James Marsters’ Favorite Buffy Episode Is the Riskiest Highlighting Bold TV Risks

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The TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” stands out for its groundbreaking nature, continuously testing the limits of its format and taking bold creative chances. An illustration of this can be seen in episodes like “Hush,” which features minimal dialogue, demonstrating the show’s inclination to challenge typical TV standards. As talks about a potential “Buffy” reboot surface, it faces the daunting task of matching the original’s innovative spirit and enduring impact. The expectation is extremely high, especially considering “Buffy’s” ability to create episodes that not only kept viewers entertained but also progressed the medium itself.

A memorable instance that encapsulates Buffy’s bold spirit and lasting influence is the musical episode from season 6, titled “Once More with Feeling.” This installment brims with catchy tunes, and despite James Marsters usually being averse to musicals, he admitted having a soft spot for this particular Buffy episode. In essence, “Once More with Feeling” serves as a tribute to the series’ knack for defying genre boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on television.

James Marsters’ Favorite Buffy Episode Is “Once More With Feeling”

The Buffy Cast Had Big Reservations About The Episode

Discussing his favorite episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Vice, James Marsters, who plays Spike, shared that his preferred choice is “Once More With Feeling”, the musical episode. He admitted that he’s not typically a fan of musicals, but everyone in the cast was wary about Joss Whedon’s innovative concept. However, since Anthony Head and Marsters are musicians themselves, they had fewer concerns compared to the rest of the cast. Marsters stated:

In the face of seemingly inevitable failure and doom, as a company, we chose to give it our all, swinging for the fences with our best effort. I felt proud of us taking such a risk. Initially, it seemed like a daunting task, but Joss, with his unwavering determination, managed to ease our concerns by showing us an edited scene from the first shoot – Xander and Anya’s dance. This small display of progress lifted our spirits, propelling us from the depths of despair to the peaks of excitement during that episode.

Despite the controversy surrounding Joss Whedon, it’s indisputable that “Once More with Feeling,” an episode from Buffy, stands out as a remarkable television production. Each actor excelled in their roles, and the cast enjoyed the musical episode so much they were disappointed to return to normal filming. This musical episode revolutionized television, paving the way for series like Grey’s Anatomy and Lucifer to incorporate memorable musical episodes.

Why “Once More With Feeling” Is One Of Buffy’s All-Time Greats

The Iconic Buffy Episode Also Progressed Season 6’s Story

In a gloomy phase of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, “Once More With Feeling” provides a refreshing boost. Even those who typically dislike musicals might find themselves appreciating the catchy tunes. The humor, such as a man singing about a dry cleaner removing a stain with help from a chorus, and a woman arguing against a parking ticket, adds levity. However, contrary to being just filler, every song contributes significantly to the plot development, moving the episode’s storyline forward and even advancing key moments in the overall season.

In simpler terms, during the episode, Tara finds out that Willow has been overstepping Tara’s boundaries using magic, hinting at the development of the Dark Willow storyline, which significantly affects their relationship beyond just this particular episode. Buffy admits to the Scooby gang that she was taken from heaven, and her confession being sung adds extra intensity to the moment. These scenes make the episode a must-watch. The writing is clever too, as it creatively twists traditional Buffy tropes such as summoning backup, where the backup singers replace combat reinforcements.

In comparison to other TV series’ musical episodes, “Once More With Feeling” stands out remarkably because by season 6, the characters are exceptionally well-developed. This depth gives the songs not just a catchy tune but also a powerful emotional resonance as they delve into profound themes. The musical format provides an unusual yet effective way for tensions that have been simmering since the start of season 6 to be expressed and relieved in a unique manner.

One reason the performance was excellent is that it maximized each actor’s abilities. For instance, Michelle Trachtenberg, being a trained dancer, got to perform Dawn’s contemporary ballet scene with Sweet and his henchmen. Those who had powerful singing voices were given more opportunities to sing, leading to memorable performances like Tara and Giles’ duet. Despite James Marsters’ initial reservations about the musical aspect, it seemed everyone’s talents were showcased, suggesting that they may have embraced the challenge because it allowed them to shine in their respective roles.

“Once More With Feeling” Took On A Life Of Its Own

OMWF Was Made For The Stage

In essence, ‘Once More with Feeling’ effectively functions as a musical, bolstered by the presence of a Tony-winning Broadway actor (Hinton Battle in the role of Sweet). The addition of Anthony Head to the cast was particularly beneficial, given his past experience in musical theater, having played Dr. Frank-N-Furter in ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ at Picadilly Circus during the early 1990s. Moreover, Joss Whedon, who had no prior experience in composing a musical, created a strong collection of numbers across various styles while interspersing surprising ‘Buffy’ moments throughout. As such, it’s not surprising that this production has inspired stage tributes.

The episode has sparked numerous drag performances that are both campy and glamorous, reminiscent of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. An upcoming tribute is titled “Once More With Even More Feeling” at Pleasance London in October, where Crayola & Crusty will reportedly portray “everyone”. Previously, Footbridge in New York City delivered a remarkable tribute in 2018 (available on YouTube). The Scoobies dancing to the “Buffy” theme song and Giles holding a teacup, establish an impressive atmosphere for this performance.

For public viewings of Buffy, the musical episode “Once More With Feeling” is particularly beloved due to its abundance of humor and sung lines for spectators to participate. All in all, this musical episode was a significant milestone in television. According to James Marsters’ account, the cast was initially quite anxious about it, suggesting potential disaster. However, it ended up being one of many brave risks that Buffy the Vampire Slayer took during its tenure, further establishing its reputation as a groundbreaking force in television, a legacy that remains influential and inspiring both then and now.

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2025-06-03 03:48