Buffy 6.7 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Once More, With Feeling.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to series mastermind Joss Whedon (“Hush,” “Who Are You?” “Restless,” “Family,” “The Body,” “The Gift”).
What did Herc say about the 11/6 Buffy in his infamous July 4 spoilers?
Panicky about his impending marriage to Anya, Xander accidentally concocts a “truth spell” that causes everyone in Sunnydale to reveal all of their innermost thoughts and feelings in song.
When Buffy and Spike learn of their true feelings for each other, they share their first real kiss.
Willow reveals in song that she cast a spell to make Tara forget their fight, and Tara decides to break up with Willow as a result.
Finally, Giles decides to return to England for good.
The episode’s original score and lyrics were written by “Buffy” creator Joss Whedon.
What were Herc’s infamous Sept. 29 spoilers for 6.7?
6.7 “Untitled Musical Episode.” (Nov. 6) Written by Joss Whedon (“The Gift”). Xander, increasingly panicky about his coming nuptuals, wishes for “a happy ending” and accidentially sets off a truth spell that forces everyone to reveal their secrets in song. Xander reveals he’s nervous about husbandhood. Giles reveals he’s leaving for good. Willow reveals she put the forget spell on Tara. And Buffy reveals she has feelings for Spike.
Did Herc’s sources get it right?
They were at least a little wobbly on this one. Having said this, an anxious Xander does set off the singing truth spell, Tara does learn of Willow’s forget-spell and sings of her intent to leave Willow because of it, Giles does sing of his coming departure and, most importantly, Buffy does end the episode by giving Spike a big wet one.
What does Herc’s sources get so wrong?
Tara learns of Willow’s deception from a conversation with Dawn, and not from a singing Willow.
Why doesn’t Willow do the forget-spell reveal via song? Song would seem an ideal vehicle for such a major reveal!
Two theories on this. One: Alyson Hannigan, while both insanely attractive and possessed of unparallelled thespianic gifts, may not be the best singer ever. Two: an exhausted Joss Whedon, aware of Hannigan’s trifling vocalistic shortcomings, may have decided he’d written enough songs for one year.
Quick! Subjectively rank the regular cast by their singing ability, from best to worst!
Amber Benson, Anthony Stewart Head, Michelle Trachtenberg, Emma Caulfield, Sarah Michelle Gellar, James Marsters, Nicholas Brendan, Alyson Hannigan.
What does TV Guide say?
“Series creator Joss Whedon wrote, directed and composed the music for this episode in which a mysterious force impels the Scooby Gang to burst into song. Even Buffy devotees may be hard-pressed to find an episode as off-the-wall as this, as Sunnydale denizens become players in production numbers in which cast members do their own vocals. Hear Tara (Amber Benson) sing about her love for Willow (Alyson Hannigan)! See Xander and Anya (Nicholas Brendon, Emma Caulfield) perform a duet! Listen to Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) croon about her lack of life direction! Who's behind the music? Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) provides the key.”
The big surprise?
Not only is the episode letterboxed (“Angel”-style!), it dispenses with the usual title sequence and adapts the Nerf Herder theme into something kinda Muzak-y.
What does the title sequence look like?
Think “The Honeymooners.” (Luna itself remains a key element.)
Are there agents of nerdly doom about?
Sadly, singing of the Nerds of Doom goes unheard. (And let me just point out again: If the Lone Gunmen were half as entertaining as the Nerds of Doom, theirs would be the biggest show on Fox.)
Okay, the big question: Vampire-boy Joss Whedon wrote all the music and lyrics! Is it too horrible?
Herc’s regard for the songwriting ranges from admiring to worshipful!
Wha-at?
You heard Herc!! TV Lad Joss Whedon is not only a genius quipster and dramatist, he now knows how to write really cool songs!! The world no longer makes sense! FEAR HIM!! FEAR THE WHEDON!!
Wait a -- The dude who created “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” can write songs?
Some songs are better than others, admittedly, but the best ones are amazing! And memorable! I haven’t been able to get Buffy’s “Walk Through the Fire” tune out of my head since I first heard it Sunday night!
What are the songs like?
