Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV Series) Becoming: Part 2 (1998) User Reviews

This was the episode that got me!

[rookzparliament · 10/10 · 8 June 2006]

I must admit that I hadn't been watching BTVS when this episode aired, but I do remember that everyone at work was talking about it. I was surprised that a TV based on a less-than-ideal movie was generating such a buzz...

...and when the DVD set came out I didn't think about getting it until a friend insisted I watch the episodes that had the Angelus vs. Buffy storyline, which of course, culminated in 'Becoming Part 2'. I was so stunned by what I saw! Joss Wheldon had (again) turned convention on its' ear by not only making the good guy a bad guy (and a really bad guy at that!) but then plotting the entire episode so that, timing being what it was, Willow just managed to cast the spell that returned Angel's soul... just in time for Buffy to have to kill Angel, not Angelus to save the world! A scene that could have been so campy was instead transformed into one of the most poignant and tragic sequences ever. In the denouement, listening to the bittersweet strains of Sarah McLaughlin as Buffy makes her decision to leave town left me near-tears, and the final scene of Buffy riding the slow bus out of town... just amazing. There were plenty of scenes between all the major characters that were great, and some of the quotes from this show are still being quoted today! "Happy Meals with legs"? Too funny!

This was it -- the episode that cemented Buffy in my mind for all time.

I wish that I could give it more than 10 stars

[katierose295 · 10/10 · 30 July 2006]

In my opinion, the three best BTVS episodes ever are (in no particular order) season five's "The Gift," season six's "Once More, With Feeling," and season two's "Becoming Part Two." They transcend the medium and become art. "Becoming Part Two" is not only brilliant in and of itself, it also plays a vital role in the rest of the series. This is the episode that redefines Angel and Buffy's relationship, starts bringing Spike to the good-side, shows Willow's powers begin, paves the way to a new Slayer for next season and has Joyce finally seeing the truth about Buffy's calling. If you're watching BTVS at all, then you can't skip this episode. Period.

"Becoming Part Two" picks up right where "Part One" ended. I don't have enough room to do a full rundown (stupid word limit), but basically, Kendra's dead, the Scoobie's are hurt and Buffy's wanted by the police. Angelus and Dru have Giles and are torturing him for information on how to wake Acathla. Spike, growing concerned that they're actually going to succeed, breaks all rules of evilness and seeks out Buffy. It seems Spike likes the world just the way it is, with "Dog racing, Manchester United... People wandering around like happy meals with legs." And he's not ready to have it all sucked into hell. He and Buffy cut a deal. In exchange for immunity for he and Dru, Spike will help her kill Angelus. (Honestly, he sort of welshes a bit on the deal, though. Instead of actually dusting Angelus, Spike beats him senseless with a fireplace poker. I think Spike just couldn't bring himself to really kill his grand-sire.)

In the meantime, Willow's back to working the re-ensouling spell. She sends Xander to tell Buffy, while she, Oz and Cordy prepare the curse. Tired of Angelus reign of terror, with Willow hurt and Giles kidnapped, Xander has other ideas, though. He doesn't tell Buffy about the spell, instead he heads out to help her kill Angelus. After arguments with her mother and Snyder, where she's kicked out of her house and expelled, Buffy has lost everything... Almost. As she fights Angelus, he manages to wake Acathla. She has to kill him to close it again, and she's about to, but then something odd happens. Suddenly, Willow's spell kicks in. Angelus is Angel again. He's happy to see her. He has no idea what happened. He smiles and hugs her... And Buffy has to run a sword through his chest. Angel is sucked into hell. Heartbroken, Buffy flees Sunnydale and the season ends.

