Buffy--where to begin.

Buffy began as a low-budget half-season replacement. The writers didn’t know if the show’d get picked up for another year, so Season One just scratches the surface of the narrative tension and drama that propel the series through the rest of its run. The small budget compelled the writers to focus on the characters, not the special effects and as such, Season One remained truest to Buffy’s B-movie influences. (Note: Season One DVDs feature the series’ best creator commentary. Commentary on subsequent Buffy DVDs largely disappoints.)

The writers began to probe the show’s deepest narrative possibilities in earnest during Season Two. These shows set the bar for everything that came later. Purists regard Two as Buffy’s apotheosis and I won’t disagree. The show got a big budget boost half way through the second year; some say this made it more visually engaging from that point on.

People remember Season Three for the introduction of Buffy’s irresistible dark reflection, Faith, played with gusto by Eliza Dushku. I can’t give lucid praise for Dushku’s exhilarating performance; I gush hyperbole. Many non-Faith gems are tucked in there as well. Simply put, Season Three rocks!

Season Four lacks the over-arching narrative cohesion of 1-3, making it a great place for newbies to start. It doesn’t matter so much if you don’t understand everything that’s going on. Season Four offers several stand-out episodes and chances are high that one would randomly make a fun and intriguing pick. (Note: Maybe avoid the episode where Buffy and Riley’s passionate coition triggers the frat house’s haunting.)

Season Five starts out slow and builds to a dazzling, dizzying second half. Some of my all-time favorite Buffys come from Five. The writers and cast turned in astounding work.

Season Six goes to a dark, introspective place (foreshadowed in Five from beginning to end) and alienated many viewers who considered it all a terrible misstep. I found several episodes from Six hard to watch the first time around despite often stunning visuals. Happily, Six has aged surprisingly well and I appreciate it better now. Regardless, this challenging season sometimes makes it hard to like the characters. I recommend holding off on Six until you’re ready to commit.

Ditto for Season Seven, which I remain ambivalent about despite several standout episodes and a fine dénouement. Imo, the writers twisted the show’s continuity past the breaking point in this final season. Sometimes it works, sometimes not; after all this time, I still haven’t balanced the bottom line. It’s worth considering that continuity may be sacrificed to service the demands of the plot. Reasonable people disagree on this point.