When Firefly was cancelled after only 11 episodes aired (way to go, Fox), it was the fan response that convinced Universal to give the film the green light. Joss rewarded us with a story that would have served as the plot line for the mythical Firefly: Season Two. 
When an Alliance-devoted Operative learns that River was privy to a government-destroying secret, he sets out to capture her no matter the obstacle. But when River's "trigger" reveals her super soldier fighting skills, the Serenity crew has some questions of their own. Will the Operative capture the Tams before our crew can reveal the truth about Reavers? 

Kristen and Mike discuss the reception of the film for non-Browncoats, what Mal believes in, and which characters were under-served. 

PLUS! What's next for Kristen and Mike?

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Kristen and Mike take bets on who would win in ten theoretical Mal match-ups. 

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In "Objects in Space", after River picks up a gun the crew discusses her danger to the rest of them. Meanwhile, a bounty hunter named Jubal Early sneaks onboard Serenity to apprehend the Tams. When River is not  found on the ship, she announces that she has become Serenity. While Jubal tries to comprehend this, River forms a plan. Kristen and Mike discuss the existentialist themes of this episode, and compare and contrast River and Early. 

We round out our Firefly discussion with our series wrap-up. Topics include: Yearbook Awards, In Memorium, Biggest Damn Hero, Favorite Episodes, Favorite Characters, and why Firefly was cancelled. 

PLUS! What would we have seen in Firefly Season 2?

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Kristen and Mike take bets on who would win in eight theoretical Buffy match-ups. 

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Kristen and Mike pitch their ideas for Firefly Crossovers. 

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Kristen and Mike pitch their ideas for Buffy Crossovers. 

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In "The Message", Zoe and Mal receive a crate in the mail containing the dead body of their former brother-in-arms, Tracy. As they try to return his body to his family, Serenity is attacked by feds demanding Tracy's corpse. When Simon attempts an autopsy, Tracy wakes up and explains that he's smuggling human organs. The crew must figure out how to save Tracy and themselves from the rogue feds. Kristen and Mike discuss Tracy's fatal flaw, and the more dramatic tone of this episode. 

In "Heart of Gold", Inara's friend Nandi asks for help. Her brothel is under attack from a wealthy customer looking to steal a prostitute's baby. The crew jump to action fortifying the bordello and defending the women. When Mal hits it off with Nandi, Inara feigns indifference but is privately heartbroken. We examine Mal and Inara's relationship (or lack thereof), the crew's distinct roles in the battle, Jayne's respect for the working girls, and Kristen mixes up Nandi and Tandi repeatedly. Sorry, Graham-t! I mean, Nandi!

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When Wash gets jealous over Zoe and Mal's "War Stories", he insists on taking Zoe's usual spot on a job. Unfortunately, this happens to the be the day that Niska catches up with them. He's still sore over Mal giving back that black market medicine, and tortures Mal and Wash in retaliation. Kristen and Mike discuss the evolution of River's abilities, and Wash's growth as a character. 

In "Trash", the crew runs into an old foe - Saffron... or Bridget... or Yolanda? She proposes a caper to steal an antique laser pistol from a rich collector. The plan to ditch the pistol in the trash and retrieve it later is going well - until they run into Saffron's husband. But the real one this time. We address Kristen's memory of this episode (or lack thereof), and why Saffon feels so different this time. 

PLUS! Do you slice your grenades, I mean - apples? 

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In "Out of Gas", Serenity is crippled in deep space. With their oxygen running out, Mal orders the rest of the crew off ship to find help. While Mal attempts to fix his stranded ship, he remembers meeting each of his crew members for the first time. Kristen and Mike discuss the 3-timeline story structure, and the way the writers convey exposition visually.

In "Ariel", while the ship is docked on an Alliance planet, Simon proposes a heist to sneak River into the hospital. While Simon runs tests on River, Mal and Zoe steal valuable medicine. But when Jayne turns in the Tams for the reward money, they'll have to break out of custody and outrun the Hands of Blue men. We analyze River's diagnosis, and explore Mal's decision to spare Jayne.

PLUS! The Stackers share their stories of being lost or stranded. 

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As promised, this week we're taking Andrew's advice (7:9 "Never Leave Me") and giving Babe a second chance in his second film - Babe: Pig in the City. 

Although Babe is now a champion sheep herder, his troubles are not over. When an accident leaves the Farmer unable to work, his wife takes Babe on an exotic trip to earn some prize money and save the farm. 

But when they're detained on a layover in Metropolis (or possibly an alien planet), Esme and Babe find refuge in a strange hotel full of animals and a circus troop. While Babe attempts to rescue the farm and his new friends, Esme just wants to rescue Babe. We discuss critics' reception of this film, the director's history, and the heartwarming rescue that will leave everyone in tears. 

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Our top 5 most iconic spaceships in pop culture.

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In "Our Mrs. Reynolds", after helping a barren town thwart bandits, the crew celebrates with a party and libations. The next morning, Mal discovers that he unwittingly participated in a marriage ceremony and meets his new wife Saffron. Mal admirably rejects the premise of a person being traded as payment, but eventually falls victim to her seducton. But Saffron has other plans. We discuss our reactions to Saffon's betrayal, and whether Jayne's trade for Vera is deplorable or a sign of growth.

In "Jaynestown", when the crew lands on Canton - a planet populated by enslaved mudders - they find that the inhabitants have built a statue to commemorate Jayne. Years ago, Jayne stole from the Magistrate and dumped the money (and his partner) in the chase. The Mudders believe that Jayne was giving them the money as a charitable Robin Hood act. While Jayne basks in hero-worship, the Magistrate makes plans for revenge. We debate over Simon's behavior as respectful or insulting, and Joe teaches us how to make Mudder's Milk at home.

PLUS! Joe from Wayne Manor Memoirs joins us in the Stacks. 

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When Inara lands a date to a fancy "Shindig", she's looking forward to a night of sophistication and culture. It's a shame that Mal's gonna crash the party so he can woo a potention client of his own. Kaylee is enjoying the festivities, but the night goes awry when Mal inadvertently challenges Inara's suitor to a duel. The gunslinger must learn to swordfight while his crew is trapped on Serenity. Kristen and Mike discuss Inara's dillemna to live with Atherton full time, and the production value of shooting in Disney's backlot.

In "Safe", Mal encourages Simon and River to explore a new planet so he can sell his wares. When the deal goes sour, Book is injured and Serenity needs to leave the planet without the doc and his sister. Meanwhile, Simon is forced to treat the sick and injured of a small town, whose citizens don't taken kindly to River's abilities. We examine the Tam parents' indifference to their daughter's well-being, and the town's sudden yet ardent religious fervor.

PLUS! The Stackers' favorite Firefly characters! 

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We're back! Firefly starts off with a bang in this 2-parter introducing us to the universe after Earth-that-was. Mal, Zoe, Jayne, and Kaylee live and work on a ship called Serenity, running less-than-legal jobs. When they're flagged by the tyrranical government The Alliance, their deal goes sour and they're forced to take on passengers. But at least two of the newcomers have secrets that could bring the crew's way of life to an end. Kristen and Mike discuss their histories with this series, the strange order in which these episodes were aired, and Mike's mysterious connection to Kaylee/Jewel Staite. 

In Part 2, the crew starts off in a bad spot. There's a lawman on board, Kaylee's been shot, the Alliance is coming, and Simon has smuggled his sister onto the ship. Mal chooses to follow through with his deal, however, and sell his smuggled goods to Patience. But when Patience predictably and metaphorically stabs Mal in the back, Serenity needs to hightail it out of there and... oh, look - Reavers are coming. We talk about Mal's specific brand of morality, and our evolving opinions about the super stuffy Simon Tam. 

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Kristen and Mike share a look back at all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In this post-mortem, we discuss our favorite (and least favorite) episodes, seasons, villains, slays, and characters. And we share our listeners' stories of what Buffy means to them.

PLUS! We announce what comes next for The Sunnydale Stacks. 

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In "End of Days", after Buffy removes the Scythe, she rescues Faith and the potentials from the blast site and an Ubervamp attack. While Buffy and Faith bond over the lonely position of the Slayer, Andrew and Anya loot medical supplies from the abandoned hospital. Willow's research into the Scythe's origins leads Buffy to meet the last Guardian, and to her final showdown with Caleb. We discuss emotional scenes without the need for speeches, and Caleb's big-bad takedown.

In "Chosen", Angel gives Buffy a mysterious amulet, a backup plan for the upcoming battle, and hope for the future. Back at home, Buffy names Spike as her champion. When The First attempts to shake her confidence, Buffy forms a winning plan. The gang prepares for the final showdown at the high school, and the moment when Buffy's no longer the only Chosen One. We remember watching the finale for the first time, and delve into Anya's send-off. 

PLUS! Chris from Hey, Do You Remember...? joins us as we celebrate seven seasons in the Stacks! 

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In "Empty Places", as the town's citizens flee, Sunnydale's police force gets antsy for some Justice. When Faith takes the potentials for a night out, the group is forced to fight some overzealous law enforcement. Meanwhile, Spike and Andrew leave town to investigate a lead, leaving Buffy without backup when the rest of the group mutinies. Kristen and Mike discuss the townspeople's awareness of the apocolypse, and the culmination of events that lead to Buffy's explusion from the group. 

