"The Harvest"

Written by Joss Whedon, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, co-starring Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter and Anthony Stewart Head, featuring Merk Metcalf, Brian Thompson, David Boreanaz, Ken Lerner, Kristine Sutherland, Julie Benz and Eric Balfour, also with Mercedes McNab, Jeffrey Steven Smith, Teddy Lane, Jr. and Deborah Brown.

“Welcome to the Hellmouth” is continued in this touching episode also written by our dear friend Joss Whedon. I found this episode to be one of my favourites from season one, because it is more emotional than “WttH”. Buffy’s potential friend Jesse has been taken as bait by the Master’s merciless minions, and in this episode, emotions range widely. From shock at the discovery that vampires exist to sadness at the thought of Jesse’s fate to anger, being unable to help, to humor that can light up the darkest times. This is mostly what Buffy’s friends feel. As for her, I would think that despair should be the reigning emotion. Despair, because she thought she was on top of things when she wasn’t really, despair, because she failed to save Jesse… All in all, friendship is an important part of this episode.

I also think that, if it was me, I would have trouble believing in all that happened to Xander and Willow, even if I was them. You know, who would have known that vamps existed? For a while, there was probably a state of denial (though it didn’t last long). But I think Buffy convinced them pretty well that there isn’t much else that has a wrinkled, demonic face, yellow eyes and pointed fangs, yet acts human.

This is one of my favourite quotes, when she tells Xander what else could have happened in the mausoleum.

Buffy: No. No, those weren't vampires. Those were just... guys in thundering need of a facial. Or maybe they had rabies? It could've been rabies. And that guy turning to dust? Just a trick of light. That’s what I thought when I saw my first vampire. Well, after I was done with the screaming part.

Buffy uses sarcasm a lot, and I think it’s really funny. To me, sarcasm is the funniest joke of all. It beats traditional pranks.

On a happier note, we finally discover who Buffy’s night time “stalker” is: a mysterious stranger going by the name of Angel. He will take on a more important role later on in the series, but I won’t say anymore for now. You want to know who he is, watch them!

Meanwhile, we also get a glimpse of what could well be family problems. Call from the principal, mother panicks, daughter grounded… Of course, that didn’t stop said daughter of creeping out to dust a few baddies.

So, finally, my opinion on “The Harvest” is that it is designed to show you how important friends are, and how important it is for family members to understand each other, which must be a lot harder if you’re a Slayer.

20th Century Fox Television and Mutant Enemy Inc., Kuzui Enterprises and Sandollar Television.

Next Saturday: "Witch".