Phases

Written by: Rob Des Hotel & Dean Batali Directed by: Bruce Seth Green

Cast : Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers, Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris, *Alyson Hannigan>*as Willow Rosenberg, Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase, David Boreanaz as Angel, Anthony Stewart Head as Rupert Giles.

Main guest stars : Seth Green as Oz, Larry Bagby III as Larry, Jack Conley as Cain, Meghan Perry as Theresa Klusmeyer.

Original broadcast date : January 27, 1998

My one-line description: The first time Oz performs an Ozzy Osbourne cover: Bark at the Moon.

At school, Willow and Oz share some small talk, which rapidly becomes uneasy silence - Willow hopes for a kiss, which does not comeÉ Finally, she breaks away to join Buffy in the student lounge; a school jock named Larry joins Oz and passes a macho comment on Buffy and Willow. As a cute girl goes by, he knocks her books out of her hands, enjoying the view when she bends to pick them up (jerk). He then asks Oz how far heÕs gone with Willow.

Willow is complaining to Buffy that sheÕs gotten nothing from Oz Ð she wants smoochies, but he seems to be ignoring her hints. Talking about boys leads to the Angel topic, and Buffy says sheÕs holding up Ð but she asks Willow if she and Xander would care to do that Òsharing the miseryÓ thing tonight. The mention of Xander prompts Willow to wonder what he sees in CordeliaÉ

Xander is wondering the same thing about Willow and Oz. Wrong topic -heÕs in CordyÕs car, and theyÕre kissing. She grows impatient and tells him to shut up. Suddenly, he breaks the kiss, hearing a noise. Moments later, a werewolf rips through the convertible roof top. Cordelia fumbles for her car keys while Xander tries to keep the beast at bay. Finally, they speed off into the night.

The next day, at school, Buffy, Willow and Oz look at the ruined top of CordeliaÕs convertible while she and Xander describe what they saw. Giles, carrying a newspaper, notes that attacks by Òwild dogsÓ are reported. He guesses that the werewolf will be back for next monthÕs full moon, but Willow points out that there is still one evening of full moon left for this month Ð tonight.

In the gym, Miss Litto is telling her students that a full moon like tonight tends to bring out the crazies. She proposes to teach them some simple self-defence tricks. As they form teams, Larry removes his jacket, revealing a bandage on his arm Ð it seems he got 39 stitches after being bitten by a stray dog. Oz holds up his finger, mentioning that he got bit by his cousin Jordy.

In the library, Giles and the Scoobies talk werewolves. The conclusion is the wolf in question could be male or female Ð anyone who was bitten by another werewolf. And as the sun is setting, he or she will be changing soonÉ Giles reminds them the werewolf is a human being, so tonight they bring it back alive.

At the park that evening, Buffy and Giles, both geared up for hunting, look for the werewolf. Buffy heads for the bushes, where she hears a noise and runs to it Ð and is lifted up in a net trap. A mean-looking guy comes out of the bushes and aims a rifle at her. Buffy calls for Giles, and he comes to the rescue. Cain (the hunter) aims the rifle at Giles Ð and then pulls out a knife and slices a rope, which sends Buffy and the net to the ground. She informs him theyÕre looking for a werewolf. Cain throws his head back in laughter Ð he can hardly imagine a librarian and a girl catching a werewolf. He, on the other hand, has killed a dozen werewolves. Giles is shocked that the man hunts werewolves for sport, but Cain makes it worse Ð he hunts them for the money, and it doesnÕt bother him a bit that the werewolves are human beings 28 days a month. On that note, Cain leaves, helpfully supplying that werewolves are attracted to places where boys and girls hang out. This gives Buffy an idea, of courseÉ

In a dark street, Theresa is walking home alone. Suddenly, she hears a noise, and walks faster. Then a growl in the bushesÉ Theresa runs, looking behind her, not seeing Angelus until she runs into him. He asks if sheÕs OK, and she tells him she thought someone was following her. He scans the area Ð nothing. Suddenly, he tells her he knows her from somewhere Ð she goes to school with Buffy, doesnÕt she? This makes her feel safer, as he offers to walk her home.

At the Bronze, Cordelia and Willow are criticizing guys, namely Xander and Oz. Suddenly, a werewolf crashes on their table, and they run away with the rest of the kids. Outside, Giles tells Buffy her instinct was right. Buffy retrieves a long chain from the bag heÕs holding, and heads inside. The werewolf attacks, and she fights it back. She manages to wrap the chain around its neck, but the werewolf jerks and yanks, sending her flying across the room. The beast leaps through a window and escapes. Giles arrives Ð and then, alas, Cain. He condescendingly criticizes BuffyÕs efforts to capture the werewolf alive Ð thatÕs what happens when a woman tries to do a manÕs job, he says. As he leaves, he tells Buffy that if the werewolf hurts anyone tonight, itÕll be her fault.

