Mommie Dearest

Episode 1.3: Witch. Original Airdate 3.17.97


"In an effort to inject some normalcy into her life Buffy tries out for the cheerleading squad - only to discover the competition wants her dead."

                                 Daniel's Thoughts:

Forget to change something, Willow?

• The very first one-off episode and one of my favorites. 
• First shows of Xander's super-crush on Buffy.
• Willow Fashion Faux Pas: Purple pants and that awful pajama shirt. 
• Cordelia isn't a complete bubble-head - at least she knows her grammar.  Willow: She's on Fire!  Cordelia: Enough with the hyperbole.
• Worst Mom Ever:
• Joyce is so worried about her daughter but can't spare a minute to hear that Buffy is taking up an activity that doesn't involve fighting or burning down the building?
• Buffy: "What I was trying out for?" Joyce: "Uh...some...activity?" 
• and Joyce: "I'll keep you out of trouble." Buffy: "I'm not in trouble." Joyce: "Not yet".  Really?  And we thought Cordelia was the tactless one.
• This woman has no faith in her daugter
• Love the introduction of goofy Buffy....and even though she's under a spell, we can really see how multi-dimensional this character will be.
• I like Elizabeth Anne Allen as Amy but...I'm glad she didn't get the role she auditioned for: Buffy.
• 5 Stakes

                                 Zelda's Thoughts:

• Willow's outfits continue to embarrass. Poor Alyson Hannigan.
• Glad we got over our best friend Jesse dying so quickly. Whew. (Sorry, that's the last time we'll harp on it. Probably the last time we'll mention him. It's certainly the last time the show will.)
• Look to our right. This is Amy's Gingerbread House. This is Amy's Demon Gatekeeper. HOW DID NO ONE KNOW A WITCH LIVES HERE?
• RAILROAD SPIKE. RAILROAD SPIKE. Okay, I'll calm down.
• Aw we love goofy Buffy. Even if said goofiness means she gonna die soon.
• Black Contact Lenses = Evil Dark Magic Witchitude. Write that down, kids. Memorize it. You'll need it in five seasons.
• We have achieved our first unconscious Giles!

I'm very impressed there are Barbie outfits that match the

Sunnydale cheerleading uniform so exactly. Verrrrrrrrrrry impressed.

Crossfire!

Zelda: Cuz he loves her ... with his tiny Xander heart ...

Daniel: Stupid Xander.

Zelda ... of darkness.

Daniel: Stupid Xander.

Favorite Lines:

Daniel: "I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away." - Xander

Zelda: "I know this really good cauldron. Do you actually ride a broom?" - Willow

90s Factoid:

Bare Midriffs were a thing.

Arc/Continuity Stuff:

• Introduction of Witches.
• Willow casts her first spell.
• Giles claims to cast his first spell, but he's totally lying.
• Buffy sings her first song.
• Buffy comes out as a Slayer for the first time. Joyce's levels of denial run deep, and she completely ignores it.
• First Appearance of Amy, who is not a witch ... yet.

Stats:

Voiceover - None
Angel's character - Blinvisible
Dead Humans - 0

Dead Undeads - 0
Giles Unconscious - 1
Giles Cleans His Glasses - 0
Buffy Breaks a Door - 0
Evil Reveal - 2 (Amy/Catherine ... sort of twice)

Unevil Reveal - 1 see above
Shenanigans Called - 0
Apocalypse Called - 0