1x02 - The Harvest

Analysis:

          The primary purpose of “The Harvest” is to wrap up the story begun in “Welcome to the Hellmouth.” We get a little bit more character development, a decent dose of humor, and a not-so-great plot.

          We get to know the Master and his followers a bit better in this episode. They are definitely a very traditional group of vampires that tends toward rituals and preachiness. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I must admit that I’ve come to prefer the badass vampires that came in laster season. In context, though, this particular characterization works.

          Angel remains the mystery man in this episode. At times he’s a bit annoying: “I knew you'd figure out this entryway sooner or later. Actually, I thought it was gonna be a little sooner.” But at other moments Angel is sympathetic, like when he has no answer when Buffy asks him if he knows what it’s like to have friends. We also begin to see that he feels deeply connected to Buffy. While we won’t fully understand this for a couple of seasons, we do know by the end of this episode that he really wants to see Buffy succeed, but he is still developing faith in her ability to succeed.

          This episode also helps us to see another aspect of Giles. In “Welcome to the Hellmouth,” we learned that Giles is definitely the stuffy librarian type. What we learn here, however, is how much his stuffiness, and Britishness, don’t quite fit with the American teenage culture. Neither faction fully understands the other. This comes to cause numerous humorous moments not only in this episode but throughout most of the series. Despite the aspects of his personality that work to separate him from the Scoobies, Giles also has a caring heart. When Buffy goes off to rescue Jesse, he reminds her to be careful. The tone in Anthony Stewart Head’s voice in the delivery of this line adds an air of warmth to Giles’s character.

          Other characters that we can continue to learn about are Willow and Xander. The way in which they react to learning that vampires are real and that Buffy is the Slayer has much to say about their respective characters.

          Willow, though shy and lacking confidence, is level-headed. Willow has a big heart, which she reveals when she states her need to be able to help Jesse in some way. She is then able to help by using her intelligence to do research. She also begins to gain confidence through her friendship with Buffy, as seen when she tricks Cordelia into deleting her computer science assignment.

          Upon learning about vampires, Xander shows some of his best and worst traits. In the camp of best traits is his loyalty. When he has a friend in danger, he jumps to fight for them, no matter how dangerous the situation. Though Buffy insists that Xander not join her in rescuing Jesse, Xander shows up anyway, and he remains loyal to his friend until he accidentally stakes him.

          On the worst traits side of things, we see that Xander also lacks confidence in himself. He feels inadequate. As such, he is quick to become whiny with Buffy when she tells him that he won’t be joining her to rescue Jesse because she is the Slayer and Xander is not. It isn’t that lack of confidence and feeling of inadequacy make Xander a bad character – these are entirely normal traits for any human being. However, they are certainly weaknesses that Xander will struggle with for a long time.

          Another important aspect of Xander’s development in this episode is the fact that his best friend, Jesse, is turned into a vampire. To lose one’s best friend in the middle of high school is certainly a traumatic experience. Furthermore, despite great effort, Xander is able to find no aspect of his friend remaining within the vampire. From here he carries the assumption that vampire = evil. No exceptions. Given, there are other factors that often play into his prejudices, but this event seems to have significant impact on Xander’s character throughout the series.

          For the series as a whole, it is significant that Jesse is killed off in this episode. In the first episode, he was played off as a character that could become a series regular – if it weren’t for the fact that he wasn’t in the main credits, but that idea was originally in the works. Unlike other shows where, despite the battles constantly faced, no main character dies, BtVS has already revealed that no character is safe. Fighting the ongoing battle between good and evil means that people do eventually die, even the ones who are close to you. This is important to the series as a whole.

          Another thematic aspect of the series as a whole that continues to reveal itself is Buffy’s isolation as the Slayer. Buffy’s mother, Joyce, knows nothing of Buffy’s calling as the Slayer. This tends to cause great conflict between the two, a concept that becomes the core of their relationship through the end of Season 2. Joyce clearly just wants to see Buffy get a second start and be a “good kid.” Joyce is at a loss at how to keep Buffy out of trouble. But because she doesn’t know about Buffy’s calling as the Slayer, she can’t understand what Buffy must do. And, humorously, the world will end if Buffy doesn’t leave the house this night.

