Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 5x1 Full Reaction
Added 2024-06-04 19:33:28 +0000 UTCHi, Everyone <3 Welcome to the new format if this is your first time testing it out!
I count you in until I'm pressing play, provide a timer, provide subtitles, and give two audio/visual blocks of the episode for you to see/hear at the beginning of the episode to help you get synced up! I'm watching Angel & Buffy on Hulu.
Also — if you were waiting for the Lana Unreleased Music Reaction and haven't seen it pop up in your feed, make sure you're in the tier where that is available!
Thanks everyone. This was an amazing premiere and I'm SO excited for season five!
Comments
oh I 100% agree that Riley does not fit this show. See Buffy characters are interesting.
Nathan Conarroe
2025-01-29 09:08:47 +0000 UTCYes, it's beautifully filmed and kept to the original novel more than most other Dracula films. Like, this is where you see he can turn into a wolf and other animals or fog.
Gung Ho
2024-06-10 06:16:47 +0000 UTCCass you should watch Gary Oldmans Dracula movie from early 90s
Sean Stuart
2024-06-09 04:09:05 +0000 UTCLegend has it, that in order to see her before this episode, you have to be wearing 3-D glasses.
Steve Quast
2024-06-06 08:09:16 +0000 UTCfun fact, Buffy's sister was in every scene before this, she was just slightly off screen; also they always cut away right before she was about to speak
Raymond Simon
2024-06-06 03:55:33 +0000 UTCYou seem perplexed when Dracula implied that Buffy might have on some level enjoyed being bitten by Angel. If you remember how the scene was filmed it was a pretty clear metaphor for a sex act culminating with a big O,. Or as French people call it “la petite mort”.
Vicky N
2024-06-06 02:50:08 +0000 UTCPlease edit, the sister has not been called by name yet.
Keenan White
2024-06-05 23:00:00 +0000 UTCDude, why hint at it and not just let her watch the show? Most reactors consider this kind of comment spoilery.
Sophia Connolly
2024-06-05 22:42:46 +0000 UTCDawn has always been here
Kevin Charley
2024-06-05 18:28:50 +0000 UTCI was a bit worried about this new format but I watched it on Disney+ on my TV & your reaction on my laptop & it worked fine. Your expression at the end cracked me up but we've all been there.
Kazza
2024-06-05 15:02:14 +0000 UTCI felt the same way about Riley at this point.
Steven Harper
2024-06-05 12:30:33 +0000 UTCLoved your reaction to the ending 😂. I always enjoy the scene at the beach, with the gang just hanging out and enjoying themselves. Xander being Dracula's bug eating mind slave is always hilarious! That spider was bloody huge!
Rebecca
2024-06-05 09:52:31 +0000 UTCOn True Blood they call the mind control vampires do glamouring, or to glamour.
Morgan Williams
2024-06-05 08:51:10 +0000 UTCBuffy didnt have a sister before your right. All I can say is think outside the box and remember it's a supernatural universe.
Morgan Williams
2024-06-05 08:48:30 +0000 UTCIt is one of the most carefully crafted season openings but it distracts you with goofy Dracula and WTF sister!?! It is easy to miss all the emotional catchup-setup. The red leather pants, last seen in Graduation day where Buffy unleashed raw slayer power to defeat Faith return when Buffy meets Dracula. She switches to lilac once under the thrall (matching Xander).
The Testimony of Mushroom
2024-06-05 06:19:02 +0000 UTCI don't dare say much about the episodes because I don't want to give any spoilers but up to now, I would list seasons 1-5 from best to worst in my personal opinion: S2, S5, S3, S4, S1. I am tempted to put S4 ahead of S3 only because of Hush, Fear Itself, Something Blue and Wild at Heart, just to name a few. Maybe S3 and S4 are tied I really cannot choose I mean S3 brought Angel back, introduced us to Faith and presented us with the Prom. I do think you will be entertained by S5, we have already seen the acting by the whole cast and how sincerely they portray our beloved characters. Spike is a fan favorite- no matter how he becomes involved or not involved with the Scoobies, he is always welcomed on screen by fans! It's been a while, but I was able to keep up you without watching Buffy myself, I still remember most parts, like Giles with the "Dracu-gals" and the first time Buffy becomes curious and wants to learn about the origins of the Slayer. She finally accepts what she had trouble dealing with in S2-What's my Line? - I can't wait to see the next episodes!
