch.Also,Buffy is a show with the female protagonist as a hero and having her forgiving and MOTHERING Spike in the final season is a stain on the show.The last season is all about Spike's guilt,his redemption and Buffy's healing and trauma was pushed aside for Spike!!Having to watch her defend and champion her stalker and rapist was difficult to watch.
Giles wasn't laughing because he didn't believe Buffy; he was laughing due to the absurdity of it all.
Exactly.
the "behind the scenes" reason was actually because the actor couldn't stop laughing at something (i forgot what) but instead of removing it and labeling it as a blooper, they kept it because it gave more authenticity to the scene
Yeah, I get that now 🤭 It is rather ridiculous!
@@_underyourspell_ that's not true and Anthony himself has debunked it. He's just a really good actor.
@@julesreacts And it's a very, very, English reaction to a monumental tower of vile events and tragic outcomes :)
It’s so beautiful that Xander the only one without powers is the one to save the world and not through a bombastic act of violence but by showing his oldest best friend that he would love her no matter what
Yes, exactly!
That’s why he was the heart in the tarot card ritual
Xahder and Willow are soul friends in my opinion, their love for each other goes really deep.
I was so happy to see him literally save the world through love 💜
It also fits well with willows narrative in this season, she wanted to be super, to matter. And the one that has no powers saves the world
"So Buffy can get what she deserves" A man with a soul, not a monster that would do what he almost tried to do.
There is a recurring theme in Buffyverse in which some vampires are more “human” than others.
Not all vampires are the same. The first reference to this was the judge, who suggested that he might be able to burn spike or Drusilla, but could not burn Angel/Angelus, saying “There is no humanity in him.”
At a later m point, Drusilla said “Vampires “can love.. if not wisely,“ referring to her relationship with spike over the centuries.
Hypothesis: some vampires, when turned, retain part of the human soul. Angelus was a notable exception. Harmony would be an example of a vampire with a little bit of her original soul, but no morals whatsoever aside from occasionally defending mortal girl friends.
@@mediablindspots that's not their soul. It's their memories and personality.
@@mediablindspots Yeah, it depends on the type of person they were when they were human. It's like the difference between soulless Spike and soulless Angel. Liam (Angel) was a violent, womanizing drunk. Basically a garbage human, so when his soul was removed it made him an even worse monster. William (Spike) on the other hand, was a sweet, gentle creature. A romantic poet. So, without a soul, he became something of a wild child and an addict of the thrill of the fight not just the kill. But, unlike Angelus, he was capable of love. A love that could easily be twisted due to his lack of a soul, but for him, it was love.
Poor Dru was screwed, because Angelus made her insane as a human before he turned her.
@@ms_scribbles exactly Angel even hinted at this in Dopplegangerland
@@ms_scribbles *SPOILERS*
Liam was acting out against his father: "I've lived down to your every expectation." I'm not saying he wasn't responsible for his actions, at the age of 24 he definitely was. However, I'm hesitant to call him "a garbage human". He was certainly misguided, but he was more of an embarrassment to his family than anything. Liam wasn't doing anything criminal or violent (drunken brawls aside). He wasn't out to harm anyone. Except himself & his father's pride, anyway. What made him so vicious as Angelus was his desire to prove that he could "make something of himself": the very thing his father repeatedly said he could never do. That was his motivation, the driving force behind his decisions. Spike's driving force was love. Love of Dru, his mother, even Angelus. He didn't want approval so much as admiration. When he couldn't get it from Angelus he acted out against him. Not unlike Liam acting out against his father... & the wheel turns... ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
20 years later and here am I still bawling with this ending.
"Buckle up Rupert, cause I've turned pro" - CHILLS!
That really was good writing, though. Because everything Willow says and does in that conversation is proving how right Giles was, even how right he was to go that hard. But Willow thinks the only thing that matters is proving that she can handle the power, not having the wisdom to be a responsible magic user, and she thinks the fact that she can do all this is proving Giles wrong.
@@paulhammond6978 Giles warned her in season 2 not to ply with magic, for this next reason.
"Angel's dull as a table lamp and we have very different coloring." Spike
"Anel's lame. His hair goes straight up, and he's bloody stupid"
And he wears lifts. lol
@@crawdaddy1234 The morning after they had their “intimate encounter” was probably very awkward.
Love how this season began with Buffy clawing her way out of her grave, alone and in the dark, and ends with her climbing out with her sister on a beautiful sunny day. Shows the journey Buffy has gone on this season.
Yes, I said that too! Such a beautiful contrast 💜
Until Hodor, this was the scene that made me cry the most, out of all other media. I still cry, am crying NOW typing. What a roller coaster ride.
I've always felt this to be the show's very best season finale, and that's a hill I'm willing to die on! Alyson Hannigan's acting, the score during the broken yellow crayon speech, the themes, the callback to Buffy climbing out of the grave, the cliffhanger, Giles, Anya's look of pride for Xander, even the path those two swords take to be a part of the final battle, it's all just... Perfect.
