Sema and Sally break down Season 1, Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “Teacher’s Pet.” They talk about the creepy (and honestly ridiculous) She-Mantis plot, why this episode feels so uncomfortable to watch now, and how it handles student–teacher predatory behaviour in a way that’s both dark and silly.

They get into Xander’s fantasy of being Buffy’s hero, why he actually doesn’t understand who Buffy really is, and how Willow sees him way more clearly than he sees her. They also talk about Buffy’s first real spark with Angel at the Bronze, that jacket moment, and why early Buffy/Angel still works.

Plus: Dr. Gregory being the first teacher to believe in Buffy, Giles being dramatic, the monster design, and why this is one of the Season 1 episodes they usually skip.