Hey all!

Just rewatched "The Pack" and felt the urge to discuss it with you all. There's so much to unpack (pun intended) in this episode, and I'd love to hear your thoughts too.

What I Liked:

1. Xander's Dark Side: It's always intriguing to see a character we love take a walk on the wild side. Nicholas Brendon did a fantastic job portraying a more sinister version of Xander. I mean, damn, he became more attractive to me in that episode!
2. The Hyena Lore: I thought it was a fresh take on possession, straying away from the usual demon or ghost possession we often see in supernatural shows.
3. The School Setting: The episode did a great job of using the high school setting to its advantage, highlighting the predatory nature of teenage hierarchies.

What I Didn't Quite Gel With:

1. Principal Flutie's Demise: While it was a shocking moment, it felt a tad too dark for me. I mean, I knew Sunnydale High was dangerous, but that was next level when I first watched that episode!
2. Some Over-the-Top Moments: The zookeeper's ritual and the overall portrayal of the pack sometimes felt a bit too on the nose.

Controversial Bits:

1. Xander's Behavior Towards Buffy: This episode has been discussed and debated for Xander's aggressive behavior, especially towards Buffy. It's a stark contrast to his usual self, and while it's the hyena influence, it's still unsettling for some of us.
2. The Morality of the Ending: Buffy and the gang seem to brush off the events, especially the fact that Xander retains memories of his actions. It raises questions about accountability and how trauma is handled in the Buffyverse.

Overall, "The Pack" is one of those episodes that, love it or hate it, definitely sparks conversation. It's a testament to the show's ability to seamlessly blend horror, humor, and high school drama.

The Pack

So, what are your thoughts? Did "The Pack" resonate with you, or is it an episode you'd rather forget?