I don't think I can even list all the things I love about this episode... But, okay, I'll try. Just the fact that it's turned the hero into the villain (Angel), and the villain into the hero (Spike) blows me away every time. It's so flat out brilliant! I've already written a lot about Angel, so let me skip over to Spike for a second. Spike's love for Drusilla and his enjoyment of the mortal world, has him joining the white hats, a side that he'll find himself on more and more as time goes by. His entire scene with Buffy is great. The two of the eye each other suspiciously, trade blows and insults, but within moments they're sort of... Trusting each other. It sets the stage for their entire relationship. And Spike's semi-sarcastic tone when he declares, "I wanna save the world," is made even more ironic considering his actions in season seven's "Chosen."

I also love the end of the episode, the fight with Angel, his soul returning just as Buffy has to kill him, the music playing as she walks out of town... Seriously, I could fill up pages talking about it. I especially like the scene of the "Now Leaving Sunnydale" sign. I think that it neatly bookends the season when you link it to the "Welcome to Sunnydale" sign that Spike destroys in his first episode. Spike and Dru's arrival is the first step in the Angelus story arc. So we have the "Welcome" sign. And now that it's all (seemingly) over, we have some closure and a hint that things will never be the same. Hence, the "Now Leaving" sign. Buffy returns from LA at the beginning of the season ("When She Was Bad") and now she's heading back there, past the "Now Leaving" sign. Spike drives into town ("School Hard"), smashing the "Welcome" sign and now he's driving out of it again. It all fits together so nicely.

The title "Becoming," continues to be interesting. In "Part One" it was referring to Angel. In "Part Two" I think it's referring to Buffy. This is the episode that changes her forever. In a way, it burns away the last of her childhood and makes her the person she will "become." Strangely, she's able to make the toughest call of her life in this episode... And it's one that she'll never be able to make again. She sacrifices Angel to save the world, but her faith in goodness and in right, never completely recovers. Under similar circumstances in season three's "Choices," season five's "The Gift," and even season seven's "Lies My Parents Told Me," Buffy chooses to risk an apocalypse rather than sacrifice people she loves. She's "become" a stronger Slayer, but she's also lost her innocent belief in a white and black world. Things are much grayer from now on.

I have no real complaints about this episode. It's a shame Whistler wasn't played by Doyle, Angel's friend from season one of "Angel," but that's hardly "Becoming Part Two's" fault.

My favorite part of the episode: Joyce and Spike sitting in the Summer's living room, shifting about uncomfortably and not saying a word. Hands down, one of the funniest scenes I've ever seen on TV.

omg omg omg omg omg Season 2: Best Finale EVER!

[Mzm_1194 · 10/10 · 12 March 2014]

One of the best finales I've ever seen! And painful too! Can I rate this more than the 10 stars allowed? I am crying, no I'm bawling my eyes out! I did not ever, ever imagine that this would be the finale...you see, the reason I started watching Buffy was to see my celebrity crush David Boreanaz, but I never thought I would fall so in love with the series! The character development of this show is amazing! Although I know some of what's coming on (aka Spike and Buffy) I'm still pumped to know how its gonna get there....BUT, I still love Angel! Omg, the pain that this episode caused me... I love itttt! I think this, among Angel's episode of season 1, Innocence, Sacrifice and I only have eyes for you of this season, is a must-see!! Now I understand why BTVS is such a loved TV show, even after 16 years! Cant wait to start next season and see how much Buffy has changed, after all, she "killed" Angel to save the world, talk about sacrifice...

ps. Does it make me a bad person that I loved Angel as Angelus too?? Yum Yum, David is such an amazing actor!! Cant wait!

I need a hug

[Joxerlives · 10/10 · 5 February 2012]

Becoming pt2

The Good; All of it, every scene between Spike and Buffy, Giles and Angelus and Spike and Joyce. Great scenes with all the Scoobies and the ending just too heartwrenching for words, especially with Sarah MacClachlan's beautiful music, all classic.

The Bad; Are you kidding? It's all too wonderful!

Best line; Joyce; "Have you tried NOT being a Slayer?" (once again being a Slayer compared to being gay)

Character death; Angel or so we think?

Tied up; Giles and tortured

Knocked out; Dru which is rather strange, Spike seems able to knock her out with a chokehold despite the fact that she doesn't breathe and has no circulation.

