XaiJu
xjuliettex
xjuliettex

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Upcoming Buffy and Angel Episodes

Hello πŸ’œπŸ˜Έ

I wanted to quickly mention that I will be reacting to the Angel spin-off series and at this point, I'm most likely going to follow this reactors guide, if you'd like to check that out here

 http://slayalive.com/showthread.php/3924-The-Buffy-Angel-watching-guide?p=129360&viewfull=1#post129360

It's either that, or watch 1 x Buffy and then 1 x Angel and then 1 x Buffy, etc. I've had a very, very quick check on YouTube because I didn't want any spoilers, and it looks like some people follow the guide and some just alternate. I haven't started Buffy season 4 or Angel season 1 yet, but I'm happy to go ahead and follow the guide if most people are okay with that.

I also need to say that because we are watching Angel, which is a spin-off of Buffy, this does mean that there won't be two Buffy episodes per week. It will be whatever it says on the guide, so perhaps 1 x Buffy and 1 x Angel per week. Some weeks there may be 2 x Buffy only, or 2 x Angel only, depending on that week. OR if I decide to do alternating, it will just alternate.

I am sorry if some of you might be upset by this but I really hope that you understand and will be okay with this change. It's either that or don't watch Angel at all to continue on with 2 x Buffy episodes per week as I simply do not have the time to watch and edit another video per week. Even if I did have the time, that then would mean 3 Buffy related episodes per week which is just too much. I also don't want to get burnt out.

I don't want to make anyone upset, but then I also know that it's impossible for me to make every single person happy. So I write this with my heart in my hands, hoping that everyone will be okay and understanding with these plans πŸ₯Ή Thank you!

Comments

Thank you so much!! I got the notification for your comment on my phone this morning, so I've been looking for it here and I'm glad I found it. I am scared of the complaints, but you are exactly right. I just need to make a decision and go with it. If people are too negative on the YT channel, I'll just delete their comments 🀐

Juliette Gaming

I'm here for Who, but I want to assure that there is no "right" answer for watch order. People will complain no matter what order you pick. The Buffy reactor I'm near the end of Angel with did a poll that had hundreds of votes. People still complained, both those who were around for the votes and those who joined later. Just embrace your choice and know that complaints are really about ever being more than a few days from the next Buffy episode.

Nebraska

Probably because you have access to the same information we do and I have no desire to do your research for you.

Milamber

I agree that it would only be for the first season, ideally. Season 2 is actually my favorite. 😊

Superplin

I think the only season you would want to skip some episodes to react to of Angel is the first season where its finding its footing, after that most of them are typically important. Definitely a lot of MoTW type of episodes in its first season that you could compare to season 1 of Buffy or some of Season 2. Personally I don't like the first few seasons of Angel but as a Buffy fan they are worth watching the first time. I do however really like the last two seasons.

Steveo

First, we're not "complaining". Juliette asked our opinions, and we gave them. And I do like Angel... There are bright spots. I'm just not worth it, for me personally, to pay for four of five months of content I'm unlikely to watch. You're making a lot of assumptions about people that aren't necessarily accurate, and I kind of wish you would stop doing that. And likewise, I don't get this obsession that some people have with the guide, especially to the point that they start engaging in ad hominen statements about people, labelling them as "whiners" or "complainers", etc. None of us have said that Juliette "absolutely has to" do it a certain way, as you have. And I still don't know what you're talking about, as I'm 99.9% positive that everything matches up if you watch in the order in which it aired. Because you keep claiming that isn't the case, without any evidence, I asked you to give me some examples just using the episode numbers, which you have yet to do. The scenario you're describing simply wouldn't happen if people just watched the show alternating, and switching during season 6. I literally can't think of a single example where doing that would in any way effect the chronology. And the SlayAlive Guide is not the "correct order". That's a strange statement. The "correct order", if one is being logical, would by default be the order that the creators and producers decided on when they were making the show, and not what some random dude on the internet posted on an obscure website, twenty years later.

Will Sofer

It only "borders on rude", really, if you feel like you're considered among those who would complain about following the guide, which from your words here seems to be the correct assumption (you mention the concern of paying for content you don't particularly want to watch, which I can only interpret as watching Buffy and not Angel, in this particular discussion). The two shows have connections, they inhabit the same universe. There simply _are_ reasons why some things should be watched in a correct order. If, say, someone's happy for a whole episode, and you have no effin clue as to why, and later you find out, you should've probably watched the episode of the other show, which explains why that person's so happy, beforehand... People who shrug this off? They simply don't care. Listen: I understand why. I understand that you only care about one of the shows. But Juliette wants to see the whole story. And the whole story, believe it or not, has a narrative. Explaining this isn't rude. It's just explaining why there's a better way to watch these two shows, if you want to watch both shows. If there are 7 eps of Angel, and money's _really_ tight, you can skip a month.

