Selfless (22 Oct. 2002)

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 »

Director:

David Solomon

Writers:

Joss Whedon (creator), Drew Goddard

Stars:

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Emma Caulfield

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Sarah Michelle Gellar	...	Buffy Summers
Nicholas Brendon	...	Xander Harris
Emma Caulfield	...	Anya
Michelle Trachtenberg	...	Dawn Summers
James Marsters	...	Spike
Alyson Hannigan	...	Willow Rosenberg
Abraham Benrubi	...	Olaf
Andy Umberger	...	D'Hoffryn
Kali Rocha	...	Halfrek
Joyce Guy	...	Professor Hawkins
Jennifer Shon	...	Rachel
Taylor Sutherland	...	Villager #1
MaryBeth Scherr	...	Villager #2
Alessandro Mastrobuono	...	Villager #3
Daniel Spanton	...	Viking #1

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.

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Plot Keywords:

heroine | lesbian | sister sister relationship | female protagonist

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Fantasy

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Swedish

Release Date:

22 October 2002 (USA)

Filming Locations:

1800 Stewart St., Santa Monica, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mutant Enemy, Kuzui Enterprises, Sandollar Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

42 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

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.

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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.

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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 ...

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

One of the best

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.