It had to happen sooner or later, didn't it? It was inevitable that I would eventually write about a well-received episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". Over the course of its six year run, BTVS had a number of critically acclaimed episodes. One episode in particular stands out to me, due to its sheer rawness, and that episode is season five's, "The Body".
I am not the first person to applaud this episode, and I sure as hell won't be the last. "The Body" is still one of the most talked about episodes from the entire series, more than 14 years later since it first aired. So, why, exactly do people care so much? Well, from a writing perspective, the episode dealt with a very real, human experience for Buffy herself, as well as her nearest and dearest. The concept is very simple: Buffy comes home and finds her mother, Joyce dead. Her death was caused by complications due to her brain tumor, that had previously been diagnosed earlier on in season five. Death is certainly not a new topic in "Buffy", but a human death is definitely more unique amongst all of the supernatural drama. This time, Buffy is unable to save the day, she is powerless.
What "The Body" captures marvelously is the utter shock that one feels when the death of a loved one occurs. I believe that the theory of the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) were used somewhat for each character, this is a recurring theme in the next episode "Forever", which also centres around Joyce's death. Marti Noxon had even commented that ["Forever"] arose from the idea that Dawn would be in the bargaining stage of mourning. The theme of the stages of grief is explored frequently in season six, in particular, so starting with "The Body", parts of season five effectively foreshadows the darkness that is soon to become a regular theme.
A stand-out feature in the episode is the absence of music entirely. Whilst "Buffy" is usually laden with striking music, whether it be upbeat young-adult jams or grand orchestral scores, "The Body" is void of it altogether. Every sound that is made in the episode is startling, the crunch of Joyce's rib as Buffy tries to administer CPR and the wail of the ambulance less than ten minutes into the episode being perhaps the most jarring of all.
My personal favourite element of the episode is the usage of alternate universes in the form of flashbacks and ideal scenarios. It is devastating seeing Joyce and the gang enjoy a Christmas meal at the episode, but what is even worse is the scene where Buffy imagines that it was all just a mistake and that Joyce was going to be fine.
There is not one moment in "The Body" that feels contrived or unrealistic. I can relate to all of the gang's actions and dialogue in different ways. Each character's reaction is simply incredible to watch. I must say, though, that it is usually Anya's reaction that really sets off the water-works for me. The way that she describes what Joyce will no longer be able to do and her [Anya's] confusion as to why it happened ties my stomach into knots each and every time.
Due to just how realistic the episode is, many fans will not re-watch the episode. I have always been of the opinion that it is a good idea to re-watch episodes in order to gain a different perspective, but when fans choose to opt out of this one, I fully understand. The fact is, is that it hits too close to home for many individuals. To me, that is just testament to how superb the episode truly is. Anything that evokes that sort of reaction must be good. It does not leech off controversy in the slightest, instead, it is a frank portrayal of something [loss of a loved one] that we all have to deal with at some point in our lives.
I have seen some criticism of Sarah Michelle Gellar's acting as Buffy, with some critics calling her performances stoic and wooden. Personally, I believe that she did a sterling job, as I have always interpreted the character of Buffy as being a burdened young woman. Her performance in "The Body" is shattering and terrific as a result of just how brazen and laid-bare her emotions are. The other actors are all fantastic, too. I cannot think of one duff performance during the episode. Everybody was heart-breaking; I am often rendered speechless after watching it. I always think about how difficult it must have been to shoot the episode.
It is almost ironic how (on the surface) a programme about vampire slaying can so eloquently and accurately portray grief. Of course I, and everybody else who is a fan is fully aware of the fact that "Buffy" is certainly not just a programme about vampire slaying. I would say that "The Body" is perhaps the best example as to why "Buffy" is such an intelligent show, filled with nuances that add up and all come together to create a masterpiece.
Rightly so, in 2002, Joss Whedon won a Nebula Award for Best Script for "The Body". Although "Buffy" may not appeal to everybody's taste, the impact that the series has had surely cannot be denied. The episode is certainly one of my favourites as this is "Buffy" [figuratively] stripped bare and vulnerable.
