Buffy the Vampire Slayer - 6x07 “Once More, with Feeling” FULL REACTION

Watching this one again because I have some time to kill, but I forgot a few other things in my previous comment. It's funny you made the Disney comment, because I think Tara's dress in the scene where she sings to Willow was meant to be a joke referring to Disney musicals. She was dressed like a Disney princess. The comment was even funnier considering the naughty sexual implications in the song, since Disney movies are kids' films. LOL And the other thing was your comment on The Flash musical episode. It's always interesting when people watch musical episodes on shows like that when they don't know where it stems from. Shows like The Flash are able to do episodes like that because of this episode of Buffy. They're capitalizing specifically on the success of this one. Otherwise there is no way shows like that would ever think it could work. I'm pretty sure this episode is also responsible for the existence of Glee. I always thought Xena was the second show to do one of these, spinning off of this one. Apparently, Xena did it first, but Buffy was the second one to do it. It's interesting realizing that, because it makes the Xena reference I mentioned in my precious comment makes even more sense. It was a reference to, at the time, the only other show that had done an episode like this. This show, in my opinion, did it a lot better. And I agree with others on this one, we totally need a drunk rewatch of this masterpiece. :D

Raven Dark

Liam needs to do a drunk reaction to this episode! Now he knows the words he'll be able to sing along!

Sharon Owen

So, I'm not sure if anyone else mentioned this, and there's too many comments to go through on my slow computer to check, so if a lot of people already have, I apologize. But there is a reference to another show in this ep, an Easter egg, if you will. During the scene in the magic shop where they're trying to figure out what's making everyone burst into song, Xander says, "Merciful Zeus." This is an homage paid to Xena, Warrior Princess, a hugely popular show, which aired right after Buffy and Angel every week at the time this show ran. At the time, there was a lineup for the night it was on which went as follows: Buffy first, then Angel, then Hercules and The Legendary Journeys, and finally, Xena. Hercules started its run first, and then Xena was its spinoff. Xena was to Hercules what Angel was to Buffy, taking place in the same universe, with many of the same characters, Both were set in the time of Greek gods, and often had crossovers, much as Angel and Buffy did. "Merciful Zeus," is a line spoken by Gabriel, Xena's best friend and sidekick. There is a second, earlier Xena reference in Buffy, in The Body. When Willow is trying to figure out what to wear before Anya's gut-wrenching speech about Joyce, and Tara is trying to give Willow strength, Willow says, "Strong, strong like an Amazon." The Amazons were a huge part of both show's storylines, but particularly in Xena. Both references were used when they were because Hercules and Xena aired right after Buffy and Angel, and the crossover between the fandoms was massive, so the producers knew that nearly everyone who watched Buffy would get it. Oh! I always forget, there is a third more obvious reference. In Halloween, when Buffy is dressed as the eighteenth century girl and unable to help anyone, Willow makes a comment, "She couldn't have dressed up like Xena?" LOL That's why the reference was there, because Xena was in the television lineup at the time.

Raven Dark

Or Lindsay.

Scott Rabie

Great reaction! I don't know if you noticed, but in addition to times when Buffy made morbid jokes, there 2 moments in songs - first when she starts to sing during "I've got a theory" without any care in mind, and Giles looks concerned because ti isn't right. Samw with Buffy singing the second verse in "Something to sing about"

Vladimir Riga

I tried to read through all these comments and give them all a heart, but I got tired... lol.

UTU49

It was worth the money..... now how do I get your cord of dis?

Dontrell Durant

Missed opportunity: Angel and Wesley as the backup dancers to Tara's initial "Under your Spell".

David Boyd

You're gonna get a billion comments on this. 1) I slept thru 15 alarms this morning turning each of them off. IF ONLY I'd seen the vid on Youtube alerting me your reaction to this episode was up 😃 *immediate song and dance* 2) as tempting as it is to declare this my favorite fun episode..honestly, can we say it's good given the huge flaw in it? IT DOESN'T HAVE ANGEL. THE REAL SINGING STAR OF THE BUFFYVERSE. 4/10 Waiting for an ultimate anniversary edition with David Boreanaz redubbing everyone's parts 💗💗

Pate

I do that, too! LOL

Miz Mons

Imagine if Lorne had been in this episode.

Steve Quast

Usually it's the nice guys who become alcoholic or turn into drugs. They get treated badly in life, people take advantage of them as they are too trusting and naive because they think that other people are like them. And they suffer more from the bad things going on this world.

Jussi Vatanen

Thank you! What a wonderful reaction and review. I'm sorry some people think you live for them. That's not cool. Most of us understand you have a life lol. I appreciate all that you do. THANKS.

Grace

The easter egg line that Buffy says of "So, Dawn's in trouble? Must be Tuesday." is a self aware reference to the fact that Buffy aired on Tuesdays and Dawn was frequently in trouble.