In "Touched", with Buffy ejected from the Summers home, the rest of the group doesn't find the easy peace they expected. Spike's fury at Buffy's banishment leads him to find her languishing in an empty house. The gang forces a Bringer to speak via Andrew, pointing them to an underground arsenal. While everyone prepares for the next day's battle, the Scoobies get frisky. We break down the different "coupling" milestones in this ep, and analyze the concurrent final assaults. 

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In "Lies My Parents Told Me", Giles is determined to deactivate Spike's trigger once and for all. But when Spike doesn't like the emotional baggage that unleashes, Giles is forced to team up with Principal Wood to take Spike out. When Robin locks himself in a room with a triggering Spike, he doesn't anticipate the psychological treatment he'd be giving the vampire. Kristen and Mike discuss the evolution of Spike's Mom and her relationship to her son.

In "Dirty Girls", Sunnydale has two new visitors - Faith and Caleb! While Faith re-acclimates herself with the Scooby Army, Caleb has a cryptic message for Buffy. When the totally obvious trap turns out to be a trap, the gang suffers heavy losses. Kristen and Mike talk about the crowded cast list, the rejuvenation that Faith brings, and Caleb's proselytizing.

PLUS! The Stackers reveal their fantasy BtVS relationships! 

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In "Get it Done", Robin, finally a member of the Scooby Gang, gives Buffy his mother's Slayer Bag-o-Tricks. Insides is a shadow puppet theater, and when Dawn reads the story of the First Slayer amidst the shadows, it opens a portal. While Buffy negotiates with the First Watchers, the gang must figure out a way to get her back. Kristen and Mike discuss Buffy's "Everyone sucks but me" speech, and Spike's magic coat.

In "Storyteller", Andrew has appointed himself Scooby Documentarian. He narrates the Slayer's campaign against the First to hilarious inaccuracy. Meanwhile, the seal is heating up and possessing the students of Sunnydale High. Buffy has a plan to deactivate it, but it means Andrew will have to put down the camera and face his actions. We examine the device of Andrew as an unreliable narrator, and the dangers of possessed teenagers versus literal superheros.

PLUS! Your unnamed character credits! 

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It's "Showtime"! As the Potential Slayers continue to arrive in Sunnydale, the Scoobies still lack answers to their questions about The First. Giles and Anya seek out Beljoxa's Eye from their demon contacts. Meanwhile, Buffy and Xander go to greet another Potential, but instead find her dead body. With its disguise revealed, The First sends the Turok-Han to thin the herd. Kristen and Mike discuss the Kennedy controversy, and analyse The First's and the Slayer's respective plans.

In "Potential", Buffy's becoming increasingly exhausted with the Potentials' excuses and timidness in their training. When Willow performs a spell to find the next newbie, it points the way to Dawn. Brimming with newfound confidence and purpose, Dawn attempts to help a classmate Amanda, and slay the vamp solo. But was Dawn really the target of Willow's spell? We examine Sunnydale's lack of fire safety, and the Season Seven Speech Phenomenon.

PLUS! Who's your favorite Potential Slayer?

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In "Never Leave Me", Buffy must restrain Spike during his blood withdrawal. Meanwhile, Willow runs into Andrew in town. The Scoobies hold him hostage to see what evil deeds he has planned. But The First is still able to trigger Spike into attacking. When the Bringers attack the Summers home, they kidnap Spike and reveal the Turok-Han. Kristen and Mike discuss Principal Wood as a red herring, and we say good riddance to the Watcher's Council.

In "Bring on the Night", with The First finally revealed, the gang tries to research it without luck. Giles arrives to help - with three potential slayers in tow. He breaks the news about the council and divulges The First's plan to wipe out the entire Slayer line. When she and Giles search his last known whereabouts, Buffy meets the Turok-han and escapes by the skin of dawn breaking. But the sun has to go down eventually... Kristen and Mike review the Turok-han's design, Buffy's haunted dreams, and the first in a long line of speeches.

PLUS! Your favorite Andrew quotes. 

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Our field trip to the Big Apple features the 1999 movie Simply Irresistible, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Just as Amanda's mother's restaurant is sure to close due to her terrible cooking, she receives a gift from a mysterious man at the farmer's market - a magic crab. Yes, you read that right. A magic crab. 

Once it sets up shop in her kitchen, it seems this crab can make Amanda's emotions affect her cooking - inducing feelings of satisfaction, lust, and friskiness. When major hunk Tom visits her restaurant, the two begin a whirlwind romance from meal to meal. But are Tom's feelings genuine? Or is he being magically roofied?

Kristen and Mike look for the appeal of Tom, and what character development (if any) he and Amanda undergo by the end. And we discuss Mike's conspiracy theory of where the magic really comes from, and consider his dark sequel pitch. 

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Our top 5 most memorable moments in Buffy fashion.

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In "Conversations with Dead People", the Scooby gals are each visited by strangely chatty corpses. When Buffy's slated foe turns out to be a former classmate, patroling turns into a therapy session. Willow is visited by an intermediary with a message from Tara. And Dawn saves her mother's spirit from a violent demon... or so she thinks. Kristen and Mike discuss the decision to reintroduce Cassie, and Buffy's decision to open up to Holden.

In "Sleeper", reeling from Holden's news that Spike is feeding again, Buffy enlists the Scoobies to find hard evidence. When spying on him doesn't work, Buffy confronts him outright. And while he's adamant that he'd remember the taste of human blood, Spike decides to look for evidence of his own. When his memories lead them to a basement full of dead bodies, that's all the proof they need. We discuss reasons to not let a random dude push you into a dark alley, Spike's sleeping habits, and the duration of Dawn's mistrust.

PLUS! The Stackers' updated trigger songs. 

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On the first day of Buffmas, my true love gave to me...

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In "Selfless", while Anya's return to the vengeance fold has earned praise from her peers, her conscience can't keep up. When she sends a giant spider to settle the score with an entire fraternity, Buffy sees no choice but to slay her former friend. Kristen and Mike compare Anya's two death scenes this season, and interpret the origin of her bunny fear.

In "Him", Dawn falls in love with RJ and loses all sense of self control and rationality. Is it normal teenage hormones or a wacky love spell? When Buffy goes gaga for the same meat-head, it becomes clear to everyone except the sisters that they're victims of some mystical mojo. Can the boys find the source before the lovesick girls do some real harm? Kristen and Mike discuss how to make the first half as entertaining as the second, and compare this episode's sense of humor to The Zeppo's.

PLUS! The Stackers' favorite Anya moments! 

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In "Same Time Same Place", Willow returns to Sunnydale, but can't find her friends. Or the Scoobies are worried when Willow doesn't arrive in Sunnydale. Even though they're at the same place at the same time (see what I did there?), they can't see each other. But when everyone ends up investigating the same murder, the reason becomes more clear. Kristen and Mike discuss what makes Gnarl so memorable, the horror of his methodology, and the bureaucracy of demon-ing.

In "Help", Buffy starts her new job as student adviser. When Cassie tells her that she's going to die on Friday, the Slayer enlists the Scoobies to prevent the prophecy. Is it the drunken dad? The friend-zoned boy? Or the greedy demon-worshiping cult? Tricky. Kristen and Mike examine possible color symbolism this season, and Spike's redeeming moment!

PLUS! Did the Stackers want an eighth season? 

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Our top 5 recommended TV shows for Buffy fans.

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In "Lessons", Sunnydale High has reopened and Buffy is aprehensive about Dawn's freshman year. Rightly so, because as Buffy creepily stalks the hallways, her younger sister is attacked by ghosts. When the Slayer follows her to the basement, she finds a basketcase Spike hiding there. Kristen and Mike discuss this season's upgraded technology, the uninspired baddies, and the mind-blowing ending.

In "Beneath You", a Tremors-like worm is burrowing through the streets of Sunnydale, targeting innocent Nancy. As the depleted Scoobies assemble, a seemingly sane Spike arrives to offer his help. Anya confesses to turning Nancy's ex into a giant worm. So when Spike accidently stabs non-worm Ronnie, the guilt forces him into a confession. Kristen and Mike examine Spike's reaction (or lack thereof) to his Season 6 misdeeds, and offer ideas to fix the Spike-sanity-switch.

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Willow has "Two to Go" in taking her Revenge on the Nerds (see what I did there?). The Scoobies break the Duo out of jail and go on the run. After Willow kills Rack to drain his power, she confronts Buffy in the Magic Box. We discuss the dillemna of stopping Willow without harming her, and the return of our favorite librarian.

In the season finale "Grave", Giles has borrowed magics from a coven to bind Willow. But she escapes and drains his power. The dose of white magic overwhelms her, setting her on a path to end the world's misery by just ending the whole world. When no superhuman can overpower her, Xander saves the world with words. We discuss the nonviolent ending, and Willow's switch in motivation.  

PLUS! Your Buffy Saturday Morning Cartoons! 

And the Season 6 Yearbook Awards and In Memorium! 

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In "Seeing Red", while Willow and Tara bask in reconciliation, Buffy tracks down the Trio's new lair. The evil nerds are busy stealing the Orbs of Nezzla'khan (Gesundheit!) which give Warren strength and invincibility. After a disturbing encounter with Spike, Buffy foils the Trio's plans to rob an armored car - setting Warren on a mission of revenge. Kristen and Mike discuss Spike's mortifying behavior, and the tragic end of one of the series' most beloved characters.

