The Puppet Show

Season 1, Episode 9, Aired

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8.3
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The new principal forces Giles to run Sunnydale High's annual talent show, and Buffy, Willow and Xander have to perform against their will. As if this isn't bad enough, things go further awry when one of the talent show participants is found with her heart removed. Buffy and the gang race against the clock to find the killer, and all the clues point to Morgan and his ventriloquist dummy.moreless
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Fan Episode Reviews (40)

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  • One of the best of season 1

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By joxerlives, Jan 05, 2012
    The Puppet Show;

    The Good;
    The introduction of Snyder. Cordy's performance and the hair gag with Giles. The triple Keyser Soze, Buffy's relationship with Sid. The exciting finale, Snyders reaction to it and the Scoobies scene at the end. Don't you just love the fact that Buffy the superhero runs into her mum's arms when she get's scared in the night? Something only a female hero could do, what would we think of Clark Kent if he did that on Smallville?

    The Bad;
    Not much, a very strong episode, easily one of the best of the first season

    Best line;
    Buffy; Euuuugghhhh, dummy! They freak me out, ever since I was little.
    Willow; What happened?
    Buffy; I saw a dummy, it freaked me out, there really wasn't a backstory there
    (anyone else reminded of Gremlins?)

    Observations and questions;
    Our first hint that there are other individuals fighting the forces of darkness like Whistler and Doyle. The scene the Scoobies perform at the end is from Oedipus which Angelus references in season 4 of Angel and American Gothic. It was painted by Grant Wood who Riley refers to in season 4. Cordy sings 'The Greatest Love of all' which she also sings for Lorne on Angel. She hasn't the best voice. Giles in bondage, the first of a long line of Scoobies to be tied/chained up. Snyder obviously going to be a lot harder on Buffy than Flutie was although as an authority figure that probably works better for the series. At this point though he doesn't really seem to know what's going on (does he ever?). Flutie was a nice guy but has the misfortune to be the 2nd recurring character killed in the course of the series. The police put the butcher knife in a plastic bag? Don't they have some better form of container? Willow suffers from stage fright. Willow is clever enough to know that 841 has a square root of 29 but how does Xander know that to ask her? A shame Joyce doesn't come to the talent show. Will plays the piano?
    moreless

  • Into every generation there is one man who must direct the school's talent show...

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By Phunner1416, Jun 13, 2011
    This episode was pretty good. The puppet was cool, but it looked unrealistic. The scene at the end was funny, how they were forced to be in the talent show, and they acted extremely bad. It's funny when a good actor has to act bad. Buffy also tries to get her revenge on Giles by just watching as he directs the talent show, but the new principal, Mr. Snyder, forces them into the talent show. This episode is also the first episode to show that Willow has stage fright, which will come up again in Nightmares and Restless. It also shows the first time that Buffy was right about something, and the rest of the gang don't believe her. This was a pretty good episode.moreless

  • The new Principal, Snyder, forces Buffy, Xander and Willow to take part in the annual talent show, ran by Giles. As if that wasn't bad enough, Buffy must face her fear of puppets when it appears that one is alive and harvesting body parts. Pretty good...moreless

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By Jay-Spacedust, Mar 26, 2011
    This review contains spoilers.

    Well, you might think you've seen the whole "possessed killer dummy" in a dozen cheap 1980s horror movies, but, in true 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' style, here is it given a real twist.

    This is the latest in a number of first season episodes with no Angel, no Master or overall season plot arc mention, or indeed any vampires at all. While this fact alone seems to instantly put a lot of fans off of these first season episodes, personally (as I've said in several previous reviews) I like it, as I feel it gives the show a lot more variety and real wonder of what's coming next, over the later open-ended, more "emotional" stories (though don't get me wrong, I like those too).
    But either way, on the plus side, we get the return of Cordelia in this episode, after she was absent for a few stories. Her terrible singing alone makes this episode worth watching.

    This episode is probably most notable for the introduction of Armin Shimerman ('Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Quark) as the replacement Principal, Snyder, after Principal Flutie was eaten (!) in "The Pack". Shimerman is perfectly snide as the aptly named Snyder, although (as mentioned on my review for "The Pack"), I did kinda wish that Principal Flutie had continued for longer, as I felt the character had more mileage in him.

    Anyway, this is one of those quirky comedy-drama-horror blends that the series did so well in its early days, before it became more of an on-going horror soap opera.
    The school talent(less) show, which Giles has been collared into running, is pretty amusing, as is Buffy, Willow and Xander being forced into taking part. Of course, there is the weekly monster on the loose to take their minds off of it a little!

