6/4: Flooded

[Techno-bot]

Written by Douglas Petrie and Jane Espenson
Directed by Douglas Petrie
Air Date: 10/16/01

Warren, Andrew, and Jonathan, bothersome geeks who Buffy has had to deal with before, have now banded together to form a 'super villains' team whose new mission is to take over Sunnydale.

[stage1]

The is recent review of "flooded " which shows the writers knew what they were doing setting season with this underated episode. Its good to see there isn't unanimous support of season 6 sucks mantra. the writer describes quite well every character direction for the season.

theworldisnotyellow.blogspot.com/2007/05/its-unbelievably-important-flooded-as.html

For a season which has garnered much negative criticism and sparked many a debate, the recognition of “Flooded” as a blueprint episode (in that so clearly establishes season six’s mission statement) can be particularly helpful. Once “Flooded” has been recognized as a blueprint episode, one cannot help but acknowledged that Buffy’s creators knew exactly where they intended to take the show during its sixth year, and that they achieved this goal admirably. “Flooded” sets out, inequitably, what themes the show will address during season six, but also how these stories will be told. The 19 episodes which follow “Flooded” rarely wander very far from what is firmly established in Petrie and Espenson’s modest episode.

[SpringSummers]

stage1 said:

The is recent review of "flooded " which shows the writers knew what they were doing setting season with this underated episode. Its good to see there isn't unanimous support of season 6 sucks mantra. the writer describes quite well every character direction for the season.

theworldisnotyellow.blogspot.com/2007/05/its-unbelievably-important-flooded-as.html

For a season which has garnered much negative criticism and sparked many a debate, the recognition of “Flooded” as a blueprint episode (in that so clearly establishes season six’s mission statement) can be particularly helpful. Once “Flooded” has been recognized as a blueprint episode, one cannot help but acknowledged that Buffy’s creators knew exactly where they intended to take the show during its sixth year, and that they achieved this goal admirably. “Flooded” sets out, inequitably, what themes the show will address during season six, but also how these stories will be told. The 19 episodes which follow “Flooded” rarely wander very far from what is firmly established in Petrie and Espenson’s modest episode.

I couldn't agree more! Thanks for sharing.

[Michelle]

stage1 said:

The is recent review of "flooded " which shows the writers knew what they were doing setting season with this underated episode. Its good to see there isn't unanimous support of season 6 sucks mantra. the writer describes quite well every character direction for the season.

theworldisnotyellow.blogspot.com/2007/05/its-unbelievably-important-flooded-as.html

For a season which has garnered much negative criticism and sparked many a debate, the recognition of “Flooded” as a blueprint episode (in that so clearly establishes season six’s mission statement) can be particularly helpful. Once “Flooded” has been recognized as a blueprint episode, one cannot help but acknowledged that Buffy’s creators knew exactly where they intended to take the show during its sixth year, and that they achieved this goal admirably. “Flooded” sets out, inequitably, what themes the show will address during season six, but also how these stories will be told. The 19 episodes which follow “Flooded” rarely wander very far from what is firmly established in Petrie and Espenson’s modest episode.

Thank you for sharing this essay! I really enjoyed it. Here is the comment I left at the blog site:

This was a very well-thought out essay. I had never considered Flooded as a blueprint ep, but you are absolutely correct. I especially liked the discussion of the importance of the living room vs. the basement as to how it relates to Buffy's psyche. It's also interesting to examine steps and doors in relation to Buffy & Spike's relationship throughout the series. They talk about finances on the back steps of her house, for example. She seems more comfortable discussing things outside than inside, just as in OMWF, when she goes outside away from the Scoobies to tell Spike that she was pulled out of heaven.

[Lola m]

stage1 said:

The is recent review of "flooded " which shows the writers knew what they were doing setting season with this underated episode. Its good to see there isn't unanimous support of season 6 sucks mantra. the writer describes quite well every character direction for the season.

theworldisnotyellow.blogspot.com/2007/05/its-unbelievably-important-flooded-as.html

For a season which has garnered much negative criticism and sparked many a debate, the recognition of “Flooded” as a blueprint episode (in that so clearly establishes season six’s mission statement) can be particularly helpful. Once “Flooded” has been recognized as a blueprint episode, one cannot help but acknowledged that Buffy’s creators knew exactly where they intended to take the show during its sixth year, and that they achieved this goal admirably. “Flooded” sets out, inequitably, what themes the show will address during season six, but also how these stories will be told. The 19 episodes which follow “Flooded” rarely wander very far from what is firmly established in Petrie and Espenson’s modest episode.

Very very interesting essay! Thanks for the link.