          Where “The Harvest” falls short is in the main plot. While the Harvest is played up to be a big deal, the dramatic parts are damaged by overall campiness. In addition, many of the scenes with vampires in them feel rather slow. Between the lack of engaging plot and the general lack of emotional intensity, this episode fails to gain a higher rating. However, the episode is still humorous and continues to bring insight to these characters with whom we are still just beginning to acquaint ourselves.

 Grading

Category	Description	Points Possible	Points Achieved
General Categories
Quotables	The episode contains significant or memorable quotes. These may be humorous or meaningful, monologue or dialogue.	15	14
Humor	The episode contains good humor. These may be essential to the episode or simple comic relief. Rated on their effectiveness. Extra weight given to true moments of Joss Whedon humor.	10	9
Character Development	The episode displays something new about one or more characters as individuals. This may be in the form of back story, new information, or character growth/decline.	15	13
Relationship Development	The episode displays something new about one or more relationships between two or more characters. This may be in the form of back story, new information, or relationship growth/decline.	10	8
Continuity Significance	The episode is important to past or future events in the series. This could be in the form of refering to past episodes, tying up loose ends, effective cliff-hanging, or adding to the season’s story arc.	15	13
Emotional Impact	The episode packs an emotional punch. The emotions of the characters are felt in the moment. The emotional draw is memorable.	20	7
Miscellaneous Pros	The episode has positive aspects not listed elsewhere.	5	4
The Extra Punch These elements are a part of the cherry on top, things that bring a Buffy episode from good to great. At least 15 points must be achieved in this category for an episode to receive a perfect rating.
Significant Moment	The episode contains a particularly meaningful moment. This moment likely has the tendency to taint my subjective view of the episode as a whole.	10	0
Series-Changing Moment	The episode contains a moment that transforms some aspect of the series for a significant amount of time.	5	2
Foreshadowing	The episode contains a significant element of foreshadowing.	5	0
Risk	The episode successfully takes an artistic risk.	5	2
Plot Twist	The episode takes an unexpected turn.	5	0
Suspense	The episode keeps me at the edge of my seat. This may include significant cliff-hangers	5	0
Superb Acting	The episode contains moments where actors go above and beyond the call of duty.	5	0

Final Grade: 73/100 (C)

Miscellaneous Pros/Cons 

+ Buffy’s comment that the police “would only come with guns.” Especially knowing that it will become a running joke that guns don’t help a person to fight demons.

+ Cordelia not knowing that the “del” key stands for “delete” and erasing her whole program. Also, the fact that Willow knew that Cordelia would fall for it – definitely great payback for making fun of Buffy.

+ The pleasant happily-ever-after music during the closing scene – makes it humorous. Adds to the idea that everything is the same for most people while everything has changed for the Core 4

+ “The Earth is doomed!”

- When the Master says “My soul is your soul” to Luke. Vampires have no souls. This makes no sense within the show’s mythology

- Why can all the other vampires come and go from the church where the Master is stuck, but he’s stuck in a dimensional portal? Maybe I just don’t understand how being stuck in a dimensional portal works…

- With the exception of a couple of scenes, most of the music is pretty corny, particularly in scenes that are supposed to be dramatic.

Favorites:

• Buffy’s sunrise fakeout is one of the most standout moments of this episode
• I just love to laugh at Cordelia in this episode.
• From the commentary – when Xander threatens to stake Jesse, he is pointing the stake in the center of Jesse’s chest. “Okay, somebody explain to Nick Brenden where the heart is located. I think that would probably help things,” says Joss Whedon.
• The power shot of Buffy in the Bronze after she kills Luke

 

 

Quotes:

Xander: Okay, this is where I have a problem. See, because we're talking about vampires. We're having a talk with vampires in it.

