Ultimate Buffyverse Episode Ranking: #200 – #176

#200-
‘ Carpe Noctum ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 4

Something of a silly episode, which can be a good change of pace at times. The episode involves the body switching between Angel and a rather old man who misses his heyday. Plot-wise things are basic and fairly average but that’s not the good parts of this episode. Strangely enough, it’s the body switching which ends up being pretty funny, especially as we get to see Angel (or rather and old dude in Angel’s body) act quite unlike himself. The old guy gets quite frisky in an immortal body and even gets close to shagging with Lilah on his Angel’s own desk.  In an extra tidbit, Fred finally has to deal with her crush on Angel, especially after the old guys antics.

#199-
‘ When She Was Bad ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 1

Opening episodes don’t seem to be a Buffy strong suit. While this opener has some good points for the most part it’s just average which is a bit of a shame. Buffy is really unlikable in this episode as she’s quite bitchy. She does have a reason for it since she’s still getting over being killed, which would take a while for anyone to get over, but I suppose since she’s just so cold-hearted it’s hard to sympathise with her. The lack of a strong villain alos bring down the episode a bit.

#198-
‘ Get It Done ‘, Buffy Season Seven, Episode 15

A less than stellar episode in which Buffy delves into the history and creation of the Slayer. The reason this episode is less than steller is because it’s just so dreary. Buffy gets into full general mode and becomes less and less relatable. She hardens right up and becomes fairly cold which is a bit disappointing. The other parts of the episode aren’t all that brilliant. Spike gets his jacket back which brings back his cool a little but apart from that it’s unspectacular.

#197-
‘ Shadow ‘, Buffy Season Five, Episode 8

The episode that really starts of the mid-season storypush. Joyce gets diagnosed with a brain tumor which really hits you as an audience. I’ll probably talk about it more when I discuss her death but to see a character you’ve seen for 5 years get told she has a life-threatening condition, it’s quite tough and I think that’s what makes this episode at least somewhat memorable. The downside comes in the storyline with Riley, in which he feels unwanted by Buffy so he decides to try to find what rush she felt with Angel. Not a smart idea.

#196-
‘ Nightmares ‘, Buffy Season One, Episode 10

One of the few episode in the first season of Buffy which feel quite a bit like the rest of the show. What I’m saying is that this episode seems to fit quite well into the rest of the Buffy episodes. It has a decent supernatural plot, some nice character interaction as well as some depth to each character. Everything you look for in a Buffy episode.  The thing that keeps this episode from the top 150 is that it just lacks the right mix of everything. The concept is strong and the individual nightmares are quite a lot of fun. I’m not a big fan of the big basher dude who crops up in the episode so that’s a negative.

#195-
‘ Empty Places ‘, Buffy Season Seven, Episode 19

Just like movies have low points where things go wrong and characters feel lost and abandoned, so does Buffy. In this case, we are leading up to the big battle at the end of this season and we’ve just been introduced to the mighty Caleb. The potentials are down in the dumps and injured and Buffy’s friends have lost some of their faith in her. The worst part of this episode is also the thing you can’t turn away from, the big argument at the end between Buffy and everyone else. Buffy tries to lead the young potentials into battle again but is met by strong opposition from Giles, Wood, Kennedy, Rona and Faith. Thankfully, Willow and Xander decide to just not agree with Buffy rather than attack her (that might have put a stake in the heart of this episode). Pacing is alright and so is the plot but the last argument, while fairly compelling ends up being very hard to watch because of the immediate loss of trust in Buffy and her skills by almost everyone. Also, I just want to tell off Dawn for kicking Buffy out of her own house.

#194-
‘ Long Day’s Journey ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 9

There is some definite murder-mystery elements to this episode which is why I think it’s pretty decent. The Beast has upped the ante on the whole apocalypse thing and has gone about killing important figures so he can block out the sun, making LA a feeding frenzy for vamps and other monsters. The mystery part is when Manny, a rather cliched character trying not to be cliched ends up dying under the watch of Angel, Cordelia, Gwen and Gunn. The problem is that the mystery element seems to get lost in the action of the final act. The Beast manages to fight off Angel and Connor and others and successfully brings LA into perpetual darkness. To sum up, average episode.

#193-
‘ Teacher’s Pet ‘, Buffy Season One, Episode 4

One of the themes early on in the Buffy series was that while the episodes might have weak plots or cheesy villains, the characters would provide the entertainment, the plots where just a way for you to see them react and interact. This episode is very much a testament to that. The plot involving a substitute teacher who actually is a virgin-eating praying mantis is really quite stupid, but it’s the characters that make it watchable. Xander tries to be the suave, sexualy experienced teen but actually ends up perfect pray for the she-mantis. This also happens to be the first episode in which we find out that Willow has a thing for her best friend, which is interesting. The other main letdown for this episode is that the lady playing Ms. French, or the she-mantis, is supposed to be incredibly attractive and I just don’t think she is, I’m not saying she wasn’t pretty or anything, just not stare-worthy.

