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by Frederic Germay
This is the level of perfection that ambitious writers and directors aspire to achieve. This episode may not be the absolute best episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but it was definitely my favorite. Many fans claim that the series should have ended after the fifth season, but this episode alone completely justifies the addition of a sixth season.
Few shows have ever dared to make a musical episode, and even fewer have successfully made that risky transition. Creator Joss Whedon brought to life what I would consider the series' most memorable episode. The amount of time, effort, and talent that went into "Once More with Feeling" is beyond unprecedented, and the fact that this was never nominated for anything makes me wonder what the point of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences really is.
What made this episode even more of a gamble was the lack of singing experience in many members of the cast. Sure, Anthony Stewart Head (Giles) was a former Broadway performer, James Marsters (Spike) was in a rock band, and Amber Benson (Tara) could shatter glass with her voice. However, several cast members had never sung before. Nicholas Brendon (Xander), Alyson Hannigan (Willow), and Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn) obviously didn't possess any singing prowess. Even the show's star, the beautiful and amazingly talented Sarah Michelle Gellar, had never sung before and didn't particularly relish the prospect of singing. I remember an interview where she stated that it was "the worst experience of her life," and that she had to undergo six weeks of vocal training prior to this episode. Despite these aforementioned shortcomings, which in any other case would pretty much spell out disaster, this episode was an absolute show-stopper!
The episode started out with an unfamiliar opening credits sequence, and a Broadway-esque style. I must admit that I had never seen a musical before this, and I was slightly worried that this episode would turn out to be rather 'cheesy.' I was wrong. For the first minute or so, everyone went about their daily routine, and I was dreading the moment when someone would burst into song, anticipating the uncomfortable chill you feel when someone misses a tune, and wondering exactly how the writers would properly justify everyone singing.
As soon as Sarah Michelle Gellar started singing akin to the music in her cool, crisp voice, it all felt very natural, despite how unnatural that occurrence would be. I briefly wondered what I would be capable of after only six weeks of vocal training! All throughout "Going through the Motions," Gellar's performance was certainly not Grammy-worthy, but it merited applause. As soon as the Vampires and Demons started chiming in and dancing as well, I was left with a sense of awe at how detailed that episode was. How can anyone not admire Sarah and Joss?
By the time we got to the exposition sequence-ready Magic Box, I felt as though nothing could top the performance we just saw -- then came "I've got a theory." It still is remarkable how Whedon was able to transform a hilarious conversation into music form. During one of the best moments of the episode, Anya lets loose with her insane theory that the culprits responsible are, in fact, bunnies. I love whenever the writers pay tribute to a bit of the Buffy mythology by referring to Anya's completely odd and hilarious bunny-phobia. Another funny repeated reference not featured in this episode is the use of kittens as a substitute for money in the demon world.
"Bunnies aren't just cute like everybody 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!"
"Under Your Spell" was probably the least captivating of the songs, and that had nothing to do with my strong dislike of Tara. It was just way too mellow in comparison to the other songs. Despite my feelings toward Tara and her annoying shy and breathless demeanor, I have to point out that Amber Benson can sing amazingly well. Out of all of the regular cast members, her voice is probably the best. Towards the end of the scene, the threat of the episode was revealed when a business man danced himself into spontaneous combustion. Apparently, at the bidding of a demon named Sweet, the incessant dancing and singing isn't just fun and games/
"I'll Never Tell" was more of a dance-song than song-song (does that even make sense?). Despite a lack of singing for certain parts, it was considerably more entertaining than "Under Your Spell." It seemed to me that Nicholas Brendon wasn't really singing, but talking in a sing-song voice. With the exception of that short-coming, the song was really well-choreographed, and the dance scenes were fantastic. Yeah, and the tune was annoyingly catchy. Also, mad props to Emma Caulfield (Anya) who danced in next to nothing in front of a bunch of men who were not only staring at her, but filming her as well. Yikes!
I loved how in the following sequence when Anya and Xander were explaining to Giles what has just happened, all the people are dancing in the background. Maintenance Men were sweeping the sidewalk in perfect synchrony, and a woman harmoniously pleaded with a cop to remove her ticket. (Btw, the parking ticket woman is executive producer Marti Noxon -- just found that out!) Talk about attention to detail!
