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

Season Three Episode Guides

Complete episode guide by Dolores Labouchere and Faithtastic
Screen captures taken from those fabulous folks at BuffyGuide.com, A Buffy Screencaps Site and The Slayer Show (now closed).

Click here for our season three overview.

Title:

Anne - reviewed by Faithtastic

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 1

Summary:

While Buffy is away in the Big Bad City (sporting some horrid dye job on her hair), Joyce and the Scoobies fret over her whereabouts. In fact Joyce and Giles are co-ordinating the effort to find her.

It transpires that Joyce has been consumed with guilt and worry over kicking her daughter out, but not enough to prevent her from placing the blame on Giles for leading her daughter astray. Cue much Meryl Steep-like teeth gnashing angst as she accuses him of having "this whole relationship with her behind my back." Ouch.

However, when Buffy does eventually turn up on her mother's doorstep, all remorseful, Joyce immediately envelops the Whiny Princess in a hug.

Sunnydale Style:

Joyce gets a few wardrobe changes in this episode, displaying her sheer range of style, dahlink. Joyce is the true doyenne of fashion in Sunnydale.

Her first outfit is a youthful purple hooded sweater and black slacks, accessorised masterfully with a silver pendent. Later, she goes for the casual look of blue jeans and white ribbed T-shirt as she tinkers with the dishwasher.

Interaction:

Buffy, Giles.

Joyce's Best Line:

Giles: "You mustn't blame yourself for her leaving."
Joyce. "I don't… I blame you." Meeeow.

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Dead Man's Party - reviewed by Faithtastic

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 2

Summary:

A Joyce-tastic episode. The aftermath of Buffy's return and both she and her mother are finding it difficult to adjust. Meanwhile, Joyce has brought home some dodgy piece of African tribal art from the latest shipment at the gallery, ostensibly to brighten up her bedroom.

Hmm. Apparently, Joyce has become used to the silence without Buffy around. Yeah, right. We can just imagine all those swingers parties and all-night orgies Joyce hosted every week. And this Pat woman? Just *how much* was she 'looking out' for Joyce, hmm?

The Blonde One also finds time to make an appointment with Principal Snyder about re-enrolling Buffy in high school, threatening to take it to the local authorities if he doesn't reinstate her daughter.

Then there's Joyce driving her big black jeep. Grrr.

Next, Joyce arranges a dinner party for Buffy's friends that soon turns into a party, despite Joyce's insistence that her guests use the 'company' plates. In the face of gatecrashing zombies, the Summers residence is trashed, Joyce sacrifices a plant pot and produces a baseball bat to club a reanimated corpse into submission. Who knew Joyce owned such an implement?

Relationshippy analysis - Joyce and Giles bond over Nigerian art. When Giles compliments the mask as being "striking," it almost seemed liked he was admiring Joyce's magnificent bouffant.

There's also the news that Joyce has joined a book club and struck up a friendship with the nosey and irritating Pat who thankfully dies brutally at the end.

Also, Joyce and Principal Snyder dislike each other intensely. Unresolved sexual tension anyone? Well… maybe not. It *is* Snyder after all, "that nasty, hard, bigoted rodent man," is Joyce's accurate assessment.

Finally, for you Xander/Joyce shippers - yes, there are some of you out there! - the caterpillar eyebrowed one nobly defends Joyce in her argument with Buffy. How does Xander know so much about Joyce's emotional state while Buffy was away? Hmm?

Sunnydale Style:

It's like a fashion show of Joyceness! She begins with a brown v-neck top and yet another pendent.

In the meeting with Snyder she dons a smart, business-like cream suit with a white top underneath.

For the party she wears a daring red button down blouse with hideous orange paisley trousers. Sorry, not even Joyce can carry that one off with dignity.

Interaction:

Buffy, Principal Snyder, Pat, Xander. Also in scenes with Willow, Oz, Cordelia, Giles and whole bunch of partying extras. Phew.

Joyce's Best Line:

Oh, there are a few choice Joyce-isms in this episode. But I think I'm going to have to plump for her eulogy to the dead cat. "Goodbye, stray cat who lost its way. We hope you find it." Is there no limit to Joyce's compassion?

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Faith, Hope and Trick - reviewed by Faithtastic

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 3

Summary:

A few significant things about Joyce's role in this episode. She has another immensely sarcastic confrontation with Principal Snyder about entrolling Buffy in school again, proving that she's willing to stand up for her daughter against arrogant bureaucrats.

