Buffy Episode 3.5: Homecoming

Welcome to our discussion of Buffy Season 3 Episode 5: Homecoming; Wherein a surprise date with Cordelia messes up Buffy's date with Faith. Our drinks this time are Slayerfest and The Spatula of Empowerment. 

Before we get too far, please make sure to take advantage of Plottr’s final days of it’s amazing sale before it’s gone! You can find more out about Plottr here. 

In this, our second try at recording this episode thanks to some technological epic failure, we discuss further out theories about the previous episode and just how gay it—and possibly Oz—are before we move on to bigger and better things. We talk at length about Snard’s theory about what is really going on between Xander and Willow, whether or not Angel knows he has a tattoo, more cargo for the ship of Buffy and Faith, and a whole lot more. 

As always, thank you for sticking through the rocky road of technical issues and life things this year, and please make sure to share us with your Buffy-loving friends and anyone else who might enjoy the show. Thank you for listening!

Buffy Episode 3.4: Beauty and the Beasts

Welcome to our discussion of Buffy Season 3 Episode 4: Beauty and the Beasts; wherein all men are beasts, Buffy.

Our drinks this time are the Toxic Heteronormatini and the Irish Tourist—for recipes make sure to check out our Buffytails page at www.worldwithoutshrimp.com. 

Now on to the show: after Snard reinforces her theory of episode 3 being from Angel’s point of view, we begin our long-running discussion of episode order and how they match a similar pattern on Buffy’s journey through each season. This episode is working under almost pure metaphor for all of our poor scoobies, and we realize early on that it might just be the queerest episode of Buffy—and possibly television—ever. Faith has shown up and presented herself as a possible love interest for Buffy, and so our cast and parts of Buffy suddenly halt and catch fire in their attempt at reinforcing heteronormativity. 

Please make sure to take advantage of the amazing deal on Plottr our friend Cameron Sutter is offering for National Novel writing month and help support our podcast at the same time. Also, if you want to read more about writing and track Snard's National Novel Writing Month, make sure to visit www.michelletuckett.com. 

Thank you as always, for listening, sharing, commenting, and generally being the best Gentle Listeners in all the land. Stay tuned next time for Season 3 Episode 5: Homecoming.

Buffy 3.3: Faith, Hope & Trick Part 2

Welcome to the second of our 2-part podcast of Buffy Season 3, Episode 3: Faith, Hope & Trick; wherein... OMG Faith is here!!! We pick up where we left off in our very long discussion of the introduction of one of Buffy's most enduring (in more ways than one) characters, and we are loving every minute of it. 

We discuss in greater detail the production coding showing Faith as a viable and very real romantic interest for Buffy (sorry, Scott... not), and also investigate Faith's introduction as a means by which the cast, audience, and plot can re-investigate Buffy's past as a slayer and come to new understanding and new ground. Faith is the introduction of a true shadow for Buffy, allowing her greater space to grow and flesh out as a character in ways the Scoobies couldn't accommodate. 

We also have a pretty awesome revelation at the end about the real trick in the episode and exactly how Angel returned when he did. Just listen... we think we're brilliant. 

We want to thank you so much for listening, sharing, and supporting us. We are approaching our first anniversary, and we have lots of expansions and new ideas in store. Stay tuned! 

**A note from Snard: I want to thank everyone for their comments, emails, and messages of concern and encouragement. Right before posting the last episode, I tried a new ADHD medication that disrupted the equilibrium of my normally happy brain chemicals and had to take time out for self care. We are back and ready to go though, and have been recording while I've taken a break from edits, so there's plenty more where this came from. **

Buffy 3.3: Faith, Hope & Trick Part 1

Welcome to our 2-part podcast Buffy Season 3, Episode 3: Faith, Hope & Trick; wherein... OMG Faith is here!!! Plus, Trick, some floppy-haired dink, and the return of Angel: now with more naked! We have been anticipating the appearance of Faith since our show's inception and have many, many things to say. As always, we discover deeper themes and meanings than what is meant to be seen on the surface, and we work to uncover what is really going on. 

