"Beauty and the Beasts" REACTION - Buffy 3x4 Commentary (Early Access YouTube)
Added 2024-08-12 20:10:20 +0000 UTC
Comments
Just to clarify, what I talk about solely in this video is gender as a construct. When I mention this it isn't to disprove or to discount biology, but they're two different subjects. That isn't to say that biology isn't relevant to the episode and I did think after I'd recorded that I should've had some kind of note on it. Alas 🤷🏼😂
Tyler Alexander
2024-08-21 16:09:00 +0000 UTCI also love this episode because of the themes it deals with. Yes it's a little on the nose but in 1998 toxic masculinity and abusive behaviors were not spoken of as often as nowadays. Plus it resonates with Buffy's situation and feelings so I find it to be good storytelling. The fight scenes in the end of the episode between the three "beasts" are also more violent than usual to reinforce the bestial innate aggressiveness of men. While I agree with you that education and society play a role in how you're supposed to act wether you're a man or a woman, you also have to take into account biology. My master degree is on cognitive and behavioral neuroscience so maybe I am biased. But all recent discoveries prove that at least 50% of what we call personality comes from genetics (and it may be way more than that). Our species evolved through natural selection of certain behaviors that are more predominant in males than in females: aggressiveness and violence (and even sexual assault) were selected because they were advantages for males in surviving and reproducing. The notion of consent is really recent in human history and evolution is a very slow process. Does that mean we are doomed? Of course not. Genetics can help us to understand the roots of violence (and specifically violence from men against women) but evolution also gave us a big brain that allows us to think about how we should behave. So, even if we can understand aggressiveness and violence, that does not mean we have to forgive them or disregard them as being part of who we are without any possibility to act on them. And I will join you on the fact that the only way to overcome those natural traits is through education. Everybody should teach boys that it is not normal to beat or harass a woman. We should also teach girls that every man who does those things is not worth them and they can always call for help. It really is a challenge because it goes against millions of years of evolution but it is not impossible. We should never confuse natural with normal. Normality is a social construct and is up to us to define. Sorry for the long post but it is an important topic for me (as it should be for everyone). I will just say it once again: understandable is not the same thing as forgivable.
Aurelius 19
2024-08-21 15:56:00 +0000 UTC💙💙💙
Tyler Alexander
2024-08-20 16:02:02 +0000 UTCwhat do you think about The theory that Xander, Willow, and Giles represent Buffy’s heart, mind, and soul is a popular interpretation among “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fans. Here’s a brief overview of this theory: Xander as Buffy’s Heart: Xander Harris is often seen as the emotional core of the group. He provides support, loyalty, and a sense of normalcy for Buffy. His unwavering friendship and compassion make him the embodiment of Buffy’s heart. Willow as Buffy’s Mind: Willow Rosenberg, with her intelligence and magical abilities, represents Buffy’s mind. She often comes up with solutions to problems and uses her knowledge to help the group. Her growth from a shy, bookish girl to a powerful witch highlights her role as the intellectual force in Buffy’s life. Giles as Buffy’s Soul: Rupert Giles, Buffy’s Watcher, serves as her mentor and moral guide. He provides wisdom, guidance, and a sense of purpose. His fatherly relationship with Buffy and his dedication to her mission make him the representation of her soul. This interpretation adds depth to the characters and their relationships with Buffy, showing how they each contribute to her strength and resilience.
Penny
2024-08-17 14:14:57 +0000 UTCAhh, the episode where Buffy gets a much-needed kind, supportive therapist - who immediately gets brutally killed. 😭 In all seriousness, brilliant commentary as always on the episode's themes! I wouldn't say it's a favourite episode, but it's always one that hits home. A great homage to Jekyll and Hyde, while switching up the man vs beast theme to provide an updated commentary on toxic masculinity rather than Victorian repression.