    The story plays out as a real "whodunit" (or should that be "whoisit"?), with us wondering if puppet Sid, his "owner" Morgan, or even Principal Snyder (whom we've only just met), is the real culprit.

    The concept of the lecherous possessed puppet, Sid, is interesting, although does start to get old after a while. Long before Buffy and co. cotton onto it, I was kinda "Okay, the puppet is possessed, we get it already!". Although this plays out well, it did start to be stretched slightly later on, but thankfully, about 3/4 of the way through, there is the great twist that probably nobody saw coming possessed puppet Sid is actually a good guy; he was cursed into living in the wooden body until he manages to kill off "the last of the Brotherhood of Seven", a morphing demon whom he thinks is Buffy (hence sneaking into her bedroom to try and kill her in the middle of the night)! In an episode where I was starting to tire of what I thought was a predictable plot, this came as a welcome surprise twist.

    When it is finally revealed that the true demon is someone totally different involved with the talent show, I did kinda wish that a few more subtle clues had been given bearing in mind this was supposed to be a whodunit, it kinda came out of nowhere; but it does lead to a very exciting climax, where the gang must save Giles from having his head loped off in a guillotine "trick".

    There are some really nice touches in this episode it is ironic that, considering the wide array of monsters she battles, Buffy is afraid of puppets (even before meeting a possessed one); I love Giles getting rid of Cordelia by staring at her hair; and I actually felt kinda sad when, breaking the curse, Sid finally "died" at the end. It is maybe strange that Sid was never used again in the series (I believe he was used in some of the graphic novels and console games, but I've never seen them).

    Then, to cap it all, there is the hilarious close. The closing credits sequence, with Buffy, Xander and Willow giving very wooden (no pun intended) performances in the talent show, gets all the recognition, but even prior to that, I love how the curtains open in the aftermath of the battle with the demon, with Snyder bemusedly wondering "What is it avant-garde?".

    In all, this isn't one of my all-time favourite 'Buffy' episodes, but on its own merits, it is a very good one. There are others in the season that I like better, and the whole "Is the puppet the killer?" thing is maybe stretched out a bit before the welcome twist, but there is enough going for this one for me to give it a decent 9/10.moreless

  • Evil puppet?

    5.0
    "Mediocre"
    By Thestorysofar, Mar 26, 2011
    oh snap.
    Giles has to do a talent show that includes a tone deaf Cordelia, a doll that talks, a dancer, a guy who does magic.

    So the dancer gets her heart cut out. nice. the other guy with the doll starts talking to it and it turns out to be real. Hilarious. and then just when you think the doll is evil and it turns out to be a demon hunter just like Buffy only smaller and made of wood. And the magician guy turns out to the demon. Who very easily lures Giles into a guilittine device.

    So Buffy and G.I. Doll show up and kick some demon booty and then the doll stabs it in the heart and it's like totally dead.

    Crazy weird talking dolls. Keep an eye on your barbies girls.moreless

  • Quark moves to Sunnydale!

    8.9
    "Great"
    By tvloverduh, Mar 26, 2011
    "The Puppet Show" manages to have a campy yet still intense feel to it. I loved the plot! The whole dummy thing was great, a bit creepy, and a tad funny in parts. I enjoyed the action sequences in this one as well. The greatest addition of the episode though was Armin Shimmerman (Quark from DS9) as the new principal. He is a talented actor who is hilarious and he shines in this role as well! Bravo Armin. Last but not least Buffy and Xander also shine in this episode. O and before I forget.... funniest ending EVER... it was so funny and awkward. Well done Buffy!moreless
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  • TRIVIA (12)

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    • In the scene in the library after Emily has been murdered, where Xander is trying to convince Giles that the murder means they are too distraught to appear in the talent show, the reflection of a sound boom can clearly be seen in the office door window in a number of shots.

    • While Buffy is searching around in the backstage area, there is a mirror in the background of the shot. For a brief second, you can see the reflection of a crew member.

    • The knife that Sid drives into the demon's heart is there at one moment, but when the camera turns back it's gone.

    • The demon needs a healthy brain. This would imply that the brain must be intact. When Giles is strapped onto the guillotine, his head is positioned so that the blade will slice through his head at approximately the middle of the forehead. This guarantees that the brain will be cut apart and will be made useless to the demon.

    • Buffy seems to have a difficult time getting out from under the chandelier. Granted, she is a bit dazed, but Slayers are supposed to recover quickly. Buffy has demonstrated feats of strength and resilience in other episodes that indicate that she should have been able to free herself more easily and quickly than she did.

    • Just after Buffy breaks into Morgan's locker and Snyder catches her, he just tells her to go home and then walks away. As suspiciously minded as Snyder is, it's extremely strange that he didn't notice the broken lock.

