Buffy 5x16 The Body - Early Access & Full
Added 2024-06-07 21:00:03 +0000 UTCOkay.... Well. Firstly, I just want to say thank you to everyone for not spoiling this episode, or the lead up to it. I genuinely went in with no spoilers or no idea what we were going to see. I know that a few of you wanted to reach out and give a heads up, not out of wanting to spoil, but out of kindness. I love so much that you were thinking of me and being so caring, but also were so respectful of not wanting to spoil things. THANK YOU 💜 I truly understand it would have felt like being stuck between a rock and a hard place, but I'm so glad to have seen this knowing nothing about the episode.
Youtube link: https://youtu.be/Myp2RHdhUJg
✨✨Please don't read below if you haven't seen the episode ✨✨
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I don't like to say too much about the episode here in this little box, but I just want to say that this episode was very difficult for me to watch. There were many moments where I couldn't look. I don't think I'll be watching this episode again, maybe ever. And I understand if you don't want to watch it either 🫂 I've lost loved ones, like I'm sure many of you have. I don't really talk about it. But I feel the loss every single day. It's HARD. To those that have also dealt with loss, in whatever form, I'm sorry. I understand. You're not alone.
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Comments
Oh, I forgot to mention something in my last comment, so I'll just add it here. It looked like you caught what the doctor said to Buffy. "i have to lie to make you feel better." When he said it, you looked shocked. But I couldn't tell if you picked up on what happened on the screen. When he says "I have to lie to make you feel better," the way his mouth moves doesn't match his words. His mouth movements showed he said something different than what we or Buffy heard. Buffy, and we, heard, "I have to lie to make you feel better," but what he really said was, "I don't have to lie to make you feel better." It's a brilliant touch. The Body is not an episode. It's a right of passage. You are officially one of us. Welcome to the war room, Juliette.
Raven Dark
2024-07-27 09:24:20 +0000 UTCIn every Buffy reactor's life comes episode 5x16... Yikes. This episode is fantastic, but my god, it's brutal to watch. Thank you for this wonderful, painful, heartfelt reaction, Juliette. Season 5 is, hands down, my favorite season of Buffy. This episode is one of many reasons why.
Raven Dark
2024-07-27 09:14:49 +0000 UTCFrom what I've heard, it wasn't submitted due to an oversight of some kind. Buffy in general has some fantastic writing, but The Body is on another level.
Infinity Games
2024-07-08 19:46:20 +0000 UTCThis episode makes you process unresolved grief, even if you don't know that you have unresolved grief.
Nebraska
2024-06-10 23:32:53 +0000 UTCIts unbelievable that this didn't win best writing and cinematography.
Nebraska
2024-06-10 23:26:24 +0000 UTCPrior to this episode as well BTVS tended to be dismissed by a lot of critics as just some silly teen Vampire show. Once this episode dropped it was like watching critics all getting whiplash en masse as they proceeded to do a sudden heel turn and went, "This is one of the greatest episodes in television history, and it's Buffy the Vampire Slayer?! Wait, what?!" They paid a lot more attention after that.
Claire Eyles
2024-06-09 16:04:18 +0000 UTCI haven't been able to watch the reaction yet, I'm still sorting out log in issues for Disney (shared account). I will just say that as difficult as this episode is to watch, I shall remain ever grateful for its existence. My grandmother, who I was very close to, dropped dead in front of my Mum and me when I was 8 years old (massive heart attack caused a cardiac rupture, zero chance of survival even today). The only reference I had to grief was the very 'Hallmark/Lifetime movie' version I had seen on TV and in movies, you know the type where everyone comes together, and grief is cathartic, and it's all misty lens and nostalgic good memories. My experience was nothing like that, and for years afterwards, even when I was old enough to understand better, I couldn't help thinking that somehow I had gotten the whole grief thing wrong. Like there was a right and a wrong way to grieve in a situation like that, and I got a failing grade. Then this episode dropped, and it was like, "OMG, this is what it was like, this was the grief response I experienced! Holy shit I didn't get it wrong, this is what it was like for me". It's a very strange experience watching an episode like this and on the one hand being completely devastated, yet another the other feeling stupidly happy that finally I got to see something close to what I actually experienced.
Claire Eyles
2024-06-09 15:59:52 +0000 UTCI don't think I saw this since the first time it aired in 2001. The thing that struck watching for the second time in all of the excellent writing and acting was how well Emma Caulfield did in playing Anya in this episode. Unlike even Dawn, she is the true "infant" of the gang, not really understanding the nature of life and death, asking the questions that you might get from a 5-year old. I can imagine Emma getting the script and trying to figure out how she was going to play it. She did very well, transitioning from confusion to frustation to anguish.
