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1) This review will almost definitely contain spoilers for episodes after this one.
1) This review will almost definitely contain spoilers for episodes after this one.
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With that being said, let’s get started, shall we?
Out of every episode of “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, “New Moon Rising” might be the most bittersweet for most fans. After Oz’s heart-shattering departure at the end of “Wild At Heart” earlier this season, I was wondering if we’d ever see Oz again. Even though his second departure at the end of this episode is also sad, I’m totally of the opinion that Oz’s return had to happen in order for Willow and Tara to move forward together as a fully fledged couple. Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of people criticise Oz’s return in this episode, saying that it was unnecessary and ruined his goodbye in “Wild At Heart”. I couldn’t disagree more. There was zero closure to the Willow-Oz relationship when Oz disappeared last time. They broke up because of the werewolf inside of Oz. They both still loved each other, they both wanted to be together, they just couldn’t be yet. If this episode hadn’t taken place, I would have felt like Willow and Tara’s relationship was a ‘second best’ situation, which would of sucked because they’re arguably my favourite couple from “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”. I love the ending to this episode. I love that Willow and Tara are a true couple. I love that Joss Whedon was determined enough to fight for a lesbian relationship on the show. The impact that Willow and Tara’s relationship had on hundreds and hundreds of people can’t be overstated. The amount of messages I’ve received over the years giving Willow and Tara’s relationship credit for them coming out is astronomical. What I love about it is that it’s not in your face. It’s not a publicity stunt, it’s not shoved down your throat, it’s simply two people falling in love. It’s not treated any differently to other relationships we’ve seen on the show. Who cares what gender they are? What difference does it make? I have so much respect for Joss Whedon and the work he’s done for homophobia and feminism. During filming of “The Body”, the network tried to cut the first kiss on-screen between Willow and Tara, as Tara is comforting Willow over Joyce’s sudden death. Joss told the network that if they cut the kiss, he was leaving the show. The kiss remained.
On the other hand, “New Moon Rising” contains moments of genuine sadness. I can’t help but feel sorry for Oz. He left Willow, whom he still loved, in order to control his wolfish problem and return to Sunnydale as the man that he felt like he needed to be in order to be good enough for Willow. After succeeding in his task and returning to Sunnydale, he discovers that Willow has moved on. It’s not Willow’s fault. She didn’t know when or if Oz was ever coming back! Willow didn’t intend to fall in love with Tara, it just happened. However, as sad as it is to see Oz disappear from the show forever (excluding a dream sequence in “Restless”), I feel as though his story is told. Where could they with Oz from here? His werewolf problems are resolved, his relationship with Willow has closure, and he’s leaving on much better terms with everyone. What’s left for Oz to accomplish on “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”? It would have been cool to see him return for an episode or two down the line (perhaps to help take down Dark Willow or to visit Willow in England at the beginning of season seven when she’s trying to adjust to the world again), like Riley does, but outside of that there isn’t a great deal left for Oz in Sunnydale.
The episode opens with an adorable scene between Willow and Tara, who are talking about getting a cat. Tara mentions that they could call her ‘Miss. Kittyfantastico’, which they eventually do, of course. Best. Name. Ever. I have a three-year-old black cat myself, but I called him ‘Mysterio’, after the wrestling legend Rey Mysterio. Why, you ask? ‘Cause he likes to jump around a lot. One day, Mysterio was sleeping in the living room and my housemate’s cat decided to pounce on him. Before he managed to land, Mysterio had jumped up and spin-kicked him in the face. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. Hayley’s cat flew about 3 metres out the living room door! I’ve never been a more proud father...where was I?
The Scoobies are assembled in Giles’ house and out of nowhere Oz appears in the doorway. Holy awkward, Batman. Did anyone else literally scream at the television in shock when this happened? It wasn’t even a coherent noise. About twelve thoughts hit my head at the same time and I basically groaned like Chewbacca on helium. A rush of affection for Oz filled my icy heart. How have we survived the past 13 episodes without Oz’s one word answers and monotonic comebacks? How have we survived without his laconic nature? Why couldn’t Oz have been around for “Hush”?! His character wouldn’t have changed at all! He doesn’t bloody say anything anyway! Plus, you just know he was so chilled out he wouldn’t have been scared by The Gentlemen at all. He would have probably tried teaching them guitar.
