Cannot believe you didn’t include my favourite line! As an autistic person, Cordelia’s line, “Tact is just not saying true stuff; I’ll pass” has always been an essential part of me. It took me literal decades to understand how to *NOT* say the truth (from my subjective viewpoint). Cordelia calling Giles ‘tact guy’ later was exactly how I felt when I saw people being passive-aggressive or condescending, but because they were NT it was allowed. Love so many aspects of Cordy 💜🌈🧛🏻♀️
I'm not going to say that's an invalid read of Cordelia, because honestly, I get it and I see it too, but I'm not sure that was the intent at the time. Coupled with her line about what happens when you're compassionate toward sick people, it seems to me more like the writers of this episode were just leaning into the idea that she's raised by republican capitalists. Probably ones who read Ayn Rand and see selfishness as a virtue. Definitely ones who would oppose the idea of paying into a healthcare system that would benefit poor people. But yeah, there are definitely at least two different ways to interpret that tact line. There's a nature vs nurture thing here.
Even Joyce says Buffy never gets ill (which I always read as implying slayers are less likely to get sick, consistent with their power to heal faster). Joyce thinks it’s just because of grief over Jenny’s death, but we know there’s that and more ‘running her down’ as you say.
Wow! I never fully appreciated how that final scene is letting Buffy reclaim a bit of her lost childhood/innocence - your analysis is always so fantastic. :)
I like what you noted at the near end of the episode, regarding Joyce 'babying' Buffy and how that ties in to symbolically regaining a tiny bit of her innocence, power and childhood by defeating the monster. Especially after losing so much of that innocence this season, with all she's been through. Really insightful!
Potential spoilers!! Around 3:30, Buffy getting strapped down onto the hospital bed and raving about vampires while the adults pretend she’s just imagining things, is a scene I see very differently having watched a particular ep from later seasons.
i never picked up on this episode being about buffy briefly reclaiming her childhood and innocence. that’s such a smart observation and it made me appreciate the episode a lot more. i don’t know how you pick up on these things!!
This episode was originally written as a S1 episode before they put it aside for this season and had to rewrite the fact that Angel didn't take her there when she got hurt, but tried to put her there intentionally, instead.
My favourite part of this episode is the throughline of Cordelia's jealousy of Buffy. It's been hinted at before and we've seen Buffy be envious of Cordelia's seemingly simpler life (which reminds her of her own old life). But this is the first time we really see Cordelia envies Buffy as well and feels insecure sometimes around her. It makes sense. Shes not used to having abother girl as beautiful as her around and her boyfriend has a history of obsessing over Buffy..and that's without even mentioning that she's also a mythical superhero.
I just wanted to say thanks for your Buffy reactions. I grew up together with Buffy and I really love you reading into the subtle things that makes this show so amazing. Everything doesn’t hold up 20 years later but most of the core of it still so good.
Strangely I didn't immediately recall this episode. Re-watching it I do remember it as it unfolded, but the only part that really stuck with my memory was always the scene with Cordelia saying Buffy should get that other thing sorted whilst there. I remember getting caught up with trying to figure out what she could be on about every time I saw Buffy afterwards... "does she mean that? Is it that bit? Is the joke that really she's perfect?". lol, always remember her questioning it, but never remembered which episode it was in.
He’s also known as the first and original Micheal Meyers. He’s an amazing actor. They couldn’t have chosen anyone better for the role of the terrifying demon.
“They didn’t have to make it that weird”. Hahahaha, oh yes, yes they did. I really enjoy your commentary and analysis. Probably my favorite since Liam Duke.
Seeing Angel get driven off by them putting a coat over his head and kneeing him in the face is pretty incredible having seen the punishment we've seen him take even in the rest of the show so far (let alone any future pain we might see him take much more in stride).
I think he could have easily taken all of them (especially since Buffy's not at full strength), but Angelus has that weird sadistic enjoyment when the "kill" is challenging, and I don't think it would have been challenging for him to kill the Slayer when she's not feeling well.
regarding Buffy being sick and what she's sick with: both of your potential suppositions seem to be true. It does seem to be the flu that everyone's been getting that Buffy has been sick with, but the reason her immune system was shot to the point that she caught it has been all of the turmoil going on in her life, capping off with Ms. Calendar's death. Joyce makes a note of Buffy never getting sick, meaning that Buffy's slayer strength usually manifests itself in part by having a stronger immune system. That this illness didn't simply pass her by is accredited to her having gone through so much stress and pain as of late.