In "Villians", with her girlfriend murdered and her best friend clinging to life, Willow's pain and rage push her over the edge. After saving Buffy's life, the turbocharged witch tracks down Warren. The other Scoobies try to keep Willow from going over the edge, but they're too late and witness the flaying firsthand. We examine Buffy's insistance that she can't kill Warren, and Spike's regression and trip to Africa.

PLUS! Which Whedonverse death shocked the Stackers the most? 

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Get your friends hooked on Buffy with Kristen and Mike's 5-episode recruitment plans. 

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In "Normal Again", while looking for the Trio's new hideout, Buffy is poisoned by a Glarghk Guhl Kashmas’nik. The poison causes her to hallucinate that Sunnydale isn't real and she's been in a mental hospital for 6 years. Or maybe she's really there? And Sunnydale is the delusion? While Buffy tries to determine what's real, the Scoobies brew her an antidote. We discuss the poison's medical effect, and what's really real.

In "Entropy", freshly wounded after being left at the alter, Anya seeks vengeance against Xander. When she can't grant her own wishes, she enlists the Scoobies to wish terrible things on his intestines. Meanwhile Spike, definitively rejected by Buffy, seeks Anya's help in licking his wounds. Kristen and Mike discuss Xander's riteous indignation, and Dawn's growth as a character.

PLUS! We poll your thoughts on the real reality in Normal Again. 

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Reeling from Anya's sad walk down the aisle, we needed to get away from Sunnydale for a bit. So Chris (from Hey, Do You Remember...?) hopped in the school bus to join us on a field trip to review the 1996 film The Craft.

Sarah's just moved to a new school and catches the eye of the local coven. Recognizing Sarah's natural gift for magic, Rochelle, Bonnie, and Queen Bee Nancy recruit her to call upon the power of "Manon". They're still teenage girls, however, and at first they use their powers for superficial purposes. Sarah wants a boy to like her. Bonnie wants to be beautiful. And Rochelle was revenge on a bully. 

But when Nancy wants to "invoke the spirit" to gain "all the power of Manon", the consequences of these spells start catching up to them. When Sarah tries to convince the others to decelerate their witchcraft, she's ousted from the group. Will Sarah succumb to the torment of these supernatural mean girls?

We discuss our nostalgia for this movie, the muddied motivations for Nancy's anger, the repetitive imagery, and write a love letter to Fairuza Balk.

PLUS! The Stackers write their own spell books... 

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In "As You Were", just as Buffy's life can't seem to get any more miserable - Riley Finn returns to Sunnydale to really show her up. With his exciting job and his perfect wife, Riley barges into town tracking "The Doctor" - someone who's dealing in illegal demon eggs. When Riley's success drops Buffy's self esteem to an all-time low, she turns to Spike for consolation. Kristen and Mike discuss how our feelings toward Riley have changed since season 5, and try to find any fault with Sam.

You're invited to Xander and Anya's wedding! In "Hell's Bells", as Anya practices her wedding vows, Xander is approached by a mysterious old man. He warns Xander that marrying Anya will only bring misery, and shows him glimpses of the future to prove it. As the guests and the bride get restless, Xander makes a life-altering decision. Kristen and Mike discuss Anya's wedding fashion, and other choices Xander could have made. 

PLUS! Your Spike autobiography titles! 

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In "Dead Things", the Trio combine their skills to create a cerebral dampener - a device that allows them to control the actions of whomever they want. And these geeks want girls. Warren specifically wants Katrina back. When the effects wear off, Warren accidentally kills Katrina, then frames Buffy for the murder. Kristen and Mike debate the grossest thing Warren says, and break down why we're so creeped out by Spike's actions this ep.

It's Buffy's birthday! HIDE! In "Older and Far Away", Dawn's visit to the guidance counselor unwittingly traps Buffy's party guests in the house. Binging cartoons and Monopoly is all well and good until Tara accidentally releases a demon that can hide itself in the walls. Buffy must confront an angsty Dawn and free them from the house before one of the guests bleeds to death. Kristen and Mike discuss the stakes (get it?) in this episode, and Dawn's regression to toddlerish whining.

PLUS! Your favorite minor demon characters! 

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In "Gone", Buffy is overwhelmed with raising a teenager, furnishing Willow's recovery, and managing her own indiscretions with Spike. After she fails to pass muster with Child Services, Buffy chops off the golden locks Spike loves so much. A chance run-in with the Trio outside the hair salon triggers them to shoot her with their new invisibility ray. While the Scoobies investigate how to re-visible her, Buffy enjoys a brief freedom from consequences. We discuss Dawn's level 10 whining, and what we'd do with the power of invisibility. 

Buffy solves her income dilemma with a job at the "Doublemeat Palace". High turnover. Employees disappearing. The smell. The secret ingredient. Manny. Is this a typical fast food job or is something nefarious afoot? When Buffy finds a finger in the meat grinder, she enlists the Scoobies to investigate what's really in the Doublemeat Medley. Meanwhile, Amy doses Willow with unwanted magic. Kristen and Mike discuss the adversities of working as a corporate cog, and suggest ways to improve Wig Lady's costume.

PLUS! Your food-service horror stories. 

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In "Smashed", the gang is reeling from the consequences of Tabula Rasa. When Buffy rejects Spike (yet again), he punches her and feels no pain. He enlists Warren's help to find out why. Meanwhile, a depressed Willow transforms Amy into her own personal magic playmate. And a Buffy/Spike brawl turns titilating. We discuss Willow's denial of Tara's very real concerns, and the importance of consent when Buffy and Spike f... er... fight.

In "Wrecked". Buffy is tormented by shame after her tryst with Spike. And Willow is burnt out after a magic marathon. When Amy wants to keep going, she takes a depleted Willow to meet Rack. This guy, amiright? Willow is quickly hooked, and her magic dependence puts Dawn in very real danger. We compare Buffy and Spike's reasons behind sleeping together, and we SAY NO TO DRUGS!

PLUS! Your Whedonverse villian team-ups!

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In "Once More With Feeling", the Scoobies find that the entire town of Sunnydale is magically bursting into song! Tensions rise as they each unwillingly reveal their melodic secrets. When Dawn is kidnapped by a dancing demon, Giles tries to push Buffy out of her apathy by forcing her to save Dawn alone. We invite Frankie and Dana from "Girl Gang" to help us discuss this episode and write some extra verses. 

Distraught over Buffy's revelation, Willow's casts a spell in "Tabula Rasa" to erase Tara and Buffy's memories. However, some poor housekeeping means she accidently zaps all of the Scoobies with amnesia. They awake unsure who they are, but certain that they're scared of the monsters trying to get in. We discuss Dawn's regression into "damsel" territory and how Spike's loss of memory would affect his soul/chip behavior. 

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In "Life Serial", the bills are due and Buffy needs a life plan. So she takes turns shadowing each of the Scoobies to see what fits. But when she audits Tara's class, evil lint sends her on a time jump to crazy-town. And while she excels at construction work, the damage caused by her fighting demons results in a swift termination. And at the Magic Shop, that dang mummy hand makes the tedium of retail even more repetitive. A woeful, drunken Slayer teams up with Spike to discover who's been messing with her all day. Kristen and Mike discuss this season's treatment of "nerd culture", and try to figure out what the evil lint actually does.

Happy Halloween! In "All the Way", Xander finally announces his engagement to Anya. During the ensuing Engagement Party, Dawn leaves for some teenage mayhem with *gasp* boys! Their adventure quickly escalates from eggs throwing, to creepy old neighbors, and finally surreptitious smoochies. When the Scoobies learn that Dawn's gone AWOL, they rush to find her while she fights off the advances of a hormonal teenage vampire. We discuss the quickly discarded creepy neighbor, and how the script could have been altered to make it feel less formulaic.

PLUS! Your kitten poker puns and "parking" stories. 

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Dampirs and Moroi and Strigoi, oh my!

The YA novel Vampire Academy (written by Rachel Mead), about an elite boarding school for peaceful blood-drinkers and their guardians, was adapted for the screen in 2014.  Written by Daniel Waters (Heathers), and directed by brother Mark Waters (Mean Girls), one might predict this team was perfectly tailored for a tongue-in-cheek vampire teen comedy/thriller.  But then again...

After surviving a car accident that killed the rest of her family, vampire Lissa runs away from St. Vladmir Academy with her guardian and BFF Rose. But they can't outrun Dimtiri and the other vampiric truancy officers sent to return them to school. It's not a happy homecoming, however, as someone seems to be threatening Lissa with cryptic messages and dead animals. Is it schoolyard bullying? Or is someone looking to exploit Lissa's unique powers.

Kristen and Mike discuss pertinent information left out of the adaptation, structural issues, and suggest different ways to handle all that exposition.

PLUS! Your vampire curriculums! 

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In "After Life", Buffy returns, but it's not the happy homecoming the Scoobies envisioned. While the Slayer attempts to acclimate herself to resurrection, a nougat-filled demon possesses the group. The ghosty will disappear in time, unless it succeeds in killing Buffy first. Kristen and Mike compare Dawn and Spike's approach to the newly-returned Slayer to the Scoobies' method of "bombard you with questions and then get over it."

The Summers' home is "Flooded" (see what I did there?). To pay for the repairs, Buffy applies for a loan at the bank, where she chases off a demon-for-hire named M'Fashnik. But who hired him? Meet the Trio - Jonathan, Warren, and Andrew, who are on a mission to "take over Sunnydale". We delve into the Trio's masterful plan, and examine the foreshadowing of Willow's turn this season and the Spuffy relationship.

