Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Second Season (Slim Set)

I started watching BUFFY at the start of its fourth year (having missed the high school years, for the usual reasons-- "A show called *BUFFY*? Pah! What adolescent nonsense!"-- I thought the seeming clear break of college would be a good place to start). I was immediately hooked by its intelligence, humor and creative daring (Silent episodes! Musical episodes! Wow, they killed her! Wait-- she has a *sister*?). I started catching up with the high school years through the re-runs on F/X (and just a word here-- I think it's great that Buffy is syndicated, but F/X has made the unfortunate decision to cut minutes from episodes to make room for more ads. Such cuts are death to the intricate narrative rhythms of BUFFY, so I really would advise you to purchase the DVDs), but it was not until the heartbreaking finale of the brilliant, underrated sixth season that I finally broke down and bought the Season Two box. As I watched that season's final epiosde, "Becoming Pt. 2," and wiped the tear from my eye, I went from being just a fan to realizing that BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER is probably the best show to air on television in the last twenty-five years (THE SOPRANOS and THE SIMPSONS run a close second and third), and certainly the most consistently excellent. I realize that praising a show for its "consistency" is something of a backhanded compliment, like saying your blind date has "a nice personality." But think about what a remarkable achievement it is -- until its disappointing final year, BUFFY never had an off-season in its seven-year run (and, like a great pop band, when the wear began to show, they called it quits). Not even THE SOPRANOS or THE SIMPSONS-- the only shows in the same period to show anywhere near BUFFY's daring or self-critical smarts-- can claim that. Season Two is the show at its best, buidling on the mythology established in the previous season, deepening the relationships between the characters, and setting up the emotional conflicts that would play out through season six. BUFFY started as a mid-season replacement in the spring of 1997, and only aired twelve episodes in that intial run. With the prospect of a full order-- and ten more episodes to play with-- in Season Two, creator Joss Whedon and his brilliant cast and crew took full advantage of the longer year, and the show pulses with the sense of creative folk energized and enthused by their success. Season Two is definitely where the passion is. "Passion," is, in fact, the title of season's most terrifying episode (and one of its best), but I think those coming to the show for the first time deserve to see it "unspoiled," so I will try to convey my enthusiasm without giving plot points and twists away. Season Two is all about the couple-- Buffy and Angel, Giles and Jenny, Xander and Cordelia, Willow and Oz, love and duty, magic and science-- and how all of these tangle together tenderly and tragically. Perhaps by thinking about some of the behind-the-scenes "couples," then, we can think about what makes the show tick: 1) Joss Whedon and Sarah Michelle Gellar: Yes, he's brilliant, and yes, she's beautiful, but try to imagine one without the other (or, just watch FIREFLY or SCOOBY-DOO). As the lackluster Kirsty Swanson proved in the initial film version, it takes a special kind of performer to play a cheerleader-turned-slayer with passion and sincerity; it also takes a special kind of writer-producer-director to make that character three-dimensional and empathetic, and to allow the viewer to get caught up in fantastic plot turns. 2) Anthony Stewart Head (Giles) and Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia): The entire ensemble of this show-- including Alyson Hannigan, Nicholas Brendan, Robia La Morte, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, James Marsters, and Juliet Landau-- deserves praise, but I am continually drawn back to these two, who manage to imbue potentially hazardous stereotypes (stuffy librarian and school princess, respectively) with real humanity and wit. Neither Giles nor Cordelia are super-powered, like other characters on the show, but their honesty, intelligence and courage make them heroes, and the embodiment of the show's message that even the most extreme characters are deserving of sympathy and respect. 3) Michael Gershman (cinematography) and Christophe Beck (Music): The writing's great, the direction's tight and the cast is fabulous, but where would all those elements be without these two guys, the unsung heroes of the BuffyVerse? Working for the first two years of the show on 16mm stock (most filmed shows shoot on glossier 35mm), Gershman utilized the film's narrower range and slight graininess to create a world of sharp constrasts, haunting plays of light and shadow. Composer Christophe Beck tossed out the first season's synth squiggles for a lusher orchestral sound, which echoes famed composer John Barry's edict for scoring James Bond movies: "No matter how ridiculous the action on the screen, always make it sound like a million bucks." Working on a relatively low-budget weekly tv show, these two men gave BUFFY the look and sound of a big-budget feature. These are just some of the reasons for investing in this wonderful program, and if they sound too technical, let me put it like this-- BUFFY is pop culture at its best, a fabulous mixture of adventure, romance, drama, subtle social commentary, screwball wit and scary horror. In this season alone, you'll get swashbuckling sword-play, spellbinding magic, goofy demons, punk rock vampires, steamy love, and the most breathtaking finale in the history of the idiot box. Really, what more could you ask for from a TV show?

