"The Gift" Revisited

[JJ]

They reran this episode tonight on WGN (thought initially the schedule posted in an earlier thread said "Tough Love" was gonna be tonight). Was glad to retape it, since when it originally aired, the antenna wigged out on me, and I got too many problems w/ the vertical hold. At any rate, I'm ready to discuss.

Did anybody know which building is was that burned down when the lighting bolt hit it? I thought at first it was the Magic Shop (which would give Giles further reason to leave for England) but looking at this ep again, the building was too large for it to be the shop; maybe it was the hospital. Anyone w/ any idea?

Still waiting for crystalization.

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Amberholic #1969
Keeper of the kitten spirit that lies in us all
Keeper of the fluffy pink rhinos (don't ask)
The 100th Light for Tara
Bardlet #15 (thanx Angie)

"Ignorance and prejudice and fear walk hand in hand."
from 'Witch Hunt' by Rush

[TaraMaclay]

Actually, this question was asked becore on another thread. I went back and wastched this again. Due to the outside lighting, and the angle that it the building was shot at. makes it difficult to make out the sign.

Though, watching in Slow/stop motion. The sign outside read "City Hall" The shadow on the sign obsures it.

Hope that helped.

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IM: Taramaclay69

Look, I realize that every slayer comes with a expiration mark stamped on the package.. But I want mine to be a long time from now.. Like a Cheeto.

[tommo]

That's so weird. I made scrambled eggs and decided to watch this ep tonight. Have to say, it's great when you're full of eggs.

And we still don't know what happened to that flying monster, do we?

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"She looked across at Willow, whose face was filled with light. She had never felt so calm and happy, and strong..." ~ Unseen: Door To Alternity

[eekiboo]

donno if anyone did, but i noticed when Buffy jumped off that tower, she was falling, face and body toward the bottom. but when the others see her, we can see her face and she's lying on her back. shouldn't she be NOT lying on her back but on the front of her body? did she do a somersault up there while falling? isn't it the tendency is to face gravity head-on? or they could have just shown her lying on the front of her body and her face is sideways toward the camera so we could still see her. well, just my thoughts. cheers and pax.

[BBOvenGuy]

I believe at the time the episode first aired I saw a post from Joss explaining that they "wanted a pretty corpse." That's Hollywood for ya...

[This message has been edited by BBOvenGuy (edited July 26, 2001).]

[kpmuse]

I thought at the time that the building that got demolished when the portal opened was possibly UC Sunnydale. But I like the answer above too -- City Hall.

Do we know why Anya is so afraid of bunnies?
Has it been explained yet? (Only been watching since NMR last season).

I still love, love, love the scene when Tara comes back to Willow. Tears and joy every time!

[Anyalvr]

I swear the building that blew up was UC Sunnydale. Actually, it looked like the dorms to me.

The Gift is my second favorite episode (after The Body). Just splendid.

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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)

[Lijdrec]

I re-taped "The Gift" tonight and thankfully it was clearer than the original broadcast (I'm 80 miles from the transmitter near Indianapolis). Still I could not make out what Tara muttered after she pointed at Giles and exclaimed "You're a KILLER". Was it "Soul, sin, time" or perhaps "Soul's in time"?

Can anyone tell me? Or was it just a ramble, though I cannot seem to get it out of my mind that it was something important. After all the brain-sucked folk all seemed to have a 6th sense about some things....

[TaraMaclay]

quote:

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Originally posted by BBOvenGuy:
[B]I believe at the time the episode first aired I saw a post from Joss explaining that they "wanted a pretty corpse." That's Hollywood for ya...

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Can we say....STUNT CORPSE!!

quote:

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Originally posted by kpmuse:
[B]I thought at the time that the building that got demolished when the portal opened was possibly UC Sunnydale. But I like the answer above too -- City Hall.

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See what happens when the WB is to cheap to get pay for decent outdoor lighting!! Or maybe it was just that building in the middle of a 'rolling Blackout'..

quote:

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Do we know why Anya is so afraid of bunnies? Has it been explained yet? (Only been watching since NMR last season).