@@andreduarte8372 Well, "The Gift" is my favorite episode of all time, but I agree with you with every other aspect. Season 6 is definitely my favorite over all. Because it is SO rich on themes, chatacter development and the big bad is something else, not the cliché world ending doomsday device as usual. Just some nerds. 😅
Feels more natural and authentic than other seasons. Plus, I really connected with the characters in this season. Each one had their moments. It's just been tremendous storytelling overall.
@@chanceneck8072 I thought Willow was this season's 'big bad', not the nerds! Then again that's only the last few episodes so maybe it doesn't count.
@Scripture-Man Well. Willow IS the big bad. 😅 Just doesn't support my argument so I left that out. BECAUSE it only develops in the last few episodes. 🤷♂️
@@Scripture-Man Plus, she wouldn't have been the big bad at the end if it wasn't for what the nerds ("The Trio") did...
@@chanceneck8072 It's great this season that this time the Scooby Gang's biggest threat is one of their own.
Xander Saved The World He Knows Willow Better Than He Prolly Knows Himself, No One Else Would Have Gotten Through To Her The Way He Did😭😭👏👏♥️♥️
All of Spike's dialogue was very cleverly written to make viewers think that his goal was getting rid of the chip. Though if you think about it, that doesn't make any sense, since it's already been proven that he can hurt Buffy even with the chip, so removing it wouldn't change anything.
Exactly. I still think they went a little too harsh on the words. Could have made it a little bit more subtle.
The initial “this bloody chip” rant was a slightly disingenuous misdirection, and not the only one, but it did pay off nicely in the last scene of the season, so I really can’t complain. Also, if you look at the actual text, it all adds up.
I just thought that by removing the chip, he'd be back to being SOMETHING, instead of being half and half. I think I mentioned it in the outro, but it would be difficult to be neither here nor there. SO glad he's now just like his best mate Angel 😅💜
removing the chip would have made sense when taking into account his quote of "it [the chip] doesn't let me be a monster, and i can't be a man. im nothing", as no more chip would mean that he could be the vampire he was: not live with humans anymore but in the shadows (as he'd call it), kill humans to drink their blood, making new vampires, etc. with the chip, yes he could hurt buffy, but because of it he couldn't have a "normal life" from his viewpoint. although, all his talks about "wanting to make a change for buffy" after this quote was hinting at something more than just the chip indeed
Also, why would you go seek out some legendary demon for a medical procedure? Seems more like someone you would go to for a mystical solution to me...
"Instead of yelling Buffy's name, do something." Remember, Dawn always wanted to help. But Buffy always told her that she wasn't allowed to.
That is true! Time to step up, ignore big sis and show her a thing or two 🤭
Looking back at what Spike has been saying about his quest might give some insight into his intentions:
"Bi- is going to see a change."
"Make me what I was."
"I want to give Buffy what she deserves."
Yeah, absolutely! It felt like a red herring to me as he said those lines so gruffly 🤣
@@julesreacts It absolutely _was_ a red herring. They were obviously trying to mislead viewers there.
Absolutely!
Next week is gonna be *SO* HYPE!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩
We were all bamboozled.
it takes a lot to make me cry watching fantasy shows but that scene with Xander and Willow, the moment she collapses and breaks always brings me to hard sobs. Such a beautiful moment 🥲
Six seasons of Xander being useless and grating to pay off in this one moment, saving the world with his sheer humanity, compassion and unconditional love for his best friend. No-one else would have been able to save the planet with a simple, sincere “I love you” but Xander here.
Giles laughing after Buffy told him about all the things that happened since he left is just such an iconic moment. doing exactly what Buffy needed at just the right time, giving her that moment of joy again.
I've watched a fair amount of TV in my almost 70 years. And for me, Seasons 5, 6 and 7 are still 3 of my most favorite seasons of any show, ever. There are some great shows out there with some great seasons, but these three are special. At least to me.
Same! so many people only watch or care about the first 3 seasons, and while I love those too, the last 3 make the show for me 🫶
Jules, I can't believe you're in Season 7! I have loved this journey through the Buffyverse with you. I love reactors reacting to the final moments of this episode, especially the shock with Spike. As much as I dislike Xander at times, the love and friendship he has with Willow is such a moving, endearing thing. Willow was in so much pain over losing Tara in such a horrible way, that she turned to rage and magic rather than deal with her grief- many people use anger to hide their pain and lose themselves in addiction and self-destructive behavior. Buffy realizes that she wants to live and wants Dawn to know and explore the world, Giles' return and his role in stopping Willow. Anya was also very endearing here. As for what went on with Spike, my lips are sealed until you begin Season 7. Wonderful reaction as always, I love how you are so honest about your emotions and that you are not afraid to express them. See you next season (Saturday). 🥰
@@Muirmaiden yes, season 7. Will Spike return and if so, how? I know the answer but I'm excited. Ep. 1 and 2 specifically of season 7 are also ranked very high on my list. Perhaps top 10...
