When looking back on the best episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, many fans tend to agree on the same entertaining storylines and romantic moments between the characters. Viewers enjoy when Buffy is in a strong position to fight evil and it doesn't feel as fun to see the main character enter college. But although there are many episodes that are clear fan favorites, some viewers feel that certain episodes have been overlooked.
From a season 1 episode about a puppet at a talent show to some college era storylines, fans have taken to Reddit to share their favorite Buffy The Vampire Slayer episodes that don't get as much love as others.
"No Place Like Home" (S5, E5)
Reddit user totallywigged finds this episode to be underrated and said the "whole production of the episode, camera, script, acting etc seemed so genuine."
In "No Place Like Home," Buffy and Dawn are both upset that Joyce is sick and that they aren't sure how to help her. It's relatable that Dawn acts like she made Joyce breakfast when it was Buffy who cooked, and this episode sheds light on the tough sibling relationship between these characters. It also sets up Joyce's tragic death. While Joyce isn't always a good mom on Buffy, she is a sweet person who doesn't deserve her fate.
"I Only Have Eyes For You" (S2, E19)
In the season 2 episode "I Only Have Eyes For You," Angel and Buffy are each taken over by the ghost of Grace and James, a teacher and student who were having an affair.
One Redditor said of this episode, "I love watching angel and Buffy interact as the ghosts." While this episode might not be discussed as much as other ones, it's a lot of fun seeing these characters deal with the supernatural.
"Helpless" (S3, E12)
Reddit user kateleanor00 said that "Helpless" is a great underrated episode and their "favourite episode overall, i just rewatched it and can’t get over how strong the writing is." Several Reddit users shared that they love how nice Cordelia becomes here, with Reddit user squaricle writing, "Cordelia is so caught of guard that she accidentally shows her humanity."
There's a lot to love about this episode, including Buffy's concern that she seems weaker than normal, and Buffy and Cordelia's moment of bonding. The fact that Buffy is being tested and that Giles made sure that she would be weak is fascinating and scary.
"Lie To Me" (S2, E7)
Reddit user mayorofmandyland loves this episode and wrote that it's "funny, sad, scary, and has a bit of a twist." The fan said that all their favorite elements of the series are present here.
In "Lie To Me," Buffy's old friend Ford comes to town, and Buffy and Angel realize that he is a vampire and that they have to get to work. There are many shocking Buffy The Vampire Slayer plotlines and it's definitely wild that someone who Buffy used to know is actually a vampire.
"Storyteller" (S7, E16)
Reddit user det8924 thinks that this episode could be considered underrated because "season 7 often times gets overlooked."
"Storyteller" has an interesting premise and feels different from other episodes. Andrew talks to a video camera about what would happen if the apocalypse takes place.
"The Replacement" (S5, E3)
There are several great Buffy episodes about Xander, and Reddit user MyNameIsBrian88 likes this episode because it becomes clear that Xander's "bad behavior is the result of his insecurities and his messed up parents. This is a great Xander centric episode."
In "The Replacement," Xander wants to live in an apartment so he can leave his mom and dad's place, and then a demon hurts Xander which creates a clone. This allows fans to learn more about Xander's family life while also enjoying a fun supernatural storyline.
"The Puppet Show" (S1, E9)
Reddit user SnooCauliflowers7501 posted that while several fans seem to dislike this episode, they think it is "great fun and the end credit scene is hilarious!" Reddit user timmorris82 replied, "I love the twist. Of course the puppet is a good guy."
While "The Puppet Show" might get lost when discussing other season 1 episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, it's funny to learn that Sid, the dummy, is actually someone who fights demons and that he's been sent to the talent show to help out.
"Living Conditions" (S4, E2)
One Redditor loves the season 4 episode "Living Conditions," saying that it's "absolutely hilarious and doesn’t get anywhere near enough love."
While not every Buffy fan thinks that this season, which focuses on Buffy attending college, is as good as the rest of the show, this episode focuses on Buffy's roommate Kathy. It becomes obvious that Kathy is a demon and when Buffy makes sure that Kathy returns to her dimension, Willow and Buffy begin living together. This storyline offers up a funny look at the common roommate problems that many have at college.
"Gingerbread" (S3, E11)
There are the best season 3 episodes of Buffy that are talked about often, and then there is one episode with a compelling storyline that stands out as well.
For Reddit user clabog, "Gingerbread" is an underrated episode and they love it because of the "cool, original monster of the week" and it "presents a different challenge for the characters." After Joyce finds two kids who have passed away in the park, she becomes wary of Willow, but Buffy and her friends are determined to find out who murdered the children. This is also a special episode as Willow and Buffy's moms Sheila and Joyce are part of the main storyline, which is nice to see.
"The Freshman" (S4, E1)
When fans look back on the best seasons of Buffy, they might enjoy Buffy's high school years more than when she begins attending the University of California's Sunnydale campus.
For Reddit user buffyangel468, the first episode of season 4 is a great, underrated one because fans get to see old characters come back and also meet some new ones. The fan likes "the return of Angel, Spike and Faith" and "The introduction of Riley and Tara."