- J. O. Y. F. F. A -

Season Overviews

The in-depth episode guides are all very well, but our JOYFFA operatives thought it might be useful to provide a more concise review of Joyce's character development and growing chic style for each season.

Season: One

Number of episodes featuring Joyce: 7 of 12.

Joyce's growth as a person:
In many ways, season one set the benchmarks for Joyce's character, introduced as she was as a caring but clueless mother, ever able to say exactly what's going on but not ever realising it. She wasn't completely wimpish though: her dry wit was also first in evidence as she gently mocked Buffy during all her daughter's teenage crises.

Having said that, the character was subtlety different from the Joyce of later seasons too - much less confident at her parenting skills and much more reliant on books that told her what to do. This nervousness was diminished as the season progressed so that by Propehcy Girl, Joyce had more or less become the character that we know and love.

She was also first used in this season as a way of the Big Bads getting to Buffy - the Slayer's soft underbelly, you might say.

Joyce was therefore established as an important but not critical part of the Buffy cast, always there, fussing, in the background, but never in the loop about what Buffy did or what she faced. She represented 'normal', even though Sunnydale was anything but.

Amour pour Joyce: Sadly none. Joyce is still smarting from her divorce, and, as we learned in Fear Itself, she hardly made a friend in this season let alone get herself a significant other.

Seasonal Sunnydale style: The highlight of the season was Joyce's purple outfit in The Witch, and the lowlight her woeful blouse in the first scene in which she appeared. The trademark silver jewellery and subdued colouring were introduced, although she did have a wide variety of colours and styles. So a competent if not outstanding season.

Bouffantwatch: Her hair in season one is shorter and much more restrained than we became used to in later years, but not unpleasantly so. It has become looser by the season's end.

Joyce's best episode: The standout episode from the season is Angel. A quintessential Joyce appearance with motherly charm, wry humour, mortal danger and iron denial. It defined Joyce for many episodes to come.

Joyce's best line:

It has to be Joyce telling Buffy about her freshman prom at college in Prophecy Girl:

Buffy: Then what happened?
Joyce: I met your father.
Buffy: He didn't have a date either?
Joyce: He did. And that's a much funnier story that you will *not* get to hear.

Overall rating:

Season: Two

Number of episodes featuring Joyce: 12 of 22.

Joyce's growth as a person:
Many Buffy connoisseurs regard Season 2 as the pinnacle of the series, and for Joyce is certainly provided several of her greatest episodes.

The sheer range of her roles in the season was perhaps the key to its greatness, for although she didn't find out about Buffy's Slayerhood until it was tragically too late to be able to understand and accept properly, somehow Joyce usually ended up in the middle of things anyway.

Early in the season she got to be battle!Joyce and defeated Spike, conqueror of two Slayers, with a fire axe. Later she was Stepford!Joyce with her undying, drug-fuelled devotion to Ted. Then she was drone!Joyce helping the Bezoar build its nest, prophecy!Joyce in Surprise, mom!Joyce in Innocence, and minx!Joyce trying to seduce Xander.

And, just as it seemed they had exhausted the comedy potential of the character, the writers made a stunning change of direction and placed Joyce at the centre of two of the most emotionally shattering episodes of the series, let alone the season. In both Passion and Becoming she had magnificent scenes with Buffy as the relationship between the two was changed forever, and it proved that Joyce could be so much more than comedy relief.

The naivety of Joyce could be irksome at times, but in finally collapsing the walls of denial - about Buffy the woman as much as Buffy the slayer - in the way they did, the writers allowed Joyce's character to grow almost as much as her daughter's. For that, Season 2 deserved its reputation.

Amour pour Joyce: Poor, poor Joyce. Her sole official romantic liaison was dangerous to say the least. Ted, computer salesman and Bufficidal robot drugged her up to keep her happy and attempted to kill her daughter just to keep her. Strangely this affair sort of dented Joyce's confidence with affairs of the heart. It was only under the influence of magic that she was able to try again, this time with Xander, but she turned murderous herself when her approaches were, er, rebuffed. However, we did see that's she's quite the accomplished flirt...