Questions and observations; Joyce thinks Buffy is the Slayer because she didn't have a strong male role-model. Of course she'll later find out that Buffy is the Slayer because she did, she had Giles. The first (and only unless you can correct me) appearance of Willow's 'resolve face'. Xander's remarks at her bedside set the basis for their relationship in season 3. Willow successfully casts her first spell. Why is Buffy still wanted when Xander and Cordy can back up her story? Spike's reluctance to end the world seems odd considering he was happy to do it earlier A couple of points that escaped me about Becoming pt2, firstly Dru seems to be deeply enamoured of Giles but then she always did have a thing for 'daddy'. Secondly as Jenny Dru says to Giles that they'll get to do all the things they never had a chance to implying that Giles and Jenny never did have sex

10/10 and I need a hug

A great season finale

[Tweekums · 10/10 · 28 September 2017]

This episode opens where the previous one ended; Kendra is dead and the police seem to think Buffy was the killer; an opinion that is encouraged by Principal Snyder. She manages to get away but the police are still looking for her; help comes from an unlikely quarter when Spike comes to her aid. He has a proposition; he will help Buffy defeat Angel and prevent him from awakening Acathla if she allows him, along with Drusilla to leave town. Shortly afterwards her mother finally learns the truth about what Buffy does… and she doesn't like it. Meanwhile Willow is in a coma, which thankfully she wakes from fairly soon; then she is keen to try the ritual to restore Angel's soul again. While all this is going on Angel is torturing Giles to find out how to wake Acathla; ultimately, with the help of Drusilla he finds out and it will be up to Buffy to save the world again.

I really enjoyed this season and this concluding episode was one of the best yet. We open at a really low point for Buffy as she is on the run from the police with no idea if her friends are even alive. This is quickly followed up with a real surprise then Spike suggests a temporary alliance and some fine character development as Buffy's mother learns that she is the Slayer and tries to persuade her to stop not realising it was not her choice and death is the only way to stop being a slayer. Willow also gets some development as she tries to return Angel's soul; it is clear that she isn't saying the words; she is 'doing magic'. The ending features some impressive action before taking a tragic turn as the only way to stop Acathla is to lose Angel moments after Buffy got him back; when first watching it certainly looked as though he'd be gone for good. The cast were all on fine form; the scenes between Sarah Michelle Gellar and Kristine Sutherland as Buffy and her mother were particularly good. Not related to the story but if you want a laugh don't turn off before the credits end; the 'Mutant Energy Guy' has something funny to say!

Best in the series

[kellyq12 · 10/10 · 5 June 2022]

One of the best episodes in the entire series! 10+ This episode has the drama and chills, and it has the comedy (Spike and Buffy... and her mom!). The ending is soooooo terribly sad.

Perfect ending to season 2

[ossie85 · 10/10 · 9 August 2022]

Buffy escapes from police custody but finds that Xander and Willow are both hurt and Giles is missing. Angelus, in order to find out the ritual is torturing Giles. Willow is in a coma in hospital and Snyder expels Buffy from Sunnydale High. But Buffy finds an unlikely ally - Spike.

Why It's So Good - I thought 'Passion' was tear jerking, but the climax to this episode is incredible. Buffy, for the first time, became a true and real hero, as slaying Angel required an incredible amount of courage. Xander's speech to Willow also inspired a few tears and thank God she didn't say his name when she woke up. Spike's betrayal provided the very few laughs of this episode and Drusilla/Jenny/Giles scene was also brilliant. Incredible action, incredible emotion, incredible writing. Gellar, Brendon, Hannigan, Head, Boreanaz and Marsters were all stand outs.

Watch Out For - Mutant Enemy wanting a hug.

Quote - "The truth is, I like this world. You've got.. dog racing, Manchester United. And you've got people. Billions of people walking around like Happy Meals with legs." - Spike.

Goodbye Piccadilly, farewell Leicester bloody Square.