That ending scene is one of if not my favourite from the whole show. Xander stoping willow is just so beautiful. She was focused on revenge and ignoring her sadness till he makes her confront it. Its so beautiful, it show how far they've gone and how they are at the end best friends. Willow really need him right now
Willow's big issue this season has been one of avoidance. Magic played into her need to always find a workaround, a cheat, to evade facing any of the hardships of life. Even here, at the end, her quest for vengeance against the trio and ultimately a way to end everything were all just excuses for Willow to avoid confronting her grief.
Ah the story of a simple carpenter saving the world with his message of love, forgiveness and mercy.
💯💯💯
Nice I never made that connection. Although I'm doubtful Mr. Atheist Joss Whedon meant it that way. 😮
@@commonstragedy Xander refers to himself as a carpenter during the standoff. ("This carpenter can drywall you into the next century.") Of course Joss Whedon intended the reference.
... Which, by the way, went totally over my head first time I watched, because I don't (to paraprase Shepherd Book says) follow in the footsteps of that particular carpenter.
Buffy vs. Willow was something, but Giles vs. Willow took it to the next level! What a finale... the only time TPTB knew it'd be a season finale and not a series finale, so they could leave things a bit more opened ended (ie: Buffy wanting to show Dawn the world, Spike's returned soul). And here we go into the FINAL season!
Season Six was the harshest of seasons.
Still some of my favourite episodes.
I really liked Once More With Feeling, the Musical, Tabula Rasa, Double Meat Palace which gave me a nice 1950's sci-fi horror vibe, As You Were where they gave Riley Finn a nice send off, Older and Far Away where they get trapped in the house, Life Serial when the nerds were fun, And even Hell's Bells.
I still kind of think that Vengeance Demons who renounce their demon hood are cursed to suffer the fate that they used to extract vengeance for. Anya is damned to be betrayed by the man she loves because she gave up being a vengeance demon for wronged women. She is cursed to become one. Let's Xander off the hook a little.
Lot of my least favourite episodes, including Normal Again, Dead Things and Smashed and Wrecked.
Shame the return of Amy ended up being so negative.
The death of Tara. The death of Katrina. Rough Rough Season.
The last three eps of this season was one of the best mini arcs ever. and I actually love Seeing Red too, even though I hated Tara dying.
Love the twist at the end when we realize what Spike really meant when he said he'd give Buffy what she deserves.
na, Spike wanted his chip removed and to be a normal vampire again. The demon either misinterpreted what he wanted, or misinterpreted on purpose just because he could and still comply with Spike's request and the deal. Some people disagree with this, but it doesn't matter, they are allowed to be wrong.
@@Psi105 Joss Whedon has said Spike's intention was always to get his soul back.
@@Psi105 Almost refreshingly transparent bait lol
@@Psi105 If you want a chip in your head removed, you go to a brain surgeon ! Not a demon in a cave... Especially since there are brain surgeons that can do that ! Since the initiative had some of them, at the very least.
Also... Spike's words are purposefully misleading. BUT not the demon's words if you think about it !! He's mocking Spike for wanting what he's come to ask him ! He's saying that the slayer has made him an excuse for a demon... If he was there to be a big bad demon and get rid of the chip, why mock him for what he's here for ? He was 'disgusted' that Spike would ask for his soul back, because of his love for Buffy. Making him, in his eyes, an excuse for a demon...
I love that ending and Spike getting his soul back as much as anyone, but the way they set it up is so weird! They clearly want us to think he's trying to get his chip out so he can hurt her or even kill her. But he can ALREADY hurt her, even with the chip. We've seen him do that pretty dang recently.
Agree 100% on Xander. In a lot of ways, he's a character who hasn't aged well (especially in the early seasons). But I love him as one of the few characters left who doesn't have special powers but is still committed to helping Buffy and fighting evil.
You did it! Congratulations on making it through probably the most underrated of the classic seasons of Buffy. It's been a joy watching your reactions.
Xander, on his own, saved the world twice in this show and people still give him shit for acting like a teenager when he was a teenager.
Xander is not a perfect character. He is flawed, but he learns from his mistakes and grows and matures. He's my favorite chatacter.
I love the scene with Willow and Xander so much!
Xander was the only one who could possibly get through to Willow, because he had known the weak, nerdy version of her from the beginning and loved her all along. She didn't see any value in that version of herself, and everyone else in her life had only known the more confident person she became since meeting Buffy.
As Restless revealed, she feared that her new, cool and powerful self was only a costume over the pathetic nerd, and that was the root of her magic addiction, as she expressed in Wrecked.
"If you could be, you know, plain old Willow or super-Willow, who would you be?"
The terrible irony is that she doesn’t realize that she was the most useful character in the Scooby gang aside from Buffy from day 1, but that her value steadily degraded as she got more into magical shortcuts
An alternate finale where Dark Willow decides to stick around and gets Anya and a soulless Spike, with chip removed, to be her top minions would have made for a really wild season 7.