David Boyd

If you follow Nicholas Brendon on facebook, you're occasionally treated to live snippets of his meet and greets where he live commentates on Xander centric episodes. This episode is a favorite of his as he sings along with his parts. He also takes people on a tour of the building exteriors and outdoor spaces that doubled as Sunnydale locations in Buffy, like the building that doubled for the exterior of the Sunnydale High School. Not sure he goes live on those anymore, but I believe the videos are still on his page. It's unfortunate that his life effectively mirrors his character's lyric of concern "if I'm never quite that successful". He turned to alcohol abuse, impulsive behavior, trashing hotel rooms, and blowing off convention appearances the day of because he was hungover or in jail as a way of dealing with life. So, the man you see on tour these days looks nothing like he did on the show. He is still incredibly grateful, patient, and warm with his Xander fans. Had the pleasure of meeting Nicholas Brendon and his twin brother at a local convention before the worst of it. He was an incredibly nice guy. At that point he still looked and sounded a lot like Xander. He is purportedly doing better these days since admitting to being an alcoholic. Some of my fellow Buffy loving friends are convinced that the people surrounding him are still enabling him instead of getting him the help he really needs. So sad. So really, really sad for him.

David Boyd

"To do this type of episode justice, it really demands a second note taking viewing following the initial reaction to it." Agreed. For one thing, the lyrics are jam-packed with jokes, references, and double meanings.

UTU49

I absolutely love this episode. Their are so many amazing details you can easily pick up on throughout. Like, when they sing, "it will end on a kiss, God knows." I didn't pick up on that until viewing two. It is just fantastic from beginning to end. I'm glad you enjoyed it too. An amazing episode. I'm looking forward too to all your future reactions.

Angela Colon

Huh, I've always heard the line as "She doesn't know what pleases." I'll have to listen to it again. Also, my impression of "tight embrace" was that he was catching himself before he listed what body part of hers he was fixated on.

David Boyd

I don't recall having a strong opinion after my initial viewing of this episode. It completely fit within the context of the series, it advanced the plot so it didn't feel like a wasted opportunity, and it was on par for the excellent storytelling that I had come to expect from Joss. Only upon listening to the DVD commentary, watching the behind the scenes DVD featurette, and watching the episode a few more times did I come to realize how incredibly special this episode was. But I had a problem, I couldn't admit to loving it either internally or externally. 1) As an incredibly shy and introverted person, you always feel like people are going to judge you by what you like and you're afraid of being mocked, made fun of, laughed at, and/or humiliated in front of your peers if you choose interests outside the perceived "normal" ones. 2) At the time, musicals held a certain stigma for me. I was operating under the belief that it was only acceptable to really truly love musicals if you were a theater major or gay. It was only after making the majority of my friends in my adult years around another Whedonverse show called "Firefly" that I was exposed to group watches with singalongs of this episode. I learned that loving musicals wasn't as abnormal as I had once thought and that theater majors and gay people don't hold a monopoly on loving musicals. Today, I can freely admit that I absolutely love this episode, it's definitely one of my most favorite Buffy episodes. And with the advent of the reactor "genre?", I always love seeing reactions to this episode. I was particularly excited when you made it to season 6 as I knew it would to be coming up shortly. I was probably a little too hyped for your reaction to this episode, but I enjoyed it very much in spite of that. I like that you weren't spoiled on the musical aspect. Your initial confusion on the format: "Is this another silent episode?" followed by your rejection of the musical format: "Fuck off, it's a musical." followed by your surprised acceptance: "I didn't know I wanted this." followed ultimately by utter awe and respect for the episode: "I promise I'll learn the words." was awesome. After "Dr. Horrible" reaction I wasn't expecting you'd reject the musical format of this ep. Your review was a little less organized than usual, but totally understand that you got lost in experiencing the episode and taking notes was no longer a priority. To do this type of episode justice, it really demands a second note taking viewing following the initial reaction to it. That way you get to fully enjoy every second of it for yourself and come away with a complete set of notes for the review. Totally get that you couldn't support the extra time commitment. Would love to see you do a singalong rewatch, react to Joss's DVD commentary track, and react to the Behind The Scenes DVD featurette, time permitting for you, of course. My preference would be that you do them sober. Bad experiences with drunk peers in college and the fact that I find it difficult to endorse people I like who benefit from being coherent killing their brain cells off and poisoning their liver. But, you do you. Anyway, awesome job on another reaction. Looking forward to your next Buffyverse reaction, as always.

David Boyd

The sing-along "Once More With Feeling" came to Chicago's Music Box Theatre twice, and I went both times. It was a lot of fun sharing the experience in a movie theatre with 2,000 other fans. Since the episode is only 50 minutes, they started with other fun activities, including a trivia quiz and having two couples come up to perform the scene from Innocence where Angelus is so cruel to Buffy. The twist, which they didn't reveal until the couples were up there, was they switched genders and had the woman read Angelus and the man read Buffy. Then the audience voted on which had done it best. At the second of the events, one couple came to the front of the theatre and announced that they had met at the first sing-along and were now engaged. I went alone to the first one. The second one, I took a friend who had never watched Buffy. He was skeptical, but before long he got into the spirit. They projected the lyrics on screen, so everyone could sing along. I wish these could still go on (outside conventions, where I hear they sometimes pop up seemingly spontaneously). It was a lot of fun. (There is one error in the closed caption lyrics that changes the meaning of a line: In Xander and Anya's song, when he's at the refrigerator, he sings "She doesn't know what 'please' is" and in the closed captions it appears as "She doesn't know what pleases." Pretty clearly she does, or he wouldn't spend so much of the song singing about her "tight embrace.")

Steve Maxey

Plus the whole time Giles was telling them and Xander never said a word either... not until right at the end when he sort of had no choice (buffy almost burned to death and was saved by Spike and dawn was almost stolen to be a demon bride). Bugs the shit out of me that Xander has no damn repercussions for this!

