Ep 17. Passion

In Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 2 Episode 17 – Passion, Buffy’s world is turned upside down as she faces the loss of one of her own. The episode begins with Jenny Calendar, a computer science teacher and love interest of Buffy’s watcher Giles, being stalked and eventually killed by vampire Angelus. He then sets out to completely destroy Giles, Buffy, and their loved ones.

The episode is unique in that it is told from Angelus’ perspective, offering insight into not only his motives, but also his twisted sense of humor. He delights in taunting Giles and Buffy with cryptic messages and threatening to harm their friends. His ego-driven desire to win and outsmart his enemies makes him all the more dangerous.

The tension in the episode builds as the Scooby Gang (Buffy, Giles, Xander, Willow, and Cordelia) work to protect themselves and each other from Angelus’ attacks. The emotional toll of losing someone so close to them is visibly affecting each character, causing tension and conflict within the group.

As they struggle to come to terms with their new reality, they discover a way to return Angelus to his former self, Angel. However, the cost of that transformation is the life of someone very close to them. This reckoning forces each character to confront their own morality and the weight of their actions.

The final moments of the episode are haunting as Buffy’s world is forever changed. The episode showcases the show’s ability to balance humor, horror, and heartbreak in a way that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.

Passion is often cited as one of the best episodes in the series, and for good reason. It marks a turning point in the show’s narrative and characters, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of their world in a way that is both visceral and emotional. It is a masterclass in storytelling and a poignant reminder of the worth in fighting for what is right, even at great personal cost.