The Becoming Part 1 & 2
July 8th, 2009 | 
Author: 
Part 1: Angel prepares a ritual to awaken a demon that will suck the world into hell; Buffy prepares to kill him, but is torn when Willow discovers the ritual that could restore Angel’s soul.
Part 2: Buffy’s life is a mess when her mother discovers her secret life, and she’s expelled from school and forced to make a heart-wrenching decision when both Angel’s and Willow’s rituals succeed.
Directed by: Joss Whedon
Original Air Date: May 12, 1998 / May 19, 1998
Guest Stars: Bianca Lawson (Kendra)
Max Perlich (Whistler)
Trivia:
- Al Franken is mentioned in this set of episodes.
- If angel had been 241 as he stated in previous episodes he would have been born in 1755 or 1756 yet he’s sired by Darla in 1753?
- The Claddagh ring Angel gave Buffy shows up again in these episodes. Claddagh was a small fishing village near Galway, where Angel was sired.
Quotes:
Xander: “And almost sixty-five percent of that was actual compliment. Is that a personal best?”
Spike: “It’s a big rock. I can’t wait to tell my friends. They don’t have a rock this big “
Key Events:
- Buffy reveals her slayerhood to her mother, Joyce
- Angel gets his soul back just in time to be killed (in order to save the world) by Buffy
- Buffy gets expelled from school
- Kendra is killed by Dru and Buffy is implicated in her death
- Willow completes her first MAJOR spell, the gypsy curse that gives Angel his soul back
- Spike takes Dru and leaves town
- Buffy and her Mother fight and Joyce tells Buffy ‘If you walk out that door don’t you even think of coming back.’ and… she doesn’t. Buffy leaves town.
Rating:
Jason: 
Kathleen:
Troy:
Overall Score:
In Other News:
- Thanks to those who watched us record this episode live!
- The Watchercast laptop is fixed and we’re rolling again.
Watch both episodes here…
Part 1
Part 2
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20 Responses to “The Becoming Part 1 & 2”
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Yes I did almost woo when I saw this on itunes, never expected it this fast. Downloading now. Thank you!
I just finished listening to this episode, and I just had to say that I completely 100% agree with what you said near the end about Tara’s death. I loved Willow/Tara and I didn’t get over that for a while. And then they brought in Kennedy…who I hate. Anyways, great episode, as always.
Great episode, guys. This is by far the best Buffy podcast I’ve found. I can’t wait until you start season three. and congratulations on the little ones. yay buffy and long live the watchercast.
There were audible squeaks when I saw that little “1″ next to podcasts on my iTunes!!!
Hey, I love your podcast and have been listening for quite awhile. I’m glad you’re back from hiatus.
Just one little nitpicky thing I have to say, in “Faith, Hope and Trick” where Faith debuts, Giles kind of tricks Buffy into admitting to him and Willow that Angel got his soul back before she sent him to hell. It’s Giles way of helping Buffy finally deal with what happened so of course ten seconds after she comes to terms with it, she makes a date with a new boyfriend and Angel returns from Hell. Life’s funny that way.
Also, as for Whistler’s words to Buffy about having one thing left, I always had a feeling it went along with what you guys said at the end like after the confrontation with Angel part of who Buffy was gone and she never really recovered. I think that might have been the one thing she had left to lose, because Angel asks her again later before he’s about to skewer her what she has left and she responds “Me.”
Anyway fantastic podcast as always. Great job guys. I missed your podcast.
Hey gang! I haven’t posted in a while, but this was such a fantastic episode that I had to toss a “thank you” out here! More importantly though, congratulations to all of you for the coming babies!
Hey guys. I watched the live broadcast. A very cool, and enjoyable experience, except for things that were out of your control (random people being mean in the chat). I loved being able to see how it was recorded, and watch you guys get into the discussion. The video just sort of adds a layer to the experience. One thing I found odd that I don’t know if you guys mentioned or not (I can’t remember, that was a long podcast) was how non-life threatening the cut on Kendra’s neck looked. It looked like it barely broke the skin. But that’s just me, I’ve never been cut on the neck like that, so maybe it’s enough to kill you. Keep it up, and I can’t wait for season 3!
Great show, and I don’t mind the length one bit. As others have said, this is by far the best Buffy podcast. I assume that the pace will slow down some with two babies on the way, but I always look forward to each Watchercast. Becoming is one of the absolute highlights of Buffy, capping off a real rollercoaster of emotions this season.
Buffy also later did another little take on the Cassandra myth in season 7, with Cassie Newton (who is named after Cassandra and predicts her own death).
hey im adele from scotland, and i just wanted to say your podcast rocks!! iv tried listening to other buffy podcasts but i founf that yours is the best by far. cant wait till you start season 3. just thought id leave a comment so tada!!