Some of my favorite parts of season 6 come out of, as the writer puts it, the theme of "the world is hell" or exploring the difficulties of becoming an adult. As the blogger puts it:

Real life challenges, like getting a loan, paying the bills, fixing leaky pipes, and finding a job, are what Buffy will face time and time again throughout the season. The show becomes about the little defeats of everyday life, about the various compromises that one must make in order to get by in the adult world. These new responsibilities forced on Buffy, and forced on all young adults, increasingly hinder her role as slayer.

Exploring the bad things that humans can do, through the Evil Trio and the mistakes made by all of the scoobies, is also one of my favorite things about season 6. Buffy without seasons 6 and 7 would have been a great show, certainly. But I agree with those who say that those final seasons ensured it was one of the greatest shows.

Also, much agreement re: appreciating all the writers, Doug Petrie and Jane Espenson in particular.

[KMInfinity]

Again thanks for the link Stage1.

Flooded has always been a big favorite of mine. I was never as eloquent in its support as this essay, but now I have a reference to use to make my points! I've used this episode as an intro for those who say they don't like supernatural stories, and in two cases it led to new fans who were able to access the show by focusing primarily on the way BtVS uses horror etc. as a metaphor. Yeah I know that's standard subtext, but I think in this episode it's more overt and hence more accessible.

Apropos the issue of "the best" seasons: One of those new fans went on to watch seasons 6 and 7, and only later went back to seasons 1-5. Her comment was that she couldn't be sure that it wasn't due to her intro via 6&7, but she thought they were the best seasons. Her argument was that those seasons expanded the themes and issues beyond more parochial concerns in S 1-4, and that going from season 7 to 1 made the developments very stark to her.

I find I especially agree with this paragraph:

During season six, for the first time it is Sunnydale’s human monsters that take centre stage. These human monsters certainly include the Trio (who slowly become more and more villainous as the season progresses) but it also includes characters like Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Spike; each one of whom will commit monstrous acts at some point in the season. Mary Alice Money has noted the “undemonization” of supporting characters on Buffy, and this certainly continues throughout season six, most notably with the introduction of the character Clem. More significant during season six, however, and certainly more prominent, is the demonization of the show’s human characters and protagonists.

[beccaelizabeth]

Flooded: Giles! Yaay Giles! with the smiling and talking and stuff!
I can see why some people think of him as a parental unit, cause it's like the youngers want to put him in that role, but he doesn't fit. In many interactions they're finishing sentences for him but he corrects them. Is interesting.
Also is amusing when he notices how often he gets hit on the head.

Willow is being very... it;s again difficult not to see the end from here. She's not big with the listening and she actually threatens him. And there's an example of that 'I'm the good guy so it's good' thinking that can get so creepy scary.

Dawn: proving screaming is a useful survival skill.

Geek trio: funny, yet icky.
but the actors are such nice guys, so I'm all, hi nice people! ... no, wait, creeps.

Giles! Yaays!
... I'm focused.

Spike being there for Buffy again. Is it that he puts less pressure on her from not having demands/expectations or just that she doesn't care about how he feels about things? like she has to be all 'better now!' for the people she likes so to not worry them but hey, it's only Spike, who cares.
but at this point they're not being bad to each other. is nice.

Also, did I mention Giles?
I miss seeing his tattoo in the scene in the kitchen. Not just because it makes for continuity issues. Just, Willow is acting like she's the only one in the room with power and magic and darkness, but Giles is speaking as one who really thoroughly knows.
Also, the Geek Trio could be not a million miles away from Giles-as-Ripper, though the culture they're basing their plans on is probably different.
... I just realised I've read more fics that were Doctor Who xovers than I've read fics where Giles has watched Doctor Who. Weird.
Anyways, am remembering all the reasons I wanted to write about Andrew as Giles' apprentice.
Giles is interesting.


Now I'm looking at my paperwork pile...s... and thinking maybe I should do something about those.

But not, probably, at two in the morning.

[Lola m]

I gotta say, the absolute explosion of water? Funny! I mean, yes, horrifying in real life, but also? Funny! ;D

OK, water imagery, comparing the scary flooding and the serene water that Buffy watches swirl down the drain (the direction all her money is heading, too, of course). But also? Part of me always thinks "if the plumber is here still looking into things, why isn't the water shut off?". But that's a minor thought.

Oh! Also? Willow is wearing the same camisole thingy she wore in The Body, 'cuz I remember a couple of her tears dropping down on it . . .

Continuation of Tara looking out for Dawn.

Ha! Also, continuity for the win! We briefly meet Xander's "kind of hit it off with" friend Tito!

One of the biggest themes of this season is totally laid out in this ep, isn't it? And that is reality. While there is of course going to be supernatural goings on, this season's big bad(s) and main character arcs are all about the reality of dealing with grown up lives now.

Heh! "Fire. Pretty." ;D

You know, in the past, I've sometimes gone the same route as others and thought "well, why not do what Anya says and start charging, look at Angel and his detective agency, etc. etc.". But really there is a big difference between charging people who hire you to investigate / fight something, and trying to charge after you've jumped in to stop someone from being killed. Not to mention the whole calling/duty thing.

