"Yes, thank you for that grand gesture. Rather touching in a grotesque fashion, but..." - BtVS

Best Giles episode for me was Band Candy. He was just hilarious playing a teen punk.

I have to agree with that, it was a complete difference from the Giles we all know and love, but a very fun difference.

My favorite Giles episode was A New Man. I love it when he chases Maggie Walsh and calls her a "fishwife." Hehehe...

The world is doomed....

"There there..." *patronizing shoulder pat* So love G for so many reasons and so many moments where he made impossible decisions... Taking out Ben (or was it Glory?). "I'd like to test that theory...". Being the father figure our Buffy deserved. Making an insanely good cuppa. R.I.P(per).

zeitgeist | December 03, 17:09 CET

Finding out that Willow and Tara are a couple.

"Bloody Hell!"

Kean | December 03, 17:11 CET

Behind blue eyes. 'nuff said.

We will miss you, oh favorite Watcher of the Whedonverse.

Tumnus | December 03, 17:11 CET

"It's all right--I have more scotch" (Something Blue) made me sympathetically laugh out loud
but "I'd like to test that theory" (Two to Go) was a stand up and cheer moment.

Maeve | December 03, 17:16 CET

"I'd like to test that theory."

Sidebar: This being the Buffyverse and the comics having resurrected several "dead" characters this season...how permanent is any of this, really?

Xantastic1316 | December 03, 17:17 CET

Oh! Behind Blue Eyes for sure! Also, Standing in the Way.

zeitgeist | December 03, 17:18 CET

Can't believe how stupid I am.
I thought ASH was dead, and haunted several places where I'd expect to find the news. Fortunately, I did not make a fool of myself for posting questions anywhere, risking setting off some sort of panic...Hours later, I try W'esque again and find this.
The medication makes alcohol consumption risky, so I'll raise a glass of something safer, thxsomuch.

FloralBonnet | December 03, 17:18 CET

Xantasic - anything is possible, though given the magic situation...

zeitgeist | December 03, 17:18 CET

Oh, Giles. He was my favorite of them all. His care of Willow in England, going over SAT questions with Buffy in the graveyard while patrolling, so many wonderful, caring, funny, intelligent moments. I loved Giles and Anya in Tabula Rosa, Tara and Giles harmonizing on the Standing after-verse in OMWF, depressed Giles and Spike, Giles being so glad Willow wasn't dead in Dopplegangland, and the reunion of Buffy and Giles in the beginning of the end of the TV show. I resented his absence in the last seasons, he shouldn't have left her. It wasn't the right thing to do, but I understand the RL reasons.

He'll never whip off his glasses in consternation or thought. We won't ever see that again. He was hers and he died as such. It's not like Buffy's watcher could ever have a destiny of living off into old age, but that doesn't make it any less upsetting. I loved Giles and will miss his presence so much.

amestes | December 03, 17:20 CET

So many, and most of them Giles at his ironic and/or sarcastic best.

But I began to love him unreservedly for this Atticus Finch moment in "Innocence":

GILES: "Do you want me to wag my finger at you and tell you, you acted rashly? You did, and I can. But I know you loved him, and he has proven more than once that he loved you. You couldn't have known what would happen. The coming months are going to be very hard - I suspect on all of us. But if you're looking for guilt, Buffy, I'm not your man. All you will have from me is my support... and my respect."

(Who is the "grand gesture" quote from - is it you, Caroline? And BTW, all, Giles ain't dead for me...)

QuoterGal | December 03, 17:20 CET

@quotergal That's just me doing a bad job at impersonation.

Caroline | December 03, 17:21 CET

Add my voice to the "Behind Blue Eyes" chorus as well.

Xantastic1316 | December 03, 17:21 CET

I hope that's a "He will always live on in my heart" and not a "I get to decide what's canon" comment ;) *ducks*

zeitgeist | December 03, 17:22 CET

@zeitgeist I can't believe I am saying this, but consider this the one and only time you will ever hear me utter the words: "Thank God for fanfic".

Watching the outpour on Twitter all day was phenomenal.

Caroline | December 03, 17:24 CET

I take it we can stop hoping for a Ripper spinoff? Not that there was really much hope anymore...

Tumnus | December 03, 17:42 CET

Saying that Buffy may have to kill Dawn in s5.
Holding Buffy in The Body.
The line sung awesomely in Restless: "I've got to warn Buffy"
Every other example of Giles singing

And clearly the best:

Passion.
The entire episode as a Giles moment, as THE Giles moment.

I'm still in shock, I just read 8.39

manreaction | December 03, 17:44 CET

zeitgeist: I hope that's a "He will always live on in my heart" and not a "I get to decide what's canon" comment ;) *ducks*

; > "Hark! I hear the canon's [sic] roar!"

It's actually sorta somewhere in between, in a way, though that wouldn't be my scale, exactly.

(D'oh, Caroline. *slaps forehead* If you just added *polishes eyeglasses* to it, it would be spot-on.)

QuoterGal | December 03, 17:59 CET

Giles: "Hello Ethan."
Ethan: "Hello Ripper."

I aim to misbehave | December 03, 18:04 CET

Killing Ben. Giles was the guy who would do what had to be done, when others couldn't.

NotaViking | December 03, 18:07 CET

Well aside from the possibility of a magical reset button, there's always the possibility that if they really wanted to then it could be a story that takes place after the show but before/during the comics. Or even before/during the show.

Or they could really just have Anthony Stewart Head play some haunted character that doesn't necessarily have to go by the name Giles. (I'm still not really clear on the reported plot details.)

Sidenote, that tribute was way too tempting for me to have to check out before I could make it to a comic book store.

orangewaxlion | December 03, 18:11 CET

Caroline - hee!

QG - cold!

zeitgeist | December 03, 18:11 CET

My favourite Giles moment was at the end of Innocence when he tells Buffy that "all she'll get from him is his support and his respect."

