Teacher's Pet

Season 1, Episode 4, Aired

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7.7
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Xander, and most of the male population of Sunnydale High, are falling all over themselves trying to impress the new substitute Biology teacher, Ms. French. When Buffy sees this femme fatale scare off a particularly nasty vampire, however, she begins to suspect that Xander may be in serious trouble.moreless
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Fan Episode Reviews (49)

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  • Attack of the substitute teacher

    4.5
    "Poor"
    By GCT89, Mar 04, 2012
    Suffering from an exceedingly corner plot with laughably poor FX 'Teachers Pet' is too me with one of the worst Buffy hours, there are so many dense plot holes and although the stars work well with the corny plot particularly Nicholas Brendon the whole hour appears pointless.

    There were however some good moments, Cordelia as usual was a hoot in the two small scenes she was in particularly her scene with the therapist and Buffy staking the kinve fingered vampire with a piece of fence

    Overall the episode is rather pointless filler that can easily be fast forward throughmoreless

  • Teacher's Pet

    6.0
    "Fair"
    By joxerlives, Dec 30, 2011
    Teacher's Pet

    The good;
    Sex raises it's ugly head in the Buffyverse and it's all the better for it. A lovely little bit between Buffy and her teacher (who is also in The Witch) and although a minor character you feel the loss for both Buffy and Giles (we know Buffy is a bright girl when she applies herself and here it's made clear that she's not just some blonde airhead). Angel's back although compared to what Buffy faces later this vamp is small change, he seems to talk it up rather unnecessarily, maybe it's just an excuse to see Buffy again. Some lovely humour around Xander and his teenage lust, especially love his Bronze fantasy.

    The bad;
    Really the She-Mantis itself, when you compare it to some of the monsters from the later seasons it really does look awful. This ep is really a filler ep, very much 'monster of the week', it's fun but if Buffy had kept up this sort of ep it would never have become the great series it is

    Best line; Xander (looking at Miss French's cleavage) "It's a beautiful chest...I mean dress"

    Questions and observations; Giles shows interest in a woman for the first time, if he hadn't I must say I thought he might be gay? Flutie takes everyone to see the counsellor, is that the same one Buffy goes to see in 'Beauty and the Beast'? In 'Doomed' Willow says she's always the one to find the bodies but actually it seems more often to be Cordy. The Sunnydale Police are also hunting the claw handed vamp, the last time they do anything useful in the history of the series. Maybe that vamp was an enemy of the Mayor's? This story is an interesting reversal of fictional norms, how often do you see the heroine racing to save the boys from losing their virginity to the villain and not the other way around? What happens the eggs? Presumably Buffy and co deal?

    3/5 I think but that may be a little generous
    moreless

  • Didn't think it met the Buffy standard.

    6.0
    "Fair"
    By Phunner1416, Mar 31, 2011
    This episode wasn't as good as most Buffy episodes, but it was still pretty good ofan episode, it probably seems bad in comparison. But this is the first time that you see the running gag of Xander attracting Demonic women. I did enjoy the part at the end where the guy who made fun of Xander for being a Virgin turned out to be one himself, which is pretty good Karma. I also liked the idea of a Wolverine Vampire and I wish that they could have extended on that a little. But, as I have said, it just doesn't meat the Buffy The Vampire Slayer standardsmoreless

  • A science teacher who showed belief in Buffy is found dead and with his head missing! Xander, and most of the other male students, quickly fall in love with the attractive replacement who harbours a skin-crawling secret. Clunky but not terrible...moreless

    8.0
    "Great"
    By Jay-Spacedust, Feb 17, 2011
    "Teacher's Pet" generally ranks amongst fans' lesser favourite episodes of 'Buffy', certainly of the earlier seasons. Indeed, at time of writing, it holds the lowest score of the first season episodes (with a still reasonable 7.7). It certainly is far from 'BTVS's finest hour, and arguably this the second regular episode after the Pilot is the one where the show was finding its feet. But even so, I still find this a fairly reasonable episode it itself.

    It's a real shame that Mr. Gregory, the one teacher in Sunnydale High that seems to believe in Buffy, is bumped off (well... has his head eaten!). For a one-off bit character, I felt he was brought to life well, and I really felt Buffy's loss over him.

    It's nice to get an episode that focuses on Xander. Even though here at the start of the series he is presented as a bit of a doofus (and he is indeed quite a nerd at points in this episode), he's the kinda character I always wished I was (ahem)!
    We also get the return of Angel, after he wasn't present in the previous episode, "Witch". As I covered in my review for "Welcome to the Hellmouth", I'll dare to say again that he was never particularly a favourite of mine; but here, in his "mysterious" earlier stages, I find him a bit more bearable.