#192-
‘ Provider ‘,  Angel Season Three, Episode 12

I think I’m in the minority here because I find this episode a bit quirky. Many consider this to be on the bottom of Best Angel episode lists and that is fairly understandble, there’s no strong villain and a lack of decent plot or pacing but I enjoy what they are trying to convey. Money is something that has been a theme in Angel since the very beginning and this episode deals quite strongly with the business side of things. The team hand out fliers and build a website and soon find themselves busy, which is very rare for them. There is also some humour to be found in this episode which gives it some added spice. Like I said before, the plot is very thin and seeing Angel covet money is a bit strange but for the most part I find enjoyment in this episode.

#191-
‘ Blood Money ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 12

This episode is entrenched in the lacklustre middle peroid of season two where Angel is alienated from his friends and colleagues. The episode is really only decent and it revolves around Angel outsmarting Lindsey and Lilah as they try to profit of charity. Plot isn’t all that great and pacing is decent, we also lack a strong villain with the blue guy that Angel fights with being pretty lacklustre. A positive note is that we get to see Anne again who we originally seen in Buffy, it’s nice that they found a recurring role for her in this series.

#190-
‘ First Date ‘, Buffy Season Seven, Episode 14

A bit of a rest-stop episode from the frantic pace that is the last season. Romance is a bit of a theme, or rather, fake romance. Buffy goes on a date with Wood so she can find out more about him only to find out that he has a lot more in common with her than she suspected and Xander goes on a date with a nice girl who ends up being a demon who works for the First. The Buffy-Wood side of the plot is fairly decent and interesting, however, the Xander side isn’t so compelling. The First is also more prevalent in this episode, appearing to both Andrew and Wood which is nice. On the whole though, nothing spectacular.

#189-
‘ Lonely Hearts ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 2

Angel was definitely still trying to find it’s feet by the second episode, which is obviously understandable but I think this episode put it well on the way to finding those feet. If you look at the episode basically, there isn’t anything surprising or spectacular in the episode. Plot is pretty average and pacing is solid, hell, even the character iteraction is only decent. The best part of this episode is it’s message and it’s mix of elements. Those two things make it a solid effort. Kate’s first appearance is also quite good which is another thing that make’s this episode somewhat memorable.

#188-
‘ Never Leave Me ‘, Buffy Season Seven, Episode 9

A pretty solid episode that revolves around two reforming men, Spike and Andrew. Spike is still struggling with his chip and the fact that the First can make him attack viciously without warning or control. Andrew, however, has been caught by the Scooby gang and he has to try to explain himself to them. The interrogation scenes involving Xander and Anya are absolutely brilliant and the definite standout scenes for this episode. There is also some action in the episode with some Bringers attacking the Summers’ house. When you add all the elements up you get a solid episode.

#187-
‘ Gone ‘, Buffy Season Six, Episode 11

One of the few episodes in the dark season six that has a humourous plotline. In this episode, Buffy is turned invisible by the meddling Trio. The incident is actually something of a blessing in disguise for Buffy because she actually can have a little fun and not be so depressed about her life. There is some strong humour in this episode which is a good but it’s not enough to propel this episode into the ‘good’ pantheon. The episode just lacks a little in the plot side of things with pacing and story only being decent.

#186-
‘ The Puppet Show ‘, Buffy Season One, Episode 9

I don’t mind this episode, like many of the early episodes in the series, the plot is not perfect and is really fairly cheesy but a good amount of strong character moments make this a solid outing. There’s also the introduction of Principal Snyder which is a big plus, especially since I think this is actually one of his best appearances. The plot involving the doll is a bit of a let down and the constant misdirection is a little annoying but as a whole, it’s a decent episode.

#185-
‘ Sacrifice ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 20

Nearing the end of the mind control storyline that was dominate in season four with Jasmine. This episode showed the gang now fully out of Jasmines bind and escaping the cluthces of a controlled LA. It’s actually something of a two-faced episode. We have the part where Angel is leading the group away from Jasmine and Connor which eventually leads to them hiding in the sewers. That part of the episode is pretty lacklustre. But, the good part comes in Wes’ meeting with a strange demon who previously knew of Jasmine. That demon was very interesting and reminded alot of Gollum from the Lord of The Rings. That part of the episode saved it from mediocrity and propelled it into the mid-range on this list.

#184-
‘ Heart Throb ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 1

An episode that deals with Vampire romance, an interesting subject. We know that Angel loves Buffy, but is that because his soul? Well, no, because Spike loves just fine (maybe too much). This episode shows another vampire couple who are apparantly completely and absolutely in love, so much so, that the male who is left after his lover’s death decides to take complete revenge on Angel before dying himself. It’s a fairly interesting plot, and one of the few episodes where plot beats out character because there is a lack of strong character interaction. Bordering on ‘good’ but not quite there.