In the street, the werewolf picks up a scent of bloodÉ which leads him to TheresaÕs dead body. Angelus faces him, in vamp features, and the two beasts growl at each other. Finally, Angelus disappears into the night, but the wolf doesnÕt harm the dead body. A bit later, Buffy and Giles, listening to the news on his car radio, learn of TheresaÕs deathÉ

At sunrise, the werewolf is lying under a tree in a park somewhere, sleeping. Suddenly, it reverts back to its human formÉ Oz. He wakes up, naked, and takes in his surroundings. ÒWhoaÓ, he comments. Later that day, Oz looks at the scratch on his finger as he talks to his aunt Maureen. He asks her abruptly if Jordy is a werewolfÉ and learns that the kid is effectively one. Uh-ohÉ

Oz enters the library and overhears Buffy saying that she should have killed the werewolf when she had the chance. She feels guilty about TheresaÕs death Ð and so does Oz, upon learning about it. But Buffy plans on Ògiving little wolfie something to howl aboutÓ. Oz, worried, verifies with them that thereÕs not way to tell who the werewolf is. Xander tries to get inside the skin of the beast, to figure out who it could be. Stopping in front of Oz, he figures out it must beÉ Larry. The dog bite, the excessive back-hair, the tormenting of Theresa Ð it all fits. He leaves, eager to go get a confession out of Larry. Meanwhile, Buffy and Giles go into his office to review student files. Willow suggests Oz help her with research that evening, but Oz cuts her off and leaves, claiming heÕs busy tonight.

Xander confronts Larry in the locker room, telling him heÕs knows what heÕs Òbeen doing at nightÓ. Xander says that heÕs been through what Larry is going through (the hyena possession). Larry confessesÉ heÕs gay. As he says it, he feels better, but Xander doesnÕt ÐLarry now thinks he Òwent through the same thingÓ.

At the library, Willow is going through student files, looking for another werewolf candidate. Buffy joins her and brings up Oz, and the fact heÕs not helping Willow do research. She complains that Oz is lukewarm and unreadable, and Buffy advises her to make the first step if she wants something. The bell rings, and the girls go to their lockers, where Xander joins them. Willow leaves, and Buffy asks Xander how it went with Larry. He grows defensive (hee hee) but does supply that Larry is not the werewolf. Buffy is disappointed Ð there goes their only lead. However, as they talk, they realize that they have another clue Ð none of the reports on TheresaÕs death said anything about being mauled; they just assumed it was linked to the werewolf.

At the funeral parlour, Buffy and Xander inspect TheresaÕs body and ascertain she was bitten by a vampire, not a werewolf. This doesnÕt ease BuffyÕs guilt Ð she mourns that she wasnÕt able to protect Theresa from a vampire. Xander tries to comfort her, but as they talk, he notices Theresa rising from her casket Ð a vampire. Theresa attacks Buffy, who manages to raise a stake Ð ÒAngel sends his loveÓ, the vampire declares. This destabilizes Buffy, giving Theresa a chance to turn the situation in her favour and pin the Slayer to the ground. Luckily, Xander stakes Theresa from behind. Buffy is very shaken.

In his van, Cain prepares a silver bullet to kill the werewolf with. He then goes to the fridge and retrieves a slab of meat, from which he cuts off a few slices. He puts them in his backpackÉ Outside, the full moon rises.

At his place, Oz is taking some chains and shackles out of a box, when a knock comes on the door. He answers it Ð itÕs Willow, eager on telling him how she feels. He tries to tell her it really isnÕt a good time, but she plows ahead Ð she wants to talk about their relationship now. He tries to explain heÕs going through some changes, but she doesnÕt get his drift Ð she says sheÕs going through some changes too. Then, as she talks, she comes upon the chains and shacklesÉ She questions him about them, but he tells her to get out Ð heÕs beginning to change. He falls behind the sofa, and she goes to see if heÕs alright Ð but he rises as the werewolf. Willow screams and tries to escape Ð but the werewolf is faster. Finally, after some chasing around the house, she manages to run away.