There is reason to believe that Buffy getting sick was a supernatural occurrence. Buffy, as the slayer does not get sick. Joyce mentions this, and with her enhanced healing, this makes sense. It has also been suggested that fate plays a role in where Slayers end up. Giles mentioned to Buffy that there was a reason she was in Sunnydale and a reason it was now (because the Hellmouth and the Master where there). So we can extrapolate, that since Slayers do not get sick naturally, and Buffy get's sick at the same time that a Der Kinderstod is in town, then we should assume, buffy getting sick was fate interfering to put her in that hospital to fight the Der Kinderstod.
I agree with this. It happened since the demon had moved in. She was destined to take back her childhood that was stolen from her by the very monster himself.
Regarding your comments on Angelus vs the Master as villains - I think the merits of each season really depend on the villain, and I think the components of a good Buffy villain are the threat level they pose, the actor's performance, and their emotional connection to the main cast. Angelus is a great one because he scores well on all three components, whereas I think the Master was good on threat and performance, but not so much on emotional connection to the cast.
I started watching Buffy when I was far too young (about 8 or 9 years old) and this episode gave me nightmares for 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬. For all its flaws (it's not a great episode and is oddly placed in the season), it is a truly terrifying monster of the week.
I thought this was a pretty decent stand alone episode, with the children in fear of the monster. Buffy again comes through and we see her as the ultimate protector she is. This is actually quite scary in that Der Kindestod is a terrible monster, which we do see throughout the show that some of the monsters are incredibly evil and terrifying. The fears of children are well shown in this episode and the innocence and fear they have. Quite a funny and cute scene at the end where we see Buffy, Willow, and Xander acting like children themselves letting Joyce run around providing them with snacks and drinks, a great scene where we are reminded they are at this point still very much kids themselves.
It's not my favourite episode, but it has some really good character moments for the Scoobies. Xander standing up to Angelus is one of those times where you get to see what the character was intended to be. Great moment for him.
I haven't eaten grapes to the point of illness, but I do know that they shouldn't be given to dogs! Wow, I've never viewed Der Kinderstod as an allegory for SA before now. I won't be seeing that character the same ever again 😳
Always liked this episode with one of Buffy's creepiest demons but your discussion provided some additional insights which I really appreciated and enjoyed.
It's a much older reference than that, although yes, that's probably where Xander would know it from, but B&T was a reference to the idea from much further back in multiple films and books.
Actually this episode was filmed for season 1 but they couldn't fit it in there to they filmed some replacement scenes to make it fit in season 2 and moved it here.
when I saw this episode all I could think was "closet thing to Buffy versus Freddy Kruger" Im gonna get back when I was in middle school (I mean, its obviously freddy inspired, the hat, the the claws, the cheaky mannerisms
I love this episode. Its a great monster of the week/ filler episode. I also really love cordelia in this episode. I mean yes she says a couple things that are so cordelia but you get a glimpse of her growth.
@@lesleymaroquin5777 I’m sure the writers just wanted some comic relief for the episode and it made more sense to choose her than Xander because of Xander’s side quest plot to keep guard for Angel… BUT an in world explanation for why Cordelia is so Cordelia in this episode could be that’s how she’s coping with Jenny’s death and the fear Angel could kill her or her friends. She does use her bitchiness and joking personality as a sort of defence mechanism to stop anyone seeing her emotions ( it’s usually only in private glimpses we see her more raw feelings, like hiding wearing the necklace from Xander or confiding in Buffy she feels lonely around her superficial friends).
@@tanyaisonYTAlso, I think she's feeling extra jealous this episode. She really cares about Xander but he's making it pretty obvious he's *still* in love with Buffy, despite being with her.
If it’s true it is an adaptation of a season one script then perhaps some of the writing wasn’t updated to reflect her character development in season two.
As many times as I've seen the series (and reactions to it) I've never picked up on this line before now. I love how well this show is written, even if sometimes it is maybe not intentional or done in a retroactive manner.
