Mutiny

This is one of my favorite episodes because of the ambiguous nature of the ending. The frame of narrative that the “delusion” of the mental hospital creates forms an acceptable (even logical) construct through which the story seems possible. It pokes holes in the suspension of our own disbelief, leading us to doubt even as Buffy doubts herself.

I loved the conflicting themes of reality and fantasy, and the eerie, clinical approach science took to Buffy’s so-called hallucinations (in this case, I mean that the fantasy is the hallucination). At a time when Buffy is down, with her depression over being pulled from heaven, the death of her mother, her crappy job, and her relationship with Spike, an edge of doubt creeps in, and her unhappiness makes her question everything. She begins to find flaws in things with supernatural explanations – like her powers, and Dawn – not through any fault of them, but because, as she says, “It’s ridiculous” to imagine such things could be true. This doubt is exacerbated, becoming the final straw prompting her need for escape.

Buffy then finds herself presented with a choice – be normal and whole, or special and flawed. Tempted by her view into the mental institution, it’s only rational to want to escape a place filled with things that “aren’t as comforting as they once were,” in the doctor’s words. This dissatisfaction is, funnily enough, represented in Buffy’s wardrobe. Even at the worst of times, Buffy goes through a dozen costume changes per episode; but here, she remains in a tight, white sweatshirt that is an obvious nod to the straightjacket-like uniform she wears during her time in her mental institution.And then, of course, is the ultimate question: is Buffy's demon-caused "delusion" true or false?

I also found a bit of a parallel storyline in Jonathan’s own little mutiny. Just like Buffy, he’s in a situation that is growing increasingly dissatisfactory. He feels left out, and whines about this to the other two members of the Trio. He attempts to go against them, but is coerced back, just like Buffy is. This mutiny against the status quo is representative of the transition period that many of the characters are going through: Xander’s failed wedding, Buffy and Willow’s respective relationships, and Giles’ conspicuous absence. Giles served as both a Watcher and a leader, giving the Scoobies direction. Ultimately, his absence is what I think makes them most unsure. The transition to adulthood is a difficult one, and without their crutch its understandable that they’d be unsure on their feet.

<3 Lisa