The Infamous "Once More, With Feeling" Episode: How a Beloved Buffy Episode Made History in the Worst Possible Way
The 2002 season of the iconic television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer was marked by some of the most iconic and beloved episodes in the series’ history. But amidst the memorable moments of demon-slaying and high school drama, one episode stands out for all the wrong reasons: "Once More, With Feeling".
Directed by Damian Tancharoen and written by Joss Whedon, the episode, which aired on January 6, 2002, is infamous for being the only episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer to feature a musical number. Yes, you read that right – musical. The episode’s storyline revolves around a mysterious curse that causes the residents of Sunnydale to break into song and dance, and it’s safe to say that the result is a cringe-worthy, tone-deaf mess.
At the time of its release, "Once More, With Feeling" received mixed reactions from fans and critics, with some praising the creativity and others panning the episode’s execution. But in retrospect, it’s clear that this episode marked a low point in the show’s history. Here are just a few reasons why:
The Music Was Bad, and Not in a Good Way
One of the most striking aspects of "Once More, With Feeling" is how poorly the music was received. The episode features a range of original songs, from ballads to anthems, but they’re almost universally terrible. Many fans have described the music as " painful" and "ear-piercing", with some even going so far as to compare it to "nails on a chalkboard".
The lyrics are equally cringe-worthy, with lines like "I’ll be staying in the graveyard, where the sun don’t shine" and "You can’t have everything, you know. You can’t have everything" making a cameo appearance. It’s no wonder that the episode’s composer, John Frizzell, has spoken out about his disappointment with the final product, stating that he " didn’t think it was the best music" and that he "wouldn’t be proud" to have his name associated with it.
Tonal Dissonance
One of the biggest problems with "Once More, With Feeling" is its tone. The episode tries to balance humor with heart, action with drama, but ultimately fails to land on a consistent note. The comedy falls flat, the drama is forced, and the action is underwhelming. The result is a jarring, disorienting experience that leaves viewers feeling confused and disappointed.
Worse still, the episode’s tone is at odds with the rest of the series. Buffy is known for its dark humor, witty banter, and emotional depth, but "Once More, With Feeling" tosses all that out the window in favor of saccharine sentimentality and bad puns. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, with the result being an awkward, unnatural mess.
A Low Point in an Otherwise Stellar Run
In its best seasons, Buffy was a series that tackled complex themes, boasted strong characters, and delivered some of the most memorable moments in television history. "Once More, With Feeling", on the other hand, is an aberration – a misfire that sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s an episode that, in its ineptitude, defiled the good name of Buffy and left fans feeling embarrassed for the series.
In conclusion, "Once More, With Feeling" is a footnote in the history of Buffy the Vampire Slayer – a painful, tone-deaf, and cringe-worthy episode that, in its ineptitude, made history in the worst possible way. While the show went on to recover from this misstep, "Once More, With Feeling" remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of creative experimentation gone wrong.
