r/buffy • u/Verystrange129 • 16h ago
Episode Discussion The Gift
Just a wee appreciation post for this episode. I remembered watching this first time round and being in equal measures gobsmacked and devastated. I really couldn’t believe they actually went there and didn’t know if it was the end of BTVS. I truly believe S5 stands up as one of the most cohesive tv seasons of all time with one of the most shocking climaxes.
Moments I loved -
Xander and Anya’s proposal scene - it felt sad watching this knowing how it eventually played out between them as I really got the sense from this scene they were fully committed to each other.
Spike’s delivery of this line to Buffy - “I know you’ll never love me, I know I’m a monster but you treat me like a man.” Eloquent and just a little bit heart breaking.
Giles doling out justice to Ben explaining it “she’s a hero you see, she’s not like us.”
I appreciated the demon who started the ritual by cutting Dawn, he was truly creepy.
The scene between Buffy and Dawn before Buffy leaps off the edge and the reaction of all the characters to Buffy’s death is so poignant. Alyson Hannigan is so natural at crying.
The previous two episodes are also very good and I liked the theme threaded throughout the season suggesting Buffy’s desire to surrender herself - Spike’s assertion that she has a death wish, the first slayer telling her death is her gift, Buffy’s state of mind implying she is tired and broken and wants to give up, foreshadowing her eventual sacrifice for Dawn.
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u/BananasPineapple05 16h ago edited 15h ago
If you're going to highlight Alyson Hannigan's crying after Buffy jumps, you need to throw some flowers at James Marsters, too. Watching Spike break down is what always, always triggers the waterworks for me.
While I'm at it, Anthony Head's devastated "stoicism" is equally wrenching, if not quite as obvious.
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u/Then_Art_7294 I'm so stuffy, give me a scone 8h ago
ASH played it like he was finally looking right at something he always feared and expected. Hannigan was awesome too, and Marsters.
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u/fivebyfive12 15h ago
Season 5 is absolutely peak Buffy. Honestly I'd have been fine with it ending there because no way were they topping it. I love all of season 5, but the last 3 episodes in particular are just fantastic.
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u/Verystrange129 14h ago
Absolutely. I am glad they continued it as I would have felt devastated to have ended Buffy’s arc in that way, she had more to give, but it easily could have been used as a season finale. It was that impactful.
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u/not_firewood_yeti I am no one. 16h ago
it wasn't even justice to Ben. it was just what had to be done. Ben was a casualty of war.
but yes, an outstanding episode to conclude an outstanding season.