Buffy: No. No, th-those weren't vampires, those were just guys in thundering need of a facial. Or maybe they had rabies. It could have been rabies. A-and that guy turning to dust? Just a trick of light. That's exactly what I said the first time I saw a vampire. Well, after I was done with the screaming part.

Willow: Oh, I, I need to sit down.

Buffy: You are sitting down.

Willow: Oh. Good for me.

Giles: For as long as there have been vampires, there's been the Slayer. One girl in all the world, a Chosen One.

Buffy: He loves doing this part.

Giles: Alright. The Slayer hunts vampires, Buffy is a Slayer, don't tell anyone. Well, I think that's all the vampire information you need.

Xander: Except for one thing: how do you kill them?

Buffy: You don't, I do.

Xander: Well, Jesse's my...

Buffy: Jesse is my responsibility. I let him get taken.

Xander: That's not true.

Willow: If you hadn't shown up they would have taken us, too. Does anybody mind if I pass out?

Buffy: Breathe.

Willow: Breathe.

Willow: Uh, this may be the dumb question, but shouldn’t we call the police?

Giles: And they’d believe us, of course.

Willow: Well, we don’t have to say vampires. We, we could just say that there’s a, a bad man.

Buffy: They couldn’t handle it even if they did show up. They’d only come with guns.

Buffy: I looked around, but soon as they got clear of the graveyard, they could have just, voom!

Xander: They can fly?

Buffy: They can drive.

Xander: Oh.

Master: A Slayer! Have you any proof?

Luke: Only that she fought me, and yet lives.

Master: Hmm, very nearly proof enough. I can't remember the last time that happened.

Luke: 1843. Madrid. He caught me sleeping.

Giles: So, all the city plans are just, uh, open to the public?

Willow: Um, well, i-in a way. I sort of stumbled onto them when I accidentally decrypted the city council's security system.

Xander: Someone's been naughty.

Buffy: There's nothing here, this is useless!

Giles: I think you're being a bit hard on yourself.

Buffy: You're the one that told me that I wasn't prepared enough. Understatement! I thought I was on top of everything, and then that monster, Luke, came out of nowhere... (She flashes back to the fight in the mausoleum.)

Xander: What?

Buffy: He didn't come out of nowhere. He came from behind me. I was facing the entrance, he came from behind me, and he didn't follow me out. The access to the tunnels is in the mausoleum! The girl must have doubled back with Jesse after I got out! God! I am so mentally challenged!

Xander: So, what's the plan? We saddle up, right?

Buffy: There's no 'we', okay? I'm the Slayer, and you're not.

Xander: I knew you'd throw that back in my face.

Buffy: Xander, this is deeply dangerous.

Xander: I'm inadequate. That's fine. I'm less than a man.

Willow: Buffy, I'm not anxious to go into a dark place full of monsters. But I do want to help. I need to.

Giles: Well, then help me. I've been researching this Harvest affair. It seems to be some sort of preordained massacre. Rivers of blood, Hell on Earth, quite charmless. I'm a bit fuzzy, however, on the details. It may be that you can wrest some information from that dread machine. (Everyone stares at him.) That was a bit, um, British, wasn't it?

Buffy: Welcome to the New World.

Giles:  I want you to go on the 'Net.

Willow: Oh, sure, I can do that.

Buffy: Then I'm outta here. If Jesse's alive, I'll bring him back.

Giles: Do I have to tell you to be careful?

Buffy: (Turns back, gives Giles a look and goes.)

Willow: Murder, death, disaster. What else?

Xander: Paranormal, unexplained, did you get natural disasters?

Willow: Earthquake, flood.

Xander: Rain of Toads.

Willow: Right.

Xander: Rain of Toads! Do you think they'd have anything like that in the paper?

Willow: I'll put it on the computer search. If it's in there, it'll turn up. Anything that'll lead us to vampires.

Xander: And I, in the meantime, will help by standing around like an idiot.

Willow: Not like an idiot, just... standing. Buffy doesn't want you getting hurt. I don't want you getting hurt.