Yes I really like this lesson in Buffy, it tells you that sometimes the most dangerous things are not just scary monsters hidden under our bed, but the coldness of disease and humans unaware of humanity, filled with pure hatred and anger. I didn't know this aspect was portrayed this soon in the series ! As always we love discovering a new foreshadowing :)
Your not wrong about the Sunnydale hospital looking like an asylum- I dunno if whoever set designs hospitals in buffy has a phobia or something but the hospital scenes always seem dank, creepy and unclean anytime there os a depiction! I remember playing the btvs playstation game years ago and that game also had an asylum feeling hospital on one of the levels! It’s a choice for sure! Also here for your discussion about buffy needing somewhat a return to childhood and innocence as well as to have a rest and be ‘nurtured’ in a sense. Also some props for your appreciation of a turgid grape- ain’t nothing better!
Whoever designed the demon this episode should get a raise because that haunts my nightmares
Oh yeah, they killed it.
...heh.
I own a 12" figure of Der Kinderstod. It's one of my favourite Buffy collectibles. It comes with detachable eye stalks! 🤣
Cannot believe you didn’t include my favourite line!
As an autistic person, Cordelia’s line, “Tact is just not saying true stuff; I’ll pass” has always been an essential part of me. It took me literal decades to understand how to *NOT* say the truth (from my subjective viewpoint).
Cordelia calling Giles ‘tact guy’ later was exactly how I felt when I saw people being passive-aggressive or condescending, but because they were NT it was allowed.
Love so many aspects of Cordy 💜🌈🧛🏻♀️
autistic cordelia is something so close to my heart
I'm not going to say that's an invalid read of Cordelia, because honestly, I get it and I see it too, but I'm not sure that was the intent at the time. Coupled with her line about what happens when you're compassionate toward sick people, it seems to me more like the writers of this episode were just leaning into the idea that she's raised by republican capitalists. Probably ones who read Ayn Rand and see selfishness as a virtue. Definitely ones who would oppose the idea of paying into a healthcare system that would benefit poor people.
But yeah, there are definitely at least two different ways to interpret that tact line. There's a nature vs nurture thing here.
Even Joyce says Buffy never gets ill (which I always read as implying slayers are less likely to get sick, consistent with their power to heal faster). Joyce thinks it’s just because of grief over Jenny’s death, but we know there’s that and more ‘running her down’ as you say.
Yeah, I feel as if there are subtle tells that there's a little more to her feeling ill than just the virus etc.
Yes, it totally ties into Buffy telling Kendra her power comes from her emotions. When she's emotionally devastated, her powers are weaker.
Wow! I never fully appreciated how that final scene is letting Buffy reclaim a bit of her lost childhood/innocence - your analysis is always so fantastic. :)
I like what you noted at the near end of the episode, regarding Joyce 'babying' Buffy and how that ties in to symbolically regaining a tiny bit of her innocence, power and childhood by defeating the monster. Especially after losing so much of that innocence this season, with all she's been through. Really insightful!
Potential spoilers!!
Around 3:30, Buffy getting strapped down onto the hospital bed and raving about vampires while the adults pretend she’s just imagining things, is a scene I see very differently having watched a particular ep from later seasons.
i never picked up on this episode being about buffy briefly reclaiming her childhood and innocence. that’s such a smart observation and it made me appreciate the episode a lot more. i don’t know how you pick up on these things!!
This episode was originally written as a S1 episode before they put it aside for this season and had to rewrite the fact that Angel didn't take her there when she got hurt, but tried to put her there intentionally, instead.
My favourite part of this episode is the throughline of Cordelia's jealousy of Buffy. It's been hinted at before and we've seen Buffy be envious of Cordelia's seemingly simpler life (which reminds her of her own old life). But this is the first time we really see Cordelia envies Buffy as well and feels insecure sometimes around her. It makes sense. Shes not used to having abother girl as beautiful as her around and her boyfriend has a history of obsessing over Buffy..and that's without even mentioning that she's also a mythical superhero.
This reaction series really makes me see these episodes in a different light. I feel like I'm learning.
I just wanted to say thanks for your Buffy reactions. I grew up together with Buffy and I really love you reading into the subtle things that makes this show so amazing. Everything doesn’t hold up 20 years later but most of the core of it still so good.
What you mean everything doesn’t hold up 20 years later? You mean outdated?…
Such a creepy villain in this episode. They really went for it!
We’re so close to the two part finale now! I can’t wait!