As Willow runs through the street, the werewolf chases her, and she has to fight him off to get over a fence to safety. Meanwhile, Cain is on the hunt, his rifle at the ready. He hears the werewolf howl, and realizes itÕs nearbyÉ

In the library, Giles is assembling a high-tech gun. Buffy comes in and tells him about Angel sending Vampire Theresa to her. Giles tells her heÕs sorry, but she stops him with a gesture Ð she needs to stay focused on the werewolf.

Outside, Willow is still being chased by the werewolf, and itÕs catching up. But suddenly, it catches a scent in the woods, and itÕs goneÉ Willow resumes her sprint. She enters the library just as Giles is finishing his rifle assembly, and yells that the werewolf is Oz. Buffy asks where he went, and she replies he was heading for the woods. Giles hefts his rifle, and reassures Willow Ð theyÕre not going to hurt Oz, only shoot him with a tranquilizer dart.

The werewolf follows the scent until he finds CainÕs bait; the hunter aims, pulls the trigger Ð just as Buffy tackles him. The werewolf starts at the sound of Cain and Buffy wrestling for the rifle, and heads for them. Buffy butts Cain in the gut and fights the werewolf. Giles tries to aim the tranquilizer gun, but he canÕt get a good shot. Suddenly, the werewolf sends Buffy flying into Giles and Willow. Giles drops the gun, but Willow picks it up Ð and fires just as the werewolf lunges for her. As Buffy and Giles get up and comfort Willow, Cain comments that itÕs no wonder this town is overrun by monsters Ð no oneÕs man enough to kill them. Buffy is disgusted with the guy and says so Ð before bending the muzzle of his rifle and tossing it back to him. Cain shakes his head and leaves.

At school, Xander comments that he doesnÕt know how he should act around him. Buffy assumes heÕs talking about Oz, but Xander is talking about LarryÉ Just then, Larry Ð after picking up some books a few jocks knocked off a cute girlÕs arms Ð shows up and thanks Xander for what he did. Xander acts very defensive, and Buffy is baffledÉ that Larry didnÕt try to look up her dress. They see Willow heading outside, and Xander wonders what kind of future her and Oz can have. Buffy answers that itÕs not up to him.

Outside, Oz tells Willow that Giles told him he should be OK, as long as he locks himself up during the full moon. He offers to stay out of her way for a while, because of the ÒfreaksomeÓ factor; however, she tells him she still wants to be with him. They agree to keep seeing each other, and Willow walks awayÉ then suddenly, she runs back to him and kisses himÉ and walks away again.

Summary by OttsFiveByFive.

Episode Ratings

Mac -

“Getting to know Oz. Willow has caged herself a man. Har-Har.”

DJ Angelus -

“We finally get to know  Oz a lot better.  Seth Green play the part to a tee.”

Quotes

Key: B=Buffy, G=Giles, X=Xander, W=Willow, C=Cordelia, O=Oz, JC=Jenny Calendar, J=Joyce, PS=Principal Snyder, As=Angelus, S=Spike, D=Druscilla, L=Larry

W: Hi. O: Oh, that’s what I was going to say.

O: I don’t know. Today’s movies are kind of like popcorn. You know, you forget about them as soon as they’re done. I do remember I liked the popcorn though. W: Yeah, It was good. And I had a really fun time with the rest. I mean, the part with you. O: Oh, that’s great. My time was also of the good. W: Mine too.

W: Oh, there. I have my friend. So I will go to her.

L: Man, Oz, I would love to get me some of the Buffy/Willow action, if you know what I mean. O: That’s great, Larry. You’ve really mastered the single entendre.

L: Oh, thank you, Thighmaster!

L: So, Oz, man, what’s up with that? Dating a junior? Let me guess: That little innocent schoolgirl thing is just an act, right? O: Yeah, yeah, she’s actually an evil mastermind. It’s fun.

W: Nowhere! I mean, he said he was going to wait until I was ready, but I’m ready. Honest, I’m good to go here. B: Well, I think it’s nice he’s not being an animal. W: It is nice. He’s great. We have a lot of fun. But I want smoochies!

B: Have you dropped any hints? W: I’ve dropped anvils. B: He’ll come around. What guy could resist your wily, Willow charms? W: At last count, all of them, maybe more. B: Well, none of them know a thing. They all get an “F” in Willow. W: But I want Oz to get an “A”, and, oh, one of those gold stars.

B: I was going on two minutes there without thinking of Angel.

