For several years, The CW was filled with superhero shows ranging from Arrow to DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, but one of the channel’s best examples of the genre is too often forgotten. Though most of these existed in the same universe, allowing for major crossover events, some of the later ones remained separate, as is the case with Stargirl. Coming out as the Arrowverse was ending, the series never interacted with the others (though a brief glimpse in “Crisis on Infinite Earths” implied that it takes place on another earth within that multiverse). While its separation from the other series caused the show to fall under the radar, Stargirl has a lot to offer.

Following a group of teen heroes, the 2020 series tells an exciting story full of action and complicated family dynamics. Throughout its three seasons, Stargirl forces the characters to grow, both in their work as heroes and in their personal challenges. With compelling protagonists and fascinating villains, the series never has a dull moment. Though too often forgotten, Stargirl is the kind of show that you can watch over and over without getting tired of it.

What Is ‘Stargirl’ About?

While there are many superhero series out there, Stargirl sets itself apart by centering on the second generation of heroes rather than starting at the beginning. The series begins years after a tragic fight between the JSA and the Injustice Society that destroyed the heroes. Afterward, the villains continued to work on their plan for the small town of Blue Valley in peace, at least, until a handful of high school students pick up the former heroes’ mantles. The star is Courtney Whitmore (Brec Bassinger), who discovers the sentient Cosmic Staff in her basement and learns that her stepfather, Pat Dugan (Luke Wilson), used to be Starman’s (Joel McHale) sidekick. Bonding with the staff, Courtney becomes Stargirl, and begins to think that maybe the Cosmic Staff chose her because Starman is her long-absent father.

With a hero to challenge them, the Injustice Society quickly reemerges, and Courtney cannot fight them alone. Pat mentors Courtney and tells her about the JSA, which inspires her to revive the team by recruiting her peers to become heroes. Yolanda Montez (Yvette Monreal) becomes the next Wildcat, Beth Chapel (Anjelika Washington) becomes Doctor Mid-Nite, and Rick Tyler (Cameron Gellman) continues his father’s legacy as Hourman. These newly minted heroes must stop the Injustice Society, led by Icicle (Neil Jackson), and their mysterious “Project New America” to save their home while juggling all the complexities of high school. While their superhero lives are the center of the show, each character has their own personal struggles. With so much going on, Stargirl remains engaging, even if you already know what will happen.

‘Stargirl’ Thrives on Its Unique and Intriguing Characters

Out of everything Stargirl has to offer, the characters stand out the most. Structured to give each aspiring hero their own emotional arc, Stargirl relies on its many strong characters even as the stakes rise. While Rick deals with his pent-up anger, Beth struggles with feelings of abandonment, and Yolanda faces bullying, each has their own emotional story in addition to their roles as heroes. Meanwhile, Courtney remains the center as she searches for the truth behind her past and discovers that family is about more than genetics. In fact, the Whitmore/Dugan family is central as they grow together through unusual circumstances. Family, as a whole, is an important theme as the series explores the complex relationships between the Injustice Society and their children, like Cindy (Meg DeLacy), Artemis (Stella Smith), and Cameron (Hunter Sansone), showing a darker side to legacy. All of these stories work together to create a well-developed cast that fans can both sympathize with and admire.

One thing that stands out about Stargirl‘s characters is that the series doesn’t rely on DC’s most popular characters. The JSA has a long history in DC comics, but it doesn’t include many of the most recognizable names. Even the heroes people know, like Flash or Green Lantern, are not the most popular incarnations. This allows Stargirl to draw on lesser-known stories, separating it from other DC content, and ultimately, it is a better story because of that. The strong characters and unique story make the series worth watching, even if you’ve already seen it.

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Release Date

2020 – 2022-00-00

Network

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The CW

Showrunner

Geoff Johns

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Miley Cyrus may have recently earned one of Hollywood’s highest honors, but behind the celebration, new reports suggest the Grammy winner could be reassessing what comes next. Fresh off receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, insiders claim Cyrus is currently considering a career reset following the underwhelming performance of her latest album, “Something Beautiful.” Still, those close to Miley Cyrus insist this is far from a downfall, and more of a reset.

Miley Cyrus was recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a milestone moment that saw her reflect emotionally on the years of hard work behind her career. During her acceptance speech, the singer referenced advice from father Billy Ray Cyrus while speaking about perseverance and devotion.