Among the character developments as well as comings and goings around town, we discuss all that is hidden, including what Buffy's dream of Angel and the ring means (it's a trick... get it?), deeper myths that are beginning to come together, and, well.. a ton. Through Faith, we also get to discuss production coding as a way to recognize gay/bi/queer characters as discussed at greater length in The Celluloid Closet, which explains much of how we see such heavy queer themes where many have detected none: and boy, do we detect a few. 

Please remember that this is a 2-part episode, so make sure to check back this week for part 2 on this same post (in edits now). 

And as always, thank you so much for listening, sharing us with your Buffy-loving friends, commenting, and liking us on Facebook. And thank you SO very much for your patience with our schedule since things have slowed down to terribly this year. We promise we will be back to a regular posting schedule as soon as possible.  

**Please forgive us for any audio issues we have had and are having for the next few issues. Some failing equipment caused some serious anomalies that had to be edited around. We have since fixed the problems with massive equipment upgrades, but we have a few episodes yet to get past before it will get WAY better. **

Buffy Episode 3.1: Anne

It's hard to believe we're at season 3! And boy do we start out with a bang in our discussion of Buffy Season 3 Episode 1: Anne; Wherein Buffy, Slayer of the Vampires, falls down 6 times and gets up 7. In this episode we see Buffy once again coming to terms with her own resurrection - a theme that will last throughout for all season opening for this show. Her life as she knew it was over, and she is putting the pieces back together in a spartan apartment on the “poor side of town” (Hi, Faith) while her friends and mother still manage to scapegoat her from afar. We see a lot of interesting character movements coming down the pipeline from all characters in foreshadowing and misunderstandings and we also see a glimpse of the Slayer we know Buffy can be - despite being in mourning and trying to not be the hero, she steps up and kicks ass in glorious fashion when the times comes, all while paralleling Angel’s unseen journey through the underworld and also many clues into how to interpret his words and actions once he returns. Stay tuned for some dynamite work on the Greek Myth front with this development. 

We talk a lot about the movements of all Buffy's parts here, discuss Buffy's deeper slayer self, and also inspect many foreshadowings and deeper currents illustrated by the Scoobies that will come to light as time goes by in future episodes. Plus, we get a pretty dope costuming metaphor with Lily's Rocky Horror shirt and parallels to the Rocky Horror Picture Show. This is only the beginning of an amazing season of television.

And make sure to pay attention to our new feature of the podcast: Buffy-themed cocktails created by us and tailored for each episode. 

As always, thank you so much for listening and helping us boost our signal. Even though it's been two full seasons now, we feel like we're just getting started. Please make sure to like us on Facebook, visit our website, and share us with your Buffy-loving friends.

And because we mentioned Nathan Fillion, we have to share this: 

Brian and Nick discover their outer beauty. Buy BriTANicK T-shirts!!!! http://britanick.spreadshirt.com Cast: Christian Ani Mariel Booth Amanda Crew Frankie the Bulldog Nathan Fillion Christian Guidi Director of Photography: Jay Hunter (with an alley-oop by Danny Grunes) Song: "Safari" - Teen Girl Scientist Monthly Makeup: Bebe Gene Special Thanks: Dante Fernandez Ben Joseph Sam Kirsch Chris Knauer T.J.

Buffy Episode 2.21: Becoming Part 1

In our show we discuss Buffy Season 2 Episode 21: Becoming Part 1; Wherein Angelus demonstrates once again that he is really smart, but also really fucking stupid; Kendra, Slayer of the Vampyres, breaks the first rule of slaying; and, offscreen in Boston, the next slayer is called.

