New Moon Rising

Season 4, Episode 19, Aired
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Episode Summary

Tara and Willow's relationship seems to be progressing when Oz returns to town. Through his travels Oz has found a combination of charms, potions and meditation that allows him to avoid turning into a werewolf. When Oz discovers that Willow and Tara are more than friends, however, he loses control and the wolf is set free.moreless
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Fan Episode Reviews (17)

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  • Sorry Oz, she's with Tara

    8.0
    "Great"
    By joxerlives, Jan 20, 2012 Report Abuse
    The Good;
    Oz is back and not before time, it's all wonderful. No matter how big a Tara fan you are you've got to adore the Willow/Oz goodbye scene

    The Bad;
    The werewolf makeup still stupid, thankfully the last time we'll see it.

    Best line;
    Riley; "No sir, I'm an anarchist"

    Women good/men bad;
    Oz's jealousy of Willow/Tara brings out his more animal nature.

    Jeez!;
    The Initiative experimenting on Oz

    Kinky dinky;
    Riley has now acquired a double bed and Buffy now sleeps in one of his shirts. Buffy imagines that Willow and werewolf Oz have had sex?

    Calling Captain Subtext;
    Buffy's reaction to the news of Will and Tara is a little freaked, interesting that she'll later vent on Riley due to his anti-demon stance (hasn't told him about Angel yet). Compensating through guilt? Buffy remarks about the uncontrollable nature of love, pressaging her relationship with Spike. Spike notes that Buffy is a 'whiny little thing' but always wins. So what exactly do Willow and Tara get up to when the candle goes out? Only fanfic can tell! That said Willow never says to Oz 'We can't be together any more because I'm gay', in fact she seems to hold out the offer that they could possibly get back together if circumstances changed so more bi than gay. Xander obviously glad to see Oz back.

    Guantanamo Bay;
    Riley finally rebels against the Initiative

    Where's Dawn?
    What's Dawn's attitude to Oz? I suspect she was a fan although she also loves Tara.

    Apocalypses; 5,

    Scoobies in bondage: Oz tied up by the Initiative
    Buffy: 8
    Giles: 4
    Cordy: 5
    Will: 3
    Jenny: 1
    Angel: 4
    Oz: 2
    Faith: 3
    Joyce: 1
    Wes: 1

    Scoobies knocked out: Oz againx2
    Buffy: 15
    Giles: 10
    Cordy: 6
    Xander: 8
    Will: 5
    Jenny: 2
    Angel: 6
    Oz: 5
    Faith: 1
    Joyce: 2
    Wes: 1

    Kills:
    Buffy: 79 vamps, 27 demons, 6 monsters, 3 humans, 1 werewolf, 1 spirit warrior & a robot
    Giles: 5 vamps, 1 demon
    Cordy: 3 vamps, a demon
    Will: 4 vamps
    Angel: 3 vamps, 1 demon, 1 human
    Oz: 3 vamps, 1 zombie
    Faith: 16 vamps, 5 demons, 3 humans
    Xander: 5 vamps, 2 zombies, a demon, a demon
    Anya: a demon
    Riley; 12 vamps + 6 demons

    Scoobies go evil:
    Giles: 1
    Cordy: 1
    Will: 2
    Jenny: 1
    Angel: 1
    Oz: 1
    Joyce: 1
    Xander: 2

    Alternate scoobies:
    Buffy: 6
    Giles: 3
    Cordy: 1
    Will: 2
    Jenny: 2
    Angel: 3
    Oz: 2
    Joyce: 2
    Xander: 3

    Recurring characters killed: 7
    Jesse, Flutie, Jenny, Kendra, Larry, Snyder, Professor Walsh

    Sunnydale Death toll; I figure must be around 60?

    Total number of scoobies: 7
    Giles, Xander, Willow, Buffy, Anya, Riley and Tara attending her first Scooby meeting

    Xander demon magnet: 5
    Preying Mantis Lady, Inca Mummy Girl, Drusilla, VampWillow, Anya (arguably Buffy & Faith with their demon essences?)

    Scoobies shot: Riley is about to shoot Oz although unless it's loaded with silver bullets you wonder would his pistol affect him? The Initiative guys surround Riley and Oz, surely if they opened fire they'd kill each other too?
    Giles: 2
    Angel: 3
    Oz: 4

    Notches on Scooby bedpost: I think we should add Tara to the list for Willow especially as Oz notes Willow's scent is 'all over' Tara.
    Giles: 2; Joyce & Olivia, possibly Jenny
    Cordy: 1?
    Buffy: 3; Angel, Parker, Riley
    Angel: 1;Buffy
    Joyce: 1;Giles, possibly Ted
    Oz: 3; Groupie, Willow & Verucca
    Faith:2 ;Xander, Riley
    Xander: 2; Faith, Anya
    Willow: 2;Oz and Tara

