Buffy the Vampire Slayer Re-Watch: What’s My Line Pt. 2 (Season 2 Episode 10)

It’s a Slayer vs. Slayer showdown while Angel’s life hangs in the balance as the second half of this classic two-parter delivers a fun, entertaining hour on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Episode 10, “What’s My Line? Pt. 2.”

After an unimpressive start with “What’s My Line? Part 1,” the show kicks into high gear as the focus shifts away from the not-at-all scary Order of Taraka and onto Spike and Druscilla, a much more enjoyable pair of villains. The characters chemistry with one another and their past with Angel makes their scenes dynamic to watch and experience.

This installment also benefits from the interactions between Kendra and Buffy, two vampire slayers with very different approaches to their calling. In fact, Kendra serves as a great foil to Buffy throughout the episode. This is the first time viewers can really get a sense of how out of the ordinary Buffy is compared to other Slayers, which sort of makes me root for her even harder.

That’s not to say Kendra isn’t also worthy of support. Despite starting off as a bit of a killjoy, the writers masterfully peel back layers from her tough exterior as the story progresses. By the end of the hour it’s pretty clear that, much like Buffy, she’s just a young girl trying to handle being, “The Chosen One.”

Keeping with the theme of both halves of this two-parter, Kendra’s presence allows Buffy the opportunity to consider her future. In Part 1 she’s thinking about career paths, but here she gets to explore the idea that she might be able to “retire” from her Slayer duties and live out a normal life.

Like the best kind of tv relationships, Buffy and Kendra have just enough similarities and differences to make their interactions fun to watch. However, their individual personalities create an unstoppable partnership. Watching them team up to defeat Spike and Druscilla together is one of the most iconic moments in the early years of the show.

It’s fun to watch these two start off as begrudging allies and end up as almost friends. Plus, seeing Buffy act jealous over Kendra and Giles geeking out about their favorite ancient texts is pretty funny.

Also funny is Xander and Cordelia hiding in Buffy’s basement while the Order of Taraka’s ridiculous Bug Man tries to kill them by . . . . crawling over them to death? Or something? Lame villain aside, Xander and Cordelia sniping at each other until they end up sharing a smooch is somehow both surprising and predictable for these two.

Actually, this is a great episode for romance! In a nice bit of role reversal, it’s Buffy that rushes off to save Angel for once – not that she ever really needs Angel to save her. Still, it’s a pretty sweet moment to see her come to his rescue.

Buffy: Nobody messes with my boyfriend

Plus, after finally meeting in Part 1 Oz and Willow have some adorable conversations, ending with them musing about the Frenchness of monkeys. I really enjoy getting to watch the start of their relationship all over again. I’d forgotten how much Oz’s chill nature added a completely different facet to the Scooby gang.

Things That Seem Problematic Now That I’m Older

The entire sequence where Buffy and her classmates are shot at during the career fair is difficult to watch given events since this episode first aired. At least Oz only gets a scratch and there seem to be minimal casualties.

Delightful Moments I’d Forgotten About

Angel trying to make Spike angry by playing on his jealous nature is both funny and disturbing.

Kendra’s awful accent officially moves into the so-bad-its-good category.

The Bug Man’s, um, “parts” dropping all over Cordelia as she and Xander escape Buffy’s house. This one is both horrifying and hilarious.

 

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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