There's the Wicked Willow Trilogy of books that are a "What If" scenario exploring "What if Xander hadn't talked Willow off the ledge"
What if Giles could not have handled the amount of power? Could have brought the original Ripper back, the one enjoying the magic high.
Xander is the guy who resuscitated Buffy when Angel could not, and now he's the guy who saved the world from his grieving best friend when Buffy could not. . I'm just going to steal a little Xander quote from last season's finale:
"And the glorified bricklayer picks up a spare."
Glad you like Xander as much as you do, because I get really, really tired of the regular Xander hate in this fandom. He's flawed, yes, but so is Buffy, so is Willow (as this season made very obvious), so is Giles. They are all flawed characters, just as people should be. He comes from an abusive home, and yet he always tries to do what he feels is right. In a world of demons and vampires and witches and sorcerers, he's just a regular guy with a regular job, who never fails to stand up to be counted when the chips are down.
Anyway, another great reaction, as always!
There's a lot of hate for Xander, most people don't like him in the comments but everyone likes/dislikes different things so I get it! I may not agree with everything that Xander does or says, but I still like him as a character. He's always made me laugh and you're right, he is a regular guy thrown into this crazy world but he is always there for his friends - especially shown in this episode 💜
Three good things in an entire seven seasons isn't a great ratio.
Let’s not forget The Zeppo, in which Xander faces an undead sociopathic killer who has named his Bowie knife. In the final confrontation, Xander doesn’t flinch, the device is disarmed, and thus he saves the high school. In the process, he inadvertently stops the apocalypse by saving all his Scooby Gang friends, who were closing the Hellmouth at the time, plus saving the town from the other zombies by letting Oz out
I always felt that most of the hate towards him was unjustified though I do think that he was the less developed main character of the show despite having really good moments and centric episodes. I honestly wish this show had a multiverse concept (not including the wishverse) so we could have seen alternate versions of him (and the other characters). Sure we have fan fiction that does it but if it was official it would have been interesting.
@WelshDragon8423 he cheated on Cordelia, lied to Buffy about what Willow said, tried hooking up with a teacher, was constantly ogling Buffy, left Anya at the altar, and he was proud about being Dawn's crush. The dude is a creep.
It HAD to be Xander. No-one else could have done it. Willow thought there was nobody who could love her as much as Tara did. She was wrong. Xander did love her as much, just not in the same way.
The wording Spike used was intended by the writers to throw off the viewer. He was always doing the trials to get his soul back so he could be worthy of Buffy.
You're absolutely right about Xander. He can be annoying, but he's incredibly brave
Foolhardy, trusting, opinionated, and a believer in his friends 🧡
I cant wait till next season with spike. Theres so much i've wanted to say about him for so long and now with his soul returned I can finally spill a little.
If you remember back to season 2, The Judge said that spike reeked of humanity (As well as drusilla, but when we see her without him, we can tell most of that was her love for spike). And, looking back, you start to realise that even without the chip, spikes always been a little different to other vampires. Hes been evil, yes, but he's never truly took to the beauty of slaughter like angelus. He was never about ruling the world as undead masters like Darla and the master. All he wanted was to live life and fight like hell. His demon was more Human than any other vampire we've seen. And now he, willingly, fought to gain his soul back. What vampire that we've met would *ever* fight for such a burden.
I wont say more, I dont wanna get into spoilers, but its something to keep in mind as we move forward. And im so excited.
I always get chills at seeing Willow finally transform back to her old self, as she cries in Xander's arms. As a Big Bad, she never needed to be destroyed; she just needed to be hugged and told she was loved, and to grieve for Tara 😢
Also... a carpenter stepping before evil, being prepared to sacrifice himself, and saving the world through unconditional love? Where have I heard that one before? 🤔
OMG, so to speak… I never examined that analogy for Xander saving Willow
Willow was never the Big Bad for this season, but life/growing up. Every character has their own arc dealing with growing up in the worst ways. Buffy=Depression/Apathy Spike=Longing Dawn=Isolation and being ignored. Willow=insecurity and addition Xander=fear Anya=existential crisis and loss of meaning The trio= insecurity, life not meeting expectations, lack of purpose. Tara was the only one with the maturity to make good decisions, which did not save her. Life can suck and Buffy comes out of the grave this time wanting to experience and relish it.
Thank _you,_ Ms. Juliette, for reacting and sharing your reactions. See you in Season 7.
Thank you so much!! Let's go for the final season 😭💜
I've never understood the hate for Xander, he is one of my favorite characters, along with Spike and Andrew
C'mon. I understand loving him, but not understanding the hate feels like you're playing up the obliviousness
@Onigirli SMH
I'm also a Xander fan! He's changed so much from the earlier days. He has his faults, he's far from perfect, but then no one is 😊
It's still very rare! :) As far as I know, at this point in the show, there's only two in the whole world.