Joyce also serves in increasing Buffy's hostility to Faith as the new slayer in town. She seems keen on Buffy transferring her slayer duties over to the younger girl - what with college looming for her daughter. It seems Joyce's primary concern is that Buffy should get a good education. Furthermore, Joyce approves of the new girl, catering to her every whim at dinner.

Most significantly, Joyce is understandably shocked to discover that Buffy technically died once.

Sunnydale Style:

At her meeting with Snyder, Joyce wears a smart but casual outfit of suede jacket over a purple sweater, accessorised with a chic shoulder bag. We only see her above the waist so we don't know what lower garment she wears. Hell, she could be naked for all we know.

Interaction:

Buffy, Principal Snyder and Faith.

Joyce's Best Line:

After Buffy goads Snyder about his negligence - "I think what my daughter's trying to say is: neh-neh-neh-neh-neh."

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Band Candy - reviewed by Faithtastic

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 6

Summary:

A veritable Joyce-fest and an interesting insight into Joyce's teenage self. Seems our 'Joycie' might have been a bit of a rebel. Or a wannabe bad girl anyway. This episode is a real departure for KS as she gets to play something other than the usual 'mom' stereotype. She also gets to suck face with Anthony Stewart Head - a Giles/Joyce shipper's wet dream - but more on that later...

Joyce is justifiably skeptical about Principal Snyder's enlisting of the students to sell candy bars in order to raise funds for the school band. Especially when Buffy suggests Joyce could sell the candy bars at the gallery - "Buy something Pre-Columbian, get a free cavity." We can see Joyce has had much practice in perfecting that withering look.

However, Joyce relents and agrees to take 20 bars. In this scene, Joyce also expresses her concerns about Buffy running away again in a poignant exchange when her daughter brings up the subject of taking her driving test.

Later, having lied to both her mother and Giles so that she could go and ogle nekkid Angel, Buffy returns home to find Joyce and her Watcher in cahoots. They gang up on her, sending her to bed, so that they can bond over chocolate and the stresses of being over-protective.

After Giles doesn't show up for study hall, Buffy goes over to his place and is shocked to find her mother there, allegedly for a 'summit meeting.' Yeah, right. As soon as Buffy leaves, Joyce nervously asks Giles if he thinks Buffy 'noticed anything.' Joyce then proceeds to retrieve a hidden bottle of alcohol while Giles lights up a cigarette. And so we catch our first glimpse of Delinquent!Joyce.

Still at Giles', Joyce sits cross-legged in front of his record collection. Oz wasn't the only one impressed by Giles' LPs it seems... Somewhat shockingly, we discover that Joyce knows how to illegally hook up a TV to get pay-per-view. We also get a rare treat - Joyce brushing her bountiful bouffant.

Joyce/Giles shippers must be foaming at the mouth as we see the couple walking down the street, Giles' arm around a rather foxy looking Joyce. The Blonde One is impressed by Giles' reckless behaviour when he chucks a trash can through a store window and steals a coat she has her eye on. It's not even a particularly nice coat but apparently it's very 'Juice Newton' according to Joyce. Whatever the hell that means.

After Ripper beats up a cop, Joyce thrills 'you are soooo cool. You're like Burt Reynolds." Promptly, she plucks the gum she's been enthusiastically chewing from her mouth and snogs Giles on the hood of a police car. The minx.

The couple are discovered by Buffy having another tongue sandwich outside the candy factory. The Buffmeister is understandably horrified and Joyce throws an adolescent strop when Buffy orders her to go home ("screw you!") in an amusing role-reversal.

Left alone with Snyder while Buffy and Giles go after Ethan Rayne, Quar.. eh, Snyder comes onto Joyce, asking if she's going steady with Giles. Joyce just rolls her eyes in a prima donna-esque manner and walks away.

Before heading off to the hospital, Buffy tells the group to find something to restrain Ethan Rayne with. Joyce wordlessly produces a pair of handcuffs and Buffy displays her mother's talent for repression.

Yay! Joyce helps beat the demon. Well, she protects the babies anyway which is more than she normally gets to do. She also offers to write Buffy a note so she can avoid her SATs the next day.

In the final scene, Joyce and Giles are acutely embarrassed and awkward with each other, avoiding eye contact. They are in Denial Central. Bless.