I also get such joy out of Xander being the first person to come forward and greet Oz. After all of the drama between Xander, Willow, Oz, and Cordelia 18 months previously (due to Xander and Willow cheating), it’s nice to see that they’ve become close. Over the next couple of years, Xander makes a few references to missing Oz because Giles is the only other male member of the Scoobies outside of Xander for a long time. I’ve never really thought about how much of a vag-fest (I maintain that’s the opposite of a sausage-fest) “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” becomes after Oz and Riley leave. Even Giles leaves for a large portion of the show in the sixth and seventh seasons! The only males that remain are Xander and Spike...and Xander hates Spike. Ironically, “Angel” is a total sausage-fest! Cordelia and Fred are the only major female characters of the show. Harmony and Illyria are around during the last season, but they’re there to replace Cordy and Fred. Perhaps “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” could have had some form of exchange program in place...like, swap Anya and Gunn for a few episodes or swap Connor for Dawn. The possibilities are endless! Lorne and Anya would totally have been B.F.F.’s! They could have been all sassy together and talked about demons and money. There are some major tangents in this review thus far...
What I enjoy most about Oz’s return is how awkward and honest the whole affair is handled. Everyone is uncomfortable about Oz’s return, especially Willow, which she should be. Have you ever bumped into your ex randomly? 99% of the time: awkward. Especially if you were in a long-term relationship. Let’s not forget, Oz is Willow’s only love until Tara. She lost her virginity to Oz, she was in love with Oz, and she’d have done anything for Oz. When he returns, she doesn’t greet him happily and they go and skip through the daisies. She’s uncomfortable. She’s confused. She’s conflicted. Even though I completely understand his reasoning, Oz left Willow and broke her heart!
The revelation that Oz managed to control his werewolf side is such a wonderful moment for the show and for Oz’s character. Oz left with one goal in mind and he succeeded in that goal...how many times do things go to plan in the Buffyverse? Oz succeeded. He left Sunnydale to become a better man for the woman he loves. Woah, woah! Spike season six comparison, anyone? Spike leaves Sunnydale intent on regaining his soul to be the ‘man’ Buffy needs him to be. Look at the level of happiness and wonder on Willow’s face when she realises that herself and Oz are under a full moon. It’s incredible. There’s a rare feel good moment! Of course, this is the Buffyverse. We’re getting a feel good moment because the heartbreak of Oz’s second departure is imminent...bastards.
Oz: “I talked to Xander and he said you didn’t have a new guy.”
Willow: “No, no new guy.”
...Awkward...also, a great way of avoiding lying, Willow. Well played, you sneaky, sneaky Wicca, you. The only problem is that Willow isn’t the same person that she was when Oz left. She’s grieved for her relationship with Oz, she’s picked up the pieces of her life and her broken heart, and she’s moved on. In a lot of ways, she’s grown up too. She’s drifted from the Scoobies and her boyfriend left town. Combining those two things made Willow search for happiness internally for the first time and in doing so she discovered Tara and the fact that she had romantic feelings for a female.
Due to Willow’s internal Oz vs. Tara dilemma, she turns to Buffy. I’ve got to be honest, I’d have preferred Willow to come out to Xander first. They have much more history together and their bond is much more complex and deep. When you couple it with the ‘Yellow Crayon’ speech in “Grave”, I feel like Willow did Xander a disservice by not telling him first. However, for storytelling purposes in this episode, it had to be Buffy due to the similarities between Willow-Tara and Buffy-Riley, which become more apparent later. Buffy’s reaction to Willow coming out was realistic and oddly moving. Buffy was shocked and felt a little awkward, but then very quickly regained her composure and expressed to Willow how much she loved her and that it was okay. I like that Buffy didn’t sugarcoat things for Willow either. She told Willow that whatever Willow chooses, someone is going to get hurt. The important thing is that she chooses the person that is best for her.
Interestingly, discovering that Willow and Tara are involved with each other makes Oz wolf-out in the middle of the day! I can only conclude that suppressing all of that wolfishness during the full moon and the days that surround it leaves Oz more susceptible to it when the full moon isn’t out. How ironic. Oz is captured by The Initiative and taken away to be experimented on. Riley is completely ready to kill the werewolf until it transforms into Oz just before he’s about to shoot.