This episode is the first half on one of the most impactful season ends in the history of television. There is an incredible scope of storytelling and foreshadowing going on, all while masterfully expanding our understanding of Angel as a character as well as seeing the origin story of our vampire cast, our knowledge of the Buffyverse, and our big feels that lead up to the heartbreak at the end of the season. We also see very interesting work at expanding our conversation about what happens when you become a vampire and how who you were before and how you are turned dictate much of what type of demon you will become. 

We talk about a lot and cover a ton of very interesting ideas. Among them, the possible origins of Acathla, our glimpse into Scoopy normality, the brilliant conflicts between the characters as both metaphor and people, and work at moving forward with queer metaphors. 

Thank you so much for listening! Please make sure to like us on Facebook, visit our website, comment wherever you see fit to keep the conversation going, and as always we are happy to hear from you if you email us any time at info@diogenesclubpodcast.com. 

We’ll see you next time for Becoming Part 2

And in case you wanted to get more information on queerness and production coding, allow us to present The Celluloid Closet: 

Buffy Episode 2.19: I Only Have Eyes For You

In today's show we talk at great length about Buffy Season 2 Episode 19: I Only Have Eyes for You - Wherein we watch a little masterpiece. We discuss the transcendent nature of this episode in particular, as well as discuss some potent foreshadowing, the potential time-disruptive influence of Angelus and the Slayer on the Hellmouth's magic. We speculate on a lot, actually, including whether or not Snider is human.

This episode is a major turning point in the course of Buffy and Angel and is famous for showing Joss Whedon that David Boreanaz had what it took to cary his own show. We also see a major turning point in this episode in how Angelus decides to deal with his emotions and Buffy, and explore the flipping of the typical gender narrative which will carry us through next week's episode. 

As always thank you so much for listening. Be sure to like us on Facebook, go to our website for updates and extras, and as always, we would love to hear from you - info@diogenesclubpodcast.com

And in case you feel the need to watch this again because we brought it up and it is impossible to talk about this song without wanting to watch it. 

Buffy Episode 2.15: Phases

In today’s episode, Buffy is going through a few things and so is our new Scooby Oz. That’s right, it’s Buffy Season 2, Episode 15: Phases: Wherein Angelus, Larry the Closet Case, a werewolf hunter named Kane, and Oz all give us different versions of the “all men are beasts” theory later posited by Faith is Season 3. 

And really, the subtitle says just about all we can say. This episode works both to examine toxic masculinity as well as showing us the inner workings of Buffy dealing with the loss of Angel to Angelus in beautifully orchestrated metaphor through the Scoobies, as well as the reflection that a beast doesn’t have to be a monster, as Oz proves. We also get to see Cordy and Willow bond over their tipping of the gender norm tables and that scene never gets old (“Who do they think they are?” “A couple of guys.”)

As always, please keep commenting, liking, sharing, reviewing, and all the other wonderful things you do to help boost our signal and give us feedback. And you can always contact us directly on info@diogenseclubpodcast.com. 

Also, keep in mind that sometime this week or next, Michelle/Snard will have finished re-mastering the sound on our old episodes and will be refreshing the podcast feed, so if things go all wonky, that’s why.

Buffy Episode 2.14: Innocence

Happy Birthday, Buffy! No seriously, though. The 10th is Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s 20th anniversary. And we feel old.

Welcome to the second part of the epic duo episodes that chronicle Angel going all Angelus and we are both misty eyed and amused at once. Today, we discuss Buffy Season 2 Episode 14 Innocence: Wherein all ye know and all ye need to know is ROCKET LAUNCHER. 

We talk about… well, a lot of stuff. Seriously, like, a lot. Just listen. But among all of it, we discuss Michelle’s (Snard’s) theory and in-depth research about the coded language of leather and velvet in the power dynamic of Angel and Buffy. There will be a post on Michelle’s Blog about it, so if you don’t follow everything, we have you covered. Also, we talk about Angel’s history, add some cargo onto Michelle’s ship of Angel and Spike. 

Did we mention rocket launcher?