#183-
‘ Dead End ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 18

An episode that focuses on Lindsey and his lack of a hand specifically. Lindsey is a pretty strong character and this happens to be his last episode for quite a while as he manages to finallly break away from Wolfram and Hart. His plot which involves getting a functioning real hand to replace his lack of one is a bit of a doozy as the hand turns out to be evil, which sounds a bit silly I know and the plot is not a strong suit of this episode. In the end, seeing Lindsey go out on his own is satisfying. On the Angel side of things, Cordelia has to deal with the painful visions she’s getting and the lasting effects they are having on her which is a fairly interesting B-plot. Still, a decent episode.

#182-
‘ Killed By Death ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 18

This is the episode that effectively breaks the constant greatness that hits that mid part of season two. In saying that, this episode is still fairly solid. Buffy leads really quite well, even while sick and everyone else compliments nicely, especially Cordelia, who’s humour is a standout. The plot isn’t terrible but isn’t great either. A positive though is that the Der Kinderstod is really quite frightening, although his defeat is a little lame. A solid episode.

#181-
‘ The Shroud Of Rahmon ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 8

This episode mixes two themes, a crime mystery and a heist story. In a strange twist, we are given the aftermath first with Wes being interrogated by police after the events that transpire. We only then flash back on the story involving a heist of an important demon artifact. Angel infiltrates his way into the job. Gunn also squeezes in, much to Angel’s dismay. The tension created is pretty good and Angel acts well as a loudmouth, 40’s style gangster vamp. The animousity between Angel and Gunn is built well and when Kate gets involved things just turn out bad. On the whole, a solid outing.

#180-
‘ I’ve Got You Under My Skin ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 14

Another mystery-based episode, and this one is actually quite good. I think what makes this episode better than some of the other’s in season one is that it really feels like a mystery. There’s a pretty strong plot, a decent set of one-time characters, a mysterious villain & a nice twist. But, in saying that, we still get nice stuff from Angel, Cordy and Wes. Only let downs I can think of is some pacing trouble and a lack of action but you know, it’s a mystery, it doesn’t need that much action.

#179-
‘ Anne ‘, Buffy Season Three, Episode 1

The season opener for the brilliant season three, but this episode is not particularly stellar. After the disasters of season two, Buffy decided to leave Sunnydale, eventually ending up in L.A. I feel like this episode was a mini-test run for Angel since the lighting & general plot is very similar. As a whole, the episode is decent. It plods along a bit and Buffy is pretty depressed throughout although it’s nice to see her embrace her Slayer-side to escape a hell dimension. There’s also the reintroduction of Chantrelle/Lily/Anne who we seen back in Lie To Me. It’s nice to see her again, especially since she acts as something of a duplicate for Buffy’s problem. Back in Sunnydale, there is little going on but that doesn’t mean there isn’t some entertainment. I especially like Xander & Cordelia’s interactions, as well as Oz’s explanation of his return to school for Willow. Solid episode, but not up to the scratch of the rest of the season.

#178-
‘Forever’, Buffy Season Five, Episode 17

After the heartwrenching previous episode, we probably needed a show that could just stablize the season, and for the most part, I think this episode succeeds. It doesn’t provide a lot of action, or comedy but it does have some drama. The worst part of this episode is Dawn, I’m sorry to say. She is very cold to Buffy throughout, and she has a reason to be upset, but her anger towards Buffy is quite depressing. There isn’t really much else that is earthshattering or anything like that. Glory gets closer to finding the key’s location and form and Willow’s misuse of magic starts to begin since she secretly encourages Dawn’s idea of bringing back Joyce. The strongest scene is when Spike offers his respects to Joyce, despite Xander’s absolute coldness. A nice, touching gesture.

#177-
‘ Buffy Vs. Dracula’, Buffy Season Five, Episode 1

Another solid season opener which doesn’t represent the rest of the season. I think it was inevitable that someone like Dracula would make an appearance in Buffy. I actually quite like how he is depicted. His accent, look and powers are very traditional, giving him a sense of uniqueness for the series. It also made sense to pit the slayer against a guy like Dracula. The plot is decent, I especially like the set-up of the dark power within Buffy, which gets explored further in season seven. Xander, Will & Giles get some funny moments while Riley starts to get a little annoying with his jealously. on the whole, this episode is just a solid opener, much in the same vein as Anne.

#176-
‘ Offspring’, Angel Season Three, Episode 7

A pretty strong episode. Darla comes back into Angel’s life with a little surprise. A baby. Something Angel probably would never, in a million years would think could happen. Darla’s presence in this episode is really quite brilliant. She displays some wry humour and provides a strange dynamic within the group. We also get some emotion within this episode as Darla has to deal with a soul for the first time, something she has trouble adjusting to. Aside from this, we also are given some more background on Holtz, the big bad of this season as well as the real beginnings of a Angel-Cordelia relationship. At the end of the day, this episode is a good watch and provides a real stepping stone into the season’s main story arc.