“My dad used to say that a skyscraper starts with a jackhammer, so does a star on the Walk of Fame by the way, and it’s not about the force, but it’s about the repetition,” Miley said. “What feels so special to me about this star is that it’s an accumulation of devotion.”

The emotional moment also sparked conversation among some fans, who noted the reflective tone of her speech. “My hope is that what I leave behind continues to affect the hearts of generations to come,” the actress said, becoming emotional. “I hope it awakens something raw and imperfect and sexy and glamorous and joyful in times that need it.”

‘Something Beautiful’ Struggled To Connect With Miley Cyrus Fans

While Miley Cyrus remains one of music’s biggest stars, reports claim her latest musical era did not land the way many had expected. Released with significant fanfare, “Something Beautiful” arrived alongside extensive promotional interviews and even an accompanying visual film experience.

Despite early excitement, the project reportedly struggled commercially and quickly dropped off the Billboard charts after a brief run. The disappointing performance has reportedly fueled speculation about what direction Cyrus may take next.

Insiders Say Miley Cyrus Is Looking At This As A ‘Reset’

According to a source who spoke to the Daily Mail, Miley Cyrus does not view the recent setback as a career-ending moment.

“People are too quick to write Miley off whenever a project doesn’t hit the way everyone expected,” the insider claimed. “Sure, the latest album didn’t connect on the level she hoped, but she doesn’t see this as some career crisis.”

Instead, the source described the moment as a chance for reinvention. “If anything, she’s looking at it as a moment to reset and figure out what’s next,” they said, adding that Miley Cyrus has long admired the longevity of both Billy Ray Cyrus and her godmother, Dolly Parton.

“She’s watched her dad go through career highs and lows and find his way back time and time again, and she’s always admired the longevity and reinvention of Dolly Parton’s career,” the source said. “Those are the examples she keeps in mind when people start talking about peaks and declines.”

Cyrus Could Explore Acting, Hosting, Or TV Return

According to the report, Miley Cyrus may now be weighing several new opportunities outside of music.

The singer, who first rose to fame starring in Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana,” is reportedly considering a return to acting and may even be interested in finding the right sitcom role. “She’s looking at more acting opportunities, and she’d love to find the right sitcom,” the insider claimed.

The source also suggested Cyrus is intrigued by television hosting and could potentially revisit “The Voice,” where she previously served as a coach. “She’s also intrigued by the idea of hosting one day, especially as the daytime landscape continues to evolve,” the insider added.

Could A Super Bowl Halftime Show Be In Miley’s Future?

Even amid questions about what comes next, insiders insist opportunities continue pouring in for the pop star. According to the source, a future Super Bowl halftime show appearance has not been ruled out.

“The reality is she’s still one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world… she’s still getting offers, and people are still interested in working with her,” the insider said. “The opportunities are there.”

“The challenge isn’t whether she has a future, it’s deciding which path she wants to take next,” the source added. “From her perspective, her career is far from over.”

Rebecca Gayheart is celebrating a major milestone for her daughter, Georgia, while also reflecting on what she described as an “incredibly difficult year.” On Saturday, the actress took to Instagram to honor her 14-year-old daughter after she officially graduated from middle school, sharing a heartfelt tribute nearly four months after the death of her father, actor Eric Dane.

Gayheart marked the emotional occasion with a carousel of photos from Georgia’s graduation ceremony, celebrating her daughter’s resilience following an unimaginable loss. “Congratulations Georgia!!! You have graduated middle school and survived an incredibly difficult year,” Gayheart wrote.

“I am so beyond proud of you, your tenacity, grit and grace has been on full display,” she continued. “Welcome to high school, I have no doubt you’re ready. I am so excited for you !”

The proud mom also revealed Georgia had recently earned an additional accomplishment outside the classroom. “Not pictured is your MVP trophy for beach volleyball,” Gayheart added. “Bravo, congratulations and I love you so much.”

Rebecca’s emotional post quickly drew an outpouring of love from friends and familiar faces, many congratulating Georgia while also recognizing the difficult year the family has endured. “Grey’s Anatomy” star Ellen Pompeo left a supportive message, writing, “Congratulations Georgia!!! Well Done.. your mamas words are perfect!!!”