I think the silent majority likes Xander; it's just that the anti-Xander faction is very vocal. LOL. This is my first time commenting but I wanted to chime in to say that I always appreciate your reactions. Have a lovely day!
Awww thank you! Yes, often the minority is the most vocal for sure! It's actually really nice to see a few good words for Xander in the comments today 💜
I have great hopes for Jonathan and the other one in Mexico. Maybe they can redeeem themselves by becoming a crime fighting duo like Batman and er, the other one.
"Fly, my little pretty fly!"
I love what Will & Xander's relationship has become. While I'm not the biggest fan of Xander in the early seasons, what we see in this episode is why I think it's important not to overlook his faults. He's come so far since season 1 & he deserves props for that (especially having seen what his family is like). Alyson Hannigan breaks me in that final scene every time.
I can't believe we're going into season 7!!! Where did the time go?
Lovely reaction, as always!! See you for the next one! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Becca, I also am so surprised by how quick it's all gone! I'm actually sad to be in the final season now. I want it just to go on forever 😭
Technically xander save the world on season 1 by reviving buffy and another time by defusing the bomb , and with willow that make at least 3 times :)
I would agree with two of those, but I'm pretty sure that bomb wasn't nearly big enough to destroy the whole world!
@@Neil_Hanson Big enough to destroy the rest of the Scoobies before they could avert the destruction of the world, though.
So, that's now two _Buffy_ season finales which end with a song by Sarah McLachlan! (Full of Grace in S2, and now Prayer of St Francis in S6).Clearly someone at Mutant Enemy was a fan...
One of best episodes. The biggest hero is Xander, the worst villain is Willow and most badass is Giles...really great change of rules. 🙂 And great acting of Alyson Hannigan, her desperation allways makes me cry. Yes and Spike gets back his soul.
My favourite moment in all of Buffy, that first tear on Willow's cheek!
Jules, you are precious. Love your reactions!
Awww thank you so much 🥰
The heroe of Sunnydale, the man they call Xander XD
This is how I know its Friday. 22 pages left in the book of Buffy and only one chapter left. It seems like yesterday when we discovered Jule's channel and now it seems we have known her forever. What a blessing how this show brings people together.
Thank you for being here from the beginning 💜
@@julesreacts We will see this through. I say we, but your doing all the work, so thank you.
Spike truly BELEIEVED he wanted the chip out. He wanted was an end to his internal conflict: If the chip was removed, he believed he could return to being a monster; if his soul was returned, he can "be what she deserves." The question is which did he want more? Removing the chip would allow him to "be what he was before," but returning his soul would allow him to "be what he was BEFORE."
Well said!
Poor Willow! She wanted to destroy everything but luckily Alex was there to stop her 😢
And Randy finally got his soul :D
That cracks me up 🤣 RANDY GILES!!
Since you will now be starting the final season of Buffy, I don't know if it is too early to start thinking about what to watch next, but I have some recommendations: Agents of Shield (has a lot of the Whedon fingerprints on it, same great writing and pacing). Person of Interest. Incredibly well done and thought provoking. And Orphan Black, had me hooked from the very first scene. Just if you do that last one, beware to NOT watch the 'Next On' at the end of the episodes. The editors put *major* spoilers in those.
Orphan Black is fantastic. The first episode is an incredible hook into the story
I'm probably going to get into more movies rather than shows, but I'll keep those in mind 😊
@@julesreactsAlso please consider The Sopranos, it's right up your alley with the humor and the emotional moments!
Good job catching the call back to Buffy crawling out of the grave. Though this time into light rather than darkness. The thing is, I don't even think Xander was trying to stop Willow. I feel that he really thought the world was going to end and he was being honest that he wanted to be with Willow when it did. "He's now a vampire with a soul, like Angel" in the same interview where he confirmed that Spike did in fact go to get his soul back and not the chip out (though you were intended to believe that) he was asked the same question "so Spike's like Angel now?" and he replied "No, we already have Angel on his own show". They're both Vampires with souls, but beyond that are still very different characters.
I absolutely loved the crawling out of the grave moment! It's SO different to the start of the season. It just makes me feel SO positive for what is to come. Famous last words 🤣
I feel like I only just realised right now that that callback was why this episode was called "Grave" and why it ended with Buffy coming out of the grave again, but finally to come into the light and start to make things better.
There is a difference between Angel and Spike. Spike earned his soul so can't actually lose it again. Angel's soul is just a curse which can be lost (and his soul).
I have to say it again, Alysson Hannigan is just a TREMENDOUS actress! 🥹😍
Seriously… Talk about range! A true character actress, who has the rare ability to force a true suspension of disbelief in the viewer experiencing her portrayal of emotion
The chemistry she has with each of the cast member throughout the whole show also helped her performances as well as theirs.
i always enjoy peoples take on spikes part over these finales. because i feel people forget that spike is really not an introspective person. they say "oh spike went there to get his soul because buffy deserves better" i personally think its far more likely that spike went there to be come big and bad again but the entity in the cave realized he actually wanted something else. it's like wishing for your hearts desire but it turns out to be different from what you think it is.
