The Pack

Season 1, Episode 6, Aired

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8.2
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While enduring the annual field trip to the zoo, Xander and several other students enter the quarantined Hyena pen and become possessed by the demonic spirit of the wild animals. When Buffy notices a significant change in Xander's personality, she must figure out what happened and how to reverse it before something terrible happens.moreless
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Fan Episode Reviews (59)

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  • THE PACK

    6.0
    "Fair"
    By joxerlives, Jan 02, 2012

    The Good;
    Love Buffy and Giles training, you get a genuine sense of menace when Willow is taken hostage for the first time. You' don't see the twist of the zookeeper, he seems so rational although I'm baffled as to what exact power he hoped to gain from the hyena spirits (then again I don't really understand why the Mayor wished to be this big snake?). Great acting from Nic Brendon showing the first of his range (in truth neither Nic nor David are that good actors in season 1 but they grow better)

    The Bad;
    The story is pretty stupid, reminds me of an obscure old series called 'Big Wolf on Campus'

    Best Line;
    Giles; Xander is becoming a teenage boy, you'll have to kill him of course

    Questions and observations;
    The first time someone is imprisoned in the library book cage but by no means the last. Xander trying to force himself on Buffy is unusually disturbing, for a feminist symbol she seems to get sexually assaulted a lot (but maybe that's the point?). It's interesting to compare this with Nic Brendon's unsettlingly convincing perfrormance as a rapist on Private Practice. Another Buffy cliche is a Scooby going evil (by the end of season 7 I think the only characters never to have gone bad were Tara and Giles?). Jennifer Sky plays one of the pack and she was very good as Amarice in Xena (so you can link Buffy to Xena in one if you're ever playing 'Six degrees of Bufferation'). No Cordy (there really isn't room for her) and no Angel. At this point of course he's not a fighter, he really is just cryptic warning guy but of course that really kicks in during the next ep
    6/10
    moreless

  • During a school trip to a local zoo, Xander and a bunch of bullies are possessed by the demonic spirit of some quarantined hyenas. Buffy and Willow soon become concerned about Xander's sudden change in personality. Not the best, but still fair...moreless

    8.0
    "Great"
    By Jay-Spacedust, Feb 28, 2011
    This review contains spoilers.

    Although I haven't watched the rest of the season for some years (I'm currently going through them one-by-one on the DVD sets), "The Pack" generally sticks in my mind as being my least-favourite of the first season. Don't get me wrong, it is still a decent tale in itself, but it doesn't really have the sharpness of most other episodes from the period.

    Certainly, "The Pack" is often singled out by some fans as being a weak episode. I think this is a little unfair, as, on its own merits, I still enjoy this one. In my opinion, it is more a case of this episode not matching the high quality of some other stories, more than being a weak episode on its own basis. Heck, if "The Pack" came from any number of weaker shows, it would probably be hailed as a classic!

    This is one of the several first season instalments with no vampires or Master, or reference to the overall season plot. Although some don't like this pattern, I personally don't mind it at all, feeling that it gives these early episodes more variety. It is also one of the first season stories where Angel does not appear (although he is mentioned a lot, in the scene at the Bronze), and Cordelia is also absent.

    "The Pack" is a good Xander-based story (coming after the Xander-centric "Teacher's Pet" a couple of episodes ago). But the real star of this one is Willow. Alyson Hannigan is perfect in this episode, and delivers some of the best lines I love her innocent questioning of why Xander couldn't have been possessed by something less threatening, "...like a puppy. Or some ducks". Forget Buffy or Cordelia, as a 20 year old when I first saw the series, Willow was the one that I fancied!

    The story itself, which definitely not amongst the early episodes' best offerings, is reasonable, and certainly for the initial viewing, holds the attention. However, I did feel that the overall plot was maybe a little stretched, and could have done with some kind of side-plot to round things out a little.