    Questions and observations;
    The entrance of Connor Farrell, a great actor from Sex and the City, From the Earth to the Moon and especially an obscure old series I used to enjoy called Dark Skies (anyone else remember it? they used to show it very late on C4, basically history from a UFO conspiracists POV). In case anyone doesn't know William Boroughs wrote surrealist novel The Naked Lunch and accidentally shot his wife through the head. Adam was a Boy Scout. So, a werewolf CAN control it's impulses? Maybe Buffy and co should tell Nina that on Angel? (wouldn't you love Oz to turn up in Angel S6/Buffy S8?) Now according to Keith Toppings book the events of 5x5 occur AFTER this ep. Willow and Tara discuss Miss Kitty. Last mention of Devon. Anya displays her computer skills for the first time. McNamara is the name of Kennedy's defence secretary who is widely blamed for the failure of the Vietnam War and who died just this week.
    On my 2009 Buffy calender there's a great picture of Tara and Oz with Willow in the middle. Tara's holding Willow's arm and Will's looking at Oz who looks as if he's about to form an expression as if to say "Sorry babe, I'm with her". I don't think it's a scene from the show but it's a peach of pic.
    Marks out of 10; 8/10
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  • A brilliant episode; the official ending of Willow/Oz and the official start of Willow/Tara.

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By TwistedConverse, Jan 23, 2011 Report Abuse
    New Moon Rising is a fantastic episode that rounds off the romance of Willow and Oz and officially starts the romance of Willow and Tara. It is emotional and shocking all the way through.

    Oz coming back was good. I feel his story arc was naearly over in Wild at Heart and this episode was needed to really finish his storyline and his romance with Willow. It is nice to see Willow and Oz together for the last time, as even though I'm a Willow/Tara fan, I've always liked Willow/Oz as well. I thought they were just a nice, interesting relationship and nnot overly dramatic like some (Buffy/Angel) or boring like others (Buffy/Riley).

    I was very satisfied with how they ended the romance. It was all very believable; I understood that Willow still has a place in her heart for Oz but is not in love with him anymore and I felt her choosing Tara was a natural choice.

    I felt this episode had some really great scenes; the last scene between Willow and Oz was brilliantly written; sad and emotional. I love Willow saying she's sure they'll meet again; whether it's in Sunnydale or in Istanbul. It gave fans of Willow/Oz hope that they might reunite but didn't feel like an attempt to satisfy them in case of angry reactions from fans (e.g. Angel coming back in End of Days/Chosen and Buffy's annoying and irrelevant cookie dough speech).

    The Initiative scenes were good and furthered the main arc slightly. Spike being Adam's ally is a reminder that he's still evil and the scenes between them were OK- nothing special as I don't really care for the arc at all. Nevertheless, it didn't make the episode feel completely out of place.

    Riley finally did something that wasn't annoying OR boring- punching that annoying Colonel McNamara. That guy is so irritating and up himself. I look forward to watching his death in Primeval again. Willow coming out to Buffy was a really good scene. Buffy's initial weirdness about it but her acceptance and support of it immediately after sends out the right message to people in the same predicament. It really reminds us of the close bond between them.

    The last scene was so- for lack of a better word- cute! It was a little cheesy with Tara blowing out the candle but really made a nice start for their official relationship.

    New Moon Rising is an excellent episode and one that has sad endings and happy beginnings. It isn't one of my favourites but is still a really great episode and one not to be missed.moreless

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    6 1

  • New Moon Rising

    10
    "Perfect"
    By TrueTvWatcher, Oct 25, 2010 Report Abuse
    New Moon Rising was a perfectly classic episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer because it has a lot of important character development especially for Willow. In this episode we see the return of Oz, at a time not so convienent for Willow as she has moved on, and to a whole new field. When Oz finds out the truth he turns into a Wolf and gets captured by the Initiative, though when Riley finds out its Oz he does try to help. This created a complex scenario resulting from Willow and Tara's relationshiop, that brings all the characters stories together in some way. Willow finally reveals all her true feelings to Buffy, Oz, and Tara.moreless

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  • As Willow & Tara's friendship/relationship continues to evlove,Oz returns to Sunnydale to ask Willow to consider getting back together after explaining that the 'wolfy' is under control.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By swanstoon, Oct 23, 2010 Report Abuse
    I'll put my cards on the table from the outset & declare that this is my favourite episode,Tara my favourite character & the Willow/Tara relationship one of my all-time favourite television relationships.

    That declaration out of the way,there is much to like about this episode as Willow and Tara continue to grow closer,although I think that Tara fell head over heels in love with Willow after their initial encounter in 'Hush'.

    As far as plot development is concerned I guess it was neccesary that Oz return to tie up some loose ends & the writers are to be congratulated for the way they handled Oz's return & eventual departure.

    This is one of Amber Benson's strongest performances & she will continue to grow as an actor as Tara continues to grow as a character.

    As Willow & Tara's relationship blossoms it evolves into one of the more believable relationships on television,at the same time managing to distance itself from sensationalising a same-sex relationship.