Well, here we are, Jules. I honestly can't believe we're here already. Congratulations on completing another season, now the question remains, are you ready for one last trip through the Hellmouth?
This is a brilliant finale to a brilliant season, with all of the story arcs concluding wonderfully. I really don't understand why some people hate this season, I adore it! Yes, it may be darker, but it ends on such a positive and optimistic note, with so many positive resolutions. Plus, there are just so many top-tier episodes. I can't believe I never made the connection that the season begins and ends with Buffy crawling out of a grave though - good catch!
I love that Xander is the one to save Willow, and he does just through love and friendship (without being cheesy). I've always maintained that Xander is the heart of the Scoobs and this is one of his greatest moments to shine. Heck, it's one of my favourite moments in the whole show. It's one of the reasons why I love Xander and will defend him against those who trash him.
That Spike reveal at the end took me by such surprise, it was such a clever bait and switch. However, I do think that it makes it retroactively weird that he was always so aggressive when talking about Buffy getting what she deserves.
Plus, how awesome was it to have Giles back, and being a badass to boot?
I'm so psyched to join you on the final leg of your Buffy journey, Jules. There are still tough times to come, but I promise you that it's going to be one Hell (mouth) of a final ride.
Oh and just for a little context, by this point I believe Firefly was in production, so you're approaching the brief period in time when Buffy, Angel and Firefly were all on the air together.
Well, here we are Lady Jules.
The final season right around the corner. Can't wait for you to see how this beautiful journey goes from here. You think you know...what's to come...what they are...they haven't even begun.
Ahh I think I recognise that line from an episode just released to Patreon 😅
@ indirect quote from season four finale. Dream Tara told it to Buffy. But the S7 premiere end quote does have similar vibe.
I knew this episode was going to turn you into emotional mush, Jules and you didn't disappoint. :) So many good scenes but the Xander/Willow scene on Kingman's Bluff gets me every single time. I'm also a Xander fan (and a Giles fan!) and I love that rather than there being a supernatural solution to Willow's rampage, it's Xander's humanity and long-term friendship with her that brings her back and saves the world. I know he has many faults but his solid belief in his friends and the very fact that he is literally powerless gives his character its own power.
So much to praise about this one… The Buffy/Giles daughter/father reunion, Anya being absolutely adorably Anya, and Buffy working out all the issues with Dawn when they were stuck in a hole in the ground, were all solid gold.
Awwww 💜💜 I loved the ending and resolution to this one! Save the world with love and heart! You are so right about Xander - he's got no powers, nothing much to offer, but he's there for his friends day in and day out. LOVE IT!
Ah, the one where Xander saves the world, because his friendship finally makes Willow wake up to what she's doing.
Spike getting his soul back was foretold in Tabula Rasa. Two-edged sword, cutting Angel and foreshadowing.
One of the best episodes, Spie getting his soul back was necessary after the Buffy SA thing he acted human like but in the end was still a demon playing human.
Now you know Jules. Tara'a death, though senseless and tragic, was what the story needed. Everyone loved Tara so much, that we kind of understood where dark Willow came from, even if we didn't agree with how far she went. It was powerful motivation -not just some big bad that wanted to end the world. It allowed Giles' surprise return to be even more impactful, and Xander's role to move from just a comedy sidekick. And you'll see in Season 7 (no spoilers) that Tara's death still play's an incredible part in this story, allowing the growth and development of Willow in ways that wouldn't be possible otherwise.
As per season 4, episode 21 (the joining spell that brought about the anger of the first slayer), Willow represents Buffy's spirit. Giles represents her mind. Xander represents her heart. And Buffy herself represents the force of will and action (the hand). Buffy has had a broken spirit throughout this entire season, as represented by Willow. Buffy's first plan was to force her spirit to cooperate. That can't work. Her next plan was to reason with her spirit using her mind (Giles). That doesn't work either. That's why it had to be Xander. Because the only thing that can heal a broken spirit is the heart.
.....stands slowly.
Claps.
*_CLAPPING INTENSIFIES_*
Great to see Giles back to help out and I hope Willow gets back to normal eventually this is going to be an exciting episode today
have a good weekend Juliette.👋🐈⬛🇦🇺
Enjoy your weekend, Roger👋
Spike is nothing like Angel, who's bloody stupid with hair that goes straight up.
Great reaction! Absolut top! And believe me i have seen a lot of this episode lately 😂
Thank you 😁 I was a little too late to be in your mash up video, though 😭
Oh boy another Vamp with a soul🤨😬😬Great episode thanks so much Juliette🥰Loved seeing a somewhat evil Willow episode, (strange I know) but man her acting was sooo awesome! Like Angel and everyone else that plays a hero it's interesting to see what they can bring to the table in a evil role🤩
The best vamp with a soul.
I mean, there’s only like two of them
How lame is that?
I love your reactions to Buffy, Jules!❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you!!