Xander: This is just too much. I mean, yesterday my life's like, 'Uh- oh, pop quiz.' Today it's 'Rain of Toads'.

Willow: I know. And everyone else thinks it's just a normal day.

Xander: Nobody knows. It's like we've got this big secret.

Willow: We do. That's what a secret is, when you know something other guys don't.

Buffy: I don't suppose you've got a key on you?

Angel: They really don't like me dropping in.

Buffy: Why not?

Angel: They really don't like me.

Buffy: How could that possibly be?

Angel: I knew you'd figure out this entryway sooner or later. Actually, I thought it was gonna be a little sooner.

Buffy: Sorry you had to wait.

Buffy: Okay. Look, if you're gonna be popping up with this Cryptic Wise Man act on a regular basis, can you at least tell me your name?

Angel: Angel.

Angel: Don’t go down there.

Buffy: Deal with my going.

Angel: You shouldn't be putting yourself at risk. Tonight is the Harvest. Unless you can prevent it, the Master walks.

Buffy: Well, if this Harvest thing is such a suckfest, why don't you stop it?

Angel: 'Cause I'm afraid.

Buffy: I've got a friend down there. Or at least a potential friend. Do you know what it's like to have a friend?

Angel: (He sadly looks away.)

Buffy: That wasn't supposed to be a stumper.

Buffy: Gonna wish me luck?

Angel: (Silence)

Buffy: (Walks away)

Angel: Good luck.

Buffy: Xander, what are you doing here?!

Xander: Something stupid. I followed you.

Xander: I couldn’t just sit at home and do nothing.

Buffy: I understand. Now, go away!

Xander: Look, Jesse’s my bud, okay? If I can help him out, that’s what I gotta do.

Buffy: (Reluctantly nods her head for him to follow)

Xander: Besides, it’s this or chem class.

Xander: Okay, so, crosses, garlic, stake through the heart.

Buffy: That’ll get it done.

Xander: Cool! Of course, I don’t actually have any of those things.

Buffy: (Hands him a cross) Good thinking.

Xander: Well, the part of my brain that would tell me to bring that stuff is still busy telling me not to come down here.

Xander: You've done some beheading in your time?

Buffy: Oh, yeah. There was this time I was pinned down by this guy that played left tackle for varsity... Well, at least he used to before he was a vampire... Anyway, he had this really, really thick neck, and all I had was a little, little Exact-O knife...

Xander: (laughs nervously.)

Buffy: You're not loving this story.

Xander: No, actually, I find it oddly comforting.

Harmony: Are we going to the Bronze tonight?

Cordelia: No, we're going to the other cool place in Sunnydale. Of course we’re going to the Bronze.

Cordelia: Why do we have to devise these programs? Isn’t that what nerds are for?

Boy: Why was she kicked out?

Cordelia: Uh, because she’s a psycho loony!

Willow: No she’s not.

Cordelia: What?

Willow: She’s not a psycho. You don’t even know her.

Cordelia: Excuse me? Who gave you permission to exist? Do I horn in on your private discussions? No. Why? Because you’re boring.

Harmony: Okay, I think the program's done.

Cordelia: Finally the nightmare ends! Okay, so how do we save it?

Willow: Deliver.

Cordelia: Deliver? Where's that? (searches the keyboard) Oh! (She hits the "Del" key, and her program disappears. She stares at the screen in wide-eyed, open-mouthed horror.)

Giles: It’s all coming together. I rather wish it weren’t.

Xander: (Violently kicks a waste basket.) I don't like vampires. I'm gonna take a stand and say they're not good.

Buffy: So, Giles! Got anything that can make this day any worse?

Giles: How about the end of the world?

Buffy: Knew I could count on you.

Buffy: Any idea where this little get-together is being held?

Giles: There, there are a number of possibilities.

Xander: They're goin' to the Bronze.

Willow: Are you sure?

Xander: Come on. All those tasty young morsels all over the place? Anyway, that's where Jesse's gonna be, trust me.

Joyce: It's happening again, isn't it? I got a call from your new principal. Says you missed some classes today?