Patrick Armbruster

I also watched them on Sky One back in the day. Can you remember if they aired every episode back-to-back? That's how I remember watching them but it was a long time ago now so I could be wrong. I know in the US Buffy changed networks and messed with the schedule over there but I can't remember if it ever affected things here in the UK.

Neil Hanson

That's because you're awesome, Texman πŸ₯°

Juliette Gaming

Do what you want Juliette, it's all Gucci here!

Tex N7

Why are people who prefer alternating the episodes considered "complainers" Patrick? But people who prefer the guide, are not? No ones saying she shouldn't watch angel, so you're plucking that from nowhere. Anyways I'm done commenting now. Don't wanna bring down jules' comment section lol

x_Rhi_x

Can you provide an example of that? No spoilers, but just season and episode numbers. I only ask because I've asked this a handful times of people who have said as much on YouTube, and literally none of them ever answered. I'm genuinely curious.

Will Sofer

Juliette, I think that's the perfect attitude. Flexibility, and the realization that there's no pleasing everyone. Or in indeed, sometimes, anyone. Apologies for the strong opinions all around. We are a passionate fanbase, as you noticed. I'm almost exactly the same age as you, and this show definitely had a formative influence on who I am as a person. And most fans will say the same. It was revolutionary for its time. If I personally said anything that could be construed as rude, I do apologize. Don't think I did, but still. Regardless, sorry you had to deal with deal with any rudeness, whatsoever. I think the suggestion that you do the first two seasons of Buffy and Angel as alternating, and then decide where you want to go forward after that, is a very decent idea.

Will Sofer

Personally I think BtVS is a much stronger show overall, but AtS absolutely has some outstanding episodes, character arcs and story lines, including some that enhance viewers' general experience and understanding of the Buffyverse. You'll find plenty of viewers happy to join you for both shows.

Superplin

It is also literally untrue that they aired simply alternating. I watched them live and that definitely did not happen. The Slayalive Guide is the best way to do it.

Milamber

Thank you, Darryl! It does make sense when hearing of how the show was aired. Maybe we'll deal with season 2 of Angel when we get there πŸ’œ

Juliette Gaming

Thank you, Alan. I just hope it works out πŸ’œ

Juliette Gaming

I do like the idea of asking for certain episodes, and it's one that I've suggested with the X Files in the past, but that caused a lot of upset. Maybe it's just me that's the cause of these problems 🀣 I never knew this would cause so much trouble... It's so awkward and confusing! It seems most people want alternating and I could give that a try and see if it works for me. Whatever way I choose, it doesn't have to be set in stone if it doesn't work. If we try Angel for a while and it does seem to be so hated, then maybe I will just end up watching it by myself πŸ’œ There's always options! I haven't even watched it yet haha. I'll just see what happens and what works 😊

Juliette Gaming

I wouldn't skip watching it, I meant if I skipped reacting to it and watched it by myself 😸

Juliette Gaming

Thank you, Will. It's a very weird situation as I didn't expect so much of an uproar and certainly didn't expect rude messages to be sent my way. I thought, at most, maybe one person would be a bit cranky. BOY was I WRONG 🀣 There is NO possible way for me to please everyone, all the time. And whatever watch order I choose, it doesn't mean I have to have it like that forever. I can change it up if I feel it works best for me. For the most part, the majority of people here seem to want alternating and it was even how it aired at least for a couple of seasons so that is definitely something to think about!

Juliette Gaming

Patrick, you're starting to border on rude. Please don't insult other patrons. We're not "complaining". We're giving our opinions. That's all. In a civil way. None of us are expecting anything, least of all to be "pacified". And there is absolutely nothing "spoilerish" about explaining why there are seven episodes together. It's just tied together thematically. That's it. And that's a preference, to watch it that way. You may prefer watching that many Angel episodes in a row, but some of us aren't on board with that idea. And that's okay. There are also concerns for some, like myself, who are on a fixed budget. Not all of us are prepared to pay for a majority of content we don't particularly want to watch, for such long periods of time. Things like that are valid concerns.