Mayra Martinez
2024-06-05 06:06:45 +0000 UTCDrusilla also displays mesmeric abilities when trying to get information out of Giles. Wait.. is Giles susceptible to witchy vampires women? What would early season Willow have done with this information?
The Testimony of Mushroom
2024-06-05 05:51:34 +0000 UTCWhen Buffy was fighting The Master, Buffy tried to move away but he stopped her. He got her under control so that he could bite her with thrall. "If you hadn't come, I couldn't go. Think about that." They didn't make much of it in that episode.
Bud Haven
2024-06-05 05:03:47 +0000 UTCI am watching along with the streaming copy of the show I bought on Amazon Prime. For what it is worth it synched pretty well. The breaks where there were originally commercials are a little shorter on your HULU version, so I have to resynch after each one. It is easy(ish) to do though with the little bit that you have at the bottom, so I really appreciate that being left in. I have never really cared for this episode, but I enjoyed it more with your reaction to it.
Dave Hampton
2024-06-05 03:42:52 +0000 UTCThe First Slayer-as-Tara said to Buffy in Restless: "You think you know who are. What's to come. You haven't even begun." Did you notice that Dracula also said this to Buffy?
Mornir
2024-06-05 03:31:59 +0000 UTCLove the new format. For some reason, it feels more personal.
Nathanael Myer
2024-06-05 03:31:43 +0000 UTCGirl, we all had the same thoughts and feelings about her sister when it originally aired. Like, wait, WHAT? This season is one of the best and while you have questions now, just be patient. It will be worth it.
Whitney Mercer
2024-06-05 03:23:54 +0000 UTCHi there! For the watchalong format, cassie posts her full reaction to the episode, which you need to sync up with your own copy of the episode. She includes the subtitles at the bottom and an audio lead-in at the beginning to help sync with your version of the show. For example, some people do side by side browsers on a computer, some have one open on a phone/laptop and one on a TV, whichever way works easiest! I personally like to open Hulu on one computer monitor, and then Patreon on another monitor, and watch them side by side on my computer, but it’s up for whatever you prefer! Let me know if that answers your question or if you need anything else (:
CoreyIsSus
2024-06-05 02:47:31 +0000 UTCShe’s watching the show on Hulu now so you have to sync the video with hers, it’s a little hard sometimes trying to get it right, also forget the counter it’s useless especially if you’re watching from the dvd sets as the commercial break fade-out is a few seconds longer
Michael Matthews
2024-06-05 02:45:18 +0000 UTCIn my mind also, Dracula did not die. He's able to fake it and mist out, so he just had to leave the area in mist until it was safe for him to form again. This watch-along went very well, and I'm breathing an optimistic sigh of relief. The subtitles help a lot!
RavenLord
2024-06-05 02:19:17 +0000 UTCI think I need step by step help watching along to Buffy. All I see and hear is Cass. Anybody?
Morgan Williams
2024-06-05 02:06:27 +0000 UTCyou would need to download the episodes somewhere and watch it side by side with Cass's video
Steveo
2024-06-05 02:06:18 +0000 UTCI always kind of liked this episode for the imagination of "what if Dracula took a shot at Buffy.." I also have some curiosity about if a slayer had ever been turned into a vampire and what kind of power did THAT vampire possess. As to Dracula; the fictional character came from Bram Stoker when he did some research into Eastern European history and discovered a historical ruler named Vlad Dracula also nicknamed Vlad Tepes (pronounced "Zepish" I believe) meaning Vlad the Impaler (for obvious reasons). This individual ruled a place called Wallachia and fought against the Turk and also the Hungarians (I think). He is considered a national hero of Romania. About the vampire folklore, I could go on all day but in reference to Dracula, the novelization has him limited to the timing of the tides when traveling by ship, was said to possess the strength of 20 men in one hand, and also a not fully appreciated characteristic...he is capable of being about in daylight but is not as powerful at that time. In the novel, Dracula was dispatched by a Bowie knife through the heart and being beheaded by a Kukri knife by Quincey Morris and Johnathan Harker respectively. Cass, something gave the impression to me that not many Dracula movies have been seen. If I'm wrong, no harm. If true I personally like the Hammer horror films with Christopher Lee as the title character and the 1979 movie with Frank Langella. To echo some others, this is my favorite season of Buffy right ahead of season 2.