It's still hard to imagine that he's actually died. I know he's only a fictional character but it's going to be really odd having the Buffyverse continue without him. I'll miss him :(

vampmogs | December 03, 18:13 CET

Unbelievable. Do you like my mask? Isn't it pretty? It raises the dead! AMERICANS.

hellkitty | December 03, 18:13 CET

The best thing about not reading the comics: it never happened!

But if you guys (for no particular reason as far as I am concerned) want to talk about favorite Giles moments, I'll play. Almost impossible to choose, but based on my reaction to the moment in question, I have to go with "I'd like to test that theory." It was the only time in the history of me watching television that I got up and started running around the house shrieking "Giles is back!"

Alpert | December 03, 18:15 CET

He's not dead. La la la, not listening Joss, you magnificent bastard.

So I have a thing for smart and/or talented and/or world weary and/or authoratative and/or middle aged and/or dark and/or complex and/or tragic men. Rupert Giles (and ASH breathing exquisite life into the character) hit all those kinks, in some way or another.

I stumbled onto 'The Pack' channel flipping and was amused and intrigued by a bunch of cute American high school kids playing hyenas in a rather disturbing way. Hooked in an instant. But I stayed for the long haul for the Watcher - a little bit closer to my own age and - European - background.

I'm never quite sure whether I want to 'be' the character, or - you know - just drool over them. But Giles, the Watcher, connects with me on another level, because I play that kind of role for someone in my life. I watch over them in a particularly stalwart way, undying loyalty and all that... and they go out and slay their demons. So yeah - Rupert Giles is my role model. A rather sexy role model. It's, um, complicated.

So there I was, all choked up, lump in throat, blink blink blink over the 'death' of a fictional character from a tv series that ended 7 years ago, continued in a comic book series I find very hard to read and understand. I shouldn't care that much anymore. But I do. Good Lord!

My favourite bits? All those scenes where the mild-mannered librarian turned on a dime: Thrashing Ethan Rayne. Threatening Snyder. Going after Angel in 'Passion', confronting him in 'Amends'. And most of all grabbing Spike by the lapels in 'I was made to love you' - one of ASH's finest moments.

So anyway, here's to you, Rupert Giles. And yes *polishes eye glasses*, but there's something in my eye.

Caroline | December 03, 18:22 CET

"Look at my mask. Isn't it pretty? It raises the dead!"

If this was Twitter, and there were hashtags, that would probably be followed by: #win.

wordnerd | December 03, 18:28 CET

"I'd like to test that theory" still gives me tingles. I remember seeing it for the first time, after school, on BBC 2. One of my favourite moments of the whole series.

And Giles laughing at Xander's "moon pie" joke.

I aim to misbehave | December 03, 18:29 CET

Killing Ben/Glory: "She's a hero, you see. She's not like us." Or something along those lines.

"I'd like to test that theory."

Band Candy. 'Nuf said.

Hush. Chainsaw. Awesome.

Elphaba | December 03, 18:34 CET

My favorite Giles/Buffy moment ever:

Giles: You mean life?
Buffy: Yeah. Does it get easy?
Giles: What do you want me to say?
Buffy: Lie to me.
Giles: Yes, it's terribly simple. 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.
Buffy: Liar.

Tumnus | December 03, 18:36 CET

I cannot pick just one as a favorite, especially since so many have already posted some of the most awesome Giles moments...

But I'll add this just for fun -

Giles: I've a friend whose coming to town and I'd like us to be alone.

Anya: Oh, you mean an orgasm friend?

Giles: Yes, that's exactly the most appalling thing you could have said.

KariAri | December 03, 18:39 CET

I loved how he sat with Buffy in the Gift and just listened. Obviously the Innocence scene and the end of Lie To Me, anytime he sings, his talk with Angel in Out of Sight, Out of Mind, walking into a tree when Buffy mentions that he had sex with her mother and letting Buffy know why he takes off his glasses in All The Way after Xander and Anya start kissing and mentoring Faith at the end of season 7 and in NFFY.

Just about any time he was on screen he was portrayed as such an epic figure. We all talk about the sacrifices that everyone else made, between the lack of sleep the man got and the distance he would travel for those kids, he also made them heroes by inspiring them through his dedication, this man was a full blown hero in ways the others could only hope to achieve.

I may have connected with that character a tad too much...I'm really gonna miss him. Now to wipe my lenses in Giles appreciation...

[ edited by BlueSkies on 2010-12-04 03:50 ]

BlueSkies | December 03, 18:41 CET

Dammit, y'all scared the you-know-what out of me. I had to google to make sure ASH hadn't passed away. Serves me right for not keeping up with the comics.

ActualSize | December 03, 18:43 CET

Giles (to Xander and Willow at the dance): We have to find Buffy. Something terrible has happened. (Pause) Just kidding, thought I'd give you a scare. Are those finger sandwiches?

I've raised my glass. To Giles!

Also, I'll admit to moist eyes whilst reading. Buffy' and Xander's pain was so brilliantly drawn.

Guestage Drew | December 03, 18:44 CET

ASH is fine, but I'm afraid another one of his characters may be about to bite the dust. Tomorrow evening may be another sad (-ish) moment.

Caroline | December 03, 18:45 CET

Giles: Grave-robbing? That's new. Interesting.
Buffy: I *know* you meant gross and disturbing.
Giles: Yes, yes, terrible thing, must put a stop to it. Dammit.

I aim to misbehave | December 03, 18:52 CET

Tumnus - yeah, that "Lie To Me" scene at the end with Buffy - that's probably one of my favorite Buffy scenes altogether.

I think that was the one that was nagging at the back of my head when I posted mine...

QuoterGal | December 03, 18:52 CET

Passion. It was so sad and horrible, but that scene where Giles walks up the stairs and finds Jenny, it was so beautiful. Giles was brilliant in that episode. (I guess he and Jenny are together now)
Plus that episode really mirrored his death scene in #39 so...

second choice: "I'd like to test that theory." It feels so unreal that he's gone. It was like a physical blow when i read it. I don't care if others didn't feel anything, i did. the synopsis for that issue was all wrong it should have read: "And there will be casualties NEVER forgotten." Wow the Buffyverse is not a good place for British Watchers they all manage to die somehow

Nathan | December 03, 18:59 CET

From 4x17, Superstar:
Giles: "Xander, don't speak Latin in front of the books."

