Looking Back At Season 4

[BBOvenGuy]

It seems a lot of our old posts about Season 4 were eaten by Novogate, so I'm going to start a new thread here in the hope that we'll get some thoughts and comments we can put in our Kitten Board Book. I hope you don't mind playing along.

Season 4, of course, was the [b:c6ee595f60]HUGE[/b:c6ee595f60] Willow arc that changed all of our lives. Some people have gone so far as to say Willow's arc was the only bright spot of the seaon. From the painful breakup with Oz in [i:c6ee595f60]Wild At Heart[/i:c6ee595f60] to the introduction of Tara in [i:c6ee595f60]Hush[/i:c6ee595f60] to the Episode That Turned The World Upside Down, [i:c6ee595f60]New Moon Rising[/i:c6ee595f60], it certainly was a wild ride. I did a fic series called Reflections In Transit that chronicled the Willow/Tara relationship's development. Several other people have done their own versions as well.

What did you think of Season 4? Obviously we all love the way things ended up, but what did you think of the way the show got there? What were the highlights? What were the lowlights? Feel free to ramble at will.

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Remember the Kitten Board Mantra: "Joss is nuts about Tara, Willow/Tara and Amber!"

"Nothing excites me more than the possiblity that I might fail." - Joss Whedon

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Highlights? Well....erm...can't think of any! Oh, wait, it must be Willow & Tara of course. Jeez, can't believe I even had to think about this one
Lowlights? Must be Riley/Initiative. Was that boring or what.....

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Willow: Where would you go? If you felt lost and alone? Where
Would you go?
Tara: To you.
Deleted scene from Blood Ties
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I

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Willow's arc was definitely the *only* bright
spot of the season in season 4. Everything else really stunk. Xander and Giles wandering around like pathetic losers (at least they got jobs this season), Spike the perpetual hanger-on, and Riley-Initiative-Adam, which was dumb and boring.

This season we have the exit of Riley, more bonding within the gang, affirmation of the depth of Tara and Willow's relationship, some Anya development, Xander finally giving Anya some well-earned attention and respect, Dawn,
some lovely Gothic OldSpike moments, actual progression in Spike and Buffy's relationship, the ValleyGirl Hellgod and her minions (who I think were quite amusing), Buffy growing up and becoming much less selfish, the death arc which made me *sob*, Angel and Buffy having a crossover and *not* fighting, and the lovely ending of the season with Giles going all sadistic on Ben's arse and Buffy sacrificing herself for Dawn.
Yes, this season was much, much better.

Season 4 did have Restless and Hush, but they were exceptions rather than the rule. I think The Body is better than both of them.

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"I tried to be unlovable/why couldn't you do the same?"

-(jewel)

"Spank us 'til Tuesday! We promise to be bad if you do!"
-(drusilla, angel)

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Season 4 was the definite low point of BtVS, although it was still *much* better than the rest of the sci-fi/fantasy shows doing the rounds. Personally, I think Season 3 was the best... but having said that, I haven't seen all of S5 yet. And yes, 'Hush' and 'Restless' were incredible... but think 'Beer Bad' and it pretty much cancels it all out. Oh, and I know this is an Angel ep, but who else cried at 'I Will Remember You'? *raises hand*

Kitty. xx

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I kind of lost my way through some of season 3 and came back during season 4, the fact that I'm still around is something of a wonder considering how bad some of season 4 was!!

There were only two reasons to watch season 4, Alyson Hannigan and Amber Benson. Aly acted her socks off, especially in Wild at Heart, I truly felt her pain. Then Hush, an amazing episode which also happened to coincide with the introduction of Amber, woohoo! Seriously though, only the Willow and Tara arc held any interest for me in season 4, they were the only reason I kept coming back week after week.

Season 5 on the other hand was awesome, not just for Willow and Tara, although that is my main motivation, but everything else about the series was just right for me, yep, season 5 has definitely been my favourite!

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To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage. -- Lao Tzu

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Season 4 was definitely the weakest of all Buffy seasons.

However, it was one of the most wonderful years of tv for me ever. Yes it was the w/t story and it changed my life. It sounds corny but I cannot even begin to express what they have meant to me.

