Out of My Mind

Season 5, Episode 4, Aired
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Episode Summary

The increased strength and speed given to Riley by the Initiative are starting to tear his body apart. He must be operated upon immediately to repair the damage, but that will mean giving up his enhanced fighting ability and any chance of keeping up with Buffy.
8.0
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Fan Episode Reviews (14)

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  • Riley loses it

    7.0
    "Good"
    By joxerlives, Jan 20, 2012 Report Abuse
    The Good;
    Some great acting by Marc Blucas, best he'll ever show us. Nice to see Graham back too, my favourite of all the Initiative characters and you genuinely get the impression that he's Riley's friend. Harmony and Spike hilarious and some scenes to make Spuffers punch the air with joy. The Dawson's Creek joke had me splitting my sides laughing. Anyone else hear the rumour that Katie Holmes was offered Buffy but turned it down to go to college? Just think, SMG could have married Tom Cruise. (At least he'd have been more her height)

    The Bad;
    Why is the operation on Spike such a complicated process? Surely his vamp healing could just fix everything, what's the problem with just hacking it out? Equally Buffy's leap of logic that Spike has left the hospital is pretty unbelieveable.

    Best line;
    Spike; "Awww, is the enormous hall monitor sick?"

    Women good/men bad;
    Buffy "You're going to die over some macho-pissing contest?". On the bad side Harmony goes running back to Spike, have some dignity girl!

    Jeez!;
    Spike is still awake during his surgery which must be weird beyond belief. Riley self-harms.

    Kinky dinky;
    In return for Spike's protection/shelter Harmony will have sex with him. Looks like what Buffy and Willow always said about her is true? Buffy refers to Spike hanging out in his crypt and 'doing something nasty'. How right she is! Drug enhanced Riley is quite the machine in the sack. Buffy doesn't even flinch when Dawn puts her hand on her breast to listen to her heart, the closesness of Dawn to Buffy evident. Harmony says that she read in a magazine that a man's best sex organ is his brain but she seems to prefer Spike's penis. Buffy refers to herself as 'still touchable' and Riley says he'll take advantage if that fact when healed.

    Captain Subtext;
    According to Harmony Spike can't even pick flowers, implying that he likes to? And the Buffy/Spike subtext offically becomes a text (Harmony oblivious as ever). Interesting quote from 'Harsh Light of Day' Buffy;"If Spike wants me? I go alone, lead him away from the popular spots, and give him what he wants."
    Spike picks up on the little look between Buffy and Riley. Buffy refers to having the strength of 10 men during sex, Riley asks could she say 10 women instead. Tara wonders about Willow's magic when they explore Sunnydale High. Buffy says that if she wanted someone with superpowers she'd be dating Spike. Riley's little look after Buffy leaves him speaks volumes. Grahme says to Riley 'You belong with us'. Ever noticed there are no female Initiative commandos?

    Guantanamo Bay;
    The Initiative haven't gone away, just changed their spots. Dawn refers to the CIA's numerous failed plots against Castro and Buffy refers to 'Big Brother'

    Scoobies to the ER;
    Riley gets the surgery he needs

    Apocalypses; 5,

    Scoobies in bondage:
    Buffy: 8
    Giles: 4
    Cordy: 5
    Will: 3
    Jenny: 1
    Angel: 4
    Oz: 1
    Faith: 3
    Joyce: 1
    Wes: 1
    Xander; 1
    Dawn; 1

    Scoobies knocked out: Joyce passes out
    Buffy: 15
    Giles: 10
    Cordy: 6
    Xander: 8
    Will: 5
    Jenny: 2
    Angel: 6
    Oz: 3
    Faith: 1
    Joyce: 3
    Wes: 1
    Anya;1

    Kills:
    Buffy: 85 vamps, 29 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 + 7 demons

    Scoobies go evil:
    Giles: 1
    Cordy: 1
    Will: 2
    Jenny: 1
    Angel: 1
    Oz: 1
    Joyce: 1
    Xander: 3

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

    Recurring characters killed: 9
    Jesse, Flutie, Jenny, Kendra, Larry, Snyder, Professor Walsh, Forrest, McNamara

    Sunnydale deaths; possibly the security guard but he might just be knocked out
    83;

    Total number of scoobies: 7
    Giles, Xander, Willow, Buffy, Anya, Tara, Riley

    Xander demon magnet: 5(6?)
    Preying Mantis Lady, Inca Mummy Girl, Drusilla, VampWillow, Anya (arguably Buffy & Faith with their demon essences?), Dracula?