And his admission to having Jonathan's new calendar.

Ceribri | December 03, 19:00 CET

I can't quite believe this is for real, but I always accepted S8 as canon. I had to leave off reading the episodes a long while back as I had lost my job and then I was so far behind it seemed hopeless to buy all the back issues...

In any case. Ahem:

Father figure, your tweed hid a rowdy past. You combined love and gentleness and gave it to a girl who needed you and you gained a daughter. But you had steel in you too, and you did what was necessary when you had to.

So,

Giles walking into a tree after Buffy calls him on sleeping with her mother (Earshot).

Fyarl demon Giles in the car with Spike - I nearly peed I laughed so hard.

The WC telling Giles he could no longer be Buffy's watcher because he had "a father's love for the child". Well, duh.

Passion, all of it. His relationship with Jenny, the loss.

Then later on, when Olivia walks out of the bedroom (I think in The Freshman and I realized Giles was really a swinger! (kidding!) But it was nice to see he was in a place where he could be with someone else.

The first time we see him sing and play a guitar (I think it's the first time) doing Behind Blue Eyes, as already mentioned here.

Giles insulting Wesley in The Prom (always a good time): For God's sake, man, she's eighteen. And you have the emotional maturity of a blueberry scone. Just have at it, would you, and stop fluttering about.

You're not ready for the world outside... But you made her ready, whether you think so or not.

This is what I'm remembering right now. Tomorrow, a million more memories will flood in.

I'll never forget you.

[ edited by Tonya J on 2010-12-04 15:25 ]

Tonya J | December 03, 19:02 CET

All the good moments from the show have been called to. I'll add this one from season 8:

"Burst."

Maggie | December 03, 19:04 CET

And his admission to having Jonathan's new calendar.

HA! I completley forgot about that one and the one about Xander speaking Latin to the books.
Two of his funniest moments for sure

Nathan | December 03, 19:06 CET

To many moments to pick from.I'll say my favorite Giles centric episode was A New Man.

[ edited by Buffyfantic on 2010-12-04 04:07 ]

Buffyfantic | December 03, 19:07 CET

Oh, and I'm sure someone will call Children's Services on me for this, but:

It was a moment of pride, I tell you, when my 7 year old daughter said "Hey! Isn't that Giles, mommy?" while watching the Doctor Who episode 'School Reunion'.

And for the record, I don't let her watch Buffy without heavy, heavy editing on my part. No, really! Put the phone down!

KariAri | December 03, 19:07 CET

Buffy: *enters the Magic Box shop. Sees Giles, wearing a wizard's robe- and a pointy hat.*
Beat.
Beat.
Giles: *removes hat*

Also, in 'Band Candy'- something to the effect of "Look, you're my slayer, and you'll do what I tell you. Now, hit him!"

RIP Giles. I hope you and Jenny Calendar find each other in the great beyond...

MirandaGhost | December 03, 19:10 CET

"All excellent questions."

Shapenew | December 03, 19:28 CET

i bet someone has already posted it but, eh:

Giles: "Let me get this straight: you think I'm evil if I take a group of teenage girls on a camping trip and I DON'T touch them?"

Nathan | December 03, 19:30 CET

"I watched Passions with Spike. Let us never speak of it."

Biff Turkle | December 03, 19:30 CET

My favorite Giles moments:
-'Band Candy'
-"I Wish I Could Stay" in 'OMWF'

~right about here in constructing my list, I burst into tears...again~

-In 'Who Are You' when Buffy-in-Faith's-body bursts through his door and he is holding like 3 mugs. "If you are Buffy, then you'll let me tie you up... without killing me... until we find out whether you're telling the truth."
-"I like mushy peas!" -'Pangs'
- "Oh, good show, Giles. At least you didn't get knocked out for a change." and "I was not making time, I was just about to kill those loathsome creatures when Riley interrupted me." - 'Buffy vs Dracula'

I'll miss him so.
Thanks for being the best, most cool librarian/watcher/guardian/cool-uncle-type I never had. RIP Giles.

Linnea1928 | December 03, 19:39 CET

All the good moments from the show have been called to. I'll add this one from season 8:

"Burst."

Oh hell yes! That was a terrific moment. That whole scene was wonderful, especially when Giles pops up from behind Roden and buries the guard sheers into his back. I LOVE Faith's grin when she sees him.

Oh... poor Faith. I wonder if she’ll blame herself for his death because she agreed to hand over the scythe :(

vampmogs | December 03, 19:45 CET

There are too many to name but one of my favourite moments was a quiet one from Dead Man's Party. When Buffy finally goes to see him, the gang are all talking in his living room and Giles goes to the kitchen. That moment when he is about to break down out of pure relief and then he just smiles to himself and nods his head, puts his "Watcher" face back on and brings out the tea and biscuits.

Kaan | December 03, 19:46 CET

I am so affected by this that I can't even post a moment. *sob*

cheryl | December 03, 19:47 CET

The scene in "Grave" where Giles and Buffy reconnect and he can't not laugh at all the awfulness that's been going on in his absence is one of my favorites.

Sunfire | December 03, 20:10 CET

Kaan, that's exactly the moment I was going to post. Amazing non-verbal communication!

I also love the look on Giles face in Tabula Rasa right after Anya says "There is a ruggedly handsome resemblance".

ShellRoth | December 03, 20:19 CET

Forgive me. This isn't brief.

First, to Mr. Anthony Stewart Head: Thank you so very much for playing this role. At every point, you brought depth, subtlety, and intensity. Giles is one of the only characters on television I can recall whom I believed at all times throughout a show's life. Thank you, Sir.