Seasonal Sunnydale style:
Even Joyce's wardrobe was great in this season, in particular her killer outfit at the parent/teacher night (even earning the compliments of style guru Cordelia) to her lovely Japanese-style dress when dating Ted, and the burgundy dress worn in Buffy's Surprise dream.

There were no outstanding fashion faux pas, but she did look like a drowned rat in Inca Mummy Girl . Her tradition of long necklaces was also begun in this season.

Bouffantwatch: The glorious bouffant that is Joyce's trademark came into its own in Season 2, although at times (especially Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered) it could get wildly out of control. Generally, the hair was good, if not better.

Joyce's best episode: There were about 5 great Joyce episodes in season 2, but both Passion and Becoming, Part 2 were such leaps in Joyce's character development that both have to be considered must-sees for fans of Joyce, and I couldn't choose between them.

Joyce's best line:

She's wearing a great outfit, and she gets to kick some vampiric booty. Who can blame Joyce for putting so much passion into "Now you get the Hell away from my daughter!" when attacking Spike in School Hard?

Overall rating:

Season: Three

Number of episodes featuring Joyce: 15 of 22.

Joyce's growth as a person:
In many ways Season 3 was a triumph for Joyce. She appeared in almost three-quarters of the episodes, and in at least two of those were central to the plot, something perhaps some of the characters that appeared in the credits couldn't claim. However, in terms of character development and classic scenes, it still seems that Season 2 has the edge.

There is still much to commend; the comedy brought to us in Band Candy and Gingerbread (and to a lesser extent Earshot) was just priceless, and both were excellent ways for Joyce to be seen in more than a merely maternal role. In particular Band Candy was significant in being only the second time Joyce has any sort of love interest.

She also did have her fair share of drama, Dead Man's Party and Helpless (in the latter being captured by a vampire again) probably being the best examples.

However, in too many of the episodes Joyce was merely filler, there for a quick scene then gone, and thus her character's potential was criminally wasted. In particular, the shocking exclusion of Joyce from the season finale was unforgivable (for us anyway), when Joyce really could have been so much a part of the battle against the Mayor. Hell, everyone else was!

Therefore, despite the increased screentime, season three did not quite manage to better season two for Joyce, but still remains a great watch.

Amour pour Joyce:
Well, we all know about Joyce's candy-induced fling with Giles - resulting in a passionate coupling on the hood of a police car. And then another one! However, what message does it send out when all of Joyce's romantic liaisons are in some way related to her being drugged up?

Also (scandalously) it did seem that Pat from the book club was perhaps closer to Joyce than Buffy realised...

Seasonal Sunnydale style:
Brown and beige seemed to be the themes of Joyce's wardrobe this year; perhaps she'd seen Sally Jesse telling America brown was the new black. In any case, there were fewer standout fashion choices than last season: the fur collared teenage!Joyce outfit probably the greatest, along with her Chritsmassy red velvet ensemble. The worst was her red and orange clothing in Dead Man's Party.

Bouffantwatch: Not really the best time for her hair, either. Much of the time it did seem a little out of control and only a few times was the mane tamed to something more becoming.

Joyce's best episode: For the sheer fun of it, Band Candy. Apart from anything else, Joyce gets into Giles' tweed underpants, the minx.

Joyce's best line:

Her monologue in Gingerbread is almost Martin Luther King-like in its passion: "I was supposed to lead us in a moment of silence but silence is this town's disease. For too long we've been plagued by unnatural evils. This isn't our town any more. It belongs to the monsters and the witches and slayers. I say it's time for the grown-ups to take Sunnydale back."

Overall rating:

Season: Four

Number of episodes featuring Joyce: 5 of 22.

Joyce's growth as a person:
Of all the seasons where she is alive this is the one to feature Joyce the least, and there are no 'classic' episodes in the mould of Passion or Band Candy. This was partially to do with the season' theme of fragmentation for Buffy, and also the fact that Kristine Sutherland had moved to Italy for much of the year.

This is still a poor use of Joyce's potential. She is still very much a safety net for Buffy even if no longer a constant support, but is painted as a rather pathetic person who lived only for her daughter it seems. The only redeeming features were her excellent scenes with Faith in This Year's Girl and the return to the fold in Restless, with her stunning Mrs. Robinson-esque appearance.

Nevertheless, this is hardly Joyce's finest hour.