I remember when I was a kid, a local movie reviewer here in DC gave "Raiders of the Lost Ark" five stars. This was a big deal because in his entire history of reviewing films, four stars had always been his highest rating. He justified it simply by saying, "(Raiders) is the perfect example of why we go to the movies in the first place."I broke my own rule and gave Season Two five stars, because Buffy as a whole is a perfect example of what TV can do when it is done right, and Season Two is a perfect example of a great show at the highest peak of its energy, creativity, and enthusiasm. Now, before you roll your eyes, I know I pulled a Milhouse in my review of Season One and got a wee bit overstimulated, wearing out the thesaurus with words of praise and sounding like a love-struck geek on too much Adderol, so I promise to be more restrained here and limit myself to a story you Buffy-heads will probably find amusing.A year ago I moved back to DC from Pennyslvania, and for about 6 months lived with my mom while I looked for an apartment and fumbled around with my new job. During this tough settling-in period, which coincided with the DC area Sniper shooting people every day right on my doorstep, and boy wasn't that a fun time to work in Rockville, MD, I started watching back-to-back Buffy episodes on FX. I had been only a very casual watcher of the show prior to this, but quickly got hooked. Of course, as I lay on the couch in my shirt and tie, drinking beer and eating Triscuits, my 62 year-old Mom (who is in Seminary) would inevitably walk through the living room, roll her eyes, and say, "What are you doing watching this CHILDREN'S PROGRAM?" (Remember when your parents told you as long as you were under their roof, you were still a child to them? This rule still applies at the age of 30). For weeks I silently endured this abuse, which was worst when she happened to be in the room reading about Nietsche's "World Spirit" or Schopenauer's "Die Welt als Wille Und Vorstellung". Many sneers were directed at the appearance of Buffy's bra-strap, or Cordelia's little cheerleading skirt, or the Master's Kool-Aid mouth and WWI flying ace leather jacket. Gradually the criticism faded. And then, one day, out of the blue, I heard: "Hey....why is Buffy kissing that vampire?"That was around Halloween. By Thanksgiving day, she would not leave the house to go to dinner until I assured her that a tape was in the VCR, recording every minute of FX's "Buffy's Skewers Choice Marathon." For Christmas, she gave herself Buffy's First Season on DVD, thinly disguised as a present to me. In short order followed Season Two and Three. Then I moved out to my own place. No matter. When Four came out, I was compelled to invite her over every Sunday for two episodes. As of this writing we are about five episodes away from the end of the season. Luckily, Season Five will soon be released, which will prevent her from breaking her into my apartment and looting all my DVD's like a crazed junkie going through a pharmacy. Then again, for Christmas this year, she wants a DVD player of her own, and...gasp!....I've already invited her in!Suffice to say, if Buffy's Second Season could convert my Moms, Seminary and all, it HAS to be good. Some (not all) of the highlights: "School Hard" (enter Spike & Dru), "Reptile Boy" (hilarious, but creepy), "Halloween" (just hilarious), "Lie to Me" (moving), "Ted" (in retrospect, a good tribute to John Ritter), "What's My Line I & II...." (Xander and Cordelia!) "The Dark Age", "Bewitched...." (also hilarious), "Passion" (most disturbing episode of the series), "Go Fish" and "Becoming I & II."If liked Buffy after the first season, Season Two is probably what made you a fan. And if you're not a fan, you might want to give these 22 episodes a spin. If that doesn't work, check your pulse. You're probably dead. Congrats! Wipe off that grave dirt, take a gander at the moon, wander around the cemetary and have a nice long drink of someone's blood. Just do yourself a favor....stay out of Sunnydale.

