Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Season 4 Episode 6

Wild At Heart

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EPISODE REVIEWS
By TV.com Users

Episode Summary

EDIT
Oz escapes from his cage during a full moon and runs across another werewolf, the sultry, sexy singer Veruca; and wakes up next to her naked in the wilderness the next morning.
SUBMIT REVIEW
  • Willoz fans, prepare to cry!

    8.0
    Wild at Heart



    The Good;

    If you have tears in your heart please prepare to shed them now, terrific performances from AH and SG. Spike is also fantastic.



    The Bad;

    The werewolf makeup hasn't any got any better.



    Best line;

    Willow; "Oz don't you love me?"

    Oz; "My whole life I've never loved anything else"



    Character death;

    Buffy nails another vamp. Oz kills Veruca



    Shot;

    Oz tranqulised again whilst Spike get's zapped by the Initiative.



    Tied up;

    No but Oz and Veruca have cage sex.



    Knocked out;

    Oz and Spike although he's not a Scooby for another couple of seasons.



    Women good/men bad;

    Actually here we actually have 2 females fighting over their man. Note Willow can't go through with her spell. Willow asks Xander for some advice from the Y side of things but may regret it as he defines love as either 'Wild-monkey-love' or 'Tender-Sarah Machachlan love' (who provides some of the musisc for the series).



    Kinky dinky;

    Werewolf sex! Plenty of backscratching there! Veruca even says 'I like it rough'. Also Veruca parading around in a black lace bra and Willow attempting to dress more rock chick. Xander's mum won't let him put a lock on the door in case he starts having 'The sex'. Too late! Even Giles considers Veruca 'Quite striking' as indeed does Xander to judge by his expression. Xander thinks there are only 7 minutes a year where a guy isn't thinking about sex. Buffy is sure that Oz is 'flogging and punishing himself'. Oz blushes behind the ears when he's attracted to someone.



    Calling Captain Subtext;

    The scene with the speaker discussion is so laden with subtext, it might as well be Jane Austen, Willow feeling she's being frozen out. Buffy later tells Willow she loves her.



    Where's Dawn?

    You wonder what Dawn's attitude to Oz was? To judge by the comics she loved him too



    Questions and observations;

    Goodbye to Oz as a regular character which is a shame as he was terrific, he's sorely missed. But it does leave room for Tara. Buffy seems to be doing well in class, once again she's more than some superpowered bimbo. Is the stuff in Xander's basement salvaged from the vamp's house from 'The Freshman'? Oddly Prof Walsh doesn't recognise werewolves when she sees them. Giles' watches ganeshows rather than PBS. All the Scoobies at one time or another have walked in on their beloved whilst they were cheating except for Giles who walked in on Jenny when she was dead. Buffy has often been accused of constantly falling for diversionary tactics but here she figures out Veruca's ruse.

    Marks out of 10; 8/10

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  • Oz! Don't Go!

    10
    This episode is Oz's last episode as a main character, and he goes out with a bang! In this episode Oz has to try extremely hard not to give into his animal instincts, with Veruca trying to seduce him, break him and Willow up, and get him to go wild. Even though she dies at the end, she gets 2 of the things that she wanted, Oz goes wild and kills her, he also leaves town so that he can't hurt Willow. This is also the first time that one of the Scooby Gang members transforms and tries to attack Professor Walsh, The second time being when Giles is transformed into a demon in the episode The New Man. This episode is filled with action and suspense. Buffy also has one of her first run0ins with the initiative guys. This was an excellent episode.moreless
  • Wild At Heart

    10
    Wild At Heart was a perfect episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This episode had many interwoven sub plots that came together to form an awesome story. There were some familiar faces when Oz woke up in the woods next to another werewolf! This episode centered on developing Oz's character and his relationships with others. There were quite a few twists and turns that kept the action going. I really enjoyed watching this episode unfold and for little parts that lead into future stories. There was a lot of subtlety and some of the characters lives have changed forever in this episode. I really look forward to seeing how every thing workd out.moreless
  • Season 4, Episode 6.

