Customer Reviews

Buffy The Vampire Slayer - Volume 1 - Bad Girls/Consequences [VHS]

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Faith was always an edgy character from the moment she was introduced on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In "Bad Girls" she takes the first step over the edge and in "Consequences" she actually joins the forces of evil in Sunnydale by allying with the Mayor. However, the most memorable sequence on this entire tape is when Buffy and Faith are dancing together at the Bronze in "Bad Girls." That alone is worth purchasing this tape.

Where to begin? The series has often been scoffed at for its title, but here 'Buffy' is again proving itself to be one of the most intelligent, thought-provoking and emotional pieces of dramatic work on television. In the two episodes here we see Buffy's forays into the darker side of her nature, the Slayer side of her nature that was to become a bigger feature later on. Faith's always been a bit of an outsider, someone who refuses to let herself be constrained by society's rules. She's exciting and before long is tempting Buffy away from her friends.

Basically what we have here is the allure of evil. In this episode it's not a demon or a vampire but herself that Buffy is fighting. The scenes at the end show that the dark that is so evident in Faith is also right there in Buffy. Not only is Buffy seen to come off the rails a little but is also given a glimpse at Faith's life, the fact that evil may be attractive but what does it lead to? The series steered away from conventiality here by suggesting that Buffy isn't the perfect girl after all, she's not the goody-two-shoes that she might seem. Unlike any other series before it, 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' has human characters, ones that change and grow as time passes. Whilst obviously having links to a teenager getting in with a 'bad crowd', this also a forbidding tone by suggesting that the Slayer's power is rooted in darkness, that evil needs to be fought to rid yourself of the image of what could be you.

Besides all the drama though, there is a nice touch of humanity in all this. The audience is made to feel sympathetic towards Faith, a character that is dangerously close to the edge. In creating a fantasy show that not only embraces various genres - comedy, drama, tragedy - but also imbues itself with a realistically human feel to it, 'Buffy' beats other shows hands down. This two-parter is yet more evidence of this, containing every element of a TV show that anyone could ever want.

These are two great episodes from season three and set up what proves to be an explosive story arc showcasing Faith - who is what Buffy could have been without the support of friends and family.

However, DON'T buy it. Season two DVDs are going to be released in the US come June 2002 and the wait will be well worth it. See the episodes in the context of the entire season. Sure, you'll know what's going on if you buy this video, but the previous episodes help show just how Faith came to have such a chip on her shoulder when it came to Buffy and the Scoobs.