"Once More With Feeling"

[rm]

So, let me make sure I'm clear about this: the Scoobies were able to defeat evil because the demon didn't want to bang Xander?

Right, now that we've gotten that out of the way --

You know, I've heard about this episode for years what with the whole sing-along thing, and you know, that sort of gave me a false impression of this thing, because when I hear sing-along, I think happy! funny! Rocky Horror! Instead we got depressing, weird and often atonal. HOW GREAT IS THIS SHIT?

I certainly didn't think it would be the most important part of multiple narratives (Tara/Willow, Buffy's resurrection, Giles and Buffy, Spike/Buffy and possibly Anya/Xander), and yet!

Seriously, why do you people do sing-alongs of this? It's so not designed for that, well, with the exception of the "We will walk through the fire" song which is awesome, and it must have been SO AMAZING to be in fandom at that moment. I mean, Torchwood is the only experience I've ever had of being in TV fandom as the show was airing and that's been... well, the way it's been, although I wouldn't trade going through the Ianto thing as it happened for anything. But this! I can't imagine getting to burn up the Internet with your friends after this episode and see each other at school or work the next day and bursting into one of those songs! I'm so jealous of you all. What a remarkable thing!

*Random Baz Luhrmann-related noise* (it's late, I'll be thinky tomorrow) and wow, so many references to so many classic (and not so classic) musicals -- especially in the dance. And really great work with the all the random facial expressions and random stage business to create the right vibe of the whole thing. Wow wow wow. Also, this TOTALLY made me want to watch one of my favorite inexplicable movie musicals -- Absolute Beginners.

Also, Spike/Buffy totally. TOTALLY. Although, to be frank, I think I like it uneasy and impossible more than anything.

Also, how glad am I that the info about Buffy not having been in Hell is finally out there? Because that matters. Also, a part of me wants to point at this plotline and jump up and down when people are all "bring Ianto back."

Anyway! People! No one told me this episode MATTERED.

Comments

[realtsunamigirl.livejournal.com]

No one told you it mattered? Huh.

I guess its probably because it is so engrained in the fandom. Same way that when people tell you that it rained and they're soaked that it's because water is wet. It just *is*.

We talk about the episode ad nauseum, especially when we get flack for our show. When we are tired of hearing about race-fail and wicca-fail and periodic acting suckage, and plot holes, et cetera, et cetera, (all true, but nonetheless, can be enervating [also not aimed at your episode reviews, just in general]) and sick of taking heat for our thoroughly flawed, yet eminently lovable show, we can haul out "Once More With Feeling" and its like the tactical nuke on the conversation. Nobody can argue that it is certainly one of the most extraordinary pieces of television ever made and probably one of the greatest.

HERE BE ANYA/XANDER SPOILER
I think that the quintessential scene of the show is Anya and Xander's "Book Number". It's hysterically funny ("look at me, I'm dancing crazy!",) and they are so obviously completely in love, but at the same time it is probably the moment that kills their relationship for good. Going back it breaks my heart every time.
/END SPOILER

But beyond that:
-the duet between Giles and Tara about leaving Buffy and WIllow (good god, but ASH can sing!)
-"I think this line's mostly filler."
-the singing demons in the graveyard at the beginning, "She's not even half the girl she...Ow!"
-The look of horror on Tara's face when she realises that she is doing Jazz Hands against her will
-"It could be witches! Some evil witches!...which is ridiculous 'cause witches they were persecuted wicca good and love the earth and woman power and I'll be over here..."
-Anya's Bunny song
-the executive producers singing about parking tickets and mustard spots
-Hinton! Freakin'! Battle!

...and I could go on. I came to the fandom late too, so if you feel the urge to water cooler, I'd love to join in 'cause I never got to before.

I would love to go to a sing along. I was reading what you said about "Walk Through the Fire" and have naturally put the soundtrack on. I started out thinking that yeah, you were right, but then I thought of the "Wish I Could Stay" duet...and heard "I've Got a Theory/Bunnies/If We're Together...and "Rest In Peace"...and Sweet and Dawn's duet...and...and...and...just pretty much everything.

You see, these guys are my Jack and Ianto. What wouldn't you give to have the chance to sing out your pain and anger and loss and frustration along with them, not to mention your love and laughter. When I watch "The Body" or "Chosen" or "Seeing Red" or "Wedding Bells" or, I can always plug in this episode and get it out. It may be bitter-sweet, but it helps.

This is the way Buffy fans mourn: characters, relationships, innocence, love, trust, joy; Joss handed us the tool to do it. I'll bet there isn't a real fan out there who hasn't belted out one of these songs either at home or at a sing along. It's more of what you were saying before about Joss follows through on the pain.

And yeah, Buffy/Spike all the way, but be prepared for a *really* bumpy ride. People complained (and still do) about S6 and how dark it is, blaming the fact on the change in showrunners from Joss to Marti Noxon (and hello, feminism-fail people! Lot of crap along that line.) He has always defended her and it staunchly though, saying that they couldn't bring Buffy back from the dead without earning it, that she and they and the show could never be the same again. And it isn't.

Oh, and since no one warned you before, this is the show that changes the series, right up to the finale; some say for the good, some not. I like it, but it is never quite the same ever again.

Just so you know.

[sevendayloan.livejournal.com]

Just, just all of this. ♥