The 5 Best ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ Episodes
"Hush" was a reaction to criticism that 'Buffy' relied too heavily on snappy dialogue. And man, what a reaction it was. Suck on that, critics.
By 
Gaby Dunn
This is basically like picking children, but you know how you always like some children more than others? (JK, JK). I’m a big Whedonite and I’ve been rewatching all of ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ — albeit a bit slowly; It’s taken me months to get through Season 6.
Anyway, I thought I’d pick my top 5 since I’m re-watching everything. What are your favorites? Do you agree or disagree?
“The Body”
This is my personal favorite ‘Buffy’ episode. The lack of soundtrack when Buffy finds her mom is just stunningly sad. Her reaction and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s acting are perfect. Her waiting for the ambulance helplessly just beautifully illustrated how even the powerful Slayer is a slave to mortality and human emotions. Just ugh, flawless and horrifying.
“Doppelgangland”
Sexy vampire Willow, you guys! I am a total sucker. Joss Whedon wrote this episode specifically to explore alternate universe Willow. It’s a big metaphor where Willow has to overcome herself and it perfectly foreshadows season 6 Willow and her obsession with power and magic. You really get a sense of what Willow can become (and she’s my favorite character).
“The Gift”
This episode is really, really sad but Buffy finally learns what the first Slayer meant when she said “Death is your gift.” Buffy selflessly gives that gift to her baby sister Dawn, dying in her place. She also says the amazing quote, “The hardest thing in this world is just to live in it.” WAAAAAAH.
“Hush”
A mostly silent episode. Joss Whedon, you genius. There’s a whole 27 minutes with no speaking whatsoever, the Gentlemen are freaky as shit and the episode received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series. (Rightfully so.) “Hush” was a reaction to criticism that ‘Buffy’ relied too heavily on snappy dialogue. And man, what a reaction it was. Suck on that, critics.
“Once More With Feeling”
They pulled off a musical episode. A MUSICAL EPISODE. And the songs are good and the dancing is good and it’s a super well-done episode. It’s basically a ‘Buffy’ classic. Anya’s killer body! Tara’s sweet voice! Everyone dancing and singing! Re-watching this was a delight and I might actually have to go back and watch it again later this week. I remember watching this when it first came out and being so incredibly impressed and taken aback. I wanted to be Joss Whedon — to have the freedom to create and to pull off awesome stuff that he does. Anyway, childhood dreams aside, “Once More With Feeling” perfectly marries the campy and serious sides of ‘Buffy.’ I just love it. 