Will Sofer

I want to echo what Rhi said, and ask that you don't stress yourself out about this unnecessarily. It's a preference, and very few people are likely to get bent out of shape about this. Both options are a perfectly valid way to watch it; I just think there are some glaring issues with the guide, that negate the few benefits it might have (like putting the multi-part episodes together). And I know the possible sh*tstorms that usually erupt when Angel has too long of a run in reactions. It basically ruined Liam Duke's enjoyment of the shows to some extent, but he used the old original SlayAlive guide, which as a ton more issues than the "reactor-friendly" version (the updated guide was created in response to his experience). So that wouldn't be your experience. But people still get salty. And people like myself think of it in a cost/benefit way, especially when it comes to Patreon. Regardless... We're here for you, and no one should feel stressed, or feel that their hand is being forced by any of this. We've given our opinions. And that's all they are. It's an amazing show, yes, but at the end of the day, it's still just a television show. If someone gets bent out of shape, that's their issue. Not yours.

Will Sofer

Juliette: Thank you. And yes, I'm guessing it's the reason behind most of the new reactors adopting an alternating watch order. People warn them off using it. Other reactors have had to put up with people who complain. Sometimes too loudly, admittedly. Patrick: I've literally talked to the guy who wrote it (one of the only other two times I raised some objection to using the guide), and he told me how he developed it... The episode are tied thematically, and the two and three parters are put together, yes. But I'm not seeing what you're talking about, otherwise. The dude outright admitted he much prefers Angel over Buffy, and a lot of his decisions were arbitrarily based on that, and his person feelings about episodes, especially in the earlier guide. Though he admits the updated guide still has this issue, he doesn't see it as an problem. As far as I know, everything lines up if you watch it in the air order. But I think I know the two events that you're referring to, and the chronology is fixed by just watching Angel first. I can't think of anything where there's a case of (as you said): "other times you see the result of something first when you should've seen it come together first", that isn't fixed just by reversing which one you watch first, starting in season 6 of Buffy. I will admit that tying the multi-part stories together is not a bad idea, but there are enough other glaring issues with the guide that I feel it sort of negates any benefits the guide might have.

Will Sofer

There is simply no spoiler-free way to explain why there are 7 episodes of Angel there, but no-one who has watched both shows can deny the reason for it is a very important reason and it truly makes sense. The _only_ reason not to watch it that way is pacifying complainers who don't get that both shows are part of the Buffyverse.

Patrick Armbruster

Don't worry as James Marsters himself once said, Buffyerse fans are the nicest fans on Earth :) Other reactors following this mysterious guide seem to have done just fine and not spoiled something for themselves. As an OG fan I had to watch Buffy then Angel, but they were on Sky One in the UK back to back. Happy days... I think before that I was a season behind watching Channel 4 where I found X Files, I was one of the first lot in the UK to watch Friends, as it was on before the X Files and after... I think it was Frasier.

Suddenly Frogs

It is, however, just untrue that it's "just one guy's" preferred watch order, and some episodes _need_ to be in the correct order for the viewer to get the full story. If you just alternate, some arcs are broken up quite weirdly, and other times you see the result of something first when you should've seen it come together first. Reactors didn't just copy other reactors. These guides were made and updated for the _best_ possible viewing experience, and as you expect, you'll find people on _every_ side. You'll hear endless screams of people completely uninterested in Angel that you should always prefer more Buffy and just forget about Angel (which would take away so much of the whole Buffyverse), but it's literally best to follow the reactor's guide and stick to it. If an arc is actually 4 episodes long, there's a _very_ good reason for it – for _both_ shows. (Obviously, we can't really talk too much about it here in detail, since that would get into spoilers.)

Patrick Armbruster

Just wanted to add: please don't stress! People have opinions, but absolutely no one will be mad with whichever you choose. Its your channel, we're here to watch you, and I (and I think most others) will be happiest if you're happy, whatever you choose :)

x_Rhi_x

It's all good!

Alan Kobb

Perspective of someone who watched both shows as they aired: viewing guides are utterly unnecessary for the next two seasons. BUFFY and ANGEL aired back-to-back on Tuesdays nights, BUFFY at 8PM and ANGEL at 9PM. To the best of my recollection, they stayed on cycle--if that week's BUFFY was a new episode, so was the ANGEL, and when BUFFY was in reruns during the season, so was ANGEL. Now, after Season 5 BUFFY/Season 2 of ANGEL... then things get trickier, after BUFFY moved to another network and there wasn't as much coordination between their schedules. Then I think viewing guides become more useful. But for the next two seasons, both shows CAN be properly digested by alternating--considering that's how they WERE consumed between 1999 and 2001. :-)

AlyAdmirer

It always makes me sad for reactors when they get to this point, because the fans make it so stressful. People have VERY strong opinions. While I generally prefer the SlayAlive watch order, for the first season the two shows were in fact shown in alternating order. (That's not necessarily true in later seasons for... reasons.) So you're not going to run into any major issues either way, at least at first. I'll now toss in a third option that some reactors opt for, just to muddy the waters: especially for the first season of Angel, some reactors watch the entire season but only post reactions to the strongest episodes. (You can ask for suggestions from patrons or rely on your trusted advisors/mods.) That can help appease some viewers who really hate Angel, and also keep your YouTube views up as there are a few episodes in that first season that many will skip. Honestly, though, it really is impossible to please everyone. Please try to ignore the most abrasive voices, and remember that passions run high because we really love the Buffyverse, and experiencing it with you.

