WHERE IS FIREFLY?: My writing partner for the Firefly series, Jessica, has been sick and is burdened with a full-time job. We'll be meeting this weekend to get the script for The Train Job finished which will be the next video after this one. Due to Jessica's tough schedule future Firefly releases will always be a little sporadic but they will come. I promise! Hope you enjoy The Replacement review.

That zoom in on Joyce during the headache comment 😭😭

"I'm dying. I may have as few as 50 years left". That was my first thought when I turned 30 last year.

"Well I'll not dead or unconscious so I say bravo to me" Poor Giles, your standards are so very low 😅

Xander's muscles make perfect sense. By this point in the series he has spent 4 years, walking through graveyards, 2 nights a week, every week, hefting a longsword, battleaxe, or heavy crossbow. 4 years of helping the Slayer fight monsters on a regular basis is a high intensity exercise routine that most of us would not survive. Xander being a whip thin weakling is nonsense. If he wasn't able to pull his own weight in most of their fights then he would have died 3 seasons ago. The main part of this episode that people don't seem to grasp is the fundamental nature of the split. Too many people seem to think Xander was split into his good/positive qualities and his bad/negative qualities. This couldn't be farther from the truth. The split was between his fight and flight responses, and all the traits that fall under one of those two camps. "Sexy" Xander is all Xander's impulses to fight, face problems head on, and play the hero. "Dump" Xander is all Xander's impulses to run away from danger, avoid threatening situations and issues, and think about all the negative consequences of his actions and the actions of those around him. Xander is a useful ally to the Slayer because of his ability to rise to the occasion and fight the good fight. Xander is alive after 4 years of demon Slaying on the hellmouth because he's known when to run away like a coward. "Sexy" Xander may have been appealing for a little while, but he would not have survived longer than 2 weeks on the hellmouth. "Dump" Xander is less useful in a demon fight than Dawn is at this point, but he's capable of outliving everyone else in the show so long as his sexy counterpart doesn't get them both killed.

"I mean...if you...had a clone of yourself...and they were down...I mean...would you...you know. You know? Yeah, I probably would." 😏

Sexy Xander being a grown-up is like Harry Potter seeing his future self cast a patronus charm. Regular Xander only succeeds if he knows he can, but he only knows he can because he saw himself do it. It was nice to see him take so many steps forward in this episode, but in the most Xander way, which is basically trial by fire. This is the real reason he's so relatable, I think. Not because he doesn't have powers, but because his lack of confidence and learned-helplessness means rather be comfortable than happy and it takes something impossible to goose him out of his complacency. EDIT: I think one of the connections between Xander and Riley is that Riley is just a dude. He's not rich, he's not the coolest guy in town, he's not a genius or an artist or a musician, he's not scary (at first) and he's not a vampire. He treated Xander with respect, Xander never had to compete with him, he never threatened Xander. Xander thinks he's cool, and in a way, Xander could absolutely BE him under the right circumstances. He's the only love interest Buffy had that Xander could sympathize with. Aaannnd she couldn't love him.

"The most 'Capt'n 'Merican' line he's ever uttered."😂✌

"Sometimes a boom stick is just a boom stick!" - PotN that line was Buffy fandom gold, lol! Well done!

Amazing as always, and also on the point of riley and xander - with xander being buffy’s metaphorical heart, riley is telling her heart, i love you but you dont love me... and the fact Xander was jealous of Angel, Angry about Spike, and on board with Riley is also interesting to me, and in some ways directly reflects buffys emotions and inner turnoils too - she loved angel but couldnt trust him and always thought he would leave her or get with cordy/ faith/ dru, etc, and so xander is openly jealous and hostile and untrusting. With spike buffy is in a dark place and then upset seeing him with anya after they split up, and xander is angry and violent (yes, because of anya but in metaphor terms it relates to buffys violence in that relationship and her anger at herself, friends and indirectly, spike). Then with riley, she was trying to normal guy thing, and we all know for a long time she wanted nornal, and willow convinced her to date riley. At first she wasnt into it and xander made fun of riley, later buffy gets comfy in the easy relationship and xander develops a nice friendship with riley (though they arent best buds), and i feel that also refelcts buffys emotions - she wasnt IN love, but comfortable, kept riley emotionally at a bit of a distance... (all this came to me by the end of your video!)

