Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reaction 6x20
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Hello All!
Well...I watched it guys. I didn't feel an overwhelming sigh of relief sadly but I did get through it. I'm not fond of seeing Willow this way, I wanna see her with confidence but not dead behind the eyes. Glad Warren is no more but HOLY what a way to go. Poor Dawn suffering another loss so young. I just dunno where this is gonna go now...
Hope you enjoy the reaction folks. Have a lovely week everyone! Thank you for the constant love & support!
Much love
Dakara x
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Comments
I 100% encourage you to be honest, and I appreciate it. That said, I totally disagree about easing off the darkness while getting the same points across. Something that bugged me about 99% of TV shows growing up was that nothing ever really changed, and nothing truly bad ever really happened, and all you ever got was boring, predictable happy endings. In life, unfair things happen all the time. People who deserve happiness can get fucked over, and people like Warren can grow to be 90 years old with a nice, cozy life. It fucking sucks, but it happens, and I love seeing a show that isn't afraid to do things that are unfair, and that piss off the fans, rather than sterilizing everything just to make people happy. In Buffy, no one is safe, and you can never get comfortable, and it's a show that hurts you, no matter how much you love it. Those are horrible traits to have as a person (and if you have someone like that in your life...RUN!!!), but those are amazing traits to have in a show, and I will always celebrate shows that aren't afraid to go there!
Dustin A Shanafelter
2024-03-16 16:12:05 +0000 UTCNothing states that he got to Africa and completed the trials in the same time frame as dark willow arc. It could have been days after or weeks
Christopher simeon
2023-10-19 05:22:47 +0000 UTCThe part that has always particularly bothered me about Tara’s death is that the plot line moves on from it so quickly. In comparison - in S5, Joyce’s death at the end of “I was made to love you”, parallels pretty well with Tara’s death at the end of “Seeing Red”. But in Joyce’s case, we then get all of “The Body” to deal with the immediate aftermath of her death, and then “Forever” to explore the grieving process for the other characters. But in S6, after Tara dies we are plunged immediately into the action of Buffy nearly dying and then Willow’s vengeance mission. So, aside from Dawn, mostly off-camera, we see none of these characters allowed to properly grieve for Tara in the aftermath of her death. I don’t really think the plot needed another Buffy near-death experience at this point. If I was doing a rewrite, I would have had Warren miss shooting Buffy completely, and Xander and Buffy find out about Tara immediately, so that the focus of the episode could have been solely about Tara’s death and what it does to Willow. Just a bit of a pause in the action to offer some respect to a beloved character and perspective about what it means for the others - particularly Willow - to lose her. I kind of think it could have been an interesting thing to watch Willow try to use magic immediately, the magic fail to bring Tara back, and then have her forced to go through the motions and do the expected things like plan and attend a funeral, but then afterward to deliberately choose to go back to the magic as a means of taking revenge on Warren. It would add a layer of complexity to me if it wasn’t something that happened immediately due to her trauma and rage. She could have gone down the same path on purpose rather than being pushed over the edge of the cliff in the moment of Tara’s death. I think it would have been even more disturbing and conflicting to watch that scene in the woods if Willow had thought through, planned and made the conscious choice to do what she did, even after she had had some time to process a bit, or to consider what Tara might have wanted her to do - namely, not to start abusing magic again. Don’t worry at all that these last two episodes have been tough to enjoy - this part of Season 6 is sort of the dark night of the soul for BTVS fans, and it was like that for all of us the first time we watched these episodes. Always appreciate how thoughtfully you discuss the episodes, even when they’re not the most fun to watch.
Leijette Riopel
2023-08-21 07:39:08 +0000 UTCEveryone has done a great job in all the comments, so I won't rehash any of it, but I want to reiterate what Cameron Hayes pointed out in that throughout this season Dark Willow was hinted at. In fact, I remarked about it in each episode when it happened and if I remember correctly there were 8 episodes total. However, the first hint to me was in 5x19 when Tara got attacked and I commented, ''It hurt when Tara got attacked, but I loved Wil seeing red and becoming Dark Willow.'' The comments on Buffy this season and that ep in 5, plus that one comment on Cobra Kai, are the only times I'm doing any of the subliminal stuff, I promise. ✋ Sorry that you haven't been enjoying these last two, but it's completely understandable. And don't ever feel you need to please your audience by not reacting honestly. We're here for your reaction, not ours. Thanks Dak.
Brian Dworak
2023-08-19 05:21:08 +0000 UTCI went back and counted, it was 5-6 times. I only say that because two shots were so close together that I'm not 100% on 6 shots. Honestly, I'm surprised Xander didn't get hit as only the last shot was shot wildly up in the air.