Me encantóHasta el case viene súper padre

It was the year that Angel turned evil. The second season of Buffy starts with on a complete downer. After the summer that she had killed the Master, however had also died briefly, as a result she has become afraid of death more so than before. With Buffy becoming more isolated from the group she has to put her fear behind her. This is dealt with by the end of the episode with Buffy crushing the Master. After this the season progresses with the arrival of a new partnership in town, Spike and Drusilla. The two begin a conquest to kill Buffy and to restore Drusilla to what she was.With Angel becoming a huge part of Buffy's life the two look to destroy Spike and Dru. Spike and Drusilla start recruit powerfull allies in there quest to destroy the slayer and take over the world. In the episode surprise the pair re-create a demon that can't be destroyed by any weapon forged. However in the modern day though will it be able to survive the latest technology. This is also the episode where the big bad arrives in the form of Angelus.Angelus then starts on the path that will lead to the end battle. However first Angelus wants to target those around Buffy due to the feelings that he had for her that made him feel like a human, as a result he tries to pick her friends off one by one.This season also introduces love intersets for some of the other characters. Surprisingly Cordy and Xander get together, shocking considering their hate relationsip. With Willow looking beyond Xander she turns her attention to Oz however this has dramatic consequences when Oz realises he's a werewolf. Giles also has a spark with a teacher Miss Calender, who also has a dark secret that involves Angelus.There are some terrific episodes in this series that are right up there in Best episodes of Buffy. In the episode Ted, Buffy's mum meets the perfect man who only has one flaw, he's an evil robot. Before we find this out though Buffy kills him and is questioned over his death. However when he re-awakens from his temporary shutdown he targets Buffy in an act of vengeance. When Willow is looking into Ted's past she dicovers that Ted was just looking for true love to replace the ones he'd lost.As the season comes to a close there are some great moments, one being Spike in Buffy's home sitting with her mum. When Her mum asks where she recognises him from Spike reminded her that she hit him over the head with an axe. Buffy then allies with Spike in an attempt to save the world. The final battle results in Buffy having to sacrifice someone she loves to save the world. For buffy fans out there if you were unable to get the ultimate box set then you must buy this and watch it while you still can. For people that have not watched Buffy before if you buy this season you'll be hooked within 15 minutes, trust me.