Sunnydale Style:

In the kitchen with Buffy, Joyce favours an elegant outfit of white sleeveless blouse and black pants. She rakishly wears her coral blue sweater tied across her shoulders. Tres chic.

At Giles', and for much of the episode, Joyce wears a daring ensemble: a blue t-shirt, short black skirt and black knee boots. Over the t-shirt she wears a long, sheer snakeskin print shirt thingy. She later adds to this her Juice Newton coat - a floor length black coat with feathery collar. Very Cruella De Ville.

In the final scene outside Sunnydale High, Joyce is resplendent in an all-beige ensemble of cardigan, top and pants.

Interaction:

Buffy, Giles, Principal Snyder, a policeman.

Joyce's Best Line:

Referring to her car after Buffy points out the huge dent in it: "Oh my god! What was I thinking when I bought the geek machine?"

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Lover's Walk - reviewed by Faithtastic

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 8

Summary:

In the kitchen, Joyce enthuses about the colleges that Buffy could apply to thanks to her good SAT score. She emphasises that this is Buffy's chance at having some semblance of a normal life. Joyce reveals that she and Giles have been in communication and agree that it would be possible for Faith to take over Buffy's slaying duties if she chooses to attend a college outside Sunnydale.

Later, Joyce telephones Buffy at the library in order to schedule a college talk. Clearly, Joyce is still doing the concerned parent routine and appears more excited about the prospect of Buffy going to college than the Whiny Princess herself does. During this conversation, Spike appears at the backdoor.

Amusingly, Joyce proceeds to have a compassionate chat with Spike, distraught as he is over Drusilla leaving him for a Chaos demon. She even attempts to offer him some advice, drawing on her own experience with Hank. Anyway, she makes him tea and even offers to fetch 'those little marshmallows' when Spike asks. It's certainly a moment for Joyce/Spike fans.

When Angel appears, Joyce shows some fighting spirit when she warns him to "get out of this house or I'll stake you myself". Thankfully, Buffy appears and sorts things out.

Not much for Joyce to do here really.

Sunnydale Style:

During her talk with Buffy, Joyce wears a black and white horizontally striped top of dubious taste with black pants.

Later, when Spike appears, Joyce is adorned with a white v-neck sweater, black pants again and a long necklace.

Interaction:

Buffy, Spike and Angel.

Joyce's Best Line:

Perpetually Confused Joyce strikes again. Buffy has Spike over the breakfast bar, a stake poised above his heart.

Spike: Do me now and you'll never find the little witch.
Joyce: Willow's a witch?
Spike: And Xander too.
Joyce: Wait... Xander's a witch?

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Amends - reviewed by Faithtastic

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 10

Summary:

While shopping for a Christmas tree, Joyce suggests to Buffy that they invite Faith over to spend Christmas Eve with them. Although Buffy is reluctant, Joyce cunningly and successfully guilt-trips her into changing her mind. However, Joyce quickly squashes Buffy's suggestion of inviting Giles over, and rather brusquely too.

Christmas Eve and Faith shows up on the Summers' doorstep despite her supposed alternative plans. Must have been the lure of Joyce's nog that changed her mind...

As it begins to miraculously snow in Southern California, Joyce and Faith emerge from the house in wonder. For some reason, Joyce is wearing an entirely different outfit than previously. Why? Perhaps she spilt some nog on her clothes? Maybe after some nookie with Faith, she just threw on the nearest thing?

This episode does little except to show that Joyce is as compassionate as ever. Who else would have given a second thought to poor Faith languishing all alone in her skanky motel room?

Sunnydale Style:

Firstly, Joyce wears a gorgeous outfit - a dark red velvet shirt with matching skirt and deep red top. After her curious costume change, Joyce sports a cream sweater and pants with her trademark flowery robe to ward off the chill.

Interaction:

Buffy and Faith.

Joyce's Best Line:

"So, Angel's on top again?" Joyce refers to the dilemma of whether the angel or the star should sit atop the Christmas tree. Buffy misconstrues and we wet ourselves.

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Gingerbread - reviewed by Faithtastic

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 11

Summary:

Buffy is out slaying one night when Joyce appears bearing snacks and thermos flask. This is the first instance that Joyce has embraced Buffy's slayerhood and tries to initiate some mother/daughter bonding. During the fight with a vampire, Joyce shouts encourgement from the sidelines until she recognises the vamp as Mr Sanderson, an employee of the bank.