Brian Dworak
2023-08-19 04:09:06 +0000 UTC(As an aside, Warren is a good example of what the folks at TV Tropes call "Cut Lex Luthor a Check." His ability to create incredibly sophisticated robots on what is seemingly a modest budget could probably earn him hundreds of millions of dollars through perfectly legitimate means, and since enormous wealth seems to be his biggest goal, he could have it in spades and with no need to fear the police OR the Slayer, and probably with plenty of fame and even women to go along with it. But it's probably too late, with him being dead and skinless. Well, hindsight is 20/20.)
Koz
2023-08-18 13:42:24 +0000 UTCI really appreciate the honesty you have on display. I wasn't worried that you wouldn't finish the show. But the fact that you are being up front about how negative the experience of the past couple episodes has been for you is exactly what a meaningful reaction discussion should be. This is one of several reasons you have become one of my favorites.
Koz
2023-08-18 13:29:49 +0000 UTCYour comment on willow not looking or sounding like herself is exactly what they were going for. The red hair colorful clothes quiet way of speaking are all the most known willow traits. She has completely thrown away those parts.
Christopher simeon
2023-08-18 13:07:30 +0000 UTCSeason 6 is meant to be sad and depressing, I don't think anybody can be upset when somebody doesn't find it an enjoyable experience.
Alan Pownall
2023-08-18 10:30:14 +0000 UTCSo Dakara, you're somewhere between denial, anger, and numbness. You don't feel like your normal self watching the show. That's all perfectly fair. But one could even go so far as to say that the show, on a meta level, is doing a great job of getting you to empathize with how Willow is processing things at the moment. Willow is angry, numb, and not herself too. It's all part of the journey. No one should be upset at you for how you're currently feeling. It's all part of the wild ride that is Buffy.
rattusprat
2023-08-18 06:08:40 +0000 UTCOf course, this is just my opinion - but the biggest blunder this show ever did comes later in season 7 for me. While I hate Tara dying & it devastated me when I watched it & it was cruel how they did it (them getting back together, being so happy, & Amber being in the credits for the first time), it was an understable & believable trigger for Willow to go off the wagon (& possibly the "price" or consequence for the Buffy resurrection spell indirectly?)
TheEmpurpler
2023-08-18 04:39:21 +0000 UTCJust to let you know Dakara, Warren shot the gun at least twice. He shot at Buffy. And he also shot up in the air as he was turning to run away.
Valene
2023-08-18 03:19:48 +0000 UTCI hate Tara's death, and it's only mildly less hurtful with the distance of 20 years. I feel like I remember Joss saying in an interview that he didn't know about the Bury Your Gays trope, or the trope of a lesbian who goes off the rails because of the loss of her partner. That may be true, but as a young woman coming to terms with her own sexuality, the loss of the first positive queer couple I had seen on TV was devastating. Joss loves fucking with his audience, and this time was particularly awful for me. Having said all that, I think Aly is freaking amazing as Dark Willow, and this arc gives her the chance to do something really different. I agree with the other commenters who suggested watching the last two episodes together. They really flow as one story. Sending you hugs and reassurances that you will survive the end of season 6. ❤️
stacia c
2023-08-18 03:03:14 +0000 UTCI'm at least semi-crazy. :-) I can't say that I "love" S6--as noted above, I don't particularly love *any* of the post-high school years--but S6 is the one season from that period that I most... ... well, even saying "most enjoy" feels not quite right. It's the season in that period that I find the most interesting, and the most compelling.
AlyAdmirer
2023-08-18 02:16:48 +0000 UTCCan you explain the turning the corner?lol cause 20 years on for me just further cemented my distaste
Kate
2023-08-18 00:37:03 +0000 UTCI was extremely sad and upset the first time I got to this point. But I also think it's one of the things that takes the whole series from being a really really good show, to being the best show. It's so much different that any thing else. Goes further than most shows are willing to. I get some people don't like that. A lot of people don't. So I wanted to share my view to the contrary for balance.
Captain Hammer
2023-08-17 23:39:03 +0000 UTCAgreed. I think if the fans wrote this series everyone would be happy all the time and it wouldn't be interesting and no one would watch it. It's the big things that make the catalysts for an interesting story. No risk of main characters dying is not good either.
Captain Hammer
2023-08-17 23:34:00 +0000 UTCThis is a massive spoiler why would you post this? It's about a season Dakara hasn't even started.
Collinson
2023-08-17 22:39:40 +0000 UTCI'm not sure it's they wanted a more adult audience than the fanbase had grown with the show and the audience like the characters grew from teens to adults so the content became more adult.