A stellar reaction as always, Tyler. I can’t tell you how continually pleased I am that you chose to react to my favorite show! Kickin’!
Strangely I didn't immediately recall this episode. Re-watching it I do remember it as it unfolded, but the only part that really stuck with my memory was always the scene with Cordelia saying Buffy should get that other thing sorted whilst there. I remember getting caught up with trying to figure out what she could be on about every time I saw Buffy afterwards... "does she mean that? Is it that bit? Is the joke that really she's perfect?". lol, always remember her questioning it, but never remembered which episode it was in.
Here’s a fun fact: Der Kindestod is played by James Jude Courtney. He’s the guy who played Michael Myers in the newest trilogy.
He’s also known as the first and original Micheal Meyers. He’s an amazing actor. They couldn’t have chosen anyone better for the role of the terrifying demon.
“They didn’t have to make it that weird”. Hahahaha, oh yes, yes they did.
I really enjoy your commentary and analysis. Probably my favorite since Liam Duke.
The good old Liam's times
Yes! Liam did good reactions too. I was so sad when he got the end.
Seeing Angel get driven off by them putting a coat over his head and kneeing him in the face is pretty incredible having seen the punishment we've seen him take even in the rest of the show so far (let alone any future pain we might see him take much more in stride).
I think he could have easily taken all of them (especially since Buffy's not at full strength), but Angelus has that weird sadistic enjoyment when the "kill" is challenging, and I don't think it would have been challenging for him to kill the Slayer when she's not feeling well.
I honestly tend to skip this episode when watching reactors, but your thoughts on shows are always so good I'm not skipping any here
regarding Buffy being sick and what she's sick with: both of your potential suppositions seem to be true. It does seem to be the flu that everyone's been getting that Buffy has been sick with, but the reason her immune system was shot to the point that she caught it has been all of the turmoil going on in her life, capping off with Ms. Calendar's death. Joyce makes a note of Buffy never getting sick, meaning that Buffy's slayer strength usually manifests itself in part by having a stronger immune system. That this illness didn't simply pass her by is accredited to her having gone through so much stress and pain as of late.
You could easily teach one of those college courses that interpret & analyze Buffy. 😍
There is reason to believe that Buffy getting sick was a supernatural occurrence. Buffy, as the slayer does not get sick. Joyce mentions this, and with her enhanced healing, this makes sense. It has also been suggested that fate plays a role in where Slayers end up. Giles mentioned to Buffy that there was a reason she was in Sunnydale and a reason it was now (because the Hellmouth and the Master where there). So we can extrapolate, that since Slayers do not get sick naturally, and Buffy get's sick at the same time that a Der Kinderstod is in town, then we should assume, buffy getting sick was fate interfering to put her in that hospital to fight the Der Kinderstod.
I agree with this. It happened since the demon had moved in. She was destined to take back her childhood that was stolen from her by the very monster himself.
This episode has A Nightmare on Elm Street vibes
glad im not the only one who noticed
That’s cus the villain looks like Freddy 😂..
Great reaction! Looking forward to the next one, which is an episode I really like, and has great acting in it.
Regarding your comments on Angelus vs the Master as villains - I think the merits of each season really depend on the villain, and I think the components of a good Buffy villain are the threat level they pose, the actor's performance, and their emotional connection to the main cast. Angelus is a great one because he scores well on all three components, whereas I think the Master was good on threat and performance, but not so much on emotional connection to the cast.
Someone else.may have mentioned it, but Joyce does mention that Buffy never gets sick, but she has been so down since Jenny died.
I started watching Buffy when I was far too young (about 8 or 9 years old) and this episode gave me nightmares for 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬. For all its flaws (it's not a great episode and is oddly placed in the season), it is a truly terrifying monster of the week.
Yah I was only 6 when Buffy came out lol
While I older sibling was already 14
I thought this was a pretty decent stand alone episode, with the children in fear of the monster. Buffy again comes through and we see her as the ultimate protector she is. This is actually quite scary in that Der Kindestod is a terrible monster, which we do see throughout the show that some of the monsters are incredibly evil and terrifying. The fears of children are well shown in this episode and the innocence and fear they have. Quite a funny and cute scene at the end where we see Buffy, Willow, and Xander acting like children themselves letting Joyce run around providing them with snacks and drinks, a great scene where we are reminded they are at this point still very much kids themselves.