4:42 THAT WAS UNCALLED FOR!!!

The dog in that episode of Star Trek is so cute. Love the costume. This season has so many bizarre "Meanwhile in Spike's house" moments

As much as I dislike Riley as a character, his comment about Buffy not loving him as much as he loves her really hit home :"(( this episode definitly made me feel for him in a way that season 4 never managed to

I don't think Xander's crush on Buffy ever really goes away in the series

Xander was my fave character when I was younger. I saw so much of myself in him to a frankly scary degree. He's not smart, he's not good with women, he's a massive dork & insanely insensitive at times. Even down right mean spirited. But god dammit if you need a friend, a shoulder to cry on, someone who will stick by you. He's right there. He's the most human in the series in more ways than his lack of supernatural powers. These days I appreciate Willow & Giles more. But on my first few viewings, Xander was my guy.

How the hell did Giles not break his glasses. How does He rarley ever break His glasses? Has he? I expect realism in my vampire shows.

You scamp. You totally got me at the end with that music you use to warn me I'm about to cry over one of your poignant, poetic, and philosophical musings.

4:43 I see what you did there with that zoom Ian. You aint fooling me.

Not episode specific, but 4:42 made me realise the episode incoming in this season that I am in zero ways prepared for, even after almost five years following this channel knowing it will one day come. Aside from that, I love how Xander specific episodes are usually the best at showing into the depths of a character, and especially why I love Buffy, characters learn from these episodes and grow and change.

I love when Buffy critiques the fighting on the tv. I’m a phlebotomist and every time I watch a medical show and they start to draw blood or do anything medical really I have to stop myself from yelling at the tv “That’s not how you do it!! Wrong!!” Lol Great guide as always! Love the breakdown of how similar Riley and Xander are. I never really put it together.

Goddammit, your videos make me feel. . . safe. And warm. And comforted. It probably helps that I watched this bundled up on my couch with a mug of tea. Thanks for making this. Goodnight.

Wow, that zoom in during Joyce's hedache comment. So simple, yet effective. My eyes are sweating. :(

I literally could listen to you talk about Buffy for... way way longer than 16 minutes.

I’m not a Xander fan whatsoever but I do find something enjoyable about this episode. Xander may not be particularly likable at times but he’s never not complex or earnest. That’s something I can definitely appreciate about him.

Here I am, with a heated up big Plate O Pizza, going through what to watch on Hulu, Netflix, Amazon then KZfaq then low and behold I see another one of your gems. It seems the Universe has spoken.

"Ugh, this must be my two-teenage-girls-in-the-house headache..." Hate to break it to ya, Joyce...

That scene at the end with Riley is really a key moment in the entire series. Consider where Buffy and her friends are at that moment. For four years, they've seen their lives get better and better. Xander has this great thing going with Anya. Willow is gaining control of her powers and has this great thing going with Tara. Buffy has this new focus, a wonderful relationship with her mom (which wasn't always the case), and this great thing going with Riley. But when Riley says, "She doesn't love me," that's the turning point. It's all downhill from there. Within two years, all of that will be lost. The scene sets up Riley's departure and most of the rest is set up in the following episode.

Jane Espenson is a gem. In fact, there are SO MANY great writers that started/ had a meaningful stint on Buffy/Mutant Enemy. Just look where Steven DeKnight, Drew Goddard, David Fury, Doug Petrie, Tim Minear and others all ended up. Great talent in that writing room.