Collinson
2023-08-17 22:36:37 +0000 UTCHi Dak - I don't typically comment on your Buffy/Angel reactions (though I do watch them all), since you already get a bunch of peoples' opinions, but I do want to just encourage you to keep being honest in your reactions. Even when they may be negative. Honesty is what brings us here. I don't share your feelings on these past 2 episodes, but then I have 20 years of distance and several re-watches between my first viewing and now, and I've come to appreciate the overarching story and themes. Despite hating losing Tara, which will never really get easier. Still looking forward to the next one.
Neil Silverman
2023-08-17 21:46:20 +0000 UTCThe nature of "Bury your Gays" is like the Bechdel Test. It's not something you can use to judge an individual work. It just highlights a trend in media. So the individual works might be excellent representation and have very good story and character reasons to kill off a character. But when *every* single gay relationship ends the same way, it doesn't really matter why each individual one makes that choice. That said, I agree that this was not an anti-LGBT story choice or show, in general. Tara's death didn't really have anything to do with her sexual orientation. And you can't even really put her into the Women in Refrigerators trope because she was a fully fleshed out character in her own right. Yes, her death is what pushes Willow over the edge, but that was not her only purpose on the show. It's just a really sad thing that happens on a show where a lot of really sad things happen.
R. Chang
2023-08-17 21:04:40 +0000 UTCI binge-watched this back in the day so I didn't have chance to have this kind of reaction at the time. I think I ended up being able to see the season as a whole story, and this is just one tragic part of it. It works better like that. Nearly there!
Neil Bullock
2023-08-17 21:03:24 +0000 UTCYou've got to be honest about your reactions or what's the point. No one wants a fake reaction. Buffy writers like to snatch pain from the jaws of victory. I remember a certain Librarian and teacher who were about to get back together until the writers killed one off the night they were to reunite. I think the writers wanted to make the audience angry and side with Willow but did a little bit too good of a job. It's a tough one and conflicting for me as I love Tara but I don't see a way for a true dark Willow storyline with Tara alive as Tara would always bring her back quickly before the storyline really went anywhere. It's also kind of crazy as when Tara first joined the fandom were very angry as they loved Oz so much. Then they fell in love with her so much that her death literally had people rage quit the show.
Collinson
2023-08-17 20:47:07 +0000 UTCOf course, the real question in this episode is how did Spike get all the way to Africa so quickly?
PaulC
2023-08-17 20:47:04 +0000 UTCI totally get the emotional journey you have to go through processing this, I did the same thing the first time I watched this, and honestly the second and third (and so on) time as well. I was SO mad and in some way still am all these years later haha. But in a weird way it kind of makes me happy (not that you are hurting of course) watching reactors getting this way over Taras death because that means you guys really liked her and cared for her character in the same way I do and the way she deserves in my opinion. She is my second favorite in the whole show and this honestly crushed me, and I share so many of the thoughts you have expressed (including about the damn thrope as a lesbian my self). That said, as someone that works with storytelling I'm also kind of impressed, I love shows that dare to kill off our favorite characters, and making our hearts literally ache, cause in the end storytelling is about making the audience feel. And oh boy do this bring forth ALL the emotions. In my opinion this is what makes TV worth it and interesting, and without it, it can get kind of boring. It also makes for such a good discussion among the fans and touch upon so many issues we face in real life society. And that it was storytelling is all about. Also we get to explore a different kind of grieving than earlier in the show, which again I (at least) find interesting, especially since Willows rage seems to mirror a lot of the rage in the audience (at least of what I have seen from different reactors). This is just me kind of trying to shine some light on the "positive" in all of this, but of course its heartbreaking losing such a great hero as Tara.<3 And I don't know if this helps to hear but Marti have expressed some regret regarding Tara's death if I'm not mistaken. As someone who was totally broken over this first time watching I'm just trying to mention some small pieces of things that might help on the going forward with the show. This show is a masterpiece because it makes us feel all the feels, so deeply too,(also mad) and that is good storytelling.
Saga
2023-08-17 20:46:42 +0000 UTCWhile I don't agree with regard to seasons 4-6, I've always struggled to enjoy season 7 and it's where I also tend to drop out with some reactors over on YouTube. Dak's reactions will be the first time I watch it in full for almost 20 years so I'm hoping I can appreciate it more for what it is and not dwell too much on the negatives.
PaulC
2023-08-17 20:43:53 +0000 UTCIt's unfortunate that this is a de facto example of the bury your gays trope, but I don't feel like that was the intention here (though I guess you could argue that the intention doesn't have to be conscious). I feel like if things had gone differently and Oz was still around, it would have been him. They've been hinting at Willow maybe going over the edge with magics for years.
