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Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Sixth Season
- Color
- Closed-captioned
- Box set
The Editors Desk:
The sixth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer followed the logic of plot and character development into some gloomy places. The year begins with Buffy being raised from the dead by the friends who miss her, but who fail to understand that a sacrifice taken back is a sacrifice negated. Dragged out of what she believes to have been heavenly bliss, she finds herself "going through the motions" and entering into a relationship with the evil, besotted vampire Spike just to force her emotions. Willow becomes ever more caught up in the temptations of magic; Xander and Anya move towards marriage without ever discussing their reservations; Giles feels he is standing in the way of Buffy's adult independence; Dawn feels neglected. What none of them need is a menace that is, at this point, simply annoying--three high school contemporaries who have turned their hand to magical and high-tech villainy. Added to this is a hungry ghost, an invisibility ray, an amnesia spell and a song-and-dance demon (who acts as rationale for the incomparable musical episode "Once More, with Feeling"). This is a year in which chickens come home to roost: everything from the villainy of the three geeks to Xander's doubts about marriage come to a head, often--as in the case of the impressive wedding episode--through wildly dark humor. The estrangement of the characters from each other--a well-observed portrait of what happens to college pals in their early 20s--comes to a shocking head with the death of a major character and that death's apocalyptic consequences. The series ends on a consoling note which it has, by that point and in spite of imperfections, entirely earned. --Roz Kaveney
Avg. Customer Review: 
Buffy 6 is a solid, if mixed, witch's brew
When the TV show, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, hit its 6th season, the cult hit had come to a crossroads of sorts. For one thing, the show had left its longtime home on the WB for UPN as a result of contract negotiations. Secondly, the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar had been killed off at the end of the last season, leaving quite a cliffhanger to solve. There was also a complication in that longtime cast member Anthony Stewart Head (Buffy's mentor, Giles) had asked for a smaller role, so he could spend more time with his family in England. Finally, UPN had given creator Joss Whedon more creative freedom to "push the envelope." As a result, the show had perhaps one of its more interesting, yet controversial seasons yet. Indeed, many fans (and cast members) found themselves doubting this "darker" new direction. When Buffy is brought back from the dead by Willow (Alyson Hannigan), at first everyone is convinced that she was saved from a fate worse than death. However, it turns out that Buffy was pulled from eternal bliss, leaving her both disconnected and uncaring about her life around her. Looking to feel anything, she indulges in a lustful affair with former foe Spike (James Marsters). Among the many things that complicate matters are Willow's growing addiction to magic and the attempts of a trio of geeky would-be villains to take over Sunnydale. As always, Sarah Michelle Gellar leads the way, and she convincingly handles Buffy's profound lack of direction and desire. James Marsters continues to shine as bad-boy vamp Spike. Anthony Stewart Head is again solid as Giles, and his character is sorely missed through much of the season. Amber Benson provides wonderful support as Willow's fellow witch and love, Tara. However, it is Alyson Hannigan as the tortured Willow who really gets to test her acting chops. To simply say that she succeeds is an understatement. Despite the overall unevenness of the season, there is the usual supply of stellar episodes. For starters is the hilarious "Tabula Rasa," in which the gang lose their memories and create wacky new identities of their own. The "Dark Willow" episodes bring the season to a tremendous and darkly chilling climax. Finally, one cannot discuss this season without mentioning the best episode of the bunch; the wonderful and delightfully silly musical episode "Once More With Feeling!" Whedon gets to perform a delightful spin on his show using the musical genre format. Benson, Head and Marsters are the most adept at handling the medium, but everyone has their fun moments. The DVD set has the usual special features including select episode commentaries, episode scripts, outtakes, and the usual featurettes about the season. Of special interest, however, are a live panel discussion of the show featuring some of the cast and crew and an A&E; television "Biography" about the show and its impact on today's culture. As always, BUFFY never ceases to entertain and push the boundaries of the television medium. If you're a solid fan of the show, I would definitely recommend this. More casual fans would do well to pick another more upbeat season of the show to enjoy.
 What happened to Buffy?
Season six was one of the worst ideas in the history of the show. While I applaud creator Joss Whedon for wanting to take the show into a darker place, all of the magic that made us fall in love with "Buffy" is gone by the time we reach the sixth year. In fact, as we see Spike become Angel part 2 and Buffy fights a cavalcade of anonymous and generic demons, it becomes quite clear that the writers are simply running out of ideas at this point. The only really original episode is "Normal Again," which is muted by the fact that Buffy's revelation that she was nearly institutionalized for telling her parents she was the slayer clearly contradicts Joyce's surprise at learning this same information in season two. The show changed so drastically from its original premise and tone that it almost fails even to be the same show. The only thing saving season six is the inexplicably wonderful musical episode, "Once More With Feeling." Willow's turn as a dark magic addict makes for some interesting viewing as well, but hardly carries the season. This may be the only "Buffy" DVD set that I don't buy.
what is everyone talking about?
ok i just bought season six(but ive already seen all the eps)
and everyone has their own opinion but this season kinda sucks. But i am basing this on one thing: spike and buffy relatioship! the two characters i once loved i cant stand! they are so bitter! anyways a good season for all the other characters especially willow. besides for spike and buffy its watchable.
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