Episodes: Hush

 Another entry in a recurring series about specific television episodes. Some of these are all-time greats from popular series, others are memorable to me. Today's episode is from Season 4 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."



The genesis of "Hush" lies in one of the core strengths of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: its dialogue. Creator Joss Whedon and his writers created witty banter that was a driving force in every episode. We could count on Buffy's quips and one-liners, Xander's sarcasm, and Giles's dry observations. Whedon wondered, though, what would happen if that was taken away. 

Enter The Gentlemen, ghouls inspired by the Grimm Brothers who steal the voices of the citizens of Sunnyvale. The episode is silent for much of its running time as the characters try to navigate how to defeat the monsters without saying a word. It makes for compelling television. "Hush" is one of Buffy's finest hours, possible its very best. Inventive and frightening (The Gentlemen are TERRIFYING), the episode perfectly encapsulates how deftly Buffy blended horror and comedy. It stands as one of the best pieces of horror fiction.

What struck me most about "Hush" is how the characters pushed on despite losing their voices. This was no time for self-pity or withdrawal. Fighting was more important than ever. The Gentlemen had taking away an ability most of us take for granted. All the more reason to take them down. Buffy and her "Scooby Gang" rallied, as they always do. Using the other powers and abilities at their disposal, along with some clever thinking, they eventually overcame The Gentlemen. This shouldn't be a spoiler for anyone. "Hush" aired in the middle of the fourth of seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There would be many more monsters to vanquish. 

"Hush" is about speaking up anyway you can when your voice is taken away. Many people in today's climate feel their own voices are being silenced. There are those who wish to suppress them. Or, at least, they wish to openly mock anyone who dares speak up against something. "Hush" speaks (pun intended) to the need to actively and passionately find alternate ways to stand up even when we feel we can't talk. There are other ways to fight. History teaches us that someone doesn't have to look as terrifying as The Gentlemen to be a monster who wishes to silence you.

Another thing about "Hush." Buffy the Vampire Slayer is from the mold of 22-episode seasons. Nowadays, a series, especially a streaming one, might only run a season of 12 episodes maximum. The focus in a tight narrative structure with very little standalone exploration of characters or situations. "Hush" is a standalone experimentation. It doesn't add much to Season 4's overall arc but it does help advance the pivotal relationship between Buffy and her love interest, Riley. "Hush" is the kind of episode TV used to do all the time. Playing with the format to reveal more about the characters. 

"Hush" is usually listed as one of three best episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My wife and I, currently working our way through a rewatch, caught the episode last week. We were both struck by its inventiveness, creativity, and effectiveness. I may or may not have slept with one eye open that night for fear of The Gentlemen floating into our bedroom. Don't let someone take your voice away.



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