Actress Alyssa Milano also chimed in, praising Gayheart and her daughters, commenting, “Your girls are so gorgeous. Like their mama.”

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Other celebrities flooded the comments section with support, including Robin Tunney, who wrote, “Congratulations Georgia!” while Jessica Collins added, “Congratulations GG- well done! And well done mama! Love you all.”

Actress Alicia Witt also celebrated the milestone, commenting, “So happy for your girl Congratulations,” as fans continued sending messages of love to the family.

Eric Dane Died Less Than One Year After Going Public With ALS Diagnosis

Georgia’s graduation comes just months after the heartbreaking loss of her father. Dane died at age 53 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), less than one year after publicly revealing his diagnosis in April 2025. The late “Grey’s Anatomy” actor also shared an older daughter, Billie, 16.

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a progressive neurological condition that damages nerve cells responsible for controlling muscle movement, eventually leading to muscle weakness and paralysis, according to the Mayo Clinic. While there is currently no cure, treatments including medication and physical therapy may help slow the disease’s progression and manage symptoms.

In the years leading up to his death, Dane had spoken candidly about co-parenting and his relationship with Gayheart, despite the pair spending years separated.

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Eric Dane Called Rebecca Gayheart His ‘Best Friend’

Before his death, Dane reflected on his relationship with Gayheart in his Netflix special, “Famous Last Words: Eric Dane,” sharing heartfelt thoughts about the woman he married in 2004. “I will have never, by the time anyone sees this, fallen in love with another woman as deeply as I fell in love with Rebecca,” Dane said.

Though the couple separated in 2017, they shockingly called off their divorce in March 2025, just one month before Dane publicly shared his ALS diagnosis.

The actor also emphasized that, despite no longer living together, their bond remained strong. “We still love each other deeply,” Dane said. “I just think we don’t wanna live with each other. But there’s a lot of love there.”

He also described Gayheart as one of his closest confidants, insisting the pair were “still really best friends.”

Rebecca Gayheart Previously Called Their Relationship ‘Complicated’

In a 2025 essay for The Cut, Gayheart described her relationship with Dane as no longer romantic, but deeply meaningful. “We had a really lovely marriage for a long time. We were married for 15 years. We created two beautiful girls,” she wrote.

“But also, lots of sh-t went crazy in our relationship, and it wasn’t good,” Gayheart continued. “We separated, but we never got a divorce; we were about to and then we didn’t. It’s a very complicated relationship, one that’s confusing for people.”

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Weeks after Dane’s death, Gayheart shared another emotional tribute to Instagram, posting family photos alongside the message: “There are no words. All our love forever — your girls.”

Katie Holmes has always had a knack for making the simplest pieces feel like the only things worth wearing. While trend cycles come and go, the actress consistently gravitates toward easy wardrobe staples that somehow end up setting the tone for the season. Her latest outfit is proof that one small accessory swap can completely change the mood of an entire look.

On June 1 in New York City, Holmes stepped out wearing a striped button-up shirt tucked into relaxed dark-wash jeans with brown kitten-heel flip-flops. While the outfit itself was effortlessly chic, it was her slouchy brown tote bag that stole the spotlight. In a season dominated by black accessories, Holmes made a strong case for warm chocolate-brown leather instead.

Get the Hoxis Vegan Leather Shoulder Handbag for $29 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Want to recreate the look? The Hoxis Vegan Leather Shoulder Handbag is a near match for Holmes’ carryall, and it’s currently available on Amazon for just $29. The oversized tote features the same soft, slouchy silhouette and rich brown shade that made Holmes’ version stand out, delivering an expensive-looking feel without the designer price tag.

Related: Taylor Swift Swapped Denim for These Leg-Lengthening Trousers

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Taylor Swift may be known for her collection of designer bags and sky-high heels, but her latest New York City outfit proves that sometimes the chicest wardrobe upgrades aren’t flashy at all. Instead of reaching for classic denim, the singer wore flowy wide-leg trousers that instantly made her legs look miles long, and now we’re […]

Part of the appeal is how relaxed it looks. While structured handbags can sometimes feel overly polished for everyday wear, a slouchy tote brings an easy, lived-in quality that works beautifully with denim, linen pants, breezy dresses and other summer staples. The roomy interior is large enough to hold a lightweight laptop, notebook, wallet and daily essentials, making it practical for everything from workdays to weekend errands.