Yeah, Whedon was being a little overly clever with Spike's dialogue in this. While technically it could be taken as either wanting his chip out or wanting his soul back, the delivery and choice of wording made the obvious interpretation that he wanted the chip out, which Whedon was counting on.
This is my fav season finale
As far as saving the world goes, Xander is now 2 for 2.
Dawn wanted to help, Buffy always stopped her.
👍
Amazing episode and reaction! I was in tears too, of course. Finally, a happy ending after such a dark (but brilliant) season. As a fan of Giles, Dawn, and Xander, I LOVED this episode. Xander saved the world, with only the power of love. :-) Plus the twist about Spike. Joss Whedon is the man.
Ahh thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed!
@@julesreacts Your emotional reaction is really lovely and your insights are always very smart and insightful. Been watching your reaction videos what seems like a long time now, and I'm not going anywhere! You've changed over the years, too. You seem more mature now (in a good way). I get the feeling you've got a family now and that's changed you as a person. Could be wrong though!
@Scripture-Man ah thank you! I suppose I feel more comfortable with making reactions these days compared to a couple of years ago when I didn't know what I was doing. I'm also 45 this year, so getting on 🤣
@@julesreacts No that's just wrong. You're obviously in your 20s.
Huh, hadn't actually considered who i'd choose between Giles and Willow (not sure I could). Great season finale IMO, resolves all the stories and averts the apocalypse in a more interesting way than "And then there were lots of VFX !". Xander _at his best_ really _is_ capable of saving the world.
(and I _think_ you figured it out afterwards but Giles _believed_ Buffy about what had gone on - he laughs because things went _so_ awry that it kinda _was_ absurdly funny :)
Season 7 is gonna be one insane ride.
I never saw that coming with Spike. And with the history of the show up to this point, I really thought they had brought back Giles just to kill him. And Xander and willow at the end always makes me cry. I've always liked Xander, so I just don't get the hate.
Nice, a fellow Xander enjoyer. He's not one of my absolute favorites, but I do love him quite a lot.
I like Xander, too! I often feel that I am one of the very few that do like him. He makes me laugh. He's not perfect, he's made mistakes, but we all have.
Yes, honestly, a few people have said that ASH wanted to spend more time with his family so I really thought Joss would just kill him off 😭😭 I'm constantly so worried about our characters dying... 😔
@@julesreacts the Spike twist is EPIC
18:36… “So you give me what I want. Make me what I was, so that Buffy can get what she deserves.” The “It’s this bloody chip!“ rant was a fakeout.
I love the misdirection!!
Well, it was a misdirect. I think Spike genuinely meant it when he said it. He’s kinda conflicted. lol
When do people in deep mental anguish ever correctly identify the underlying issues? Almost never! The cave demon ignored Spike's superficial request, and Spike seemed surprised to receive his soul. Not what he wanted, but perhaps what he needed.
I loved your reaction to this! We all missed Giles too.
With Spike, there were plenty of clues other than the obvious ones said snarkily. The 1st one being Buffy beating Spike up: "I am not your girl! You don't...have a soul! There is nothing good or clean in you. You are dead inside! You can't feel anything."
Then in Entropy, Spike to Anya: "I care. What he done to you? I've never stooped that low, and I'm an 'evil, soulless thing.' According to some people."
Then Seeing Red and "why didnt I do it?" (The chip doesn't work with Buffy, therefore it must be some iteration of good/love/soul). It was obvious he loved her, even Dru picked up on it seasons ago:
Buffy: "Whatever you think you're feeling, it's not love. You can't love without a soul.
Dru: "Oh, we can, you know. We can love quite well. If not wisely."
So the set up for Spike to realise that the only way Buffy will ever love him is if he has a soul has been there for a while, and the chip was a last minute misdirect.
But yes, remember that Angel was cursed with his soul to stop him being Angelus. Spike earned his to stop him being, well, Spike.
With Buffy winding down. What is the next show? What about Charmed 1998?
I am probably going to get into more movie reactions 😊
Xander is always the victim of the writers they always put him in positions to disagree with Buffy but it's written in a way to guide viewers to siding with Buffy. Realistically though he is right most of the time. In season 2 finale he was right to not tell Buffy about the spell for the soul for example. Overall this season is in the middle of the pack. There was a lot of character assassination for what Joss wanted to have happen. Not as reliant on plot conveniences like Angel this season.
"... like Angel." No, he is nothing like Angel!
His hair goes straight up!
@@julesreactsTo the Angelmobile....away!
Spike earned his soul, Angel had to be cursed with his soul
We can stop comparing them already
Spike is a desperate POS who can't take no for an answer.Buffy never asked him to go get a soul.He went for selfish reason and that is to get Buffy to love him (something she's not obligated to do)just because he now has a soul.That's manipulation!P.S,Angel was neither a good fit for Buffy.
2:40 I think maybe it slipped your mind that Giles has been gone most of the season and therefore missed Willow's entire addiction and recovery arc.