Holi117

Watch parties for these shows dont work in the uk sadly x

Holi117

Haha me too! I’m so glad he is enjoying it as much as he actually is. Want him to whizz through s4 and just get to s5 and 6 lol

Holi117

Come to think of it I believe I also own it on Google play. I took the CD to work with me so I could listen sometimes while I worked. This led me to purchase it on iTunes so I could listen to it on my PC at home. And when I got an android smartphone, it seemed natural that it'd be nice to listen to it occasionally away home and work. Via my car's bluetooth link with my phone it's sometimes part of my driving tunes.

David Boyd

A couple pieces of trivia. 1) The backpack that looks like an excellent prop choice for Dawn was actually Joss's day to day backpack. 2) This is the only episode of Buffy intended to be viewed in the widescreen format.

David Boyd

As I mentioned in the comments to the Buffy movie, when I first heard there was gonna be a Buffy TV show, I had no interest in watching it because I thought they'd ruin the fun humor of the movie, but started watching in the 6th season after a friend showed me some clips from a certain episode. It was THIS. My friend sent me ALL THE SONGS from the episode, telling me all about how incredible the show is, and I REALLY liked the songs so I finally started watching the show. My now self is amazed my friend sent them to me because WOW SPOILERS rofl But I'm also glad because this episode is the whole reason I started watching Buffy. I'm SO SO SOOO Happy you watched this completely unspoiled, I was so anxious waiting to find out if you knew it was going to be a musical, I'm so GLAD you didn't. Thank you for making me cry happy tears. 💜 Fantastic reaction. 👍

Raq Miller

first thing I did after seeing this episode for the first time, was buying the soundtrack! And on later viewings you will for sure do a sing along, I did! Fantastic reaction and you were right to cry, I still do

Einar Sigurðsson

I interpret it differently. Sweet states that people risk combustion when their songs go on too long. It's him or his invocation that compel people to sing and dance. You can tell from the guy who first combusts that he's trying to fight it but again Sweet is in control of his fate. So when Buffy starts dancing crazy I attribute it to the stated reason. In her case, she doesn't appear to be fighting it. Not because she's trying to kill herself, but because she's lost her drive to fight on. But as to who to blame for her demise, had Spike not intervened, that would be Xander. Xander called forth Sweet who made people dance to their deaths. Xander failed to own up to his mistake when he heard people were dying. And then Xander stood idly by as Buffy began to burn. Although in his defense for the latter, Sweet may have compelled Xander and the other Scoobies not to Intervene. Yep, had Buffy died, Xander should have been charged with her negligent homicide. He's also responsible for the others who died because of his invocation of Sweet. Did Joss state it was intended as a suicide attempt? I'll have to watch the BTS and listen to the commentary track again. It's been a while.

David Boyd

This is exactly what i needed in my life rn

Callumbo Heath

Liam, I apologize again for joking about how cool it'd be if you could make it through double the Buffy episodes last week in response to your query about what else you could do to help us through these trying times. My sense of humor has never translated well through social media. And I should know better from previous experience. So worried that my two tweet message may be misinterpreted after I hit send I added a follow on tweet to that thread to clarify that it was meant as a fun what-if, you do you, and none of us want to see you suffer from the much dreaded reactor burnout. Upon reflection, I'm not certain you read the full thread as I don't recall you ever acknowledging any subsequent tweets in a multi-tweet message thread meant for you from me. I know other people who skip default replies to them in message threads where they aren't the sole recipient. So, I wouldn't be surprised if you do too. Again, I apologize. It was my fault for even suggesting it in the first place. As one of your biggest fans I shall endeavor to do better. Hope you can forgive my blunder.

David Boyd

David Fury is also credited as a writer/co-writer of a number of Buffy and Angel episodes. Marty Noxon is also credited with writing a number of Buffy eps, directing 2 Buffy eps, and casting Amber Benson as Tara Maclay (according to Wikipedia).

David Boyd

This episode definitely gets better on second viewing. You tend to catch some of the subtleties that you miss on first viewing. A couple lines that many people miss the 1st go from the "Where do we go from here?" song are: SCOOBIES: The curtain's closed on a kiss God knows, you can tell the end is near You hear the lines at low volume as Buffy runs after Spike near the end. They have their little talk followed by their duet, Buffy kisses Spike, the curtain closes, and the credits roll. Foreshadowing, much? Every word in every lyric is so deliberate and on point. It's hard to find fault with any of it. Can't recommend the Sountrack CD enough. Besides all the songs and incidental music in this ep, it also includes suites from "Restless" and "Hush" and Sacrifice from "The Gift" as well as Joss singing the demo version of Something to Sing About. The booklet included contains all the lyrics. Of course that only really works for those of us kicking it old school with CD players. I know it's digitally available on Itunes as I also have that version.

David Boyd

I was today years old when I found out the girl on the magazine at start of the episode was the same actress who played Glory.

Jayden

😍😭❤😭😍 THANK YOU FOR SPLITTING THIS INTO TWO VIDS! I was *genuinely* stressing about potentially not seeing your full reaction to Once More - I have tech issues when they're longer than an hour - and I almost cried with relief when I saw you'd edited into episode/reaction to. And god, SO GOOD!! Yayyyyyy! 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

Bixgirl1

Is it wrong that I sing (poorly): Where do we go from here? Where do we go from here? Our battles done and we kind of won, so we sound our victory cheer. Where do we go from here? every time you say "Can't wait to see where we go from here?" in your Buffy reactions?

