The Cult of the Cool Mac: Made with 100% USDA real meat!

A lot of my friends are nuts over "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Well... a lot of my friends are just plain nuts. I watched the show and appreciate it, but overall I'm not a fan.

There are, however, episodes of "Buffy" that touch upon a substantive Jungian or literary core. I can see how people would treasure it, as those characteristics are very rare and special in television-land.

I wouldn't bring this up -- ever -- except that one of my friends has been having romance problems and season 5, episode 10 reveals insight that I hold akin to a Platonic higher truth that is relevant to recent episodes in her love life.

I request that you disregard the vampire, slaying and military references in the piece as they are entirely irrelevant. Here are the scenes without further comment:

Xander: Take this, for instance. You don't wanna deal, so you hide? It's not very Slayer-like.
Buffy: Just leave me alone, Xander. You have no idea what's going on.
Xander: No? Good, so you and Riley aren't imploding? (Buffy turns to him in surprise) It doesn't take a genius. What I can't figure out is how you never saw it coming.
Buffy: What? Who told you?
Xander Nobody told me anything, Buffy. It was right in front of my Xander face. The guy would do anything for you.
Buffy: The guy got himself bit by a vampire! He lied to me! He ran around behind my back and almost got himself killed! And now he tells me that he's leaving with some covert military operation at midnight unless I convince him not to. Now tell me that you understand. Because I sure as hell don't.
Xander You gonna let him go?
Buffy: It's not my decision to make.
Xander Of course it is.
Buffy: Well, it's not fair!
Xander Who cares if it's fair? In about twenty minutes, Riley's gonna disappear, maybe forever, unless you do something to stop him.
Buffy: What am I supposed to do? Beg him to stay?
Xander Why wouldn't you? To keep Riley here you—
Buffy: I don't even know who he is anymore! I mean, I thought he was... dependable.
Xander Dependable? What is he, State Farm?
Buffy: You know what I mean.
Xander Yeah. I think you mean convenient. I think you took it for granted that he was gonna show up when you wanted him to, and take off when you didn't.
Buffy: Look who's talking. Look who has Anya following him around like a lovesick puppy.
Xander Oh boy, is this not about me.
Buffy: Is she more than a convenience? 'Cause that would kinda be a surprise!
Xander (angry) If you don't wanna hear what I have to say, I'll shut up right now.
Buffy: Good, 'cause I don't.
Xander I lied. See, what I think, you got burned with Angel, then Riley shows up.
Buffy: I know the story, Xander.
Xander But you missed the point. You shut down, Buffy. And you've been treating Riley like the rebound guy. When he's the one that comes along once in a lifetime. He's never held back with you. He's risked everything. And you're about to let him fly because you don't like ultimatums? If he's not the guy, if what he needs from you just isn't there, let him go. Break his heart, and make it a clean break. But if you really think you can love this guy... I'm talking scary, messy, no-emotions-barred need... if you're ready for that... then think about what you're about to lose.
Buffy: Xander...
Xander: Run. (Buffy runs)
...
Xander (to Anya): I've gotta say something, 'cause I don't think I've made it clear. I'm in love with you. Powerfully, painfully in love. The things you do, the way you think, the way you move... I get excited every time I'm about to see you. You make me feel like I've never felt before in my life. Like a man. I just thought you might wanna know.