Superplin

I say do what ever you want Juliette. either way some people won't be happy. The people who like your reactions for you will accept what ever you choose :)

Michael Short

While I wouldn't be upset if you skipped Angel, I think you would be missing out if you skipped it.

Michael Short

I can see you point for sure! The reactors are just doing what everyone else does. Heck, I'm already doing something different by watching the remaster. Why not be even more different by alternating πŸ˜… I am nothing if not unique haha. Thank you so much for your feedback. It helps a lot πŸ’œ

Juliette Gaming

Thank you, James! I appreciate your feedback. Maybe alternating is the way to go as most seem to prefer that. We can always change if it doesn't work out 😊

Juliette Gaming

Thank you πŸ’œ it is pretty stressful as I didn't know it would be such a heated topic! But you are right... we are watching two great shows with our beloved characters. Really, what can be bad about that πŸ₯° you are exactly right, if I try one way and it doesn't work for me or you guys, then we can always switch it up! Thank you. I really appreciate your kind words and for making me feel calmer!

Juliette Gaming

I think maybe this might be the way to go. I can at least try with alternating and see how that goes. I'm not going to please everyone so it's a pretty stressful decision! The only thing I can think of is that the episodes were aired alternately, which is how a lot of the original viewers would have seen them. Most people seem to want me to alternate so.... maybe that's the way! I personally would prefer that, I think. Thank you, Neil πŸ’œ

Juliette Gaming

If I skip Angel, I think a lot of people would be upset. I'm sorry, Matthew πŸ˜”

Juliette Gaming

I think you can win, you get to watch and enjoy two amazing shows. That sounds like a win to me. Broadcast order or guide order are two valid ways to watch the shows. When the reactor guide groups episodes together there is logic behind the decision (as explained in the text), but I don't see a bad choice here. Don't allow this to cause stress, and remember that whatever you choose you can switch later.

Texas

Personally I hate this and I hate when every reactor does it. Angel isn't as good in my opinion and now Buffy reactions will be cut in half. I hate when people do that. Especially since Angel is only good for two seasons before its garbage.

Matthew Bailey

That's a generalization. Some Buffy fans like me tolerate Angel but hate when people get to this point because it means their reactions will be cut in half to react to what I feel is an inferior show that is only good for two seasons before going down the drain. I kind of hate Angel.

Matthew Bailey

I can see from other comments here that opinion is divided so just go with what you feel is best. For what it's worth, the shows were broadcast in an alternating pattern, with none of this 7 Angel episodes in a row business, so perhaps that's the best way? I'm not enough of a super-fan to really know though, sorry.

Neil Hanson

I too would prefer to alternate episodes. I’m old school though, having only watched the shows when they aired, I’m not sure what’s wrong with that order. Full disclaimer: I haven’t looked at this watchlist to work out what’s so special about grouping so many episodes together.

James Hadden

Roy, that seems like it was kind of rude to Rhi, and perhaps to the rest of us who have likewise expressed a valid opinion. But you do you. As of right now, there are literally twice as many people who have expressed a preference for alternating. So it seems like the nays have it for the moment, but we'll respect whatever Juliette's choice is. It's just a preference. I will also say that perhaps those aren't the best examples to use, as two of those three reactors have bailed (and their channels are defunct), and I'm fairly sure Sofi has faked some of her reactions. Most of the reactors outright state that why they're using the guide is because they didn't know what else to do; it's not a preference for them. They're going in blind, and are scared they're going to miss something, because an arbitrary watch guide exists, and other reactors appear to be using it. As I said, the reactors are just copying other reactors, because they don't know what else to do.

Will Sofer

Dude I'm not a "naysayer" I'm giving an opinion, which is just as valid as yours

x_Rhi_x

Do what all other reactors do which is the slayer guide. There will always be naysayers like above but every single reactor did the guide (sofi, van, Riley, etc.)