PLUS! What did Anya do with her stock market earnings? And what did Giles do in England? 

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In "Bargaining Part 1", with Buffy recently deceased, the Scoobies have taken on her Slayer duties along with the Buffybot. Giles, his Watcher duties completed, leaves for England but he might have stayed had he known about Willow's plan to resurrect Buffy. Meanwhile, when Hanson's #1 fan damages the Buffybot, he reports the unprotected Hellmouth to a gang of biker demons. The gang arrives in town just in time to ruin Willow's spell... or do they? Kristen and Mike discuss the ethics of Dawn's guardianship, and Willow's traumatic encounter with a deer.

In "Bargaining Part 2" - Buffy. Is. Back!  But unfortunately,after crawling out of her own grave, she wanders the streets, unable to help with the demon hoard destroying Sunnydale. While the Scoobies regroup, Buffy witnesses the bikers 'kill" the Buffybot and the sight drives her to run literally into the Scoobies.  While Buffy's heroic instincts kick in enough for her save her friends, she's still disoriented. She escapes to the Tower of Terror, but Dawn is able to talk her down. Kristen and Mike discuss Willow's reaction to death throughout the series, and Anya's compulsion to talk about her engagement.

PLUS! Buffy's off Netflix - now what? and Stacker Surprise - your Sunnydale Tourism Slogans! 

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With "The Weight of the World" on Buffy's shoulders (see what I did there?), her mind takes a break. Willow steps into a leadership role and directs the Scoobies to help Giles and surveil Glory. She then steps into Buffy's brain to see if she can't guide her back to reality. Meanwhile, Glory prepares Dawn for the ritual and Ben must choose between the light and dark sides of the force. Kristen and Mike discuss Ben - his background, character, and morality. And we debate the efficacy of Buffy's mind-loop.

To celebrate the season and network finale "The Gift", we share your Stacker Stories about watching the episode for the first time!

In the ep, Buffy makes it clear to the Scoobies that even if it saves the world. no harm shall come to Dawn.  Motivated and peppy, Anya cheerleads the "how to we stop Glory" plan.  With the Dagon Sphere, troll hammer, and Buffybot in tow, the gang follows Tara to the Tower of Terror. They launch an all-out well-calculated seige on Glory. But Doc's presence throws their plans out the window, and the walls between dimensions break down. We examine Dawn's growth over this season, and Giles' solution to the Ben problem. And we bemoan the exasperating ways networks can ruin an amazing season finale.

PLUS! Season 5 Yearbook Awards and Stacker Surprise - help Jinxy worship Glorificus! 

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In "Tough Love", Dawn's delinquency necessitates her big sister dropping out of school and transforming herself into a strict disciplinarian. Meanwhile, after a particularly bad argument with Willow, Tara storms off to the World Culture Fair alone where Glory attacks her. Hell-bent on revenge, Willow unleashes her magical rage upon the Hell-God. Kristen and Mike debate the efficacy of acting out geometry problems, and point out some problems with the super normal World Culture Fair.

In "Spiral", Buffy and Dawn are able to flee Glory long enough for a tanker truck to slow down the Hell-God. With no other way to protect her little sister, the Slayer packs the gang into an RV and goes on the run. But it's not long before they're intercepted by The Knights of Byzantine and forced to hide out in a gas station. Giles is hurt, and Buffy calls the only doctor they know. We berate Ben for his lack of a backbone, and the Knights for their failure to compromise.

PLUS! We answer Dustin's question: Who in the Buffy gang would you bang, marry, and kill?

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In "Forever", the Scoobies continue to mourn Joyce. While Angel arrives to comfort Buffy, Dawn refuses to accept the loss of her mother. Aided by a very sneaky Willow, Dawn plans a resurrection spell. Spike acts as chaperone as they gather the various necessary ingredients. Kristen and Mike discuss Spike's motivation to assist Dawn, and Willow's imprudence.

In "Intervention", Buffy leaves town on a quest to rediscover her humanity as the Slayer. Meanwhile, Spike is enjoying his new toy - the Buffy Bot. The Scoobies are quickly fooled by the double - and plan an intervention. But first they have to stop a kidnapped Spike from telling Glory about Dawn. Kristen and Mike discuss the purpose of the vision quest, and speculate about a robot's capacity for pleasure.

PLUS! You name your "blood bag delivery" companies! 

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In "I Was Made to Love You", Buffy reels from her recent imprisonment at the hands of Spike. Meanwhile, another petite ultra-strong girl arrives in Sunnydale looking for her boyfriend, Warren. The gang immediately draws the only conclusion one can from a pretty, socially awkward girl with super strength - robot. As Buffy tracks down the elusive boyfriend/manufacturer, April accesses her "combat mode" file. Megan from Chaotic Neutral Adventures joins us to discuss the gang's immediate prognosis of "robot", what metaphor the writers are trying to make here, and April's yucky yucky programming.

"The Body" easily ranks among the saddest hours of television history. After Buffy finds her mother's lifeless body, the entire gang must go through the excruciating process of mourning and caring for the deceased. Our favorite characters must all mourn in their own way - from shock, to anger, to confusion, and denial. We discuss the last of a score, the ultra-realistic cinematography, and the purpose of the final vamp battle.

PLUS! Which DC character should the Scoobies recruit? 

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In "Blood Ties", Buffy and Giles share Dawn's mystical origin with the other Scoobies. Burdened with this information, the gang's awkward behavior drives Dawn to snoop around the Magic Shop, where she reads about "The Key" in Giles' journal. On a mission to find out more about what she is and where she comes from, Dawn runs away from home and ends up at Sunnydale Memorial with Ben/Glory. Kristen and Mike discuss the Ben/Glory revelation, and Buffy's mishandling of Dawn's "secret identity".

In "Crush", when a train arrives at Sunnydale Station packed with vampire victims, Spike's sure he knows which vamps are at fault. But soon his stakeout resembles a poorly planned date. After the Slayer shoots him down, a forlorn Spike finds comfort in an old flame - Drusilla. Will Spike actually follow through with their plan to kill the Slayer? (Hint: We have 2 more seasons after this) Kristen and Mike discuss Spike's misguided judgment when it comes to love, and why you should always opt for Bachelor Shackles over rope.

PLUS: We explore Raven's question: Do you suspect that there is some kind of connection between Ben and Glory?

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In "Triangle", Giles leaves for England to get information about Glory from the Council. Anya's excited to be in charge of the Magic Shop, but Willow is less confident in her abilities. When Willow takes advantage of Giles' absence to try out a new spell, she accidentally releases a Troll! Willow and Anya have to work together and talk our their differences to defeat Anya's giant ex-boyfriend. Kristen and Mike discuss Spike's unhealthy mingling of love and violence, and how Buffy's handling the Riley breakup.

In "Checkpoint", The Watcher's Council comes to Sunnydale. They refuse to share any information about Glory until Buffy passes a review. After Quentin, her professor, Glory, and a mystery medieval knight all tell Buffy just how unimportant she is, Buffy comes to an important realization. Kristen and Mike discuss the Council's plan if Buffy fails, Spike's pathological lying, and the punchability of Quentin's face.

PLUS! We celebrate Valentine's Day with Stacker-submitted love poems. 

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We decided to take a break from Riley drama, and check out this Joss Whedon co-written romp on our third field trip. 

Dana, Jules, Curt, Marty and Holden head out for a relaxing weekend in a rustic cabin. But they're completely unaware that their lives are being manipulated by an international conglomerate seeking to offer these five friends as a sacrifice to the ancient ones. 

Due to the corporate handlers' interference, the gang gradually falls into horror genre stereotypes. Their shenanigans eventually raise a family of zombie pain-worshipping rednecks. As their friends fall one-by-one fall victim to the Buckners' terror, it seems the technicians' plan will successfully annihilate all the friends. But then again, Marty's not quite as "foolish" as they thought. 

Chris from Hey, Do You Remember? joins us as we discuss the production difficulties, the meta message the story attempts, and whether or not the temple ending works for each of us.

PLUS! Which Marvel character should the Scoobies recruit?

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In "Listening to Fear", as Joyce awaits her surgery, her tumor causes her to behave strangely. But that seems to be going around - Riley's volunteering as a vampire snack, and the mental ward at the hospital is overflowing. Cue the Queller - an alien summoned in a meteor to "quell" the increase in crazy people. Kristen and Mike try to break down Riley's motivations this season, and discuss why demons seem reasonable, but aliens seem ridiculous.

With Joyce out of the woods, Buffy and Riley are free to enjoy a night of drama-free romance... until Spike tattles on Riley's vamp-parasite activities. After a righteously pissed-off slayer destroys the vamp den, Riley leaves her with an ultimatum - forgive me or I rejoin the military. Kristen and Mike disagree over Xander's big speech, and attempt to fix Riley's story-line this season.

Plus! We write the Scoobies' New Years Resolutions for them.

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In "Fool for Love", after Buffy is almost fatally skewered by a vampire, she wants to learn more about past slayers' final battles. Lucky for her, Spike has firsthand accounts of two such fights... for the right price. While the Slayer takes a lesson from William the Bloody, Riley tracks down the vamp that almost killed his girlfriend. Kristen and Mike discuss all the ways Riley could have been useful this season, and Spike's bravery/recklessness in declaring his love to women.