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Nope. They still have not explored that question. Maybe something in the next season. Would be ironic if it would show up in the 'musical' episode.. There are a few fanfic stories theat cover that. I think I have one of them.

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IM: Taramaclay69

Look, I realize that every slayer comes with a expiration mark stamped on the package.. But I want mine to be a long time from now.. Like a Cheeto.

[This message has been edited by TaraMaclay (edited July 26, 2001).]quote:quote:quote:

[Shaniezak]

quote:

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Originally posted by Lijdrec:
Still I could not make out what Tara muttered after she pointed at Giles and exclaimed "You're a KILLER". Was it "Soul, sin, time" or perhaps "Soul's in time"?

---

According to the shooting script, it's "It's all put down." Though it sounded more like Amber said, "This is all set down."

Which to my view is a prophetic rambling of sorts: after all, Giles did turn out to be the one who killed, who took a human life (Ben's).
quote:

[Hemiola]

Seeing the episode again last night just brought back to me how splendidly all the actors performed. I really have to sing the praises of--
1. Clare Kraemer - a truly wonderful villain in the best "nya-ha-ha-mustache-twister" tradition .
2. Michelle Trachtenberg - truly convinced me she was a frightened girl in a terrifying situation, but perhaps someone can enlighten me as to (a) why she folds her clothes so neatly after changing into the ceremonial robes and (b) those ropes didn't look like they were placed very securely on the two poles OR on her! It looked to me like with a little effort she could've gotten loose (think of Fay Wray between those pillars in "King Kong"--now SHE was tied securely ).
3. Alyson Hannigan/Amber Benson - well DUUUHHHH
4. Nicholas Brendon/Emma Caulfield - heh, heh, heh
5. ASH/James M - again, DUH .
6. SMG - her best work since Season 2, IMHO.

The episode also made me think of "scenes-I'd-like-to-see/dialogue-I'd-like-to-hear" in the first episode of Season 6--

As Dawn places flowers on Buffy's grave, we hear SMG in a voiceover saying "Be brave. Live. For me."
Dawn (tearfully): But it's HARD, Buffy, it's hard!

or

Tara: I still remember being lost and alone in the darkness, naked and terrified. But whenever I wanted to give in to despair there was always a tiny point of light I could focus on and keep going.
Willow: What was that?
Tara: You.

[shazza]

Oh I hope it was the dorms. Then Willow and Tara would have to get new accomodation and would have to move in together. This is my big wish for season 6. Do Anya and Xander live together? ( I have not seen all of season 5 yet)

[Kalita]

Well, it was some building near the tower. We don't know much more. The shooting script doesn't help:

And a nearby building is transformed into an alien looking structure.

Kal

[AlexisMQ]

Hemiola - I don't know about the pillar thing, but after talking with me mum (who is a counselor) I have come to the conclusion that Dawn folded her clothes because she had to have control over something. When you are in a life or death situation, you feel scared and Dawn was not in control of what was happening, Glory was. By folding her clothes, she had a little bit of control over her life. In other words, she was trying to hold on to her sanity and not freak! *laugh* I don't think I am saying that well, but I think you can get the jist of it. It is plausible, don't ya think? Of course with Joss, who knows?

(going off in search of caffiene!!!)

[Scout]

quote:

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Originally posted by shazza:
Do Anya and Xander live together? ( I have not seen all of season 5 yet)

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Yes, they live in an apartment together.

And btw, those were the scariest looking monsters at that building! Great special effects!

quote:

[Zahir]

How Sunnydale (and people in general) would explain the chaos that erupted when the portal openned is open to question. The BFM (Big Flying Monster) I figured was shot down by the Air Force Equivalent of the Intiative. Holes in the pavement can be put down to an Earthquake. Wouldn't be surprised if that would be used to explain damage to that big building. As to the HFFGs (High Forehead Fanged Guys), my theory is they headed underground as fast as they could. This is not, after all, their reality. Methinks they could be a the genesis of a really neat story for next season (hmmm, gives me idea for NTW)!