    But the other main thing of note with this episode is the demise of Principal Flutie, who is literally eaten by the possessed pack. This comes as quite shocking and unexpected. After being presented as a slightly generic grouchy principal in his first couple of episodes, here we get more feeling for the character, as does Buffy, as he tells her of the pride he takes in the school. Although replacement Principal Snyder was okay, I wish that Principal Flutie had continued for longer. (By the way, I did find it highly convenient that Xander was for some reason not present with the rest of the pack when they devoured him. This was never really explained why, but I won't nitpick on this!).

    All-in-all, definitely not one of the early seasons' best episodes, to the extent of many being the weakest of the first season, but at the same time, this is as much down to the other episodes being of such high quality; and I feel that this episode doesn't really deserve the slating that some aim at it. It probably doesn't have the re-watchable value that many other episodes have, but it is a perfectly decent tale in itself. I give "The Pack" a reasonable 8/10.moreless

  • When you see a sign at the zoo to stay out of an area stay out.

    4.0
    "Poor"
    By Thestorysofar, Feb 28, 2011
    As far as Buffy episodes go. This was really bad.

    Some bullies go into a Hyena exhibit at a zoo an Xander follows them to rescue another another students and then the 4 bully kids and Xander get possesed by Hyenas.

    Sounds like a pretty far out plot.

    So Xander and his buddies go around school being mean to people and eats the school mascot. i don't like to see animals killed even for an effect. so Xander ate a pig and the rest ate the pig and also the principle of the school.

    Don't the teachers and principles have a union r something because working there is kind of dangerous.

    This episode kind of reminded me of street theatre. Ok so act like Hyenas and .... Action.

    Nice ending as well. evil zoo keeper. "I would have gotten away with it to. if it wasn't for you kids and your pesky dog" no wait that's a different movie with sarah michelle gellar in it.moreless

  • Mediocre episode about bullying.

    7.5
    "Good"
    By tripllle, Feb 28, 2011
    One of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's major themes in the first three seasons is that high school is hell. This episode takes a very heavy-handed approach to the issue of bullying, but it gets the point across. We start the episode with a group of four especially cruel students bullying a weak classmate at the zoo. Through some admittedly stretched circumstances, both the group of students and Xander end up being possessed by the spirit of African hyenas. They go on the hunt through the school, eventually eating both the school's mascot, a pot-bellied pig posing as a razorback, and Principal Flutie, before being taken down by Buffy, Giles, and Willow.

    While this episode is not the best, it's certainly not deserving of it's terrible reputation. Usually mediocre episodes of Buffy are better than most of what's on your tv now, and this is one of them. The issue explored is universal and especially poignant for high school. The events of the episode don't significantly propel the overall arc of the season, but both Willow's crush on Xander and Xander's crush on Buffy are explored, as well as setting up the arrival of Principal Snyder when Flutie is killed and eaten.

    For all of the flack this episode takes, it does have some significant moments, such as Hyena-Xander's uncomfortably sexual assault of Buffy and the first death of a Sunnydale High principal. The incidents in this episode are referenced many times throughout the next six seasons as well, sometimes in earnest and sometimes in jest. Definitely not top of the line, but there are worse episodes, and this one at least gets a "first season" pass.moreless

  • Xander gets wild.

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By Phunner1416, Jan 09, 2011
    This is a good episode that shows Buffy and Willow and Wilder side of Xander. This episode also shows a funny new twist on High school bullies, showing how Bullies give into their animal instincts. This episode also ends with a funny mystery that Buffy and Willow will slowly learn that Xander was lying about his Memory Loss. But unfortunately, they kill off the best principal that Sunnydale High has ever had, Way Better Than Principal Snyder! Giles also makes pretty funny jokes about how Xander is a 16 year old boy. So All In All a pretty great episode!moreless
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  • TRIVIA (11)

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    • The Hyena exhibit is a very dangerous design. There is no guardrail or similar barrier to keep visitors at a safe distance. Anyone can walk up to the bars and get mauled, as the bars are wide enough for people to stick their arms or legs through. In fact, the bars are so wide apart that not only could skinny people or children squeeze completely through, but the hyenas could simply walk out of their exhibit.