[bombersflyup · 10/10 · 30 August 2019]

Becoming: Part 2 is about Buffy gaining an unlikely alliance in Spike, to get Dru back and keep Angelus from destroying the world.

An excellent finale, though not perfect. Max Perlich as Whistler bloody awful and Joyce in it too much. Also because of the seriousness of the situation, it lacks some of the fun qualities usually present. The part between Buffy and Spike the best, they have great dialogue and chemistry. Giles with Angelus and Drusilla as Jenny another highlight, funny and then evoking. As well as Buffy putting a sword through Angel and a beautiful Sarah McLachlan song to finish.

Season 2 Review

[ametaphysicalshark · 13 February 2008]

*This is a review of season 2 as a whole. The rating above is for the season finale as opposed to the season as a whole.

Following a first season which I personally thought was rather poor in general and which only featured two really good episodes (Angel, Prophecy Girl), season two of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" doesn't exactly get off to a fantastic start, as with the exception of the very good "School Hard", doesn't quite get going until its sixth episode, "Halloween", an episode which is so much smarter and more creative than anything the series had seen up to that point.

Overall, the first half of the season, all the way through to "Surprise" feels like a developing series that isn't quite sure of itself, however when it gets to "Surprise" it becomes an entirely different series, a brilliantly effervescent genre-bending series which features some wonderfully creative and intelligent writing.

I was discussing this show with someone recently and they said it better than I could ever say it: "Buffy" was excellent in spite of its simplicity. I don't really care if I offend any fans in saying this, but the metaphors on this series are pitched at a fairly adolescent level and the depth the show has comes from the writing contained within that format as opposed to the format itself.

Indeed, the actual plot of this season is at first glance a bit silly and is essentially cookie-cutter fantasy fodder, but here's the twist: great characters. There is not a single character in this season (other than, occasionally Drusilla) that grates on me. None. The characters here are excellent, oddly enough Buffy herself may be among the weaker ones, but that's alright as this is much more of an ensemble programme than its title suggests (its title suggests a lot of things which aren't true).

Another reason the series excels in spite of itself is that it really is smart, well-written stuff, the majority of it anyhow. Season Two is not consistently great, in fact, the first half could be considered consistently average with an occasional burst of greatness. However, when this series is good, it is very, very good. Considering the idea behind the series it's really quite shocking what they have managed to come up with. Consider the basic diversity of the season's best episodes:

"Innocence"- you don't get much darker than this in terms of subject matter but the genre-bending nature of the series turns it into a stunning television tour de force that effortlessly combines some of the series' best humor, character development, action, and drama.

"Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered"- Marti Noxon wrote this cheery, utterly hilarious, and very inventive Valentine's Day episode which is really pretty flawless. When you can fit something like this into a season of such darkness and complexity you know you've hit on something.

"Passion"- playing it almost completely straight for once, this is a remarkably well-written dramatic episode that manages to be truly scary and effective.

"Becoming, Part 2"- "Innocence" on steroids

The diverse nature of the series allows for endless creativity and very solid writing throughout. One thing I absolutely loved about "Buffy" season two was that it only took itself seriously enough to manage to be compelling drama when it wanted to be. I was never part of "Buffy" fandom and I probably will never be as it honestly is not one of my favorite series, but it's easy to see what many admire in this show.

The excellent cast bring the characters to life very well and are very charismatic. Direction, photography, and music are better than the TV standard at the time. All things considered special effects are done excellently.

Avg. Rating based on all episodes: 7.1/10- a solid season with remarkable highs but far too many lows to be considered a great television season overall.

Saddest season finale...