Alexis, you took the words out of my mouth. Poor Dawn grabbed onto whatever anchor she could--like folding her clothes (which Joyce was probably forever trying to get her to do sniff). Being a very smart girl, I think she realized btw that she didn't stand any chance at all of getting away without help--hence not undoing her own bonds.

And the moment when Tara says "Willow?" will always echo in my memory. One of those that makes you smile and weep at the same time, you know?

I'd like to also mention how terrific Joss & Co psyched us all out about the Buffybot. Knowing what was going on this time, cool how they misdirected us with skill.

Lastly, loved Spike offering Willow some "courage." Snerk!

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"O let my name be in the Book of Love.
If it be there, I care not of
That other book Above...
Strike it out! Or write it in anew.
But let it be in the Book of Love!"
--Omar Kyam

[~Liz]

quote:

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Originally posted by Hemiola:
Seeing the episode again last night just brought back to me how splendidly all the actors performed. I really have to sing the praises of--
1. Clare Kraemer - a truly wonderful villain in the best "nya-ha-ha-mustache-twister" tradition .

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I agree although I did surprise myself by feeling sorry for her, when she was getting the ---- kicked out of her, by buffy. She is a wonderful actress.

~Liz

Forgot to add this in my last reply. What got me the most out of this whole ep, was the emotion that Spike poured out, at seeing Buffy dead. I was doing good, up until that part. But I am confussed I thought he didn't have a soul. Does that mean he does now?
~Liz

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~We are born naked, wet and hungry. Then things get worse~

[This message has been edited by xita (edited July 26, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by ~Liz (edited July 26, 2001).]quote:

[GODisTigger]

quote:

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Originally posted by Scout:
Yes, they live in an apartment together.

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DID Anya move in with Xander? Or is it more like the Willow/Tara senario. They both have their own place but spend most of their time in only one of them. At least up to "Into the Woods" Anya still had her own apartment.

quote:

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Originally posted by ~Liz:
Forgot to add this in my last reply. What got me the most out of this whole ep, was the emotion that Spike poured out, at seeing Buffy dead. I was doing good, up until that part. But I am confussed I thought he didn't have a soul. Does that mean he does now?

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Not according to Doc, "I don't smell a soul on you" but then again, he's evil, can you really trust what he says?

Dquote:quote:

[Zahir]

I don't think a soul in necessary to feel love. Spike was in love with Drusilla, for example. And the Master evidently felt deeply for Darla (look at what he named her, even!).

My own impression is that a soul makes it easier to love. But having one doesn't guarantee you will love, anymore than lacking the same means you can't.

Just my opinion.

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"O let my name be in the Book of Love.
If it be there, I care not of
That other book Above...
Strike it out! Or write it in anew.
But let it be in the Book of Love!"
--Omar Kyam

[gypsyfoot]

I have seen no mention of the fact that Willow spoke to Spike telepathically. Nor of her knocking all the bad guys down so Spike can get to the tower. It was a real show of her power to do these things.
When Spike and Buffy go to her house he starts to get misty and sentimental and says something on the order of "well you have always treated me like a man". Never seemed that way to me, she was always giving him a hard time except when she wanted him to look after Dawn. Whether it was keeping Dawn at his place, driving an RV or in the end saying if anything happens to me it up to you to protect her. James has always done well with the unrequited love role.

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If you don't need me, I'm gonna follow the red-head

[Dazey]

quote:

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Originally posted by Zahir:
I don't think a soul in necessary to feel love. Spike was in love with Drusilla, for example. And the Master evidently felt deeply for Darla (look at what he named her, even!).

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The Master named Darla? I don't remember that...what ep was it in?

And yes, I think "Crush" made it pretty clear that vampires, despite being soulless, are capable of love. As Dru said (paraphrasing Shakespeare), "We can love quite well, if not wisely."quote:

[xita]

I think that was on Angel.

