Best Turning Point Episode

[KingofCretins]

We've got premiere and finale threads, so here's another way to go. I've thought up a list of episodes, one per season, that really change the path and reveal the direction of the season that will follow it. When all the 'fun' is done and the craziness gets going.

You choose the best and explain why

Incidentally, the hardest to pick just one episode that shifts the direction of the entire season were seasons 1, 3, and 6.

[Enisy]

I'm thinking "Once More, With Feeling" is really the start of Giles leaving, the Willow/Tara breakup and the Spike/Buffy ship, not "Tabula Rasa". Anyway, out of the listed options, I voted for "Innocence", "Tabula Rasa" and "Conversations with Dead People".

[Southpaw]

For me it has to be Innocence. Most didn't see it coming and it was the plot twist that really put the show on the map. Plus Angelus was easily one of the shows best big bads and probably the most interesting one.

[Weredog]

I chose "Innocence" because not only did it strand the season in a whole new direction, it stranded the entire series. Imagine how the show would've turned out if Angel never lost his soul?

And regarding season six, I think the turning point was "Seeing Red" rather than "Tabula Rasa." "Tabula Rasa" was very much like any other minor 'break-up' episode ("Lover's Walk" "Wild at Heart" "Into the Woods".) Whereas "Seeing Red", after a year of seeming never ending screw-ups (which is what the writers aimed at), the gang finally were faced with bigger bads (death, rape, arrests etc.)
At least that's what I think.

[holypotatoes]

There were no if, ands, or buts about my choice. It had to be Innocence hands down. None of the other "turning points" had as big of an impact on an entire season or the entire series as this one did. Angel turning into Angelus was the biggest turn in Buffy history imo. The story of Angels turn went through every season after S2. It was the cause of a lot of conversations through every season after. All in all, everytime I watch it I feel absolutely horrible for Buffy. Me feeling horrible for Buffy = good episode!!!!

[KingofCretins]

I get the support for "Innocence", but there wasn't an episode in the whole series that changed the rules, and the role of the Slayer, so substantially in one hour as "No Place Like Home" did.

[Enisy]

True that. I just don't think it was as good an episode structurally as some of the others listed there.

[Pandora's_Box]

I voted for CWDP cause besides being the best ep of the bunch, it's really thrilling and harsh cause of the all characters percpective on it, Buffy, Willow, Dawn, Jonathan/Andrew, and Azura Skye wok was amazing and, I don't know, maybe it's just because season 7's my favorite...

[Veverka]

Great question as usual, Dan.

I went with the crowd, and voted Innocence. It said a lot that Joss was willing to hurt Buffy that much... I mean seriously. I cry for her (usually inside) every time I watch that ep, still...
That was a great ep to showcase the things this series could do and really open the idea that anything can happen, no-one's safe.

[KingofCretins]

"Innocence" is good for many reasons. Joss, at one point, even said he thinks of it as the best episode they did on the show.

It was gutwrenching to watch Angel(us) talk about Buffy like she was just a plaything right to her face, watch her fall apart over it. Just knew exactly how to hurt her.

[Sassy]

I voted for Innocence. The whole Angelus arc changed both Buffy and the show a lot. Season two affected much of the rest of the show. Between Jenny Calendar's death and the pain Angelus caused Buffy it is one of the most talked about arc, along with season six IMO.

[alexa]

Well that poll was easy Innocence, no real question for me. It changed the show, and for the better I think. CWDP would be second, just cause it really gave the everything an extra lift near the end. If OMWF was up there I might have been tempted to pick it, but yeah Innocence really encapsulated the whole Buffy message better then any other episode.

[vampmogs]

"Innocence" is good for many reasons. Joss, at one point, even said he thinks of it as the best episode they did on the show.

It was gutwrenching to watch Angel(us) talk about Buffy like she was just a plaything right to her face, watch her fall apart over it. Just knew exactly how to hurt her.

Yeah on the s7 boxset special features he lists it as his number 1 Buffy episode ever in his top ten list.

I wouldn't ever say it is my favourite episode like Joss, but it is right up there as being marvellous and I agree with those in saying the best turning point of the series. It gave us a completely new angle of the Bangel relationship, of Angel as a character, of Buffy as a character, and of the show in general.

[skinless]

I think "no Place like Home" is The Best turning point Episode. Its Just shows that Dawn isnt really her sister. But buffy is gonna Protect her like she is though

[Moviesnob]

I went with Innocence.

As did everyone else and their mother, apparently.

Season 2 is one of my favorites overall due to the storyline - one of the best arcs of the series.

[Veverka]

I get the support for "Innocence", but there wasn't an episode in the whole series that changed the rules, and the role of the Slayer, so substantially in one hour as "No Place Like Home" did.

That's a good point and I think highlights how we each look at things like the concept of 'important' differently- to me, like I said, I chose Innocence, and my reasoning was because it was this ep that affected my heart the most... whereas you're less emotional and looking at the bigger picture.

[BlasterBoy]

I have to go with the crowd and say "Innocence".

Not only was it a one hour masterpiece, in my top ten of Buffy, but it also changed the whole series, imo. It brought more emotion to the story and stepped a line that had never been crossed. It totally changed the whole Angel character and Bangel, which we have for three whole years. Almost half the series! It changed Buffy, as well! NPLH also changed Buffy a lot, but Innocence was better written and had more emotion, imo.

[Chosen1]

I'm going to go with CWDP because I love how they introduce The First in such a dramatic way to the characters.

[selenspuffy]

I've voted for "Tabula Rasa". These days I'm into it When they didn't remember their lives, they all had so much easier time. So, after they remember everything, all the problems, sadnesses etc. appeared all of a sudden and imo this caused it to be a really turning point..

[sherrilina]

And regarding season six, I think the turning point was "Seeing Red" rather than "Tabula Rasa." "Tabula Rasa" was very much like any other minor 'break-up' episode ("Lover's Walk" "Wild at Heart" "Into the Woods".) Whereas "Seeing Red", after a year of seeming never ending screw-ups (which is what the writers aimed at), the gang finally were faced with bigger bads (death, rape, arrests etc.)
At least that's what I think.

Lol, I think Seeing Red is a little late in the season for a turning point epp! Also, I agree TB is the turning point in that it's the epp when everything starts to really go downhill or fall apart, when the seeds of Dark!Willow really swing into action, Giles leaves (which is part of what causes all the problems), Spuffy begins more or less, etc.

I voted for TB (because of all the things it set off, and the end with the Goodbye to You montage) and Innocence, which was such a phenomenal epp, and did really turn the season, and made it a great one. Plus it was the turning point for Angel's character, from broody and a bit boring, to immensely interesting and entertaining...