    7.5
    Oz escapes from his cage on a full moon and wakes up naked next to Veruca, who is apparently a werewolf as well. Willow gets jealous of Oz noticing Veruca.



    This episode was just different. Not bad though. I was pretty entertained. It was weird seeing Giles at The Bronze, trying to be cool. Hehe. The Oz and Veruca chemistry was weird. Veruca is a tramp. Buffy is pretty though and I felt bad for Willow in this episode. Hehe, she did look like a birthday cake. Yahoo for Buffy's good grade! Season 4 has been a letdown so far but hasn't been entirely bad. Can't wait to see HUSH though.moreless
  • Oh Willow, Please don't cry :(...

    9.2
    The opening scene led me to believe that this was going to be a funny episode, but I ended up getting my heart broken. Tragedy is my favorite form of art and Mr. Whedon can bring the pain. That's probably why I love him so much.



    I doubt there are many people who are fans of Buffy that can stand to see Willow cry without breaking into tears themselves. In this episode we see Willow and Oz struggle to remain connected. The source of their problems being Veruca. She is the lead singer of a band that Oz enjoys. He finds himself attracted to her, but doesn't really know why. Well, it turns out it's because she's also a werewolf. In an unselfish attempt to keep Veruca from harming anyone, he locks her in his cage with him. They end up having Werewolf sex(lol), and when Willow comes to check on him in the morning, she finds Oz and Veruca laying together nude.



    And the heartache rolls in...moreless
Paige Moss

Paige Moss

Veruca

Guest Star

Marc Blucas

Marc Blucas

Riley Finn

Recurring Role

James Marsters

James Marsters

Spike

Recurring Role

Lindsay Crouse

Lindsay Crouse

Maggie Walsh

Recurring Role

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

FILTER BY TYPE

  • TRIVIA (6)

    • At the end of the scene with Buffy and Giles talking about what will happen with Willow and Oz, when it shows both of them, at the very top center of the screen you can briefly see a mic dip in and out of the shot.

    • Though it is rare, this isn't the first time Giles has been to the Bronze. We saw him there in "Welcome to the Hellmouth," looking for Buffy, and in "Surprise," at Buffy's surprise party.

    • Oz's cage is not very well built. The door gave easily after he hit it a few times, but even if the door held there is at least one gap over the door that would appear to be wide enough for him to squeeze through.

    • Seth Green's favorite Buffy line is spoken in this episode, in the scene where Oz tries to explain everything that has been going on to Buffy.

      Buffy: Oz, now might be a time for your trademark stoicism.

    • At the end of the scene where Oz and Veruca are talking (naked) in the forest, at the bottom of the screen you can see the top of Seth Green's "man thong" (also in the scene where Willow walks in on them, you have to look a bit more carefully though).

    • At the end when Oz touches foreheads with Willow, when the shot is behind Willow, their foreheads are straight-on but when it's behind Oz they are off-set to the right several inches.

  • QUOTES (22)

    • Buffy: Where is she?
      Oz: I don't know. I already checked all the usual haunts. But I know the areas we're drawn to. I'm pretty sure I can follow her scent.
      Buffy: We'll try that, then.
      Oz: Look, Buffy, you should know that--
      Buffy: Oz, now might be a time for your trademark stoicism.

    • Oz: Veruca was right about something. The wolf is inside me all the time, and I don't know where that line is anymore between me and it. And until I figure out what that means, I shouldn't be around you... Or anybody.
      Willow: Well, that could be a problem 'cause people... Kind of a planetary epidemic.

    • Buffy: Giles, I've never seen her like this. It's like it hurts too much to form words.
      Giles: You've felt that way yourself and you got through it.
      Buffy: Yeah. I ran away and went to hell and then got through it. I'm kind of hoping she doesn't use me as a model.
      Giles: Fair enough.