In "Shadow", while Joyce is hospitalized and diagnosed with a brain tumor, Glory shops at the Magic Box for spell supplies.... Whoops. She casts a spell summoning a cobra-demon to locate the Key. Meanwhile, Riley's pouting because the Slayer's life doesn't revolve around him, and decides allowing Sandy to feed off him is the answer. Kristen and Mike revisit all of Sunnydale's giant demon snakes, and we have a good cry for Joyce.

PLUS! We answer Erika's question: If Buffy Summers didn't come back in season 6, would you rather watch a spin off where Dawn and Spike move to Indiana and Spike becomes her guardian or Dawn and Giles move to England?

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Happy Holidays from the Stacks! In this bonus episode, Kristen and Mike give the Scoobies their Secret Santa gifts. 

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In "No Place Like Home", as Joyce's sickness persists, a cryptic warning leads Buffy to believe her mother's been cursed. When Buffy casts a spell that allows her to see other spells, Dawn flashes in and out of reality. Buffy looks for clues at an abandoned warehouse, where she battles a tantalizing tow-headed titan and saves a monk with a world-changing secret. Kristen and Mike discuss the introduction to Glory, and the explanation for the suddent appearance of Dawn. 

In "Family", after her embarrassing fight against the slayer, Glory enlists the help of a Lei-Ach demon to remove the pesky Scoobies. Meanwhile, Tara's family comes to town to take Tara home with them so they can control her demonic nature! Tara, looking to hide her heritage from the Scoobies, casts a spell that prevents them from seeing monsters - which unfortunately includes the attacking Lei-Ach demons. We discuss Hank Summers, the importance of Cousin Beth, and Riley's nighttime activities. 

PLUS! We answer Erika's question: If you could switch out a character from a Buffy verse show and put in a another character from a different show played by that same actor, which character would it be?

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In "The Replacement", Xander has had his fill of living with his parents. But his current financial capabilities do not include his dream apartment. Meanwhile, a demon named Toth arrives in Sunnydale, looking to separate Buffy from her powers. When Xander dives in front of Toth's magical strike, he saves Buffy while putting himself in the middle of a confusing divergence. Kristen and Mike discuss the evolution of Anya/Xander's relationship, and solve the mystery of "Where does Anya live?" 

In "Out of My Mind", Riley's heart has reached its limit of the Initiative's experiments. Buffy must get him to the doctor before it completely goes kaput. But she'll have to find him first. Spike teams up with Harmony to kidnap Riley's doc and force him to perform a chip-ectomy, while Buffy searches the Initiative caves for a rogue Riley. Kristen and Mike discuss Riley's need to be a physical match for Buffy, and whether or not that makes him sexist. 

PLUS! We play Nicole's "Would You Rather?" game - The Scooby version. 

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In "Buffy vs. Dracula", a dark visitor arrives in Sunnydale to seduce and turn the Slayer. While Buffy battles the irresistible thrall of history's most notorious vampire, the Scoobies attempt to protect her from his advances. All except for Xander, who under the Renfield-whammy, has turned to eating spiders and betraying Buffy in exchange for immortality. Kristen and Mike discuss Giles' decision to leave Sunnydale, and Mike teaches Kristen some Dracula basic facts.   It's hard being a teen and the sister of the Slayer.

In "The Real Me", we meet Dawn, Buffy's always sister that has definitely existed for the entire series. While Buffy tries to learn more about the origins and the extent of her power, she's having trouble fitting in her responsibilities as a big sis. And an old foe returns for a final deadly battle - Harmony. Kristen and Mike recall their initial reactions to Dawn, and examine her relationships with the other characters.

PLUS!  We answer Joe's question: What other characters/groups could have been spun off?

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Spike's plan to split up the Scoobies was almost perfect... until Adam realized that with Willow and Buffy not speaking, the Slayer would not receive the information on the encrypted disks. When Spike tries to rectify his mistake, he unwittingly clues Buffy into his manipulations. The gang, realizing they're stronger together, cast an enjoining spell to combine their greatest strengths.  Meanwhile, Adam retreats to a secret lab in the Initiative with Riley, who's been booby-trapped with a behaviour modification chip. Kristen and Mike make a final attempt to understand Adam's dastardly plan, and try to nail down why this action-packed episode seems lacking in action.

In "Restless", the Scoobies are keyed up from the enjoining spell. Although they plan on celebrating with a movie marathon together, they all quickly fall asleep on the couch. We enter each of the sleeping beauties' dreams, which give us insight to their pyschy as well as some foreshadowing. Kristen and Mike discuss Willow's hiding, Xander's lack of mobility, Gile's sense of purpose, and Buffy's rejection of the Slayer myth.

PLUS! We answer Elle's question: Which relationship would you have loved to see last until the very ending of Chosen?

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In "New Moon Rising", as the gang gathers to discuss the growing number of demons in The Initiative's cells, an old friend returns - Oz. He's traveled the world and come home during a full moon to show Willow his newfound control over the wolf. As Buffy takes Riley's demon-prejudice personally, Willow is caught in-between her last love and her new one. Kristen and Mike compare Oz's transformation to Willow's, and discuss why this episode was so crucial at this point in the series.

In "The Yoko Factor", Adam enlists Spike to help him separate Buffy from her greatest strength - her friends. But with the chip in his head, Spike can't simply kill them - he'll have to manipulate them into splitting up. Spike preys upon their conflicts and insecurities - the gang's acceptance of Tara and Willow's relationship, Giles' unemployment and age, Xander's aimlessness, and Riley's reaction to Angel. Kristen and Mike develop ways to improve the character of Adam, and dissect Riley's extreme jealousy. 

PLUS! We answer Erika's question: Would you want to see a sequel, reboot or remake of Buffy or Angel?

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In "Superstar", when Buffy is faced with a nest of 6 vampires, she knows there's no way she can take them all on her own. Luckily, Jonathan is willing to lend the second-rate Slayer a hand... Wait, what? When a demon starts attacking girls and Jonathan refuses to hunt it - Buffy's suspicions are raised. But how will Buffy - an incapable noob - solve this mystery without Jonathan's help? Chris from Hey, Do You Remember...? sits in on this episode to help us answer that. We discuss the malicious nature of Jonathan's spell, the writers' and designers' attention to detail, and the motivation behind Jonathan's change of heart.

In "Where The Wild Things Are", now that Buffy and Riley have gotten past the whole "sleeping with Faith" thing, they're ready to explore their physical relationship... often. As they sneak off for some action during a frat party, the celebrations take on a more sex-shaming tone. Unable to stop the Slayer's boinkfest, the Scoobies realize some magical force is causing the odd behavior. They unearth a dark story in the frat house's past. We discuss the Spike/Anya pairing, Xander's double standards, and the mixed bag that is this episode.

PLUS!  We answer Ash's question: How would you recast Buffy today? 

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Hop in your mystery machine, and tie your ascot tight! The Sunnydale Stacks is headed to Spooky Island to investigate the case of the Spring Break Body Snatchers!

In this 2002 adaptation of the classic children's cartoon, two years after the members of Mystery Inc call it quits, they're each called to the popular Spooky Island by the mysterious Emile Montavarious. His resort-goers are transforming from run-of-the-mill partiers to zombie-like pod-people given to violent outbursts. Will the gang overcome their differences to solve the mystery? 

Kristen and Mike discuss the choice to mix nostalgic call-backs with meta references to the world outside the show. And we debate the ever-controversial topic: Scrappy Doo.

PLUS!  We answer Stacker Megan's question: What role would you play in the Buffy-verse?

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In This Year's Girl, Faith wakes from her coma to find the Mayor dead and Buffy with a new beau. While Buffy worries about Adam and the Initiative, Faith inherits a gizmo that allows her to switch bodies with someone via a magical high-five. When Buffy tries to prevent Faith from harming her mom, Faith usurps her nemesis' life. Kristen and Mike discuss the Mayor's video will, and write a backstory for that shady Watcher's Council nurse. 

In Who Are You?, the slayers have switched bodies, and things aren't looking great for Buffy. As she's arrested, Faith hijack's Buffy's mom, friends, supernatural calling, and boyfriend. But it seems that pretending to be a good girl confuses the ne'er-do-well. When Adam convinces a group of vamps to take a church congregation hostage, both Slayers hear the call to action. Kristen and Mike review the actresses' ability to portray each other. We exonerate Faith, and condemn Adam. 

PLUS! We answer Red's question - what drink would each character be? And reveal the dark origin behind how Kristen and Mike met... 

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In "The I in Team", Buffy has been welcomed into the Initiative with open arms! Well, by Riley at least. Professor Walsh (and Forrest) are not too keen on the Slayer learning their secrets and taking up their favorite commando's time. While Buffy ignores the Scoobies' warnings against blindly trusting the secret government agency, Walsh develops a plan to get rid of the pesky blonde. Kristen and Mike discuss the reveal of Adam, and propose alternate ways this season could have developed.

In "Goodbye Iowa", the Scoobies, worried that Walsh will send the Initiative to silence them, hide in Xander's basement. Meanwhile, Adam escapes the Initiative and murders a young boy. As Riley becomes sicker and more erratic, Buffy and Xander infiltrate the Initiative. We try to understand Walsh's plans for Adam, and Kristen has a lot to say about Sunnydale fashion.  

PLUS! We find a better title than Goodbye Iowa. 