    • According to Sid, he knew a Slayer in the 1930s who was Korean. It is not clear whether she operated in Korea, the U.S. or some other country.

    • We learn that Willow can play the piano- just not in front of people.

    • You can see the violinist over Giles' shoulder rocking her bow 3 inches above the strings of her violin, but you can hear her playing.

    • Right after the chandelier is dropped on Buffy, a sound effect is played that sounds rather like the ones used in "The Six Million Dollar Man / The Bionic Woman" shows.

    • It seems odd that Buffy would smash Morgan's locker in, considering that she not only had the combination, but was also warned by Giles to fly under Snyder's radar.

    • After the demon is decapitated, Sid stabs him with a knife. When he pulls the knife out to to stab him again, the knife is clean, though it should be bloody.

  • QUOTES (25)

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    • Snyder: (After catching Buffy in the prop room looking for Morgan) You know, with everything that's been going on recently I'm not sure how safe it is for a girl like yourself to be here. Alone. Buffy: Well I was just leaving. And I know how to take care of myself.

    • Buffy: The school talent show. How ever did you finagle such a primo assignment? Giles: Our new Führer, Mr. Snyder. Willow: I think they call 'em "principals" now.

    • Willow: I think dummies are cute. You don't? Buffy: They give me the wig. Ever since I was little. Willow: What happened? Buffy: I saw a dummy. It gave me the wig. There really wasn't a story there.

    • Cordelia: It's just such a tragedy for me. Emma was, like, my best friend. Xander: Emily.

    • Cordelia: I can't go out there. All those people staring at me and judging me like I'm some kind of... Buffy! What if I mess up? Giles: Cordelia, there's an adage that if you're feeling nervous then you should imagine the entire audience are in their underwear. Cordelia: Eww! Even Mrs. Franklin? Uhhh! Giles: Perhaps not.

    • Snyder: My predecessor, Mr. Flutie, may have gone it for all that touchy-feely relating nonsense, but he was eaten. Your in my world now and Sunnydale has touched and felt for the last time.

    • Sid: You know what they say. Once you go wood, nothing's as good! Buffy: Okay, Morgan. We get the joke. Horny dummy. Ha ha. It's very funny. But you might want to consider getting some new shtick. Unless you want your prop ending up as a Duraflame Log!

    • Xander: Okay, next time we split up someone else is on Cordy detail. Five more minutes with her and we would have had another organ donor.

    • Willow: The creep factor is also heightened. It could be anyone. It could be me! (they all turn to look at her) It's not, though.

    • Cordelia: (After seeing Sid staring at Buffy) Looks like someone digs you. That's adorable. You and the dummy could tour in the freak show!

    • Cordelia: I don't understand why I have to follow Brett and his stupid band. Giles: Because we have to clear their equipment before the finale. I told you. Cordelia: But the mood! It'll be all wrong! My song is about dignity and human feelings and personal... hygiene or something. Anyway, it's sappy, and no one is gonna be feeling sappy after all that rock and roll. (Giles doesn't want to hear it. He gives Cordelia a look like something's wrong.) Uhhh, what? Giles: Oh! I'm sorry. Um, your hair, uh... Cordelia: There's something wrong with my hair? (Giles remains silent, but continues to stare.) Ohmigod! (quickly leaves) Giles: Xander was right. It worked like a charm.

    • Joyce: Hi, hon. How's it going with the talent show? Buffy: It'll be over soon. Joyce: It can't be that bad! I, for one, am looking forward to seeing your act. Buffy: Seeing? In the sense of actually attending? Joyce: Of course! Buffy: Uh-uh! No, Mom, you can't! And, I mean, if I know you're out there watching, I'll freeze up, stage fright. Joyce: But I wanna support what you're doing! Buffy: Look, Mom, if you really love me, and wanna show your support, you'll stay away. Far away. Joyce: Honey, is there something bothering you? I mean, besides your fabulous debut. Buffy: Nothing. There's just a lot going on right now.

    • Buffy: Well, yeah, but what about the whole "it's a demon" theory? Giles: I'm looking into that, but my investigation is somewhat... hampered by our life in the theater. Buffy: Uh, priority check, Giles? (weighs the two with her hands) Talent show, murder. Xander: Yeah, we can't do the talent show, it's unthinkable. I'm not able to think it! Giles: Principal Snyder is watching us all very closely. Now, if he chooses, he can make all our lives extremely difficult. A Slayer cannot afford that! We will find this murderer, but in the meantime... the show must go on. Buffy: This is so unfair.

