The Watcher's Guide, Volume 2 (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) (v. 2) (Paperback)

by Nancy Holder (Author), Jeff Mariotte (Author), Maryelizabeth Hart (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Here it is, the book that will tell you everything you want to know about seasons three and four of the popular television series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. For the unfamiliar, the series, an extravaganza of supercomix proportions, owes its popularity to its quirky vision of teen problems (parent-child relationships, sexuality, drugs, outsiders, etc.) and its young "kick-butt" heroine, who copes with the familiar anxieties of growing up as she works to eradicate evil in her small town. Photos, cast profiles, interviews with stars and members of the production staff, dozens of quotes, and plot summaries--it's all here for die-hard fans. Each episode gets full consideration, not only plot description but also detailed analysis of the show's pop-cultural references, which add comedy and help leaven the violence. There's also a whole section focusing on how an episode is put together. The text is enthusiastic if not always polished, but fans won't be deterred by a little clunky prose. Stephanie Zvirin
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
Amazon.com On The Watcher's Guide, Vol. 1 One of TV's best shows now has a superb tie-in book. -- Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 472 pages
• Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment (October 31, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671042602
• ISBN-13: 978-0671042608
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #448,293 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Volume Two is Extra Special, November 8, 2000

By	algerina "algerina" (Saint Paul, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This reference book is everything a reader wanted to know about season three and four of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. As volume one covered the first two seasons, The Watcher's Guide, Volume Two by Nancy Holder with Jeff Mariotte and Maryelizabeth Hart chronicles the next two seasons. In addition to the episode guide, character and cast profiles, the book explores the Buffyverse, the wonderful world of Buffy from creation to production. It has many features including quote of the week and scenes that were cut from the original scripts. Of course the romances are detailed with all their tragic passions. The pictures are wonderful. I also enjoyed the sections on the bands and merchandise. This book is a must for all Buffy fans.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant companion to an even more brilliant show, January 31, 2002

By	Mr. B. G. Fowler "ben1283" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For fans of the hit show, this is an absolute must. Whereas the last 'Watcher's Guide' was geared a little bit more towards a younger audience, the second installement (looking over seasons three and four) is definitely aimed at adults. Each episode of the two series is given a thorough synopsis, with quotes, pictures and pop culture references. Particularly worth pointing out is the respectable explanation of season four finale 'Restless', a complicated episode that has whole pages dedicated to its meaning on the Internet.

The interviews are much more interesting, and longer, than in the previous guide. For instance, gone are questions about distinguishing marks. The only nitpick is that there isn't a proper interview with the big stars of the show such as Sarah Michelle Gellar herself. Saying that, the extensive cast biographies mostly make up for this. These are even expanded upon by what is probably the most interesting feature of the entire book: interviews with the people behind-the-scenes of 'Buffy'. The guide looks at what went into designing and decorating Tara's room, for example, right down to minscule details such as paintings on the wall. There are even small interviews and biographies of the lesser stars such as Paige Moss who played Verruca, and Fab Filipo who played Scott Hope.

Overall, this is a definite must-have for any 'Buffy' fan.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Buffy Guide, May 13, 2001

By	Alex H (London, England) - See all my reviews

In Series Three and Four of `Buffy the Vampire Slayer' the show moved into a new dimension. The characters grew up before our eyes, new characters were introduced and the show cemented its place as one of the freshest most original pieces of sci-fi/fantasy television around.

But why? Why was this show such a success? Why do millions of viewers around the world crowd around their TVs and take in the majesty that is `Buffy the Vampire Slayer'? You really want to know do you? Really?

Then read this book. It really is the Buffy equivalent of the Bible. It goes into scary detail about plot, characters, cast and crew whilst dissecting each and every episode of Series Three and Four of Buffy into manageable bite size chunks. Not once in this book will you find any attempts to fill up page space with useless babble. The last third of the book is a fascinating look into the making of Season 4 episode `The I in Team' with interviews with almost every person who makes Buffy a joy to watch.

Make no mistake; this is one book that no Buffy fan, from casual watchers to Buffy crazed fanatics, should not be without.