This episode is from the first season, when the show was still trying to find its footing. Each of the main characters begins to have their nightmares come to life, and the line between the dream world and reality becomes blurred. It provides marvelous insight into the characters that the audience is still getting to know, from the silly "going to school naked" or "being forced to sing in front of people when you don't know the words" dreams that everyone has to nightmares that express deeper psychological fears. Watching Buffy's father tell her that she's the reason that her parents got divorced and that he doesn't get anything out of their weekend visits is incredibly difficult to watch, partly because rather than being firmly rooted in the realm of the supernatural, it feels like something that could be real.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
