Comments | season5btvs: Can't You See The Real Me? - A Discussion of Episode 2: Real Me

season5btvs

Can't You See The Real Me? - A Discussion of Episode 2: Real Me

Nov 09, 2004 18:15

Episode RecapWe ended our last discussion with the idea of maintaining balance in life, a good lesson for Buffy and for all of us to heed. How appropriate it is then for the opening scene of Episode 2 - Real Me begins with Buffy meditating, doing a handstand ala Luke Skywalker in the Empire Strikes Back. Giles (playing Yoda here) talks her ( Read more... )

Comments 5

ex_thistle_ November 9 2004, 18:13:45 UTC

Wow - I've seen this episode multiple times, and never even thought of the Dawn/Harmony parallel of searching for individuality when you're typically overshadowed. Thank you for pointing that out, Professor!

I also enjoyed the aspect of the journal. Seeing the characters from not only a fresh perspective, but also from a new cinematic style. Hearing Dawn's voiceover as she's writing the thoughts in her journal helped you to understand her feelings on a lot of issues that a (13?) young teenager goes through. Her description of Willow and Tara being really good friends, and Dawn "wanting to grow up to be like them. Mom kinda spit her coffee out when I said that. I don't know why..." (not a verbatem quote, but more of the jist). That little section is one of my all-time favorite "Buffy" moments.
For me, the journal is a good scripting tool that when overused can be extremely annoying - I'm first to admit I loved "Doogie Howser", but could've done without the journal recap every episode. Same with "Sex and the City".

Voiceover season5btvs November 10 2004, 12:11:54 UTC

I have to say that the voiceover approach of the episode was a pretty good choice. There's no faster way to get to know Dawn. And it was surprisingly effective at getting the audience to accept her existence quickly.

Outside of the narrative structure, did this episode strike a chord with you? Particularly in one's search for self? Or how we must exist and define ourselves in relation to others?

I found it very interesting that Buffy suddenly seems very adult and responsible - an aspect of her personality already, sure, but it is a quality that will be even more crucial to her in the future.

thistles November 10 2004, 15:29:22 UTC

I really liked this episode. I haven't seen it numerous times (only once) so my comments may be somewhat shallow. But what struck me the most is how Buffy's character has changed from her relation to Dawn. As an only child and as the slayer, Buddy had responsibility, sure, but only in the general sense. She's the ONE who can save the world from vampires and other evil creatures. But with Dawn now in the picture, she has a specific responsibility. To protect her little sister. And her little sister happens to be the kind of person who doesn't take "protection" without a fight, thank you very much. It makes Buffy's load more concrete in a way ( ... )

The Youngest season5btvs November 11 2004, 09:37:59 UTC

I have always found the study of personality traits in relation to birth order quite fascinating. Being the oldest in a family of three male demons, I sometimes felt jealousy towards the "freedom" of my youngest brother - while I felt the pressure to be responsible all of the time. I also noticed the size of my own shadow and the struggle my middle brother went through to deal with it.

I often wonder what effect a younger sister would have had on the family, and what growing up with two older brothers would have brought out in her personality.

pimpstresslana November 21 2004, 14:25:55 UTC

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode, even though it was really miniscule, was showing the chief authority figure in Buffy's life, Giles as having a bit of his own identity crisis there. In the one brief scene where he's driving his "midlife-crisis mobile," it seemed like even Giles was unsure of who he was and who he should be. He seemed to be searching for something to define him. It seems like Giles still has that bit of defeat looming over him and coloring his character with his lack of job in Season 4 with the destruction of the library and being deposed from his place in the Watcher's Council. Also, it seems that by this season, with no mention of Olivia in the first couple episodes, his relationship with her had fizzled. Also, Giles is still probably unsure of his position within Buffy's life after feeling temporarily ousted from his "truste advisor / parent figure" after Buffy's adoration and subsequent betrayal by Prof. Walsh ( ... )