Nightmares
Original Airdate: May 12,
1997
Writer: David Greenwalt
Story: Joss Whedon
Director:
Bruce Seth Green
The
last two episodes were light in character fare, but this episode is immersed in
it. Dreams are a very common narrative device, which can be effective, so long
as it isn't spelling out what should be clear to an elementary school student
("Six Feet Under", I'm looking at you). "Buffy" uses dreams
in context of the show occasionally, but this episode is one of the rare
exceptions where dreams are the central point of the episode. The most famous
instance of this is "Restless", the fourth season finale. While this
one doesn't come near that one in complexity, it adds some needed depth to the
show, which meandered through two mediocre episodes.
For
starters, The Master returns. As the episode is about fear, it would make sense
that he shows up amongst the nightmares. With the demon in the internet and
hunter puppets, it could easily be forgotten that the major vampire is still
below them trying to break out. One of the bigger weaknesses of season one is
that he doesn't pose much of a threat to be mentioned much in the episodes he
isn't in. It also doesn't help when his two highest profile minions died some
time before this episode. Future seasons would usually do better integrating
the "big bad" into the season, even if they didn't play a large role
in some episodes.
It’s
also worth noting that while she has visions of The Master in her dreams, this
is the first time that any of the gang has actually seen The Master. Since he
never goes out of game face (but The Anointed One never does for some reason),
and his blood stained mouth, it would be safe for her to realize who this is.
Buffy's
dad Hank makes a rare appearance. His role in her life in this episode is
different from what would eventually become the status quo. Hank is hardly the
estranged father figure that he would be regarded as in future episodes,
especially his absence during major events in Buffy and Joyce's lives. Makes
you wonder whether this change was off camera or if they re-tinkered with his
role on the show.
This
episode also touches upon Buffy's troubled past, and how she feels that
affected her family life. Even if they don't know, being a parent to The Slayer
is a tall order. It makes sense that she would believe that these newfound
stresses intensified or created the divorce. Thankfully, I'm not a product of
divorce, but kids often blame themselves for it, and Buffy has a huge reason to
justify that. Maybe I'm going to hell in part for this, but Hank saying that
Buffy is why his marriage failed is almost funny.
Unfortunately,
Buffy doesn't have any nightmares about her complicated relationship with
Angel. In "Angel", we learned of Angel's demonic capabilities, and
that he walks a thin line between redemption and his evil past. In hindsight,
these would've been good to see knowing what's in store for the show in future
seasons.
It's
a little thick headed for Giles not to believe that becoming a vampire herself
would be among Buffy's biggest fears. It would be like being surprised that a
fireman is afraid of being killed in a fire. However, it is true to his
character to be slightly aloof on human matters. Also, while his nightmare of illiteracy
isn't surprising, it is given an appropriate amount of screen time.
His
other one, of Buffy dying, is interwoven seamlessly with Buffy's nightmare of
turning into a vampire. Unfortunately because of budget constraints, they
couldn't afford some apocalyptic sequence that would represent Buffy's
nightmare of failing to save the world, but that is forgivable since they
didn't have a lot to work with in this episode. However, this nightmare is
still a potent one for a slayer to have.
There
is plenty of opportunity for humor in nightmares, as self-absorbed kids are
taken down a few pegs and our gang experience several embarrassing moments via
the nightmares. Xander's nightmares focus more on
embarrassment and lighter issues than his friend. His exposure in front of his
peers would've probably been more mortifying if he had my physique, which would
probably be more appropriate for his character. Cordelia's
nightmare, turning from sexy mean queen to frumpy chess club patron, is easily
the funniest bit in the episode.
Of
course, as
The
cause of all this, a comatose boy projecting himself with nightmares to sneak
in as well, is essentially a MacGuffin. Billy and his
abusive coach beating him aren't important to the story, but what Billy's
projections do is important for the characters. The Ugly Man at times comes off
as a little corny rather than menacing. Is his hand a club or is he holding
one?
While
this episode isn't special, it is a step up from the past two installments.
Character is key, which is always good. The central menace returns to remind us
of what still is at stake. It does stand pale in comparison to later
explorations of these characters' minds.
Score: 7/10
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