Phenomenal guide, again. This episode feels like the sequel to the Zeppo (keep wanting to spell that Xeppo), perfectly illustrating how his insecurities have transformed since that episode. His issues in the Replacement are more emotionally devastating to me, I think because his inadequacy is more in the mundane here, while the Zeppo was about not being extraordinary and proving himself. Zeppo Xander was worried about not living up to abstract masculine ideals, as well as heroic ideals. Replacement Xander just wants to hold down a job and have a decent place to live and be a good boyfriend. Buffy needs that, especially as Willow becomes less and less mundane.

Joyce: This must be my two-teenage-girls-in-the-house headache. Me: 😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬

Dude, I can’t get enough of your content! Seriously, they are by far the most methodical breakdowns I’ve ever seen. And not a single misstep so far. Keep up the great work!

Blessed insightfullyness. Thank you. I had never noticed the two airball “I Love You’s” that Riley had put up, in this episode. Like Buffy, I felt Riley was simply a convenient person to help move the furniture.

"...bater." Totally got me. Giggles a plenty.

Riley: I love you. Buffy:

I really love Toth's design in this episode, as you said its so simplistic, but it works so well

4:43 That zoom-in on Joyce was NOT OKAY, IAN!!!

This, the Zeppo, and bewitched bothered and bewhildered are all amazing episodes. Nicely done tying them together, thanks for the review!

I’m so glad there isn’t a lot of accounting in shows. The few times it is I spend about a half hour fuming.

Xander was never more attractive than in season 4 & 5. And Season 5 is my favorite. But... seeing how Xander blows it with Anya in Hell’s Bells, because of his paranoia... maybe they should’ve let Riley have the confidence-challenged Xander for experimental purposes and called it a day. As always, fantastic video. I turn 47 in about an hour, and getting to watch a new one of your videos was a great early B-day present 🎁 Thanks.

You pointing out all the little bits of relationship between Riley and Xander is why your so amazing thank you that was satisfying

Oh man...excellent subtle editing decision, Ian, in zooming in on Joyce. I had even noticed that in past watch-throughs. Oof.

I'm not sure what it is, but I genuinely love Xander. I know a lot of people dislike him, and I see the reasons as to why, but this character is so well written and thought out! It makes me appreciate writing even more now. He seems like a real person, of course he has many flaws but he is still a very loyal, good person, who is there for those he cares about. I'm 23 watching this show for the first time, and never did I expect to learn so many lessons in this kind of show. The facade makes this show come off like some childish, cheesy vampire romantic comedic show, but it is actually way more deep than that. Xander is currently so many of the things I am, he is definitely so relatable in terms of what it is like to grow up feeling like you're lost and not good enough. When you learn that the other Xander is actually a part of him, it brought me to tears. It's an important lesson there. You have that inside of you. Being in comfort instead of happy, and not letting go off what you are insecure about, can quite literally alter your life. That is where I am at right now- trying to fight it. And watching this show, is great timing. I am surprisingly... grateful for this show.

"It's an evil robot, made of evil robot parts" "Or it's Toth" "...or it's Toth"

“But she doesn’t love me” That stung

damn that emotional piano bit starting. you almost had me there XD

You deserve more likes on your videos they’re amazing

I enjoyed this video so much and I wanted to comment on a number of things, but...that zoom in... Season 5 is one of my favorites, but I'm not ready for what's coming... Having said that, I love the message of this episode. Many of us have fantasized about having a version of ourselves unencumbered by self-doubt and insecurities, how they could probably reach unimagined lengths. But it's human to doubt yourself and to fear, inextricably so.

12:29 you forgot… in the same “big brother” episode, dream Xander leaves Anya in the front of the ice cream truck to go watch willow and buddy make out (maybe join them) definitely still indicating a lingering crush.