Roy Ben-Ami

Thank you for your honesty! I didn't realise there were so many of one series in a row, to be honest... I know I'm going to make people upset with either choice. I guess alternating would be the least disruptive BUT I know a lot of people prefer the guide, too. I really can't win πŸ˜…

Juliette Gaming

I didn't realise it was that many in a row 😳 I thought at most it would be 2. The opinions here are divided which really makes it hard for me to know what to do next πŸ˜” thank you, Rhi πŸ’œ

Juliette Gaming

Honestly, while I still like Angel, particularly certain episodes, I much prefer Buffy. Especially when watching reactions. I skip most of Angel on rewatch. If she goes with the guide, and I mean no offense to anyone, I'll be unsubscribing. I'm not paying for seven Angel episodes in a row. That's sort of ridiculous. That being said, I enjoy Juliette's reactions, and I'll just become a patron later, when she has a few more seasons under her belt.

Will Sofer

I guess we found the one above lol but trust me, the vast vast majority are in for the whole ride so don't worry.

Roy Ben-Ami

Yep, I'm one of them. but it's all good, you can't expect someone to go through the entire Buffy series and not do Angel when it starts. I did enjoy Angel when it was on TV, it just has absolutely no re-watchability for me.

The_Dave_Abides

Asmo0, that's only when it gets to season 6 of Buffy. And it's not complicated: you just start with Angel during that season. It all syncs up. There are no hiccups, or points where you need to get ahead, or anything like that. I'm not sure where you got that from. It's literally just that Angel aired first, and then Buffy second, starting with season 6 of Buffy (due to the network change). It's still perfectly aligned when alternating.

Will Sofer

There aren't multiple versions in the strictest sense, but I suspect EU DVDs will have the standard PAL vs NTSC issue where the EU version runs 4.2% faster. I just realized that I'm probably find then, as I bought those DVDs from the US :D

Asmo0

Sweeping assumption and actually not true. I know buffy fans who don't like angel

x_Rhi_x

I guess I could chime in that I personally prefer alternating, and that's what I would recommend, but the guide is likely the path of least resistance. You could always make a poll. Both options are good. Just have to be a little careful with alternating, there are a couple of points where one has to flip the order, or even get a couple of episode ahead on one show.

Asmo0

My preference is alternate. If you look at the guide, for example at the end of 5/2, you have 7 angel episodes in a row. For people who much prefer buffy that's quite a gap. But go with what's best for you xx

x_Rhi_x

That offers a LOT of relief, thank you! I was a bit worried that a few people really wouldn't want Angel. PHEW! I feel better now πŸ’œ

Juliette Gaming

That is a good point! I'm watching it on Disney Plus but I am also not sure if there are multiple versions of Angel as there are Buffy. I would have to imagine that a few people only want Buffy, but I really can't please everyone as much as I'd like to be able to. Thank you so much for your help πŸ’œ

Juliette Gaming

Use the guide like all the other reactors. That's the best order. And don't worry about people just wanting Buffy. There isn't a single Buffy fan who doesn't also like Angel.

Roy Ben-Ami

That's actually a good point. I thought at most it was 2 episodes in a row of one show, but looking down further, there are up to 4 episodes in a row, multiple times. I really don't mind which way I watch it, but that could explain why more recent reactions to Buffy/Angel are alternating if there were complaints about the guide!

Juliette Gaming

It's unfortunate, but there's always a little bit of division when a reactor reaches this point. Some people make a poll and the Slayalive reactors guide you linked usually/always wins by a lot, but there's a vocal minority that only wants Buffy. Can't please everyone, and the guide is probably the way to go. Looking forward to the show, hope you like it. I must admit I'm not sure where to watch the show. I have my DVDs, but I'm not sure if it's as bad to try to sync as Buffy is/was, and my cheap usb-CDROM player occasionally stalls. Buffy remastered is a bit easier to find.

Asmo0

I would suggest just alternating. That's how it was intended to be watched: in the order in which it aired. Buffy is always first, until season 6 of Buffy; then it's Angel first. The original "watch guide" was created when this was only out on DVD, to avoid switching DVDs constantly. One reactor (Liam Duke) found it online, and used it. He got a lot of flak for it, due to how Angel-heavy it is (the creator of the list loves Angel_, and the creator of the "SlayAlive Guide" created what he thought was a more "reactor-friendly" version, which is better, though it still has some of the same issues. Basically every reactor just started copying Liam, though most used the latter version. I would suggest checking the list; if a reactor releases one episode a week, there are at least two times where it's a solid month of one show. Honestly, these guides are something of a pain, and unnecessary. It's literally just one guy's preferred watch order. I would say just watch the show as the writers and creators intended it to be watched. Buffy and then Angel, then repeat. But it's up to you.

Will Sofer


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