    • Xander: Well, what do we do? We don't slay him, right? We wanna bring him to justice. Willow: We could set up a complex sting operation where we get him to confess! Xander: Uh, I should wear a wire! Buffy: Whoa, hey, you guys, all we know is that Morgan is a grade A large weirdo. That doesn't lead directly to murderer.

    • Xander: I can't do this! Buffy: Xander, come on. Xander: I, I can't! I have my pride! Okay, I don't have a lot of my pride, but I have enough so that I can't do this! Willow: A dramatic scene is the easiest way to get through the talent show, because it doesn't require an actual talent.

    • Xander: Can I just mention, that detention is a time-honored form of punishment? Snyder: I know the three of you will come up with a wonderful act for the school to watch. And mock. And laugh. At.

    • Buffy: This means whatever's out there still needs a healthy, intelligent brain. Xander: In other words, I'm safe!

    • Sid: Lets just say there was me, there was a really mean demon, there was a curse, and the next thing I know, I'm not me any more. I'm sitting on some guy's knee, with his hand up my shirt.

    • Buffy: What am I gonna do, slay vampires on stage? Willow: Maybe in a funny way.

    • Giles: If you had any shred of decency, you would have participated, or at least... helped. Buffy: Nah! I think I'll take on your traditional role... and watch. Xander: And mock. Willow: And laugh.

    • Buffy: Giles, unto every generation is born one who must run the annual talentless show. You cannot escape your destiny.

    • Cordelia: (About Emily being killed) All I can think is, it could have been me! Xander: We can dream.

    • Principal Snyder: There are things I will not tolerate: students loitering on campus after school, horrible murders with hearts being removed... and also smoking.

    • Principal Snyder: I know Principal Flutie would have said, "Kids need understanding. Kids are human beings." That's the kind of wooly-headed liberal thinking that leads to being eaten.

    • Buffy: So that horny dummy thing really isn't an act. Sid: Nope. Buffy: Yuck.

  • NOTES (6)

    ADD NOTES

    • Featured Music: The Greatest Love of All by Whitney Houston (sung by Charisma Carpenter) - Cordelia rehearses this for the talent show

    • This was the least popular episode of Buffy on American TV, with a low Nielsen rating of 1.9 or 1,843,000 households.

    • Principal Snyder makes a reference to Principal Flutie being eaten (The Pack), the apparent suicide (I Robot, You Jane), missing persons (Jesse from The Harvest and many, many other vampire and demon victims) and spontaneous cheerleader combustion (Witch).

    • Willow running off stage during the play was ad-libbed by Alyson Hannigan, who thought that stage fright would be well suited to her character. For the next episode, Joss Whedon used stage fright as Willow's worst nightmare, and it became a running gag throughout the series.

    • In this episode Armin Shimerman is introduced as Sunnydale High's new Principal, Snyder.

    • The initial airing of this episode featured an extremely funny scene over the end credits in which Scoobies perform a piece from the play Oedipus Rex where Buffy portrays Jocasta, Oedipus' mother and wife, Xander plays Oedipus, and Willow portrays the Priest of Zeus. The scene was not included in repeat airings on the WB Network, but can be seen on the episodes on FX and the season 1 DVDs.

  • ALLUSIONS (6)

    ADD ALLUSIONS

    • Xander: Does anybody else feel like they've been Keyser Soze'd? The movie The Usual Suspects contains complicated trickery involving the mysterious character Keyser Soze where a supposed good guy turns out to be the bad guy.

    • Xander: (as Sid) Redrum! Redruuum! A reference to the classic Stephen King horror novel and movie The Shining. The clairvoyant son of the now crazed Jack Torrance writes and chants the word "Redrum! Redrum". When the mother sees the word in the mirror she realizes it is murder spelled backwards. (note: this line wasn't actually in the script, Nick Brendon was playing with the dummy and made it say 'Redrum' to get a laugh out of the cast and crew. Fortunately the cameras were still rolling at the time).

    • Buffy: I'd like to see Morgan without his better half for a few minutes. Ordinarily the phrase better half refers to a man's wife (or girlfriend). Possibly because of the amount of time Morgan spends with Sid or possibly because Sid has a better personality, Buffy refers to the dummy as his better half.

    • Buffy: Whoa, hey, you guys, all we know is that Morgan is a grade A large weirdo. Eggs (among other things) are graded according to quality and size.

    • Xander: Whatever happened to corporal punishment? Xander would prefer corporal punishment (physical punishment) to being in the talent show. Once common, corporal punishment is now almost entirely unheard of in public schools. It is still practiced in southern Mississippi, but only if the parent approves; and generally only used on elementary students.

    • Giles: Our new Führer, Mr. Snyder. Giles compares principal Snyder to Adolf Hitler who's title the Führer mean the headman or leader.

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