Alan Kobb
2024-06-08 23:20:56 +0000 UTC**hug** ... random question, but I noticed the grey kitty picture at the top of your patreon, and it looks similar to the kitty from Stardew valley that I use, and wondered if it's the same kitty?
Dudley, the Stardew Valley cat 2
2024-06-08 18:16:19 +0000 UTC*Big hug* This is a very hard episode. The moment Dawn falls down gets me every time. But it's also very well made. The performances, direction, writing, editing, sound design, ... It's all top notch, and perfect for the subject. The only thing I don't really like is the vampire attack. I know it's there to show that life goes on, but it's a little too out of tone for me. Take all the time you need to process this. We'll be here.
zerofk
2024-06-08 13:35:16 +0000 UTCThe first time I saw this episode was with my mother, over 20 years ago. It was a tough watch, we both needed time to recover from the experience. I’ve heard over the years people say how realistic a portrayal of death this is, but I didn’t understand just how good it is until I had the experience myself. On Monday it will be one year since she went. There were so many elements of this episode that I experienced, like Buffy hearing the rest of the world carrying on as normal as hers has just stopped, “obviously I’ve never done this before”, I caught myself doing the changing clothes thing before the funeral, “no, and yes. It’s always sudden”, and more. If I hadn’t known this episode for so long before I don’t think I could watch it now, and it still taps into a pain that I can’t imagine will ever go away. One of your strengths as a reactor Juliette is how emotionally connected you are to the characters, you seem to have the ability to understand them so well, feel what they are going through, and know how events will affect them. Unfortunately an episode like this will be even more difficult because of that. I hope you also feel the love and support coming from your community here. One final note. When a classroom scene is shown there is usually some meaning to it. In this case the class is instructed to draw the “negative space” around the body, which is what the episode itself does.
Texas
2024-06-08 10:04:56 +0000 UTCNo spoilers, it lucky that after some of your earlier reactions when I said I would buy some shares in the tissue company you use, that it was not a spoiler for you. I will say the normal points now. First, Anya wishing for her not to be dead, for a demon that used to grant wishes, that was big. Second, the first on screen kiss between Willow and Tara, with the message to the studio censors, try and cut that. I do think that some of us viewers are sadistic, as we in some way keep watching this episode, in that I can say its now at least the 8th time ive seen it, fifth time I've watched nice people react to it, when it aired, when i got the dvds and when I rewatched the whole series.
Michael Champion
2024-06-08 10:01:50 +0000 UTCBritney 💜 I both loved and hated this episode. Loved it because it was so real and so well done, but hated the way it made me feel. It was a lot, it was hard to deal with. Even reading your words, and the other comments, I'm having to dry my eyes with my ever present tissue as it just brings up so much emotion in me. I usually wear my heart on my sleeve, but watching these shows has only emphasised that! I think it's made me even more emotional, and in tune with how others feel, too. I'm begging for some happiness to come our way soon with Buffy. We need a reason to smile again!
Juliette Gaming
2024-06-08 07:17:06 +0000 UTCRyan, thank you so much for your very kind and compassionate words. It really was such a beautifully done episode, though so incredibly sad. It brings up a lot of emotions for me and dealing with my own grief and loss, that it's been a little hard to read the comments here. What I love though, is that everyone has been so understanding and it really feels like there is a huge sense of community and togetherness here. I was a little worried with what people might say in response to this episode, I thought maybe I was being too emotional, but everyone here gets it. I'm so grateful. And I really don't feel alone 💜
Juliette Gaming
2024-06-08 07:13:14 +0000 UTCI'm sorry for your loss, Howie. It was done so perfectly and with so much respect. Heartbreaking, but it was just so real 😔
Juliette Gaming
2024-06-08 07:09:37 +0000 UTCYep. As soon as I saw how Juliette reacted to certain moments in the early seasons of Buffy I thought "Oh no!" I will admit that I love how Juliette is not afraid to get emotional on camera. That does make a good reactor, in my opinion. There was another reactor I was watching, and I won't mention any names, but she was very cold and hardened. I thought for sure this was the episode that we would get a little bit of emotion out of her, but nope. Not even a single tear. I was a bit stunned, to be honest. I get it, not everyone is emotional. However, emotion is what makes a good reactor, in my opinion.