Make sure to stay tuned for Michelle’s blog, and make sure to read Jen’s blog as well, and let us know what you like or would enjoy reading. Also, we’re still collecting iTunes reviews for our incentive goal. 

And as always, help us boost our signal by visiting our website, liking us on Facebook, sharing us with your Buffy-loving friends, and keeping in touch by emailing us at info@diogenesclubpodcast.com.

Buffy Episode 2.13: Surprise

In today’s episode, we discuss the unforgettable Buffy Season 2 Episode 13 Surprise: Wherein Oh shit! It’s Buffy’s birthday! We have a TON of material that we cover, not the least being the possible meanings behind the prevalence of water and rain in this episode as well as the indications for who’s perspective we might be filtering this episode through. We also speculate heavily (and brilliantly, if we do say so) on the nature of Angel’s curse and what *true happiness* means. 

Oh yeah, and Willow and Oz become A Thing finally - or at least Willow says the word “date,” and Oz very calmly is indoctrinated into the Scoobies. Welcome, Oz. 

We are still working on getting reviews on iTunes to help us get to our incentives, so please help us out and write even just a few words about what you think of us. It helps us immensely. Also be sure to like us on Facebook for news and such, comment on the website, and feel free to email us at info@diogenesclubpodcast.com any time. 

Thank you so much for listening.

Buffy Episode 2.12: Bad Eggs

**Please note that we have received some feedback about quiet audio, and we hear you (even if you couldn’t hear us!) The latest episodes have had a volume boost, and Snard is hard at work remastering all of our previous episodes for re-release as soon as possible. Let us know if we sound better!**

In today’s episode, we discuss Buffy season 2 Episode 12 Bad Eggs wherein we are inexplicably entertained by what is supposed to be a bad episode. Though this episode is primarily a bit of fluff and fun to carry us through the tempestuous emotions of the season’s coming turn of fate, we uncover that a lot more is going on than meets the eye initially, including some musical foreshadowing and cues, a little potential backstory of Angel’s darker days (and a fantastic cult film reference), as well as the fluctuating dynamics between the truth about Buffy’s life and her mother that will come to a breaking point by the end of the season. It’s a pretty fascinating time. 

We also discuss some changes to our review incentives we’re offering: ten iTunes reviews and Michelle/Snard will perform One Night in Bangkok, fifteen, and we will allow a vote on what will be done, and at twenty reviews, we will give our analysis and attentive treatment to the masterpiece of crowdfunding and cinema: Kung Fury. 

We really want to do these extra things, so please, please help us by posting an honest review. Also, like us on Facebook for updates and conversation, and always feel free to comment on our website (www.diogenesclubpodcast.com) or email us at info@diogenesclubpodcast.com.

Buffy Episode 2.11: Ted

Today we celebrate Valentine’s Day Hellmouth-style with our discussion of Buffy Season 2 Episode 11 Ted: Wherein Buffy performs several acts that she will deny for the rest of the series. We investigate the possibly Greek myth themes of Ted and the other robots found on the Hellmouth (hint: it’s Pygmalion) and also it’s heavy foreshadowing of Faith’s character arc and vulnerabilities along with some incredibly strong similarities between Ted and the Mayor. We also track Joyce’s downward momentum as Buffy’s mom and introduce the Faith and Buffy Bell. 

One of the very interesting aspects of this episode is how much it exposes the vulnerabilities and character arc of Faith later on and sets the stage for a lack of understanding that leads to her to working with the Mayor. Once again, we see that there’s no such thing as a standalone episode of Buffy.  

We’re still trying to get 10 reviews on iTunes to help boost our signal, and Michelle (Snard) is eagerly working on incentives and rewards for as soon as our milestones of 10, 15, and 20 reviews are reached. 

Thank you so much for listening! 

For reference, Manslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as discussed in our episode.