    Although I've defended this episode a little, I'll be the first to admit that the writing isn't as sharp in this one, with far less (if any) of the show's trademark sharp one-liners and pop references. However, there are still a few nice scenes, such as Cordelia with the psychiatrist (after discovering Dr. Gregory's headless corpse), and I love Giles's unseen British friend who wear hear has been sent to a mental asylum; It's a shame they didn't use this friend more, as I think he would have made an amusing, unseen recurring character.

    The general handling of the plot also feels a little clunkier than usual. And then there's the giant bug her-itself. It doesn't really do the episode any favours. Affordable and semi-believable CGI was only just becoming available on a TV show budget when this episode was made, but even so the bug costume does look a little goofy. But at the same time its kinda part of the fun with this episode. Our expectations would be raised as the show progressed, but for an early episode where us, the audience, were still discovering the show, I can't say giant-she-mantis severely ruined this one for me in any way.

    Then there are the eggs under the shelf in the science room at the end. Some have commented that they have felt cheated by this, as there was never a "sequel" where these baby mantises hatched. Again, I didn't really have a major problem with this I took it as a nod to the many "creature" films of the 1950s and early '60s, where there would often be a teaser show at the end to suggest that the creature had survived or left offspring behind, even if a sequel was never to be produced. That said, it might've been fun to see Buffy fighting baby mantis-monsters in a later episode.

    This is by no means a 'Buffy' great, but it is not my least favourite episode either. Watching it for the first time on BBC Two in the late 1990s, I actually quite enjoyed it. Yes, it would quickly be far surpassed by better stories, but in my opinion it's nowhere near as out-and-out terrible as some suggest. (It isn't even my least-favourite episode of season one I might change my mind as I re-watch them on DVD, but I seem to recall I was much less fond of "The Pack" shown a couple of episodes time). I give "Teacher's Pet" a not outstanding but reasonable 8/10.moreless

  • Weak plot, poor characterization. Overall a poor example of one of my favourite shows.

    4.5
    "Poor"
    By TineRua, Feb 12, 2011
    The characters were all so stock in this episode. Buffy was all rebellious Slayer girl. Willow was in love with Xander, computer hacker chick. Giles was disapproving, stuffy, library book guy completely uncomfortable outside of the library's walls. Xander could not have been more horny teenaged boy if he tried. And Cordelia was completely the cliche cheerleader, trying to lose weight even though she's already perfect, only serving to make those who aren't perfect feel even worse about themselves, and making no indication that she cares about anything else, even the dead guy in the cafeteria. There was no depth to anything any of the characters did. It was just boring.
    Fork-guy was a more interesting villan than the She-Mantis, yet he was taken out with a white picket fence and the She-Mantis was the real focus. Fork-guy got the jump on Angel! Okay, true, Angel wasn't exactly the Angel from every other season, or from the spinoff he earned, in season one, but one still has to assume that he had at least the most basic vampire fighting skills, what with him being two hundred plus years old, the Scourge of Europe and all.
    The thing that annoyed me most, though, was that in the last scene all those eggs are just lying there. They had to have hatched, probably before the season finale if any kind of linear timeline is to be believed, and yet there was never even a hint of Buffy, or anyone else, for that matter, fighting the new crop of She-Mantis'. She-Manti? Whatever. Those things are just out there. Mating, killing, making more giant bug things. Obviously they intended to at least have some kind of callback later, otherwise they wouldn't have bothered to show the egg sac so clearly in the final scene. Yet nothing ever came of it.moreless
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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • TRIVIA (6)

    ADD TRIVIA

    • We learn in this episode that Xander is still a virgin.

    • This is the only time Xander's middle name, LaVelle, is mentioned.

    • When Ms. French is making her bug sandwich, she dumps the bugs onto the bread and a few scamper onto the plate. But when she picks up the sandwich to eat, there are no bugs on the plate.

    • After slashing the mantis with a machete, Buffy wipes the blade on her pants. Oddly, it leaves no mark or stain on her pants, even though she had just used it to chop the bug into pieces.

    • It's odd that several days after his death, Dr. Gregory's broken glasses would still be on his desk. Surely, the police would have collected them for evidence.

    • Note Ms. French's sleeves when she's eating her bug sandwich. Depending on the angle (hands only or face and hands), the sleeves are either rolled up or down.