I'm on a Buffy rewatch paired with this guide so I wouldn't say with 100% certainty, but I also thought of Riley's confession to Xander as a pivotal moment for Xander realizing that he was somewhat jealous of Riley for no reason, and he realizes how sad his situation is, versus his relationship with Anya who wholly wants to be with him and he doesn't doubt she loves him. I'll pay close attention to Xander/Buffy/Riley and Xander/Anya in episodes to come, but I do think this was a, "Oh, the grass ISN'T greener" moment.

You can always spot a Jane Espenson script by the witty dialogue. I still remember a Willow line from Gingerbread: "I do doodle. You too, you do doodle too." The woman knows what she's doing.

Oh, no, I wouldn't. I'm already self-conscious enough. Two of me? Guaranteed trauma! Greeeat review, Ian!! Thank you!!

Omg i had no idea nicholas brendon had an identical twin! That’s so cool. I recently rewatched this episode and thought “wow whatever effect/trick they used to create the double looks *really* good” lol

The moment of Joyce’s headache…

I like ship names. Each is hilarious on itself: Bangel, Ruffy, Bike.

I love this show so much, this reviews, analysis or whatever you call them is a way to re live the magic Buffy has!

I had a rough day, this was just what I needed. Thank you as always, Ian. You always open my eyes to new and exciting things about a show I've seen more times than I can count!

Ian, I just finished binge watching this whole series up to this video. I can't thank you enough. I feel like I've watched the whole show. Amazing work. Thank you very much.

I love this episode more and more with each revisit of the series. Another wonderful analysis.

Your editing kills me sometimes! McConaughey saying “Im a comfortador” killed me!

One of my favorite one off episodes of the series, and one of my favorites to rewatch from Season 5 (though Season 5 has some phenomenal episodes) Am I the only one who genuinely likes Riley in early Season 5? Yeah, he's not a great fit with Buffy but he just seemed like a really nice guy who genuinely made an effort to be there for her and I liked the way he got along with the other Scoobies, especially Xander & Dawn. That was really refreshing to see.

I didn't notice the coin flash in the eye thing the first time i saw this ep, but the instant I saw it in the review, that it drove me crazy and I was so relieved you said something.

I watch these reviews to cheer me up now. Your voice is so comforting. The fact that this voice is talking about my favourite series makes me feel warm and fuzzy 🥰

That Matthew McConaughey cut away killed me

Thank you for still making these

That "confortidor" dub got me. Lol

Started watching at the start of the weekend, sad I already caught up on your BTVS guide. Onto Angel and beyond in the meantime! Keep up the fantastic work!!

I love your word choice of "squishy." It could work as both vulnerable and unsexy.

Ah I've been anxiously waiting for this season's guide!!

Noticed the same thing about Espenson. The only episode of Angel she wrote was Guise Will Be Guise which is also one of the funniest episodes of the series.

I’m not gonna lie, the first time I watched this episode, I thought it was just Nicholas Brendan on a bunch of green screen or split screens as Xanman’s two halves. But there was shot of them together that couldn’t have been edited and I freaked out thinking that somehow Joss Whedon had cloned Nicholas Brendan. Then I remembered that Nicholas Brandon has an identical twin brother. 🤦‍♀️

I love these analyses. You do an excellent job. The paradox you mention I. The middle is excellent.

I loved the Zeppo. Favourite Zander episode.

Excellent job Ian

To answer your last question, yes. Totally.

If Xander is Buffy's split heart in this episode, it could represent Buffy's unwillingness/inability to fully commit to a relationship with Riley. Also the answer is yes, obviously.

The Giles knock out counter reminds me of one of my favorite Cordy lines asking him how many times have you been knocked out this year?

#WeAreDawn. Count me in. I actually did this at her age.

I love your guides! Waiting for the next one!

These videos have my nearly choking trying not to laugh too loudly.

I read a great Xander/Riley fic once. They have weirdly good chemistry.