Pajander
2023-08-17 20:41:30 +0000 UTCI guess I'm part of the minority that doesn't have much of an issue with the previous episode. Yes, the bathroom scene is unpleasant and uncomfortable to watch (obviously it's meant to be), but to me it's always felt like a necessary step in Spike's journey, the catalyst for where his character goes next. Likewise with Tara's death. It sucks that she was killed off, but I just don't see the Dark Willow storyline happening any other way, at least not in a way that would seem believable. It's a thrilling finale and the payoff to a story arc that's been brewing over several seasons.
PaulC
2023-08-17 20:35:05 +0000 UTCThe whole of S6 story arc really has led up to this point. Writers wanted to explore the darker tone of adulthood and cover metaphors for unhealthy love, grief, and addiction. Moving the show on from its teen audience who had also reached adulthood with the show. Dark Willow was teased throughout this season on rewatch. I remember when this originally aired in 2002 thinking there was more to this than just three nerds being a nuisance - I kinda knew that they would eventually cross the line and go too far but what I didn't see coming at the time was the rise of Dark Willow it was such a big deal and I really enjoyed it. Alyson Hannigan nailed this transformation, for me personally Willow has the best character development in this whole show. Buckle yourself in for the last 2 episodes, they are WILD and I'd recommend watching them back-to-back as it originally aired as a 2 hour special.
Cambo
2023-08-17 20:14:38 +0000 UTCI'm not saying that they did this perfectly or anything, but we like stories and fiction because we like to feel things and in my opinion anger is as valid an emotion as any other a TV show could try to elicit. This show can at different times make you happy, sad, anxious, scared or angry af, and rarely is it something that wasn't their intention. For me Tara's death is teetering right on the edge of being either powerful or kinda just cheap writing and shock value. The Joyce storyline was perfect and this one's not quite on that level.
Pajander
2023-08-17 19:57:03 +0000 UTCI'm one of the crazy people that love season 6. Just keep going. I think the season finale is amazing and really like where they go. I'm trying to think if watch 19-22 all in a row would be better so you don't sit in the anger and sadness or if that's better. Either way I love your reactions and can't wait for the next 2 episodes and see your reaction to how this season ends.
Corey
2023-08-17 19:30:55 +0000 UTCIt's tough to watch. I was fuming about Tara's death. But the Dark Willow storyline was very compelling for me - I won't say enjoyable but I do appreciate it for what it is. When Willow said 'Bored Now'. instant vamp willow flashbacks for me...
Sharon Owen
2023-08-17 19:28:06 +0000 UTCIt’s interesting, for me, season 6 was generally a poor season. But it’s these last few episodes that redeem it for me.
Paul Thomas-Humphreys
2023-08-17 19:22:47 +0000 UTCDakara, you are absolutely right. We can understand that the show wanted to explore the Dark Willow storyline. But to have Tara as the price to do it was inexcusable. This is the biggest blunder this show ever did. My advice is to just try to block that out, because the show will be back on track, I promise. After you have finished this season, maybe it might be a good idea to watch how other reactors have processed this.
Jontor11
2023-08-17 19:06:26 +0000 UTCI'm with you on this season's last few episodes. I couldn't accept Tara being gone forever especially after they brought Buffy back so many times. But they learned that can be an awful thing to do to someone as well. One thing I've learned about Joss Wheadon's creations is that if your favorite characters are really happy, you better brace yourself. He never lets them stay that way for long.
Krisan Seeley
2023-08-17 18:59:49 +0000 UTCAlways nice to come across someone who loves Season 7 as much as I do. Better in fact, since for me it's a close second to 5. One way they could have had Willow embrace her darkness is in order to save Buffy or Tara. I'd have been a lot more okay with Tara's death if Willow had had only enough power to choose between saving Buffy and saving Tara, and had chosen Buffy. As it is it feels cheaper, a less hopeful worldview. It would also have worked for me if Willow had gone off the wagon to save Tara and Tara had then left her due to not being okay with Willow killing someone.