  • QUOTES (36)

    ADD QUOTES

    • Natalie: The praying mantis is a fascinating creature. Forced to live alone. Who can tell me why? Buffy? Buffy: Well, the words "bug ugly" kinda spring to mind.

    • Xander: You two are probably a little young to understand what an older woman would see in a younger man. Buffy: Oh, I understand. Xander: Good! Buffy: The younger man is too dumb to wonder why an older woman can't find someone her own age, and too desperate to care about the surgical improvements!

    • Buffy: Do you know Miss French, the teacher that's subbing for Dr. Gregory? Giles: (smiles) Yes. Yes, she's lovely. In a common, extremely well proportioned way.

    • Xander: This is a question that no one particularly wants to hear, but... where did they put his head? Willow: Good point. I didn't want to hear that.

    • Buffy: So, I'm an undead monster that can shave with my hand... How many things am I afraid of? Giles: Not many. And not substitute teachers, as a rule.

    • Angel: I heard a rumor there was one less vampire walking around making a nuisance of himself. Buffy: There is. Guess I should thank you for the tip. Angel: Pleasure's mine. Buffy: Course, it would make things easier if I knew how to get in touch with you. Angel: I'll be around. Buffy: Or who you were. (Angel just smiles) Well... anyway, you can have your jacket back. Angel: It looks better on you. (Angel leaves, then looks back) Buffy: Oh boy!

    • Giles: You went hunting last night. Buffy: Yes. Giles: When you assured me you wouldn't. Buffy: Yes, I lied. I'm a bad person. Let's move on.

    • Xander: Well, he's buff! She never said anything about him being buff! Willow: You think he's buff? Xander: He's a very attractive man! How come that never came up?

    • (seeing Angel give Buffy his coat) Xander: Oh right, give her your jacket. It's a balmy night, nobody needs to be trading clothing out there.

    • Blayne: Seven, including Cheryl. I'll tell you, though, her sister was lookin' to make it eight! Blayne's Friend: Oooh, Cheryl's sister? The one in college? Blayne: Home for the holidays and lookin' for love! She's not my type though, girls really gotta have something to go with me. Xander: Something like a lobotomy?

    • Buffy (after finding Natalie's house using a vampire): Better than radar.

    • Giles: Recording bat sonar is something soothingly akin to having one's teeth drilled.

    • Buffy: And you need to record bat sonar, and fast. Giles: Bat sonar, right… What? Buffy: Bats eat them. A mantis hears sonar, it's entire nervous system goes kaplooey. Giles: Where am I going to find… Buffy: In the Vid Library. There are no books, but it's dark and musty. You'll feel right at home. Go.

    • Buffy: Well, your buddy, Carlyle faced it, and he's still around. Giles: Yes. In a straightjacket howling his innards out day and night. Buffy: Okay, Admiral. Way to inspire the troops.

    • Natalie: Should I change? Is this too… Xander: No, no. It's the most beautiful chest – dress I've ever seen. Natalie: Thank you. That's sweet.

    • Giles: Um, this computer invasion that Willow's performing on the coroner's office. One assumes it is entirely legal… Willow: Entirely. Buffy: Of course. Giles: Right. Wasn't here… didn't see it… couldn't have stopped you. Buffy: Good idea.

    • Buffy: (talking about Natalie) Whatever she is, I'm gonna be ready for her. Giles: What are you going to do? Buffy: My homework. Where are the books on bugs?

    • Buffy: (talking about Natalie French) No, I'm not saying she craned her neck. We're talking full-on Exorcist twist. Willow: Ouch.

    • Cordelia: (talking to the school counselor) It was... let's just say I haven't been able to eat a thing since yesterday. I think I lost, like, 7½ ounces – way swifter than that so-called diet that quack put me on. Oh, I'm not saying that we should kill a teacher every day just so I can lose weight. I'm just saying when tragedy strikes, we have to look on the bright side, you know? Like, how even used Mercedes still have leather seats.

    • Xander: So, there's something else out there besides Silverware Man? Oh, this is fun. We're on Monster Island.

    • Xander: Hey, those that can, do. Those that can't, laugh at those who can do.

    • Giles: God, every day here is the same. Buffy: Bright, sunny, beautiful… however can we escape this torment?

    • Buffy: (noticing big cuts on Angel's arm) What happened? Angel: I didn't pay attention. Buffy: To somebody with a big fork? Angel: He's coming. Buffy: The fork guy? Angel: Don't let him corner you. Don't give him a moment's mercy. He'll rip your throat out. Buffy: Okay. I'll give you improved marks for that one. Ripping a throat out, it's a strong visual. It's not cryptic.