Even though this episode primarily focuses on the Oz-Willow-Tara love triangle, it also holds very important scenes for Buffy and Riley’s relationship. Coming from a background of The Initiative, Riley has very black and white views when it comes to ‘monsters’. Humans are good, vampires, demons, werewolves, and monsters are bad. Riley hasn’t met Angel, he hasn’t met Skyler, Sid the Dummy, and all of the other ‘good’ supernatural creatures over the years that the Scoobies have. It’s because of this that Riley can’t fathom Willow previously being in a relationship with a werewolf. Understandably, Buffy takes offence to Riley’s views on the situation because she previously dated Angel. In Riley’s defence, he doesn’t even know about her relationship with Angel until the conclusion of this episode. The cool thing about “New Moon Rising” is that it gives both Buffy and Riley room to grow as individuals and as a couple. After Riley helps Oz escape from The Initiative and he’s hiding in the ruins of Sunnydale High, he admits that he was being a bigot in relation to supernatural creatures. With Buffy’s influence, he’s starting to see the world as a beautiful shade of grey, as opposed to the black and white picture that was painted for him by The Initiative. In turn, after the revelation from Willow to Buffy that she was a lesbian, Buffy has become more understanding of Riley’s plight. She understands that Riley wasn’t being bigoted, he was just thrown by the idea of ‘good’ vampires, demons, and werewolves. It’s an entirely new concept for him and one that took a little getting used to...just like Buffy with Willow and Tara’s relationship. Oh, sweet parallels. What a terrifically written episode. Buffy uses this moment to fill Riley in on her past with Angel before disappearing to Los Angeles to confront Faith in the next “Angel” episode, “Sanctuary”.
This leads us to Oz’s departure from Sunnydale forever...even typing that sentence hurts.
The difference between “New Moon Rising” and “Wild At Heart” is that Oz is leaving the show on better terms. His story has come full circle. Willow has moved on and now it’s time for Oz to move on too. The scene is emotional, depressing, beautiful, and moving, all at the same time. Willow has made her choice and that choice is Tara. Oz was hoping that he would return to Sunnydale and Willow would have been waiting for him. However, life doesn’t always work out the way you planned it to. Oz was a fantastic character and he will be sorely missed, but it’s time for Willow to move on to the next chapter of her life...one that ultimately ends in black veins and a skinless Warren...please don’t leave, Oz! I’ve also got to mention for the thousandth time that Alyson Hannigan has the most brutally heart-wrenching crying face that I’ve seen in my life. You just want to dive through the TV and hug her. For those of you that don’t read the canonical comic book continuation of the series, Oz does return in “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” season eight. He’s living in Tibet and has a wife and child.
This forty minute journey leads us to the reason the episode exists. The reason why Oz returned. The moment that changed the lives of a generation of people...
Tara: “You have to be with the person you love.”
Willow: “I am.”
I’ve been punched in the feels and it feels good. Let’s not forget that this episode aired in early 2000, when gay and lesbian relationships weren’t all over television like they are today. Most of the gay relationships that came before Willow and Tara were treated as wrong, funny, or a momentary experiment by a character. Willow and Tara was one of the very first gay or lesbian couples that was treated as entirely normal. It wasn’t a political statement, it wasn’t a shock tactic for ratings, as I said at the introduction to this review, it was simply two people falling in love. How perfect is that?
I want to take a minute here to say how thankful I am that I grew up with “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and “Angel”. I can’t imagine how teenagers and young adults can grow up without it. It teaches you that being gay or lesbian is normal, it gives you morals, it gives you support, it shows you that you can create your own family in life and don’t necessarily need a perfect relationship with your parents to be successful, it shows you that you don’t have to have the perfect childhood to become a good person, that it’s okay to make mistakes, that everyone feels depressed and alone in school and after that, and, most importantly, it teaches you to keep fighting regardless of what life throws at you. The Buffyverse was a huge part of shaping me into the man I am today and without its guidance and empowering message to keep fighting, I simply wouldn’t be here today. I know that a lot of you feel the same way. People who don’t watch “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” will never understand its allure and why it means so much to those of us that do watch it.
Spike: “Would I be wearing this if I wasn’t on the up and up?”
Willow: “You do sort of look like an evil olive.”
