Buffy’s Filler Episode ‘Something Blue’: Darker Than It Seems

Buffy the Vampire Slayer has its share of filler episodes, but one of the most ridiculous actually speaks to the show’s darkness. In total, Buffy ran for seven seasons on the WB and UPN from 1997-2003, back when network shows tended to release 22 episodes a season. With that many episodes, not every one will be entirely crucial to the overall plot.

As a result, Buffy‘s filler episodes tended to be goofier in tone because there were such lower stakes. Sometimes, like season 5’s “Triangle” and season 7’s “Him,” this resulted in a fun and light viewing experience where the cast got to show off their comedic talent.

Other times, like with Buffy‘s worst episode, “Beer Bad,” it was an unfunny disaster. And then there is one filler episode in particular that is much darker than it seems.

Buffy’s Season 4 Episode “Something Blue” Has A Silly Premise

Buffy season 4, episode 9, “Something Blue,” sees Willow’s magic hijinks gone awry. She’s still very much heartbroken over her breakup with Oz, only now her friends’ patience for her despair has waned. At a loss for how to cope with the pain, Willow casts a “My Will Be Done” spell so she can literally will the pain away.

It backfires, to say the least. Though she is no closer to getting over Oz, Willow’s will is, in fact, done in unexpected ways. When she makes flippant observations that Giles can’t see anything, Xander is a demon magnet, and Buffy and Spike should just get married because they’re so obsessed with each other, these things begin to come true.

With the spell in effect, things get amped up to a ridiculous level, with Buffy and Spike’s obnoxious lovey-doveyness perhaps the most cartoonish of all. It’s always fun to see the Scoobies under the influence of some spell and acting in ways they normally wouldn’t, especially when it’s two mortal enemies making moon eyes at each other.

Of course, by the end of the episode, Willow is able to break the spell, and things go back to normal with no real consequences to her or any of her friends. But even though everyone’s fine and they all forgive Willow, “Something Blue” massively hinted at some major darkness to come.

“Something Blue” Foreshadows Willow’s Descent Into Dark Magic

Willow may be back to her sweet, dorky self by the time credits roll, but no amount of apology cookies can hide the fact that she was incredibly reckless with her magic and could have gotten her friends killed. And, lo and behold, two seasons later, she continues down this path, gets addicted to magic, and eventually becomes Dark Willow.

Looking at it this way, Willow’s downfall may seem obvious, but it’s precisely “Something Blue”‘s silly premise and status as a filler episode that hides its character revelations from the audience. Plus, what follows next is the legendary “Hush” episode that is almost entirely dialogue-free and features Buffy‘s scariest monsters in the Gentlemen.

It’s also worth noting that Willow’s magic is so dark and powerful in “Something Blue” that it catches the attention of D’Hoffryn, who offers her a job as a vengeance demon. Of course, at this point, Willow is horrified at the chaos she’s caused and turns him down, but there’s no denying that the door to Willow’s becoming a villain just got opened wider than it ever was before.

Buffy & Spike’s Toxic Relationship Is Blatantly Acknowledged In This Buffy Episode

“Something Blue” marks the first time anything remotely romantic occurs between Buffy and Spike, and because they’re under the effects of a spell and behaving in such a silly way, it’s dismissed by the audience. But, like, Willow’s villain turn, the Slayer and vampire’s romantic relationship does indeed come to fruition, also in season 6.

But that’s not the most fascinating part about it. Buffy and Spike find themselves in this bizarre situation because Willow suggests that if Spike is so important, Buffy should just go marry him. It’s a throwaway line from a needy person suffering from heartbreak, but Willow does touch on something.

Even before Spike realizes he has feelings for Buffy in season 5, he’s always had an intense obsession with her. This dates back to the voyeuristic delight he takes in stalking her back in season 2’s “School Hard,” where Spike is first introduced.

It’s also interesting how clingy and co-dependent Buffy gets once she’s under the spell. Sure, she’s “in love” with Spike because of magic, but being in love can look different in many ways, yet Buffy and Spike go straight for the toxic. Then, when they do start a sexual relationship in season 6, it’s beyond problematic.

Ultimately, “Something Blue” isn’t Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s best episode — or even best filler episode — by a long shot. But it’s still an enjoyable watch that reminds you not just how funny the show can be, but also of the ever-present darkness lurking beneath the surface.

Release Date

1997 – 2003

Network

The WB