[m-47826 · 9/10 · 16 June 2021]

I'm still baffled to see the huge quality gap between both half of season 2. The first seem very unsure of where it wants to go. And the second knows exactly what to do, and how it wants to do it. Case in point, Becoming. The first half is kind of an origins special, where we learn more about the show's mythology, and the star couple's background. And why they crossed paths, at one point. Just like in any good season finale, the stakes are high. And the second half of the finale, is a true roller coaster of emotions. There are plethoras of scenes you won't be able to watch without sobbing. And laughing. Just like Innocence, it is not without the humor we grew to love about the show. The very emotional last minutes won't spare you anything, though. And in case some viewers think they can get away, with not shedding a tear. You have that gorgeous Christopher Beck score piece, followed by one of the most depressing Sarah McLachlan songs. You've been warned...

The One Where Angel Dies...

[taylorkingston · 8/10 · 23 July 2015]

I really love this episode. It's a great season finale, with a lot of twists and turns. What happens will shock and surprise you. It's in my top 3 season finales from this show.

In this episode, Buffy sadly arrives too late to save Kendra, and she goes to the hospital, and discovers what happened to Willow, and that she is in a coma. She refuses to be a pawn in Angelus's sick game any longer, and goes to fight him. On the way, she is almost arrested, as the police think she killed Kendra. Spike comes along, and surprisingly saves the day. They team up, as Spike doesn't actually want to the world to end. Giles gets kidnapped by Drusilla and Angelus, and when Buffy goes to save him, she and Angelus get into their final fight. And just as the world is about to end, Willow returns his soul. But it's too late, and Buffy must kill him.

Best part of the episode: When Spike and Buffy team up.

Worst part of the episode: When Giles is tortured.

Overall, I give this episode an 8 out of 10, which in my ratings book is: Awesome.

A comedy series poor attempt at drama

[ANannyMoose02 · 1/10 · 3 February 2024]

This show is a comedy. Ask anyone who's seen it and they will tell you it's a comedy. It is certainly NOT a drama. I don't understand why this godawful two-parter had to be made. This truly ruined the series for me. I was enjoying most of the episodes, but if there are anymore that try too hard at melodrama then I quit now. This was excruciatingly painful to watch. Terrible writing, terrible acting, terrible flashback origin scenes, terrible soundtrack at the end and the most cliche sword fight scene of all time. I know most people will disagree with my review, but most people are very very stupid.

Close your eyes

[Realrockerhalloween · 23 September 2016]

Becoming part 2 is the exciting conclusion as Angel uses Giles knowledge to awaken Acathla and suck the world into hell. Meanwhile, Buffy is on the run hoping Willow can restore his soul and heads off to distract her exboyfeiend before he figure out the secret. Becoming part 2 is very action packed as. they fight using swordsman abilities and combat skills to show how strong each as became. Yet in the end the slayer prevails since she has lost everything near to her lowering her inhibitions while Angel was driven by the demon with him wanting to destroy any links his ensouled self had to humanity showing why good always has the upper hand. It very touching as the spell works brings back Angel, which Buffy hoped would happen for months until the dark realization its to late and she must kill him to close the portal. The musical theme close your eyes plays, she tells him to shut his eyes like Darla before one last kiss, and sends her lover to torment leaving a gut wrenching blow to our slayer. Sarah made me cry along with her knowing how heartbroken and battered this teenager was and how cruel the world is to being him back only to snatch him away instead of the demon who did those horrible acts.

A side story is Willow awaking from her sleep, Xander pleading as this was his oldest friend and not wanting to lose her. Since it was all about relationships the sweetest one was about two friends who knew each other all their lives, know the stories of their youth which they talked about on screen together and the platonic bond never broken and shattered by the horrible events surrounding them. Becoming is a great two hour event leaving you excited, horrified and heartbroken without missing a beat which nothing I ever seen hoped to come close to.

Cuts like a knife

[evoxsw · 22 September 2018]

The ending was absolutely heartbreaking. I had been rooting for the Scooby gang to restore Angel's soul the moment he lost it, and although it was interesting to see Angel turn to the dark side, I missed the moments of intimacy and longing between him and Buffy. The last scene was heart-wrenching to watch. Angel's last words before he got sucked into the portal of Hell, "Buffy?" made me bawl. An amazing episode.