Jonathan the Vampire Slayer | 4x17 "Superstar" | The Normies Group Reaction! 

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I love the “Xander don’t speak Latin in front of the books” line because they called back to it in “Cabin in the Woods” when the Marty says “Do not read the Latin” that kicks off the movie.

Danny Strong (Jonathan) is great, and not just as an actor. He’s also a writer, director, and producer for a lot of shows and movies.

Love that they included johnathan in the title sequence

I love how unhinged season 4 is

THIS is the episode where Jonathan goes from background character to fan favorite

2It's so funny that Suraj said Jonathan is like the Butters of the show, when the actor who plays him (Danny Strong) once described Jonathan as "the Kenny of Buffy" lol.

Jonathan goes on to one day co-create the series Empire. This still cracks me up.

Also love how they point out the idea of now we have this character who was here the entire time, did all this cool stuff with the group, and we just don't remember. 😅

Superstar was a strange episode that a lot of fans loved and hated in equal measure. Johnathan being the central character was an unusual concept, harping back to Earshot when he felt so useless and unwanted he was going to commit suicide. Here we see him as a James Bond type hero who can basically do anything and is universally loved. Even at the end when he talks to Buffy once reality is restored Buffy once again doesn't judge him but as in Earshot offers her help and support showing who the true hero and Superstar is.

They definitely aired the episode “Earshot” before this episode. It was aired 2 weeks before Season 4’s premiere so the fans at the time indeed saw it prior to superstar.

"Xander, don't speak Latin in front of the books" i love this line so much

I pretty much love all the episodes where the world is all wrong or they're in alternate worlds/dimensions in both this show and Angel.

Yes! You all have finally got here! This opening threw everyone for a loop when it aired! 😆 Danny did pretty well for himself after the show! Good for him!

I love watching reactors watch this episode and spend the first 5 minutes going 'what the hell'. Kudos to Danny Strong for really going for it as super Jonathan. I think the actors must have all had a ball making this one.

Also, Jonathan gave crucial info on Adam. Love this ep. It feels very filler when you just had that big Faith story just before, but on rewatch this is so much fun, and in a way, it is also a very important episode.

I think this may be Marketa's favorite episode to date! It had to be Jonathan who did the spell, because throughout the series he has had a number of cameos where he was the butt of a joke, or the punchline, like when the mean girls told Cordy they had the "perfect stud" for her, that sort of thing. From Wiki: "Strong described the early development of his character in an interview with the U.K. Buffy the Vampire Slayer magazine. He described his character as the "Kenny of Buffy. Except that he never dies."[1] Strong had initially auditioned for the role of Xander, but lost out to Nicholas Brendon. He first appeared in the unaired Buffy the Vampire Slayer pilot in a bit part simply named "Student", and subsequently appeared in a number of episodes. He said that often he appeared in scenes that could have been done by other characters but that "They'll have Jonathan do it, to keep the continuity of the world". Writer/directors David Greenwalt and Marti Noxon both stated in the DVD commentaries for "Reptile Boy" and "What's My Line", respectively, that Danny Strong was the actor that they would call on whenever they needed a good victim, both citing his good "victim face". Eventually the character grew out of this frequent use.[2] Explaining the potential appeal of the character, he said, "I think everyone is sort of like Jonathan. Either they're like Jonathan or they're trying to cover up their Jonathan qualities. Either they're awkward and shy, or they're doing everything they can not to appear awkward and shy. I'm not really very shy, but I certainly can be awkward at times."[1]"

Can’t wait for season 5 now - this group is fun to watch wacky situations

my favorite Danny Strong fun fact is when he was a kid he used to go into the video store Quentin Tarantino worked at and they bonded over their love of movies

From what just I read, "Earshot" was aired September 21, 1999, 2 weeks prior the season 4 premiere, so I'm sure many people saw it.

Favorite moment: When a Jonathan poster reverted to being a poster for Oz' band, Dingoes Ate My Baby.