David Boyd

Oh, I also wanted to give the background of two dated pop culture references that clearly slid past you without recognition. 1. When talking to Dawn, Tara makes a joke that refers to Michel Flatley, who at this time flooded TV commercials with ads for live performances and video tapes (yes, still tapes) of his Irish dance troupe. He, the lead dancer of the troupe called himself the Lord of the Dance. The super-hypey ads were inescapable, and an absolute scourge of late-night TV, played so often that people could recite them from memory in their sleep. They were evil. https://youtu.be/u25v_vv_GkY 2. When we first arrive in The Magic Box, Xander’s “That’s still funny honey” joke involving a cruller and a donut is a reference to the movie Magnolia, and the crude sexual spiel at the center of Tom Cruise’s creepy men’s rights motivational speaker in the movie. I honestly think that even at the time it was one of the thuddiest of Whedon’s jokes in the entire series and seems too crudely misogynist even for season 4’s “nothing can defeat the penis!” Xander, much less this one. It always struck me as the wart on an otherwise almost flawless piece of television, and the episode has benefitted from that reference having faded into obscurity.

Steve Maxey

I noticed Liam's "Where do we go from here?" lines :) And I also noticed something other line from couple episodes bank, when Buffy was in the bank that was robbed. And there have been other spot on lines that I just cannot remember anymore, but I remember thinking about lines that were spot on. In any case I really hope Liam doing rewatch live session as this episode is even better at 2nd and 3rd viewing.

Jussi Vatanen

Was waiting to see if you commented on Xander essentially committing negligent homicide and not being addressed in this episode. He invoked the spell which resulted in the death of one or more people. And didn't he learn a lesson about unintended consequences of spells when that love spell he had Amy cast on Cordelia backfired?

David Boyd

Liam’s best comments in the reaction to the episode vid - IMHO ! :) "Fuck off it's a musical !” “This is like the Anti-Hush’ Awesome observation “Am I high?” induced my Anya & Xander’s broadway style dance routine, LOL ‘Oh! Fuck! Those are horrible! Aw fuck that shit !” - I love that you had a REAL jump scare there. I’m evol lol. Those damn puppet face men ARE effin damn creepy though. I Love love love that you were singing along already to Walk Through the Fire on 1st listen! <3 Buffy “And you can sing along!” Liam: I’ll learn the words I promise! :D You’re the best Liam, love it. I think you are the first reactor to notice - or comment at least - that Buffy is breaking the 4th wall there and Buffy/Joss are inviting us to do a sing-a-long with this episode - which people have continued to do for the last 19 years. “Well that guy was very extra” This one not a Liam comment but something I’ve been waiting forever to say: “Where do we go from here?” … There have been a few times throughout your reactions so far Liam, when you have said in regards to plot/arc : “where do we go from here?” I’m sure I made a note of them each time, but not sure which episodes now of course. Every time I squeeed and burst into song!! Absolutely Fantastic reaction to the kiss!! AW! though at your tears for both Buffy and Willow during her ‘I was in Heaven’ song Can you imagine that I did this on my phone and that there is a long row of hearts here?? :) ( If I go edit this on my phone to add them, I just know the comment will disappear!) Thanks so much Liam you Star! I haven’t even got to the analysis vid yet , lol

Bellatronics

As usual, you are a perceptive viewer. A lot of people will fill you in on trivia (Mustard Shirt Guy and Parking Ticket Lady we’re producers David Fury and Marti Nixon, respectively, and they went on to play the newscasters in Dr. Horrible). But I want to pull you back to the end of season 4 for a moment. People were talking about Christophe Beck, who had done the musical scoring starting with half of season 2’s episodes (including all the Angelus arc episodes) and then all of the episodes for seasons 3 and 4. They noted that he appeared on stage at the keyboard in Restless when Giles sang. I wrote a comment noting that that was his last regular episode as composer and he had only two more episode musical credits for Buffy. One was The Gift—so he wrote the touching theme as Buffy prepares to give her life to save her sister, as well as the rest of the music for the episode. This was his last soundtrack credit. Joss wrote the songs, but Beck did all the arrangements—including the alternate version of the Buffy theme, and wrote all the incidental music, including the overture medley at the beginning of the show (a very old school movie musical idea. And let me be honest: I share your skepticism of musical episodes of TV. They are usually slapdash affairs and seem to come from a separate world than the rest of the series. And like you, I’m not a huge fan of musicals in general, because, well, they usually have such frivolous lightweight stories with few real stakes for the characters. Yet I’ve seen Sondheim’s Assassins on stage several different times; I’ve watched the TV version of Reefer Madness: The Musical repeatedly. If the story has real drama and bite, I can be there for it. And as others have said above, part of the joy of watching you react is that it reminds us of the experience of our first time watching. Please ignore those who try to hurry you along. Part of what makes your reactions such a particular joy is that you are such an attentive viewer. I’d always rather you take the time you need so that you can bring that level of engagement and attention. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Best to you.

Steve Maxey

Buffy S06E07 Once More With Feeling, the episode that is amazing, and still much more enjoyable at the 2nd and 3rd viewing, perhaps even 4th. I would really hope a rewatch reaction for this episode, as the consequent viewings will change more with this episode than pretty much anything I have ever seen. At least for me, the feelings hit much harder in 2nd viewing, and on 3rd viewing I could manage my feelings a bit, and became more empathic towards the character, which lead to whole another type of feelings. That's why I think my 3rd viewing was the best. I watched 3 times, all in one day apart. Though I have seen this now probably 20 times.