I am a fan of media, all types of it. And I am also a gay person and as some of you know I run a website about lesbian movies. I am very much interested in the portrayal of homosexuality in the media. For years I waited for television to do something revolutionary. I couldn't even imagine what form it would take.

As many of you are, I was a fan of subtext in genre shows. I was a huge fan of Xena until season 2 that is when I started to feel used. I mean really used. Then of course, there's the star trek fair and Babylon five which really thrilled me to bits. I thought they were going to be the one show but it all fell apart.

I started watching Buffy in season 3 at the urging of my girlfriend's mom. I liked the buffy/faith subtext and stayed as a viewer. Then came the fourth season and no Faith but it was ok, I was starting to love the show for everything it is. I even liked Beer Bad and Fear Itself convinced me I was a huge fan. I never considered Willow a very slashable character until the day it happened. So you know it wasn't wishful thinking.

When Willow and Tara touched hands, the world stopped and I knew something special had happened. It was unlike anything I have ever seen but I never thought, I mean I had been trained so well to not expect anything that I expect this to just stay subtexty.

Inspite of everything the writers were saying, I couldn't believe it. I even had serious doubts as NMR approached. I thought maybe they would take it all back.

Then it did happened, the historic event: The girl got the girl. I was beyond happy. It was one of the best moments ever, even if I was very spoiled for it.

Season 4 also brought me in contact with the community as I have known lots of you now for over a year! Thanks season 4. Thanks for everything.

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Funny you should bring this up today, Bob, because just last night I pulled out a tape of some of my favorite S4 eps to watch - "This Year's Girl," "Who Are You?" "New Moon Rising," and "Restless." I started to watch TYG, but soon felt myself getting annoyed anytime something that concerned Adam or the Initiative came on screen. I remember during S4 that I didn't particularly like those elements of the plot, but now, looking back, I realize that I really HATE them. I couldn't even bear to watch those first two eps - I'll have to go back later and watch NMR and Restless because I'm sure I can still enjoy those. What did occur to me as being good about S4 is that, even though people were complaining that Xander was being short-changed at the time, in comparison to his low involvement in S5, he was practically in center stage!

I guess the eps that I like the best from S4 are the ones that have the lowest amount of Initiative/Adam stuff - like "Hush" and "Fear Itself" and "Restless." I Iwonder what things about S5 will annoy me a year from now when I look back at those tapes?

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*sheepish chuckle* I actually rather enjoyed season 4 . . . the latter half of it, anyway.

Yeah, stuff like "Beer Bad" was pretty awful, but I have a definite soft spot for "Living Conditions." I really liked "Fear, Itself," "Wild at Heart" made me cry, "Something Blue" raised some very interesting questions for me about Willow's character.

And then "Hush." What else need be said? Admittedly, S4 had some definite post-"Hush" low points as well, but I really enjoyed it, for the most part. I'm even going to go out on a limb here and say that I had a bit of a soft spot for Riley and the Initiative arc. Not that I enjoyed the constant sight of Marc Blucas's bare chest--dear gods no, not that--but I liked the whole concept of the character. I liked the idea of the strictly regimented soldier haltingly re-introduced to a civilian world where rules were not so strict. Unfortunately, that whole arc came across in a rather fragmented fashion that was not as effectively executed as it could have been. And Adam was, admittedly, rather weak as a Big Bad.

I agree that Willow's story arc was the strongest and most unified of S4, and of course this is a big deal to me! I think that from "New Moon Rising" on, I loved the whole season.

As far as emotional impact and thematic strength, though, S4 can't touch S5. This bold recasting of the Scooby family dynamic with the addition of Dawn, the characters' respective rites of passage into adulthood, the character development, all of it--yeah, S5 has definitely left me far more satisfied as a whole than S4's juicy morsels did.

Edited to add:
Not to mention that "This Year's Girl" and "Who Are You" gave us the much-welcome return of Faith . . . can't go wrong with that.

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"We are her blood kin! Who the hell are you?"
"We're family."
-- Mr. Maclay and Buffy, "Family"

"We both have families we were born into. But sometimes families change, and we have to build our own. For me, our friendship binds us closer than blood ever could." -- Xena, "Ties That Bind"

[This message has been edited by Shaniezak (edited June 11, 2001).]