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Now that Buffy and Riley have discovered each other's secret identities, Buffy's convinced this relationship is doomed. Their vastly different methods will be put to the test as some demons decide to perform a ritual to reopen the Hellmouth. As the Initiative uses science to track the demons' pheromones, the Scoobies use research to try to anticipate the next move in their evil Scavenger Hunt. Kristen and Mike discuss the Initiative's derision of magic, and debate the shelf life of "Mayor Meat".  

In "A New Man", Giles is feeling all of his middle-aged years. With Buffy dating someone new and impressed with a different scholastic elder, his "gentleman of leisure" lifestyle suddenly seems a little pathetic. This is the perfect time for Ethan Rayne to come to town to exact a little revenge and turn Giles into a Fyarl demon. While Buffy and Riley (assuming that Giles has been attacked) track the demon all over town, Giles enlists Spike to help him find Ethan. Kristen and Mike review the unlikely duo of Giles/Spike, and rank the Ethan Rayne episodes. 

PLUS!  We answer Chris' question - You have the power to save one character who died and kill off another who survived... who do you choose?

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In "Something Blue", Willow's grief over Oz leaving is escalating. His empty dorm room sends her down a dangerous path of "quick fixes" in the form of alcohol and magic. But her spell to will her pain away goes awry and instead she accidentally curses her friends. Giles loses his eyesight while Xander is chased by hordes of demons and Spike proposes to Buffy. We discuss Riley's reaction to the wedding dress, the purpose of "Wheat-a-bix" in your blood, and Mike teaches us an important lesson about underage drinking. 

In "Hush", a group of fairy tale demons called "The Gentlemen" steal everyone's voices. As the town panics, these sensitive monsters are free to cut out citizens' hearts without any pesky complaining. The only way Buffy can defeat them is to scream, but how can she do so without a voice? Kristen and Mike discuss the Gentlemen's helpers and suggest better costume ideas, and consider the many ways words fail the Scoobies in this episode. 

PLUS!  We choose which character's wardrobe we'd want to wear. 

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Spike has been captured and experimented on by The Initiative - an underground military group whose motive is currently unknown. He assumes he's been trapped by the Slayer, and escapes to seek his revenge. Meanwhile, Riley realizes that he's got a crush on Buffy, and enlists Willow to help him court her. Megan from Chaotic Neutral Adventures Podcast joins us in the stacks to discuss the "reveal" of The Initiative and the strange combination of date rape and penis metaphors. 

It's Thanksgiving in Sunnydale! With her Mom out of town, Buffy's determined to host the perfect dinner with her friends. But first she'll have to battle a Native American spirit who's risen to take vengeance on those who murdered his ancestors. Megan, Kristen, and Mike join Willow and Giles' debate over how to handle this wronged spirit, and welcome Angel back to Sunnydale for our first crossover ep. 

Be sure to check out Chaotic Neutral Adventures Podcast! Listen to Kristen and Mike lend a hand (or their voices) to the "Innsmouth" episode. 

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Buffy's drowning her sorrows over Parker in a slayer-sized keg of Black Frost Beer. Fed up with know-it-all undergrads, the owner of the local dive bar has cursed the beer to turn its drinkers into... cavemen? As Neanderthals terrorize the campus, cave-Buffy's heroic instincts overpower her id. Kristen and Mike discuss "Beer Bad"'s bad rap, and play "spot the hippie skirt".

The moon is full in "Wild at Heart", as Oz prepares for his monthly metamorphosis. But when wolf-Oz breaks out of his cage, he runs into another of his kind and their animal natures take over. Rather than come clean about his dirty laundry, Oz chooses to keep his wolfy indiscretion a secret, leading to a showdown between a brokenhearted Willow and a very hairy Veruca. Kristen and Mike review Veruca's lip syncing, and where Oz screwed everything up. 

PLUS! In honor of Beer Bad - an episode-specific drinking game!    

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Love is in the air in The Harsh Light Of Day and the Scoobies are breathing deep. It seems everyone has a new sweetie. Xander has Anya. Buffy has Parker... briefly. And Harmony has Spike? The old nemesis is back and he's looking for the Gem of Amarra, which will turn him invincible. Kristen and Mike discuss the different types of heartbreak and abuse in the episode, and draw parallels between Angelus and Parker. 

Happy Halloween! In Fear Itself, the Scoobies attend a haunted fraternity house party that turns out to be actually haunted. As the gang roams the halls, their deepest fears become true. Buffy is all alone, no one sees Xander, Oz can't control his wolf side, and Willow's magic backfires. Kristen and Mike examine the gang's fears, and Kristen needlessly explains Oz's "God" costume and ensuing puns.

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It's the gang's Freshman year at University of California, Sunnydale, and while her friends are quickly acclimating to their new surroundings, our Slayer is overwhelmed. She finds a kindred spirit in Eddie, another lost underclassman. But when Eddie goes missing, Buffy is sure there is foul play afoot. She must battle a gang of Freshman-feeding vampires all by herself. Kristen and Mike reminisce about their own college experiences - from getting lost on campus, to buying books, to overproduced posters, and friends growing apart. 

In Living Conditions, Buffy isn't getting along so well with her roommate - Kathy. Her maniacally peppy attitude and persistence into Buffy's personal life proves too much for the Slayer. Even though there are prophetic dreams and glowy-eyed demons to contend with, this all takes a back seat to Buffy's constant ranting against her roomie. Is Buffy losing her grip on reality?  Or is Kathy more than just an inconsiderate college Freshman?  Kristen and Mike discuss the many uses of "Bachelor Shackles", and share some roommate war stories. 

PLUS! We answer Raven's question: "What episode of Buffy are you most excited to discuss on the podcast?" 

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For their first off-campus Field Trip, Kristen and Mike head over to Los Angeles to check out Amber Benson's "Chance".  Chance (played by Benson), is having trouble getting the "right" men to cling to her. Those she wants to stay disappear, while those she only wants sleep with stick around like old chewing gum. 

In this non-linear timeline, Chance and her roommate Simon (played by James Marsters) reunite her parents, find a dead body in their apartment, and generally fail at dating. Kristen and Mike attempt to watch this 2002 indie film while keeping in mind early 21st century gender roles.  We write our own deleted scenes, and of course we reminisce about field trips in general. 

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Graduation Day is rapidly approaching and as the Scoobies learn more about what that actually means, Faith and the Mayor devise a plan to distract Buffy. Faith shoots Angel with a poisoned arrow that will kill him - unless Buffy can feed him the blood of a Slayer. Can Buffy stop a supersized Mayor and collect Faith's blood? Kristen and Mike analyze the side effects of killing Lester, and break down the ultimate Slayer showdown. 

In the second part of the season three finale, Faith is out of the picture so Buffy offers her own blood to save Angel. Good thing she's got that super-Slayer healing power, because she's got a crazy plan to enact. On Graduation Day, when the Mayor morphs into a giant snake-demon, Buffy and the Scoobies lead the students in a revolt - ultimately blowing up the school and the snake. We break down the cryptic messages in the Faith/Buffy dream sequence, and crown our Season Three Yearbook Awards!

PLUS!  We add some extra verses to the Buffy theme song. 

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In Choices the students of Sunnydale High are deciding their various post-adolescence futures. Meanwhile, the Scoobies attempt to steal The Box of Gavrok from the Mayor and thwart his ascension.  But Willow gets kidnapped in the process, and Buffy must exchange the box for her friend.  Kristen and Mike discuss Faith's iconic knife, and the gang's diverse post-graduation options. 

Next up it's The Prom - and students are giddy with anticipation. All but one - Tucker has trained hell-hounds to ruin everyone's elegant evening. Buffy, fresh heartbreak notwithstanding, must defeat the demonic mutts to give her friends their perfect night. We break down the Angel/Buffy breakup, and (like the writers) try to sail right past the hell-hounds. 

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In Enemies, the Mayor and Faith plot to curse Angel into losing his soul. Once turned, they send Angelus to capture and torture Buffy. But it's all been a trick to collect information about the Mayor's forthcoming ascension. Kristen and Mike discuss the timeline of Angel's double-cross, and the budding familial relationship between the Mayor and Faith. 

In Earshot, Buffy is infected with a demon's telepathic ability. She overhears someone think "This time tomorrow, I'll kill you all". The gang must interrogate the school while Buffy goes mad with the onslaught of Sunnydale's unsaid woes. We recall this episode's timing in history, and propose alternate ways to work the secondary characters into the episode. 

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In Consequences, Buffy and Faith have very different ways of processing the death of the Mayor's Aide. Buffy can't take the guilt - she pleads to Faith that they confess, while Faith prefers to blame it all on her partner. The Scoobies try to confront Faith with compassion, but Wesley and the Watcher goons choose a harsher punishment. Kristen and Mike discuss the arc of the Angel/Faith relationship, and Willow's redundant melodrama.

In Doppelgangland, Willow is sick and tired of being a doormat, so she jumps at the opportunity to help Anya do a spell. But something goes wrong, and the girls summon Willow's evil vampire double from another dimension! As Vamp Willow holds the Bronze clientele hostage, the Scoobies use her sweet-natured double in a trap. We examine Vamp Willow's foreshadowing, and try to resist quoting the entire episode. 

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In The Zeppo, the apocalypse is coming... again. But this time, the other Scoobies want to protect Xander from danger. He's anything but safe, however, when his attempts to be cool lead him down a path of crime and corpse-raising. Chris from Hey Do You Remember...? joins us in the stacks to discuss the writers' unique concept for this ep and Jack's uncanny ability to raise the dead. 