Jussi Vatanen

Normally I hate musical episodes. They make me uncomfortable. This one never did. I know a lot of shows do the musical episodes now but I think the reason I am so disinterested is because Joss did it first. And better. As usual.

Collector of Stuff

This episode. I am so glad no one spoiled that it was a musical episode. It is amazing and even after 20 years I still love watching and singing these songs. Joss Whedon wrote all the music for the episode. I had the soundtrack on my MP3 player for years. So much plot progression and character development in a musical episode. It is amazing!!!! Everyone sang themselves but Allyson (Willow) and Michelle (Dawn) both requested the least amount of singing. Michelle is classically trained in Ballet so she opted for more dancing.

Mel Saville

Just out of curiosity, why are you using x264 and why 720p file for 51min takes up 4.26gb? On x264 you can produce up to 1gb per 1 hour for 720p without losing any quality. It helps to save space, and make uploading to DropBox, Youtube etc. much faster. X265 cuts away 40% of the file size with 8bit encoding, and 50% with 10bit encoding. And that 10bit is meant for 8bit sources which you'll have, while 99% of videos are 8bit, all quality releases use 10bit encoding as it produces better quality while the filesize being the same. You could save a ton of money by converting your files to x265 10bit, or releasing the future videos like that. It also helps people with slower internet connections who would be able to stream your videos. About 1gb for 720p x264, or 600mb for x265 per hour. Or 50% more with 1080p. But I suspect it depends on your laptop. Any Intel since 2014 or any AMD since 2015 has AVX2 which makes encoding much faster.

Jussi Vatanen

Now a days a lot of shows have musical episode but when this one aired I believe it was one of the first if not the first. Joss wrote the whole thing and all the songs and directed the episode. There is a great behind the scenes making of this episode that was on YouTube the last time I checked. I think with musical episodes, the gimmick can be what makes the episode but even though the songs are great I think what makes it special is that the storyline makes the musical numbers make sense and major, major plot happens almost the whole episode. All of the big secrets are revealed. And while the fact that it’s a musical might make you think it’s going to be upbeat, it’s actually one of the more depressing episodes of the whole show. So much hurt and pain for the characters. The soundtrack to this episode is great though and I listen to it from time to time. Most of the cast was excited for this but Alyson doesn’t sing and was very scared to do it. You can tell that they don’t give her that much. Also Nicolas brendon has sung Xander’s Duet with Anya with fans at karaoke meet and greets. It’s pretty cool.

Ray D

SMG had an extremely difficult and complex song at the end, with the staccato pacing, shifting keys and tempo, varying musical styles, and the B minor to B diminished "heaven". That is extraordinarily challenging for an inexperienced singer. I'm impressed. And the song itself is perfect to convey Buffy's turmoil and suicidal depression. I don't think I've ever not cried, but right now when things are so terrifying and enraging, I sobbed like a baby.

Rachael

FYI: this Saturday on Facebook Live there is going to be a Once More with Feeling watch party. I don't know how many people know about, I didn't see anyone commenting about it on the page,but here is the link- https://www.facebook.com/events/158677208625858/?active_tab=discussion Liam- you shouldn't go there probably be spoilers for future eps if there are comments later.

Val

"Honestly, I thought you were going to start off by saying that you knew there was a musical episode" I did too. He linked a Dollhouse reaction, and the reactor there mentioned Buffy had a musical episode.

Bodertz

I'm joining in with everyone's giddiness and excitement about you finally getting to reacting to the musical. Honestly, I thought you were going to start off by saying that you knew there was a musical episode, blah blah blah, but to my GREAT delight, after you didn't say anything I was like, OMG, HE DOESN'T KNOW!!! so I got doubly excited to see your reactions. My favorite of your reactions were: 1. when you saw Tara take the Lethe's Bramble off her shirt and that was the start of her finding out what Will did. 2. When Buffy sings she was in Heaa-ven. Aw, you had a single tear fall down your cheek, that was so sweet. I do love that this show can make you feel so many things. And then when you saw Willow's reaction, that got to you too. Did you notice even though Tara probably not all that happy with her, Tara was still rubbing Willow's back, silently comforting her because she knew how she was feeling in that moment. But that's Tara, always understanding and sweet. I also loved that you got such a kick out of the funny lines. This ep is a classic and no doubt the best musical episode of any tv series. Critics loved it too. One of the many great things about it which also sets it apart from others is that it MOVED THE STORY ALONG! It wasn't just a throw away filler ep, it meant something to all character going forward. By the way, I had seen this ep before I was a BtVS crazy fan. I had read an article about it I think the day before in the entertainment section of my newspaper, so I thought I'd check it out,even though I am not a big musical fan and I'd seen maybe 2 eps of the series(the Body was the first ep I'd seen, believe it or not!) Anyway, when I first saw Once More with Feeling, I actually didn't think it was very good, I thought man, they can't sing very well, the songs aren't that good,etc. Well, smash cut a year later and I'm singing at the top of my lungs to the cd in my car to and from work. I friggin' loved the soundtrack, played it everyday for almost 2 months. And of course I adored the episode. Seen it multiple multiple times, so amazing, never gets old. I did such a 180! :) Anyway, I know you will enjoy the soundtrack, it also sounds so much better that what you heard on the ep too. Soon you will be singing these tunes around your house like most of us did(and still do) Like you, I loved the Giles/Tara duet. I believe Joss said it was one of the hardest ones to write. I love how their voice blend so nicely. And also, if you do a rewatch, look at the scene when Anya and Tara are the backups for Buffy because at one point, you can see Amber Benson turn and bump into one of the poles to her left on the stage. It cracks me up every time. I think she said that she expected someone to notice that and say something but nobody ever did, so it stayed in! I loved most of the songs but the first group song I think is my fave. I loved your cracking up to Anya's Bunnies song. You are so right, these songs are all so catchy(especially Xander and Anya's tune) It's hard to believe this was Joss' first venture into writing a musical, and he came up with THESE songs? Amazing. After you watch the entire series, you have to go back and search on YouTube because there are a bunch of people who did there own versions of this ep,usually in front of some kind of an audience. It's awesome. Just search Once More with Feeling Live.

