Twenty-three years ago, Buffy the Vampire Slayer took a bold creative leap that would become one of the most beloved and influential episodes in television history. “Once More, with Feeling,” the musical episode that aired on November 6, 2001, wasn’t just a gimmick – it was a pivotal moment for the characters, a showcase for the cast’s hidden talents, and a testament to creator Joss Whedon’s artistic vision.

As we look back on this groundbreaking episode nearly a quarter-century later, it’s clear that “Once More, with Feeling” has lost none of its magic. Let’s explore how this musical masterpiece came to be, its impact on the series and television landscape, and why it continues to resonate with fans old and new.

The Genesis of a Musical

The idea of a musical episode had been percolating in Joss Whedon’s mind since Buffy’s inception in 1997. A self-described “musical geek” with a particular fondness for Stephen Sondheim, Whedon had always dreamed of bringing his characters to melodic life. However, the demands of running a weekly television show made such an ambitious project seem impossible.

It wasn’t until the sixth season that the stars finally aligned. With day-to-day showrunning duties handed off to executive producer Marti Noxon, Whedon found the time to tackle his musical passion project. The result was a labor of love that took six grueling months to bring to fruition.

Whedon took on the Herculean task of writing not just the episode’s script, but all the music and lyrics as well. Despite having only recently learned to play piano and possessing what he described as “a tenuous grip on music composition,” Whedon crafted an entire score without any collaborators. This solo effort lent the episode a uniquely personal touch that perfectly captured the voices of the characters he had nurtured for years.

A Cast Transformed

The announcement of a musical episode was met with mixed reactions from the cast. Some, like Anthony Stewart Head (Giles) and Amber Benson (Tara), were thrilled at the opportunity to showcase their vocal talents. Others approached the challenge with trepidation.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, despite her initial reservations, ultimately embraced the challenge. She recognized the episode’s importance to Buffy’s character arc and worked tirelessly to prepare, even bringing in her friend, choreographer Adam Shankman, to assist with the production.

The preparation was intense. Cast members spent three months taking voice and dance lessons, learning to lip-sync, and mastering complex choreography. For many, it was a transformative experience that pushed them out of their comfort zones and revealed hidden talents.

Not everyone was eager to belt out show tunes, however. Alyson Hannigan famously begged to have as few singing lines as possible, resulting in her character Willow having just two brief lines in the entire episode – one of which cheekily acknowledged her minimal role.

A Story with Stakes

What sets “Once More, with Feeling” apart from many other musical episodes is its narrative significance. Rather than being a standalone gimmick, the episode served as a crucial turning point in the season’s storyline. Under the influence of a music-inducing demon named Sweet, the characters were compelled to reveal their deepest secrets and fears through song.

This conceit allowed for major character developments and revelations. Most notably, Buffy finally confessed to her friends that they had pulled her out of heaven, not hell, when they resurrected her at the beginning of the season. This gut-wrenching admission, delivered through song, set the stage for the darker themes that would dominate the rest of season six.

Other characters had their moments of truth as well. Xander and Anya’s duet foreshadowed their doomed engagement, while Tara’s love song to Willow took on a haunting new meaning when she later discovered Willow had magically manipulated her memories. Even Spike, the vampire antihero, got to express his conflicted feelings for Buffy in a rock ballad.

Legacy and Influence

“Once More, with Feeling” was an immediate hit with fans and critics alike. It garnered Emmy and Hugo Award nominations and is frequently cited as one of the best episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, if not one of the greatest television episodes of all time.

The episode’s success paved the way for other series to attempt their own musical episodes, though few have managed to capture the same magic. Shows like Scrubs, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Flash have all paid homage to Buffy‘s groundbreaking experiment, but “Once More, with Feeling” remains the gold standard.

Beyond inspiring imitators, the episode has had a lasting impact on pop culture. Fans continue to celebrate it through sing-along screenings, cover performances, and endless discussions of its intricate lyrics and metaphors. The soundtrack album remains a cherished item for Buffy enthusiasts.

Why It Still Resonates

Twenty-three years later, what makes “Once More, with Feeling” still feel fresh and exciting? Perhaps it’s the way it perfectly balances humor and heart, spectacle and substance. The songs are catchy and clever, but they’re also deeply rooted in the characters and their emotional journeys.

The episode also serves as a microcosm of what made Buffy the Vampire Slayer so special. It blends genres fearlessly, using the supernatural as a metaphor for real-life struggles, and never loses sight of its characters’ humanity amidst the fantastical elements.

For longtime fans, revisiting the episode is like reuniting with old friends – friends who just happen to burst into song about their deepest insecurities and desires. For newcomers, it’s a perfect entry point into the rich world of Buffy, showcasing the show’s wit, creativity, and emotional depth in one perfectly packaged hour.

Conclusion: A Timeless Tune

“Once More, with Feeling” stands as a testament to the power of creative risk-taking in television. It pushed the boundaries of what a genre show could do, demonstrated the hidden depths of its cast, and provided a pivotal moment of character development wrapped in an irresistible musical package.

As we look back on this episode 23 years later, its impact is undeniable. It remains a high-water mark not just for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but for television as a medium. In an era of peak TV and constant innovation, “Once More, with Feeling” still hits all the right notes, reminding us of the joy, pain, and unexpected magic that can happen when characters wear their hearts on their sleeves – and express those hearts in song.