Buffy: I was running an errand.

Joyce: We haven't finished unpacking, and I'm getting calls from the principal.

Buffy: Mom, I promise, it is not gonna be like before. But I have to go.

Joyce: No.

Buffy: Mom?!

Joyce: The tapes all say I should get used to saying it. No.

Buffy: This is really, really important.

Joyce: I know. If you don't go out it'll be the end of the world. Everything is life or death when you're a sixteen-year-old girl.

Buffy: Look, I don't have time to talk about this...

Joyce: Buffy, you've got all the time in the world, you're not going anywhere. Now, if you wanna stay up here and sulk, I won't hold it against you. But if you wanna come down, I'll make us some dinner.

Cordelia: Senior boys are the only way to go. Guys from our grade, forget about it, they're children. Y'know? Like Jesse. Did you see him last night, following me around like a little puppy dog. You just wanna put him to sleep. But senior boys, hmm, they have mystery. They have... What's the word I'm searching for? Cars! I just am not the type to settle. Y'know? It's like when I go shopping. I have to have the most expensive thing. Not because it's expensive, but because it costs more.

Luke: Ladies and Gentlemen! There is no cause for alarm. Actually, there is cause for alarm. It just won't do any good.

Luke: This is a glorious night. It is also the last one any of you shall ever see.

Giles: We're too late!

Buffy: I didn't know I was gonna get grounded!

Xander: We've gotta get in there before Jesse does something stupider that usual.

Giles: You listen to me! Jesse is dead! You have to remember that when you see him, you're not looking at your friend. You're looking at the thing that killed him.

Darla: (Tries to take Cordelia to Luke.)

Jesse: This one's mine!

Darla: They're all for the Master.

Jesse: I don't get one?

Xander: Jesse! I know there's still a part of you in there.

Jesse: Okay... Let's deal with this. Jesse was an excruciating loser who couldn't get a date with anyone in the sighted community! Look at me. I'm a new man!

Luke: You forget, metal can't hurt me.

Buffy: There's something you forgot about, too. Sunrise! (She throws the microphone stand at the window behind Luke.)

Luke: (Gets up and shields his face with his hands, expecting to be burned. He stops when he realizes it's only a bright lamp.)

Buffy: (Lunges at him from behind and jams the stake home.) It's in about nine hours, moron!

Angel: She did it! I'll be damned!

Giles: I take it it's over.

Willow: Did we win?

Buffy: Well, we averted the Apocalypse. I give us points for that.

Xander: One thing's for sure: nothing's ever gonna be the same.

Cordelia: Well, I heard it was rival gangs. You know, fighting for turf? But all I can tell you is they were in an ugly way of looking. And Buffy, like, knew them! Which is just too weird. I mean, I don’t even remember that much, but I’m telling you, it was a freak show.

Buffy: What exactly were you expecting?

Xander: I don't know, something. I mean, the dead rose. We should at least have an assembly.

Giles: People have a tendency to rationalize what they can and forget what they can't.

Buffy: Believe me, I've seen it happen.

Willow: Well, I'll never forget it, none of it.

Giles: Good! Next time you'll be prepared.

Xander: Next time?

Willow: Next time is why?

Giles: We've prevented the Master from freeing himself and opening the Mouth of Hell. That's not to say he's going to stop trying. I'd say the fun is just beginning.

Willow: More vampires?

Giles: Not just vampires. The next threat we face may be something quite different.

Buffy: I can hardly wait!

Giles: We're at the center of a mystical convergence here. We may, in fact, stand between the Earth and its total destruction.

Buffy: Well, I gotta look on the bright side. Maybe I can still get kicked out of school!

The three students continue to class. Giles stays behind and watches them go.

Xander: Oh, yeah, that's a plan. 'Cause lots of schools aren't on Hellmouths.

Willow: Maybe you could blow something up. They're really strict about that.

Buffy: I was thinking of a more subtle approach, y'know, like excessive not studying.

Giles: (Turns to go back to his library.) The Earth is doomed!