Britney
2024-06-08 04:25:51 +0000 UTCThis episode encapsulates grief of a loved one dying more then I have ever seen before or since. Just a cone of silence, the absolute shock. Sarah Michelle Gellar's performance was so damn real. When Gile's arrives and she says, "We're not supposed to move the body." Her reaction after calling her mother "the body"...That was her admitting her mother was dead. And her face after, she said it because the EMT's said it, but when she says it out loud, It clicks. Her horror in her face after saying it is one of the saddest things I've ever seen. This episode is a must watch, but not in a good way. Juliette, I've been following your channel since Firefly, and when I saw you hop onto Buffy, I've been dreading this episode for you. I saw how emotional you get at even little things and in my mind I kept thinking, "Oh no....The Body...If it wrecked me I don't even want to see what it'll do to her." But here we are, and all I want to do is give you a big hug. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you are one of my favorite reactors. Because that's what you do, react. You react emotionally and with such empathy it's hard not to love you. Thank you for baring your heart and soul with us. It is not without full appreciation.
Ryan Martinez
2024-06-08 03:43:13 +0000 UTCMy father passed away a few years ago. Whenever i watch this episode, I still think it's the most realistic depiction of grief and loss that was ever shown on television.
Howie
2024-06-08 01:16:07 +0000 UTCThank you for sharing. I hope you're feeling better with a little time away from this one -- we all know it's tough. A few thoughts: I don't think I've ever seen anything else on television that hits quite like this episode. It has a terrible beauty. I was glad for every smile I caught when you saw people being at their best trying to help each other. The writing of this episode, the way it makes everyone feel. It wouldn't hurt so much if it wasn't for Kristine Sutherland and all the writers making you care that much. There's a beauty in that. There's 2 flip sides of how this show deals with tragedy, one that the show has a reputation for, and one that I don't think gets enough attention. This show has a reputation for pulling the rug out from underneath you just when people seem to finally be happy. "Oh, no, things are going too well, I guess something terrible will happen". But the other side of that is that when tragedy hits a character -- they tend to go out on top. Joyce had one perfect day -- feeling healthy and happier than she has in many episodes, having fun with her daughters, going on a great date with someone that obviously enjoyed her company. When I go, I want the time leading up to it to be that full of happiness.
Jeremy J Nickurak
2024-06-08 01:13:16 +0000 UTCA small detail that get lost for most people. When Anya is helping Xander wash his hand on the sink, there is that brief private moment between Willon and Tara and you can see can Willow move her lips and tell Tara "I Love You".
JOSE HOSANA CARVALHO DA FONSECA
2024-06-08 00:55:17 +0000 UTCRead somewhere: Stages of grief: Buffy - shock Dawn - denial Willow - bargainning Xander - anger Anya - depression Tara - acceptance
JOSE HOSANA CARVALHO DA FONSECA
2024-06-08 00:46:52 +0000 UTCHugs...this episode is one of the best at exploring the grief of losing a loved one and definitely hits harder if you've also lost someone close. Tara's response to Buffy's 'Was it quick' is so accurate as, no matter how ill a loved one is, their passing is always sudden! The acting was stellar and a fitting tribute to Joyce who was really a mother to them all (Giles excepted). A lot of praise, and rightly so, goes to the main cast members but I think Amber Benson deserves equal praise for the way that she comforts the rest of the Scoobies, particularly Willow, whilst they are processing their grief. At the end of the dorm segment, a now calmer Willow mouths 'I love you' to Tara for all the help that she'd given.
Dyrla
2024-06-08 00:46:26 +0000 UTCThe decision made to have the Willow and Tara first on screen kiss on this episode used to irritate me. Now I feel how powerfull and meaningfull that show of love and support was.
JOSE HOSANA CARVALHO DA FONSECA
2024-06-08 00:40:00 +0000 UTCNormally I just watch the YT edits, but for this one I felt like I owed it to you to dig out the DVD, press play alongside you and give you my full attention. You just went through a painful emotional journey and let us see it. I couldn't have done that when I first saw this episode. It'll stay with you; it's terrible to see engage with, and yet beautiful because of the sincerity and honesty in which it was made.
Mark Coyne
2024-06-08 00:26:12 +0000 UTCWishing you a soon and full recovery.
Oliver
2024-06-08 00:17:24 +0000 UTCThis is still the most amazing and painful and true episode of TV ever made. For some people it's also reassuring. Those who have been through these experiences are reassured that they can see it's not just them experiencing these things. And those who lose a loved one for the first time after seeing this episode feel less alone because they've seen their favourite character go through exactly what they're dealing with. Everyone feels the world shift into something strange and unrecognisable when they lose a loved one. And for me this week it's extra poignant. I'm not sure I can bare to watch your reaction just yet. I had a heart attack while home alone last Monday and nearly died. Luckily our ambos are amazing and I'm expected to make a full recovery. The thought of my wife coming home to find me the way that Buffy found Joyce is far more painful and horrifying than what I just went through.
