Band Candy

These snapshots may contain SPOILERS for the entire series, so if for some reason you haven't yet seen some of the episodes and do not want to know what is going on, read no further.
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Mr. Trick enlists Giles's old buddy Ethan Rayne to manufacture and distribute boxes of candy which turn the adult population into uninhibited, irresponsible teenagers. While the adults are indisposed, the mysterious Mayor Wilkins pays a tribute to a demon.
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Buffy: Something's definitely changing them.
Willow: A spell?
Oz: They're teenagers. It's a sobering mirror to look into, huh?
Principal Snyder: [to Oz] You've got great hair.


Good character development, good dialogue and an average plot.

There’s a lot to enjoy in this episode, from the terrific teaser scene in the cemetery ("I'm going with 'B' - we haven't had 'B' in forever") to the sly final exchange (Buffy’s "At least I got to the two of you before you actually did something").

This episode all about responsibility and the theme comes throughout the episode. Giles lecturing Buffy about the SATs, Joyce refusing to let Buffy drive, The Mayor insisting that he has to keep his word to the demon, the children acting MORE responsible as the adults get LESS so, etc... "Band Candy" utilizes the monster-of-the-week (MOTW) format to give us a metaphor for growing up and taking responsibility for our lives. Buffy's becoming an adult. Even when it's not always such a great experience, like having to pay for the damage to her mother's "Geek Machine," she has to start taking charge of her destiny. But while exploring ideas of growing up and taking responsibility, it still manages to be one of the funniest episodes of the season. It also adds another layer to the often complicated Joyce and Giles relationship, which will be referenced again in "Earshot" and season five's "Forever."

Foreshadowing
SAT prep - Buffy will do surprisingly well "Lovers Walk."



My views/status of characters;
Buffy - like
Willow - like
Xander - like
Giles - like
Cordelia - like
Spike - absent
Angel - neutral
Oz - like

Overall I consider this a very good episode compared to the rest of the season.