Review of Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 2 Episode 6: Haloween

This episode used to be one of my favorites, giving us a chance to see the characters in a different light. Upon re-watching as an adult, it's still enjoyable, but doesn't have the same oomph. I do still really enjoy the look into Giles' dark hidden history, which no one would have guessed just from seeing Season 1. Also, Nicholas Brendon does a great job of changing from affable Xander to bad-ass soldier, believably. This episode is a brief preview of what Xander and Giles will become throughout the series. The episode is fun, and enjoyable, but other than Giles, there is no major character development. There is supposed to be some sort of threat and worry, but it simply doesn't come across. Spike and Ethan, the main villains of the episode comes across as bumbling and incompetent. The parts of Oz, and the introduction of Ethan will end up being important, of course, but at this point in the series that's a footnote. There is also a bit of a hint that Cordelia and Xander are going to end up hooking up, but again, a foot note.

Overall: 7 Acting: 8 Dialog: 6 Plot: 6 Importance 5 Suspense: 3

Director: Bruce Seth Green

Writers: Carl Ellsworth, Joss Whedon