While Buffy chases Mr Sanderson, Joyce wanders off to the swing park, her cheerleading antics going unappreciated. She discovers, to her horror, two children lying dead beside the rounabout.

At the scene of the crime, Joyce breaks down in front of Buffy, unable to contain her upset and is comforted by her daughter. Up until this point, Joyce has been fairly cosseted from the stark reality of the evil that resides in Sunnydale and the murder of the children comes as a short, sharp shock to the system.

The next day, Joyce shows up at the school cafeteria at lunchtime to speak to Buffy. She informs Buffy that's she's organised a vigil at City Hall and that the Mayor will be in attendence. Here we see another side to Joyce's character as she takes a leadership role, proactively mobilising the folks of Sunnydale.

At the vigil, Joyce and Giles have a wonderfully awakward exchange, having not seen each other since their, er, liaison in Band Candy. Of course, we know they're desperate to do it again but they're both so repressed that it would never happen. Bless. Anyway, Joyce powerfully addresses the assembled concerned citizens to rapturous applause, insisting that they can't afford to keep quiet about the demonic goings-on in Sunnydale any more. As the placards say 'Never Again!'

However, rather amusingly, Joyce's action group is named MOO - Mothers Opposed to the Occult.

Later, Joyce lays down the law with Buffy from MOO's nerve centre - her study. She tells Buffy that she is no longer allowed to associate with Willow. We catch another glimpse of Joyce's pragmatic side as she argues that Giles' books on the occult and demonology have no place being in a school library and she identifies the ultimate fruitlessness of Buffy's duty as a Slayer. Rather uncharacteristically, Joyce tactlessly dismisses Buffy's calling, pointing out that her daughter merely reacts to evil instead of preventing or stopping it.

When Buffy leaves, we discover the 'dead' children have been instructing Joyce in her vigilante agenda.

That night, Buffy and Giles gatecrash a MOO meeting. They are attacked and subdued by members of the meeting and Joyce covers Buffy's mouth with an anaesthetic soaked cloth. Again, the children tell her to do this.

At the witch trial, Joyce is rather sinister and reveals her disappointment in Buffy, exaggerated though it may be. "Since when does it matter what I want? I wanted a normal, happy daughter. Instead I got a Slayer." Meeow! Indeed, it's Joyce herself who lights the pyre. In her crazed, demon-influenced state, Joyce genuinely believes she is doing what is in Buffy's best interests.

Unfortunately we don't get to see how Joyce copes with the consequences of her actions after the situation is resolved. It's not every day you try to burn your daughter at the stake after all. Knowing Joyce, however, I think we can assume she repressed a great deal and felt immensely guilty.

Sunnydale Style:

At the swing park, Joyce wears a long black skirt, a dark top, her usual tan suede coat and a black scarf.

Arriving at the school, she favours a smart and sophisticated brown pantsuit, white t-shirt and a classy brown handbag. She wears this same outfit to the vigil.

At the MOO meeting and for the duration of the rest of the episode, she wears a hideous red/orange diaphanous flower print shirt and black pants. She accessorises with a red badge with MOO in white lettering.

Interaction:

Buffy, Giles, Sheila Rosenberg, Xander, Willow, Oz, Amy, Mayor Wilkins and a frenzied mob.

Joyce's Best Line:

Perhaps the biggest speech she's ever had, Joyce proves herself to be quite the orator. I shall quote the best bit:

"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."

Honourable mention must go to this amusing exchange, as Sheila hands Joyce the torch to light Buffy's pyre.

Joyce: This has been so trying. You've been such a champ.
Sheila: Oh, you too Joyce.
Joyce: We should stay close, have lunch.

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Helpless - reviewed by Dolores

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 12

Summary:

High drama for our favourite mom! Joyce is put in mortal danger once more. It's Buffy's 18th birthday and we Joyce is in the kitchen making dinner, because despite the strains of the gallery she's still a homemaker at heart. Buffy comes in to find that her father isn't taking her to the traditional birthday ice show. Buffy is very disappointed, and Joyce offers to go with her, but Buffy doesn't want her to. It's obviously a daddy-daughter thing.