Finally, Adam and Spike’s working relationship that comes to fruition in this episode is a natural fit. Adam needs Spike to help bring the Scoobies down from within and Spike can use Adam in order to get the chip removed from his head so he can become a monster again. Was this used as a way to make Spike relevant for the remainder of this season? Sure, but it fits, so why not? Spike hasn’t really served a purpose this season. It’s the primary reason why Joss decided to make Spike fall in love with Buffy at the beginning of season five. He wanted to keep James around so needed a reason to do so. However, I’ve absolutely adored the depressed, mopey Spike of season four, so I’m definitely not complaining.
Quote Of The Episode
Oz: “It was stupid to think that you’d just be waiting.”
Willow: “I was waiting. I feel like some part of me will always be waiting for you. Like, if I’m old and blue-haired, and I turn the corner in Istanbul and there you are, I won’t be surprised because you’re with me, ya know?”
Oz: “I know, but now it’s not that time, I guess.”
Willow: “No. What are you going to do?”
Oz: “I think I better take off.”
Willow: “When?”
Oz: “Pretty much now.”
FINAL SCORE: 7/10
What are your thoughts on "New Moon Rising"? Did you enjoy this episode? Dislike it? Let me know all your thoughts in the comments section below!
With that being said, let’s get started, shall we?
Out of every episode of “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, “New Moon Rising” might be the most bittersweet for most fans. After Oz’s heart-shattering departure at the end of “Wild At Heart” earlier this season, I was wondering if we’d ever see Oz again. Even though his second departure at the end of this episode is also sad, I’m totally of the opinion that Oz’s return had to happen in order for Willow and Tara to move forward together as a fully fledged couple. Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of people criticise Oz’s return in this episode, saying that it was unnecessary and ruined his goodbye in “Wild At Heart”. I couldn’t disagree more. There was zero closure to the Willow-Oz relationship when Oz disappeared last time. They broke up because of the werewolf inside of Oz. They both still loved each other, they both wanted to be together, they just couldn’t be yet. If this episode hadn’t taken place, I would have felt like Willow and Tara’s relationship was a ‘second best’ situation, which would of sucked because they’re arguably my favourite couple from “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”. I love the ending to this episode. I love that Willow and Tara are a true couple. I love that Joss Whedon was determined enough to fight for a lesbian relationship on the show. The impact that Willow and Tara’s relationship had on hundreds and hundreds of people can’t be overstated. The amount of messages I’ve received over the years giving Willow and Tara’s relationship credit for them coming out is astronomical. What I love about it is that it’s not in your face. It’s not a publicity stunt, it’s not shoved down your throat, it’s simply two people falling in love. It’s not treated any differently to other relationships we’ve seen on the show. Who cares what gender they are? What difference does it make? I have so much respect for Joss Whedon and the work he’s done for homophobia and feminism. During filming of “The Body”, the network tried to cut the first kiss on-screen between Willow and Tara, as Tara is comforting Willow over Joyce’s sudden death. Joss told the network that if they cut the kiss, he was leaving the show. The kiss remained.
On the other hand, “New Moon Rising” contains moments of genuine sadness. I can’t help but feel sorry for Oz. He left Willow, whom he still loved, in order to control his wolfish problem and return to Sunnydale as the man that he felt like he needed to be in order to be good enough for Willow. After succeeding in his task and returning to Sunnydale, he discovers that Willow has moved on. It’s not Willow’s fault. She didn’t know when or if Oz was ever coming back! Willow didn’t intend to fall in love with Tara, it just happened. However, as sad as it is to see Oz disappear from the show forever (excluding a dream sequence in “Restless”), I feel as though his story is told. Where could they with Oz from here? His werewolf problems are resolved, his relationship with Willow has closure, and he’s leaving on much better terms with everyone. What’s left for Oz to accomplish on “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”? It would have been cool to see him return for an episode or two down the line (perhaps to help take down Dark Willow or to visit Willow in England at the beginning of season seven when she’s trying to adjust to the world again), like Riley does, but outside of that there isn’t a great deal left for Oz in Sunnydale.