Buffy Episodes 2.9 & 2.10: What's My Line Parts 1 & 2

Welcome to our discussion of Buffy Season 2 Episodes 9 and 10, What’s My Line Part 1: Wherein we meet Kendra, Slayer of the Vampyres, and What’s My Line Part 2: Wherein Buffy’s only child syndrome makes an appearance for what will not be the last time. 

We make some observation about linguistic cues into the relationships between Spike, Angel, and Drucilla and some reasons Spike has to be jealous, begin our tracking of how the nature of the slayer and her lifecycle work (and which of the two slayers are actually the real one). We get to have a window via Kendra into the typical life of a Vampyre slayer and just how different Buffy is from the rest. We also discuss the evolution of Bangel and the blossoming of their shadow-relationship of Xander and Cordelia, all of which sets us up for the heartache we know is coming. We would also be remiss if we didn’t mention the crazy chemijstry between Angel and Dru and how their scene reveals the depth of the torment that Angelus visited on his object of lust, which might be relevant. 

Don’t forget our review incentives! When we get to 10 iTunes reviews, we are offering a big reward on our website www.diogenesclubpodcast.com wherein Snard will display her lack of shame by singing One Night in Bangkok, and the more reviews we get, the more extras will be created just for you — you might even get to tell us what you’d like to see next.

Buffy Episode 2.8: The Dark Age (Ripper Arc 3 of 3)

Here we conclude our third and final episode of our Ripper Arc episodes with Buffy Season 2 Episode 8 The Dark Age: Wherein there is more Ripper (and more Ethan. Yay!). In this episode, Giles’ Ripper past comes back to haunt him in the most literal and worst way possible. We get to see Giles at his worst and from that as a consequence, we get to see the Scoobies and their metaphorical roles have to handle a difficult situation without Buffy’s mind. We also get to see Angel do something pretty helpful and bad ass. 

We learn though this episode (as well as the others) not only that Giles has a dark past, but also that he has a dark alter-ego just beneath the surface at all times. We are also rewarded with some heavy foreshadowing and interesting character movements that set us up for the next heartbreaking and amazing chapter of Buffy.

Michelle (Snard) also introduces her incentive to help us get more reviews to help us boost our ratings. It involves music. And singing. Review us on iTunes, and good and things will happen. 

One more time, please help us boost our signal, dear Gentle Listeners, in whatever ways you can. We are always, always happy to hear from you on the interwebs, facebook, or you can reach us at info@diogenesclubpodcast.com.

As discussed earlier, make sure to check out the fabulous Jonathan Coulton song RE:Your Brains and the irresistibly funny Eddie Izzard. 

Be seeing you….

As discussed earlier, make sure to check out the fabulous Jonathan Coulton song RE:Your Brains

 and the irresistibly funny Eddie Izzard. 

Buffy Episode 2.7: Lie to Me (Ripper Arc 2 of 3)

In this, our second episode of the Ripper Arc, we discuss Buffy Season 2 Episode 7 Lie to Me: Wherein Giles weaves a breathtaking, heartbreaking lie. And everyone lies to everyone else. 

This episode is rife with symbolism and metaphor from beginning to end, taking us much deeper into the lies told by everyone — Giles, in particular. We also continue the returning of Angel’s past, and have many of his old issues come to the foreground as he struggles internal with past deeds - much as Giles is in our three episodes. We also have some hard truths coming Buffy’s way, and one of the saddest monologues in the whole of Buffy. 

We are so grateful to you, our Gentle Listeners. Please keep liking, sharing, and reviewing us anywhere you see fit and as always, we would love to hear from you — you can always reach us by commenting anywhere online or email us at info@diogenesclubpodcast.com.

And because we wax poetic about this episode's discussion by Passion of the Nerd:

Buffy Episode 2.6: Halloween (Ripper Arc 1 of 3)

Today in our first episode of our Ripper Arc, we discuss the much-beloved Buffy Season 2 Episode 6 Halloween: Wherein Buffy damsels herself and Angel is not impressed, and we meet Ripper and the chaotically cunning Ethan Rayne.

