Buffy for Beginners 1.6: The Pack
One of the best episodes of the first season, “The Pack” rings in as one of the greatest metaphors of the television series: a group of bullies who think they are the epitome of social Darwinism pick on the shy and weak. Who out there – who survived high school – did not have a group of bullies like the ones in this episode? “Hyenas are quick to prey on the weak,” says the zookeeper in the beginning of the episode as Buffy, Will and Xander go after ‘the pack’ in the closed hyena habitat where the bullies and Xander are infected with their spirits. Here ensues the deeper meaning of the episode: hyenas hunt in packs and are the embodiment of social Darwinism; that the strong survive and the weak perish. This episode is so clearly a rebuttal to this long held evolutionary ideal and so perfectly done in the stage of high school, where social Darwinism is at its most potent.
Later, at the Bronze, Buffy admits Angel pushes her buttons, and Xander arrives with a new aura of manliness surrounding him, hungry and extremely attractive to the opposite sex. “And the weird behavior award goes to. . .” says Buffy in response to Xander sniffing her hair. The pack arrives and there is a suspiciously weird bond between Xander and the others as they pick on the token fat kid.
The Sunnydale High razorback mascot, a.k.a. a baby pig, is rescued by Buffy as Xander throws a hissy fit while trying to learn geometry (who hasn’t done that?). As he throws away his book and walks past Buffy holding the mascot, the pig freaks as Xander passes by, obviously knowing something Buffy doesn’t. Later, in the gym during a game of Dodgeball (a quintessential game for teasing out the strong from the weak), it’s Buffy against the pack and the nerd the pack picks on; they turn away from Buffy and hit the nerd on their own team, obviously realizing Buffy is stronger than she looks. “God this game is brutal,” the coach says. Indeed.
When Willow confronts Xander about his odd behavior she asks “Xander, what’s wrong with you?” Xander replies, playing on her emotions for him, “I’ve decided to drop geometry and I won’t be needing your math help anymore, which means I won’t have to look at your pasty face again.” Poor Willow. On the prowl for some food, the pack chows down on some hot dogs, only to feel unsatisfied and go after the razorback and later, devour Mr. Flutie. Poor Mr. Flutie (though Xander escapes this tasty treat because he’s too busy trying to mate with Buffy).
One of the greatest scenes in the series opens next with the pack walking to a very sinister song playing in the background, embodying all that is raw and brutal about nature. It seems that the episode is attempting to illustrate that social Darwinism is alive and well in some species in nature, but not human beings. We are altruistic in nature, realizing that working together exacts better results. As Xander eyes Buffy and Will, he overhears Willow boo-hooing to Buffy, who vows to find out what’s going on with Xander.
In the library, as Buffy speaks to Giles about Xander’s weird behavior, Giles replies, “Oh my God, he’s turning into a sixteen year old boy.” Buffy responds, “I can’t believe you of all people are trying to Scully me.” Perfect example of turning a noun into a verb. Slayer slang at its best. Here, Buffy begins to surmise that Xander and the pack have been possessed by hyenas, the schmoes of the animal kingdom. Buffy and Giles head to the zoo to inquire about such things and gets tricked by the zookeeper, who is one doing the demonic possessing. After Xander tries to sexually assault Buffy, she knocks him out and clearly states that in his hyena state, his idea of wooing “does not include a Yanni CD and a bottle of Chianti.” As Willow watches Xander locked up in the library, the pack awakens after their big meal and head to free him, chasing after Will.
Buffy and friends lure them to the zoo, and the transpossession is complete; Xander and friends are no longer chock full of hyena. The next day, Xander feigns amnesia of his behavior during his possession and Giles “cannot find anything anywhere about memory loss afterward.” “Shoot me, stuff me, mount me” replies Xander. I think I’ll pass. Altruism wins again.
About Sabrina: As a kid my dad would sneak scary movies past my mom and let me indulge in his horror movie fetish. I grew up watching V, Alien Nation, The Thing, The Fog (all originals) and then, in 1992 when Buffy the movie came out, I became obsessed with vampires, girl power, and all things gothic. I once stayed home from school, faked sick, and watched BTVS: the movie 6 times in a row. I know the beginning cheerleading dance by heart (still). Currently, I’m obsessing over Laurell K. Hamilton novels, and dream about Anita Blake being my best friend.
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Sabrina! Welcome!
This was a great analysis and synopsis. I always liked these earlier episodes where they took the “typical” high school experience and beefed it up supernaturally.
I love that you pointed out the “noun as a verb” words that run rampant through Whedonverse dialogue along with adding “ey” to the end of words
Those have become a big part of my vocabulary because of his shows. Some friends of mine started using “Dawn” as a verb meaning “to steal something.” I love it and I’ve even caught myself saying it at work or out and about with my non-BtVSfan friends. “I’m dawning that one of your cookies. They looks so good.”
I can’t wait to read more from you! Long live BtVS