Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 2, Episode 6: Halloween Review

Halloween

Original Airdate: October 27, 1997

Writer: Carl Ellsworth

Director: Bruce Seth Green

For obvious reasons, Halloween is the holiday that was most likely to have a themed episode on “Buffy”. This could’ve been bad for the episode, as it might’ve felt obligated instead of furthering the narrative and character development. However, this episode picks up on the promise of “School Hard” and is a nice treat of an episode. While it may not be especially scary, it is a lot of fun. Writer Ellsworth utilizes a lot of the character development and runs with it.

It does a good job continuing the theme of Buffy wanting to be like a normal girl by having her want to be that, only this time she’s fascinated with the normal girls from when Angel was human in the 18^th century (although this time frame would be changed by the end of the season). Buffy’s inability to realize that Angel likes her for who she is hints at the major problems that will come to a head later. When she tries to be that girl, Ethan’s spell renders her helpless, and it places everyone in a compromising position.

In “Reptile Boy”, we saw Xander’s feelings of powerlessness at the hands of the frat boys, and this episode it continues into this episode with the introduction of bully Larry. This crisis in masculinity has been a major part of Xander’s character. With Buffy, an incredibly powerful woman, as one of his closest friends, it can be hard not to feel inadequate. This episode plays with that as Xander becomes that Alpha male soldier and gets to experience that power he lacks. Of course, the big gun as a phallic symbol is as relevant as ever.

It also plays off Willow’s discomfort putting herself out there. Since they already did an invisible girl late in the first season, a ghost was the next best thing. Similar to Xander, Buffy brings about insecurities, even if it’ll eventually give away to self-confidence that wouldn’t have happened had Buffy never come to Sunnydale. Willow just can’t be sexy the way Buffy can. However, this episode has some more hints at a romance between her and still unaware Oz.

Bringing Spike back to the fold is great. While this continues the show’s theme of having a recurring villain throughout a season, his presence assures the show’s advancement, whereas the last two were close to retread of season one. His “neat” comment while surveying the mayhem caused by the possessive costumes is classic.

They also explain why he’s been laying low; he’s been watching Buffy from a distance, studying her fight techniques to gain some advantage. There should’ve been more exploration on this, as Spike’s fascination with the Slayer would become a major facet of his character. Although why did the vamp taping the fight not charge the batteries beforehand (then again, lackeys are never known for their intelligence, right)? Also, the vamp dusted doesn’t seem to be one she’d spend enough time fighting to warrant a tape.

One of the biggest contributions this episode made to the series was developing Giles’ dark side. Previously, Giles was seen as somewhat bumbling, aloof guide to Buffy, but now Giles is a lot more interesting. Giles apparently had a dark past that isn’t evident on the surface. Ethan represents what could’ve happened had Giles continued that path, creating chaos for no reason. Unfortunately, this element isn’t explored in the series as much as it could’ve been, but they make up for that with some other bumbling characters with dark sides.

This episode appears to have been made to be a light piece of entertainment in what would eventually become a dark season. No one is killed and there isn’t a sense of danger. However, seeing these characters act like someone they’re not, but actually developing the characters in the process, elevates this beyond fluff to one of the best episodes of the second season.

Overall Score: 9/10