I love Xander's arc which begins in season 3 with "The Zeppo" and continues over season 4 and 5 where he goes from comic relief to the most together and grounded character in the series. His speech at the end of "Buffy Vs Dracula" is like him talking to the show creators and telling them that he is done being a child. It takes a couple of episodes and being split into two different but the same people. But he gets there. Anyway, my gushing over Xander done, if I'm correct, the next episode should be Glorious.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Riley, and I’d forgotten that he tells her he loves her with total honesty here and she says…absolutely nothing. It just made me wonder why you would hear your boyfriend say he loves you and never say a word.

As a Marvel fan, likes for the Cap and Daredevil references ✌

Xander is a character I have a very strong love/hate relationship with. I enjoy him for the most part, I relate to him... but I also hate that he gets away with pretty much everything with barely a slap on the wrist. He constantly manipulates Buffy through omission or lies whenever he disagrees with her. As pointed out in the video for Becoming, he takes it upon himself to decide for Buffy whether or not she wants to try to save Angel, because he knows she would want to. If it was just concern for the world at large, I could give him a pass. But it's not. It's motivated by jealousy that justifies by pretending it's him being responsible. This is never brought up or addressed. And it's not the only example. I've also seen plenty of people point out that, in The Pack, he may have been possessed by an animal spirit, but he still had a human soul. If he can be allowed to get away with his actions in that episode, there's no reason other characters should be condemned for actions they committed lacking one, once that has been rectified. And yet he isn't really ever made to face any sort of consequences from outside sources for any of his misdeeds. Basically every bad thing that happens to him is his own fault. I could spend hours writing out scenes where various characters confront him for all the ways he mistreated them, but on the show he gets away with it all.

Thank you for another excellent review! Regarding your comments regarding Xander and Riley's connection, I would love to see how it could possibly be revisited again when you get to "Into The Woods". Thank you again for all of your work!

Xander does the Snoopy dance right in this ep. Arms down to his sides. Nicky tho, sometimes has his hands up. Still fun to see Nicky emulate, the very dance he does in the ep. In front of his Bestie Willow. 😉🍿💓

hell YEAH i'd get down with myself! I know I'm excellent at getting myself off, plus I'd already know about my triggers and pitfalls. No doubt about it. Oh, and also excellent video, Ian. XD

I hadn't really picked on the crush-similarity between Riley and Xander but I've just always thought that he couldn't have told anyone else. Willow would have said "what are you talking about? She loves you" out of Willow-reflexes of wanting to be nice, Giles would have probably replied something along the lines of "it's complicated", Anya would have r/wooshed, this isn't at all something he could have said Dawn... Maybe Tara would have also accepted what he had to say as a conclusion he had reached, instead of trying to find an answer, but she wasn't in this Scooby-focused episode. I think he just needed someone to hear and understand, but not reply, and when he saw the compassion in both Xanders he felt like that was the moment and the person. And also, as you've said, they share a good portion of their identity and CoinXander especially is a bit like a quirkier Riley.

dont do that zoom on joyce ahhhHHHHHHHH

My only problem with this episode is that no 19-20 year old that works a construction job has enough money to live in an apartment like that lmao

I'm kind of tickled that the two captain Kirks thing is a common enough occurrence that the episode you reference in the video is a different one than the one Xander references in the episode. (You know, with the "Kill us both, Spock" thing.)

Just found your channel, look forward to the resuming of the Buffy reviews.

I love this episode! Haha Can't wait for the next episode.

Great video! Love this ep!

But shouldn't Xander be a little fit? I understand the first two seasons of buffy Xander being this skinny dorkish kid, but you would think he would do some strength training and etc to be more useful with buffy.

Riley has always been my favorite. But now that you mention it, Captain America has always been my favorite too.

“Word is, Nicolas Branden was keeping a little more fit than the writers had intended for Xander” Well he obviously got that message loud and clear, judging by the rest of the series after this.

Okay, I think I ship Rander now... Xiley?

Another excellent review, and a very good episode, a companion piece, as mentioned, to Doppelgangland, but lighter in tone

Also it hints to roles of Dawn and "The one that shall not be named" for buffy this season.