Re: Never Kill A Boy On the First Date

This is arguably my least-favorite episode of S1, and I’m not even sure why. It’s always been very forgettable for me. I could summarize its main points and as I’m watching it I remember stuff, but I don’t recall the details as easy as most of the other eps. In fact, according to Netflix, I have re-watched every episode of S1 at some point except this one. 😛

Anyway. I couldn’t help but smile at the opening scene. The Giles we see here is very different from the Giles we’ll see in later seasons, who pretty much trusts Buffy to do her own thing during patrol. Here, he reminds me heavily of S3’s Gwendolyn Post or Wesley and it reminds me how much Giles grows and changes over the course of the show.

Oh, the vampire makeup. PLEASE GET BETTER FASTER.

We also meet Owen, who just looks like he would be obsessed with Emily Dickinson.

And also that he would creepily refer to her as "my Emily" and say things like "I like having her around." OKAY, CREEPONERD.

This is the beginning of Buffy-getting-crushes-on-either-really-dangerous-guys-or-horrifically-and-totally-boring-guys. (Owen is the latter, obviously.)

I was also highly distracted by the clothing/hair choices in this episode, and since I feel that B doesn’t pick on the male 90’s fashion enough, WHAT IS THIS:

You are not Ricky Martin, Xander, stop it.

Anyway, I noticed during this watch that as arrogant and rude as Cordelia is written to be, she’s actually incredibly insecure. I think she feels very threatened by Buffy, despite how much she belittles her.

Oh, Cordelia. Why.

This pretty, friendly, fashionable (HA!) girl from LA comes to town, literally kicks ass, and Cordy’s feeling insecure about all of it. In any other circumstance, it wouldn’t make sense for her to go after Owen who is a recluse, a bit of a geek, and certainly not Cordy’s typical jock football-player type. I really think she tries to attract Owen (and later Angel…although that’s more understandable, at least) solely because they show interest in Buffy. Maybe I am picking this up because I know that Cordelia really isn’t  as shallow as she seems, but I have a feeling this insecurity is there on purpose. Also, I want to post another picture of Cordelia’s crimped hair. It needs multiple views, trust me.

And oh yes, Daddy Giles, I do love you. This episode is the first time we see Daddy Giles in his true form, and also how much he is willing to sacrifice for the world, and, ultimately, for Buffy’s safety and happiness. I think this is the REAL beginning of understanding, trust, and friendship between the two of them and it’s beautiful and I want it forever.

Notes/Likes/Stuff

Willow: Buffy has a REALLY important date.
Buffy: Owen!
Giles: All right. I’ll just hop in my time machine, go back to the twelfth century and askthe vampires to postpone their ancient prophecy for a few days while you take in dinner and a show.

Can I please own an “I’m a Slayer! Ask me how” button?!?

I am always the person that the crazy sin-and-damnation person starts ranting to on public transportation. It feels that way, anyway!

“Changing outfits with Xander Harris in the room” is officially going on my list of Things I Will Never, Ever, Ever Do.

B: From what I understand, Watchers aren’t tied to their destiny the same way that Slayers are. I tend to look at it sort of like a monarchy? Genealogy determines who becomes a Watcher and it’s a “calling” so to speak but it’s very much related to who your parents are. You don’t *have* to become a Watcher (of course, a Slayer doesn’t technically NEED to be a Slayer, either!) but, like the Slayer, there’s an incredible amount of pressure to.