The deep brown color is especially on trend right now. It feels softer and more elevated than classic black while still functioning as a neutral that pairs with nearly everything. If brown isn’t your style, the bag is also available in several other shades, including cream and white.

Shoppers are equally impressed. The tote has earned more than 2,500 five-star ratings, with reviewers praising its “perfect” size for “everyday essentials.” Another shopper called the design “very trendy” and said it pairs effortlessly with their “other summer outfits.”

What makes Holmes’ outfit so appealing is how attainable it feels. Most of Us already own a striped shirt and a favorite pair of jeans. Add a rich brown tote like this one, and suddenly the entire outfit feels fresher, more current and perfectly suited for summer. At $29, it’s an easy way to try the accessory trend Holmes just made look indispensable.

Get the Hoxis Vegan Leather Shoulder Handbag for $29 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Hoxis here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Related: Yes, Jennifer Lopez’s Exact Metallic Gold Flip-Flops Are on Amazon

Jennifer Lopez has mastered the art of making casual outfits look impossibly expensive, and one of her easiest style tricks involves her footwear. While many celebrities rely on sky-high heels or designer accessories to elevate their looks, Lopez proved that a simple pair of metallic flip-flops can have the same effect. Last summer, the singer […]

Roommates, what started as a day filled with community, family fun, and celebration quickly took a devastating turn at the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio. Authorities are now searching for answers after a violent incident near the beloved annual event left multiple people injured and sent festivalgoers scrambling for safety.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Mother Accepts Diploma For Teen Fatally Shot Days Before Graduation After Viral Prom Send-Off (VIDEO)

Gunfire Breaks Out Near Popular Community Festival

According to officials, officers with the Toledo Police Department responded around 5:37 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, after receiving reports of a shooting near Delaware and Glenwood avenues, just outside the annual Old West End Festival. Investigators believe at least two individuals exchanged gunfire in the area, striking multiple people who were attending or near the event. When officers arrived, they discovered numerous victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Gunfire struck 12 people, leaving two victims in critical condition. Authorities reported no fatalities as of late Saturday.

Furthermore, police revealed that the victims ranged in age from 14 to 61 years old, highlighting just how many lives were impacted by the violence. Several injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while investigators continued interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence from the scene. Speaking during a press conference, Toledo Police Lt. Dan Gerken described the incident as “over the top” and urged community members to come forward with any information that could assist investigators.

Police Continue Search For Suspects

Police have not arrested any suspects so far. Authorities say investigators are actively pursuing leads and reviewing evidence collected from multiple locations connected to the shooting, including areas near Delaware and Robinwood avenues. Officials are also asking anyone who attended the festival to share photos, videos, or other footage that may help identify those responsible. Police noted that officers were already on-site at the festival when the shooting occurred and immediately responded after hearing gunfire.

Community Leaders React To The Violence

The shooting unfolded near the Old West End Festival, a longtime community tradition that attracts thousands of visitors each year to one of Toledo’s most historic neighborhoods. Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan said a few individuals turned a beloved community event into a scene of chaos. Meanwhile, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine addressed the incident on social media, saying he was “deeply concerned” by the shooting. He added that summer festivals should remain safe spaces for families and expressed confidence that law enforcement would locate those responsible as the investigation continues.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Heartbreaking Photos Show Funeral Of 8 Children Killed In Louisiana Mass Shooting (UPDATE)

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is giving fans another sweet glimpse into motherhood, and her latest video of her daughter, Aurora, has social media melting down. The internet star recently shared a heartwarming clip on Instagram showing a playful moment with her little girl, who is now officially on the move.

In the adorable video, Blanchard could be seen kneeling on the floor while encouraging her daughter to walk toward her. Aurora, dressed in pink pajamas, toddled across the room before stopping to blow kisses toward her mom, prompting an emotional reaction from fans in the comments.

While Blanchard allowed followers a peek into the milestone moment, she continued to keep her daughter’s face concealed from public view. Throughout the clip, Aurora’s back remained turned toward the camera as she walked toward her mom and wrapped her in a hug.

Blanchard captioned the touching post simply, “My world [pink heart emoji].”