Next, thank you to all the writers for Giles. Not just The Joss, but all who penned him. He doesn't quite fit, even with his "family." He's not-quite-teacher, not-quite-father, almost-friend-though-he's-a-little-too-old... I don't know anyone who hasn't felt alone like that sometime. I was gratified to see his growing partnership with Faith, also. (Props to Mr. Vaughan, plus twenty points for the "Avengers" reference.)

Finally, best quote:

"Forgiveness... it's not done because people deserve it. It's done because they need it." --"I Only Have Eyes for You"

BubulAmir | December 03, 20:26 CET

Ooh just remembered the scene with when he sees Buffy for the first time after she's resurrected and they have that you're a miracle dialogue. That was so sweet...

BlueSkies | December 03, 20:27 CET

Great emotional moments mentioned, definitely tearing up again.

I love Fear Itself.... Giles in the sombrero and poncho, and him turning on the skeleton thing "It's alive!", and Buffy's response. Just a hilarious scene.

Aw Giles :(

cazador | December 03, 20:33 CET

Just thought of another great Giles moment:

Prophesy Girl, talking to Angel about Buffy going to die. That entire scene with all three of them was one of the first times that the show displayed it's true potential...

Tumnus | December 03, 21:15 CET

A couple of my personal favorite quotes by Giles:

"It only hurts when I answer pointless questions."

"Xander, just because this is never gonna work is no need to be negative."

"Now, wait a minute, you thought - you think I'm evil if I bring a group of girls on a camping trip and *don't* touch them?"

and of course "I'd like to test that theory"

I love Giles' reaction to the events he missed in Season 6. All this insanity has gone on and Giles bursts out laughing at the absurdity of it all.

I think Willow had it backwards in Season 7 when she said Giles "went all Dumbledore on me". If anything, Dumbledore went all Giles on Harry and company.

Feels like I lost a dear friend... :(

SeniorPartner | December 03, 21:38 CET

"But I have sworn to protect this sorry world..."

Makes sense that he go down swinging.

streetartist | December 03, 22:18 CET

Giles was the gel that held it all together. Always. There would be no Buffy, no scooby gang, no *anything* without Giles. Favorite moment? There are so many, but ... when Angel is torturing him a the end of S2. Giles was always heroic, sometimes ridiculously funny, occasionally over the top, at every turn the paterfamilias who guided them all. RIP. :-(

skyroom80 | December 03, 22:25 CET

This has been mentioned above several times, but all I could think about (after I came to terms with this loss) was the end of 'Lie to Me'.

Giles: "Yes, it's terribly simple. 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."

I always thought this quote was so perfect. In Joss' worlds, this lie becomes so poignant with the unexpected deaths and the constant search for a moral compass. Giles was always there to pull us back to a place of comfort and security. The Buffyverse is filled with strife and uncertainty... and today it's a little bit darker.

NFA110 | December 03, 22:43 CET

Favorite moment? There are so many, but ... when Angel is torturing him a the end of S2.

"To be worthy. . . you must perform the ritual. . . in a tutu. Pillock."

Great moment.

Kaan | December 03, 22:51 CET

"I'm *always* the one that says, 'Let's have a jelly in the mix!'"

anythingbutgrief | December 03, 22:56 CET

It's difficult to accept this, especially because I haven't been following the comics at all, but Giles... dead? He was always the most reliable, stalwart and caring father figure. Even if he didn't know everything, you knew you could always count on him to have your back. Giles, for me, was stability and security personified. A huge testament to the life that ASH brought the character. And now for the memories:

"I'd like to test that theory" was definitely the most epic moment, particularly after a long season of Giles' absence.

ASH's incredible comic timing for both the dress up scenes in 'Fear Itself' and at the Magic Box in S5.

The moment in 'Halloween' when Willow walks through the wall. Giles' reaction was priceless.

"...and you have the emotional maturity of a blueberry scone!"

The hokey pokey dance in 'Intervention' - "...and that's what it's all about."

"Unbelievable. 'Do you like my mask? Isn't it pretty? It raises the dead.' Americans!"

The scene in 'Hush' when he's explaining the situation with the projector - loved the graphic images and non-verbal communication.

Giles' badass sword fighting in 'Bad Girls' and general badass moments towards the tail end of S6.

Everything Giles in 'A New Man'.

'Passion' - when he finally collapses in Buffy's arms under the weight of his grief.

"But if it's guilt you're looking for, Buffy, I'm not your man. All you will get from me is my support. And my respect." - 'Innocence'.

Oh Giles.

[ edited by cardea on 2010-12-04 11:05 ]

cardea | December 03, 23:02 CET

"Strange...it's not like anything we've faced before.
It seems familiar somehow...
Of course...
The spell we cast with Buffy must have released some primal evil that's come back seeking...I'm not sure what.
Willow, look through the Chronicles for some reference to a warrior beast.
I've got to warn Buffy; there's every chance she might be next.
Xander, help Willow,
And try not to bleed on my couch; I've just had it steam-cleaned.
No, wait..."

unDeadhead | December 03, 23:49 CET

"stop that, whatever it is you're doing! You smell like fruit roll-ups!" - in fact, all of Something Blue- all the funny parts ever, he's such a good comedic actor (ASH),- any time he gets a magic gourd- Primeval, Intervention- but most of all I love Giles when he gets to be his own person and not just the researcher or watcher. Singing- Behind Blue Eyes, Free Bird, "we've got to warn Buffy"- whoever quoted that, that line is sung so awesomely, yes... and what was he doing in a hotel room, singing, the night before OMWF?? And the father scenes. Helpless. The end of Innocence. Sniff.
"look, it's Giles! with a chainsaw!"
Is it disturbing to find the mentor father scenes so touching and also admit he was the one I had the crush on for the first 2 seasons at least, maybe 3?

[ edited by aphasia on 2010-12-04 08:53 ]

aphasia | December 03, 23:53 CET

And- just now remembering seeing S5 the first time and really thinking Giles was going to die in the gas station, and how upset I was and glad he didn't. Again, sniff.

aphasia | December 04, 00:03 CET

This spoiler is currently visible in the RSS feed. Grgh. Argh.

mjwilson | December 04, 00:25 CET

My favourite moment will always be the first time I saw him. In "Welcome to the Hellmouth". Oh, those were good times :,(

AnonymousAnimus | December 04, 00:43 CET

Xander: I'll have you know I was just accosted by a, uh, locker monster.
Giles: Loch Ness Monster?