As for Rest in Peace (R.I.P.), I felt a little disappointed by James Marsters (Spike). I guess I was expecting Marsters, member of a rock band, to…well, for lack of a better word, to rock it! Anyways, Marsters did an excellent job and the sequence was artistically done well.
My favorite part of the episode was Dawn's dance, and the consequent introduction of the demon, Sweet. Played by the legendary Hinton Battle, Sweet is the real star of this episode, being able to out-sing and out-dance everyone else. I will go as far as to say that he is the best one-episode villain in Buffy history. As for Dawn, Michelle Trachtenburg can't sing worth a lick (does that even make sense?), but she sure knows how to dance! Those creepy bug-eyed wooden guys also made for a nice addition.
Giles' song about standing in the way of Buffy's independence was probably my second most favorite song in this episode. Anthony Stewart Head, an experienced Broadway performer, belts out his voice with subtle precision. I found it to be a bit ominous that when Giles is singing about his presence hindering Buffy, he throws knives at her. I think that scene might be predicting that Giles' imminent departure would cripple Buffy, rather than help her! I also loved how Tara chimed in with Giles -- two powerful singers in unison!
"Walk through the Fire" was probably the best ensemble cast performance. Understandably, Hannigan and Brendon are given little screen time, seeing as their voices don't exactly shine. I loved how each time the word "burn" came up, the song switched to the next verse, but when they finally sang "burn" there were fire trucks in the background. Gellar gave a better vocal this time, and the way she performed it, I couldn't help but feel for her character.
"Life's a song" was Gellar's best vocal, and this time she threw in some pretty impressive dance moves as well. I feel sorry that Sarah Michelle Gellar didn't enjoy this experience, because she is obviously very talented in this realm. It was heartbreaking when Buffy revealed that she had been yanked from heaven.
As for the ending, this episode marked the beginning of the relationship between Buffy and Spike. I've always had a crush on Sarah Michelle Gellar, so I've always been a little jealous of Buffy's special other. However, with Angel I understood the happiness and heartbreak they shared. But with Spike, it seemed as though there was only heartbreak with a twist of self-destructive tendencies. That relationship only hurt and depressed Buffy, and it made certain aspects of the sixth season difficult to watch for me.
I have been a fan of Spike since his introduction, and up to the sixth season. Ever since the season five episode, "Intervention," I actually wanted Buffy and Spike to be an item. But in the end, it grew to be disappointing and disturbing. However, Spike redeemed himself in the series finale, "Chosen."
Some honorable mentions and quotes…
- Buffy "…sleepwalk through my life's endeavors." (cutting the rope binding a man) Man- "How can I repay --" Buffy- "Whatever."
-Demon- (after being stabbed by Buffy) "She's not even half the girl she -- oww"
-Xander "Respect the cruller, and tame the doughnut!" Anya "That's still funny, sweetie."
-Buffy "Did anyone…burst into song?"
-Xander "Merciful Zues!"
-Anya (after her bunny theory was silently dismissed) "Or maybe midgets?"
-Buffy "Hey, I've died twice."
-Everybody "There's nothing we can't face…" Anya "except for bunnies."
-Buffy "Well, I'm not exactly quaking in my stylish, yet affordable boots, but there's definitely something unnatural going on here, and that doesn't usually lead to hugs and puppies." (Classic Whedon)
-The entire "They got the mustard out" sequence!
-Dawn "I gave birth to a Pterodactyl." Anya "Oh my god, did it sing?"
-Anya "Will you still make waffles for me when we're married." Xander "No, I'll only make them for myself, but by California law, you will own half of them!"
-Anya "When I get so old and wrinkly, that I'll look like David Brinkley."
-Xander to Giles "Work with me, British man. Give me an axe, and show me where to point it."
-Spike to Buffy "So that’s it. Just came to pump me for information." Buffy "What else would I pump you for…I really just said that, didn't I?"
-Spike "Someday he'll be a real boy."
-Buffy "Dawn's in trouble. Must be Tuesday."
-Willow "I think this lines just mostly filler."
-Buffy "How are you with death scenes."
I wish I could continue writing quotes, but my fingers are starting to hurt!
Overall, this was my favorite episode of Buffy, and the best episode of television I've ever seen. I loved every second of it, and that rarely happens. I'm feeling that blankness you get when you've just seen something truly spectacular. I wish there was such thing as an 11/10, but I give this episode a 10/10.
Too bad the show is done now, "where do we go from here?"
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