The wholesome moment quickly sparked a wave of emotional reactions from followers, many praising Blanchard’s journey into motherhood. “Motherhood is the sweetest. You’re healing your younger you and your current you too,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “I’m glad you get to have this, Gypsy.”

“Motherhood can be so healing. So happy for you,” a third fan shared. But others could not believe how quickly Aurora appears to be growing up. “She’s growing so fast. Make all the best memories with her as possible!!” one person commented. “Such a cutie. Can’t believe she’s walking now!” another wrote.

One fan also praised Blanchard’s parenting journey, commenting, “Broke the cycle [red heart emoji]. Gypsy you are doing amazing as a mama.” As previously documented, Gypsy Rose spent years subjected to medical abuse and manipulation, later revealing she had been falsely portrayed as severely ill throughout much of her childhood.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Has Been Protective Of Her Daughter’s Privacy

Although Blanchard has become increasingly open about sharing glimpses of motherhood online, she has remained intentional about protecting her daughter’s privacy. In recent social media posts, the reality star has avoided fully showing Aurora’s face, instead opting to share moments from behind or at angles that keep the toddler largely concealed.

“It has come to my attention that fake Gypsy accounts are posting pictures of random babies with the intent to gain followers and views,” she said in 2025 after several social media accounts claimed they obtained photos of Aurora’s face. “I will not be posting pictures of my daughter nor would I post pictures of other babies. Please be cautious of what Gypsy accounts you follow and receive information from.”

Blanchard has also spoken candidly about why she chooses to keep her daughter largely off social media, explaining that protecting her privacy remains a top priority. In a 2025 interview with PEOPLE, the new mom admitted that the growing number of fake Gypsy Rose accounts online has become increasingly “frustrating,” especially as misleading content continues to spread.

“Followers on social media need to be proactive in questioning the content they consume. There are many scam and fake accounts and an individual like myself can easily be misrepresented by the content that scammers put out,” Blanchard told the outlet. “I care about the content that I put out and so it is extremely frustrating when I am misrepresented.”

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The reality star also explained that limiting her daughter’s presence online is an intentional parenting decision. Blanchard said it is her “personal choice to keep our daughter off social media platforms to protect her from the scrutiny of the public eye.”

“She is a minor and can’t consent to her image being used,” she continued. “We respect that fact.”

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Shares Daughter Aurora With Boyfriend Ken Urker

Blanchard welcomed daughter Aurora with boyfriend Ken Urker, marking a major new chapter in the couple’s relationship after years of ups and downs. The pair first met while Blanchard was serving time in prison and became engaged before eventually ending their relationship in 2019. However, after Blanchard’s release in December 2023, the two ultimately found their way back to one another.

Their reunion came shortly after Blanchard’s split from estranged husband Ryan Anderson. Gypsy Rose and Anderson married in July 2022 while she was still incarcerated, but their relationship quickly came under public scrutiny after her release from prison. In March 2024, Blanchard confirmed the pair had separated, later filing for divorce.

Not long after the breakup, Blanchard rekindled her romance with Urker, with the pair later announcing they were expecting their first child together.

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On 5 June 2026, news broke that Anthony Head had passed away at the age of 72, and there was an understandable outpouring of sadness from those who’d appreciated his work in the past, not to mention tributes to the actor paid by both fans of his and actors he’d worked with. Head had a steady acting career over decades, and also boasted a pretty varied body of work on both the big screen and in the world of television, with notable roles played in movies like Repo! The Genetic Opera, and TV shows like Ted Lasso and Merlin.

The role he might be most beloved for, though, is that of Giles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Of all the cast members on that show, he was the fourth most regularly occurring character, being a member of the main cast for seasons 1 through 5, and then appearing as a recurring character throughout the final two seasons. He brought his A-game throughout all those appearances, but the following episodes stand out particularly so, doing a great deal for the character of Giles and providing undeniable stand-out moments for Head, as an actor.

10

“Lie to Me” (1997)

Season 2, Episode 7

Image via The WB

The second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is where things start getting both more dramatic and largely better in quality overall, with “Lie to Me” not quite being the ultimate turning point, though it is a sign of darker things to come. Buffy runs into an old friend of hers who wants to become a vampire because he’s dying from a terminal illness, and he falls in with Spike, trying to get the new-to-Sunnydale vampire to sire him.