I aim to misbehave | December 04, 00:45 CET

So I guess that's a no on the "Ripper" Spin-off :{
One of Giles best episodes was "Band Candy" in my opinion:

[GILES to BUFFY]: "No you listen to me, I'm your watcher so you do what I tell you. Now, sod off!” XD
Looooooooooool

NathanJB | December 04, 01:23 CET

FTR, with respect, not all of us do mourn right now, and it's a tiny bit weird having it implied we have to mourn a TV character we love just because of a comic book we're not reading. But to those who do, I'm sorry.

That said, top five Giles moments:
1. "I'd like to test that theory."
2. "Yes, it's terribly simple. 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."
3. "You couldn't have known what would happen. The coming months a-are gonna, are gonna be hard... I, I suspect on all of us, but... if it's guilt you're looking for, Buffy, I'm, I'm not your man. All you will get from me is, is my support. And my respect."
4. "I think it's bloody brilliant!"
5. Wizard's hat.

| December 04, 01:26 CET

@beergood Who says you 'have to'?

Caroline | December 04, 01:52 CET

what's a stevedore?

windmillchaser | December 04, 01:56 CET

... still in denial ...

Killing Ben.
Attacking Angelus.
Singing.
Comforting Buffy after Angel turned Angelus.
Fighting and guarding Willow.
Giving the overhead projector presentation about the Gentlemen.
Being more than friends with Joyce, after that being embarrassed, running in a tree when debunked by Buffy.
Driving his old car, showing off his new car.
Being handled like an old man on Buffy's birthday party and getting grumpy.
Taking the umbrella from Buffy.
Bickering with Anya.

"We few, we happy few."

cleveland | December 04, 02:37 CET

I lost my job, too, so I haven't been able to prioritize importing the comics. That being said, I do consider them canon, and try to glean what goes on there from a variety of other sources. It was odd -- I read the spoiler here late in the evening. It pretty much didn't hit me -- I think I repressed it -- and then when I read it again yesterday morning, I, uhm... I cried. Just like I did when I read these comments. I'm a softie.

A lot of really good Giles moment have been mentioned here, I would also like to throw in the moment where he mourns Joyce, listening to the record they listened to in Band Candy. And the moment where he can no longer can leave his slayer to do it alone, and comes chasing after her, weapons flying, in The Freshman. Also, I love him in Pangs. :) And how, when Anya says "I colored my hair!" he pulls her into a hug. He nearly always seemed willing and able to give people what they needed... I am so crushed it's pathetic.

Carnelionne | December 04, 02:43 CET

Giles : Oh, right. Yes, yes. Um, always behind on the terms. Still trying not to refer to you lot as "bloody colonials."

anca | December 04, 02:48 CET

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTO68uZ5dN8

Fred_Sonja | December 04, 02:49 CET

The entirety of Band Candy and Tabula Rasa.
"I'd like to test that theory"
The end of Innocence, in the car with Buffy.
His little speech at the end of Lie To Me.
"I used to be a highly respected watcher, and now I'm a wounded dwarf with the mystical strength of a doily."
"...and you have the emotional maturity of a blueberry scone!"
"Unbelievable. 'Do you like my mask? Isn't it pretty? It raises the dead.' Americans!"
Walking into a tree in Earshot.
Attacking Angelus.
"Is that why you're always cleaning your glasses?" "Tell no one"
The wizard hat/The mexican outfit.

I miss Giles :(

emmy | December 04, 02:52 CET

"mist...cemetery...Halloween. Should end well."

nyrk | December 04, 03:20 CET

"Pardon me for finding the glass half full."

Performing an exposition with an overhead display and Saint-Saens' Danse Macabre.

"And try not to bleed on my couch I've just had it steam cleaned..."

Turning his back on Travers.

"You trusting fool! How do you know the world will be any better "It has to be."

"I'd like to test that theory." Of course.

"Because it's a killer demon snot monster from outer space... I did not just say that."

"...She said 'get out'."

And above all:

"But this is all my fault."
"No. I don't believe it is. Do you want me to wag my finger at you and tell you that you acted rashly? You did. A-and I can. I know that you loved him. And... he... has proven more than once that he loved you. You couldn't have known what would happen. The coming months a-are gonna - are gonna be hard... I-I suspect on all of us, but... if it's guilt you're looking for, Buffy, I'm-I'm not your man. All you will get from me is-is my support. And my respect."

Craig Oxbrow | December 04, 04:19 CET

Was it just me then that thought it was ridiculous to close this site "due to a family bereavment" with links to twitter which then made you have to find out what the hell was going on and so finding a massive spoiler?!? Big news? Maybe. Inconsiderate? Most probably!

cdm22 | December 04, 04:59 CET

If there was one flashback of Giles they could play over 8.39, the TV episode, before they went to credits, it would be what he said to Buffy at the end of "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date". I think it sums up his life, and many of the themes in Season 8 as well.

GILES: I was ten years old when my father told me I was destined to be a Watcher. He was one, and his, uh, mother before him, and I was to be next.

Buffy: Were you thrilled beyond all measure?

Giles: No, I had very definite plans about my future. I was going to be a fighter pilot. Or possibly a grocer. Well, uh... My father gave me a very tiresome speech about, uh, responsibility and sacrifice.

Buffy: Sacrifice, huh?

Giles: Seems like a nice lad.

Buffy: Yeah. But he wants to be danger man. You, Xander, Willow, you guys... you guys know the score, you're careful. Two days in my world and Owen really *would* get himself killed. Or I'd get him killed. Or someone else.

Giles: I, I went to the funeral home of my own free will.

Buffy: And I should've been there.

Giles: Buffy...

Buffy: I blew it!

