Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Complete Season 2 [1998]

But nothing that came before it prepared audiences for the latter half of season 2. In the extraordinary double act of "Surprise" and "Innocence" every aspect of the show grows up in a big hurry: the result of Buffy sleeping with Angel is a series of tragedies everyone is powerless to predict or prevent, a piece of powerful storytelling conveyed with pared-down dialogue and remarkable performances from the young cast. All of these threads are tied together then torn apart by the two-part finale "Becoming". With a cliffhanger ending to rival The Empire Strikes Back, the second chapter of Buffy The Vampire Slayer closes in tantalising style leaving everything at stake. --Paul Tonks

On the DVD: The computer-animated menu opens this gorgeous box set in style with a tour through a dark and oppressive cemetery, a lavish display of graphics that's all the more impressive when compared to the uneventful DVD for the first season. Most of the extra features are concentrated on the last disc, which includes the obligatory biographies, trailers and TV spots that add little value to hardcore fans but serve as a good introduction to the world of Buffy for non-adepts. The three featurettes are captivating: "Designing Buffy" offers a wealth of information about the set designs, and even includes a walk through of Buffy's home; "A Buffy Bestiary" features every monster from the second season, and "Beauty and the Beats" explores the make-up artistry and special effects. There are also brief cast interviews, in which James Masters ("Spike") reveals his American accent. All in all the extras make a worthy accompaniment to the spectacular season 2 episodes, though one might regret that Joss Whedon did not offer a commentary on the double bill season finale "Becoming". --Celine Martig

Customer reviews:

If you don't own this, you can't say you even like Buffy., 2006-01-25
Let's say you bought the first series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and good for you). You enjoyed it certainly, but thought it was perhaps a bit too short; or that Giles wasn't used enough; or that Buffy seemed just a little too invulnerable; or Xander was a little too wooden; or that Willow was little too pathetic...

Stop right there. Series 2 of Buffy improves on the 1st (admittedly still brilliant) season in just about every conceivable respect. For starters, from here onwards every season lasts 22 episodes (instead of 12), so you get nearly twice as much slayage for your hard-earned dosh. The fact that there are twice as many scripts mean new writers, shedloads of new ideas, and truckloads of outstanding monsters (Der Kindestod, Ethan Rayne and the awesome Angelus, to name just three). There are so many amazing episodes in this season (which could well be the most balanced Buffy season of them all) that it is hard to pick favourites; but it is safe to say that the best one is probably "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered". Anyone who has ever wished they were a chick-magnet at school will agree with me on this!! Other outstanding episodes? "Halloween" (just wait till you see Damsel Buffy - it's side-splitting"!), "Passion" (just to see the end of that annoying Miss Calander) and "School Hard" (which effortlessly ries up all of series 1's loose ends, along with introducing the new Big Bads).

Amazing performances all around, with Tony Head and Alyson Hannigan actually getting exciting things to do; Nicholas Brendon finally learns how to act part way through this series (see if you can tell where..!) and Ms. Gellar still rocks. David Boreanaz effortlessly plays both a sympathetic, tortured soul and a deliciously remorseless killer as Angel/Angelus (even though his Irish accentt is appalling); and James Marsters is hammy and wonderful as Spike (though I may never quite forgive for trying to kill Damsel Buffy).

Weak links? Well, the chick who palys Drusills is awful (worst Cockney accent since Mary Poppins), "Go Fish"'s monsters are blatant clones of "Doctor Who"'s Silurians, and Seth Green looks terrified (& sometimes bored) as Oz. Charisma Carpeneter doesn't know how to play Cordelia: slapper, Scoobie or geek? Make yer mind up, luv! (Although that's probably not her fault, it's odd how her common sense keeps bungie-jumping between episodes.)

Extras? Three behind-the-scenes, biographies, trailers, photo galleries and four commentaries (warning: David Greenwlat and Marti Noxon both have the most annoying, nasal American accents EVER). Joss Whedon is as energetic as ever (hooray!)

So all in all, I'd advise you to get this. Please?

Buffy Seaon 2, 2005-10-17
This is clearly one of the best Buffy Seasons ever! Possibley one of the greatest TV shows in history.

The season picks up brilliantly where the first pilot season left off. After her death at the hands (or teeth) of the master there was sure to be some reprocutions. 'When She Was Bad' is a perfect opener, seeing Buffy falling into 'Cordelia like' behaviour before finally working out her issues by beating the stuffing out of them. After this we get off to a slow start with episodes such as 'Inca Mummy Girl' and 'Some Assembly Required' however the introduction of Spike spices the season up. The arrival of this daring, sarcastic, cockney vampire proves to be one of the seasons highlights. His killing of 'The Annoying One' gives him the 'Big Bad' of the season. Along with his insane girlfriend Drusilla they provide some much needed drama and continuity.

The first 2 parter 'Whats my line' is good, giving us the best surprise since we found out the truth about Angel. Kendra, however, is a very dull slayer, but offers some good insights into how unique buffy as a slayer, actually is.

The relationships are key in this season. With the romantic Giles and Jenny, the twisted Spike and Drusilla, very unexpected Xander and Cordelia, sweet Willow and OZ and the groundbreaking Buffy and Angel. Buffy has to grow up a lot after the monumental 2 parter 'Innocence' and 'Surprise'. 'Surprise' is acted beautifully by Sarah Michelle Geller and I challenge anyone not to get a lump in their throat during this. The final scene between Buffy and her mother is perfect in everyway and the line 'I got older' sums up what this season is all about. The turning of Angel starts a downward spiral by Buffy. However the strength of this character is shown as she claws her way back to confront her ultimate enemy.

The writing for Spike is genius. He steals every scene he's in and completely destroys Angels hero act in 'Innocence'

Ange:Leave her alone!
Spike:Yeah that'll work

However towards the end of the season we see a totally new Spike as he clashes with Angelus. Every scene with these two in is a gem. He finally betrays his 'family' and makes a dangerous alliance with Buffy.

The 2 part finale is really some of the best and emotional TV i have ever seen. Willow's emerging talent for withcraft plays a big part in this conclusion and the fall apart of Buffys life bit by bit peaks at an emotional climax of violence and desperation. The final scenes accompanied by the beautiful soundtrack brings tears to anyones eyes and leave swith the biggest cliffhanger yet.

The memorable episodes include 'When she was bad' School Hard' 'Halloween' 'Surprise' 'Passion' and 'Becoming 1 and 2'