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I have to leap to the defence of the poor little Season 4. I loved it! In my opinion, it wasn't the weakest Season, I'll reserve that for Season 1, but I can exactly pin-point one thing that made it absolutely stand-out, because there were quite a few good things.

1. Obviously, Willow/Tara relationship, big thing. Aly's performances in this Season were fantastic, and it's shame people easily forget this Season.

2. In terms of acting, Season 4 was very strong, not as strong as Season 5 (that would be virtually impossible since there was so much turmoil) but still excellent performances from Seth Green, Alyson, Marc Blucas, and, of course, SMG.

3. The Intitiative arc. Now, it was focused on too much, I'll admit that, but it was definitely different to the other Seasons, and that made it special.

4. Some of the best episodes of Buffy... EVER! Hush, Restless, Who Are You, New Moon Rising, will all imprint on my memory as some of the best Buffy episodes produced.

There are a few more points that I could touch upon, but since I'm going to Alanis Morissette tomorrow night (YIPPEE!!!) I'd better get to sleep early.

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i hated the initiative too. but, the beauty of the show is that there are so many things were going on at once that you could focus on other subplots or jokes or whatever. lets not forget willow and tara startings.and lots of groundwork in the characters and plot development in season 5 can be traced back to there too.( actually some things can be traced back to season 1). i overall found season 4 very enjoyable.

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Highlights? hmmmmmm.... wel there is Willow and Tara. Along with that there is 'Hush' which is one of best episodes of BtVS to date.

Then there was 'Restless' that was diferent from other Buffy episodes and cryptic. Which is fun then I can make wild speculations of things to come.

And one highlight that I have a soft spot for is Faith coming back. I missed her. She should come back more. (ok maybe it's not a soft spot, more of an obsession.)

But season 4 did have serious low points like the too much attention to the Intiative and also the addition of Riley. But I don't think it was its worst season, I actually couldn't pick a worst season.

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willow: "i don't get wild, wild on me equals 'spaz'"

"That's my girl"

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I know this is not the consensus view but I really enjoyed Season 4. I didn't wtach Buffy at all until Who Are You (and yes, the hook [i:664b353d3c]was[/i:664b353d3c] W/T ) I was flicking channels and stopped on Sky One just as Tara said 'I am you know...' Hooked I then went back and bought all the available boxed sets and I've now seen everyepisode of Buffy and Angel that's ever been made (just realised how sad that sounds... [g]) I was just getting into the Buffy online community and I followed the crowd a little with Riley-bashing. Then I saw the start of Season 4 (I'm particularly talking about Goodbye Iowa.) Am I actually the only person who liked that episode? It really warmed me up to Riley. I thought Marc Blucas did a great job in that ep. Also, the end of Something Blue when he says "You're gonna teach me." I'm probably the only one who liked that too, huh? What Joss said is true, if you didn't like Riley then you probably hated The Initiative and Adam too. I liked Riley and so I liked The Initiative too (Adam was a slight let down - all that suspense with the 314 thing and then what...Frankenstein's monster?) Knowing that Riley had been earmarked to be another Adam was creepy (maybe only if you like Riley ) Also in Season 4 was the yummy W/T goodness and Spike (gotta have Spike.) All in all, it may have been one of the weaker seasons of Buffy but it was still better than almost anything else out there. And I have a soft spot for it because it was what got me into the Buffyverse

Wonko

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No, I'm with ya, Wonko, I actually rather liked Riley myself . . . except when he took his shirt off . . .

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Am I, then, the only lesbian in the world who enjoys a naked male chest? [g]

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Now now, Wonko, I've been known to do that myself, but it was something about that particular naked male chest that frightened me, y'see . . .

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quote:

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Originally posted by geekgod:
And one highlight that I have a soft spot for is Faith coming back. I missed her. She should come back more. (ok maybe it's not a soft spot, more of an obsession.)

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hear, hear! faith is truly obsession-worthy! i agree with the general sentiments about season 4 being expressed here, but man, i gotta love the faith eps. 'who are you' might be my very favorite ep of season 4 (i know, blasphemy!) because it just has so many great moments. i loooooove faith (yum!), and it has two of my favorite w/t moments ever: the "i am, you know...yours" scene, and of course, the flaming o.

all of that being said, the w/t relationship remains easily my favorite part of season 4, and of the series as a whole. it's the reason i started watching buffy, and proof that *someone* out there in tv land is getting it right. god bless season 4.

