Buffy 2x15 - Phases

BTVS Episode 2x15 "Phases" Review

Rating 7/10

I liked the second half of this episode but it felt a little anticlimactic after the crazy last episode, and I didn't like the first half as much. There were so many gross comments and behaviours from men in this ep that just put me off a lot, like the whole situation with Larry and the werewolf hunter, (which I know are there for a reason but still) and I didn't really like the relationship side plots. It's really annoying to me that Xander is now being weird and jealous over Willow and Oz after everything, and also having weird moments with Buffy too, like when is he going to get over that. Xander even brought up how he remembers the hyena situation which just made me angry. I liked that Cordelia and Willow were able to complain to each other about him, though, and didn't hold their grudge with him against the other girl. I really loved that the werewolf turned out to be Oz. I actually didn't expect it and I felt a little dumb because it was probably obvious but he just wasn't on my radar at all. Him casually asking if his cousin was a werewolf threw me off so much though, like how many people know that they exist, it seems like a lot? The conversation between Xander and Larry was actually hilarious, even if I usually hate that trope where the misogynist creep turns out to be secretly gay, it was a good switch up in this. It was also just funny to me that Xander of all people accidentally helped him like that. The ending between Oz and Willow was super cute and I love that Willow made the first move for their first kiss, it was really sweet. Overall, I enjoyed the episode but it only really stands out because the monster happened to be Oz, otherwise it's pretty bland. I did find it cool that we saw Angel again, but I guess I just wanted more of the main Angel/Drusilla/Spike storyline.

Out of context notes: "why is oz serving butch lesbian" "this guy is so disgusting when does he get eaten" "OMG ITS OZ????????"