10 Worst Buffy The Vampire Slayer Episodes
Even the best shows aren't perfect, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer is no exception...
It’s not easy to criticise such a beloved show. This fantastical coming-of-age tale excels thanks to the smooth blend of genres, the smart scripts, and the terrific cast of characters.
The four primary personalities – Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Giles – are so entertaining that even some of the weaker episodes hold up all these years later. Add into the mix a whole host of memorable villains, and it’s fair to say that bad episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer are a rarity.
However, each season does have several low points which are hard to ignore. Given the strength of the various season arcs, such episodes often fall into the monster-of-the-week category. Whilst most of the villains are fantastic, some of these one-off antagonists fall slightly flat, particularly in the first two seasons. Even the terrific central cast sometimes struggle to make up for a couple of lacklustre adventures.
Having said that, what’s remarkable about many of Buffy’s worst outings is that they remain entertaining. Once you embrace the stupidity of some of these episodes, it’s easy to switch off and enjoy the ride...
10. Inca Mummy Girl (Season 2, Episode 4)
Season 2 has a lot going for it. There's a great season arc, plenty of wicked standalone episodes, and the high school setting has that classic Buffy feel. There are, however, some low points, one of which is ‘Inca Mummy Girl’.
It’s pretty intriguing to begin with. There’s a creepy museum, a dead mummy, and plenty of mystery. But things start to get a little ridiculous when an exchange student has the life sucked out of him by an undead mummy.
Xander then becomes romantically involved with the now youthful and attractive-looking mummy. Yet there isn’t much tension because you know their relationship isn’t going to go anywhere. And to make matters worse, the mummy’s guardian keeps cropping up. Far from being dramatic, these moments are laughably stupid.
Still, ‘Inca Mummy Girl’ isn't terrible. It’s pretty entertaining once you accept how ridiculous it is. And the introduction of Oz is a great moment even if the rest of the story is silly.