This is clearly one of the best Buffy Seasons ever! Possibley one of the greatest TV shows in history.The season picks up brilliantly where the first pilot season left off. After her death at the hands (or teeth) of the master there was sure to be some reprocutions. 'When She Was Bad' is a perfect opener, seeing Buffy falling into 'Cordelia like' behaviour before finally working out her issues by beating the stuffing out of them. After this we get off to a slow start with episodes such as 'Inca Mummy Girl' and 'Some Assembly Required' however the introduction of Spike spices the season up. The arrival of this daring, sarcastic, cockney vampire proves to be one of the seasons highlights. His killing of 'The Annoying One' gives him the 'Big Bad' of the season. Along with his insane girlfriend Drusilla they provide some much needed drama and continuity.The first 2 parter 'Whats my line' is good, giving us the best surprise since we found out the truth about Angel. Kendra, however, is a very dull slayer, but offers some good insights into how unique buffy as a slayer, actually is.The relationships are key in this season. With the romantic Giles and Jenny, the twisted Spike and Drusilla, very unexpected Xander and Cordelia, sweet Willow and OZ and the groundbreaking Buffy and Angel. Buffy has to grow up a lot after the monumental 2 parter 'Innocence' and 'Surprise'. 'Surprise' is acted beautifully by Sarah Michelle Geller and I challenge anyone not to get a lump in their throat during this. The final scene between Buffy and her mother is perfect in everyway and the line 'I got older' sums up what this season is all about. The turning of Angel starts a downward spiral by Buffy. However the strength of this character is shown as she claws her way back to confront her ultimate enemy. The writing for Spike is genius. He steals every scene he's in and completely destroys Angels hero act in 'Innocence'Ange:Leave her alone!Spike:Yeah that'll workHowever towards the end of the season we see a totally new Spike as he clashes with Angelus. Every scene with these two in is a gem. He finally betrays his 'family' and makes a dangerous alliance with Buffy.The 2 part finale is really some of the best and emotional TV i have ever seen. Willow's emerging talent for withcraft plays a big part in this conclusion and the fall apart of Buffys life bit by bit peaks at an emotional climax of violence and desperation. The final scenes accompanied by the beautiful soundtrack brings tears to anyones eyes and leave swith the biggest cliffhanger yet.The memorable episodes include 'When she was bad' School Hard' 'Halloween' 'Surprise' 'Passion' and 'Becoming 1 and 2'

Let's say you bought the first series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and good for you). You enjoyed it certainly, but thought it was perhaps a bit too short; or that Giles wasn't used enough; or that Buffy seemed just a little too invulnerable; or Xander was a little too wooden; or that Willow was little too pathetic...Stop right there. Series 2 of Buffy improves on the 1st (admittedly still brilliant) season in just about every conceivable respect. For starters, from here onwards every season lasts 22 episodes (instead of 12), so you get nearly twice as much slayage for your hard-earned dosh. The fact that there are twice as many scripts mean new writers, shedloads of new ideas, and truckloads of outstanding monsters (Der Kindestod, Ethan Rayne and the awesome Angelus, to name just three). There are so many amazing episodes in this season (which could well be the most balanced Buffy season of them all) that it is hard to pick favourites; but it is safe to say that the best one is probably "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered". Anyone who has ever wished they were a chick-magnet at school will agree with me on this!! Other outstanding episodes? "Halloween" (just wait till you see Damsel Buffy - it's side-splitting"!), "Passion" (just to see the end of that annoying Miss Calander) and "School Hard" (which effortlessly ries up all of series 1's loose ends, along with introducing the new Big Bads).Amazing performances all around, with Tony Head and Alyson Hannigan actually getting exciting things to do; Nicholas Brendon finally learns how to act part way through this series (see if you can tell where..!) and Ms. Gellar still rocks. David Boreanaz effortlessly plays both a sympathetic, tortured soul and a deliciously remorseless killer as Angel/Angelus (even though his Irish accentt is appalling); and James Marsters is hammy and wonderful as Spike (though I may never quite forgive for trying to kill Damsel Buffy).Weak links? Well, the chick who palys Drusills is awful (worst Cockney accent since Mary Poppins), "Go Fish"'s monsters are blatant clones of "Doctor Who"'s Silurians, and Seth Green looks terrified (& sometimes bored) as Oz. Charisma Carpeneter doesn't know how to play Cordelia: slapper, Scoobie or geek? Make yer mind up, luv! (Although that's probably not her fault, it's odd how her common sense keeps bungie-jumping between episodes.)Extras? Three behind-the-scenes, biographies, trailers, photo galleries and four commentaries (warning: David Greenwlat and Marti Noxon both have the most annoying, nasal American accents EVER). Joss Whedon is as energetic as ever (hooray!)So all in all, I'd advise you to get this. Please?

There's not much to say about Buffy's Season 2. It's one of the best seasons of a great tv show. Like all early seasons of the show, season 2 doesn't include a lot of extras. The picture quality is alright though no match for later seasons. This is one of the better DVD editions you can find. More recent editions come in cheap plastic boxes and often without booklets. If you're looking for a collectible edition, I'd recommend this one.