Giles being gone NEVER slips my mind 😭
@julesreacts Haha of course, I didn't mean it that way. I was just trying to understand why you said Willow hasn't been abusing magic until now.
She had a nice, dry spell there for a bit 😅 I more meant it that way, that she was off magic for a while and only now just started back up again. But yes, Giles is fully out of the loop these days. I don't know why no one bothered to email or write him a letter?! I know it was the early 2000's but we still had email back then and everything 🤣
He got a coven update on Willow going dark, also presumably tapping into the mystical Internet, before coming to Sunnydale. He was clearly prepared with spells designed specifically for her.
I feel this episode showed the love between Xander and Willow, their love is not romantic nor intimate and it's not even a sibling like love. It goes deeper than that to I wouldn't say soul mates but rather soul friends.
Love the reaction and your laugh at the end. On to season 7
Spike was expecting his chip to be removed/turned off to become a normal vampire so he could kill Buffy. It was a surprise cliffhanger for the audience. The writers, however planned him for to have his soul all along.
He could already kill Buffy. He didn’t go to the demon underworld and go through demon trials to get his chip removed. He would have gone to Johns Hopkins or some other MEDICAL facility to get his chip removed.
He already could kill Buffy. He wouldn't have needed the chip out for that.
Now that trauma and aftermath of "Seeing Red" are behind you, it's a good time to try to track down a song by Annie Griffith (aka Annie Walker), also called "Seeing Red". There's a recording of it under the band name "Wilderwood".
Like all good Buffy episodes, this one is a mix of ohhhs and awwws
The reason this show is so great is the characters. They are all essentially good and kind people but they are flawed and make dumb mistakes. In other words, they are actual human beings.
A superb opening scene with Giles and Willow having a 'power struggle' Willow repeats the line he said to her earlier in S6 when he referred to her as a 'rank arrogant amateur' great transition in her face and voice when she says 'buckle up Rupert cos I've turned pro'. When Buffy tells Giles all that has happened since he was away we get comic relief as Giles bursts out laughing. When Giles says to Buffy Willow has killed a human being and she has to live with that, we see Willow again appear with no feelings or emotion. Totally cold when Xander says to Dawn about Spike 'if he wasn't trying to rape your sister' Good point is the improvement of the special effects and sets etc. This is of course was helped greatly by switching to UPN as S6 and S7 had massive increases in budget. Willow thinks she now taken Giles power after invading his body, but good perception here in that what Giles has given her is not absolute power but some kind of poisoned magic mixed with human empathy. A great conversation with Dawn and Buffy in the cave where she asks Buffy about the attempted rape. A brilliant final scene where Xander uses the power of love to overcome Willow's power as he can see she is weakening. Brendon and Hannigan really knock it out of the park here. Even though Xander has has no super powers he once again saves the day as he did in Prophecy Girl S1 where he saves Buffy's life, and The Zeppo on S3 where he saves them all unbeknown to them. He doesn't get the credit he deserves sometimes. With all this going on we forget about Spike, but the ending scene is probably the most important. Great direction too by James A Contner, who also directed some of the very best episodes of BTVS and Angel, and one the best episodes of the The X-Files too in 'Soft Light'.
There have been many stages of setting up the idea that Giles is extremely well-versed in the Mystic arts, including dark shit, but that he is always holding back. This showed him at and beyond his full power, not holding back, but filled with the most beautiful loving hippie New Age magic you could imagine. So good! It was the fulfillment of a long, long buildup
It is such a great misdirect with Spike. Love seeing peoples reaction to that. I have some mixed feelings on the next season and its ending but overall looking forward to it.
Though season 7 maybe the last televised season josh wedon did continue the series in comic book form. It ran from season 8 to season 12.
I don't like that Xander told Dawn. That was for Buffy to do, when she felt ready to do. But Dawn did deserve to know. I understand why she felt safe with Spike. He was her protector while Buffy was gone, he never lied to her, and he didn't treat her like just a kid. But she can't be hanging out with him now. Not after what he did. Still, it should have been Buffy who told her, not Xander.
"Instead of yelling out Buffy's name, do something". To be fair Buffy was always trying to shield Dawn from all that, protect her herself, but keep Dawn from fighting. Dawn needed Buffy to ask her to fight.
That makes sense!!
If you rewatch the episode were Spike meets the demon, you can see a tiny drawing on the cave wall, picturing the demon restoring a soul in some beeing ;-)
If the main goal had been to get rid of the chip, he would have turned to the Initiative guys or what is left over of them, or some surgeon or whatever. But for a soul he needs some magic powers. Also, like someone has pointed out, he could already hurt Buffy (which was again clearly demonstrated in Seeing Red), getting the chip out would change noting between him and Buffy. But a soul would ;-)
I'm just glad it has gone a potentially GOOD way of getting his soul back, and not removing the chip 🙌
@@julesreacts Such an interesting road to go for the character. So many twists and turns for Spike throughout the seasons 😃
Spike always said it in a malicious way!
Yes!! Such a great red herring!