The episode opens with an adorable scene between Willow and Tara, who are talking about getting a cat. Tara mentions that they could call her ‘Miss. Kittyfantastico’, which they eventually do, of course. Best. Name. Ever. I have a three-year-old black cat myself, but I called him ‘Mysterio’, after the wrestling legend Rey Mysterio. Why, you ask? ‘Cause he likes to jump around a lot. One day, Mysterio was sleeping in the living room and my housemate’s cat decided to pounce on him. Before he managed to land, Mysterio had jumped up and spin-kicked him in the face. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. Hayley’s cat flew about 3 metres out the living room door! I’ve never been a more proud father...where was I?
(Mysterio at six weeks old...in a shoe)
The Scoobies are assembled in Giles’ house and out of nowhere Oz appears in the doorway. Holy awkward, Batman. Did anyone else literally scream at the television in shock when this happened? It wasn’t even a coherent noise. About twelve thoughts hit my head at the same time and I basically groaned like Chewbacca on helium. A rush of affection for Oz filled my icy heart. How have we survived the past 13 episodes without Oz’s one word answers and monotonic comebacks? How have we survived without his laconic nature? Why couldn’t Oz have been around for “Hush”?! His character wouldn’t have changed at all! He doesn’t bloody say anything anyway! Plus, you just know he was so chilled out he wouldn’t have been scared by The Gentlemen at all. He would have probably tried teaching them guitar.
I also get such joy out of Xander being the first person to come forward and greet Oz. After all of the drama between Xander, Willow, Oz, and Cordelia 18 months previously (due to Xander and Willow cheating), it’s nice to see that they’ve become close. Over the next couple of years, Xander makes a few references to missing Oz because Giles is the only other male member of the Scoobies outside of Xander for a long time. I’ve never really thought about how much of a vag-fest (I maintain that’s the opposite of a sausage-fest) “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” becomes after Oz and Riley leave. Even Giles leaves for a large portion of the show in the sixth and seventh seasons! The only males that remain are Xander and Spike...and Xander hates Spike. Ironically, “Angel” is a total sausage-fest! Cordelia and Fred are the only major female characters of the show. Harmony and Illyria are around during the last season, but they’re there to replace Cordy and Fred. Perhaps “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” could have had some form of exchange program in place...like, swap Anya and Gunn for a few episodes or swap Connor for Dawn. The possibilities are endless! Lorne and Anya would totally have been B.F.F.’s! They could have been all sassy together and talked about demons and money. There are some major tangents in this review thus far...
What I enjoy most about Oz’s return is how awkward and honest the whole affair is handled. Everyone is uncomfortable about Oz’s return, especially Willow, which she should be. Have you ever bumped into your ex randomly? 99% of the time: awkward. Especially if you were in a long-term relationship. Let’s not forget, Oz is Willow’s only love until Tara. She lost her virginity to Oz, she was in love with Oz, and she’d have done anything for Oz. When he returns, she doesn’t greet him happily and they go and skip through the daisies. She’s uncomfortable. She’s confused. She’s conflicted. Even though I completely understand his reasoning, Oz left Willow and broke her heart!
The revelation that Oz managed to control his werewolf side is such a wonderful moment for the show and for Oz’s character. Oz left with one goal in mind and he succeeded in that goal...how many times do things go to plan in the Buffyverse? Oz succeeded. He left Sunnydale to become a better man for the woman he loves. Woah, woah! Spike season six comparison, anyone? Spike leaves Sunnydale intent on regaining his soul to be the ‘man’ Buffy needs him to be. Look at the level of happiness and wonder on Willow’s face when she realises that herself and Oz are under a full moon. It’s incredible. There’s a rare feel good moment! Of course, this is the Buffyverse. We’re getting a feel good moment because the heartbreak of Oz’s second departure is imminent...bastards.
Oz: “I talked to Xander and he said you didn’t have a new guy.”
Willow: “No, no new guy.”
...Awkward...also, a great way of avoiding lying, Willow. Well played, you sneaky, sneaky Wicca, you. The only problem is that Willow isn’t the same person that she was when Oz left. She’s grieved for her relationship with Oz, she’s picked up the pieces of her life and her broken heart, and she’s moved on. In a lot of ways, she’s grown up too. She’s drifted from the Scoobies and her boyfriend left town. Combining those two things made Willow search for happiness internally for the first time and in doing so she discovered Tara and the fact that she had romantic feelings for a female.