Val

Every time he has said in his after thoughts for an episode that he's looking forward to where everything goes from here.....every time Dawn pops into my head. :D I have the CD, and on the inside booklet there's a page for each actor. So far, I have Nicholas Brendon, Emma Caulfield, James Marsters, and Amber Benson's autographs on their respective pages. I'm hoping to one day have everyone, but I don't know if I ever will.

Katherine Thoreson

"Bunnies aren’t just cute like everyone supposes. They got them hoppy legs and twitchy little noses, and what’s with all the carrots!? What do they need such good eyesight for anyway!?! Bunnies, bunnies, it must be bunnies!!! ...Or maybe midgets…"

Bellatronics

Joined patreon especially for this episode and you didn't disappoint Liam!!!!! I have seen this episode a thousand times so ofcourse I was singing every verse!!!

Also tbh I'm very psyched for TrophyMunchers to get here holy shit

KT

So I've been watching Buffy since I was 7 years old, and the soundtrack to this episode has been ringing inside my head basically my entire life. I'd force my little brother to do the entire thing with me over and over, dances and all. From that perspective, it's weird to watch someone watch Buffy for the first time in general, but this episode is especially surreal. I don't really have a point, just that it brings me endless joy to see someone experience this, knowing how much joy I continue to get out of it 20 years and dozens of rewatches later.

KT

"Fuck off it's a musical" - great initial reaction, LOL "I didn't know wanted this." - I did . You reaction that is :D Just what I needed on the lockdown! 12 weeks for me, not 3. This is absolutely what I needed to give me joy and major distraction from Corona anxiety :D :D

Bellatronics

Squueee!!!!!!!!!! I reckon all of us have been waiting for this since you started your reactions. My favourite ever episode of TV too.

Bellatronics

Yaaay it’s here!!!

Sarah McKinlay

I got the album of this episode's soundtrack the year it came out (2003?) for Christmas and listened to it constantly for months. The words to every song are forever in my head.

SweetSummit

New Patreon and I love your Buffy reactions. Like everyone I’ve been waiting for this one as well and you did not disappoint! I’d love to see your reaction to the behind the scenes video they did for the DVD. https://youtu.be/MNG4ra6F9Xw. I’m not sure if that link will work but just YouTube “once more with feeling bts”. It’s about 28minutes and there’s an adorable moment with your “cinnamon roll”. I started this show when I was 13 and it means so much to me. I can’t believe it’s been 18 years! I had the CD of the soundtrack lol. I’m glad you appreciate the show as much as I do. I can’t wait for the rest of the season. Strap in!

Corey

Wait, is it... it's HERE?!!! Excuse me while I go extensively prepare myself for the ascension.

Clara V.

Every single music theatre kid is looking at you with heart eyes, cause that ish is not EASY.

Renee Pope-Munro

Honestly, with not a single word of hyperbole, seeing this in my feed made me weep exhausted tears. I needed this xo

Renee Pope-Munro

You did not dissapoint

Collete L

You know the most incredible part of this musical? Emma Caulfield dancing in those high high heels.

Jarrod Wild

After filming the season 5 finale, Joss took his first vacation in many years. He gave Marti Noxon co-showrunner duties for season 6 and that was it. And then he spent his whole summer vacation working on the musical. Script, lyrics, music. The man doesn't know how to take a break it seems.

Jarrod Wild

Well I am watching right now, no waiting. I was going to wait to watch while I eat dinner later, nope, I can't make it, I have to watch this right now. Here it goes.....

Brent Justice

The behind the scenes video is spoiler free for certain.

Jarrod Wild

With Michelle, Joss went to her strengths which included ballet. With Alyson, well she does happen to know taekwondo (but not quite as advanced as Sarah's black belt). No kicking for her in this episode though, maybe some other time.

Jarrod Wild

I know this reaction is going to be epic!

Collete L

OMG! I am at work and I’m going to have to wait for another 5 1/2 hours to watch. This will be torture!

Lostmyshoe22

Liam, if you are interested, there is a 40-minute or so behind the scenes of this episode, about how it came to be, what went into it, plus a few little interviews with the cast, Joss, etc. Really worth a watch/ reaction. To my memory its spoiler free for future episodes, but somebody correct me if I'm wrong on that... I'm sure its spoiler free... Awesome reaction! It makes me super happy that you enjoyed it as much as you did. I have watched this episode more times than anything else in the world, I think lol. I could probably go along with every line and song, and hum to every bit of music haha. This will no doubt be one you come back to! :D

Holi117

I also wanted to say please don't let pushy, or negative comments effect you too much, or the way or time you react. People who demand you react faster are being pretty selfish and greedy about it. Do it at your own pace. We can wait.

