Finally, someone with some common sense.

Watch the show! Enjoy the show!

Catch up as you go along.

This is the first time that I'll have to deal with schedule conflicts - not only do I want to watch Buffy, I also want to see Undeclared and Frasier. Lacking a TiVo, I'll have to make up my mind which ones to tape on VHS...

JaseXF3 - really? And you know we don't have common sense because? Talk about someone being somewhat offensive. Maybe it's time to get over yourself.

What elektra said.

Also, cosider how "hard" it is to watch the shows in order if you haven't watched any. Assuming FX shows all 5 seasons, watch the FX broadcasts for 20 weeks. Tape (or TiVo or Replay) the UPN shows for 20 weeks. With reruns that will probably be at most about 14 shows. Watch the UPN shows and the rest of season six. Pretty stupid to do that, huh?

Yeah ... what movielib said.

das

Um, no offence guys, I've been watching buffy since mid-1st season and love it as much as you, but....

It's still just a tv show. It's episodic in nature, and the best thing about Buffy is it's seasonal story lines. Starting at each new season is a new story arc, so new viewers shouldn't have too much trouble getting into the grove at these points. Sure if someone makes a casual mention of Oz or Amy or whoever, someone may wonder exactly what the comment was about, but it shouldn't ruin the whole episode.

Also, seeing as they're starting on a new network, you can bet that they'll find ways to tell the casual or first-time viewers exactly what they need to know for the story.

I say watch it and enjoy. And watch the old episodes on FX and enjoy those as well.

So, next is everyone going to tell me if I want to read this months issue of the Spiderman comic book, I'll have to track down the 500 or so issues that came first, before I can enjoy my comic book?

I and, I think, others are suggesting the "watch every episode in order" scenario because it is an opportunistic time to do it.

As I've said before, I started watching Buffy during season 3. If I could have I would have watched every episode I had missed in order and then started watching the season 3 shows. Of course I couldn't do that then (but if I'd have known someone who had all the previous episodes on tape and would loan them to me I would have done it).

I've enjoyed Buffy immensely for the past three years but I know I was missing something. If I were starting just this season I'd do exactly what I've suggested.

Because of the serial and developmental nature of the show I really think maximum Buffy pleasure would come from watching all shows in order.

Tscott - no offense taken, when one states their position in a non-offensive manner. Like I said earlier, I came in mid-season 2 and I had trouble with some of the stuff said because I was missing history. Were it me, I would probably catch up first and then watch the new stuff, if possible. If not, then I'd have to go with what I felt would be enjoyable for me.

Also, I still read comics and there have been times were again, things has less impact, less meaning and came across fuzzy, because I had stepped in in the middle of the story.

It's a matter of personal preference and what matters to you. Yes, it is a TV show and maybe shouldn't be taken too seriously, but the approach is everything. Besides, say that to a sports fan and I bet you get something thrown at you.

Like I said in my post ... it all depends on how much you get into TV shows. The casual viewer would likely be OK. The anal viewer (yeah, jase, that's me) would not. I don't want to give anything away, but you know like I do that there are certain character arcs that require following the whole show, and I think you know who I'm talking about. Part of a show like this is growing with these characters. Knowing where Willow and Xander are coming from, appreciating the depth of Spike, understanding why these characters act the way they do ... there's so much growth and backstory (part of the reason this show is so incredible) that it's a shame to miss it all if you don't have to.

Sure, you could survive just fine by jumping in at Season 6, but why do it when all the FX episodes are right there just waiting to be watched?

das

Watching it right now...

It's not in widescreen

Sunnyvale, CA, right? I think I remember you from one of the Fry's threads...

D'oh! Buffy was 2 hours long! Only set the VCR for 1 hour! Did anyone happen to capture it to a avi or mpeg file? And if so, does anyone wanna file transfer via ICQ or mIRC? BTW, if I don't get any takers, what season are we on, and what was the title of the episode? I'll search near and far for this episode.

Well, I'm sure it'll appear all over the net. I can try to snag it from the newsgroups for you if you don't have access.

So you can look for yourself, it's episode 1, season 6 ... I assume production numbers will be 6ABB01 and 6ABB02. The name is "Bargaining, Parts I and II". Good luck.

das