Michael Labs
2024-06-05 01:49:32 +0000 UTCCan somebody tell me what I'm supposed to do to see the videos now???
Morgan Williams
2024-06-05 01:38:47 +0000 UTCHow do I watch along? I'm confused...
Morgan Williams
2024-06-05 01:36:25 +0000 UTCIf you like Michelle Trachtenberg please watch Mysterious skin !! one of the best movies of all time
madfem
2024-06-05 01:29:21 +0000 UTC'Ice Princess'! That is indeed Michelle Trachtenberg in the last scene. :) It just occurred to me watching this that the Summer gap in between Season 4 and Season 5 is probably the longest 'unchronicled' period in 'Buffy' where the whole gang is around. Buffy herself was out of Sunnydale in the months between Season 1 and 2 and again in between 2 and 3 and Xander was away the Summer after high school (not to mention both Cordelia and angel straight up left for good.)
Ross Nolan
2024-06-05 00:42:27 +0000 UTCOkay serious comment. I love season 5. Very excited to see you react to the rest of it. Dracula does have some impressive mystical powers that sets him apart from other vampires. But, as others have mentioned, he's not the only one with hypnotic powers. Drusilla and the Master have previously been shown to use hypnosis to subdue their victims. Aside from Dracula himself, I'd say Drusilla is the most mystically inclined vampire we've come across, since she also has the ability to see the future through visions and even explore people's minds, like she did with Giles in the season 2 finale. It's interesting, too, that we're still seeing some consequences of the spell the core four cast members used to kill Adam last season. It was definitely effective, and one might think that now they can just use a spell like that to destroy any other big bad. But, the spell came with a price. The four were attacked and nearly killed by the spirit of the original slayer in their sleep. Enter the episode Restless and the mysterious connection it has with other episodes in the series. Even in this episode, we have Buffy looking back at the significance of that experience, wondering what it all means. At this point, we only know what she does. Lock yourself in. Season 5 has officially begun.
Steve Quast
2024-06-05 00:14:41 +0000 UTCThis is an extremely strong season, and I am so excited to see you react to it! I was nervous about the changes, but it worked wonderfully. Thank you for your amazing reactions!
Autumn Linder
2024-06-04 23:59:07 +0000 UTCSeason 1: Xander gets attacked by a giant bug. Season 2: Xander gets attacked by bug man, a demon made up of smaller, life-sized bugs. Season 5: Xander gets turned into a bug-eater by Dracula. Can you imagine if Dracula showed up briefly during season 2? Cut to one scene where Xander is running for his life from bug man, Xander encounters Dracula, then cut to another scene where Xander chases after bug man with a knife and fork.
Steve Quast
2024-06-04 23:58:03 +0000 UTCLet's see. New things we learned this episode. Riley is still in the credits, Anya is now in the credits, Dracula exists in this universe, and Dracula and Spike are old rivals. Yep. That's it. I can't think of any other new reveals. Wait, am I forgetting something? No. No I'm not...
Steve Quast
2024-06-04 23:54:36 +0000 UTCJust wanted to say the watch along format worked great. Yours is probably the easiest one to sync I’ve ever seen with the subtitles being included too. I had a bit of a buffer on Hulu for a second and it was super easy to resync the ep with the reaction. Can’t wait to see how you feel about the rest of season 5.