Amour pour Joyce: Technically no-one, but if Xander's dream is to be believed, the Zeppo carries something of a flame for Mrs. Summers, and this saved her from having another barren year.

Seasonal Sunnydale style:
That robe. One of the defining images of season four as a whole was Joyce in a slinky red number, heaving bosoms quivering at Xander. Otherwise, there was little to commend in her sartorial choices this year.

Bouffantwatch: The bouffant was trimmed, and had become much more manageable and attractive. In particular, her hair in Xander's dream was stunning, and the benchmark by which all her other bouffants will evermore be set.

Joyce's best episode: Restless, for all the reasons discussed above.

Joyce's best line:

From Fear, Itself we did learn that Joyce's remarkable powers for repression were lifting a little - Joyce is talking about her relationships with Buffy: "I'm still a little gun shy. It certainly didn't help that my last boyfriend turned out to be a homicidal robot."

Overall rating:

Season: Five

Number of episodes featuring Joyce: 17 of 22.

Joyce's growth as a person:
First it was famine, and then it was flood. After a paltry 5 appearances in season 4, Joyce gets to appear in her highest number of episodes in one season yet.

The introduction of Dawn allowed Joyce to revisit some of the more maternal aspects of her character, though she is by now a far more accomplished mother than the slightly flaky version of season 1. However, just as we have settled into the routine of Joyce-as-mom once more, our world is rocked by the news that Joyce is dreadfully ill. In a storyline that extends across half the season, we witness Joyce's deteriorating health, and eventual recovery. It gave us a chance to see a range of emotion from Joyce so far denied to us by a lack of proper screentime, and some of the best moments of the season.

In its climax, it gave us the most emotionally shattering episode the series has produced so far - and probably ever will. Joyce's death was handled beautifully, fully exposing how much of a part of the Scoobies she truly was, and how much she meant to all the characters. The paradox about Joyce is that she was a more rounded character through her death than she ever was in life.

Season 5 gave Joyce some wonderful character development whilst staying true to the Joyce we knew and loved from before. It gave her humour as well as angst, she was shown to be an integral part of the Scoobies, and she was one of the very few who knew about Dawn's true origins in the earlier part of the season. Although it was crushing to see her go, season 5 was a most fitting send off.

Amour pour Joyce: With the illness dominating her life, it was understandable that Joyce had a limited scope for romance. However, she managed to go on one last date with the never-seen Brian before her death. She was robbed of more time with him, but left us with one perfect evening, and gave her the first man who didn't break her heart.

Seasonal Sunnydale style:
In a shock move, colour found its way in Joyce's wardrobe, the highlights being her gorgeous green combo in Blood Ties and her date dress in I Was Made To Love You. Better not mention the leopard print monstrosity in Real Me, though.

Bouffantwatch: Though the perfection of Restless couldn't again be achieved, Joyce nevertheless managed to keep her glorious locks looking wondrous for most of the season, and we were treated to her 80's 'do in the flashback during Weight of the World.

Joyce's best episode: Hands down, it's The Body. Sheer magnificence and it's all about Joyce.

Joyce's best line:

There's something quintessentially Joyce about her hysterically lame anecdote in Crush: " . . . so they thought that it was another order form, so now I've got two shipments of Greek amphorae on my hands!"

Overall rating:

Season: Six

Number of episodes featuring Joyce: 1 of 22.

Joyce's growth as a person:
It's only one episode, but considering Joyce's death in the previous season, any appearance at all is pretty impressive. And, just when you thought she'd be confined to flashbacks or dream sequences she appears very much alive in an alternate reality. Neat.

Joyous though her return is, it's actually a pretty upsetting role, and, as in Weight of the World, Joyce is there to cause Buffy pain. This being the Whedonverse, dead people don't come back as Fairy Godmothers, and it's was always unlikely we'd ever see Joyce in a truly benevolent role again. Yep, any return tears before bedtime for Buffy, Dawn or both. That was her character's role: but considering she'd snuffed it we should be grateful she had one at all.

Amour pour Joyce: Joyce is back with Hank here, although it's not really the most romantic of settings. Still, at least she has a partner who's not a psychotic robot and she isn't on drugs (probably).

