See, I think Prophecy Girl is when it went from slightly teenish to Holy Shit, This Show Just Ripped My Heart Out.

I think so too, but only because I cared about them by then. (Actually, I started watching in season 3, but by the time I saw PG, I cared about the characters.) I think PG was spectacular. I don't know if it would hook someone who thinks it's a teen show, only because it is still, teen-dance, save-the-world-let's-party-ish. But I didn't mean to deny PG its propers, because it's fanfuckingtastic.

It's a tough request, turning somebody on to the show in one episode.

Part of the problem is that what makes it a great show is how it unfolds across multiple episodes and seasons.

Tell us about your friend, Sean. Maybe that'll help with the recommendations.

I'm asking FE now. He says I made him watch F,I first. And, once he found out it wasn't like the movie he was happy, and he liked the dialogue and the storytelling. So, I dunno, a quotable, strong one off?

What about Lie to Me? Quotable, not too much backstory, plus it makes fun of Vampire wannabes and Angel.

Or possibly Halloween and Band Candy.

While Halloween (or Nightmares) is a good starter ep, Band Candy requires to much pre-knowledge.

Personally, I've found that Welcome to the Hellmouth/The Harvest makes one of the best conversion combos. I think it didn't get seen by a whole lot of people until later, but as far as season one goes, they were as strong as any episode.

Angel's not bad either as a starter.

OK, do ya' think I've been deathmatching too much because I was tempted to just write ...

Go Phases! Choose Phases!

????

"WttH/The Harvest" is pretty good, being the set-up introduction to the series. Personally, I think "Nightmares" and "Lie to Me" are better at giving one a feel for the way the series runs without a lot of backstory being needed. Both start out very creepy, have some good character interactions, and highlight the kind of responsibility Buffy's been chosen for.

Lie to Me is good because it shows the darkness. It's got snark and darkness in abundance. Plus some slick early Joss directorial moves.

Okay, I think I need to pay closer attention to this discussion. My new roomie, who is a big fan of For Love or Money 2 and Meet My Folks but otherwise a very lovely and intelligent person, just totally dissed buffy and CONFUSED IT WITH SABRINA.

Somebody hold me.

I'm going to ask her what she looks for in a tv show (besides *CRAP) and try and figure something off that.

* and yes, i'm large with the America's Next Top Model love, but still...