They’re all different, but a lot of them reminded Herc of – wait for it – Neil Young!!
Neil Young???
I’m insane! But a lot of them! They are! (For the record, and for all the love Herc feels for Linkin Park and Staind, he considers Neil Young one of the greatest – and most versatile – songwriters ever to tour this miserable planet. All hail Neil Young.)
How about a breakdown of the tuneage?
Okay, but keep in mind that when it comes to musical theatre, Hercules The Strong is one crappy connoisseur:
ACT ONE
“Going Through the Motions.” (Buffy, her prey and a rescuee). Think “Sound of Music” meets “Little Mermaid.”
“I Have A Theory.” (Giles, Willow, Xander, Anya, Tara). Think Stephen Sondheim meets “Godspell.”
“Bunnies.” (Anya) Think Alanis Morisette meets Alice Cooper.
“Scooby Theme (Why Should We Care?).” (Buffy and the Scoobs) Think “Les Miz” meets The Rolling Stones. This is the best song of the evening, and the most repeated.
“I’m Under Your Spell.” (Tara) Think Neil Young crossed with fellow Canadian Sarah McLachlan (Good call, Obsidian72!). Tara expresses the boundless depth of her love of the very lovable Willow Rosenberg. A showstopper, with cool dancing, designed to showcase Amber Benson’s wholly astonishing voice. The night’s second-best number.
ACT TWO
“I’ll Never Tell.” (Anya and Xander) Think the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life” crossed with “Hair.”
“Rest in Peace.” (Spike) Think “Jesus Christ Superstar” crossed with “Tommy”. Another goosebump-eliciting number, as Spike reveals the torment he endures via his unrequited love for the slayer.
“Scooby Theme (Does Anybody Even Notice?).” (Dawn) A two-line riff, I think, on the Scooby Theme. I think.
ACT THREE
“Sweet’s Song” (Sweet the Demon) Think Cab Calloway meets “Damn Yankees.”
“Standing in the Way.” (Giles) Giles contemplates his changing role in Buffy’s life. Think James Taylor meets Randy Newman.
“I’m Under Your Spell (Reprise).” (Tara) Same song as act one, new verse, new meaning.
“Wish I could stay.” (Giles and Tara). Think “Needle and the Damage Done” meets “Godspell.” An amazing device that combines the show’s two best singing voices as Giles and Tara say goodbye to the most important people in their lives.
“Scooby Theme (Walk Through the Fire)” (Buffy, Spike, Sweet, Giles, Xander, Anya, Willow, Tara). The song of unity unites again.
ACT FOUR
“Play a Part.” (Buffy) Think The Mamas & The Papas meet Talking Heads. Or something.
“Sweet’s Song (Reprise).” (Sweet).
“Where Do We Go From Here?” (Dawn, Buffy, Spike, Giles, Tara, Willow, Anya, Xander). It’s in all the promos; you tell me.
“Scooby Theme (Walk Through the Fire) (Reprise)” (Buffy, Spike).
What’s great?
Oh Jesus Christ, so much! Xander generally, but especially his brief, hilarious, non-singing homage to Frank T.J. Mackay. Anya’s passing reference to the Shumash tribe. The Xander/Anya pajama dance! Spike's casket climbing!! The very entertaining cameos by Team Whedon lieutenants David Fury and Marti Noxon! Spike’s turn-on-dime change of heart!! The third-act-ending march of the reticent Scoobies!! The way Buffy looks and acts a little like Faith when she finally meets Sweet. The amazing songs! The incredible dancing! The many, many key revelations!!
What’s not so great?
The Dawn rescue has been done! And Giles’ willingness to abandon his slayer seems born far more of Tony Head’s desire to spend more time in England than anything organic to the story. But whatcha gonna do?
Any interesting asides?
I like this episode better every time I watch it.
Any others?
The pre-teaser recap is letterboxed too!
Herc’s bold prediction?
Most of the talkbackers will not like this episode as much as he did. At first. But just you wait half a decade …
Herc’s rating for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” 6.7?
*****
The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
I warn you not to defy me!! Mmm!! Cookies!!
