Play by Play: Something Blue

There is almost nothing as sad as the departure of Oz.

First, I know this is a controversial statement, but I am a big fan of Riley, both as a character and as a plot device. Seeing Buffy interact with an upstanding, good-hearted, corn-fed Iowa (undead) boy was necessary to realistically move Buffy as a character—not to mention the show itself—from the melodramatic, Angel-obsessed high school days (but Oh! How we loved those days!) to the possibility of real development in college.

Because Buffy can’t help but suffer every single day of her life, it’s refreshing when she gets a little break from all the drama. However, Riley has a tough act to follow (and precede!). Since Buffy’s life is pain, her love must be pain as well. No regular guy could possibly satisfy a super-human in the long run. But Riley gives it the ol’ college try. And, he juxtaposes nicely with the other men in Buffy’s life.

Speaking of, season 4 Spike is priceless. But who am I kidding? He’s always priceless. But Spike is especially brilliant when he’s chained up, neutered, and “drinking pig’s blood from a novelty mug,” as he says. (The mug says Kiss the Librarian. Don’t tempt me, Giles.) Because we’re seeing more of Spike, we’re also receiving one of the benefits of his company: a much-needed ability to read people.

Oh puhleeeeze, Riley. Nobody DRIVES for fun. Get a real hobby.

Ah, drunk Willow at the Bronze. She’s in some real pain, which typically leads to spells with outrageous results. I like her speech to Giles (before she makes him blind) about grief. It’s so true that people are willing to deal with another’s sadness only for so long. But grief isn’t on a timetable. And whatever pain a person is going through seems like the worst pain in the world.

I remember the first time I saw this episode. Watching Spike and Buffy as a head-over-heels-in-love couple made me the happiest girl in the world. Other great moments include: Giles’ momentary show of emotion over Buffy’s request to walk her down the aisle. Riley’s befuddlement over Buffy’s wedding dress hysteria and attraction to much older men. Xander’s lips as the Fruit Roll Ups of love.

Every episode has its hilarious moments, even alongside the tragedies that inevitably lurk behind every corner. Here, the tragedy is that Spike and Buffy broke off their engagement.

D'hoffryn: “Here is my talisman, you change your mind, give us a chat.”