    • In this episode it is revealed that Sunnydale High School's mascot is the razorback, which is a type of wild boar.

    • The scenes on the computer that show Hyenas and the scenes of the "pack" show them laughing while attacking and eating their prey but in reality Hyenas are silent when feeding.

    • Lance is standing in front of the chimps when the four bullies walk up. When they say his name, "Lance", one of the chimps reacts by turning around suddenly, as if that is his name. This references to "Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp", an early 70's show that spoofed the spy genre. The show featured chimps in clothes with lines dubbed in by humans.

    • The Sunnydale Zoo seems to have questionable quarantine practices. Buffy and the others can enter the "Hyena House" at any time despite it being closed for quarantine. In reality, new animals are physically isolated and access is restricted to essential personnel only.

    • This species of hyena only exists in the Buffyverse. In the real world there are only three species of hyena: the Spotted, Striped, and Brown. There is also the closely related Aardwolf.

    • The zookeepers' use of the term "breed" to refer to the type of hyena is wrong. Breed is used when referring to domestic animals(such as a breed of dog). He should have said "species".

    • The leather jacket that Buffy wears in this episode is the same jacket that Angel gave to her in Teacher's Pet (1x04).

    • Rhonda's hair is shorter in the opening zoo scene than in the rest of the episode.

    • When Xander and the others first go into the hyena place and the hyena's eyes light up, the light completely misses one of the hyena's eyes and is lighting up below it.

    • While Xander is locked up in the book cage, Willow watches a documentary about hyenas on the computer monitor. The first clip shows a pack of hyenas, but all the following clips depict African Wild Dogs, as proven by the white tufts of fur at the end of their tails.

  • QUOTES (16)

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    • Coach Herrold: All right, it's raining. All regular gym classes have been postponed. So, you know what that means... dodgeball. Now, for those of you that may have forgotten, the rules are as follows: you dodge.

    • Heidi: Shouldn't you be hovering over the football stadium with Goodyear written on you? (Xander laughs and Buffy gives him a look) Xander: Kid's fat.

    • Buffy: (About Xander smelling her) Okay, now what? Xander: You took a bath. Buffy: Yeah, I often do. I'm actually known for it. Xander: That's okay. Buffy: And the weird behavior award goes to...

    • Xander: (Greeting Buffy and Willow) Girls! Buffy: Boy. Xander: Sorry I'm late, I just forgot that we were going to be here.

    • Buffy: I was looking at the fishes. Willow: Was it cool? Buffy: It was fishes.

    • Giles: The rest of the pack were spotted outside Herbert the mascot's cage. They were sent to the principal's office. Willow: Good! That'll show 'em. Did it show 'em? Buffy: They didn't hurt him, did they? Giles: They, uh... ate him.

    • Willow: Buffy saved both of our lives. Xander: Before she came here our lives didn't need that much saving, did they? Weren't things a lot simpler when it was just you and me? Willow: Maybe...

    • Buffy: It shouldn't be too hard to find a new principal. Unless they ask what happened to the last one.

    • (Buffy jumps on top of Xander) Xander: I've been waiting for you to jump my bones.

    • Xander: I'm feeling that you're not in field trip spirit here. Buffy: Well, it would... It's nothing. I... We do the same zoo trip at my old school every year. Same ol' same ol'. Xander: Buffy, this isn't just about looking at a bunch of animals. This is about not being in class! Buffy: You know, you're right! Suddenly the animals look shiny and new.

    • Buffy: I didn't notice anything. Of course I'm not as hyper-aware of him as, oh, for example, you... Willow: Hyper-aware? Buffy: Well, I'm not constantly monitoring his moods, his health, his blood pressure... Willow: 130 over 80. Buffy: You got it bad, girl. Willow: He makes my head go tingly.

