19 Times Joss Whedon Made You Sob
If you ever need a master class in how to run people's lives and souls, look no further than Joss Whedon's television shows and movies. Here are the 19 times his work really messed our days up.
When Buffy Has to Kill Angel in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
To be a fan of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," you have to get used to death pretty quickly. But, that doesn't make it any easier. If it wasn't bad enough that Buffy was blaming herself for releasing Angelus, she then had to murder her boyfriend for supernatural reasons. Angel went back to his normal self just in time for it to hurt even more.
When Fred Dies in 'Angel'
Fred was definitely the most "innocent" one of Angel's group, but that doesn't mean she hadn't been through a lot. She had finally found freedom after being trapped in Pylea for five years. She found love, she found friendship, she found a career. And it was all taken from her by a garbage human person who doesn't deserved to be named.
When Xander Leaves Anya at the Altar in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
Hot take: Xander is garbage. Proof: Every misogynistic thing that comes out of his mouth and -- also -- leaving Anya, our little patriot, at the altar. Cold feet is one thing, but this was just him being his usual Xander self.
When Buffy Sacrifices Herself in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
"The hardest thing in this world is to live in it." Also hard? Watching Buffy sacrifice herself so Dawn doesn't have to.
When Angel is Human for a Day in 'Angel'
Even if you don't ship Angel and Buffy, this episode is a tough one. Angel finally gets to live as a human for a day (and taste ice cream!). He and Buffy spend the perfect day together, only for it to be erased from their memories. TEARS!
When Tara Dies in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
"You're shirt." Willow finally gets her sh*t together, just in time for Tara to get shot. It almost makes you wish Willow would've been back on her bullsh*t just for a little longer so Tara wouldn't have to die. Unrelated, but important: It was a real disservice to Tara for Willow to date Kennedy. Tara did not die so you could date the worst person in the house.
When Anya Doesn't Understand Death in 'Buffy'
There are no words to describe how much this speech tore our hearts into pieces. Honestly, how did Emma Caulfield not even get nominated for an Emmy just for this scene.
When Cordelia Dies in 'Angel'
Justice for Cordelia!!! If you look up "character development" in the dictionary, you should find a picture of Cordelia Chase. Unfortunately, she was given a terrible death and her storyline wasn't even close to finished.
When Tracey Makes a Heartbreaking Return to Mal and Zoe's Life in 'Firefly'
Woof, talk about a rough episode. "Firefly" may not have lasted long, but they packed enough emotion in this episode to last at least four seasons. And, remember: "When you can't run, you crawl... and when you can't do that..." *In best Zoe voice: "You find someone to carry you."
When Jenny Calendar Dies in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
This is the first death that really hit home in "Buffy." And it's not even her death that stings the most, it's the execution. Giles finding a trail of rose petals to her dead body is an image that will be burned in our brains forever.
When Buffy is Crowned Class Protector in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
And now, a nice break from all the death! A time where we actually cried happy tears! Buffy's class recognizes what she thought they never would: She literally died to protect them.
When Wesley Dies in 'Angel'
Wesley dying hit hard, and that's saying something for how traumatizing the series finale of "Angel" was. And to add the cherry on top of this sadness sundae was Illyria taking the form of Fred -- "Would you like me to lie to you now?" -- so she was the last person he saw.
When Joyce Dies in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
Even with all the death in "Buffy," this one definitely hit us the hardest. It was the sheer surprise of it all, the unsettling silence of the scene, Buffy's response to the tragedy, and the fact that Joyce died from a non-supernatural element.
When Wash Dies in 'Serenity'
"I'm a leaf on the wind..." RIP.
When Xander Gets Willow Back From the Darkside in 'Buffy'
Willow is so sad about Tara's death that she wants to literally end the world. She's gone full blown evil, but a talk from Xander about their first day of kindergarten brings her back. She feels all her feelings, and we are feeling them with her.
When Anya Abruptly Dies in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
It happens so quickly, we almost don't even have time to be sad about it. But, we find the time! Anya deserved better, but all is fair in love and war we suppose.
When Penny Dies in 'Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog'
From the outside, "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog' looks like a good time. But, it gets dark. Like, REAL DARK. And Penny dying is as pitch black as it gets.
When Coulson Dies in 'The Avengers'
Whedon even finds time to ruin our lives during a big blockbuster Marvel movie. It still makes us sad that Tony doesn't know he's alive.
When Topher Dies in 'Dollhouse'
"Dollhouse" was definitely not Whedon's most successful show, but it still packed a punch. Topher could be annoying at times, but his sacrifice to save the world left us in a glass case of emotion.