Readers, what do you think of "The Body"? Who do you think performed the best? I would love to hear your thoughts!
X
I am not the first person to applaud this episode, and I sure as hell won't be the last. "The Body" is still one of the most talked about episodes from the entire series, more than 14 years later since it first aired. So, why, exactly do people care so much? Well, from a writing perspective, the episode dealt with a very real, human experience for Buffy herself, as well as her nearest and dearest. The concept is very simple: Buffy comes home and finds her mother, Joyce dead. Her death was caused by complications due to her brain tumor, that had previously been diagnosed earlier on in season five. Death is certainly not a new topic in "Buffy", but a human death is definitely more unique amongst all of the supernatural drama. This time, Buffy is unable to save the day, she is powerless.
What "The Body" captures marvelously is the utter shock that one feels when the death of a loved one occurs. I believe that the theory of the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) were used somewhat for each character, this is a recurring theme in the next episode "Forever", which also centres around Joyce's death. Marti Noxon had even commented that ["Forever"] arose from the idea that Dawn would be in the bargaining stage of mourning. The theme of the stages of grief is explored frequently in season six, in particular, so starting with "The Body", parts of season five effectively foreshadows the darkness that is soon to become a regular theme.
A stand-out feature in the episode is the absence of music entirely. Whilst "Buffy" is usually laden with striking music, whether it be upbeat young-adult jams or grand orchestral scores, "The Body" is void of it altogether. Every sound that is made in the episode is startling, the crunch of Joyce's rib as Buffy tries to administer CPR and the wail of the ambulance less than ten minutes into the episode being perhaps the most jarring of all.
My personal favourite element of the episode is the usage of alternate universes in the form of flashbacks and ideal scenarios. It is devastating seeing Joyce and the gang enjoy a Christmas meal at the episode, but what is even worse is the scene where Buffy imagines that it was all just a mistake and that Joyce was going to be fine.
There is not one moment in "The Body" that feels contrived or unrealistic. I can relate to all of the gang's actions and dialogue in different ways. Each character's reaction is simply incredible to watch. I must say, though, that it is usually Anya's reaction that really sets off the water-works for me. The way that she describes what Joyce will no longer be able to do and her [Anya's] confusion as to why it happened ties my stomach into knots each and every time.
Due to just how realistic the episode is, many fans will not re-watch the episode. I have always been of the opinion that it is a good idea to re-watch episodes in order to gain a different perspective, but when fans choose to opt out of this one, I fully understand. The fact is, is that it hits too close to home for many individuals. To me, that is just testament to how superb the episode truly is. Anything that evokes that sort of reaction must be good. It does not leech off controversy in the slightest, instead, it is a frank portrayal of something [loss of a loved one] that we all have to deal with at some point in our lives.
I have seen some criticism of Sarah Michelle Gellar's acting as Buffy, with some critics calling her performances stoic and wooden. Personally, I believe that she did a sterling job, as I have always interpreted the character of Buffy as being a burdened young woman. Her performance in "The Body" is shattering and terrific as a result of just how brazen and laid-bare her emotions are. The other actors are all fantastic, too. I cannot think of one duff performance during the episode. Everybody was heart-breaking; I am often rendered speechless after watching it. I always think about how difficult it must have been to shoot the episode.
It is almost ironic how (on the surface) a programme about vampire slaying can so eloquently and accurately portray grief. Of course I, and everybody else who is a fan is fully aware of the fact that "Buffy" is certainly not just a programme about vampire slaying. I would say that "The Body" is perhaps the best example as to why "Buffy" is such an intelligent show, filled with nuances that add up and all come together to create a masterpiece.
Rightly so, in 2002, Joss Whedon won a Nebula Award for Best Script for "The Body". Although "Buffy" may not appeal to everybody's taste, the impact that the series has had surely cannot be denied. The episode is certainly one of my favourites as this is "Buffy" [figuratively] stripped bare and vulnerable.
Readers, what do you think of "The Body"? Who do you think performed the best? I would love to hear your thoughts!
X