Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 7, Episode 5

Selfless (22 Oct. 2002)

TV Episode  -   -  Action | Drama | Fantasy
8.5
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Ratings: 8.5/10 from 677 users  
Reviews: 5 user | 2 critic

Anya grants a young woman's wish, and the violent and deadly act of vengeance leaves everyone stunned. Buffy must put aside her feelings for her friend and take action before more people ... See full summary »

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Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
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Joyce Guy ...
Professor Hawkins
Jennifer Shon ...
Rachel
Taylor Sutherland ...
Villager #1
MaryBeth Scherr ...
Villager #2
Alessandro Mastrobuono ...
Villager #3
Daniel Spanton ...
Viking #1
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Storyline

Anya grants a young woman's wish, and the violent and deadly act of vengeance leaves everyone stunned. Buffy must put aside her feelings for her friend and take action before more people die. Meanwhile, flashbacks depict how Anya became a vengeance demon, and Willow returns to college. Written by Alex

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Genres:

Action | Drama | Fantasy

Certificate:

TV-PG
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Release Date:

22 October 2002 (USA)  »

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1.33 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

In the DVD audio-commentary, writer Drew Goddard said he asked Joss Whedon to write a song for Emma Caulfield (Anya). Whedon refused, arguing he was too busy (he was working in Firefly and Buffy the Vampire Slayer at the same time). The day after, Whedon showed up with the song, saying he could not stop thinking about it. See more »

Goofs

When Buffy argues with Xander about killing Anya, she reminds him that she once killed Angel. While she is using the term more for semantic effect, the phrase "killed" is still misleading. As the Slayer, she knows that, as a vampire, Angel is technically already dead, and that vampires are "killed" either by a stake to the heart, being set on fire, or beheading. See more »

Quotes

Dawn Summers: My advice to you is do exactly what everyone else does, all the time.
Willow: Got it.
Dawn Summers: Do what everyone else does, wear what everyone else wears, say what everyone else says.
Willow: Okay.
Dawn Summers: People may say something to you you don't understand, just don't be afraid to keep your mouth shut and pretend like you know what they're saying.
Willow: You know, Dawn, I've been to college before.
Dawn Summers: People may say something like, "My protein window closes in an hour". Just... nod and smile. "Mm-hmm." Turns out it has something to do ...
See more »

Soundtracks

"I'll be Mrs."
Written by Joss Whedon
Performed by Emma Caulfield
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User Reviews

One of the best
28 January 2006 | by (Oregon) – See all my reviews

Selfless is one of the most easily forgotten best episodes in the entire show. The construction and writing is beautiful. The acting is superb and the direction is amazing. This is the episode in which Anyanka makes the conscience choice to give up her vengeance powers. The flashback scenes to Aud and the musical were pivotal to Anya's character development. The scene breaks are surprising and different. Specifically the cut from the musical memory back to present time, when Anyanka is presumed dead. How clever to give us another song from Once More With Feeling. Plus Willow gives us a glimpse into her addiction. The road to recovery is a rocky one. If you've forgotten this episode, watch it again!! You'll thank me.


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