    • Willow: I knew, you jerk. And you sat there, and you told me everything was fine? And that's as bad as... As...
      Oz: I know how it feels. I remember.
      Willow: Oh. So what, this is payback? I had this coming?
      Oz: No. It's not--
      Willow: Because I thought that was behind us. And you know, what happened with Xander, it doesn't compare. Not with what you and I had. Not with whatever you've been doing with her.
      Oz: I don't know what Veruca and I have done. When I change, it's like, it's like I'm gone and the wolf takes over.
      Willow: But before this, when you were regular Oz, you had feelings for her, didn't you?
      Oz: No. I could sense something, but...
      Willow: But you wanted her... Like in an animal way? Like... More than you wanted me?

    • Buffy: Oz, you okay? If it's possible, you seem more monosyllabic than usual.

    • Xander: So, I know why I'm sitting in a dank, sunless little room. But why are you?
      Willow: Well, things with Oz are weird, and I talked to Buffy about it, but I think we're in Guyville here. I need a translator from the "Y" side of things.
      Xander: Well, last time I checked, I had the creds. Hit me.

    • Veruca: Or maybe you just don't want to admit what happened to you. Maybe you just wanna pretend like you're a regular guy.
      Oz: Well, I am. I'm only a wolf three nights a month.
      Veruca: Or you're the wolf all the time. And this human face is just your disguise.

    • Veruca: You have a cage?
      Oz: Don't you?
      Veruca: Oh, yeah. It has a little wheel with a plastic ball and a cute little bell in it. God! Somebody's domesticated the hell out of you.

    • Oz: Big lunch?
      Veruca: I like to eat. I hate chicks who are like, "Does it have dressing on it?"
      Oz: Agreed.

    • Willow: I mean, I have wrong feelings about other guys sometimes, but I feel guilty, and I flog and punish.
      Buffy: Exactly. I'm sure Oz is flogging and punishing himself... This is sounding wrong before I even finish.

    • Willow: How come you didn't tell me I look like a crazy birthday cake in this shirt?
      Buffy: I thought that was the point.

    • Buffy: And she wants me to lead a discussion group next class. That means more work, right? Shouldn't she have a better reward system? You know, like a cookie, or a toy surprise like at the dentist?
      Willow: She wants you to lead a discussion group? Okay, jealous again. Jealous, jealous... okay, I'm back.

    • Willow: You okay? How'd you do? This is good. I mean, this is excellent! You did better than me. This is so unfair! You made me jealous of you academically. Buffy!

    • Oz: I don't know about tonight, unless the extreme Jerry Garcia look turns you on.

    • Willow: The Bronze is more fun this year, isn't it?
      Buffy: 'Cause of the gloating factor alone, you know? We're all about college, now. We've got heady discourse.
      Oz: Yeah, curfew-free nights of mom and pop-less hootenanny.
      Xander: Co-ed dating prospects who find townies sexy and dangerous. What? I can dream.
      Buffy: Right. So if college is so great, what are we doing here and why is it more fun?
      Willow: Because the Bronze is nice and familiar. It's like a big comfy blankie.
      Oz: Will, I was under the impression that I was your big comfy blankie.
      Willow: Aw, you're my person blankie. This is my place blankie.

    • Oz: Bad dream?
      Willow: I guess. But the waking up part makes up for it.
      Oz: It's always so busy in there.
      Willow: Not always. A few things shut my brain up completely.

    • Willow: It's in the sandblaster.
      Oz: What's in the sandblaster, Will? It's a dream, come back to me.
      Willow: All geminis to the raspberry hats.
      Oz: Now you're faking.
      Willow: Am not... Just a little.

    • Giles: Splendid. Well, it's ages since I've been to a gig. Well, don't look that way. I'm down with the new music. And I have the albums to prove it.
      Buffy: Yes, but it's your cutting-edge 8-tracks that keep you ahead of the scene.
      Oz: Don't scoff, gang. I've seen Giles' collection. He was an animal in his day.
      Giles: Thank you.
      Buffy: Hey, why not? If the Stones can still keep rolling, why can't Giles?
      Willow: I think that it's brave that you're here.
      Giles: (sarcastically) Well, thank you, all. You've made me feel right at home.
      Xander: Isn't home that empty place you're trying to escape?