In Bad Girls, our Slayers are assigned a new watcher - Wesley Windham Price. This stuffier proto-Giles is confident he can help Buffy and Faith defeat a cult of Blob-worshiping duelists. Meanwhile, Faith convinces Buffy to participate in increasingly dangerous behavior until they make a deadly mistake. We discuss Balthasar's digestive system and the series-long character arcs of Faith and Wesley. 

PLUS! We answer a listener's question: What's your favorite season of Buffy? 

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In Gingerbread, a pair of children are murdered in Sunnydale and Joyce takes it upon herself to rally the town to action. Unfortunately, this means a campaign against Witches and Slayers that turns mother against daughter. Giles, Xander, and Oz must stop Sunnydale from holding its own Salem Witch Trials. Kristen & Mike discuss the symbolism behind M.O.O. and Buffy's parent/child role reversal. 

Happy Birthday, Buffy! As our favorite Slayer celebrates her eighteenth birthday in Helpless, she finds herself feeling weak and uncoordinated. Her plans to go to the Ice Show with her dad will have to wait as Buffy is tested by the Watcher Council and Giles. Will Buffy be able to save the day without her powers? Kristen & Mike attempt to define "strength" and grade Jeff Kober's performance as Kralik.  

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In Revelations, the Council has sent Faith's new Watcher to Sunnydale - Mrs. Gwendolyn Post. And this lady is so pompous, she makes Giles look downright cuddly. She assigns the Slayers to look for a mystical glove that empowers the wearer. Angel helps, but that alerts the Scoobies to his return. Kristen and Mike welcome Tyler to the Stacks to discuss the gang's condemnation of Angel and Faith's character arc. 

SAT scores are in and everyone in Lover's Walk (except us) is surprised to hear that Buffy aced them! With a shot at acceptance to the university of her choice, Buffy is encouraged by her loved ones to leave town - and them. Meanwhile, Spike returns to Sunnydale after being dumped by Dru. He kidnaps Willow and Xander to cast a love spell for him, but they've got plenty of love to go around already. We compare Willow's reason for the affair to Xander's, and break down the science of vampire drunkenness.

Plus! Kristen and Mike's each reveal who their favorite character in the Buffyverse is.

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It's Homecoming week at Sunnydale High, and Cordelia and Buffy are locked in a serious competition for the title of Homecoming Queen. Their rivalry must take a back seat, however, when Mr. Trick pits the two of them against a group of professional Slayer-hunters  in Slayerfest '98. Meanwhile, Willow and Xander kiss for the first time and are overcome with guilt. Kristen & Mike discuss our introduction to The Mayor as a character and the regression in Cordelia & Buffy's relationship.  

In Band Candy, true to totalitarian form, Principal Snyder forces the whole school to sell Band Candy (whether or not they play an instrument). Unfortunately, the candy is cursed. and any adult that consumes it reverts  back to their teenage selves. Buffy and the gang must babysit their immature elders while also tracking down the candy's origin. Kristen & Mike examine what we learn about these adults from their adolescent states, and speculate as to Ethan's future plans for these poisoned sweets. 

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In Faith, Hope, and Trick, the newest slayer is welcomed to town and soon begins to usurp Buffy's friends and food. She's soon followed by Mr. Trick and his cloven-footed friend, who want nothing more than to do away with one or both slayers.  Meanwhile, while Buffy tries to get past losing Angel, Scott Hope desperately woos her. Kristen and Mike discuss skipping school, the peril of delivery drivers, and the threat (or lack thereof) or Kakistos. 

All men are beasts, or so says Faith. And Beauty and the Beasts definitely has its fair share. While Oz is locking himself up during the full moon, Angel returns from Hell, and Pete creates his own Jekyll/Hyde potion. With all of the monsters running around, who's responsible for this week's murders? Kristen and Mike discuss the latest version of Oz's werewolf costume, and lament this failed attempt to delve into the problem of abusive relationships. 

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Buffy has run away from Sunnydale and is living a secret life in Los Angeles.  Calling herself "Anne", she's working as a waitress and denying her slayer heritage... until it forces its way back into her life. When a girl from back home needs help finding her missing boyfriend, Buffy has to choose whether or not to acknowledge her true identity. Kristen & Mike discuss whether Ken's plan can work in the long-term and compare Buffy & Lily's survival skills. 

In Dead Man's Party, Buffy's friends are dying to throw her a "Welcome Home" party, but she's finding it difficult to step back into her old life. To make matters worse, Joyce brings home an evil mask that gives rise to an army of zombies that decide to crash this hootenanny.  Kristen & Mike try to figure out what exactly makes Pat so easy to hate and critique the Scoobies' party manners.

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An ancient tomb is unearthed in a local construction site and the Sunnydale Museum doesn't know what to make of it... but Angelus has a few ideas. Meanwhile, Buffy and Willow find Ms. Calendar's restoration spell and plan on using it to bring back Buffy's beau. Kristen and Mike discuss Angel's accent, David Boreanaz's acting abilities, and Kendra's short-lived run on the show.

In the second part of this finale, Buffy is wanted for murder and goes on the run. She gets an unexpected ally in the form of Spike, who has grown tired of seeing his beloved Drusilla cozying up to Angelus. The stage is set for the final showdown and Kristen's ready with the tissues! Her and Mike discuss Whistler's purpose, mourn alongside our favorite slayer, and close things out with the Season 2 Yearbook Awards & Memoriam.

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Who are you asking to the Sadie Hawkins Dance? In I Only Have Eyes For You, students and faculty all over Sunnydale High are recreating an infamous fight in which a student shot a teacher he was having an affair with. Now the student's ghost is haunting the school, possessing people, and forcing them to act out the deadly altercation. Kristen and Mike discuss the way James & Ms. Newman's relationship parallels Buffy & Angel's, and the obvious signs of Xander's mental instability.    

Next up is Go Fish. The Sunnydale Swim Team is having a great season, but their star swimmers are mysteriously being skinned. After Xander whitnesses a "fish guy" standing over a swimmer's remains, the Scoobies assume the monster is killing the swimmers.  Buffy tries to protect the remaining star swimmer while Xander joins the team to "fish out" whether or not the members are taking steroids. Kristen and Mike discuss passing athletes who aren't meeting a GPA minimum, and the coach's concern for the boys' "other needs".

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In Passion, Angelus has stepped up his game and he's stalking the Scoobies. It's time to get serious and revoke his invitation. Jenny's working on a defense of her own - a spell to restore his soul. Angelus, however, isn't planning on leaving quietly.  Kristen & Mike welcome Taryn back to the show to discuss how people's passions lead them astray and mourn our favorite Techno-Pagan.

In Killed by Death, due to a mix of the flu and a beating courtesy of Angelus, Buffy must spend a few days in the hospital.  Either her fever's making her see things... or there's a demon lurking the halls and murdering sick children. We discuss Xander's double-standards and share our own stories about staying home sick. 

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Sunnydale citizens are being attacked by a werewolf!  But this vicious animal is an innocent human by day, so Buffy's on a "capture, not kill" mission this week.  She'll have to hurry though, as someone else is on the werewolf's tail (get it?) - a poacher named Cain. Is Bully Larry hiding a furry secret, or some other kind? And what's the deal with Oz and those shackles? Kristen & Mike compare and contrast Phases to Buffy's other Universal Monster episodes and then go all "Project Runway" on the wolf costume

Next up is Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered. It's Valentine's Day and Xander's taking his relationship with Cordelia outside of the broom closet.  But she's not ready to declare her love for a dork just yet, and instead dumps him to save her popularity.  Xander blackmails Amy the Witch for some sweet revenge, but it backfires and the entire female population of Sunnydale falls madly in love with him. Kristen & Mike discuss how this episode closes one of Xander's arcs from Season 1, and play a round of "Spot the Lunch-lady", and much more!

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In Surprise, it's Buffy's seventeenth birthday and this party's a bust.  Spike & Drusilla are assembling a demon that will bring forth Armageddon and Angel must leave town to ensure it never awakens. Meanwhile, Jenny Calendar's hidden past proves problematic for the Slayer's love life. Kristen & Mike discuss the "secret gypsy" plot line and the melodrama over Angel leaving town for a few months.

They don't make gypsy curses like they used to.  In Innocence, following an intimate moment with Buffy, Angel reverts to Angelus.  He teams up with Spike & Dru to unleash The Judge on humanity.  However, Xander's got a birthday present for Buffy that will introduce this demon to the 21st century. Kristen & Mike define Angel's "moment of happiness" and review how the show handles the subject of sex. 

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This week Kristen & Mike welcome guest hosts Frankie and Rufus to the show! The talented duo were kind enough to write a theme song for this podcast, so we just had to invite them to get lost with us in the stacks. Check out their impressive collection of original work at frankieandrufus.com. 

Ted is the first one on deck this week and it provides a nice opportunity to look back on John Ritter's career. Here he plays the new man in Joyce's life and Buffy's having trouble acclimating. There's something about this master baker/computer whiz that just doesn't feel right... and it may be the collection of dead wives in his closet.

Next, it's time for Sex-Ed in Bad Eggs. The Scoobies must each protect an egg to learn about parenting, but these aren't chicken eggs.  While Buffy and Xander struggle to defeat the Bezoar and save the Pod People, they also have to contend with Sunnydale's vamp cowboys - The Gorch Brothers. We discuss the dual storylines and share some of our own Sex-Ed memories.

