You know, the numerous consent issues in BtVS have been noted before. However, one of the creepiest ones for me usually gets overlooked. Maybe because it's in Go Fish, one of the more lackluster and memorable episodes of the series.

The Evil Coach throws Buffy into the sewer where she's surrounded by the fish monsters (former swim team members).

Buffy: So, what, you're just gonna feed me to 'em?

Coach Marin: Oh, they've already had their dinner. But boys have other needs.

Dude, the climax of the plot involves Buffy being offered up to be gang-raped by fish monsters! Seriously!

Obviously, the episode is about school sports and the entitlement and ensuing violence (sexual and otherwise) that can come with it (and they hammer this theme home with a jackhammer). But Buffy's line in the next scene with her kinda makes it even more squicky.

Buffy: Great. This is just what my reputation needs: that I did it with the entire swim team.

With the threat of rape, Buffy's jokes about becoming the school slut as a result. Of rape.

This kinda hit home for me because I had just read Fast Girls: Teenage Tribes And The Myth Of The Slut which deals with that very "took on the entire sports team" myth and how the slut label is often correlated with sexual assault.

Of course, I think the episode delves into this area intentionally, so this isn't a case of fail or anything. I just find it interesting that the attempted gang-rape of Buffy by a bunch of fish monsters is not commented on much at all. I found that scene incredibly disturbing the first time I watched it...and every subsequent time.

Okay, and that's my random bit o' BtVS thoughts for the day. I'm gonna go back to studying now.