B: I’d do a lot better if you and Xander and I could do that “share in our misery” thing tonight. W: Great, I’ll give Xander a call. What’s his number? Oh, yeah, 1-800-I’m-dating-a-skanky-ho. B: Meow! W: Really? Thanks. I’ve never gotten a “meow” before. B: Well-deserved. W: Darn tootin’.

C: We didn’t come here to talk about Willow, we came here to do things I can never tell my father about because he still thinks I’m a good girl.

C: Do you even want to be here? X: I’m not running away.

X: I just don’t trust Oz with her. I mean, he’s a senior. He’s attractive–okay, maybe not to me, but…and he’s in a band! And we know what kind of element that attracts. C: I’ve dated lots of guys in bands. X: Thank you.

X: I do not babble. I occasionally run-on, every now and then I yammer…

C: Look around. We’re in my daddy’s car. It’s just the two of us, there is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn’t get more romantic than this. So shut up!

X: Told you I heard something.

B: And you’re sure it was a werewolf? X: Well, let’s see: six feet tall, claws, a big old snout in the middle of his face like a wolf… Um, yeah, I’m sticking with my first guess. O: Seems wise. X: Oh, oh, and then there was that little thing where it tried to bite us.

G: Several animal carcasses were found mutilated. W: You mean like bunnies and stuff? No, don’t tell me. O: Oh, don’t worry. I mean, they might not look it, but bunnies can really take care of themselves.

G: Fortunately, no people were injured. B: Well, that falls into the “that’s a switch” column.

G: Meaning the accepted legend werewolves only prowl during the full moon might be erroneous? C: Or it could be a crock. X: Unless the werewolf was using last year’s almanac.

G: Werewolves! It’s one of the classics. < happy bounce >

G: I’m sure my books and I are in for a fascinating afternoon. B: He needs to get a pet.

Coach: Each of you can learn how to protect yourself. B: Here’s a suggestion: Move away from the Hellmouth.

C: I think you splashed on just a little too much “Obsession for Dorks.”

O: I’ve been there, man. My cousin Jordy just got his grownup teeth in. Does not like to be tickled.

L: Theresa! Be still my shorts. We’re in the same group. I may have to attack you. T: No, actually, I think in our group, there are a few of us. B: And I’m one of the few. W: Don’t forget, you’re supposed to be a weak little girlie-girl like the rest of us. B: Spoil my fun.

G: The full moon seems to bring out our darkest qualities. X: And yet, ironically, led to the invention of the moon pie. G: < giggles > Moon pie. < giggles >

G: It acts on pure instinct, no conscience. Predatory and aggressive. B: In other words, your typical male. X: On behalf of my gender, hey! G: Yes, let’s not jump to any conclusions. B: I didn’t jump. I took a tiny step, and there conclusions were.

Cain: I’m the one with the gun, which means I’m the one who gets to do the interviewing.

Cain: I got to say, I’m impressed. G: Excuse me? Cain: Well, it’s good to get the fruit while it’s fresh. G: You’d be wise to take that back.

B: Enough, repulsive brain, it’s not what you think. We’re hunting werewolves.

Cain: I mean, this guy looks like he’s auditioning top be a librarian, and you, well, you’re a girl.

B: It doesn’t bother you that a werewolf is a person 28 days out of the month? Cain: That’s why I only hunt ’em the other three.

B: I think I know where to look. We just have to make it there before Mein Furrier.

C: I mean, with Xander it’s always, “Buffy did this,” “Willow said that.” Buffy, Buffy, Willow, Willow. It’s like I don’t even exist. W: I sometimes feel like that. C: And then when I call him on it, he acts all confused, like I’m the one with the problem. W: His “do I smell something?” look.

W: Oz and I are in some sort of holding pattern. Except without the holding, or anything else.

C: What’s his problem? Oh, that’s right, he’s a guy. W: Yeah, him and Xander. Guys! C: Who do they think they are? W: A couple of guys.

B: Who could resist Sunnydale’s own house of hormones?

Cain: Daddy’s doing a great job of carrying her bag of milk bones.

Cain: Now, I’ve got to deal with People for the Ethical Treatment of Werewolves. G: Pillock!

O: I wanted to ask you something: Is Jordy a werewolf? Uh-huh. And how long has that been going on? Uh-huh.

O: Did anyone get bitten or scratched? W: No, we’re fine. O: Gladness.

B: Believe me, I’m going to give that wolfie something to howl about.

X: But while we hang here doing nothing, there’s a human werewolf walking around out there, probably making fun of us. W: The way werewolves always do.

X: I know what it’s like to crave the taste of freshly killed meat. To be taken over by those uncontrollable urges. B: You said you didn’t remember anything about that.