    • Giles: (on the phone with former watcher Carlyle Ferris) You were right all along, about everything... Well, no, you weren't right about your mother coming back as a Pekinese.

    • Principal Flutie: I really believe if we all reach out to one another we can beat this thing. I'm always here if you need a hug, but not a real hug! Because there's no touching, this school is sensitive to wrong touching.

    • Giles: Uh, well, basically the, uh, the She-Mantis assumes the form of a beautiful woman and then lures innocent virgins back to her nest. Buffy: Virgins? Well, Xander's not a, uh...I mean, he's probably... Willow: ...gonna die!

    • Buffy: Hot dog surprise. Be still, my heart. Willow: Call me old-fashioned, I don't want any more surprises in my hot dogs.

    • Buffy: Well look who's here! Angel: Hi. Buffy: I'd say it's nice to see you, but then we both know that's a big fib. Angel: I won't be long. Buffy: No, you'll just give me a cryptic warning about some exciting new catastrophe, and then disappear into the night, right?

    • Xander: Babes. Buffy: What are you doing? Xander: Work with me here, Blayne had the nerve to question my manliness. I'm just gonna give him a visual. Willow: (throws her arms around him tightly) We'll show him.

    • Xander: You alright? Buffy: Thanks to you. Buffy: You hurt your hand, will you still be able to... Xander: ...finish my solo and kiss you like you've never been kissed before? Buffy: You're drooling.

    • Xander: I realize it's no mystery guy handing out leather jackets, and while we're on the subject, what kind of a girlie name is Angel anyway?

    • Natalie: Oh, Xander! I've done something really stupid. I hope you can forgive me. Xander: Oh, forgiveness is my middle name! Well, actually it's LaVelle, and I'd appreciate it if you guard that secret with your life.

    • Xander: I wonder what she sees in me? It's probably the quiet good looks coupled with a certain smoky magnetism.

    • Xander: It's funny how the Earth never opens up and swallows you when you want it to.

    • Giles: That's all he said? Fork Guy? Buffy: That's all Cryptic Guy said: Fork Guy. Giles: I think there are too many guys in your life.

    • Flutie: We all need help with our feelings. Otherwise, we bottle them up, and before you know it powerful laxatives are involved.

  • NOTES (4)

    ADD NOTES

    • Featured Music: Already Met You by Super Fine - At the Bronze when Xander is snubbed Stoner Love by Super Fine - At the Bronze at the end of the episode

    • Angel gives Buffy his leather jacket in this episode, which she wears often through at least the next two seasons.

    • This episode begins Xander's unconscious and continuing attraction to women who are either evil or demonic.

    • Cordelia has just two scenes in this episode. In the original script she had another one, but it was cut for length. The scene had her approaching Buffy and Willow at the Bronze and dissing them for sitting at her favorite table.

  • ALLUSIONS (7)

    ADD ALLUSIONS

    • Xander: I'm exempting shwarma, of course. I mean, what's that all about? It's a big meat hive. Shwarma is a meat dish of Middle Eastern origin, made with beef, chicken, or lamb, and sometimes served in a pita (variations may depend on region or personal taste).

    • Xander: Oh this is fun. We're on Monster Island. "Monster Island" was the name of an island in the South Pacific which was home to Godzilla and a number of other gigantic beasts in several Tokyo produced monster movies. Monster Island is also the name of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel crossover novel.

    • Buffy: No, I'm not saying she craned her neck, we are talking full-on Exorcist twist. Buffy compares the teacher's ability to rotate her head around completely on her neck to the famous scene in the classic 1973 horror movie The Exorcist, where the possessed girl (played by Linda Blair) turns her head around a full 360 degrees.

    • Blayne: Flag down on that play, babe. An allusion to American football where the officials call a penalty by throwing a flag. It's common to hear an announcer say "there's a flag down on the play" to indicate that a penalty will be called. Here Blayne is trying to deflect the information that he's a virgin.

    • Blayne: I think it's eenie, meenie, miney... Eeny, meeny, miney, moe is one of the many childhood methods of choosing among various people. The nonsense phrases come in various varieties with various lengths, but the basic idea is that you point to a different person for each word and the person pointed to on the last word is chosen.

    • Buffy: Well the words "bug ugly" spring to mind. A twist on the slang expression butt ugly that is specially tailored to an insect.

    • Title: Teacher's Pet Normally, the phrase teacher's pet means a favorite student. Here it is used ironically since the teacher herself is an insect which could be kept as a pet.

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