Ed Green
2023-08-17 18:21:26 +0000 UTCstick with it Dakara, season six is a strange one but season 7 its back to its best.
entrancedlife
2023-08-17 18:17:41 +0000 UTCI put the link for the article below but there is a (small) spoiler in the article --- Caveat emptor Quoted from the article: Benson had previously revealed that her choosing not to return was due to scheduling conflicts with her other engagements. https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a39491448/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-amber-benson-no-return-reason/
Jon Freezin-Rain
2023-08-17 18:06:39 +0000 UTCYour feelings of anger are perfectly valid--I felt much the same way watching live in 2002. Now, I never shy away from the fact that I am something of an outlier in the BUFFY fandom, in that for me there is a *significant* drop off in quality for the show after S3. Once the show lost the "high school as hell" metaphor... it created a void in the formula that personally I never thought it ever successfully managed to fill. (There's no similarly universal college experience, and obviously there's no such thing as a universal post-college life.) It was still nice to check in on the characters I'd come to love, but the story lost a lot of resonance with me. But perhaps the thing I enjoyed most about S4-6 was Tara, and the Willow/Tara relationship. So yeah, between that (and Willow being my favorite character from Day One) these last two episodes were tough. The credits thing is a touchy subject for fans--I do know that Amber never *wanted* to be in the credits. Appearing in the credits would have obligated her to certain number of appearances in a season--a significantly high one--and she wanted the freedom to do other projects while also working on BUFFY. As you say, she was present, even though her name wasn't. It's hard to really discuss the issues now, because we're clearly in the "beginning of the end" when it comes to the season, and obviously spoilers. But you're perfectly within your rights to feel the anger that you do, and I appreciate your honesty. But, in light of your expressing some measure of concern about people sticking with you... like I said, for me, the last 4 years of the show never reach the sustained heights of the first 3. And, being completely honest, my absolute least favorite season is S7. Now, it's my least favorite season on its own merits, not because of anything to do with S6, but it's the season I've re-watched the least over the years. (Honestly, it has the one episode I missed live, and never got around to watching until... 2018 or so, I think.) Usually, with reactors, I check out after... well, usually after 7x01, because I like 7x01. But even before 6x19, I'd make the decision to stick with you through S7, to see if the intervening 20 years have done anything to make it more enjoyable viewing experience for me.
AlyAdmirer
2023-08-17 17:49:26 +0000 UTCI remember I was pissed off when they killed Tara. I'm always of two minds about this part of the story. Part of me feels like they could have explored Dark Willow in alternative way, though I also aknowledge that nothing would push Willow over the edge like this. And as you said that the fact that they gave her this happy reunion right before just makes it hurt more. About leaving Tara there for Dawn, obviously Buffy and Xander didn't know, and Willow was already of the wagon. And that scene, where Dawn says, "I didn't wanna leave her". That scene always breaks me. Also a note, the bullet didnt go through Buffy into Willows room. Warren shot twice, one hit Buffy, one fired wildly while he ran away. Warren got what he deserved, and I cheered. I do hate that guy. Then the part with leaving Dawn with spike, again, mixed emotions. All i think is, with the limited time Buffy had, she just had to make a choice. I think Buffy was scared Willow might hurt Dawn somehow if she's there. These last episodes are definitely rough, and i get not fully enjoying them, but your honest reactions are still enjoyable to watch. if thats the right word. All I'll say is, I do think time heals all wounds and it being recent makes it worse (not that killing Tara is ever ok). And season 7 is probably tied for my favourite season with season 5. So i'm biased, but i do think itt'l be enjoyable.
Bart Aansorgh
2023-08-17 17:38:37 +0000 UTCOk so it was a while sense I saw 6x19 before I saw 6x20 so my reaction is a little more muted but the same. This is drama Buffy, there’s very little humor in this episode. And while I think the show can get away with it for one episode or so, I think the nature of the show needs to have a little levity. Break up the sadness and the action and give us something to smile about. But that’s just my thought.
Nathanael Myer
2023-08-17 17:34:45 +0000 UTCNever apologize for having an honest reaction. That's the whole point. Honestly, it is one that is shared by many people. I happen to like this storyline, even though I loved Tara, but I also have the benefit of 20 years of distance from when I first saw it. I do think that you'll turn the corner on this one, but even if you don't, there's no reason to feel bad about it. Also, I think that you're right - it was deliberately cruel. It was apparently something that Whedon had wanted to do for a long time - add someone to the opening credits and then kill them off in the same episode - just to fuck with the audience. And, as I said, with 20 years of distance, I can see that it's kind of a clever subversion of expectations and tropes, but at the time, it just felt cruel.
R. Chang
2023-08-17 17:26:16 +0000 UTCtbh MANY of us felt this way after 6x19. They really pulled the rug out from under the fans in many ways; the inclusion of Amber Benson in the title sequence was a cruel joke on us, and to be frank, on her. The events of 6x19 made me feel like they had betrayed their audience a at the time too--remember, this was a teen show that dealt with age appropriate issues like losing your virginity and college woes, until moving to UPN. They wanted a more adult audience and well, they took a very dark path to get there. Honestly, take a break if you need to.
Kate
2023-08-17 17:05:21 +0000 UTC