On the other hand, I still think the Watcher's Council should be paying her or supporting her in some way.

Oh, Anya. Oh, Xander. Each of you really really really need to actually talk about things!! I can't really argue with either of what you're saying. Xander does really love her and want to marry her, but he is thinking the seriousness and reality of marriage and is wanting to take things a bit slowly and do it right. And Anya really does love him and she is also right that he is using those real feelings to help cover for his other feelings of pure terror and insecurity.

I've always thought that Buffy's get a loan solution was a poor choice. What she needs is, well, Anya and the banker dude had it right. She needs income.

Heeeeeeere comes the Troika! Love the oh so normal, if slightly New Joisey-ish, clothes that the Mmmmcookies'fashnik is wearing. ;D

Buffy pulls her emotions back once Willow notices she's having them. Hmmmmmmm.

Giles!!!! Man, the real love and the trepidation and the sharing and the holding back between Buffy and Giles. It's both wonderful and ouchy to watch.

Who is powerful enough to control the cookie monster demon? Well, of course the joke is they don't control him and are not that powerful. Only . . . Warren does manage to save himself by sending the demon straight to kill Buffy. Guess we should have paid attention to that little detail, yes?

But I still crack up in all these early scenes with them. "I trained flying demon monkeys to attack the school play! School play, dude!" ;D

Trying not to think about it. Sound policy. For tonight.

"Great power over weak minds." And we cut to the Willow and Giles scene in the kitchen. With the "do you have any idea what you've done" and the "maybe you better not piss me off". Why didn't I notice that edit before?

I continue to believe, though, that Giles maybe could have done something beyond just yell at Willow. I understand that this is very much pushing his buttons, thinking of his own earlier mistakes and all. But things would perhaps have gone differently if he'd provided some real training/guidance. Or pushed her towards a coven that would have done so.

On the other hand, that's not his job. On the other other hand, if not him, then who?

And mostly? He should never have said the "amateur" bit. That says more about his issues than hers.

Oh, second Buffy and Spike on the porch scene. **happy sigh**

Huh. I just realized, Spike speaks about how Giles "doesn't mean anything by it", he doesn't comment on Willow . . .

Nice job emphasizing the destructiveness of the fight scene. All the broken furniture and what not. ;D

And there it is. The dawning of the Troika's feeling of "we can do anything we want".

Run, Buffy, run.

[Lola m]

May 12, 2009 19:56:52 GMT -5 beccaelizabeth said:

Flooded: Giles! Yaay Giles! with the smiling and talking and stuff!
I can see why some people think of him as a parental unit, cause it's like the youngers want to put him in that role, but he doesn't fit. In many interactions they're finishing sentences for him but he corrects them. Is interesting.
Also is amusing when he notices how often he gets hit on the head.

Someone needs to get that man a helmet!

Willow is being very... it;s again difficult not to see the end from here. She's not big with the listening and she actually threatens him. And there's an example of that 'I'm the good guy so it's good' thinking that can get so creepy scary.

Once you've seen the ending of this season, I don't think you can watch any Willow scene the same way.

Dawn: proving screaming is a useful survival skill.

Geek trio: funny, yet icky.
but the actors are such nice guys, so I'm all, hi nice people! ... no, wait, creeps.

Kind of a nice parallel to Willow, really. Nice and funny and then, whoopsie, maybe not so much.

Giles! Yaays!
... I'm focused.

Well, it's a good place to focus.

Spike being there for Buffy again. Is it that he puts less pressure on her from not having demands/expectations or just that she doesn't care about how he feels about things? like she has to be all 'better now!' for the people she likes so to not worry them but hey, it's only Spike, who cares.
but at this point they're not being bad to each other. is nice.

Maybe a bit of all of those reasons? And also now that he knows the truth, he's the only one she can stop pretending with? Also, they just click with each other, when they let that happen?

And, yeah, it is nice.

Also, did I mention Giles?
I miss seeing his tattoo in the scene in the kitchen. Not just because it makes for continuity issues. Just, Willow is acting like she's the only one in the room with power and magic and darkness, but Giles is speaking as one who really thoroughly knows.

Or she's talking like she thinks she's his peer now, rather than someone who needs to defer to him.

Which, scarily, is kinda true.

Also, the Geek Trio could be not a million miles away from Giles-as-Ripper, though the culture they're basing their plans on is probably different.
... I just realised I've read more fics that were Doctor Who xovers than I've read fics where Giles has watched Doctor Who. Weird.
Anyways, am remembering all the reasons I wanted to write about Andrew as Giles' apprentice.
Giles is interesting.


Now I'm looking at my paperwork pile...s... and thinking maybe I should do something about those.

But not, probably, at two in the morning.

;D