Oh, I loved the length of this episode. I listen on my commute and it’s a great distraction in traffic
Hey guys, just listening to the podcast and had a comment.
When Whistler says to Buffy that she has one more thing to lose, I always thought that he
was referring to her life. That she’s lost all of these things but she still had herself-
who she is, who she has become, what’s she’s learned, etc. She has herself and she’s still
breathing so she still has SOMETHING.
Just a thought.
Thanks for a great podcast, guys! Keep up the great work!
I just started watching Buffy six months ago and have finished it already! The humor you guys put in your podcast is great. Oh, and Becoming Part I and II are definitly my favorite episodes. Have you guys mentioed the new Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie that may be made? I love the podcast, don’t quit just ’cause Joss has a thing against people who crititize him! Lol
Was just watching the 2nd Ep of Castle. Principle Flutie is in it, for about 10 seconds. Just thought you would get a kick out of that.
While I’m not quite done with all the episodes yet (I still have four more to listen too), I had to leave more feedback, my first feedback was on iTunes. First thing, this is still one of the best BTVS podcast I’ve listened to and I absolutely love all of your voices. Having a good voice is a big deal to me, if a person doesn’t have a pleasant voice I don’t care what they’re trying to say I won’t listen at all.
Second, a few days ago I listened to the podcast episode ‘Ted’ and one of the hosts (sorry I don’t remember which one) mentioned the Captain and Tennille reference and why would these kids being talking about that music when they weren’t around in that decade. When Xander and Willow (Buffy had no idea who C&T were) were talking about C&T it didn’t strike me as odd that they brought up a music artist that wasn’t from their era because although I was born in 85’ I grew up on a lot of my parent’s music from the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s. And most I enjoy, from Dad’s side I got Aerosmith, Blue Oyster Cult, and AC/DC, from Mom I got ABBA, Captain and Tennille, and Aretha Franklin, just as some examples. I also grew up on 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s music from my Grandparent’s era. While I know not all people like their parent’s/grandparent’s music I think it happens often enough where it didn’t strike me as weird.
Third, last night I listened to the podcast episode ‘Passion’ and something that wasn’t mentioned was Jenny’s genuine surprise that Angelus was able to come into her classroom. I had a ‘huh?’ reaction to that because in previous episodes Angel/Angelus was always able to get into the school since it’s a public high school. Now maybe teacher’s classrooms are a bit different but it still confused me.
All of you are doing a fantastic job and I can hardly wait to listen to the remaining four episodes and any new ones you will post.
~Jezebel Jinx
You guys are awesome! Please tell me you intend on doing a Dollhouse podcast, the ones out there are very lame.
Awesome job on two of the most pivotal episodes in the Buffyverse – I really enjoyed listening to these. I quite agree with Jason – every time I hear the Buffy/Angel theme I tear up, knowing that gut-wrenching moment is coming.
On a related note, went to see HP6 last night. The scene where Ginny and Harry are “hiding the Prince’s book in the room of requirement” and Ginny tells Harry to close his eyes, ostensibly so he won’t see were she’s hidden it? The second she said that my mind went right to “watch out for the sword – Have fun in hell, Harry!” Thank you Joss, much like “Who are you going to call?” the phrase “Close your eyes” has been now and forever typecast.
I know you all are busy with family things – congrats Shannon and Jason on your beautiful new baby boy – but it has to be said, can’t wait until your next show!
Saw a few former BTVS cast members on other shows recently. Julie Benz and Charisma Carpenter were in Boy Meets World season 3. Benz played a girl who was only interested in dating jocks so Eric said he was a pool shark. And CC played a girl in a caterer’s outfit or a maid’s outfit, during the new years eve episode while the kids are in the subway. Don’t know if CC had any lines though.
Also the Mayor (can’t remember the actors name) was in a Bones episode as a plastic surgeon in LA.
This is the best Buffy podcast ever. Well done folks – excellent episode that had me nodding in agreement at various stages (and sniffing a little when you mentioned the buffy/angel theme tune). Good luck with the prospective new arrivals and, selfishly, I hope you can keep broadcasting as I’m so looking forward to hearing you
all discuss the greatness of Faith and the Mayor (just wanna be a big snake). Hurrah!
Great ‘cast, gang. Glad to have you back in action. Gina already beat me to what I was going to say about Buffy revealing Angel’s turning before she killed him. Also, the bit about Anya and “kick his ass” was in Season 7, episode 5 “Selfless” w/ the whole frathouse slaughter.
Ah! I was re-listening to this just now, actually, and when you mentioned something about The Whistler being a “first-run” of Doyle, I remembered something randomly. I’ve read somewhere that The Whistler was supposed to be on Angel, but then they replaced him with Doyle. Just an interesting fact!