Giles: I have volumes of lore, of prophecies, of predictions. But I don't have an instruction manual. We feel our way as we go along. And, I must say, as a Slayer, you're, you're doing... pretty well.

Could they not have this very conversation right after 8.39 had Giles lived? I think they could have.

Wow, looking that up and remembering it has had me tear up at his death for the first time.

KingofCretins | December 04, 05:00 CET

My favorite (or most vivid) Giles moments were any time he sang (OMWF included) and when he killed Ben because Buffy wouldn't (or couldn't). He was a great character and I'm going to miss him.

archon | December 04, 05:06 CET

cdm22 - not just you. A tribute on the front page, fine. Closing due to 'family reasons', not just silly but also a potential trigger for those who might actually be going through some 'family bereavement issues' at this very moment.

baxter | December 04, 05:06 CET

not to contradict the zeitgeist but... Joss himself has said, many many times. In interviews, commentary and everywhere else...words from his own mouth, that dead is not necessarily dead in his world. All 'dead' whedonverse characters will not truly be dead until all those who created and wrote them are mouldering in their graves.

buffyfreak4ever | December 04, 05:07 CET

Closing the site down for a day seems absolutely appropriate to me. I went to my first ever con so I could see ASH. Getting to thank him for playing such a great librarian was an unexpected bonus.
Like so many, Giles coming back, showing up at the Magic Shop to confront Willow was one of my favourite moments on TV, ever.
I hadn't realized how much I missed Giles until he was there again.
Giles always had a life outside his job as a Watcher. He fell in love, he had a interesting past, he loved music, having, according to Oz, a great record collection. The terrible stuffy Giles we first meet never quite matched his Ripper background but it made for some lovely moments.

A certain flower, or a-a whiff of smoke can bring up experiences long forgotten. Books smell musty and-and-and rich. The knowledge gained from a computer is a - it, uh, it has no-no texture, no-no context. It's-it's there and then it's gone. If it's to last, then-then the getting of knowledge should be, uh, tangible, it should be, um, smelly.

Lioness | December 04, 05:40 CET

I'd like to second what BubulAmir noted above. ASH and the Buffyverse writers did a wonderful job of creating a character that was real, and that I really care about.

While there are a hundred great Giles moments, I think the arch that resonated most for me is Giles' quest in Season 4 to reestablish his own identity as a person — if he's not a Watcher any longer, then who is he, and what is his role? I think we all go through that process at some point in our adult lives, and Giles' search to redefine/reestablish his life's purpose was fascinating to watch.

Thanks to you all for sharing your fondest moments. I couldn't even begin to list them all, though ever since "The Body" I can never listen to "Tales of Brave Ulysses" without shedding tears, — now even more so.

(I always wondered what other treasures were in that record collection...)

[ edited by Sid the Wily Dairy Gnome on 2010-12-04 15:11 ]

Sid the Wily Dairy Gnome | December 04, 06:08 CET

If you have any complaints, send them through email instead of derailing the thread, thanks.

Caroline | December 04, 06:10 CET

Found these great Buffy/Giles fanvids on Youtube (1 and 2).

[ edited by emmy on 2010-12-04 15:24 ]

emmy | December 04, 06:21 CET

I submit the moment in season 6, where Giles confronts Willow about resurrecting Buffy. I can't find the exact quote, but I was really struck by how direct he was, even calling her stupid. That just floored me.

CowboyWitch | December 04, 08:14 CET

Yes, that's a great scene. I think the lines you're after are:

"You're a very stupid girl."

"...you are lucky to be alive, you rank, arrogant amateur!"

NotaViking | December 04, 08:27 CET

Yeah, that's it, NotaViking -- and then Willow practically threatens him. I'm sitting there unable to believe he'd used that kind of language against her. He'd NEVER been that cross with Willow before.

CowboyWitch | December 04, 08:30 CET

...about this Fyarl demon. Do-do I have special powers? Like setting things on fire with my sizzling eye beams?

I felt that Giles had yet another layer to his character -- the fanboy.

hann23 | December 04, 09:15 CET

First Wesley, then Ethan (still pissed his Ripper had NO response or acknowledgment of that! and will never). AND now Giles. Why are they after my Brits?! *mourns* Hands off Spike!

Many a times while watching him I said "I want one of that, please". A teacher, a father figure, a friend, a guide, a librarian ('cause I never could find my way around a library without getting lost and sidetracked) - a full-fledged bad-boy nerd in glasses and tweed.

I have more to say, but I will save it for when I feel - something *pokes numb chest*, I leave you with the quirky side of Giles that is overlooked most of the time:

"Magic? Magic's all balderdash and chicanery. I'm afraid we don't know a bloody thing. Except I seem to be British, don't I? And a man. With glasses. Well, that narrows it down considerably."

(re: Xander) "He kept poking me with his hook. I sent him over to charmed objects. With any luck, he'll poke the wrong one and end up in an alternative dimension inhabited by a 50-foot Giles that squishes annoying, teeny pirates."

"You two, sit. Be quiet. We have to catch the Buffy rat."

"Ethan Rayne. You have no idea how much thrashing you is going to improve my day."

"Yes, well, if anything calamitous should happen, history suggests it will happen to one of us."

I will miss you, Rupert Giles. *slinks away waiting for the grief to set in*

Mirage | December 04, 09:17 CET

Rupert Giles, what a great character and so magnificently played by Anthony Stewart Head, integral to the success of Buffy in my opinion. So many great moments, this one from Some Assembly Required -

GILES: ... I just think it's rather odd that a nation that prides itself on its virility should feel compelled to strap on forty pounds of protective gear just in order to play rugby.

JENNY: Is this your normal strategy for a first date? Dissing my country's national pastime?

GILES: Did you just say 'date'?

JENNY: You noticed that, huh?

Ah, happy days.

silvius | December 04, 09:33 CET

Another one I just stumbled upon, in the season 5 episode "Fool For Love," when Giles explains why the Watchers' journals don't detail the Slayer's final battle.

