1.4 Teacher's Pet

Plot Synopsis (Display)

Highlights

• Dr. Gregory's quiet encouragement of Buffy. He is able to see past her official record, and recognises her potential in a way it seems other teachers have not been able, or not cared enough, to do.
• The reaction of the whole gang to the death of Dr. Gregory. It is handled with a poignant simplicity and sympathy, from Buffy's visible grief, her refusal of a glass of water although she absent-mindedly takes it and sips, to Giles's "He was a civilised man. I liked him".

Unusual Weaponry

While lying on the ground, Buffy pulls a panel from a nearby picket fence to dispatch the "Fork Guy" vampire.

Buffy uses a combination of recorded bat sonar, bug spray and a machete to kill the She-Mantis.

Pop Culture References

Buffy: No, I'm not saying she craned her neck. We are talking full-on Exorcist twist"
Reference to once-banned movie "The Exorcist" in which the character Regan twists her head all the way round

When Buffy wonders why Blayne isn't in school, Willow responds with "Inquiring minds want to know".
This is the slogan of an American tabloid newspaper, The National Enquirer.

What We Learn

• Willow's surname is Rosenberg and Xander's middle name is Lavelle.
• Xander is a virgin.

Nitpicks

• Angel has a chain round his neck, and when he takes off his jacket to give to Buffy, you can briefly see the outline of what is attched to the chain, through his t-shirt - it appears to be a crucifix!
• Miss French suggests the class make some model egg sacs for the science fair, obviously just as an excuse to be alone with some of the boys. It seems kind of a childish occupation though - this is meant to be high-school, not second grade!