Lucy
2024-08-17 06:56:24 +0000 UTCExcellent analysis as ever. I’m rewatching with my teen at the moment (we’re up to season 5 - started by keeping pace with you, but they’re impatient 😂). They summed up the supernatural element of this as “literal toxic masculinity” which I thought was pretty apt.
Clare White
2024-08-17 06:19:41 +0000 UTCWhat a great analysis! I tend to overlook this episode - I think some of the domestic violence allegory is a little too on the nose - but you've made me see it in a different way and appreciate it more. I absolutely adore your Buffy videos and I'm honestly devastated I discovered you so early on because having to wait for new episodes is agony 😂 especially when I'm so eager for you to get to S5 (personal fave) and S6 (extremely juicy and you will have SO much to unpack). Sending love always 🥰
Bethany
2024-08-14 11:10:00 +0000 UTCThis made me realize when Buffy says "she's broken"... she means herself. Makes so much more sense now.
Anne
2024-08-14 01:47:39 +0000 UTCI love your dissection of the Ep (even though some of it was long winded *cough*NERD*cough*) I can’t wait to see you analyze the rest of the series! This is one of my fave “filler” eps, next ep is ok but then “band candy” you are not prepared buddy lol Keep up the amazing reactions/commentary!
Zach Davis
2024-08-14 01:43:55 +0000 UTCYeah and literally looking at herself in the mirror while talking to Debbie standing next to her in the mirror. Great little touch 👌
bing.E
2024-08-13 17:37:08 +0000 UTCoh definitely gets a pass.... especially since she has a tendency to confront her own traumas through projecting a little here and there.
Tanya TMS
2024-08-13 13:02:02 +0000 UTCThanks Tanya! Yeah, Buffy's words came across to me as an attempt at 'don't get hit, leave him' that came across a little harsher than needed, but there was also that urgency too. I think she was also a bit off kilter too because of Angel, so I give her a pass 😅 but yeah I felt the same way.
Tyler Alexander
2024-08-13 11:00:54 +0000 UTCAlso a great vehicle for discussions about gender and relationships etc. Great commentary 👍
Carrie Els
2024-08-13 09:18:45 +0000 UTCBuffy is essentially Debbie in this episode. Both having dated men who turned controlling and violent, comforting those men, continuing to love them. When she is talking to Debbie in the bathroom, she could be talking to herself, which is why she is so harsh.
Carrie Els
2024-08-13 09:17:58 +0000 UTCThis is such a good episode and also very painful. I think this might be the only episode I get slightly miffed at Buffy for how harsh she is with Debbie. I know Buffy is right and there is this sense of urgency at this point, but I really just want to see Debbie get taken to the library for Giles to watch over her. I don't like seeing Debbie die. But the character's death does shed light on how violent and dangerous it is being a woman. I very much appreciate the time you took with all your commentary on gender and race here. And Giles? Yes, well the show could have been called Giles the Watcher. Would have been an epic title. :) Have a great week, Tyler.
Tanya TMS
2024-08-13 07:54:59 +0000 UTCyeah haha! eliza the actress has said it in different panels i’ve seen, id transcribe it but she’s got adhd like me so it’s so hard to write her words down eloquently cos of how quickly she speaks and goes off on different topics lmaaooo
Megan
2024-08-12 22:37:45 +0000 UTCNo way 😂
Tyler Alexander
2024-08-12 22:23:16 +0000 UTCfun fact, the punch between faith and buffy wasn’t scripted, apparently smg stood ahead of her mark and so got hit inadvertently
Megan
2024-08-12 22:13:27 +0000 UTCI wouldn’t say anywhere near the strongest of this season but one thing that caught me on this watch, was both Pete and Angel cradling their lovers after doing bad things. The expectation is always on the woman to comfort the man after being brought to the “brink” of their temperament.
Sjubb
2024-08-12 21:34:59 +0000 UTCBeen waiting for you to get to this one and can’t wait to watch you dissect the episode!
Zach Davis
2024-08-12 20:42:50 +0000 UTC