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You know, Season Four resonated with me because it reminded of my first girlfriend in college (well minus the witchcraft, vampire slaying and evil government scientist who was skewered by her Frankenstein-like creation).

The way Willow and Tara progressed after their first electric connection - from friends to good friends to girlfriends mirrored my relationship. There even was an ex-boyfriend to contend with. The Willow/Tara arc played out like a slow and tantalizing dance. I loved all the little hints the subtle hand squeeze when saying goodnight (Superstar), the way Taras face lights up when she opens the door and Willow is there (The I in Team) even the corny cant stop thinking about last night spells as sex metaphor (Goodbye Iowa). I just started watching in Season Four, so I dont have much to compare it to. But for me it couldnt have worked out better. Girl get girl.

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Sassy eggs.

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*laugh* I had my very own Kathy Newman during my sophomore year, so I identified with "Living Conditions" a lot. (Her demon nature manifested itself in such lovely ways as leaving the coffeemaker on for hours so that all the coffee dried up and burned itself to the pot, randomly giving us impromptu lectures on the evils of not being vegan like her, moving her boyfriend into the room without so much as mentioning it to me or our other housemates, and then complaining that she couldn't sleep in the room the one night my girlfriend came over and was too tired to go back to her dorm.)

The first half of season four was kind of like a fond remembrance of my own freshman year for me--I felt like Buffy, suddenly awkward and not really getting the hang of the whole "college thing." Definitely not as strong a season as S3 or S5 (I'm still catching up on S1 and S2) in my opinion, but I have a certain fond attachment to it anyway.

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"We are her blood kin! Who the hell are you?"
"We're family."
-- Mr. Maclay and Buffy, "Family"

"We both have families we were born into. But sometimes families change, and we have to build our own. For me, our friendship binds us closer than blood ever could." -- Xena, "Ties That Bind"

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I felt that BTVS was totally jerking my chain
with Riley trying to make him all sweet and innocent and dorkily charming in order to convince us he was *better* for Buffy than Angel. The viewers didn't buy it. It would have been so much better if they didn't try to ram Riley down our throats and tell us how
great he was. Oh, and by the way, "Sanctuary", with Buffy and Angel fighting, wasn't just rubbing salt on that wound, it was pouring lighter fluid and lighting a match.

This is just my opinion, by the way. But once BTVS dropped Marc, they got on the right track again. I don't find military storylines
very exciting - I'd rather have Valley-Girl hellgods or vengeful female vampires any day.

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"I tried to be unlovable/why couldn't you do the same?"

-(jewel)

"Spank us 'til Tuesday! We promise to be bad if you do!"
-(drusilla, angel)

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The first half of Season Four contained some memorable moments (such as the hilarious ending of "Fear Itself" and the wonderful acting in Wild At Heart), but for me Season Four really kicked into high gear with "Hush." Although Willow and Tara were together onscreen for only a short while, the chemistry and potential was obvious from the start and we could only wonder about what was to come.

In the episodes that followed, we were treated to many wonderful little moments that showed a growing chemistry between not only Willow and Tara, but also Aly and Amber. Highlights of the season's latter half included the "Im yours" scene and the orgasmic spell scene from "Who Are You, as well as the Miss Kitty Fantastico scene from "The Yoko Factor," but for every Willow/Tara fan, I think the highlight of the season was the episode "New Moon Rising."

I think most longtime Buffy fans loved Willow and Oz as a couple and were sad to see Oz leave in Wild At Heart, but it was clear in "New Moon Rising," that he was returning to a different Willow and that Ozs time in her life had passed. Although word had spread earlier on the boards that Willow and Tara were going to become an item, I remember still being anxious that the subtext wouldn't turn into maintext until I saw "New Moon Rising." Once the showed aired, I remember being thrilled and grateful that one of my favorite shows had the courage and integrity to let an intimate female relationship evolve to the next logical stage. Joss and Company didnt disappoint me then and Im proud to say they still havent disappointed me a full 25 episodes later! Season Four was the beginning of a great ride and were still enjoying it to this day.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Naturegal:
Season Four was the beginning of a great ride and were still enjoying it to this day.