Jayna

This is the episode that every fan countdowns to when they see someone reacting to this show. God it's so fucking good.

Chess Red Eagle

Love. It. Thanks for taking my mind off stuff for a whole 90 minutes! Awesome, awesome, awesome.

Briony Addey

Oh, I've been waiting for this one. Beautiful. I'm not big for musical episodes, but this one was done perfectly. I think it's great how there was plot and character development and that they didn't just sing and act unaware that they were singing. I was excited to see your reaction and it was awesome, as expected!

Jayna

What a fantastic reaction! I’ve been looking forward to this so much especially with what we’ve all been going through. We really need things like this right now. I’ll probably be watching this reaction on repeat for awhile. It’s almost like watching it again for the first time. Of course we all knew at the time that there would be a musical episode. It wasn’t something that was really done at that point and I think nearly all of us were really skeptical of the gimmick. But then it came out, and it was so well written. It was grounded in the universe for explanation and instead of being a throwaway, it was a pivotal episode, seriously advancing every plot line. Joss worked so hard to tailor it to the actors strengths, like Tara and Giles singing, Dawn’s dancing, etc. it’s just amazing how well it turned out! Seriously one of my all time faves of any series. And well worth the rewatch to catch more things. “The curtains close on a kiss...”

Kelly Walker

I wondered for several years if Giles was a hair's breadth away, or a hare's breath away from investigating bunnies? This episode provides a reason to google both Yma Sumac and David Brinkley. Last episode, Dawn's appreciation of VampireJustin saying how much he liked her really took a tumble when he found out she was the slayer's sister: “Your sister's the slayer? I totally get it! I knew there was something about you.” I think Dawn's expression when she knees him in the groin after that is a good indicator of how much she doesn't think anyone really cares about HER. Everyone does seem to have developed some issues that are in desperate need of attention.

Bruce Trogdon

For once the video didn't cut out. I was so nervous it would but it didnt and your reaction to this was everything I hoped it would be I've been waiting for this one. All I can say is yay.💜

Catherine Thurmond

I tell people who don't know who he is to watch "The Tap Dance Kid" from the 1984 Tonys on YouTube. You get to see him tapping (and his high kicks!), with a bonus appearance from baby Alfonso Ribeiro. How much do I love that he took this role because he was already a huge "Buffy" fan?

Bean's friend

This episode was the reason I finally watched Buffy as an adult. I fell in love with Anthony Stewart Head's voice and performance from Repo! The Genetic Opera and when I looked him up, articles referenced the BtVS musical episode and that was it. In my opinion this is one of only three shows to do the musical episode right: it's grounded within the show's mythology, advances character development and is essential to the plot. Lately every show does it as a throw away gimmick for views and it sucks, but praise Joss for giving this episode the perfect balance of fun whimsy and deep pathos it deserves. Some trivia for this one: Anthony and James Marsters both have singing backgrounds (musical theater roles and a rock band respectively). Joss had heard Amber and Emma sing before and gave them the corresponding genres to complement their styles (vocal heavy ballad for Tara and heavy rock for Anya's bunnies). Everyone had vocal coaching, but Alyson requested to sing as little as possible and Michelle asked to dance rather than sing, because they weren't confident in their abilities. Sarah Michelle Gellar was asked if she'd prefer a singing double, since her part would be really heavy, potentially difficult without the experience to support it. But it was important to her to sing the part herself so she worked really hard to be able to do it. I'm very proud of her and the results are impressive.

RevanTheRebel

I’ve been waiting for this since discovering your reactions ~1 year ago, so exciting! And you did not disappoint, thank you :) Slightly surprised not to see any mention of Dr Horrible’s Song Along Blog - after all while no other TV series has done a musical as well as this, Joss Whedon did manage to repeat the feat!

Jack

Maybe even all of television.

Cheyne Johnson

okay, just watched your reaction! So happy you wasn’t spoiled about it as I wanted to see your confusion and then your surprise and you didn’t let me down!! Amazing reaction Liam (as always) and also glad you loved it as much as we do. We were all singing along so you definitely need to learn the words 🤭 My personal favourite Is Xander/Anya but I do love them all. 3/3 Buffy greats now reacted to by you but that’s not taking anything away from the other episodes and you did mention the other 2 in your thoughts, Hush and The Body. Thank you Liam, you made my day/week/always ❤️💕

CeNedra

"I love a good entrance." "How are you with death scenes?" One of the best lines of the episode for me isn't from one of the songs. The whole cast did a great job. Amber Benson and Anthony Head were obviously given the spotlight, and Alyson Hannigan and Michelle Trachtenberg were good sports considering neither of them wanted to sing. Tara's songs are probably my favorite / the most heartbreaking for me because of how lovely the first song is despite the obvious second meaning. Her continuing to sing "I'm under your spell," during the love scene has a pretty big non-consent vibe, similar to Faith and Riley in S4. Not a good season for Willow far. Conversely, Tara's second song with Giles is another instance of her beginning to stand up for herself. Very good season for Tara so far.

Second_Strike

My absolute favorite episode of Buffy.