Due to Willow’s internal Oz vs. Tara dilemma, she turns to Buffy. I’ve got to be honest, I’d have preferred Willow to come out to Xander first. They have much more history together and their bond is much more complex and deep. When you couple it with the ‘Yellow Crayon’ speech in “Grave”, I feel like Willow did Xander a disservice by not telling him first. However, for storytelling purposes in this episode, it had to be Buffy due to the similarities between Willow-Tara and Buffy-Riley, which become more apparent later. Buffy’s reaction to Willow coming out was realistic and oddly moving. Buffy was shocked and felt a little awkward, but then very quickly regained her composure and expressed to Willow how much she loved her and that it was okay. I like that Buffy didn’t sugarcoat things for Willow either. She told Willow that whatever Willow chooses, someone is going to get hurt. The important thing is that she chooses the person that is best for her.
Interestingly, discovering that Willow and Tara are involved with each other makes Oz wolf-out in the middle of the day! I can only conclude that suppressing all of that wolfishness during the full moon and the days that surround it leaves Oz more susceptible to it when the full moon isn’t out. How ironic. Oz is captured by The Initiative and taken away to be experimented on. Riley is completely ready to kill the werewolf until it transforms into Oz just before he’s about to shoot.
Even though this episode primarily focuses on the Oz-Willow-Tara love triangle, it also holds very important scenes for Buffy and Riley’s relationship. Coming from a background of The Initiative, Riley has very black and white views when it comes to ‘monsters’. Humans are good, vampires, demons, werewolves, and monsters are bad. Riley hasn’t met Angel, he hasn’t met Skyler, Sid the Dummy, and all of the other ‘good’ supernatural creatures over the years that the Scoobies have. It’s because of this that Riley can’t fathom Willow previously being in a relationship with a werewolf. Understandably, Buffy takes offence to Riley’s views on the situation because she previously dated Angel. In Riley’s defence, he doesn’t even know about her relationship with Angel until the conclusion of this episode. The cool thing about “New Moon Rising” is that it gives both Buffy and Riley room to grow as individuals and as a couple. After Riley helps Oz escape from The Initiative and he’s hiding in the ruins of Sunnydale High, he admits that he was being a bigot in relation to supernatural creatures. With Buffy’s influence, he’s starting to see the world as a beautiful shade of grey, as opposed to the black and white picture that was painted for him by The Initiative. In turn, after the revelation from Willow to Buffy that she was a lesbian, Buffy has become more understanding of Riley’s plight. She understands that Riley wasn’t being bigoted, he was just thrown by the idea of ‘good’ vampires, demons, and werewolves. It’s an entirely new concept for him and one that took a little getting used to...just like Buffy with Willow and Tara’s relationship. Oh, sweet parallels. What a terrifically written episode. Buffy uses this moment to fill Riley in on her past with Angel before disappearing to Los Angeles to confront Faith in the next “Angel” episode, “Sanctuary”.
This leads us to Oz’s departure from Sunnydale forever...even typing that sentence hurts.
The difference between “New Moon Rising” and “Wild At Heart” is that Oz is leaving the show on better terms. His story has come full circle. Willow has moved on and now it’s time for Oz to move on too. The scene is emotional, depressing, beautiful, and moving, all at the same time. Willow has made her choice and that choice is Tara. Oz was hoping that he would return to Sunnydale and Willow would have been waiting for him. However, life doesn’t always work out the way you planned it to. Oz was a fantastic character and he will be sorely missed, but it’s time for Willow to move on to the next chapter of her life...one that ultimately ends in black veins and a skinless Warren...please don’t leave, Oz! I’ve also got to mention for the thousandth time that Alyson Hannigan has the most brutally heart-wrenching crying face that I’ve seen in my life. You just want to dive through the TV and hug her. For those of you that don’t read the canonical comic book continuation of the series, Oz does return in “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” season eight. He’s living in Tibet and has a wife and child.
This forty minute journey leads us to the reason the episode exists. The reason why Oz returned. The moment that changed the lives of a generation of people...
Tara: “You have to be with the person you love.”
Willow: “I am.”
I’ve been punched in the feels and it feels good. Let’s not forget that this episode aired in early 2000, when gay and lesbian relationships weren’t all over television like they are today. Most of the gay relationships that came before Willow and Tara were treated as wrong, funny, or a momentary experiment by a character. Willow and Tara was one of the very first gay or lesbian couples that was treated as entirely normal. It wasn’t a political statement, it wasn’t a shock tactic for ratings, as I said at the introduction to this review, it was simply two people falling in love. How perfect is that?