X: I’m a big bad wolf. I’m on the prowl. I’m sniffing, I’m snarling, I’m a slobbering predator, I’m… Wait a second. It’s right in front of us. It’s obvious who I am. I’m Larry! The guy’s practically got wolf-boy stamped on his forehead.

B: Me and the werewolf alone in a cage for three minutes. That’s all I ask.

X: Why so jumpy, Larry? L: Geeks make me nervous.

B: Did anybody besides Larry fit our werewolf profile? W: There is one name that keeps getting spit out. Aggressive behavior, run-ins with authorities, about a screenful of violent incidents. B: Okay, most of those were not my fault! Somebody else started them, I was just standing up for myself! W: They say it’s a good idea to count to ten when you’re angry. B: One… two… three… W: I’ll keep looking!

B: I noticed you’re looking solo. W: Yeah. Oz wanted to be someplace that was away… from me.

W: I can’t figure him out. I mean, he’s so hot and cold. Or, luke-warm and cold. B: Welcome to the mystery that is men. I think it goes something like, they grow body hair, they lose all ability to tell you what they really want. W: That doesn’t seem like a fair trade.

B: Maybe you need to make the first move. W: Well, that won’t make me a slut? B: I think your reputation will remain intact.

W: It used to be so much easier to tell if a boy liked you. He’d punch you on the arm, and then run back to his friends.

X: Wow, those two gals are hanging out a lot together. This would be a good time to panic.

B: So how’d it go with Larry? X: What’s that supposed to mean? B: I think it’s supposed to mean, so how’d it go with Larry? X: He’s not the werewolf. Can’t we just leave it at that? Must you continue to push, and push?

B: There goes our lead suspect. Which then puts us right back at square boned. X: You’re not boned, you’re Buffy. Eradicator of evil, defender of, um, things that need defending.

B: Vampire. X: So, that’s good, right? I mean, in the sense of, the werewolf didn’t get her. No, there is no good here. B: No good. Instead of not protecting Theresa from the werewolf, I was able to not protect her from something just as bad.

X: If it weren’t for you, people would be lined up five deep waiting to get themselves buried, Willow would be Robbie the robot’s love slave, I wouldn’t even have a head, and Theresa’s a vampire.

X: Oh no. My life’s not too complicated.

W: Buffy told me that sometimes what a girl makes has to be the first move, and now that I’m saying this, I’m starting to think that the written version sounded pretty good, but you know what I mean.

W: Don’t you think I’m going through a lot? O: Not like me. W: Oh, what, so now you’re special? You’re special boy… with chains and stuff. Why do you have chains and stuff?

W: It’s Oz! It’s Oz! B: What’s Oz? W: The werewolf. G: Are you certain? W: Can’t you just trust me on this? He said he was gong through all these changes, then he went through all these… changes.

G: I put in enough Phenobarbital to sink a small elephant. It should be enough for a large werewolf.

Cain: Come on, supper-time. Good doggie. Now play dead.

W: I shot Oz.

B: How about you let the door hit you in the ass on the way out of town?

B: That was weird. X: What, it’s not okay for one guy to like another guy just because he happened to be in the locker room with him when absolutely nothing happened and I thought I told you not to push? B: All I meant was that he didn’t try to look up my skirt. X: Oh, oh, yeah - that’s the weirdness. B: Weirdness abounds lately.

X: What relationship? I mean, what life could they possibly have together? We’re talking obedience school, paper training, Oz is always in the back burying their things. And that kind of breed can turn on its master. B: I don’t know. I kind of see Oz as the loyal type. X: All I’m saying is, she’s not safe with him. If it were up to me– B: Xander. It’s not up to you.

O: I spoke to Giles. He said I’ll be okay, I just have to lock myself up around the full moon. Only he used more words than that… and a globe.

W: I’m sorry about how all this ended up. With me shooting you and all. O: It’s okay. I’m sorry I almost ate you. W: It’s okay.

O: I mean, it’s not every day you find out you’re a werewolf. That’s fairly freaksome. It may take a couple of days getting used to.

W: Well, I like you. You’re nice, and you’re funny. And you don’t smoke. Yeah, okay, werewolf, but that’s not all the time. I mean, three days out of the month I’m not much fun to be around either. O: You are quite the human.

W: So, I’d still if you’d still. O: I’d still. I’d very still. W: Okay. No biting, though. O: Agreed. < kissage >

O: A werewolf in love.

Credit: The Sunnydale Slayers