Entertainment
Buffy’s Worst Episode Created The Show’s Most Underrated Trope
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
If you’re a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, you’ve likely debated what the show’s worst episode is, and many would pick a story from the show’s generally-reviled sixth season. However, we’d argue that the worst one is “I Robot, You Jane,” the Season 1 schlockfest about Willow’s accidental romance with an internet boyfriend who turns out to be a demon and then turns into a robot. The episode may be a spectacular failure, but it also introduced us to the show’s most underrated trope of character dialogue extended into the credits.
Buffy’s Worst Episode
Normally, Buffy is a show where the best and worst episodes generally have something in common: a hard break between the episode and the end credits. Characters generally finish up their snappy dialogue just in time for Nerf Heder’s killer theme song to play over the end credits. In “I Robot, You Jane,” however, extends the final dialogue scene into the end credits, adding an extra bit of oomph to the episode’s final gag.
You see, while “I Robot, You Jane” is Buffy’s worst episode, its dialogue had plenty of the self-deprecating sense of humor that the show became so famous for. In the final scene, Buffy and Xander try to cheer up Willow after her accidental demon romance by pointing out that they had each fallen for monsters. Buffy, of course, fell for the vampire Angel, and Xander was once hot for a teacher who was secretly a monstrous praying mantis. The characters laugh over the idea that they are “doomed” to never find romance, but the forced laughter turns to awkward silence that continues into the credits.
The continued awkward silence made that gag much funnier, and after Buffy’s worst episode introduced this trope, better episodes would soon follow. In the Season 2 episode “Lie To Me,” Buffy is depressed about the complexities of identifying who the bad guys are and asks Giles to lie to her, prompting the watcher to tell her how life as a Slayer is a simple one full of obvious good guys and bad guys. As the credits roll, we hear Buffy’s gentle rejoinder to what her Watcher has been telling her: “Liar.”
“I Robot, You Jane” may be Buffy’s worst episode, but fans learned to love its “dialogue over credits” trope because of how it often deepened the show’s emotional moments. Sometimes, though, it was just used for a laugh, like when “Homecoming” ends with one of the gals chosen as Homecoming Queen over Buffy and Cordelia squeals about how she promised not to cry. Another great example is “Helpless,” where Xander teases a depowered Buffy about needing a “big, strong man” to open a jar of peanut butter before sheepishly asking Willow for help over the credits.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer popularized the use and recognition of TV tropes, and the one introduced by its worst episode is often overlooked by fans. However, we’d argue that extending the dialogue into the end credits is a confident move by a show that always knows how to draw attention to the snappy patter between characters. Next time you notice this trope in your favorite stories, try to appreciate the fact that it never would have happened if not for an episode where Willow’s out-of-town internet boyfriend was revealed as a demon with the robotic body of a Power Rangers villain.
Entertainment
Best Mothers Day gifts: Show mom some love
Mother figures are the backbone of the world. Yours may be your biological mother, or maybe she’s your mother-in-law, your best friend’s mom, or simply someone whose motherly instinct has helped you through hard times.
Moms teach you the adulting necessities, give advice even if the problem is your fault, and above all, they put up with your shit and (almost) never complain.
The game plan here isn’t just to snag the last bouquet at CVS just so you’re not the kid who forgot Mother’s Day (but definitely also get flowers). And you don’t even need to spend a lot of money. (Peep our list of Mother’s Day gifts that cost less than $50. Want even more cheap gift ideas?
Skip the generic mugs and show your appreciation with a gift picked just for her: Whether it’s something to make a part of her life easier, something she’s mentioned wanting in passing, or simply something to make her feel like a damn queen, you can’t put a price on everything she’s done for you, but heartfelt gifts certainly help.
After all, they say “No matter how hard you try, you always end up like your mother.” But is that even a bad thing?
Entertainment
Ban subscriptions and get Microsoft Office 2024 for life for just £121
TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for PC or Mac for just £120.54 through June 1.
You wouldn’t keep paying for Netflix if you could own your favorite shows, right? So why are you still subscribing to Office apps you use every day? Microsoft 365’s price keeps going up, but there’s finally a way to break free — and it’ll cost you way less in the long run.
Microsoft Office 2024 is the answer you’ve been looking for. Instead of monthly payments, simply pay £120.54 once and be set for life (reg. £188.37). It’s that simple. And, yes, this lifetime download works for PC or Mac.
What’s included?
This license comes with:
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Word
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Excel
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PowerPoint
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Outlook
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OneNote
The newest version of Microsoft Office is a little different from Microsoft 365. But just because you’re switching to a lifetime license doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on some of the most recent updates. Word and Excel both still have AI integrations for text suggestions and smart data analysis, and PowerPoint still has improved tools for recorded presentations.
Once you’ve redeemed your purchase, you can install your apps on one computer. After that, they’re yours to use however you want. No more subscription fees or sudden price hikes to worry about.
Why rent when you can own?
Mashable Deals
Get a Microsoft Office lifetime license on sale for £120.54 with no coupon needed.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Entertainment
Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 9, 2025
Oh hey there! If you’re here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we’re serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today’s answer.
If you just want to be told today’s word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today’s Wordle solution revealed. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?
Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What’s the best Wordle starting word?
The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?
The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website’s creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?
It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn’t any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle‘s Hard Mode if you’re after more of a challenge, though.
Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:
Gibberish.
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Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter?
There are no recurring letters.
Today’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…
Today’s Wordle starts with the letter T.
The Wordle answer today is…
Get your last guesses in now, because it’s your final chance to solve today’s Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today’s Wordle is…
TRIPE.
Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Wordle.
A'ja Wilson has no shortage of motivation after Aces' early exit in '24
Best Mothers Day gifts: Show mom some love
