Why The Buffy Revival Needs An Episode Like “Once More, With Feeling”

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I’m really hoping the new Buffy the Vampire Slayer series has an episode that’s as captivating as the best ones from the original show. As a longtime fan of the 90s series – which brilliantly blended monster stories with the challenges of growing up – I’m looking forward to the Buffy reboot coming to Hulu in 2026.

Bringing back a beloved show can be tricky, and this new Buffy series might not live up to expectations. Many sequel series fail because they lose the humor of the original or damage established characters. While Sarah Michelle Gellar will return as Buffy, the show will primarily follow a new Slayer named Nova, played by Kiera Armstrong.

To really succeed, a revival of the show needs all the classic elements: compelling villains, romantic relationships, solid friendships, and a hopeful theme. But it also needs something special – an episode that deliberately echoes a memorable one from the original series. For me, one episode from the sixth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer really stands out, and I hope the revival creators feel the same way about it.

“Once More, With Feeling” Is A Standout Buffy The Vampire Slayer Episode

I remember watching the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “Once More, With Feeling,” when it first aired and honestly, I was skeptical. A horror show doing a full-on musical? It seemed risky! But looking back now, after all these years, I totally get why so many fans consider it a standout – it’s genuinely one of the best episodes the show ever did.

This episode was crucial because the show was starting to feel repetitive. Buffy’s relationship with Angel had already run its course, and some viewers found Dawn Summers to be an underdeveloped character. On top of that, Buffy was in a difficult place after her death at the end of season five.

The episode “Once More, With Feeling” demonstrated that Buffy the Vampire Slayer still had the ability to surprise and innovate. Using songs allowed the characters to express their fears and feelings in a clever and impactful way. The episode also included a particularly touching scene between Buffy and Spike (James Marsters) at the end.

I absolutely loved the rest of season 6! Beyond all the vampire and demon stuff, it really delved into some complicated love stories, especially the one between Willow and Tara. But honestly, even with everything else going on, “Once More, With Feeling” still stands out as the most amazing part of the whole season for me. It was just incredible!

Why The Buffy Reboot Needs An Episode Like “Once More, With Feeling”

The new Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series, coming in 2026, is expected to draw on fans’ love for the original show, possibly with familiar plot points and appearances by actors from the past. There’s also a lot of interest in the new Slayer, played by Kiera Armstrong, and how her character will be different from Buffy herself.

The reboot has a lot to prove, especially since Sarah Michelle Gellar won’t be the central character. Some fans might be concerned it won’t live up to the original series. To really succeed, the new show needs an episode like the iconic musical one – something that’s both deeply moving and incredibly fun.

Even if the show doesn’t feature a musical episode, one particular installment should still be exceptionally memorable. Perhaps the new Slayer and her companions could travel to the past, or the episode could be styled after an old black-and-white film. It would also be great to learn more about the new Slayer’s early life – many fans are likely eager to understand her history. While her connection to Buffy is important, her personal journey should be fully developed and feel complete.

The new character should be just as open about her problems as Buffy was on the original show. The episode “Once More, With Feeling” from Buffy the Vampire Slayer was special because it really delved into the characters’ emotions, and if the reboot can balance intense action with those kinds of heartfelt moments, it will likely be a success.

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2025-11-17 01:44