Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Every Season 1 Episode Ranked
4. Welcome To The Hellmouth
Right where it all began, Welcome to the Hellmouth opens by having stereotypical victim Darla turn out to be a vampire, and from there effortlessly introduces audiences to Buffy's double life, Xander's wonderful awkwardness, and Willow's shy likeability.
Full of exposition but never overstuffed or rushed, the series premiere pits Buffy against Sunnydale's brewing evil, whilst she tries - and fails - to avoid her past and her fate.
It's cheesy in all the best ways, leaning into its many genre tropes whilst actively twisting them to suit the tone of the show. Welcome to the Hellmouth makes it clear Buffy's action and mythology will always be surprising, and sets the show up with a rock solid foundation.