    • Buffy: You were thinking... what? A little helpless co-ed before bed? You know very well, you eat this late (stakes the vamp) you're gonna get heartburn. Get it? Heartburn? (vamp turns to dust) That's it? That's all I get? One lame-ass vamp with no appreciation for my painstakingly thought-out puns? I don't think the forces of darkness are even trying. I mean, you could make a little effort here, you know? Give me something to work with.

    • Willow: What does it mean when a girl wants to... you know...
      Xander: If your doing it, I think you should be able to say it.

    • Willow: Parents usually wait until your out of the house, or under it, to worry about you having sex, by then it's way too late.

    • Willow: Oz... don't you love me?
      Oz: My whole life... I've never loved anything else.

  • NOTES (8)

  • ALLUSIONS (12)

    • Veruca: So this is why you called me here? To see your Habitrail?
      Habitrail is a product made by the Hagen corporation, a series of clear plastic tubes and "houses" for use in home terrariums, designed especially for pets such as gerbils or hamsters. It is meant to mimic the habitat of the animal in question, usually a series of underground burrows.

    • Willow: I need a translator from the "Y" side of things.
      Chromosomes carry genetic information (DNA). Unless they have certain very rare genetic conditions, everyone has two sex chromosomes (called X and Y); men have an X and a Y, while women have two X's.

    • Giles: Can I get you anything? Tea? I made a very interesting moussaka last night.

      Moussaka is a dish originally from Greece, its basic form consists of sliced eggplant and ground lamb or beef that are layered, then baked. There are many variations of the dish and it is often covered with a Béchamel sauce enriched with eggs and/or cheese. Other variations include the addition of onions, artichokes, tomatoes or potatoes.

    • Willow: That's a great song. I mean, Elvis, what a guy!

      Elvis Presley (1935-1977), also known as the King of Rock n' Roll, was an insanely popular singer beginning in the late 1950s. He was especially popular with teenage girls, and was known for his gyrating dance moves as well as his music. His cover of "Hound Dog" (1957),which Willow is referring to, was one of his many hits.

    • Oz: ... unless the extreme Jerry Garcia look turns you on.
      Jerry Garcia (1942-1995) was the lead singer and guitarist of the Grateful Dead. Garcia also had a simultaneous solo career, straying from rock to dabble in folk and bluegrass music.

    • Buffy: Yeah, she's quelle Fiona. Color me bored.

      Buffy is most likely referring to Fiona Apple, a young singer-songwriter with a (seemingly) bad attitude. Her albums, Tidal (1996) and When the Pawn (1999), have sold over five million copies worldwide.

    • Spike: You should know better than to tempt the Fates that way.

      Fates (also called the Moerae or Moirai), in Greek mythology were three goddesses who controlled human lives. They were: Clotho, who spun the web of life; Lachesis, who measured its length; and Atropos, who cut it. The Roman Fates were the Parcae-Nona, Decuma, and Morta.

    • Buffy: Yes, but it's your cutting edge 8-tracks that keep you ahead of the scene.

      "8-tracks" were the popular portable and car audio format of the 1970s. Invented by William Powell Lear in 1964, they were cartridges containing magnetic tape which stored music or sound. The now obsolete 8-track was replaced by cassette tapes in the 80s and compact discs in the 90s.

    • Title: Wild At Heart
      Wild at Heart is also the title of a 1990 movie directed by David Lynch and starring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern.

    • Visual: Oz's T-shirt
      The T-shirt Oz wears in the Bronze at the beginning of the episode has the Japanese symbol for "bad luck" or "bad omen/sign".

    • Buffy: If the Stones can still keep rolling, why can't Giles?
      The Rolling Stones, led by Mick Jagger, is a band of British rockers who first hit it big in the mid-1960s. They've been extremely popular and influential ever since, and they continue to perform and record music currently, though they are all over 50 years old.

    • Xander: Wild monkey love, or tender Sarah McLachlan love?
      Xander's distinction between themes of sexual intercourse includes the reference to Sarah McLachlan, a singer who is noted for her slow, tender love songs; one of which is "Full of Grace" which played at the end of 'Becoming part 2'.

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