“Retcon. Something happened.” Oh, just you wait…

3:05-3:07 Danny Strong, the actor who played Jonathon, has stated that he did the episode's photo shoot before ever seeing the script and knew it would be a fun episode for his character. 5:55-5:57 Adam may be the least important part about the episode, but he keept the narrative flow going (as well as the Faith and Riley issues Buffy has from the previous episode and Riley learning more about the magical side of things) and not allow it to fall into a situational comedy moment where the reset button was pressed just to air a single episode doing a single story. It was therefore not a filler episode. Before Jonathon comes in to talk to The Initiative soldiers, there is a shot of Riley looking down at him used when he was actually looking at Colonel George Haviland. Willowv and Anya's attitude during the exchange of: Willow: Buffy was right. Buffy was right? Anya: Doesn't sound very likely, does it? ...comes across as comedy, but The Scooby Gang have often treated Buffy as if she's dense and not very bright. It has nothing to do with the spell Jonathon placed them under. The exchange doesn't make me laugh for that reason. I'm more impressed that Buffy sussed out the problem while under the spell thus showing the Scooby Gang (as she has numerous other times without telling them off for considering her dumb) she can still be a smart and great slayer as well as herself (personality-wise) even under a spell. If you think about it, the twins were essentially raped by Jonathan. The essentially had no free will over what their actual actions would have been. That could be said for the spell itself concerning anyone who wanted Jonathon or had fantasies while under the spell or did anything in general they wouldn't have usually done under the spell. It's a little better that Jonathon assumed he was just getting a quick fix to his issues in _Earshot_ and The Scoobies were the friend group, but Chris is right, "the implications [with the twins and taking away everyone's free will] are rough." This episode aired well after _Earshot,_ which was released before S4 started. But it's great that a first time reaction viewer, Mickey in this case, remembers the last time Jonathon was in an episode.

The way this episode previews some major themes that will come into play in s5 and s6… (I know they don’t read comments so I can say it): alternate realities, mind manipulation/violation, magic as a shortcut.

Earshot did air, it was just aired many months later.

Such a grear episode. The show is great at subverting expectations and that intro sequence is golden as messing with the audience.

They didn't show 'Earshot' in its correct place, but they did broadcast it the week before season 4 started, so it had been seen by this point.

Cannot wait to get to a certain character first appearance after what Micky said at 25:22 ... for Dawn, obviously

Great reaction! I'm not a big fan of Johnathan, but I do love how creative and all-in they went with this episode. It was very well done and its the little details that really make the episode for me. When it comes to Buffy seasons, there are 7 TV show seasons and 5 comic book seasons that continue the series (Seasons 8 - 12). There are also plenty of other books and comics that exist for Buffy too (some of which came out while the series was still airing), but those aren't considered canon material. I'm someone who enjoys the canon Darkhorse comics (specifically Seasons 10 & 11), but I've also really liked a lot of the non-canon stuff too like: The Last Vampire Slayer, Buffy: The Lost Summer, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New School Nightmare, and a children's picture book called Buffy the Vampire Slayer (it's just really cute!). There is a lot of really fun extra and expansive material for Buffy, which is always a blast to explore.

Jonathan actor has awards!!!

Best line of the reaction, from Spidey: It's gonna take too long, and once the babies start getting it, we're going to be furious. 😄🤣

Marketa’s necklace is really cool!

D&D was so good! Glad you guys enjoyed it ^_^ Fun episode and dont feel it’s filler since characters still develop - like Buffy and Riley.

"Once the babies start getting it" hilarious 😂

I agree with Spidey, Buffy did nothing wrong with the sugar ! 🤣

Super bummed to hear your D&D footage got corrupted. It would have been a blast watching you guys do that one.

lol, I will not hear the Jonathon episode called filler, slander. When this came out it was wild for a TV show in that older TV ecosystem/resource level. Part of this rewatch, for me, has been realizing how much they did with comparatively little. It's achieved mostly through two things, smart writing with a heart, and a cast who go 100% at making that work.

Mickey, there’s over 7 billion people. That’s over 2.7 million years if everybody got a shot at having their day. Chances are you’ll be long dead before you ever have a chance. 😂

Thumb Up #748! 👍 You're welcome! Thanks! 😊 Notes: Suraj, used the phrase or term "Grammar Nazi" in another video. Is that why the group still doesn't know the differences between monkeys and apes? You think that it has to do with Grammar? 🤔 This episode is very fun! But it is not a "filler episode" as it foreshadows so much of what's to come! 😮 Buffy's hairstyle reminds you of Joyce's?! Well I agree now, but when it was new, I didn't think of Joyce in an erotic way, so I didn't notice. She was just "Buffy's obligatory mother character" because Buffy was still a minor. Though I did acknowledge her as better looking than the movie version. This is all new to me to be seeing Joyce in a new light! 😮 So, thanks I guess. 😊 "Eight Seasons"! Aha! But the eighth isn't a television season so to carry on will require reading! 🤔 Too bad about "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" as I was looking forward to it. 🐉🐲 Rana & Marketa, thanks for keeping the guys in check! 😊