We are finally here - the Ripper episodes! So make yourself a creamy or crunchy peanut butter sandwich (trust us, you’ll want one) and settle in for our 3-episode arc investigating Gile’s dark and difficult past coming back to haunt him and launching us into the consequences of unresolved past actions, and preparing us for some further secrets coming to light. We discuss many things including the tension Buffy feels with Angel’s past, some stellar acting from Nicholas Brendon, and also excellent work done by the prop and set dressing departments. Also, Latin. And Greek gods. 

We are so grateful to you, our Gentle Listeners. Please keep liking, sharing, and reviewing us anywhere you see fit and as always, we would love to hear from you — you can always reach us by commenting anywhere online or email us at info@diogenesclubpodcast.com. 

We’ll be seeing you in our next episode of the Ripper Arc, Lie to Me, coming up next.

And just in case you want to see Anthony Steward Head flirting his ass off, we'll leave this here. 

Buffy Episode 2.4: Inca Mummy Girl

In today's episode, we discuss Buffy Season 2 Episode 4 Inca Mummy Girl: Wherein Xander Continues His streak. We discuss the continuing overall themes and movements, some interesting parallels between the attraction between Buffy and Angel and Xander and Not-Ampata (aka the Life-Sucking, Twinkie-Mauling, Puzzle-Smashing asshole), and many other tiny hints of other things yet to come as well as the inner workings of the Scoobies and their reflection of Buffy's difficulties adjusting to her new life and relationship to being The Slayer post-mortem.

Please make sure to like us on Facebook, share us with your Buffy-loving friends, and review us on your listening platform of choice to help boost our signal. And as always, we are happy to hear from you in the comments or at info@diogenesclubpodcast.com. 

Thank you for listening! 

Buffy Episode 2.3 School Hard

They're heeeere! In this episode, we discuss Buffy Season 2 Episode 3:School Hard, Wherein We Meet Spike And Dru! (Insert girlish squeal of delight.) We delve into the metaphorical meanings behind Spike's presence in Buffy's life, expose a new shadow self for out plucky slayer, and examine some pretty interesting wardrobe meanings. 

Also, did we mention Spike and Dru? 

Please make sure to share us with your Buffy-loving friends, like us on Facebook, and comment anywhere you like, or email us at info@diogenesclubpodcast.com to keep the conversation going. Also, we'd be pleased as punch if you'd write us a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or your listening platform of choice. 

Last but not least, if you have some time to kill, you can watch the reason Jen no longer watches anime: Unico and the Island of Magic

Buffy Episode 2.1 When She Was Bad

A Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone! In today's episode, we talk about the second part of Buffy's resurrection story in Buffy Season 2 Episode 1 When She was Bad: Wherein We Find Out What Slayers are Like if They Don't Have Friends or Family But Do Have PTSD.

Many revelations abound in this episode, not the least among them the fact that David Boreanaz is the one in the Master's makeup in Buffy's dream.

Have a fantastic holiday in whatever way you choose, and please make sure to review us on iTunes or Stitcher, like us on Facebook, and start a discussion if you have any thoughts to add. We'll see you next time when we resume our normal posting schedule. 

Buffy Episode 1.11 Out of Mind Out of Sight

Today we discuss Buffy Season 1 Episode 11 Out of Mind Out of Sight: Wherein We All Lament That Our High School Experience Didn't Result in us Becoming Invisible Assassins. We examine the use of Cordelia as Buffy's shadow-self and see her come into her own as a character and as a reluctant member of the Scoobies, as well as discuss some foreshadowing for the episode to come and further our analysis of color language. 

Special thanks to our friends at Image Eyes downtown for being awesome and helping Jen get some cool new spectacles. Make sure to mention us when you go there for a special deal. 

Please make sure to review us on your platform of choice and share us with your Buffy-loving friends to help us boost our signal!