GILES: Yes, well, the uh, the problem is after a final battle, it, uh, gets difficult to get any, uh, well, the Slayer's not -- she's rather, uh ...

BUFFY: It's okay to use the "D" word, Giles.

GILES: Dead, and hence, not very forthcoming.

BUFFY: Why didn't the Watchers keep fuller accounts of it? The journals just stop.

GILES: I suppose if they're anything like me, they just found the whole subject too ...

BUFFY: Unseemly? Damn. Love ya, but you Watchers are such prigs sometimes.

GILES: ... Painful, I was gonna say.

CowboyWitch | December 04, 09:48 CET

One of my favorite Giles moments that I don't think anyone has posted yet is from Fear Itself.

GILES: Oh, bloody hell. The inscription!

BUFFY: What's the matter?

GILES: I should have translated the Gaelic inscription under the illustration of Gachnar.

BUFFY: What's it say?

GILES: Actual size.

eddy | December 04, 10:59 CET

[ edited by harveyp93 on 2012-01-11 22:21 ]

harveyp93 | December 04, 12:44 CET

I agree with all the moments people have mentioned, great memories of a great character. I love the look he gives at the end of the last scene in 'Halloween'. All of 'A New Man'. Blindly going after Angelus in 'Passion' and his talk with Buffy at the end of 'Innocence'. His song in 'Restless', in fact his entire dream sequence ('We have to stick to the facts, Willow. I'm very busy, I have a gig myself you know.'). His return at the end of 'Two to Go' is the coolest. All of his scenes with Faith in 'No Future for You'. Now I'm sad.

redders | December 04, 13:23 CET

[deleted - see above]

[ edited by Caroline on 2010-12-04 23:46 ]

Ashley | December 04, 13:57 CET

Giles: Appears to be paranormal in origin...
Willow: How can you tell?
Giles: Well, it's so shiny...

discordia | December 04, 14:01 CET

"To forgive is an act of compassion, Buffy. It's, it's not done
because people deserve it. It's done because they need it." (One of my favourites)
But after what's happened, I wonder if this will hold with many fans!

Oh God! Giles!
I agree with everything everyone has said. Can't add any more at the moment. I'm too upset.

[ edited by Shep on 2010-12-04 23:12 ]

Shep | December 04, 14:09 CET

Our stalwart standing fast. Goodbye, Giles.

Scoffing at Gravity | December 04, 14:56 CET

I'm way behind in the comics, but I could not resist peeking with all the hoopla over this issue. So, so sorry about Giles. He's always been one of my favorite characters ever.

All of my most favorite Giles lines have been listed, but one that I always chuckle at is:

"If I want your opinion, Spike, I'll... I'll never want your opinion."

palehorse | December 04, 15:30 CET

Cordelia: "Nobody told me I was supposed to bring a gift. I was out of the loop on gifts."
Giles: "It's traditional among... um, people."

JP | December 04, 16:10 CET

The episode"Who Are You?" where Giles was distracting the police officer and screaming and waving his arms

"Damn it, man, we *have* to get inside! Our, um, uh... Our families are-are-are in there. Our, uh, mothers and-and, tiny, tiny babies!"

And also the episode in season 5 where he's standing in the Magic Shop with his qizard hat on with the most adorable smile on his face and buffy looks at him for a while before he takes it off.

And in Passion where he cries into Buffy's arms after trying to go after Angel himself after he killed Jenny. I remember Buffy being angry at him and saying
"I can't lose you too!"

Ahh. Poor Giles, I'm really going to miss him. D: Not only that, the aftermath of his death is going to evoke some major reactions out of Willow, Xander and Buffy. obviously that's going to be hard to watch.

Slayin Days | December 04, 16:27 CET

HAHAHHAHAHAHHA. Oh dear, quarter to four in the morning and thankyou, Slayin Days! I'd forgotten that scene from 'Who Are You?' and it's absolutely priceless.

And yes it had BETTER evoke some major reactions. My fear is that since there's so much going on, it'll only get a couple pages. When really, it deserves an entire issue (as someone said up there, somewhere, a funeral). Even just burying him atop the hellmouth. I wanna see me some serious emotional carnage from Buffy, Xander, Willow, Dawn and Faith!

Caaaaarnage.
As sadistic as that sounds.

manreaction | December 04, 19:47 CET

RIP Rupert Giles
Beloved friend, father (figure) and librarian

Everyone has already mentioned the best Giles moments and it made me cry to realize one of my favorite BTVS characters is gone.
You will be missed Giles.

Ladyluck523 | December 04, 22:58 CET

I would not argue with any of the great moments other people have mentioned. What a great character played so beautifully by ASH. The show was so much richer when he was in the mix.

Oh, I did not see anyone mention, "Could it possibly get uglier? I used to be a highly respected Watcher. Now I'm a wounded dwarf with the mystical strength of a doily." Chosen

I stopped reading the comics years ago because I really did not like them in a multitude of ways. Everything I have heard since has reinforced my earlier opinion. Will they bring him back? Why not? Everybody comes back.

newcj | December 05, 00:36 CET

Giles was like everyones TV dad for 7 years and now through comics, hes an iconic buffyverse hero and great person,
he will be remembered.

R.I.P.
Rupert giles

Aedan | December 05, 03:43 CET

Giles is my favourite Buffy character :(
I can't possibly pick one moment!
RIP

Glitch_Doll | December 05, 08:48 CET

"And it'll grieve me 'cause I love you so..."

Here's one of my favorite comic moments that I don't think anyone has mentioned: "We must find Buffy, something terrible has happened!...Just kidding. Thought I'd give you a scare."

I need to reread the Retreat arc from Season 8. His minimalist but warm reunion with Buffy, their quick return to discussing strategy and ethics, his cranky face when Andrew keeps waking him up, and the baby that keeps going for his glasses.

Gah. If there's one Whedon character who was universally loved by the entire fanbase and deserved it...