I want to take a minute here to say how thankful I am that I grew up with “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and “Angel”. I can’t imagine how teenagers and young adults can grow up without it. It teaches you that being gay or lesbian is normal, it gives you morals, it gives you support, it shows you that you can create your own family in life and don’t necessarily need a perfect relationship with your parents to be successful, it shows you that you don’t have to have the perfect childhood to become a good person, that it’s okay to make mistakes, that everyone feels depressed and alone in school and after that, and, most importantly, it teaches you to keep fighting regardless of what life throws at you. The Buffyverse was a huge part of shaping me into the man I am today and without its guidance and empowering message to keep fighting, I simply wouldn’t be here today. I know that a lot of you feel the same way. People who don’t watch “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” will never understand its allure and why it means so much to those of us that do watch it.
Spike: “Would I be wearing this if I wasn’t on the up and up?”
Willow: “You do sort of look like an evil olive.”
Finally, Adam and Spike’s working relationship that comes to fruition in this episode is a natural fit. Adam needs Spike to help bring the Scoobies down from within and Spike can use Adam in order to get the chip removed from his head so he can become a monster again. Was this used as a way to make Spike relevant for the remainder of this season? Sure, but it fits, so why not? Spike hasn’t really served a purpose this season. It’s the primary reason why Joss decided to make Spike fall in love with Buffy at the beginning of season five. He wanted to keep James around so needed a reason to do so. However, I’ve absolutely adored the depressed, mopey Spike of season four, so I’m definitely not complaining.
Quote Of The Episode
Oz: “It was stupid to think that you’d just be waiting.”
Willow: “I was waiting. I feel like some part of me will always be waiting for you. Like, if I’m old and blue-haired, and I turn the corner in Istanbul and there you are, I won’t be surprised because you’re with me, ya know?”
Oz: “I know, but now it’s not that time, I guess.”
Willow: “No. What are you going to do?”
Oz: “I think I better take off.”
Willow: “When?”
Oz: “Pretty much now.”
FINAL SCORE: 7/10
What are your thoughts on "New Moon Rising"? Did you enjoy this episode? Dislike it? Let me know all your thoughts in the comments section below!
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I cried when Oz left. I was so conflicted as to who Willow should be with. Why not both since she loved them both but I totally understood why she chose Tara...I read the book where Oz met his wife so I'm glad he went back to her. Oddly he didn't cheat on Willow with her though, he told her about Willow. One of my favorite episodes even though I cried for about an hour after it aired.
ReplyDeleteI love Oz coming back and having a closure with Willow, but I hate it for very selfish reasons. I adore Oz , he and Willow are my favorite couple in both series. And it was hard to me assume that they are completely over. On the other hand, I'm glad they did this episode because Oz and Willow deserve a better end than just Oz being the boyfriend who left his girl after cheating on her. In other ideas it's interesting that, again, another person out of the gang realized that Tara/Willow are more than friends, I know it has to do with Oz being a werewolf. But Faith and Oz discovered their relationship unlike Buffy and the rest of the scoobies who even after meeting Tara they didn't know about their mutual feelings until Willow tells them. Anyway, good review and goodbye Daniel "Oz" Osbourne I will always be waiting for your spin off and will always be in my heart :'(
ReplyDeleteI had nothign against Oz but he did little for me. So my feelings in this were obvious. But I agree that closure was important, not just for the charcater s but for us.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree with the people who feel W&T had never had sex before this, but I agree with you this made them into A Couple. Glad Buffy was supportive but stay tuned!
I don't think you really *meant* to say that Joss has done a lot "*for* homphobia", thing is the corresponding term to "feminsim" for affinity, last I read anything, was "homoerotophilic," which is too much a technical term to become popular.
And, correct me if I'm wrong, but are men *allowed* to use a word like "vag-fest"?
Never thought much about Anya and Lorne interatcing well but now you've suggested it dot dot dot. Although I did have him as her escort in my idea for Buffy and Angel's wedding in my main ficverse. (He was Second Groomsman and she was Second Bridesmaid so it's obvious. She is amused at Xander's discomfort escorting Cordelia.) D'C'A'
I think one of the most important things about the episode was that both of Willow's loves gave her space to choose. Tara particularly. That selflessness and sweetness would later blossom into the moral center of the Scoobies in season six.
