Ep 16. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

In the episode "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" of season 2 of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, the show takes an unexpected twist as Xander decides to use magic to win the heart of his crush, Cordelia. Xander seeks out the help of Amy, a young witch, to cast a love spell. However, things quickly go wrong, and the spell affects every woman in Sunnydale except Cordelia, causing them to obsessively want Xander. Even Buffy, his close friend and protector, falls under the spell's control.

As the episode unfolds, Xander grows increasingly overwhelmed and scared as he finds himself pursued by every woman in sight, including his ex-girlfriend, teacher and even his mother. He turns to Angel, who is still under his curse, for help in breaking the spell. However, things only get worse when Drusilla, a vampire and Angel's former lover, learns of the spell and sees an opportunity to use the chaos to her advantage.

The episode is a humorous but also insightful take on the idea of male objectification and the dangers of seeking validation through romantic relationships. As Xander struggles to deal with the consequences of his actions, the episode also explores the role of agency and free will in relationships, highlighting the importance of consent and respect. The show remains true to its roots in the horror and supernatural genres, providing plenty of exciting and intense moments, but also adds a layer of depth and commentary that makes it stand out from other shows of its time.

Overall, "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" is a standout episode in the season and in the entire series, showcasing the show's ability to balance humor and horror while also exploring complex themes and characters. It is a must-watch for fans of the show and for anyone who enjoys insightful and entertaining television.