[Zahir]

The Master naming Darla (methinks it means "Beloved One") was established on Angel. She couldn't even remember her mortal name after four centuries.

BTW, anybody remember how the Master actually wept when Darla died?

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"O let my name be in the Book of Love.
If it be there, I care not of
That other book Above...
Strike it out! Or write it in anew.
But let it be in the Book of Love!"
--Omar Kyam

[Shaniezak]

quote:

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Originally posted by gypsyfoot:
I have seen no mention of the fact that Willow spoke to Spike telepathically. Nor of her knocking all the bad guys down so Spike can get to the tower. It was a real show of her power to do these things.

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Ah, but it wasn't just Willow who turnred the minions and "groupies" into bowling pins. My favorite moment of that scene is the closeup of Willow and Tara joining hands and looking toward the crowd, which then parts like the proverbial Red Sea.

I love that bit--total flashback to "Hush" and the soda machine.
quote:

[Lijdrec]

quote:

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Originally posted by Shaniezak:
According to the shooting script, it's "It's all put down." Though it sounded more like Amber said, "This is all set down."

Which to my view is a prophetic rambling of sorts: after all, Giles did turn out to be the one who killed, who took a human life (Ben's).

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--------------------------
A belated thanks, Shanie! Guess I should get my hearing checked...... So where is it 'all put down'? OK, other than the script? Could this be an allusion to the prophecies that have been discovered in ANGEL? Ah, but so much for cross-overs...

I too have thought that this was the best season yet, and Clare Kramer has been the best Big-Bad yet. I enjoyed her many ramblings and especially her soliloquies on humanity in the "The Weight of the World". But of course, for all of the discourse by the 'sweaty, naughty feelings one', Dawn diffused it with one word - Buffy.

quote:

[tommo]

quote:

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Originally posted by Zahir:
Alexis, you took the words out of my mouth. Poor Dawn grabbed onto whatever anchor she could--like folding her clothes (which Joyce was probably forever trying to get her to do sniff). Being a very smart girl, I think she realized btw that she didn't stand any chance at all of getting away without help--hence not undoing her own bonds.

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Oh yes. I watched this again and that moment struck me as being very poignant. I think it was the way in which she was very neat and precise, almost reverent, in the way she placed her clothes on the chair, then put her shoes underneath the chair. Hmm. I don't know what it is exactly about that scene but it scared me and worried and made me feel something. I get shivers when that happens.

quote:

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And the moment when Tara says "Willow?" will always echo in my memory. One of those that makes you smile and weep at the same time, you know?

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It was almost childlike. So full of innocence and disbelief. Like Sleeping Beauty waking up to find that the world is still there, that things haven't changed, and that the one thing that probably got her through all of this is the one thing that brought her back.

Oh pish. I'm sentimental. So shoot me.

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"She looked across at Willow, whose face was filled with light. She had never felt so calm and happy, and strong..." ~ Unseen: Door To Alternityquote:quote:

[Scout]

"...and that the one thing that probably got her through all of this is the one thing that brought her back."

Wow - that was really beautiful! Now you've got me all sentimental... *sniff*

[The Rose]

Gypsyfoot,
Both Tara and Willow split the minions down the middle. Did you see them join hands?
The reunion scene and the splitting of the minions are two of my best Buffy moments.

[sparrow]

With all this spoilery talk of Willow being the big bad next year due to her use of darkest majicks I think it is very important that in "The Gift" we see that Willow still needs Tara for magic. When the huddled masses of minions were standing in front of the stairway to hell Willow and Tara grabbed eachothers hand, like in "Hush" and just parted the minions with great ease.

[xita]

Sparrow, welcome to the board! If you get a chance post an intro in the introduction thread and check out our FAQ

And yes, I agree. That was a great moment especially considering that Tara was feeling insecure about what her place in willow's life would be with all that powerful magic. Willow still needed her, needs her. Sigh. I don't think she'll be going dark next season if only because Jane said yeah eventually there might be consequences though it may take 2 years to get to it.