Kairos | December 05, 11:02 CET

I think this is why I stopped reading S8 (ok. really it's cause my local comic shop went out of business:/ ). If I don't read it, it didn't happen. Giles is still very much alive and ass-kicking in my mind. *plugs ears* *shields eyes* Tra la la

Intrepid Reporter | December 05, 12:19 CET

Giles "... if it's guilt you're looking for, Buffy, I'm not your man. All you will get from me is, is my support. And my respect. "

Buffy just lost her father. :'(

7lovelyangel | December 05, 12:40 CET

I want Giles to be alive and kicking in my head, but because I followed the comics (even while not really enjoying them) I can't unknow what I know, you know?
I need a brain squeegee or a mental scrub.

luv4whedon | December 05, 13:46 CET

I offer up my own Buffy and Giles vid. I made it a few months ago, so it wasn't made as a memorial, but now it feel like one.

Here.

racheltng | December 05, 15:23 CET

I'm rewatching "Welcome the Hellmouth," it's the closest I have to a squeegee. It's more like an awkwardness-based time machine though. S1 Giles has not been corrupted nearly enough by Buffy's influence yet. :)

Sunfire | December 05, 16:11 CET

Love early Giles.

"You've enslaved yourself to this, this... cult?"

Kaan | December 05, 17:03 CET

[deleted - see below]

[ edited by Caroline on 2010-12-06 10:48 ]

Xane | December 05, 17:06 CET

Only their second conversation ever, and already--

Giles: Like werewolves, zombies, succubi, incubi ... everything you ever dreaded was under your bed and told yourself couldn't be by the light of day. They're all real!
Buffy: What, did you send away for the Time Life Series?
Giles: Uh ... yes.
Buffy: Did you get the phone?
Giles: The calendar.

Sunfire | December 05, 17:07 CET

[deleted - see below]

[ edited by Caroline on 2010-12-06 10:46 ]

Highlander | December 05, 18:32 CET

[deleted - see below]

[ edited by Caroline on 2010-12-06 10:45 ]

luv4whedon | December 05, 22:43 CET

Highlander--

Sorry to disappoint you, but Caprica has been officially canceled.

No one has yet mentioned one of my fave Giles moments. In Dead Man's Party, when telling Snyder to allow Buffy to come back to school, Snyder says, "Sorry, I'm not convinced." And Giles slams him against the wall and says, "Do you want me to convince you?" So many things ASH (and therefore Giles) was able to convey in that simple line reading. Very, very cool.

guidedby | December 05, 23:08 CET

[deleted - see below]

[ edited by Caroline on 2010-12-06 10:46 ]

Shey | December 06, 00:59 CET

This is a supposed to be a celebratory thread - not a 'let's discuss the validity of the comics and my issues with them' thread.

Caroline | December 06, 01:44 CET

I dont know if I can post a link here but I really like this video of Buffy and Giles and their relationship

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgyDmWjbOXU&feature=related

I miss Giles :'(

warmdeliciouscookieme | December 06, 02:18 CET

So many, so many....(edited cos I couldn't remember the exact wording for the one from 'Family' but decided to use it anyway)

"That's why you're always cleaning your glasses? So you can't see what we're doing?"
"Tell no-one."

"Because it is your destiny. And because I just bought twenty coco-rific candy bars."

"If it's guilt you're looking for, Buffy, I'm not your man. All you will get from me is my support. And my respect."

"I trust I gave good squirm..."

"You're in a magic shop and you can't think what to buy for Tara. I believe you're all profoundly stupid."
"We don't want to get her a crystal ball."
"You'd bloody well better not - I just got mine wrapped."

"Wait a minute, you think I'm evil because I took a group of girls on a camping trip and didn't touch them?!"

"There was no spell, Willow."

[ edited by 171Oak on 2010-12-06 12:57 ]

171Oak | December 06, 03:53 CET

Apologies, Caroline. I don't know if what I said sparked off a comic validity discussion after I had left (I didn't see either of the two later posts before they were deleted) but just so it's clear, I've got absolutely no issues with the comics or the events within as far as validity is concerned. What I said was just my way of expressing the denial of the loss of an old friend, I suppose. Sorry if it was taken as anything else.

Oh, and I realise that, guidedby. Caprica's fairly obviously not coming back. Just more denial of a loss that should never have happened. ;)

Anyway, back to the celebrating! Anyone for a nice cup of tea? :)

Highlander | December 06, 03:56 CET

I guess you know that something touches you when you feel compelled to write amateur poetry...

The world is spinning. Again.
Should I take it as a sign?
The call, a flailing vision.
My hard refuge, the passing forced.
Here is the shitful ending;
Undone, unsaid, untimed. I-
I loved you... Watcher mine.

“Watcher Mine” © 2010

ETA: Buffy's POV

[ edited by BreathesStory on 2010-12-06 21:01 ]

BreathesStory | December 06, 04:57 CET

Sorry

luv4whedon | December 06, 09:33 CET

Only got my issue yesterday, so I'm very late to the wake, but I would like to join in as well. Of course, I'm absolutely positive that all of my favorite Giles moments have been said, but oh well.

Giles laughing at Xander's horrible moon pie joke.

"Damn it, man, we HAVE to get inside! Our, um, uh... Our families are-are-are in there. Our, uh, mothers and-and, tiny, tiny babies!" The way he says "tiny, tiny babies" has never not made me laugh out loud.

"I'd like to test that theory."

And, in one of the most beautiful lines of dialogue in the whole series. From Innocence:

"Do you want me to wag my finger at you and tell you, you acted rashly? You did, and I can. But I know you loved him, and he has proven more than once that he loved you. You couldn't have known what would happen. The coming months are going to be very hard - I suspect on all of us. But if you're looking for guilt, Buffy, I'm not your man. All you will have from me is my support... and my respect."

God. Just reading that makes me tear up. He was such a great man. He will be missed.

RIP Rupert

Giles_314 | December 06, 10:18 CET

Buffy: Every now and then people surprise you.
Giles: Every now and then...

RIPper, dear Giles.

Willowy | December 06, 10:23 CET

December 03 2010