Lands Beyond

This is one of my very favorite exchanges from ALL OF BUFFY, and, let’s face it, ALL OF TV. Writers out there, you want to see how it’s done? THIS is how it’s done.

Seven words that say everything you will ever need to know about these characters.

The set-up: Buffy has gone off to confront the Master, the super-powerful vampire who is trying to open the Hellmouth. It’s early days, so no one in the Scooby Gang has any real power to help her. Xander, who has been quietly in love with Buffy all season, does not act like a macho man. He wants Buffy alive, not to score points. So he goes to Angel, who is bigger than he is, stronger than he is, and whom Buffy loves. Angel has washed his hands of the entire affair. Xander asks for help — not for him, not for the world. For Buffy.

And what does Angel, who is supposedly hundreds of years old, do? He acts like the bullies Xander has to deal with every day in high school.

“Nyah, nyah, you *like* her.”

And Xander does NOT take the bait.

Watch this scene, and you will realize that it’s not the vampire in Angel that makes him an asshole. Watch this scene, and you will know that no matter how goofy Xander acts, he is a hero. He is strong, and loyal, and forthright. And he doesn’t let his pride get in the way of saving the people he loves.

Seven words.

(Source: fuckyeahbuffyscreencaps)