ReplyDeleteI always cry whenever I watch "Wild at Heart". I loved Willow and Oz and it took me a while to warm up to Willow and Tara. What I HATED most about W/T was it seemed to be a ploy to attract more male viewership. It also seemed VERY cliche. Girl meets boy, falls in love with boy, boy cheats and girl suddenly decides she is a lesbian to deal with the hurt of boy cheating. I would have preferred it if Willow had been gay all along, perhaps having a crush on Cordelia during HS would have been interesting. I know in hindsight we got some "hints" about Willow being gay in Dopplegangland but that was easily dismissed at the time due to the plot of the ep. OTOH I am also glad that the verse didn't pull the whole one and done and or LUG (Lesbian Until Graduation) treatment on W/T either. Or in this case it would have been LUTSE (Lesbian Until The Season/Series Ends) It astounds me that the Scoobies haven't figured out at the beginning of the ep that Tara is Willow's gf. With such an insular group you'd think they would ask THEMSELVES what Tara brought to the table. I love that Oz, Mr. Stoic himself not only wanted to prove his worthiness but also sought to atone for his past with Veruca. Side note- Ever think that it was The Hellmouth itself that brought about the uberwolfiness that drew Oz to Veruca. This show has proven that nothing good happens or lasts very long on ye old Hellmouth. In any event glad this ep helped open Riley's eyes to the tyranny of The Initiative and that the world is not so black and white; something you'd think a soldier and grad student might have LEARNED by now in other areas of life. But then again perhaps this was what the ep was trying to impart. Lastly IMO Riley should have figured out that Buffy had encountered some decent demons in her time and that was PART of the reason she fought so hard for Oz. It was established that he was Willow's bf not her's so he had to have had an inkling she was involved with someone otherworldly... Ok I lied about that "Lastly" part it would have been phenomenal to see Oz back in season 6 challenging Dark Willow WITH Xander. Her ex and her best friends would have made a more believable and nostalgic affect than just wimpy heart boy confronting her alone. If he couldn't come back for season 6 I would have settled for him comforting Willow in England. I can see Giles now opening the door for him while saying "I thought you could use the support of an old friend" Audience gasps, thinking it is Buffy or Xander or even Tara brought back through good magic...
ReplyDeleteOkay just watched this ep again and I have some critiques, First off, I found Willow's deceit troubling and she wasn't respecting Tara very much. When Oz first arrived she didn't even introduce Tara. She then immediately made plans with Oz IN FRONT OF TARA. She didn't call Tara in the interim to explain the situ. She then came out to Buffy (JUST BUFFY). However this could have been because only Buffy knew what it was like to date a "monster" AND her current bf was giving her flack about Willow. Subtext anyone? Anywho during said discussion with Buffy she mentioned HAVING feelings for Oz. PRESENT tense. When she talked to Tara she said she HAD feelings for Oz. Could her feelings have gone from present to past in the course of a day (Buffy mentioned that the events took place in the course of a day,or perhaps two) ? Again poor Tara, which might as well be short for Terrorized at this point. This marks the THIRD time Tara has been chased by a monster. The first being her intro ep to the show where she was chased by the Gentlemen in Hush and ran right into Willow. The second when she was chased by the Jonathan residual monster in Superstar, and now once again when she was chased by the Oz-wolf. I think Joss did the damsel in distress angle to death with Tara this season. I also found it odd that Buffy wanted Xander to accompany her to sneak into the Initiative and NOT Willow because it was "too dangerous." It smacked of sexism to me since Willow would be of more use being a Wicca and all. All Xander had to offer was some military knowledge he acquired 2 seasons ago. BTW, anyone ever wonder how he managed to retain this knowledge but "forget" about the knowledge of himself as a cannibalistic hyena pack member? Where was the savage nature when it was needed Harris? Not saying he should have been chowing down on anyone but I think my point has been made. Willow insisted on going but didn't use magic(?) I found this ep to be about morality, prejudice and facing one's feelings. Kudos to Tara, this ep begins her role as the moral compass of the show.
ReplyDeleteFrom what we've seen, Willow and Xander were closer. But remember, Willow and Buffy have been roommates this entire season. They have grown closer without a doubt from that alone.
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