It's not my favourite episode, but it has some really good character moments for the Scoobies. Xander standing up to Angelus is one of those times where you get to see what the character was intended to be. Great moment for him.
I haven't eaten grapes to the point of illness, but I do know that they shouldn't be given to dogs!
Wow, I've never viewed Der Kinderstod as an allegory for SA before now. I won't be seeing that character the same ever again 😳
Always liked this episode with one of Buffy's creepiest demons but your discussion provided some additional insights which I really appreciated and enjoyed.
Interesting you mention White Collar, I've only watched an episode or two, I'd say Willie Garson's most known role is in Sex & the City.
When Xander referenced playing chess w Death it was a call out to Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey… which is a sequel to Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure…
It's a much older reference than that, although yes, that's probably where Xander would know it from, but B&T was a reference to the idea from much further back in multiple films and books.
That guy carries the torch for Cordelia
Thanks for the grape flesh tensile resistance discussion, my life is now all the better for it.
Actually this episode was filmed for season 1 but they couldn't fit it in there to they filmed some replacement scenes to make it fit in season 2 and moved it here.
I thought it was written for season 1, and then rewritten for season 2 before anything was filmed
when I saw this episode all I could think was "closet thing to Buffy versus Freddy Kruger" Im gonna get back when I was in middle school (I mean, its obviously freddy inspired, the hat, the the claws, the cheaky mannerisms
I personally find this Freddy knock off creepier looking 😂..
Do you plan on reacting to the new season of Doctor Who?
I love this episode. Its a great monster of the week/ filler episode. I also really love cordelia in this episode. I mean yes she says a couple things that are so cordelia but you get a glimpse of her growth.
I said this before you said it was a bad episode for her. Lol because she comes through. I also love her comment about tact.
@@lesleymaroquin5777 I’m sure the writers just wanted some comic relief for the episode and it made more sense to choose her than Xander because of Xander’s side quest plot to keep guard for Angel… BUT an in world explanation for why Cordelia is so Cordelia in this episode could be that’s how she’s coping with Jenny’s death and the fear Angel could kill her or her friends. She does use her bitchiness and joking personality as a sort of defence mechanism to stop anyone seeing her emotions ( it’s usually only in private glimpses we see her more raw feelings, like hiding wearing the necklace from Xander or confiding in Buffy she feels lonely around her superficial friends).
@@lesleymaroquin5777 lol, it was more an idle comment than serious.
@@tanyaisonYTAlso, I think she's feeling extra jealous this episode. She really cares about Xander but he's making it pretty obvious he's *still* in love with Buffy, despite being with her.
If it’s true it is an adaptation of a season one script then perhaps some of the writing wasn’t updated to reflect her character development in season two.
Some really good insights. Thanks.
SIR WHAT DO YOU MEAN ABOUT THE GRAPES ??!
everything is poisonous depending on the quantity you ingest.
15:20 Phrasing!
“death and disease are things… possibility the only things that buffy can not fight” no spoilers but this WILL come up again
As many times as I've seen the series (and reactions to it) I've never picked up on this line before now. I love how well this show is written, even if sometimes it is maybe not intentional or done in a retroactive manner.
Yes I really like this lesson in Buffy, it tells you that sometimes the most dangerous things are not just scary monsters hidden under our bed, but the coldness of disease and humans unaware of humanity, filled with pure hatred and anger. I didn't know this aspect was portrayed this soon in the series ! As always we love discovering a new foreshadowing :)
Your not wrong about the Sunnydale hospital looking like an asylum- I dunno if whoever set designs hospitals in buffy has a phobia or something but the hospital scenes always seem dank, creepy and unclean anytime there os a depiction! I remember playing the btvs playstation game years ago and that game also had an asylum feeling hospital on one of the levels! It’s a choice for sure!
Also here for your discussion about buffy needing somewhat a return to childhood and innocence as well as to have a rest and be ‘nurtured’ in a sense. Also some props for your appreciation of a turgid grape- ain’t nothing better!
Hεγ XaηďέΓ!
Omg we inch closer to your reaction to the musical which ironically enough is the most philosophically devastating one imo
Spoilers bad.
Did you say, swaying or '('?🦢🪽")''…swanning?''