Cheyne Johnson

Oh I've been waiting for this for a long, long LOOOOONNNG! Time

Christine Ester

YES! This is exactly the pick me up I needed on Lockdown! Awesome reaction - I don't know how you're going to edit it down for YT!

Danna

I've been anticipating the reaction like Avengers: Endgame, and your reaction was perfect!

John Sturchio

Great episode. GREAT reaction video. Also... I was delighted to see that your post discussion was over half an hour.

UTU49

Josh Whedon wrote all the music and lyrics took him 6 months...he’s a god

Stacey

I'm about to watch this and i'm sooooo excited! my favourite episode is heeeerreee!

Holi117

Yes! First ever season 6 reactor to actually get what Buffy's dance at the end meant (basically a suicide attempt). I was taking joke bets in the Discord spoiler section as to whether or not you'd pick up on that, Liam. And as usual you didn't disappoint. :D

Claire Eyles

This made my little quarantined heart smile! I've never clicked a notification faster. lol

Marcus Marcoos Winn

As I recall, both Michelle Trachtenberg and Alyson Hannigan requested not to have to sing for this (or at least not sing by themselves), which is why Dawn's and Willow's singing is kept to a minimum.

Pam Nail

I was literally shaking when I started watching this...like, I don't even. Brilliant reaction to a brilliant episode. I can't explain why, but it makes me so happy that you loved it as much as you did.

"Something to Sing About" will never fail to bring me to absolute tears. I just rewatched it with you and it was baaaad. Like, chin trembling, ugly sobbing bad. Not only is this song utterly heartbreaking within the context of the show but I think that because of the depression I've had for quite some time now, it's also the song that I can relate to the most. It just strikes something in me that I can't even begin to describe. Honestly, fantastic reaction, Liam. I had no doubt that you would make rewatching this episode for the hundredth time a fantastic experience

Ritchie

I had a hard time paying attention to the plot the first time I watched this episode, so maybe watch it again with closed captions or something so you can sing along. Drunk rewatch anyone?

Eliza

And also, the soundtrack is available in Spotify, Apple Music,.. almost everywhere. So, enjoy! I now I've been doing that for a loooong time :)

Khanach

There you have it, my favourite piece of television right there in front of your eyes. THE musical episode, before every show tried to follow and failed to even come close. It's bold, it's risky (most of the cast had no singing experience), it's genius, and it just WORKS, as a musical and as a Buffy episode. And now a fantastic reaction to top it all! :D Ps: You may have recognized the writers David Fury (mustard guy) and Marti Noxon (parking ticket lady). They appeared as the news broadcasters in Dr. Horrible.

Khanach

Yes! I was waiting for this one!!!!!!!!!!!

April Elizabeth

Woot woot!!!! The 3rd of the Buffy Trinity! 👏🤣 I hope no one spoiled this one for you! We were very careful! 🤐

Stephen Mintac

This is the episode I subbed to Patreon to see the full reaction to and I was not disappointed. I will of course stay subbed because I adore these reactions, but this is the one I was looking forward to the most. Probably one of my fav Buffy episodes ever!

Liz Siron

i'm actually putting down Animal crossing to watch this. I'm sure you understand what an effort this is

Elisa H.

The Demon, 'Sweet', is played by the legendary, Tony award winning Broadway performer, Hinton Battle. Among other stage, dance, and choreography achievements he was also the original Scarecrow in the 70s stage production of 'The Wiz' (a role that would be filled by Michael Jackson in the Movie version). He also trained with The School of American Ballet under George Balanchine, which if you know anything about Ballet is like a huge deal.

Claire Eyles

HOLY CRAP. I'm putting everything else on hold to watch this. ^_^

UTU49

SHIIIIT

Pudungurte

I've literally waited for this since you started the show!!!! Yaaaaay!!!!

Signe (Seena) Stewart

Finally, been waiting so goddamn long for this!

SbE

YAYYY :D :D :D

YES! Where do we go from here?!

Bean's friend

I just literally grabbed the desk and squealed and then started grinning like a loon when I saw this had been uploaded :D

Claire Eyles

I just screamed when I saw this notification!

Kelly Walker

This is what I need today, thank you. ♥

Rob Z

It's here! It's happening!

Both my husband and I are working from home in our office. I just got the Patreon notification and yelled out “YEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!” The look I got was classic.

Sorry I must immediately drop everything and give this reaction my full attention, excuse me.

RevanTheRebel

I just finished watching your reaction to All The Way. My phone beeped... I said out loud "oh my god is it real?" And it is... it really is. Life is slightly better today. I cant wait to watch this 30 times.

Bisibia

Whooo hoooo so looking forward to this 🎶🎶🎶

CeNedra

YES! Been waiting for this one!

xOMG its finally here!!!!!!!!!!!

Kristin Carter

The day has come. This is one of the episodes I have been looking forward to since you started reacting to Buffy. It feels like we've waited for so long but also like it got here so quickly! I'm always excited for reactors to get to this one, but knowing your theater background I think this one is going to be even more special. Musical episodes are always a treat but this one is probably the best. You'll be singing these songs for years to come, believe me! 😉🥰

Jenn Rose

Let me tell you when I saw this notification I dropped all my snacks on the floor and ran to my laptop!

Chip

Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh I'm so excited 😁😁😁😁😁😁

Shauni Livingstone

It’s here! Ahhhhhh!!!!!!

Ritchie