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Well said!

I

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Season 4. It all seems like such a long time ago and so much has happened. I think it seemed like a longer season than this one, mainly because there was a lot of waiting. Waiting for Adam to be defeated. Waiting for Buffy and Riley to find one another. And waiting for Willow and Tara to become the couple we know today.

That particular season holds many memories for me, not least joining the community here, where other people seemed to think the same way I did; or not. Where other people seemed to like the things I liked; or not. Diversity, yet sorority. It all pointed towards the show that brought us here.

I don't often speak from the heart, but when I do, it's usually about our two witches. Seeing the Willow arc in Season 4 was heartbreaking and heartmending for me personally. I was never opposed directly to Oz and Willow; I was just glad she had someone. I suppose when Tara came along, I knew that this was different to any other relationship on the show, mainly because of the innate bond the two seemed to have. Hush was one of the most amazing pieces of tv I've ever seen, purely for its dramatic tone and eerie throwback to the basis of the Slayer chronicles; fairy tales.

I think a lot of Season 4 came from the 'monsters under the bed' type scenario. Adam himself was a dead loss, but the general idea of humanity creating a monster threw me right back to 'Frankenstein' and I loved it; especially Maggie Walsh and her crazed power trip. I was actually kind of sad to see her get skewered.

Faith's return pleased me. She's a great character and I was so glad she went on to do the really angsty stuff in Angel. Faith's pain was palpable, I loved the way the Season 3 arc was completed and brought to its natural conclusion. The whole body swap idea was incredibly well acted; SMG provided some of the best performances of the season, perhaps only outdone by Aly's heartbreaking scenes when Oz left...and er....when Oz came back. She's a true gift of an actress, and I really believe that Amber's performance as Tara improved throughout the season as she continued to interract with Aly. Just goes to show that chemistry is chemistry, whether onscreen or as an acting partnership or friends or whatever...

Favourite episodes: Hush, This Year's Girl, Who Are You, Restless

Least favourite episodes: Doomed, The Initiative, Goodbye Iowa...oh anything with the Initiative in it. What a sorry tale that was...

Above all though, it was Willow and Tara's story that got me through. My fascination with them went beyond interest or empathy or anything like that. I think for the first time I truly believed that some people do find their soulmates. That some people are able to create magic, whether metaphorical, literal or symbolic, when they find the right person.

And Season 4 will always be special to me because it was during it that I found mine.

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You lying little tramp! You're not the Moderator Fantastico, you're nothing! Just another worthless Willowhand. Now bring me the buttshot!" ~ Ruthificus

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I think Xita and Ruth basically said most of what I was thinking better than I could have, but I guess I'll interject a thought or two.

Now, I'm a new fan, so I only watched season 4 after I got all of the Buffy tapes I hadn't seen. It was probably different for people who were there when it was happening than it was for me, watching it in retrospect.

That said, it wasn't Riley or Marc Blucas so much that bugged me, but the central role that he took on the show almost immediately after he came on. It's like *bam* he's here, and soon the show is centered on him and Buffy. We didn't get much time to warm up to him (if we would have, who knows), but soon all of a sudden his relationship with Buffy was getting all the airtime. It's easy to get sick of something when you get too much of too fast.

With Willow and Tara, part of what was so intriguing at the beginning was that they would only get a scene or two together in an episode, but those scenes would be **charged**, and give us all something memorable. There was such a glut of Buffy/Riley scenes, that none of them seemed too memorable in particular (to me anyway). They all seemed to blur together into this big lump, something to fast-forward through when I rewatch the eps.

-Nora

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Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself.
-Walt Whitman

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One of the tv stations here in Ireland have just started showing Season 4 again, and I watched the first episode, and the thing I was struck most by was that they've all changed so much since then - and definitely for the better.

Willow was still with Oz (never liked him as a character for some reason), Xander was Anyaless, jobless and still quite the big girl's blouse, Buffy was being all lost and insecure (in effect being High School Willow), Spike doesn't yet have the chip (on his shoulder - oops, I mean in his head. Giles is the only one really who doesn't change that much (unless you count the changing into a demon thing!)

