Prepare to sit on your couch and get slayed this summer. Logo is planning a 30-hour Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathon June 11 to 13. And, better yet, they’re going to let us pick the episodes. If you’re not squealing with delight right now I’m going to consider you an undead American (or whatever your country of origin) and look for a stake.
Logo is letting fans vote online for their Top 10 episodes, with the 30 biggest vote getters airing for the marathon. Which seems like the perfect time to petition for my favorite episodes. Sure, I own all seven seasons on DVD. But there’s nothing like watching the show complete with commercial breaks as the gods of capitalism intended.
So with that, my Top 10, in chronological order:
10. “Prophecy Girl,” Season 1
Beating Mr. Fruit Punch Mouth was the first time Buffy died and the first great season finale, though not the last for either.
9. “Bad Girls,” Season 3
Faith, Buffy, dancing — I rest my case.
8. “Doppelgangland,” Season 3
Why have one Willow when you can have two? Plus Vamp Willow is kinda gay, and handsy.
7. “Hush,” Season 4
The scariest Buffy episode ever, yet also one of its sweetest for the introduction of Tara.
6. “New Moon Rising,” Season 4
Willow comes out to Buffy and brings Tara an extra-flamey candle. No, I’m not crying — there’s something in my eye.
5. “Family,” Season 5
No other show so seamlessly blended analogies about homosexuality with demons, magic and kick-ass fight sequences.
4. “The Body,” Season 5
When Buffy’s mom died, it was one of the show’s only natural deaths and played without soundtrack. The result was a haunting, gut-wrenching, practically perfect hour of television. It was also Willow and Tara’s first on-screen kiss.
3. “The Gift,” Season 5
Buffy’s second death — to save the world, again — is operatic and magnificent. If you’re going to go out, go out a hero — oh, and also have a witch friend who can conjure you back from the dead.
2. “Once More, With Feeling,” Season 6
Singing, dancing and spell casting as not-so-veiled metaphors for salacious activities.
1. “Chosen,” Season 7
Are you ready to be strong?
So, I’ve petitioned for mine. Now you show me your Top 10. And then vote for your favorites at logotv.com.