It happens at the end, but Buffy and Giles are prepared for it, waiting over Ford’s grave so that Buffy can stake/slay him, as she has to do. It’s a naturally more personal and morally difficult kill for Buffy than the usual kind of slaying, and it makes her reflect on the challenges of being the Slayer going forward. She talks to Giles about this, and asks him to lie to her about her probable future, which is where Giles gets to sarcastically drop one of the season’s best lines:

“The good guys are always stalwart and true. The bad guys are easily distinguished by their pointy horns or black hats. And, uh, we always defeat them and save the day. No one ever dies and… everybody lives happily ever after.”

9

“Prophecy Girl” (1999)

Season 1, Episode 12

Okay, there was some shade directed toward season 1 just then, but the first season does conclude with “Prophecy Girl,” and it is the first properly great episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The prophecy states that Buffy is to die while fighting the Master (season 1’s big bad), and it’s the first time she – and you, as a viewer – really feel the emotional weight of her situation and bleak destiny.

She does die, albeit temporarily, and of course that’s going to happen when the show’s seven seasons long, and this is only the 12th episode overall. But it creates compelling drama either way, with Sarah Michelle Gellar getting to be the obvious MVP, but Head’s Giles is also given more dramatic material here than he had up until this point in the show, with both cast members’ acting doing a lot to elevate an already very compellingly written episode.

8

“The Gift” (2001)

Season 5, Episode 22

Image via The WB

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Another season finale, “The Gift” concludes season 5, and was done in a way where it could’ve been the series finale, had the show not been brought back, on another network, for a sixth and then seventh season. Buffy and the other Scoobies have their final battle with Glory, who’s a full-on God, albeit one who shares a body with a mortal man named Ben, switching back and forth between one and the other.

It’s Giles who gets his hands dirty by killing Ben before he switches back to Glory, with it being perhaps the character’s darkest moment, even if doing so is something that helps save the world. Of course, it pales in comparison to Buffy’s sacrifice at the end of “The Gift,” which is the most memorable part of the episode, and an all-time iconic scene within the show overall, but what this episode does for Giles, as a character, also shouldn’t be overlooked.

7

“Helpless” (1999)

Season 3, Episode 12

Image via The WB

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The premise of “Helpless” is an inherently quite frightening one, as it sees Buffy temporarily stripped of her Slayer powers, and made to take part in a cruel test that involves surviving and defeating a vampire. It’s done by the Watcher’s Council, who are notoriously terrible, given what they put Slayers through, even outside the extreme tests one finds in an episode like “Helpless.”

Giles is torn between his loyalty to the Council, and his loyalty to Buffy, and while the episode does make Giles and Buffy clash, the whole ordeal does convince Giles to distance himself further from the Council. Their bond is strengthened in the long run, since Giles sticks by Buffy in the end, even if the Council has fired him and he’s no longer Buffy’s official Watcher (which leads to the introduction of Wesley, who’s a frustrating goofball more loyal to the Council, all before he gets a compelling character arc later on, when he makes the jump to Angel).

6

“Innocence” (1998)

Season 2, Episode 14

Image via The WB

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Since “Innocence” deals with the events immediately following on from Angel reverting into Angelus (Angel without a soul, basically), it’s a particularly Buffy-focused episode, since so much of the show up until this point had been about her falling in love with Angel. The two have sex for the first time in the previous episode, this makes Angel lose his soul, and then Buffy struggles with him starting to rampage around while beating herself up for some time, feeling responsible.

Buffy does keep on fighting, though, and Giles also gets a moment to shine near the episode’s end, talking to Buffy in his car and telling her it’s not her fault and that he still supports her. This is one scene in the overall episode, but it was one that people were bringing up surprisingly often while remembering Head’s finest moments on the show, since the warmth and compassion Giles exudes here feels incredibly sincere, and progressive for the time, as he’s an authority/father figure not blaming a female character for her sexual behavior (and it can’t be delved into in detail here, but there is a history of female – and some male – characters, particularly in supernatural/horror stories, effectively being punished for having sex).