    And the final scene between Willow & Tara? Simply perfect!moreless

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    0 1

  • Case of the Ex-Werewolf

    9.1
    "Superb"
    By lenzinoH20, Oct 23, 2010 Report Abuse
    New Moon Rising-Tara and Willow's relationship seems to be progressing when Oz returns to town. Through his travels Oz has found a combination of charms, potions and meditation that allows him to avoid turning into a werewolf. When Oz discovers that Willow and Tara are more than friends, however, he loses control and the wolf is set free.

    Quite the underrated episode, "New Moon Rising" sees the writers delving back into some serious storylines after 2 sub-par episodes. Oz's return is really sudden and no only brings up emotions for Willow and the rest of the gang but viewers as well. Seth Green plays Oz's maturity since his depature so convincing and Alyson Hannigan just excels throughout as Willow is overwhelmed by Oz's return. What's more important is that Oz's return forces Willow to reveal the truth about her relationship with Tara, and it's one many didn't see coming. It's natural that during college, people start discovering sides of themselves, with sexuality being the biggest part. Willow's coming out scene to Buffy is one of the most daring and pivotal moments of the series. During a time where gay characters on tv were still relatively new, Willow's coming out was one of the most memorable. Amber Benson was also wonderful throughout as Tara fears losing Willow to Oz and is at her most uncomfortable. The highlight of the episode is Oz going in a rage after finding out Willow is in love with Tara. It's a tense scene with both Seth and Amber really selling that scene. I also love how the episode brings back the theme of their being a grey area in the demon world when Buffy is disgusted about his attitude toward all demons. It makes sense that Buffy would feel hurt considering her relationship with Angel and it's nice that finally Buffy revealed that part of her past to Riley by episode end. Riley really grows in this episode as he starts off seeing all demons as a threat, but realizing there are expections when he tries to save Oz after being captured by the Initiative. Riley becoming a fugitive with the Initiative after him provides for a nice development as well. The episode ends with 2 stunning scenes with Oz and Willow saying goodbye for good and Willow starting her new romantic relationship with Tara. Underrated by far, "New Moon Rising" is a great emotional drama that is a satisfying closer to Willow's old relationship as she begins a new chapter in her life.moreless

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    4 1
 

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • Trivia

    ADD TRIVIA
    • When Oz is being examined by the doctor at the Initiative, after he turns back from a werewolf, the very top of his shorts are visible. Edit
    • Towards the end of the episode when Oz and Willow are hugging on Oz's van, you can see what appears to be a radio mic pack that Willow is wearing attached to the back of her waistband. Edit
    • At the beginning of Buffy and Willow's talk about Willow's new feelings you can see the man holding the boom in the mirror. Edit

  • Notes

    ADD NOTES
    • In the UK, Buffy usually aired at 7pm, however due to adult content, including the relationship between Willow and Tara, it was delayed until 9pm. This is one of many episodes that were delayed, including Where The Wild Things Are and Hush. Edit
    • Buffy is the first person Willow tells about her relationship with Tara, and this episode officially announces Willow's sexuality. Edit
    • This is the last episode to feature the character Oz, played by Seth Green, as a live character. He later appears in Restless (4x22) in Willow's dream sequence. It was rumoured that he would have become a recurring character in Angel had there been a sixth season. Edit

  • Quotes

    ADD QUOTES
    • Willow: When did you get back? Oz: Pretty much now. Edit
    • Willow: I missed you, Oz. I wrote you so many letters... but I didn't have any place to send them, you know? I couldn't live like that. Oz: It was stupid to think that you'd just be... waiting. Willow: I was waiting. I feel like some part of me will always be waiting for you. Like if I'm old and blue-haired, and I turn the corner in Istanbul, and there you are, I won't be surprised... because you're with me, you know? Oz: I know. But now is not that time, I guess. Willow: No. What are you gonna do? Oz: I think I better take off. Willow: When? Oz: Pretty much now. Edit
    • Willow: You stopped the wolf from coming out. I saw it. Oz: But I couldn't look at you. I mean, it turns out, the one thing that brings it out of me is you. Which falls under the heading of ironic in my book. Edit

  • Allusions

    ADD ALLUSIONS
    • Willow: Like if I'm old and blue-haired, and I turn the corner in Istanbul, and there you are... Istanbul is the most crowded and well-known culture city of Turkey. Before it was renamed after being taken over by the turks, it was Constantinople, aka Byzantium, the centerpiece of the Byzantine Empire, which was the successor to the Roman Empire. As such, it has been a crossroads for much of human activity since the time of Christ. In the 50s and 60s it was of strategic significance in the Cold War. Edit
    • Title: New Moon Rising
      This may refer to the novel "Good Moon Rising" by Nancy Garden. In GMR, high school students Jan and Kerry work on a stage production of "The Crucible" (about persecution of witches). Their friendship blossoms into romance, forcing them to accept their own homosexuality and come out as lesbians to their friends and enemies. Edit
    • Buffy: You woke up to a big bowl of Wheaties, and now you're a fugitive.
      Wheaties® is the so-called "Breakfast of Champions®", a 100% Whole Grain cereal made by General Mills. They're recognized by their ever-changing image of an athlete on the front of the box. Edit

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