And so Jonathan’s journey begins

After this, I’m even more convinced than ever that you guys would absolutely have a blast with the short-lived tv show Todd and the Book of Pure Evil

Also, while this episode appears to be silly filler, it's actually a very inportqnt episode that adds a lot to the show that is actually quite important. Things like information on Adam and also magic mechanics you won't learn elsewhere. Also, this is a big episode for Buffy, for understanding why she acts the way she acts in various situations. First, this is another grear example of her using her slayer sense that Giles talked about in the pilot episode. They never returned to training it, so she acts on it unconcoinciously. We've seen it before around Ted in season 2 and her roomate earlier in the season. The giveaway in this episode that she's using her slayer sense is when Riley says that he knows Buffy can see things the rest can't. This isn't just another repitition of her using this ability, because Jonathan isn't a danger, yet at some level she can see through his diception. This really helps define more about her ability for the rest of the show. Another big Buffy element is it gives us a window into Buffy's secret inner self, as each of the characters have been written with them. This was kind of referenced in the beginning of the season in their psych class, where the professor spoke about the different aspects or people's personalities. Buffy has a secret desire she didn't really know about when it comes to finding someone to love. In fact, it's something she secretly needs to feel a real connection to anyone. Something that doesn't really get openly discussed amongst the group or even privatelu acknowledged by Buffy herself is that she's no longer really human. Becoming the slayee changes them to such an extent, they actually can't fully relate to humans anymore. Part of this is that slayers have more senses than humans, the slayer sense being one of them. So, humans in a way feel incomplete or lacking to her. We can see this earlier too. When Giles was a demon, Buffy was able to see past his exterior to see it was him. She thought it was because of his eyes, but a part of it was why she could see through Jonathan's facade here. Later, she was upset that Giles couldn't see past Faith's exterior to see her. Aslo, this lack of ability is also why she was so upser that Riley couldn't see past her exterior as well. Other's have though, and this gives us a big clue to another extra ability of Buffy's. Angel was almost able to read Buffy's mind. Also, with the help of the First's priests, they shared dreams. Also, her and Faith shared dreams even. For any of you who've watched Angel, there is an episode you should have see by now that has a vampire Angel sired in it. That episode does a lot of heavy lifting for vampire lore in the Buffyverse, which is why it's very important to watch Angel with Buffy. It explains things this show doesn't. In any event, Angel explains extra abilities vampires have with their sires. They have a strong connection to them that causes them to feel each other when near, to share dreams and even thoughts. If you look back through the times when Angel was near Buffy and she didn't know he was there, she paused for a moment feeling something. That was their connection. A lot of people speak about the chemistry between Faith and Buffy, as if they're closer to each other than most others. A lot of people claim it's jist sexual tension, but again, it's this vempire sire like connection. This episode shows that Buffy is frustrated by not having this connectoon to Riley. Also, the previous episodes shows she's similarly frustrated by her human friends not sharing this ability with her. What's evem crazier, is someone else around Buffy likely does. We get a glimpse of it here. Also, in previous episodes they've been able to reach past all of Buffy's lies and facades and read her like a book. Not that she will ever admit to it though. So ya, it's a funny silly episode. One that also happens to be stock full of really important info on a whole assortment of things. It also makes future episodes make a lot more sense as well. Never underestimate the oddball episodes. They're the ones rhe writer's like to take advantage of to slip in all the hidden background mechanics and rules the show runs on.

"What the fuck's happening!!!??" I'm dying🤣🤣

Danny Strong is an awesome guy.

God. I can't wait for you guys to start season 5. 😃

That shrimp universe comes back up in Angel

Ah yes, Jonathan, everyone favorite character. And now we will never see him again, right?

Their frustration is very funny considering.

Oh, Jarnathan! Wait...

"Arm pit smelling fingers girl" was named Molly Shannon... And yes that was definitely peak SNL, Will Ferrell, Chero Oteri, Tina Fey, and the other talented people.

Thanks.

just an all around fun ep

Chris and Micky's name tags seem to be swapped at 0:28

FYI that Danny Strong is around 5'2", not much different in height from Sarah Michelle Gellar, so there really wasn't much need for anyone to stand on boxes to seem taller.