5

“Tabula Rasa” (2001)

Season 6, Episode 8

Image via UPN

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“Tabula Rasa” occurs right after the musical episode, which will be broken down in a bit. It’s not convenient to talk about the second half first, when the two episodes are almost a two-parter, but that musical episode does deserve a better placement ranking-wise. Anyway, certain things are revealed during the musical episode, and while everyone is coming down from all the singing, dancing, and uncomfortable truths, Willow tries to make some things forgotten, through magic, but the spell goes wrong and everyone forgets too much.

After waking up with amnesia, Giles ends up assuming he might be married to Anya, and then Spike and Giles both come to the conclusion that they’re related, and all that’s undeniably funny, and the episode’s admirably committed to its high-concept premise. “Tabula Rasa” does get more somber by the episode’s end, though, with Willow and Tara’s relationship permanently affected for the worse, and Giles committing to leaving Sunnydale and returning to England (and it’s from this point on, in the series, that Giles becomes more of a recurring character than a true main one).

4

“A New Man” (2000)

Season 4, Episode 12

Image via The WB

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There are some slower and less amazing episodes in season 4, truth be told, but it would be wrong to call it a bad season of television. It’s more the case that it’s just not quite as consistent as season 3, and it doesn’t quite have as many highs as the more dramatic second and fifth seasons (a couple of characters leaving the show post-season 3 didn’t help, since Angel and Cordelia went over to Angel, and then there were some growing pains with the setting going from high school to college).

But to stick with the positives, and to stick with Giles, he gets one of his best episodes in season 4, with “A New Me.” This does for Giles what “The Zeppo” in season 3 did for Xander, as he’s the center of this one, getting turned into a demon who can’t speak English, and forced to fend for himself while trying to return to his human form. It’s been described as a midlife crisis episode for Giles, and it’s also fun/novel to see a main character put in the sort of extensive make-up and prosthetics usually only reserved for certain villainous characters. Giles is, for this one episode, the monster of the week, in effect.

3

“Band Candy” (1998)

Season 3, Episode 6

Image via The WB

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“Band Candy” is Head’s finest comedic hour, since this episode’s premise involves the adults of Sunnydale falling under a spell that makes them revert to their teenage selves. Giles does not get out of this, and acts in an incredibly different way than he had always been up until that point, with the episode laying out how he used to have a rebellious streak as a teenager, and went by the nickname “Ripper.”

Ripper Giles is obviously interesting/fun to get some insight into, but that he looks like grown-up Giles (with different hair and after losing the glasses, admittedly) obviously makes him funny, too. And he strikes up a brief fling with Buffy’s mom, who’s also acting like a teenager again, and while all that’s all obviously horrifying for Buffy, it’s funny when you’re on the other side of the TV screen.

2

“Once More, with Feeling” (2001)

Season 6, Episode 7

Image via UPN

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Anyone who appears in “Once More, with Feeling” can have it count as one of their best episodes, since it’s an all-around very strong musical episode that gives pretty much everyone at least a moment or two to shine (with the possible exception of Alyson Hannigan, who reportedly didn’t want to be given too much to sing). Anthony Head has always been a singer on top of an actor, though, so he really got to shine in this musical episode.

His singing was previously heard in “Restless,” albeit in a dream sequence, but he gets one solo song here (“Standing”), and then participates in a few of the ensemble numbers. “Once More, with Feeling” is also an important episode for the character of Giles, since he grapples with the conflict of how much he can – or should – be involved in Buffy’s life, with what she’s going through at that particular moment as someone who’s now been an adult for several years. That Head is, as mentioned before, perhaps the best singer in the main cast (though Amber Benson, as Tara, is also worth a shout-out) does also help him make a particularly strong impression here.

1

“Passion” (1998)

Season 2, Episode 17

Image via The WB

“Passion” is one of the heaviest episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and gives Giles what’s probably his most dramatic hour in the show’s entire run. In that sense, it gives Anthony Head a lot to do, as an actor, and he really rises to the occasion, intensifying what is an already grim and emotionally harrowing episode: the first to have a significant non-villainous character die.

It is the “Jenny dies” episode, to put it bluntly, but it’s also a bit more interesting than that, given that it doesn’t happen right at the end of the episode, meaning parts of “Passion” deal with the immediate aftermath of that death, and Giles’ almost suicidal attempts to avenge her murder. Giles discovering Jenny’s body, and then the sequence where he breaks down after nearly dying while trying to murder Angelus, are two of the very best scenes in the whole of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s run.