Rating: 
Summary: dark shadows john wells and the WB can only dream of
Review: Too dark. Too depressing. Too many dark character arcs. Too kinky, too many nerdy villains, no compelling "big bad," what's up with spike, and, well-- too dark. Does that cover the list of complaints? Am I forgetting anything? Lord only knows, Buffy-holics can be fierce, persnickity taskmasters (particularly the online folk), and I wouldn't want to miss a single nitpick. Season Six of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is easily the most divisive of the show's seven-year run (to paraphrase a wise swampland muppet, there is only love or no love-- there is no try). It is also one of the show's very best, and listening to the litany of concerns that even the most devoted fans have with this season brings to mind the exchange between Woody Allen and the aliens in STARDUST MEMORIES: "We love your films. Particularly the earlier, funnier ones." Series creator/auteur Joss Whedon has stated in numerous interviews that BUFFY was designed to be loved and adored beyond all reason, and as its spin-off ANGEL finally reached its magnificent conclusion a few weeks ago, bringing to a close the stories of what fans affectionately refer to as "the Buffyverse" (or the WhedonVerse)-- and leaving fans of quality television bereft in a universe of soul-sucking reality television and jeffy foxworthy-- it's clear that Whedon succeeded beyond his wildest expectations. Spin-offs, novelizations, comics, videogames, action figures, ep guides, conferences, conventions, oodles of websites and at least a dozen academic collections testify to the intense feeling fans had for the program. I mention this because it's impossible for me to separate my appreciation and understanding of the events of season six from this fan culture, and that culture's divided response. At the end of season five, contract disputes with the WB led to the show's departure from that network, and its debut on UPN. Without wanting to give away any plot twists, I'd like to propose that season six -- in addition to offering heartbreaking drama, hilarious comedy, and the single best musical in recent memory-- also acts as a kind of metacommentary on both network politics (the show's characters going through the same kinds of growing pains as the program itself went through in moving to a new home) and, much more daringly, on the dangers and limitations of fanboyism. What does that mean? Well, watch the box and we'll talk (no spoilers, remember, although I'm dying to tell you about this moment when...and then it turns out it's his sled...and...). Suffice to say that, even for a show as consistently risky and daring in its tonal shifts, stylistic pastiches and character arcs as BUFFY, Season Six finds Whedon and Co. pushing everyone to their limits. Yes, it's dark, although even a quick perusal of the previous five seasons suggests that darkness has always been a key element in BUFFY (she *is* a vampire slayer, after all). Yes, there are scary, depressing things that happen (although anyone who's sat through Buffy Season Two should be prepared for that possibility). Characters change, relationships alter, and not everything conforms to the formula of good/evil that had been established (and also played with, deconstructed) over the previous seasons. But guess what? This sort of ambiguity has been part of the BUFFY make-up since the first season. It was clear, at least since Season Two, that the show was not going to be the campfest that its title (and forgettable movie parent) suggested, and that, under the guise of a "teen show," Whedon and Co. were going to deliver some of the richest, most complex emotions on TV. Too dark, too depressing, too kinky-- and yet, upon reflection, everything that happens in Season Six is a logical outgrowth of what had come before. Pulling the rug out from under fan expectations has been one of the show's hallmarks from the first epsiode, and previous years have seen shocking plot twists, from an extreme makeover of a key character in season two, to the surprise arrival of another in season five. One of the joys of Buffy has been the show's willingness to thwart expectation and push character and audience alike to new and strange emotional places (inevitably, once the outrage dies down, fans look back on these arc-altering episodes nostalgically). The writers do so gracefully, wittily, movingly and logically-- the changes never seem like just a stunt-- and it's to the writers' credit that they trusted their audience enough to, after six years, take them to even harder places (given the difficulties many had, the writers arguably trusted them too much). Better that than another police procedural regurgitation where NOTHING EVER CHANGES. Remember, too, a crucial component of the BuffyVerse's success-- hope (no shadow without light). As a show with the word "slayer" in the title would suggest, there has been violence and pain in the show's run, but never nihilism, the kind of flip, darkness-for-its-own-sake conservatism that infects the work of Alan (SIX FEET UNDER) Ball, for instance. The difficulties and consequences the show's characters face are always mixed with humor, whether it's a throwaway joke or a full-scale musical episode (the masterful "Once More With Feeling," the single best thing on television during the 2001-2002 season). Ultimately, it is that hope that justifies all of the darkness of the season, and when the characters reach a kind of understanding and grace in the season's final minutes, it is an extraordiarily moving capstone to a magnificent six-year run (don't get me started on the painfully disappointing seventh year, there's no time...). Too dark, too depressing, too kinky-- and as cancellations and reality gluts are apparently proving, too damn cool for contemporary television.