    Scoobies shot: Riley by Harmony' crossbow. But given his drugged state it doesn't even hurt him
    Giles: 2
    Angel: 3
    Oz: 4
    Riley; 1

    Notches on Scooby bedpost:
    Giles: 2; Joyce & Olivia, possibly Jenny and 3xDraccy babes?
    Cordy: 1?
    Buffy: 3 confirmed; Angel, Parker,Riley, 1 possible, Dracula(?)
    Angel: 1;Buffy
    Joyce: 1;Giles, 2 possible, Ted and Dracula(?)
    Oz: 3; Groupie, Willow & Verucca
    Faith:2 ;Xander, Riley
    Xander: 2; Faith, Anya
    Willow: 2;Oz and Tara

    Questions and observations;
    Another nail in the Buffy/Riley coffin, in fairness to Graham he is right and he is Riley's friend for saying so. A good ep, also introducing Joyce's sickness properly for the first time. Interestingly it's Dawn who discovers something's wrong with Riley and helps Buffy hit on the solution. She's also right about Castro, nice to see kids are still interested in history. And whilst fainting Joyce for the first time senses Dawn's special nature. One of the clever things about Dawn is how she's introduced out of nowhere but for the first few eps she has no special significance, all she is is Buffy's little sister, special alright but only to Buffy, Joyce and Hank. And here's Ben for the first time. Giles is actually impressed by Xander's carpentry skills. The 'Willow hand' scene between Tara and Willow is SOOOO lovely? Harmony takes up smoking, well, it's not like it'll do her any harm. That she obeys the 'No Smoking' sign at the hospital is testament to the power of group reinforcement. Ben refers to Dr Dawn, that would be cool if Dawn became a doctor and could patch up the Slayer legion. The Riley basketball scene is a bit of an indulgence, Marc Blucas a pro-basketball player before becoming an actor. Tara and Willow explore Sunnydale High, the first time Tara ever goes there. According to Riley Buffy is getting stronger every day which seems to suggest that a Slayer get's more powerful the longer she lives (Buffy and Faith presumably the longest living Slayers ever). Spike refers to Buffy's 'shampoo commercial hair', at this time of course SMG was the Maybeline adverts girl. Spike says 'Oh god no', so strange that vamps still appeal to god even when they're the epitome of evil.

    Marks out of 10; 7/10 although that might be a bit generous, the Spike scenes make it better than it otherwise might be.
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  • When the Chips Are Down...

    7.4
    "Good"
    By lenzinoH20, Dec 24, 2010 Report Abuse
    Out of My Mind-The increased strength and speed given to Riley by the Initiative are starting to tear his body apart. He must be operated upon immediately to repair the damage, but that will mean giving up his enhanced fighting ability and any chance of keeping up with Buffy.

    For a Riley centered, this was above average thanks to fine acting. Don't get me wrong, Riley's a nice guy, his just as dull as dirt at this point. Not to mention, the way Riley is acting is coming from no where. Suddenly, his reckless, stuck-up, cocky for no reason thinking Buffy doesn't care about and not really caring about himself. At least the scene between him and Buffy is the cave was well acted by Sarah and Marc, although Marc didn't have much to work with as usual. Buffy made way more sense than Riley did and she has been there for him, and would do anything for him which I don't understand why Riley would think otherwise.

    Anyway, on the other hand, Joyce's illness development is played out well and you really feel worried for the character. We are also introduced to Ben, one of the doctors at the hospital who will play a much bigger role later in this season. Spike and Harmony made for a cool evil duo again for an hour. I always loved their scenes together, especially when their in the operating room and Harmony just won't stop talking. I'm glad the writers decided to keep Spike chipped, as he has become a much better character this way surprisingly. The episode ends with a very surprising twist as well when Spike has a...wet dream about certain slayer who shall remain nameless! WOW! Despite some tedious Riley melodrama, "Out of the Mind" is well acted and has some humorous scenes to keep you interested.moreless

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  • An average episode; whilst having some nice scenes, most of this episode falls flat to me.

    7.0
    "Good"
    By TwistedConverse, Dec 24, 2010 Report Abuse
    Out Of My Mind is a very average episode; the main storyline is extremely tedious and the only real saving grace is the hilarious Spike/Harmony interaction and the brilliant ending. Besides that, OOMM doesn't have a lot going for it.

    Riley is a character I truly do not care for. I don't feel sympathy for him and I truly dislike the Buffy/Riley relationship. It's so entirely boring and annoying that I just hate all their drama. They're not as overdramatic and annoying as some (Buffy/Angel) but it is episodes like this where they really begin to irritate me. The speech in the caves is just completely forgettable and Riley's whole "I have to be a superhero" thing is just pathetic. Get over it Riley! I really didn't care whether he lived or died and a lot of it just felt forced.

    Thankfully, there a few good things that stop this episode being a complete waste of time. Spike and Harmony were hilarious together and provided much needed comedic relief all episode. Mercedes McNab had great delivery here and the line "Spike, oh my god, this like a real emergency" always cracks me up. The whole 20 questions game was great also and the scenes in the hospital were a hoot. I love that while Harmony is evil, she apologizes for smoking in a hospital. She's such a nice vampire! And a big yay for Harmony smacking Riley around lots.

    The other good thing was the start of the excellent cancer arc. This arc is really emotional and hard hitting and is one of the reason's Season 5 is my favourite season of TV ever. It was so unexpected and blends in really well with the whole family theme of the season.

    The end scene was amazing. I thought it was real the first time I watched it and I was sorely disappointed it was a dream. It really highlighted Sarah and James' excellent chemistry.