Aussie Mat
2024-06-08 00:00:05 +0000 UTCI also realised in the recent Angel episode with the dead cops, that we are shown in Kate's breakdown the consequences of not mourning her Dad's death. I wonder if this also is on purpose to show why it's necessary to dedicate a whole episode to mourning.
Oliver
2024-06-07 23:44:42 +0000 UTCI understand that it hurts. But I think it was unbelievably respectful to the death of a truly loved one. "Chosen Ones" in stories always lose their parent or mentor in order to fully grow up. And I respect that Joss did not just repeat that trope but treated the death of a mother realistically, without any music, with raw emotions and all characters being shaken to their core.
Oliver
2024-06-07 23:36:42 +0000 UTCI understand never wanting to watch this episode again. This is actually the first time i've watched it since it first came out on DVD. *hugs*
Michael Short
2024-06-07 23:24:26 +0000 UTCI think we've all been dreading this Jules, this is arguably one of the most well known and talked about Buffy episodes ever and for good reason. It's an episode I never rewatch but could quote word for word with how much it's stuck with me, had to prepare myself for this reaction along with you lol. On a slightly cheery note, Kristine Sutherland (Joyce's actress) actually played herself in every scene- only blinking once when they were closing the body bag- a fact I'm still wrapping my head around, that must take some serious skills!
Aidan Fleming
2024-06-07 22:35:23 +0000 UTC💔
Jonathan Hall
2024-06-07 22:02:50 +0000 UTCAll the hugs. You're so well loved here Juliette. Your reaction was beautiful, it was totally understandable that you didn't say much. Who could? And you said it all at the end. Well done for getting through it. Love you, girl.
SweetSummit
2024-06-07 21:58:13 +0000 UTCI know this was really difficult for you to watch but thank you for being real and raw with your reaction. I can't get through this without crying but I believe this is such a masterpiece of storytelling that I love watching others see it. I've never seen a more real representation of death on screen before. I think you were crying to much to notice that it was Willow and Tara's first onscreen kiss. Some fans hate that it's done is this episode but I think it was perfect. Instead of the focus being a kiss between lesbians on network tv it was just two people who love each other deeply trying to comfort each other. What could be more wholesome or understandable.
Stephen Knueppel
2024-06-07 21:58:02 +0000 UTCFeel hugged. It's always a difficult one to rewatch. It's so, so well done. Which is all the more mean. But so good. So real.
Patrick Armbruster
2024-06-07 21:53:56 +0000 UTCIt took me years to realize how meaningful it was for Anya to "wish" Joyce hadn't died. She knew the meaning of that phrase. As painful as this episode is it's one that really illustrates how different BTVS is from a standard show: the most "normal" of tragedies is treated with the weight it deserves, and everyone shines. The impact was and is felt. I believe Joss based a lot of this on his own experience--and he spoke to James beforehand to let him know he/Spike wouldn't be in the episode despite being a regular and James said he really understood when he read the script (this came from a James interview.)
Mo
2024-06-07 21:53:25 +0000 UTCI think Buffy knew Joyce was gone from the moment she said Mommy. Although she wouldn’t allow herself to believe it until the EMT told her so. She’s certainly seen enough dead things to know.
Bud Haven
2024-06-07 21:38:30 +0000 UTCHugs ❤️
JenM
2024-06-07 21:37:53 +0000 UTCI was genuinely so scared for you to get to this episode. It’s an experience all Buffy fans have to go through the first time we watch, and it’s always difficult. But also a privilege to see such a profound episode of television.
Lindsay Spoonmore
2024-06-07 21:34:15 +0000 UTCI was dreading this episode for you because I knew you would take it hard. You aren't the only person to never want to see this episode again, and that's very valid. For me though, I like the catharticism that comes from watching. Sometimes it's hard for me to get my emotions and tears out because they like to stay bottled up for some reason, but watching this episode always gets it out. Despite the sadness and subject matter, this is definitely one of the most brilliant, raw and realistic pieces of television ever. I first saw the episode as it aired live when I was only 12 years old, and I just couldn't appreciate it then or truly see the masterpiece that it is. I'm glad I can see it now through adult eyes. That scene where Buffy opens the door and the sun is shining on her face and you can hear children playing and just going on about their life is so spot on and really gets me because it reminds me of when my grandfather died. The whole episode is so incredibly accurate at showing loss and grief, which is why I think it's so well done.
Britney
2024-06-07 21:19:03 +0000 UTC