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In What's My Line Part 1, the students of Sunnydale High are gearing up for career week and Spike is preparing for a ritual that will restore Drusilla's health.  To keep the Slayer out of his hair, he hires a group of assassins known as the Order of Taraka to kill Buffy. But another visitor has come to Sunnydale - who is this beautiful stranger?  Kristen & Mike reminisce about their childhood stuffed animals and debate whether or not Buffy is a cold-blooded skate-wielding murderer.  Plus, Kristen squeals about Oz... a lot.   

As What's My Line continues with Part 2, Angel is taken captive by Spike and Drusilla.  Buffy must find her love and stop her nemesis while also learning to get along with another Slayer. The gang takes down the Order of Taraka one by one and work together to free Angel.  Spike and Drusilla are killed in the resulting fire - or are they? Kristen & Mike discuss how we ended up with two "Chosen Ones" and compare the seemingly opposite Slayers. 

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In Lie to Me, Buffy's childhood friend Billy Fordham arrives in Sunnydale - but not to attend classes. He's got a secret plan that involves the Slayer, Spike, and a refurbished bomb shelter full of vampire-wannabees.  Kristen & Mike welcome guest host Taryn to the stacks and the three of them discuss Billy's illness and compare his moral compass to Buffy's. 

In The Dark Age, Buffy fans are finally introduced Giles' edgy alter ego... Ripper! When one of Rupert's adolescent cohorts is found dead at the high school, the stuffy librarian loses his cool. The demonically possessed intruder will put a strain on his relationship with Jenny and bring back a beloved villain - Ethan Rayne. Kristen, Mike, and Taryn compare Ethan and Giles to another Beloved British Badass and dissect Willow & Ethan's plans to thwart Eyegon.  

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Reptile Boy finds Buffy getting preparing for the Delta Zeta Kappa party.  Cordy needs her to get in and Tom's looking forward to her company - but Buffy's about to learn some hard lessons about dating on the Hellmouth.  Kristen & Mike discuss this episode's mixed messages as well as their own history with fraternities. 

Next up, it's Halloween. The vamps might be planning to take the holiday off, but Ethan Rayne is not.  As a tribute to Chaos, Ethan casts a spell switching everyone's personalities with those of their costumes.  How will debutante Buffy battle Spike and his band of trick-or-treaters? Kristen & Mike debate Willow's costume and its effect on Oz, and then share their own costumed repertories.

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Kristen & Mike aren't the only ones getting lost in the stacks this week! Chris from Hey, Do You Remember...? sits in for a discussion about School Hard and Inca Mummy Girl.

School Hard is more than just a handful of cheeky references to Die Hard - it's also our introduction to Spike! Kristen, Mike, and Chris lay out why this character works so well and why he  stands in such stark contrast to the other adversaries the Scoobies have faced thus far. Other topics include: the real reason Spike's known as "William the Bloody", the 'ol "they were on PCP" excuse, and a better way to handle the final scene between Buffy, Spike, and Joyce. 

Next up is the show's riff on some classic mummy stories - Inca Mummy Girl.  On a trip to the Sunnydale museum, ne'er-do-well Rodney accidentally awakens the Mummy.  Once a beautiful princess, she can now only regain her youth if she regularly kills.  Poor Xander has fallen for this enchanting murderess and must choose between her and his best friend.  Kristen, Mike, and Chris discuss the similarities between Ampata's and Buffy's fates as "chosen" girls, break down the practicalities of the curse, lament the wasted potential of Ampata's bodyguard, debate the value of Twinkies, and much more!

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In the Season Two opener When She Was Bad, Buffy must stop The Annointed One and his followers from raising The Master from his grave.  Her own inner demons will prove a problem, however, as she struggles to get over, ya know... dying.  Kristen and Mike welcome guest host Kara to the show!  They discuss the need for superhero therapists and break down the choreography of Buffy's "sexy dance". 

Some Assembly Required is Buffy's obligatory Frankenstein episode.  Science geek Chris has resurrected his recently deceased brother Daryl, but big bro yearns for more than just a second chance at life - he wants a girlfriend.  Chris sets out to find an ideal candidate in order to make this PYT a reality.  Kristen, Mike, and Kara compare this "Monster of the Week" episode to I Robot, You Jane.  Tune in to find out which is creepier: a romance with a 250 year age difference OR a main character who desperately wants to reanimate a dead girl without having any real motivation to do so. 

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In Out of Mind, Out of Sight, students and teachers are getting hurt at Sunnydale High and no one can see the culprit.  The Scoobies discover that a classmate no one ever noticed has literally become invisible. Will Buffy be able to stop her before she teaches one final lesson?  Kristen & Mike discuss their own experiences with being bullied or ignored and imagine what they would do with the power of invisibility.

Season one of Buffy the Vampire Slayer comes to a close with Prophecy Girl. Giles digs up more information on the prophecy surrounding The Master which states that the Slayer will die. While the rest of the gang tries to thwart their first apocalypse, Buffy must decide whether she's going to run from her fate or embrace it. Kristen & Mike debate the prophecy and wrap things up with the "Season One Yearbook Awards".  

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In the 9th episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the gang is forced to participate in the school talent show thanks to the new principal, Snyder. Stage fright is the least of their concerns though as someone is harvesting students' organs.  Could an inanimate dummy be to blame? Kristen and Mike compare this episode's format to other monster-of-the-week stories and share some stories about their own experiences with talent shows.

In "Nightmares", the residents of Sunnydale are being plagued by their own nightmares come to life. Buffy and her fellow Scoobies must overcome their deepest fears in order to help a little boy in a coma.  Kristen and Mike admit to their own nightmares, discuss the divorce of Buffy's parents, and much more!

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As season one of Buffy the Vampire Slayer winds down, the Master sends The Three to annihilate our hero and the Scoobies finally learn the truth about Angel's identity. Kristen & Mike debate technology's place (or lack thereof) in the show - whether it be the form of firearms, the internet, cell phones, or giant-horned Lothario robots.  They also discuss the purpose of The Three, how formidable they actually are, the relationship between Darla & Angel, and the importance of this episode on their backstory.

In I, Robot... You, Jane, a charismatic Romeo-esque demon that's trapped inside the internet begins to woo Willow. It's the show's attempt to highlight the dangers of internet dating - and while it was slightly ahead of the curve in that regard, the results are frustratingly clumsy.  Kristen & Mike take note of the first appearance of Jenny Calendar, reminisce about 90s tech and their own initial experiences on the internet, and then Mike pitches a version of this episode that corrects all of its major issues.

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In Never Kill a Boy on the First Date, the Master's attempts to fulfill the prophecy wreak havoc on Buffy's social life. Although to be honest, Kristen & Mike aren't that charmed by the new man in her life anyways. They discuss several reasons why Owen is a problematic character and Mike realizes that once you start reading between the lines,  there might be a more sinister explanation for the guy's odd demeanor. They also question the purpose of the Anointed One, dissect the particulars of that pesky prophecy, and wax nostalgic about fruit drinks that came in wax bottles and life before cell phones.

Next up is The Pack - an episode that initially seems like it might be too silly for its own good, but winds up making the most of its metaphor for the high school pecking order.  After Xander and a group of bullies are possessed by the spirit of a hyena at the local zoo, they begin to target and attack their weaker classmates. Kristen digs Xander's new look, Mike loves how realistically Willow reacts to his betrayal, they bid a fond farewell to Principal Flutie, and wonder if there's something a little icky about this episode's final scene.

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Witch is the first episode on deck this week and Kristen & Mike start by acknowledging its significance in establishing Buffy's monster-of-the-week format. The plot revolves around the mysterious injuries plaguing students trying out for the cheerleading squad. The Scooby Gang quickly surmises that there's a witch in Sunnydale... but who is it? And why are they targeting cheerleaders?   As they discuss the episode, Kristen details her own experiences as a cheerleader and points out the misconceptions people may have about the sport thanks to movies and television.  Mike recalls the club he desperately wanted to be a part of in high school and both hosts give this episode an enthusiastic thumbs up for epitomizing the "high school is hell" mission statement that drove these first few seasons.

Next up is Teacher's Pet - and unfortunately it doesn't fare quite as well. When Mr. Gregory goes missing, substitute teacher Ms. French takes over his science class and immediately gains the attention of all the hormonal teenage boys.  Buffy's not as won over and suspects foul play. She begins to investigate her favorite teacher's disappearance, but she better hurry - because Xander is about to meet the same fate.  We break down the logic behind She-Mantis' plan and its execution, speculate on the sexual history of a 50-year-old man, investigate a few disturbing implications this whole scenario presents, and much more!

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer debuted in the spring of 1997 with two back-to-back episodes: Welcome to the Hellmouth and The Harvest. In addition to introducing viewers to a new version of Buffy, her Scooby Gang, and the season's Big Bad, their overarching story also established one of the series' core conflicts: our heroine's responsibilities as the slayer and how those clash with her desire to live a more normal life.

Kristen & Mike kick things off with a discussion about how they discovered the show and why they love it so much. They also touch on Buffy's origins as a feature film and the unaired pilot that preceded the series. Then it's time to dive deep into these episodes and see if season one is really as bad as a lot of the fans remember it. There's no question that the show was still trying to find its footing at this stage, so it's interesting to see shades of where it was headed and make note of which elements were ultimately sidelined altogether.

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