I think Season 4's strength lies in the preparation of the development of the characters, but Season 5 was definitely much stronger.

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"The hardest to learn is the least complicated" - Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls)

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Season Four is down with my worst seasons, but also with my top (strange, I know).

For downsides, Riley and the Initiative were just sooo boring I really felt compelled to leave the room whenever an army boy showed up. Now the army interests me, but something about it, perhaps the fact they were all so dull and lifeless to me just really made me dislike the story (despite the fact some were goodlooking ie Graham and normal Adam ). Plus for the first 8 episodes I really had no reason to watch the show, other than being faithful. Faith was gone, Angel was gone, Buffy continued to be whiney...

As for upsides, there were a few. Faith's return stays in my mind as some of my favourite episodes ever, you forget just how much she lights up the screen after a long absense like that. When Tara first showed up in Australia I had some vague ideas she and Willow were more then friendly (it was around Who Are You? in the US at the time I believe) but I really didn't think too much about it. When she actually showed up though and I saw her on screen, she immediately attracted my attention, and I again had a reason to watch

My reasons for why were many. She seemed very shy (like myself), she had a stutter, hid behind her hair, seemed very mysterious and looked so scared for such a pretty girl. Then as the season progressed I saw the potential in the Willow/Tara relationship (ducks from flames, but Willow was never my fav character, I really never even thought twice if she wasn't there...). As that relationship progressed and I actually started to watch Willow I came to like the character, so much so I can happily watch her even without Tara being there now (that's how much I didn't even care before )

When New Moon Rising showed up, well that's when my faith in TV was restored (like many *Xena fan*. Still am, but you understand what I mean here....). I was used to subtext on TV, so when they actually outed them, I was floored. The reactions from those around me was varied, mum just went 'ooooh' others were like 'ewww' and so on. From then on it just seemed to get better and better, and we've now ended up with my fav season, Season Five.

To sum up (didn't realise I typed so much ) while Season Four really was so dull for me when it started, it turned into a great, wonderful season (minus Initiative) as it went on, and holds many of my favourite Buffy memories. Thank you Joss, you've done wonders where others can only dream

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CalebRoss.com
Nathan West Online

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I loved Season 4!!!! I did not start watching Buffy until Season 4. I saw one episode and
was hooked. I went and bought the other three seasons before Season 4. I loved Buffy and Riley together!!!!! Atleast he does not turn into a vicious murderer after you make love to him!!! Loved his chest!!!! Heck, I even liked the initiative because it was good
to have someone other than Buffy and The Scooby Gang fighting vampires and demons. Willow and Tara becoming an item was just icing on the cake. Season 5 had too much Spike!!! Most people like him better EVIL
and trying to kill Buffy!!! He turned into a little punk!!!!

[This message has been edited by The Rose (edited June 12, 2001).]

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Looking at it as a whole, season 4 wasn't my favourite Buffy season.It had some lowpoints: Riley, the Initiative, not enough quality Scooby-time.

But then,it also had some very good points: serious character developpment like the beginnning of the Willow/Tara relashionship, Spike becoming a regular(about damn time) and lots of humour. Plus, episodes like "Wild at heart","Fear itself","Pangs","Hush",the whole Faith arc,"new Moon Rising","The Yoko Factor" and so on...

That said, I could have definitly lived without the graphic depictions of Buffy and Riley's sexcapades.Yuk...

Well, other than Riley, I liked all the new significant others for our characters that were introduced: Anya is outrageously funny, Tara is just divine, and I even liked Olivia's short appearance!

Oh, and as one of the season's highlights,I urge you to remember the Xander/Harmony fight, complete with glorious music. The only scene that was funnier than that was the Willow/Spike interaction in her dorm in "the Initiative".That part had me laughing so hard I fell of my chair!

Asfor the Willow/Tara thing, I caught on relatively early, and the whole "spell" scene made me go "Ah-Hah!I KNEW it"
Funny how Faith immediatly caught on the vibe.And Spike too, as soon as he saw them together.Is it just me, or are the "bad guys" more observant?

[This message has been edited by Shewolf (edited June 13, 2001).]

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