YMMV / Buffy the Vampire Slayer S4 E8 "Pangs"

• Fair for Its Day: Even for its day, this episode was fairly borderline, but 20 years on, it doesn't work as well. Native groups are getting more insistent on the recognition of the fact that the US government continued programs of intentional genocide well into the 20th century and the Land Back movement (yes, Giles, they are demanding that) is growing in popularity, among other things. Also, an episode about the plight of Native Americans featuring an all-white cast and the only Native American is a violent villain who is killed by the white heroes by episode's end.
• Hilarious in Hindsight:
  • A Joss Whedon-Drew Goddard project featuring murderous scalp-happy Native American Spirits, Native American with ceremonial Native American knives used to kill a victim which slits a victim's throat, slices off their left ear and then starts to (before cutting off-screen) scalp the deceased victim.
  • Buffy complains about the morally grey nature of the Monster of the Week, noting that she likes her evil like she likes her men; evil. This was really only meant to be ribbing on the whole Angel(us) thing when the episode came out, but by season 6 this comment becomes hilariously prophetic.
• Special Effect Failure: The fight between Buffy and the bear. They did their best, but shooting from behind Buffy it's clear the bear is on a green screen and is just pawing at the air, and close up shots are a pretty crappy bear suit.

---