S1.01 Welcome to the Hellmouth
Written by Joss Whedon
Directed by Charles Martin Smith
S1.02 The Harvest
Written by Joss Whedon
Directed by John T Kretchmer
First and Last Frames
I am combining these 2 episodes together and rating them as one. Partly because of the “to be continued”, but mainly because this is definitely 1 continuous story. I might not do this for all the 2 parters, but it makes no sense to talk about 1 of these episodes without the other.
Not a bad introduction to the characters and world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Although Angel is way too smiley, and Xander rides in on a skateboard, that we never see again during the next 7 years. Darla, also, is quite a bit different to how we get to know her over the course of the coming years of Buffy and Angel. Buffy, Giles, Willow, Cordelia and Joyce are very much on brand from the get go.
This is not the greatest pilot of a TV Show by a long shot, but it really gives you a handle for the humour, the action and the relationships.
Favourite lines
Jesse: Is it me, or are you turning into a bibbling idiot?
Xander: No it’s, uh, it’s not you.
Cordelia: What is your childhood trauma?
Buffy: Oh, yeah. There was… this guy that played left tackle for varsity. Well, at least he used to before he was a vampire. Anyway, he had this really, really thick neck, and all I had was a little, little Exacto Knife. (Xander laughs nervously) You’re not loving this story.
Xander: No, actually, I find it oddly comforting.
Buffy: Hey Giles, got anything that could make this day worse?
Giles: How about the end of the world?
Buffy: Knew I could count on you.
Buffy: This is really, really important.
Joyce: I know. If you don’t go out, it’ll be the end of the world.
Favourite Shot
Buffy staking the vamp off screen with a pool cue.
Ranking at Time of Watching
First episode(s) being rated, so it takes the top spot, rated number 1.