Today I am excited to introduce my first guest poster for the Sunnydale Project, the wonderful Amy from Kissed by Ink! She’s here today to talk about her all time favourite Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode - “Smashed”. I must say, although this definitely isn’t my favourite episode, I had a fun time reading about it from another fan’s eyes, and it certainly has me reconsidering my opinion of it! So please give a warm welcome to Amy and read on to find out about why “Smashed” is on the top of her Buffy list.
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I love all of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes, so when I sat down and tried to decide which one was truly my favorite I agonized over the task. First I thought that my favorite episode was hands down Once More, With Feeling. I mean the fact that Anya sings about bunnies is just about the funniest thing ever! How can a demon possibly be afraid of little rabbits? Hysterical!
Then, I thought back to when I was first hooked by the show - “Angel”. The episode that Buffy and Angel finally give into temptation and kiss. Wow! But this episode just didn’t fit the mould for my favorite episode.
I was totally unprepared for the episode that really got my heart pumping. Seriously guys, Season 6 totally changed everything for Buffy and Spike, especially episode 9. Not only do Buffy and Spike finally get busy, but there are all kinds of geeky little tidbits to keep us entertained.
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Can you say freeze ray? Warren, Jonathan, Andrew and the nosey security guard can! I totally enjoy the boys’ inventions, especially when they don’t work as planned. Poor Jonathan gets his hands and forearms frozen. :(
And then there is the little matter of Amy STILL being a rat until this episode. Finally Willow magically turns her back, but Amy leads Willow on the terrible downward spiral of addiction (we all know this doesn’t end well for anyone, especially Warren).
And the biggest, most violent scenes are saved for Buffy and Spike in this episode. Not only is Buffy fighting her attraction to Spike, but she’s also fighting herself. She learns just how different she is now that she’s been brought back from the dead. Again. In continuing to take all of her anger out on poor Spike, he realizes that his chip is malfunctioning. He figures out that because Buffy is “wrong” he is able to fight back. Epic battle turns to violent sex-fest for the two. I know many people don’t enjoy this episode because of all of the violence, but I see it as a stepping stone for future episodes and story line. Without all of these happenings, Buffy and Spike wouldn’t partner up in the end to save the world. That’s why “Smashed” is my favorite episode ever!
“And to that an extreme see you later.”
~Buffy Ann Summers
Season 6 Episode 9: Smashed
Previously on The Sunnydale Project (Sept. 18)…
Interesting choice. I love your reasons though. Unfortunately, Smashed is actually one of my least favorite episodes...actually Season 6 is my least favorite season, but I really love your reasoning. It's very straightforward and thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteYou know, Spike is such an interesting complicated character. It seems we should hate, but occasionally he has these moment where we see potential in him. I definitely didn't like many things Spike did in season 6 an 7, but in some way they are important to his redemption story. But you know Anya and bunnies . . . Best. Thing. Ever.
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