Poor Spidey…so sleepy. A few of you actually looked very tired. Long day? Later day than usual? Anyway- Not sure if this is common for all shows like it, but every intense & pivotal Buffy episode is followed by a fun one.

I forgot all about this ep until just now 😂😂😂😂😂

i love this episode so much

He wish he had a girl that look good, he would call her

"Yeah ... something's up!" Oh really? Sherlock Holmes over here. Lol

is the thumbnail wrong just for me?

When will be next Mission Impossible 4, we are waiting)

21:57 Hmm, no repurcussions for a character that uses magic to create an alternate reality to escape their sorrowful life and become the main character in a small town that they have control over. I know that sounds like another character from something Joss Whedon-adjacent... hmm, something to do with teleVision and the colour Scarlet... It's on the tip of my tongue...

Since I saw this episode for the first time my declared goal in life is to make tall people feel too tall around me.

Click baited, I came here for young justice damnit

13:26 You guys watched the magicians off screen?? Oh no 😭

yeah this is not THE GASLIGHT episode but there is few that are.

One of the take aways from this is that Riley, and by extension the Initiative do not know that magic is real. They think they are just an advanced animal control unit but are totally out of their depth.

They think season 4 is amazing... they're not ready for season 5 😌

Man if this opening messed y'all up. Season 5 is gonna be a doozy.

Is it me, or are they talking like Earshot was the only other episode with Jonathan? Calling it "the first episode" and saying "you get to do an episode after all."

I look forward to your Buffy reactions every week lol. I can’t wait for your reactions to “Wild at Heart”. (2 episodes out)

JARNATHAN!!! jokes are taking me out

Wait, I know they did this a lot the Flash series, but was Buffy the first show to acknowledge the day of the week the show airs on?

Are you guys going to watch the movie?

I had no idea Jonathan started this channel.

there are 7 seasons of Buffy, the 8th is a comic book continuation.

Wrong thumbnail?

I forgot where I heard this from but I heard that whenever Buffy has wavy/curly hair, she is not herself or acting true to herself 🤷‍♀️

25:20 Becarefull what you wish for Micky 🤷‍♀

You know he help make empire

This episode being shown just a few episode shy from the season finale is soo good. They’re letting the audience know that magic is powerful, & anything or anyone can suddenly show up.

And now you know why some of us Buffy-obsessed fans declared April 1st, or April Fool’s Day, also Jonathan Day. We treat it as an annual holiday. We post Jonathan memes all over Buffy socials and pretend that Superstar was canon for the entire series and that Jonathan really did do all that stuff. It’s so fun! Danny Strong is aware of it.

I think you should switch off comments going in to season 5, it's going to be a bloodbath.

Top Ten Episode for me. Would love to see Jonathan defeat the Mayor or the Master. And does this mean Jonathan and Angel were lovers?!?!?!?!

Opening titles come on -everything goes down - nope it won't get any better than that.

No matter who you are the first time you wacth this episode its confusing, like what did we miss.

Spidey 😂😂😂😂 poor thing triyng do hard for no get sleep

Rip Mickey, he was decommissioned.

If you like Buffy, try reacting to Angel. Angel was a spin-off and better in my opinion.

Jonathan 😅

Did you guys have to do skips for the intro?

A good Break from the normal Buffy. It kept us interested, didn't it? LMAO!

Tarrable? Really Micky? 😅😅😅

The demon guys reminds me a lot of those psycho monkeys from Temple Run, lol

💖💖💖

The thing with the Twins is pretty iffy. The spell he cast, as Willow described it, was to turn himself into a paragon and force of good. A self augmentation spell that shifted the history of reality. The intent was less "mind control everyone and make them love me" and more "make me someone worthy of everyone's love." Once its cast, does he need to remain celibate? Is casting a spell to make yourself more handsome similarly problematic? Is "i used to be someone they wouldnt sleep with" a sticking point, because he is that person now, he has the knowledge and skills. It comes down to consent vs informed consent, and i'm not really sure.

Danny Strong is definitely that short. Sarah is about 5'2 and he's shorter than her!

Oh I paused it to ask myself (aloud mind you) wtf is happening? Is this the same show?!....

"Xander, don't speak Latin in front of the books".

@25:25 yeah... introduce a new character and not address it.. too bad they wouldn't do something that insane....