Seasonal Sunnydale style:
Everything is, deliberately, pale and colourless as part to the uncomfortable setting and atmosphere of the asylum. Not horrible, but not a highlight either.

Bouffantwatch: Actually not too bad a 'do. It falls nicely about her face, proving that even at a time of stress Joyce has time for her hair.

Joyce's best episode: Well, we're kinda limited here. Predictably enough, it's Normal Again.

Joyce's best line:

Who can fail to be moved by Joyce's pleas for Buffy to succeed in rejecting Sunnydale? "You've got a world of strength in your heart. I know you do. You just have to find it again. Believe in yourself."

Overall rating:

Season: Seven

Number of episodes featuring Joyce: 2 of 22.

Joyce's growth as a person:
Technically, we didn't see Joyce at all this season. What we did see was the dastardly First Evil twice taking on the guise of the blessed Joyce in order to confuse, upset and generally irk both Dawn and Buffy.

Not that this was clear until later: at first we thought we were being presented with Higher Being Joyce, descending from upon high to warn Dawn of danger - although considering how that one turned out for Cordelia we should have smelt a rat.

It was a clever move though, as there was few other people with that sort of emotional impact for either character. Which makes it exceedingly annoying the writers didn't get Evil!Joyce back for the series finale, when she could have caused so much havoc. Damn them!

Amour pour Joyce: Evil!Joyce was too busy being, er, evil, to have time for romance.

Seasonal Sunnydale style:
Sure, she was evil - but Higher Being Joyce was possibly the best-dressed version of Joyce ever. She looked utterly transcendant and literally glowed with power. Such a shame it wasn't really some sort of avenging archangel version of Joyce, who could come down to help Buffy smite the baddies.

Bouffantwatch: Higher Being Joyce's hair almost matches the perfection of Restless, but then it did have the help of really great backlighting.

Joyce's best episode: Conversations With Dead People, because she was scary, fabulous and beautiful.

Joyce's best line:

Not-Joyce tries to warn her daughter: "Buffy, evil isn't coming, it's already here. Evil is always here. Don't you know? It's everywhere."

Overall rating:

Complete Joyce episode list.

main page . updates . archive . beta readers . on writing joyce
justjoyce . submit . tribute . kristine . the gallery . episode guides
links . link to us . joyned up ring . affiliates & cliques . awards . contact us

Season:	One
Number of episodes featuring Joyce:	7 of 12.
Joyce's growth as a person:	In many ways, season one set the benchmarks for Joyce's character, introduced as she was as a caring but clueless mother, ever able to say exactly what's going on but not ever realising it. She wasn't completely wimpish though: her dry wit was also first in evidence as she gently mocked Buffy during all her daughter's teenage crises. Having said that, the character was subtlety different from the Joyce of later seasons too - much less confident at her parenting skills and much more reliant on books that told her what to do. This nervousness was diminished as the season progressed so that by Propehcy Girl, Joyce had more or less become the character that we know and love. She was also first used in this season as a way of the Big Bads getting to Buffy - the Slayer's soft underbelly, you might say. Joyce was therefore established as an important but not critical part of the Buffy cast, always there, fussing, in the background, but never in the loop about what Buffy did or what she faced. She represented 'normal', even though Sunnydale was anything but.
Amour pour Joyce:	Sadly none. Joyce is still smarting from her divorce, and, as we learned in Fear Itself, she hardly made a friend in this season let alone get herself a significant other.
Seasonal Sunnydale style:	The highlight of the season was Joyce's purple outfit in The Witch, and the lowlight her woeful blouse in the first scene in which she appeared. The trademark silver jewellery and subdued colouring were introduced, although she did have a wide variety of colours and styles. So a competent if not outstanding season.
Bouffantwatch:	Her hair in season one is shorter and much more restrained than we became used to in later years, but not unpleasantly so. It has become looser by the season's end.
Joyce's best episode:	The standout episode from the season is Angel. A quintessential Joyce appearance with motherly charm, wry humour, mortal danger and iron denial. It defined Joyce for many episodes to come.
Joyce's best line:	It has to be Joyce telling Buffy about her freshman prom at college in Prophecy Girl: Buffy: Then what happened? Joyce: I met your father. Buffy: He didn't have a date either? Joyce: He did. And that's a much funnier story that you will not get to hear.
Overall rating:

Season:	Two
Number of episodes featuring Joyce:	12 of 22.
Joyce's growth as a person:	Many Buffy connoisseurs regard Season 2 as the pinnacle of the series, and for Joyce is certainly provided several of her greatest episodes. The sheer range of her roles in the season was perhaps the key to its greatness, for although she didn't find out about Buffy's Slayerhood until it was tragically too late to be able to understand and accept properly, somehow Joyce usually ended up in the middle of things anyway. Early in the season she got to be battle!Joyce and defeated Spike, conqueror of two Slayers, with a fire axe. Later she was Stepford!Joyce with her undying, drug-fuelled devotion to Ted. Then she was drone!Joyce helping the Bezoar build its nest, prophecy!Joyce in Surprise, mom!Joyce in Innocence, and minx!Joyce trying to seduce Xander. And, just as it seemed they had exhausted the comedy potential of the character, the writers made a stunning change of direction and placed Joyce at the centre of two of the most emotionally shattering episodes of the series, let alone the season. In both Passion and Becoming she had magnificent scenes with Buffy as the relationship between the two was changed forever, and it proved that Joyce could be so much more than comedy relief. The naivety of Joyce could be irksome at times, but in finally collapsing the walls of denial - about Buffy the woman as much as Buffy the slayer - in the way they did, the writers allowed Joyce's character to grow almost as much as her daughter's. For that, Season 2 deserved its reputation.
Amour pour Joyce:	Poor, poor Joyce. Her sole official romantic liaison was dangerous to say the least. Ted, computer salesman and Bufficidal robot drugged her up to keep her happy and attempted to kill her daughter just to keep her. Strangely this affair sort of dented Joyce's confidence with affairs of the heart. It was only under the influence of magic that she was able to try again, this time with Xander, but she turned murderous herself when her approaches were, er, rebuffed. However, we did see that's she's quite the accomplished flirt...
Seasonal Sunnydale style:	Even Joyce's wardrobe was great in this season, in particular her killer outfit at the parent/teacher night (even earning the compliments of style guru Cordelia) to her lovely Japanese-style dress when dating Ted, and the burgundy dress worn in Buffy's Surprise dream. There were no outstanding fashion faux pas, but she did look like a drowned rat in Inca Mummy Girl . Her tradition of long necklaces was also begun in this season.
Bouffantwatch:	The glorious bouffant that is Joyce's trademark came into its own in Season 2, although at times (especially Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered) it could get wildly out of control. Generally, the hair was good, if not better.
Joyce's best episode:	There were about 5 great Joyce episodes in season 2, but both Passion and Becoming, Part 2 were such leaps in Joyce's character development that both have to be considered must-sees for fans of Joyce, and I couldn't choose between them.
Joyce's best line:	She's wearing a great outfit, and she gets to kick some vampiric booty. Who can blame Joyce for putting so much passion into "Now you get the Hell away from my daughter!" when attacking Spike in School Hard?
Overall rating:

Season:	Three
Number of episodes featuring Joyce:	15 of 22.
Joyce's growth as a person:	In many ways Season 3 was a triumph for Joyce. She appeared in almost three-quarters of the episodes, and in at least two of those were central to the plot, something perhaps some of the characters that appeared in the credits couldn't claim. However, in terms of character development and classic scenes, it still seems that Season 2 has the edge. There is still much to commend; the comedy brought to us in Band Candy and Gingerbread (and to a lesser extent Earshot) was just priceless, and both were excellent ways for Joyce to be seen in more than a merely maternal role. In particular Band Candy was significant in being only the second time Joyce has any sort of love interest. She also did have her fair share of drama, Dead Man's Party and Helpless (in the latter being captured by a vampire again) probably being the best examples. However, in too many of the episodes Joyce was merely filler, there for a quick scene then gone, and thus her character's potential was criminally wasted. In particular, the shocking exclusion of Joyce from the season finale was unforgivable (for us anyway), when Joyce really could have been so much a part of the battle against the Mayor. Hell, everyone else was! Therefore, despite the increased screentime, season three did not quite manage to better season two for Joyce, but still remains a great watch.
Amour pour Joyce:	Well, we all know about Joyce's candy-induced fling with Giles - resulting in a passionate coupling on the hood of a police car. And then another one! However, what message does it send out when all of Joyce's romantic liaisons are in some way related to her being drugged up? Also (scandalously) it did seem that Pat from the book club was perhaps closer to Joyce than Buffy realised...
Seasonal Sunnydale style:	Brown and beige seemed to be the themes of Joyce's wardrobe this year; perhaps she'd seen Sally Jesse telling America brown was the new black. In any case, there were fewer standout fashion choices than last season: the fur collared teenage!Joyce outfit probably the greatest, along with her Chritsmassy red velvet ensemble. The worst was her red and orange clothing in Dead Man's Party.
Bouffantwatch:	Not really the best time for her hair, either. Much of the time it did seem a little out of control and only a few times was the mane tamed to something more becoming.
Joyce's best episode:	For the sheer fun of it, Band Candy. Apart from anything else, Joyce gets into Giles' tweed underpants, the minx.
Joyce's best line:	Her monologue in Gingerbread is almost Martin Luther King-like in its passion: "I was supposed to lead us in a moment of silence but silence is this town's disease. For too long we've been plagued by unnatural evils. This isn't our town any more. It belongs to the monsters and the witches and slayers. I say it's time for the grown-ups to take Sunnydale back."
Overall rating:

Season:	Four
Number of episodes featuring Joyce:	5 of 22.
Joyce's growth as a person:	Of all the seasons where she is alive this is the one to feature Joyce the least, and there are no 'classic' episodes in the mould of Passion or Band Candy. This was partially to do with the season' theme of fragmentation for Buffy, and also the fact that Kristine Sutherland had moved to Italy for much of the year. This is still a poor use of Joyce's potential. She is still very much a safety net for Buffy even if no longer a constant support, but is painted as a rather pathetic person who lived only for her daughter it seems. The only redeeming features were her excellent scenes with Faith in This Year's Girl and the return to the fold in Restless, with her stunning Mrs. Robinson-esque appearance. Nevertheless, this is hardly Joyce's finest hour.
Amour pour Joyce:	Technically no-one, but if Xander's dream is to be believed, the Zeppo carries something of a flame for Mrs. Summers, and this saved her from having another barren year.
Seasonal Sunnydale style:	That robe. One of the defining images of season four as a whole was Joyce in a slinky red number, heaving bosoms quivering at Xander. Otherwise, there was little to commend in her sartorial choices this year.
Bouffantwatch:	The bouffant was trimmed, and had become much more manageable and attractive. In particular, her hair in Xander's dream was stunning, and the benchmark by which all her other bouffants will evermore be set.
Joyce's best episode:	Restless, for all the reasons discussed above.
Joyce's best line:	From Fear, Itself we did learn that Joyce's remarkable powers for repression were lifting a little - Joyce is talking about her relationships with Buffy: "I'm still a little gun shy. It certainly didn't help that my last boyfriend turned out to be a homicidal robot."
Overall rating:

Season:	Five
Number of episodes featuring Joyce:	17 of 22.
Joyce's growth as a person:	First it was famine, and then it was flood. After a paltry 5 appearances in season 4, Joyce gets to appear in her highest number of episodes in one season yet. The introduction of Dawn allowed Joyce to revisit some of the more maternal aspects of her character, though she is by now a far more accomplished mother than the slightly flaky version of season 1. However, just as we have settled into the routine of Joyce-as-mom once more, our world is rocked by the news that Joyce is dreadfully ill. In a storyline that extends across half the season, we witness Joyce's deteriorating health, and eventual recovery. It gave us a chance to see a range of emotion from Joyce so far denied to us by a lack of proper screentime, and some of the best moments of the season. In its climax, it gave us the most emotionally shattering episode the series has produced so far - and probably ever will. Joyce's death was handled beautifully, fully exposing how much of a part of the Scoobies she truly was, and how much she meant to all the characters. The paradox about Joyce is that she was a more rounded character through her death than she ever was in life. Season 5 gave Joyce some wonderful character development whilst staying true to the Joyce we knew and loved from before. It gave her humour as well as angst, she was shown to be an integral part of the Scoobies, and she was one of the very few who knew about Dawn's true origins in the earlier part of the season. Although it was crushing to see her go, season 5 was a most fitting send off.
Amour pour Joyce:	With the illness dominating her life, it was understandable that Joyce had a limited scope for romance. However, she managed to go on one last date with the never-seen Brian before her death. She was robbed of more time with him, but left us with one perfect evening, and gave her the first man who didn't break her heart.
Seasonal Sunnydale style:	In a shock move, colour found its way in Joyce's wardrobe, the highlights being her gorgeous green combo in Blood Ties and her date dress in I Was Made To Love You. Better not mention the leopard print monstrosity in Real Me, though.
Bouffantwatch:	Though the perfection of Restless couldn't again be achieved, Joyce nevertheless managed to keep her glorious locks looking wondrous for most of the season, and we were treated to her 80's 'do in the flashback during Weight of the World.
Joyce's best episode:	Hands down, it's The Body. Sheer magnificence and it's all about Joyce.
Joyce's best line:	There's something quintessentially Joyce about her hysterically lame anecdote in Crush: " . . . so they thought that it was another order form, so now I've got two shipments of Greek amphorae on my hands!"
Overall rating:

Season:	Six
Number of episodes featuring Joyce:	1 of 22.
Joyce's growth as a person:	It's only one episode, but considering Joyce's death in the previous season, any appearance at all is pretty impressive. And, just when you thought she'd be confined to flashbacks or dream sequences she appears very much alive in an alternate reality. Neat. Joyous though her return is, it's actually a pretty upsetting role, and, as in Weight of the World, Joyce is there to cause Buffy pain. This being the Whedonverse, dead people don't come back as Fairy Godmothers, and it's was always unlikely we'd ever see Joyce in a truly benevolent role again. Yep, any return tears before bedtime for Buffy, Dawn or both. That was her character's role: but considering she'd snuffed it we should be grateful she had one at all.
Amour pour Joyce:	Joyce is back with Hank here, although it's not really the most romantic of settings. Still, at least she has a partner who's not a psychotic robot and she isn't on drugs (probably).
Seasonal Sunnydale style:	Everything is, deliberately, pale and colourless as part to the uncomfortable setting and atmosphere of the asylum. Not horrible, but not a highlight either.
Bouffantwatch:	Actually not too bad a 'do. It falls nicely about her face, proving that even at a time of stress Joyce has time for her hair.
Joyce's best episode:	Well, we're kinda limited here. Predictably enough, it's Normal Again.
Joyce's best line:	Who can fail to be moved by Joyce's pleas for Buffy to succeed in rejecting Sunnydale? "You've got a world of strength in your heart. I know you do. You just have to find it again. Believe in yourself."
Overall rating:

Season:	Seven
Number of episodes featuring Joyce:	2 of 22.
Joyce's growth as a person:	Technically, we didn't see Joyce at all this season. What we did see was the dastardly First Evil twice taking on the guise of the blessed Joyce in order to confuse, upset and generally irk both Dawn and Buffy. Not that this was clear until later: at first we thought we were being presented with Higher Being Joyce, descending from upon high to warn Dawn of danger - although considering how that one turned out for Cordelia we should have smelt a rat. It was a clever move though, as there was few other people with that sort of emotional impact for either character. Which makes it exceedingly annoying the writers didn't get Evil!Joyce back for the series finale, when she could have caused so much havoc. Damn them!
Amour pour Joyce:	Evil!Joyce was too busy being, er, evil, to have time for romance.
Seasonal Sunnydale style:	Sure, she was evil - but Higher Being Joyce was possibly the best-dressed version of Joyce ever. She looked utterly transcendant and literally glowed with power. Such a shame it wasn't really some sort of avenging archangel version of Joyce, who could come down to help Buffy smite the baddies.
Bouffantwatch:	Higher Being Joyce's hair almost matches the perfection of Restless, but then it did have the help of really great backlighting.
Joyce's best episode:	Conversations With Dead People, because she was scary, fabulous and beautiful.
Joyce's best line:	Not-Joyce tries to warn her daughter: "Buffy, evil isn't coming, it's already here. Evil is always here. Don't you know? It's everywhere."
Overall rating: