Buffy the Vampire Slayer Re-Watch: What’s My Line Pt. 1 (Season 2 Episode 9)
Buffy considers what her future holds and Spike sends a league of ancient assassins after her on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2 Episode 9, “What’s My Line? Pt. 1.”
When you are a teenager, exploring what career paths you might take in the future is a normal right of passage . . . unless you happen to be a Vampire Slayer. In this episode, Buffy must face being surrounded by her friends and fellow students who are planning bright, brilliant futures while she will most likely be stuck where she is now: in Sunnydale slaying vampires.
Add in Spike’s decision to enlist an ancient order of assassins to go after her, and Buffy is suddenly dealing with the fact that she may not survive to have any kind of future at all. This is a great framework for an episode. The set-up for Buffy’s character arc is really strong and then the writers use pieces of the plot to drive that arc forward.
This makes for a really solid first half . . . . But, unfortunately, everything after that ultimately falls a little flat.
The issue? The villains.
Not Spike! His motivation for hiring the assassins is pretty good and makes complete sense. He’s so desperate to save Druscilla he’s willing to pass off taking out The Slayer onto others as long as it gets the job done. Totally understandable and a good way to show the audience just how much Druscilla means to him.
The problem is the group of assassins, the Order of Taraka. Much of this storyline hinges on these guys being the scariest, most frightening opponents we’ve seen on the show. Except . . . they are super lame.
Okay, the Bug Man is pretty gross but he isn’t terrifying. Plus, Buffy dispatches the first wave of these assassins pretty quickly – she barely even breaks a sweat!
Considering how unimpressive the bad guys are, everyone’s overwrought reactions to the Order going after Buffy seems a little nonsensical. Especially for Buffy who spends a long sequence walking around in slouchy clothes acting extremely paranoid and anxious.
All over a group of assassins that includes a guy she easily kills with her ice skate!
We also get to meet Kendra the Vampire Slayer for the first time which, as a side plot in this hour, works a lot better than Bug Man and friends. Her introduction clearly establishes she is a badass – she even manages to outfight and outsmart Angel. The less said about her accent the better, though.
Despite this not being the best episode plot-wise, it is a goldmine for key moments in the series and includes some of the most memorable Buffy-isms. Not only does Kendra appear, but Oz finally meets Willow! Plus, Buffy and Angel get some well-deserved smoochy time.
If you can ignore the lame villains, “What’s My Line? Part 1” offers a great opportunity to just enjoy watching the characters interact. From Willow backing up Buffy’s plans to go on a date to Xander’s high level of offense at being recommended for a job as a prison guard, these moments help define and reinforce the bonds between the Scooby Gang.
Things That Seem Problematic Unintentionally Hilarious Now That I’m Older
Buffy’s entire ice skating adventure. It goes on way too long and bogs down the pacing of the episode. I mean, what was that? I get that, in real life, Sarah Michelle Gellar has experience skating – doesn’t mean it should be written into Buffy’s story.
Delightful Moments I’d Forgotten About
Willow being recruited by a tech guru due to her aptitude test results and Oz being recruited because he, “tests well.”
Seth Green’s slow, subtle reaction to Oz realizing he is sitting next to his mystery girl. A-plus face acting!
Buffy and Angel’s conversation about Mr. Gordo the stuffed pig. It’s a charming exchange and also nice to see these two have a quiet moment together.
What did you think of this episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer is available for streaming on Hulu.
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Jennifer Ann
Jennifer works in public history and digital marketing. She has a borderline academic interest in how historical time periods and events are presented in popular culture. When she is not over-analyzing story arcs and character growth in her favorite shows, she enjoys lazy weekends avoiding housework and spoiling her dogs.