    Out Of My Mind is an average episode with an incredibly boring main story but has some scenes that keep the episode from being a complete waste of time. Still, it's an episode of Buffy so it earns a reasonable score from me!moreless

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    3 2

  • Out of My Mind

    8.5
    "Great"
    By TrueTvWatcher, Oct 26, 2010 Report Abuse
    Out of My Mind was a good episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This episode introduced us to Ben the intern at the hospital. This was also the begining of Joyce's illness as well as Riley's doubts about his future with Buffy. This episode was entertaining and exciting to watch. It was funny to watch Harmony who is now back with Spike. There was a lot of character development in this episode as well. I think that this episode was laying ground work for future story lines and they will be intriguing. I can't wait to find out what happens next!moreless

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    0 0

  • Season 5, Episode 4.

    7.0
    "Good"
    By Wanted23, Jul 05, 2009 Report Abuse
    The increased strength and speed given to Riley by the Initiative are starting to tear his body apart, and he must be operated on immediately. However, it will mean that he won't be able to keep up with Buffy.

    I liked this episode. It was different from every other episode. It didn't focus on other demons and vampires, but on Buffy and Riley, and Spike and Harmony. Harmony is so weird, but she was lovable in this episode. Also, Buffy looked hot in this episode, as she did in just about every episode of the past few seasons. I liked the whole Buffy VS Spike and Riley VS Harmony thing. Riley's friend was hot, too. Anyway, great episode.moreless

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    0 0
 

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • Trivia

    ADD TRIVIA
    • While Spike is undergoing brain surgery, he moves his head a lot. Although the movements are not drastic, this should have resulted in damage done to parts of his brain by the doctor's instraments. During a real brain surgery, the paitent's head is rendered immobile by a vice and often bolted in place to prevent this. Obviously, since they were not in a proper facility, they did not have the proper devices, which was likely also why the doctor was just poking around rather than using imaging equipment. Also, the placement of the bloodied gauze on the back of Spike's head afterwards does not match his position during surgery. The doctor appeared to be operating on the top of his head; Spike would have been sitting up if the back of his head was the entry point. Edit
    • In the scene where Riley is playing basketball on the court, his tank top changes from sweaty to dry in each shot. Edit
    • The jars behind the counter on the Magic Box contain ingredients named after the cast and crew. There's "Tony's Heads," "Charisma Charms," and "Boreanaz Beads." Edit

  • Notes

    ADD NOTES
    • It is revealed at the end of the episode that Spike has a crush for Buffy after he dreams of them kissing each other. Edit
    • This episode marks the introduction of Ben, the hospital intern. He will go on to play a much larger role this season. Edit

  • Quotes

    ADD QUOTES
    • Joyce: (to Dawn, shakily) Who are you? (faints) Edit
    • Spike: And I should do what with my spare time? Sit at home knitting cunning sweater sets? Buffy: Would it keep you out of my way? Edit
    • Riley: I go back, let the government get whimsical with my innards again... They could do anything that... Best-case scenario, they turn me into Joe Normal, just... Just another guy. Buffy: And that's not enough for you? Riley: It's not enough for you. Buffy: Why would you say that? Riley: Come on. Your last boyfriend wasn't exactly a civilian. Buffy: So that's what this is about? You're going to die, all over some macho pissing contest. Riley: It's not about him. It's about us. You're getting stronger every day, more powerful. I can't touch you. Every day, you're just a little further out of my reach. Buffy: You wanna touch me? I'm right here. I'm not the one running away. Riley: Not yet. Buffy: So you have this all figured out? I'm bailing because you're not in the super club. Riley: It's human nature. Buffy: Don't Psych 101 me. Not now. Not after everything that... Nobody has ever known me the way you do. Nobody. I've opened up to you in ways that I've never opened up to... God, you're just sitting back there thinking that none of this means anything to me. Riley: I never said that. Buffy: Because it obviously doesn't mean anything to you. Do you really think so little of me? Edit

  • Allusions

    ADD ALLUSIONS
    • Willow: Hey, wasn't that Robespierre the coolest? Maximilien-François-Marie-Isidore de Robespierre (1758-1794) was a radical Jacobin leader and one of the principal figures in the French Revolution. In the latter months of 1793 he came to dominate the Committee of Public Safety but in 1794 he was overthrown and executed. Edit
    • Buffy: Charlotte Corday wasn't a real martyr either. On July 13, 1793, Charlotte Corday, a young Girondin supporter from Normandy, was admitted to Jean-Paul Marat's room on the pretext that she wished to claim his protection. She stabbed him to death in his bath and was put to death for the the assassination. Edit
    • Willow: You can't possibly be arguing that Marat didn't betray the French Revolutionaries. This was the guy who declared the Rights of Man, and then the next thing you know he's killing Girondin like it's going out of style. Jean-Paul Marat (1743-1793) was a French politician, physician, and journalist, a leader of the radical Montagnard faction during the French Revolution. In his early political works he attacked despotism addressed to British voters. The Girondin were members of the moderate republicans, many of them originally from the departement of Gironde, who controlled the Legislative Assembly from October 1791 to September 1792 during the French Revolution. Edit

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