Rating: 
Summary: a season worth watching.
Review: This season was a very misunderstood season. In my opinion it is brilliant.
Buffy the vampire slayer was always the show that dared during something different.
That is what makes this season genius. The fact is it explored the characters to the extreme.
The Musical episode is the best episode of buffy ever. The writing is on top of its game and the show proves to be something totally different.
The show does become a bit too dark, but in my opinion it is a must buy because it has some of the
most brilliant moments, on the show. It's a season that should not be left out. Sarah Michelle Gellar is as always on top of her graft.
And the musical episode deserved an emmy.
Rating: 
Summary: Something to Sing About
Review: When people talk about the sixth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, darkness always comes to mind. This was definitely the darkest season of the show, especially with the year's "big bad" being life itself. Sure, there was the Evil Trio and Dark Willow (Alyson Hannigan) to deal with, but at the end of the season, it was obvious that Joss Whedon and company had found a way to create a truly unkillable foe. However, it would not be their last time, but that's a story for next year.
Anyway, for those of you who don't know, Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) died at the end of Season 5 as she sacrificed herself to save her sister Dawn (Michelle Tractenberg) as well as the rest of the world. Now, three months later, her friends Willow, Xander (Nicholas Brendan), Anya (Emma Caulfield) and Tara (Amber Benson) decide to resurrect her. One reason being is that they miss her, but, more importantly, they believe that she is suffering in a hell dimension due to the nature of her death. On the night they decide to perform the ritual, Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) leaves Sunnydale to return to England. Their spell is interrupted by a group of biker demons who find out that the Hellmouth is without a slayer, so when Buffy wakes up (in her coffin six feet underground), she first has to dig her way out, then she is met by a Sunnydale on fire where the bikers have taken over. Understandably, she thinks that she has gone to Hell. Later, after she has recovered, she thanks her friends for saving her from Hell, but she soon turns to Spike (James Marsters) and tells him that she was in fact in Heaven. She doesn't want her friends to know because it would devastate them to know they ripped her from Heaven. However, that is one of many secrets held this season.
After Giles returns, he debates leaving again because he feels that he's standing in Buffy's way, Willow, who is becoming addicted to magic, casts a spell on Tara in order to make her forget about their fighting, Dawn turns into a kleptomaniac, and Xander and Anya have reservations about their upcoming wedding. And these are all in the first half of the season before the great musical episode Once More With Feeling, where they are forced to reveal their secrets to each other through song.
After that episode, things begin to spiral downward very quickly for the Scooby Gang. Tara leaves Willow, who then becomes a magic junkie. Her old friend Amy (Elizabeth Anne Allen), now back in human form, takes her to a magic "dealer" named Rack (Jeff Kober) who supplies Willow with very dark and dangerous powers. Meanwhile, Buffy enters into a destructive relationship with Spike in order to have any feelings, even if it is hatred and disgust. Even though Buffy is alive, she is still dead inside, and the only way she can feel anything is by sleeping with a vampire she detests. And as if they didn't have enough to worry about, old villains Warren (Adam Busch) and Jonathon (Danny Strong) as well as Andrew (Tom Lenk), the brother of villain Tucker (Brad Kane). They decided to team up to take over Sunnydale and each of them has their own unique ability. Warren is a mechanical genius, Jonathon is a spellcaster, and Andrew, like his brother Tucker, can summon and control demons. Despite their intentions and abilities, though, they are never more than a thorn in Buffy's side... until the end that is.
This is a season that, in order to truly appreciate, must be viewed with a knowledge of the underlying theme. Some of the first Buffy episodes that I saw were from this season, and I was very disappointed because it seemed like the demons were either part of a secondary storyline, or they were merely metaphors and not the grand villains that I had been told about. When I watched the episodes now, though, I really enjoyed them because I knew what to look for and what to expect.
This season may not have the greatest villains in the sense that they were the most threat to Buffy or the world, it did have great stories. First of all, even though the Trio was the most pathetic villains Buffy faces, they are definitely the funniest. Also, Dark Willow is just so cool. This year also has some amazing episodes such as the musical Once More With Feeling, the amnesia episode Tabula Rasa, the anomaly episode Normal Again, where a demon's poison makes Buffy see an alternate universe where Sunnydale is just a figment of her imagination... or is that world the real world? Then, there was Smashed, the episode where things really began to take a dark turn. Also, there are the last few episodes: in Entropy and Seeing Red, they are the metaphoric "Everything's going to Hell" episodes where Buffy's affair with Spike is revealed, Anya gets revenge on Xander for leaving her at the altar, and the Nerdy Trio finds a device that makes them nearly invincible. However, everything does begin to go to Hell when Warren, angry over being beaten by Buffy returns with a gun. He wounds Buffy and accidentally kills another Scooby, which prompts the onset of Dark Willow in Villains, Two To Go, and Grave. Also, the final twist with Spike is amazing.
Some other great episodes include Bargaining Pts. 1 and 2, Flooded, Life Serial, Gone, and As You Were. This season also has, in my opinion, the creepiest episode: Doublemeat Palace, the fast food episode. Also, it had the tripiest episode, Wrecked.
Even though this is the "worst" season of Buffy, keep in mind that it is still a great season, it just isn't as good as the other 6. Only one season remains to be released, so this should occupy you until Season 7.
Rating:
Summary: The Best So Far!!!
Review: I loved all of the seasons and its hard to say which is the best for a die hard fan like me, but "Once More With Feeling" made my mind up. I could watch it for breakfast lunch and dinner!!! Yes this season it is the most depressing of all the Buffy's, still life is depressing but there is a light at the end of the tunnel leading up to season seven. Buy it for the story, watch all the episode's, then go back and watch "Once More with Feeling" till your hearts content!!! Thank you
Rating:
Summary: Buffy and the Scoobies learn the real world is very harsh
Review: When I first watched the sixth season of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" I pretty much took it for granted that this was the weakest season of Joss Whedon's creation (the second is still the best for me). But as I watched it again on DVD I found that even if it is indeed a weak season by "BtVS" standards it still ends up being worth 5 stars. The weakest Big Bads in the show's history give way in the final episodes to the biggest surprise Big Bad since Angeleus. You have to get bonus points for not seeing that one coming (although you can clearly see how it was set up from the first episode when you watch it again). Besides, just tally up the surprises that come at the end of the season, specifically in terms of what happens at Xander and Anya's wedding at the end of "Hell's Bells," to Buffy at the end of "Normal Again," to Tara at the end of "Seeing Red," to Warren at the end of "Villains," with Giles at the end of "Two to Go," and with Dawn, Xander, and Spike at the end of "Grave." "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Complete Sixth Season" is about leaving childish things behind and taking on responsibility in the adult world, which explains both why Buffy is working at the "DoubleMeat Palace" (the only "BtVS" episode to lose sponsors when fast food restaurants were offended) and why the Big Bads for the season are the Nerds (Flooded), who are still very much into playing with their toys. The doctor (Michael Warren) in "Normal Again" is on target when he talks about how lame these guys are compared to the Master, the Mayor, and Glory, but they are the perfect flip side to the major themes of the season. Xander and Anya have convinced themselves that they are ready for the next step and announce their engagement ("Life Serial") while Buffy and begins a destructive intimate relationship with Spike ("Smashed" & "Wrecked") and Dawn is having major abandonment issues ("Older and Far Away"). With Anthony Stewart Head departing the cast it was nice to see Alyson Hannigan get the final spot in the credits, and I was looking forward to seeing Willow continue to build on the power and position she assumed at the end of the previous season. She looks to be on track when she succeeds in bringing Buffy back from the dead in "Bargaining, Part I," but Giles points out the danger ("Flooded") and Willow uses magic to fix her relationship with Tara ("All the Way"). When the couple break up ("Tabula Rasa") Willow goes off the deep end and hits bottom ("Smashed"), which only sets up the tragic end game of the season. As Willow treads the Wicca path to the dark side Buffy has to deal with the consequences of crawling out of her grave ("Bargaining, Part 2") and finding herself living in hell on earth ("After Life"). When Buffy died at the end of the fifth season her tombstone reminded us that we "she saved the world...a lot," and one of the biggest ironies of the sixth season is that this time somebody else gets to do it. On the downside for the season it does have the weakest Halloween ("All the Way") and Buffy birthday ("Older and Far Away") episodes of all time, both of which deal with Dawn in her major whining period, but on the plus side we have the stellar musical episode "Once More With Feeling" courtesy of Joss Whedon and the prime comedic moments of Buffy trying to sell a mummy's paw at the Magic Box ("Life Serial"), Joan the Vampire Slayer ("Tabula Rasa") and a fight between invisible people ("Gone"). But overall things are clearly a lot darker this season, which is appropriate since it is not a lot of fun out there in the big bad world. Joyce is dead, Giles has gone back to England, and Buffy and the Scoobies have to grow up, whether they want to or not. Overall, the two performers who stand out most for me in the cast for this season are Amber Benson and James Marsters. Benson not only has memorable moments on her rollercoaster relationship with Willow, but similar scenes with Buffy and Dawn. Marsters contiues to provide shadings on Spike's feelings for the Slayer, although often his moments with Dawn are the most real. This is not to slight Sarah Michelle Gellar's acting because she is still one of the best weepers on television and her comic timing has improved tremendously. However, notice at the end of the opening credits the final shot is not of Buffy but of the Buffy Bot. If I had any questions about what ranking to give this DVD the extras would certainly settle the issue. On Disc 2 with "Once More With Feeling" there is an Academy of Television Arts and Sciences panel discussion featuring pretty much everybody (Gellar the notable no show), David Fury's video diary giving us a behind the scenes look at the musical, three "karoke" numbers that are really sing alongs (the original voices are still there) and there is also an Eager egg in the Subtitles menu for the musical. On Disc 6 there is the excellent 30-minute "Life is the Big Bad: Season Six Overview," a 43-minute television documentary "Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Television with a Bite," and a few outtakes (Gellar avoids showing up here too). In terms of the commentary tracks Whedon shines as always on "Once More with Feeling," and we get good efforts from Marti Noxon and David Fury on "Bargaining" and Drew Z. Greenberg on "Smashed." But Rick Rosenthal and Diego Gutierrez on "Normal Again" and James Conter and Fury on "Grave" tend to get caught up with watching, and David Soloman and Rebecca Rand Kirshner on "Hell's Bells" are too busy making jokes to offer much insight.
Rating:
Summary: One of my Favorite Seasons!
Review: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season 6 is just as great and fascinating as seasons 1 - 5.The characters are like old friends.The episodes are still strong and some getting better.That really suprises me that Joss Whedon and others can keep the show so fresh.This season story arc is great with awesome individual episodes and stromg character development.This is a great six-disc set; just how you expect.There many strong and fun episodes but these are some of the top ones;Bargaining Part 1 & 2, After Life, Once ,More With Feeling, Wrecked, Gone, Older and Faraway, As you Were, Hell's Bells, Entropy, Seeing Red, Villians, Two To Go, and Grave.The story arc goes like this; Elated with having Buffy back from the dead, her friends never wonder if she may have been in a better place.Only Spike knows the truth and as Buffy struggles to readjust to life, she begins a relationship with Spike that torments her as much as it brings her fleeting comfort.Yet even Buffy fears that the magic that brought her back has somehow changed her, Willow's growing reliance on magic is an addiction she can barely control - and one that threatens everyone.Make sure to go out and get this great DVD collection.It has many features like :Season 6 Overview, Selected Episode Commentary, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Panel Discussion, Exclusive David Furry Behind The Scenes Featurette "Once More With Feeling", "Buffy The Vampire Slayer Television With A Bite" as seen on T.V- Ography " on the A&E Network,DVD-ROM Content-Buffy Demon Guide, and Karaoke Music Videos, Outtakes, and more!(10/10) "One of the show's best seasons."
-- Mark Robison, RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
Rating:
Summary: Woo hoo -- one of the best seasons, easy
Review: I've been waiting quite a while for season six to come available. The wide-screen musical alone is worth the selling price for this excellent set of DVDs. This is a great season for fans of the Spike and Buffy relationship, as that is fully explored here.
Rating:
Summary: Buffy 6 is a solid, if mixed, witch's brew
Review: When the TV show, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, hit its 6th season, the cult hit had come to a crossroads of sorts. For one thing, the show had left its longtime home on the WB for UPN as a result of contract negotiations. Secondly, the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar had been killed off at the end of the last season, leaving quite a cliffhanger to solve. There was also a complication in that longtime cast member Anthony Stewart Head (Buffy's mentor, Giles) had asked for a smaller role, so he could spend more time with his family in England. Finally, UPN had given creator Joss Whedon more creative freedom to "push the envelope." As a result, the show had perhaps one of its more interesting, yet controversial seasons yet. Indeed, many fans (and cast members) found themselves doubting this "darker" new direction. When Buffy is brought back from the dead by Willow (Alyson Hannigan), at first everyone is convinced that she was saved from a fate worse than death. However, it turns out that Buffy was pulled from eternal bliss, leaving her both disconnected and uncaring about her life around her. Looking to feel anything, she indulges in a lustful affair with former foe Spike (James Marsters). Among the many things that complicate matters are Willow's growing addiction to magic and the attempts of a trio of geeky would-be villains to take over Sunnydale. As always, Sarah Michelle Gellar leads the way, and she convincingly handles Buffy's profound lack of direction and desire. James Marsters continues to shine as bad-boy vamp Spike. Anthony Stewart Head is again solid as Giles, and his character is sorely missed through much of the season. Amber Benson provides wonderful support as Willow's fellow witch and love, Tara. However, it is Alyson Hannigan as the tortured Willow who really gets to test her acting chops. To simply say that she succeeds is an understatement. Despite the overall unevenness of the season, there is the usual supply of stellar episodes. For starters is the hilarious "Tabula Rasa," in which the gang lose their memories and create wacky new identities of their own. The "Dark Willow" episodes bring the season to a tremendous and darkly chilling climax. Finally, one cannot discuss this season without mentioning the best episode of the bunch; the wonderful and delightfully silly musical episode "Once More With Feeling!" Whedon gets to perform a delightful spin on his show using the musical genre format. Benson, Head and Marsters are the most adept at handling the medium, but everyone has their fun moments. The DVD set has the usual special features including select episode commentaries, episode scripts, outtakes, and the usual featurettes about the season. Of special interest, however, are a live panel discussion of the show featuring some of the cast and crew and an A&E television "Biography" about the show and its impact on today's culture. As always, BUFFY never ceases to entertain and push the boundaries of the television medium. If you're a solid fan of the show, I would definitely recommend this. More casual fans would do well to pick another more upbeat season of the show to enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: The Road To Adulthood
Review: Season 6 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" deals with the consequences of the previous five seasons, logically leading the characters into some dark places. Buffy's friends, missing her, use dark magic to bring her back from death. Touching these dark forces marks a turning point for the 'Scoobies', setting up tensions between them that escalate throughout the season. Buffy, meanwhile, struggles with her return to earthly cares and new adult responsibilities. Feeling alienated by her friends and unable to confront them with her feelings about being brought back to life, Buffy grows inwillingly more intimate with the vampire Spike. While season six takes its lead characters to some dark places, comic relief is provided in the form of this season's 'big bad' - a trio of geeks whose criminal inspirations are lifted directly from Lex Luther. In one hilarious scene representiative of their criminal style, "The Trio" foil their heist by getting dangerously distracted in heated argument over the best actor to play James Bond. Other highlights of the season include a memorable encounter with a forgetfullness spell, the wedding episode and the incomparable musical episode, "Once More With Feeling". The DVD is quite packed with special features, including interviews and panel discussions with much of the cast. Two excelent featurettes interview cast and crew about their own worst first jobs and document the making of "Once More With Feeling". Joss Whedon's commentary on "Once More With Feeling" is quite excelent, a great example of what good DVD commentary should provide a DVD viewer.
Rating:
Summary: Laden with goodies
Review: As a staunch defender of Season Six, the amount of features packed into this DVD boxed set, as well as the top-notch presentation, were a welcome addition to my Buffy collection. Over time, we will see how lucky we were to love a show that was willing and allowed to take such daring risks. Credit both the vision of Joss Whedon and the enthusiasm of UPN. I am really tired of fans screaming for Buffy and Angel, for a specific Big Bad or whatever other comfort zone they want to have. Look, if you want familiarity, you're watching the wrong show. The simple fact is these characters needed to go to these places to keep us interested. The people who complain about this season are the same people who would be responsible for running it into the ground if they were in control of the show. Thank Joss and the creative team for NOT giving us what we want. They have a show to run, folks. That might mean the same old tired retreads everywhere else on the tube, but not on Buffy. Joss has pointed this out indirectly many times. You can really only be a Buffy fan if, well, you're intelligent. If you understand certain things like character development, "plot twists," and other such devices people use when they create a little thing called cinema. And this is dramatic cinema at its finest.
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