Jared
2024-06-04 23:41:57 +0000 UTCSuper vamped (ha) to get into this season finally! As another poster mentioned, SMG and the actor who played Dracula worked together on All My Children. They were love interests briefly. He also played a hottie terrorist on the first season of 24. [Which is another great show if you ever want to get into that. It's how I met my husband actually, on a message board for it. Oh, and I had my name written into a script as a character. That was fun.] Anyway, I've always really liked this opening episode. I love the way that they play off each other. And the ending is great to watch reactors react.
Melissa
2024-06-04 23:40:41 +0000 UTCThis has always been my least favorite episode of the entire series. I don't begrudge Joss his obvious desire to make his own Dracula movie. I grew up on Dracula movies and always loved them. But wrenching all the Dracula lore and tropes into BtVS where they contradict so much of what we've learned about vampires in this world annoys me terribly. The hypnotic/seductive powers, which always seemed so sexy and erotic in the best Drac movies, feel creepy and unpleasant to me when they start to work on Buffy. I think it's the actor playing Dracula, who (to me) just seems campy and awful. In any case, I usually skip this entire episode when it comes around. Except for the last 30 seconds. About that I can only say your first response was the right one: TRUST THE SHOW!
DanielOrme
2024-06-04 23:37:50 +0000 UTCI have some mixed feelings regarding this episode. On the one hand, Buffy get to fight Dracula. The Scoobies get to play out famous Dracula story beats. Xander is Renfield. Buffy and Riley get some choice Mina and Jonathan Harker moments. Giles "makes time with the Dracu-babes". The story also has a lot of fun with Dracula being famous in-universe so Anya can fan-girl over Dracula and Spike has a petty one sided rivalry with the Count. Having 'Buffy Vs Dracula' is a lot of fun. On the other hand, it feels like something is missing. They explicitly say that the key to defeating Dracula is to separate fact from fiction regarding his powers. And then they don't do that. The only explanation on why Dracula is completely different from every other vampire in the Buffy-verse is a single line from Spike, 'Its magic' complete with a literal hand-wave. I enjoyed the reaction and didn't have trouble with the syncing.
James Smith
2024-06-04 23:26:17 +0000 UTCI'm soooo excited or this season
Sophia Connolly
2024-06-04 23:08:49 +0000 UTCMight want to go back to the last episode and watch it again. Pay close attention to what dream Tara says.
Amiee Stahlman
2024-06-04 22:43:02 +0000 UTCDracula is not the first vampire we saw with mind control power, Drusilla hypnotized Kendra and got into Giles's head when torture did not work at the end of season 2. Something you might not have taken notice of during the episode is that Joyce mentions that she'll be all alone in the house now that Buffy is going back to college.
slypeartree
2024-06-04 22:40:25 +0000 UTCTechnically, they have mentioned the sister! S4E15 when Faith is waking up she has the dream where she and Buffy are making the bed mention 'little sis coming, so much to do before she gets here.'
Tim Goens
2024-06-04 22:21:43 +0000 UTCTrust the show. Except for the reveal of Buffy’s sister in the last scene, I used to dislike this episode because it seems to break a lot of rules about vampires in this universe. But I’ve mellowed a bit on that. They are very self-aware of how silly Dracula is and have enough fun with it to make it an enjoyable episode after all. The watch-along format worked well for me; the bottom part of the video you show makes syncing easy and I only had to do it once at the beginning. (I used an upscaled version of a DVD rip since my DVD sets have gone missing somewhere and I won’t voluntarily watch the “remastered” 16:9 version.)
Nightowl
2024-06-04 22:12:03 +0000 UTChere's the reaction we've all been waiting for
Carol Gonçalves
2024-06-04 21:58:14 +0000 UTCI loved your reaction to the last scene. It's so much fun seeing the absolute confusion of reactors to that lol. The sister has been mentioned in previous episodes so you must have forgotten about it. Fun fact the actor playing Dracula also stared in the movie "The Dark Prince: The True Story of Dracula". It premiered about month after this episode aired and the episode served as a promotion for the movie. The actor also worked with SMG on "All My Children".
