What episodes should I use to introduce someone to "Buffy"?

Question

I want to introduce a relative to the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" series but I'm not sure what to start them off with.

I'm unsure about starting with the first season because it looks a bit, well, dated, and the show was just starting to find its legs and therefore might be a bit difficult to get into right away.

But I'm also wary about starting them with episodes that require a lot of knowledge of previous episodes or ones that give away big plot twists.

So, where to start? Any suggestions? Your help is much appreciated.

The person I'm introducing the show to is in her 50s, but I think she might really appreciate the show's humor. Although now that I think about, I might also try to get my younger cousin into it when she hits her teen years.

Answer 1

How old is the person you are introducing Buffy too? Because I would personally go with either season 4 episode 10 (Hush), if they are older then 15. If they are younger the 15 go with a more lighter episode like in season 1, episode 3 (The Witch). Other then that if you are going for more of a standered 'will leave you for wanting more' episodes try season 2, episodes 13, and 14 (Surprise Part 1 and Innocence Part 2), where Angel loses his soul and goes back to Angelus.

Anything past the 4th season might be a little risky since Buffy wasn't at it's best season's 5-7, which is sad because they really had so much going for the show it was just a little rushed and the plots were put together so fast. But don't start off with any episode from the 6th season and that includes the Musical episode 'Once More With Feeling', because first impressions on the episode would be that the show is just one big giant joke. Plus the 6th season was basically the battle between Buffy and herself. So it might confuse the viewer.

Answer 2

You really do need to start with the pilot as it sets the stage for what is going on and intoduces the people. Then probably go to the end of the season where Buffy meets the Master and dies and comes back. Actually, it would be good to probably do first and last of season and add some of the better special episodes like Hush, the Musical, maybe the marriage that didn't happen, the episode where they lose their memories, or you may just want to stick to some of the first few seasons to get them hooked and then let them watch from there. I found that getting friends to watch just a few of the first season, nothing special got my friends hooked, and don't worry about the ages, I'm in my 50's and was hooked from the beginning. Well, I was hooked from the movie, but don't think you really need to show the movie to get someone into the series. And don't worry about the first season being dated. I just watched it again the other day and still found it fun and funny, and found myself and my husband getting all the discs out again to sit down and watch them yet again. I can't count the number of times I've watched them. Certainly got my money out of buying that series!!!!

Answer 3

Even if it's dated I would start with the pilot, just because it explains the whole point of the series, but I'd skip everything until the season one finale, where she kills the master. I started watching during the 4th season, but I managed to figure it all out, the fact that TNT showed the episodes (couple of years back) helped me understand the stuff I'd missed (I watched the Buffy movie years ago when it came out so I got the concept of what the series was about) You could show your favorite episodes from each season as well, Hush is my all time favorite episode (but probably not a good one to start with)

Answer 4

The movie would be a good start. I know it is a comedy and Joss Whedon took Buffy to a dark place, but it is still a good jumping off point.

If you feel you have to start with an episode, I would go with the musical, "Once More, with Feeling"