    • Willow: Oh, my God, Xander! What happened? Buffy: I hit him. Willow: With what? Buffy: A desk.

    • Giles: I've been reading up on my animal possession, and I cannot find anything anywhere about memory loss afterwards. Xander: Did you tell them that? Giles: Your secret dies with me. Xander: Shoot me, stuff me, mount me.

    • Willow: Why couldn't Xander be possessed by a puppy, or some ducks?

    • Xander: We just saw the zebras mating. Thank you, very exciting! Willow: It was like the Heimlich... with stripes! Buffy: And I missed it. Yet somehow I'll find the courage to live on.

    • Giles: Xander's taken to teasing the less fortunate? Buffy: Uh-huh. Giles: And, there's been a noticeable change in both clothing and demeanor? Buffy: Yes. Giles: And, well, otherwise all his spare time is spent lounging about with imbeciles. Buffy: It's bad, isn't it? Giles: It's devastating. He's turned into a sixteen-year-old boy. Of course, you'll have to kill him.

  • NOTES (6)

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    • This episode is first in Joss Whedon's list of his top ten favorite episodes according to the letter given with the Australian Chosen Collection Box-set. The episodes on this top ten list are not ranked, but are put in order of which episode aired first.

    • Featured Music: All You Want by Dashboard Prophets - At the Bronze, as Xander starts to change Reluctant Man by Sprung Monkey - As Kyle and his friends enter the Bronze Job's Eyes by Far - As Xander and the Pack are walking together

    • Sarah said on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno that she was going to pull down Nicholas's pants during the dodgeball scene because he was acting really dumb. At the last minute she gave up and Alyson said that she would do it. She got so excited that she pulled his underwear down too. It happened in front of a lot of extras.

    • The filming location for the zoo scenes in this episode is a source of some debate. Many sources (such as IMDB and Keith Topping's book Slayer) claim that the scenes were shot in the San Diego Zoo. Most sources however, including the official Watcher's Guide, list the site as the Santa Ana Zoo.

    • The signs in the Sunnydale Zoo are written in the same font as the signs in Jurassic Park.

    • Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia) does not appear in this episode, even though she is credited in the opening titles.

  • ALLUSIONS (7)

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    • Buffy: Wow. Apparently Noah rejected the hyenas from the ark, because he thought they were an evil, impure mixture of dogs and cats. This a reference to the famous story of Noah and the Ark from the Book of Genesis. In the story God instructs Noah to build a large ark and fill it with two representatives of every species of animal and bird. The story that Noah rejected them came from Sir Walter Raleigh's "History of the World". Raleigh wrote that hyenas could be reproduced later by crossing dogs with cats and were not necessary to preserve on the Ark

    • Buffy: No. That still doesn't explain why he's hanging out with the dode patrol. Play of words on the "Dome Patrol", a nickname for the fast-moving, hard-hitting New Orleans Saints linebacking corps made up of Rickey Jackson, Vaughan Johnson, Sam Mills and Pat Swilling (late 80s/early 90s).

    • Buffy: But it's safe to say that in his animal state his idea of wooing doesn't involve a Yanni CD and a bottle of Chianti. Playing music from the New Age musician Yanni and serving the wine Chianti are certainly much more socially acceptable forms of attracting a mate than Xander's "felony sexual assault" attempt.

    • Buffy: I cannot believe that you of all people are trying to Scully me. The character Dana Scully in the television show The X-Files is constantly attempting to find a scientific explanation for paranormal occurrences.

    • Girl: Shouldn't you be hovering over the stadium with Goodyear written on you? The "fat kid" is compared to the Goodyear blimp, commonly seen at sporting events.

    • Buffy: Oh great, it's the winged monkeys. Buffy compares the school bullies with the evil winged monkeys from the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz.

    • Willow: It was like the Heimlich with stripes. The Heimlich Maneuver is a First Aid procedure to assist someone who has something stuck in their throat. It involves standing behind the victim and performing an abdominal thrust.

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