Stephen Knueppel
2024-06-04 21:14:54 +0000 UTCI SOOOO…hope this works for me. I’m don’t have Hulu (hope to in the future), but I’ve recorded the next 3 seasons, on my DVR. Hoping I can work it and if it does, then, I have all the episodes, at hand. Someone cross your fingers and make a wish for me. 🙏
Andrea Frank
2024-06-04 21:10:37 +0000 UTCGenuinely so excited for this season. This is my number one ranking for the seasons and i cant wait to hear your deliberation for each episode!
Shiloh Fargas
2024-06-04 21:05:22 +0000 UTCAhhhh...Season 5. Spectacular, magical, holy-crap-it's-so-good season 5. Ahhh...
Steve Mercier
2024-06-04 20:58:20 +0000 UTChoney you got a big storm comin'
Jorgalorg
2024-06-04 20:45:00 +0000 UTCWhat do you mean Buffys sister popped out of existence? She was there the whole time!
Minister Kosh
2024-06-04 20:38:24 +0000 UTCThat worked very well with Disney+ in the uk, it was perfect sync. I love the way this episode always leaves you with the WTF the first time you see it!
JenJen on Wheels
2024-06-04 20:37:56 +0000 UTCYou keep using the word MAIN , you mean CAST member because Tara is a main character so is Joyce a cast member is different. Amber Benson said in a panel at a convention she was offered to be a member but didn’t want to because she wouldn’t be able to do other things like theater so she’s just a recurring main character
Michael Matthews
2024-06-04 20:33:29 +0000 UTCAnd so it begins!! 😃🥳🤩
Kari
2024-06-04 20:14:35 +0000 UTCMy favorite season ❤️
K Murray
2024-06-04 19:39:13 +0000 UTCSo excited for your reaction to this episode and Season 5 in general. While everyone will naturally want to comment on the last scene of the episode, I actually want to take time to analyze the first scene of the episode because it's very important to understanding both this season and Buffy as a whole. And most people (fans and reactors alike) miss its true meaning. The episode opens with Buffy looking almost bored or even, shall we say, sexually frustrated with Riley. This is telling because remember the first time Buffy and Riley have sex, it was after the exhilaration of the fight in The I in Team. Whereas now, Buffy has to slay by herself to be satisfied enough to fall asleep (get the subtext?). But this is intentional and very important for a few reasons: 1. It's a fascinating parallel to Faith's famous question to Buffy about whether slaying gets her hungry or horny. Season 3 (really, post-Surprise) dealt with Buffy's almost self imposed sexual repression because of the consequences of how Angel's curse was broken. Here we see she's embracing more of a Faith style Slayer side, at least in some respects. She's not craving a non fat yogurt anymore. (FAITH I've seen you. Tell me staking a vamp doesn't get you a little bit juiced. Say it. Faith stops, faces Buffy, folds her arms and waits. Buffy smiles, hesitates, looks away…FAITH Aah! Can't fool me. The look in your eyes right after a kill?). Note the very specific look in Buffy's eyes after staking the vamp on this episode. 2. More importantly, this episode comes immediately after Restless where Buffy's dream (or really, a nightmare) was that being the Slayer was making her into something primeval, something devoid of humanity, like the First Slayer. Buffy sees Riley and the First Slayer say that she's a killer. And here, Dracula says the same thing. In the shooting script, it clearly describes Buffy as almost that kind of animal that she feared becomin in the first scene: "This is Buffy, who pursues the fleeing VAMPIRE at an astounding pace. The intensity of her pursuit is wild, almost animal… Like a leopard springing after it's prey…". She's reveling - just a little - in the hunt, in the kill, just as Faith did. As the First Slayer did. 3. It's also telling that Buffy is later so self aware to recognize this. She tells Giles that she been going "hunting" every night since the Enjoining spell and knows the "darkness" that such going down a pure Slayer path could lead, because she's seen the dire consequences first hand. It's kind of incredible that the very fact that she can admit how scared it makes her, shows how much humanity she actually has.
Land Howard Johnston
2024-06-04 19:36:59 +0000 UTCGIRL I AM SO READY FOR THIS
Melissa Reynolds
2024-06-04 19:34:56 +0000 UTC
