It wasn’t easy, but we picked the best Buffy The Vampire Slayer episodes.

We used some rigorous criteria.

Well, we tried to.

That doesnt mean this list was assembled haphazardly.

By what criteria did I make these assessments?

First is narrative cohesion: Which episodes show a high level of quality in both concept and execution?

Is the writing tight?

How well does the story flow?

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Second is memorability.

Third is uniqueness, how these episodes stand out from the crowd.

How are they different?

What elevates them above the rest?

Last would be emotional resonance.

How strong an emotional response did the episode in question evoke?

That said, it had some really cool moments.

Talk about female empowerment!

Anya finally owns her flaws, takes accountability for her choices.

The teary vulnerability of her question, What if Im really nobody?

make this episode a must-see.

As does, of course, a flashback to the musical episode, complete with a brand new song.

Reveal that they were playing her the whole damn time.

It has a lot going for it.

Its superbly written, directed, and acted.

Its problem comes in its rewatch value.

Still, a classics a classic.

SCHOOL HARD (Season 2, Episode 3)

There is just so much good about this episode.

Not too shabby, show.

For Buffy, thats her powers.

Who and what will he be now that such a defining aspect of his character has been stripped away?

Now that is love.

She didnt even care enough to cut off my head or set me on fire.

I mean, is that too much to ask?

Some little sign that she cared?

That little speech also set up one of the cardinal rules regarding Spike: Give the devil his due.

Does all the good done earn you the occasional get-out-of-jail-free card?

17. WHO ARE YOU?

Danny Strongs performance here is just another example of how hes the unsung hero of this cast.

Season 5, while possessing an incredible arc, does not play as strongly on an episode-by-episode basis.

Well, because personal feelings aside, its a really great episode.

Hes funny, brave, and relatable.

When Cordelia tries to belittle him and push his buttons, he doesnt rise to the bait.

He doesnt need to insult her back or even prove how wrong she is.

He knows the truth, and thats enough for him.

THE WISH (Season 3, Episode 9)

Arguably the greatest what if vignette sinceIts a Wonderful Life.

Xander and Willow as a sexy vampire couple evoking a Spike and Drusilla vibe?

Im sure its no coincidence.

Oz as Giles protege in the fight against evil?

And a physically and emotionally scarred Buffy who is harder and colder?

If you havent before, take note of who kills whom and how they do it.

He doesnt dismiss the possibility of forgiveness, and ego doesnt factor into his response at any point.

An episode that puts her front and center.

This one is just plain fun.

Her disparaging commentary on herself while impersonating Vampire Willow is very telling.

And shall we praise Alyson Hannigans acting here?

Watching her play Willow, then Vampire Willow, then Willow impersonating Vampire Willow… its just delicious.

It was so organic and truthful.

It was a subtle but incredibly in-character touch.

INNOCENCE (Season 2, Episode 14)

This was the episode that broke our hearts.

And it hurts so good.

No, Angelus exults in physical and psychological torment, even more so of those close to him.

He is, in every context, a complete monster.

A world of yes.

Damn you, Whedon.

Oz is finally confronted with a completely different take on lycanthropy and what it means to live with it.

Here Veruca occupies the same role that Faith did in Consequences.

Whether or not you agree with her conclusions, all of her questions are worth asking.

This episode also burns in our memories because its one that few of us saw coming.

The ultimate result was perfection.

FOOL FOR LOVE (Season 5, Episode 7)

Mythology episodes are almost always a treat.

It is a true masterpiece as a character study, as mythology, and as just plain fun.

HUSH (Season 4, Episode 10)

Do I even need to say why this episode is amazing?

It makes it onto every single Top 10 list of this kind, and for good reason.

I mean, theres just too much to even list.

Fifteen years in, and Im still picking up on new levels of meaning with every viewing.

This episode also marks the first appearance of Sineya A.K.A.

the Primitive or First Slayer, a character that was explored more fully in theBuffycomics.

But even beyond all that, this episode is a work of art on account of its presentation alone.

Theres no other word for it.

And before anyone mentionsGlee, that is a whole other story and you know it.

Each number represents a different genre of musical theater.

Going Through the Motions is a standard Disney I want song.

Emma Caulfield not even getting nominated for an Emmy for Anyas breakdown is just a crime.

Even Giles is shaken.

And then theres Tara, the unexpected voice of comfort, whos been through all this.

Parking attendants leave tickets.

The world keeps on turning in a way that seems almost vulgar.

Every character finds a moment to shine, and every subplot contributes to the main story.

These kids are different from who they were before.

Theyve grown, apart perhaps, but growth is growth.

Willow and Oz end up having their first time together in a rather impromptu but no less welcome fashion.

Giles blows up the school himself, starting with his beloved library.

As for our titular vampire slayer… well, where to begin?

Everything about that scenethe dialogue, the bizarre imagery (a possible dry-run for Restless?

Even after everything thats happened, Buffys compassion moves her to forgive Faith, even if its too late.

Graduation Day was a turning point for the series in so many ways.

And, of course, they blew up the school.

It was by far and away the most emotionally resonant big bad fight.

Buffy gets Angel back, and she still has to kill him.

And then… Sarah McLachlan.

I was done, people, and I still am, 17 years later.

This was amazing and in my book the all-time greatest episode ofBuffy the Vampire Slayer.

The #1 episode of any show should fully embody the spirit and tone of that show.

It shouldnt be a typical episode, because then by definition it wouldnt be special.

Rather, it should be the ultimate form, if you will, of a typical episode.

Graduation Day and Becoming are trulyBuffyat its best, so why did one win out over the other?

Well, there are a few reasons.

One sounds pretty shallow, but does count for something.

Angelus is a vampire.

Vampires are the default.

When all else fails, vampires are there as the constant underlying threat.

Its where the premise began.

They also align with the gothic feel of the early seasons, 1 & 2 especially.

Then theres the fact that with Angelus, the emotional stakes were far higher.

Becoming isBuffyin its purest form: A girl fighting a vampire as she endures heartbreak.

Nothing boils the premise down quite so well.

It is gothic horror/romance and astute metaphor in equal measure, and it is sublime as both.

Both episodes are satisfying meals, but theyre different kinds of meals.

Graduation Day is a hearty shepherds pie, delicious and nutritious.

Its got meat, potatoes, gravy, even a little veg.

Becoming is a cheese board with fine wine.

Youve got a modest variety of savory flavors: cheese, meats, maybe even some grapes.

Its a sparer meal, to be sure, but no less nutritious and satisfying.

This article first ran on October 16, 2015.

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