Buffy is also suffering because she's lost her Slayer powers and in a fight with a vampire (escaped from the Watcher's Council henchmen who were keeping him captive so a weak Buffy could fight him as part of a test) loses her coat. This is significant as when we next see Joyce she's still at home, concerned when she hears a noise at the door. She opens it to see a body, covered in Buffy's coat. Is her daughter hurt? To late she gets too close and it's really the evil vampire!

Buffy comes in later to find a Polaroid of Joyce being held hostage by the vampire taped to the door with 'Come' written on it! Ooo, and such.

We then cut to where Joyce is being kept bound and gagged whilst her captor takes lots and lots of Polaroids of her. Meanwhile he informs Joyce that he's going to turn Buffy and then, when the new undead Buffy wakes up, 'yours will be the first face she eats.' Nice. Joyce looks suitably terrified.

Buffy, goes off to save her mom as you would. She wanders into a room in the building where Joyce is being held captive. The walls are completely covered in Polaroids of Joyce from every conceivable angle - where the hell did that vampire get all that film? More to the point, did Kristine Sutherland have to sit whilst all those photos were taken, or did an extra in a big wig have to do it? The people should know.

Anyway, Buffy kills the vampire by making him drink holy water, and Joyce is saved! Phew! In the episode's last scene we get one more glimpse of Joyce at Buffy's birthday party, fussing over her daughter. Awww.

Joyce really doesn't get to do much in this episode but be terrified, although she is kind of pivotal. Her last big chunk of screen time in season 3, too.

Sunnydale Style:

For cooking dinner she sports a gorgeous pale green jumper over black pants. Ever the safety and hygiene-conscious mom, she also wears a white apron with large blue checks, and, to accessorise, a trademark big necklace.

The clothes she's captured in consist of a brown cardy over a very nice black T-shirt with flowers on it. And a gag, technically.

Finally, for Buffy's party she has on a grey top. We don't see her bottom half, but given that Buffy and her friends were all there you'd imagine she'd be wearing something decorous, and not fishnets or anything like that.

Interaction:

Buffy, and Kralik (the vampire), and scenes with Giles, Xander, Willow and Oz.

Joyce's Best Line:

Joyce has very few lines in this ep, the best of which is her last. Oz wants to know how Buffy killed the vampire. Joyce answers (with a proud smile), "Oh, she was very clever. (Buffy gives her a look) Uh, you go ahead and tell it, dear. You tell it better…"

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Bad Girls - reviewed by Dolores

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 14

Summary:

A quick appearance here to help illustrate how much Buffy is on edge about her and Faith being bad. She comes down to breakfast the morning after Buffy and Faith were caught breaking and entering but then escaped police custody. She offers to make waffles but Buffy says she isn't hungry (stricken as she is with guilt). That's about it really.

Sunnydale Style:

Another robe! This one is red. Very sexy.

Interaction:

Buffy.

Joyce's Best Line:

(About the waffles) "They only don't have calories if I make them for you. Mom logic."

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Consequences - reviewed by Dolores

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 15

Summary:

Again another couple of brief appearances. Kristine must have been hanging around the studio or something. We see her first watching the television news about the murder of the Deputy Mayor. She is shocked, as any concerned citizen would be.

Later, she's even more concerned as Detective Stein interviews Buffy about the murder.

Sunnydale Style:

A rather gorgeous pair of Japanese style silk pyjamas in the first scene then a brown twinset for Buffy's grilling.

Interaction:

Buffy and Detective Stein.

Joyce's Best Line:

She has only two lines. Compassion!Joyce is clearly on show with the first, about Finch's murder: " Oh, it's just terrible, isn't it?"

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Enemies - reviewed by Dolores

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 17

Summary:

Once more Joyce is relegated to a tiny cameo, but at least this one is very amusing. She lets Angel and Faith into the Summers house when they come looking for Buffy (unaware they're both bad). Angel compliments her on her hair, and the expression on her face is priceless.

Sunnydale Style:

She's looking rather stunning anyway with a grey and black blotchy top (looks better than it sounds) over black pants (quelle surprise), and one of her pendants.

Interaction:

Angel and Faith. A rare episode in that she doesn't have any scenes with Buffy at all.

Joyce's Best Line:

Angel asks: "Say, you change your hair?", to which Joyce, fragile ego given a huge boost, modestly replies, "Highlights."

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Earshot - reviewed by Dolores

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 18

Summary:

Buffy is suddenly telepathic and can hear people's thoughts. She's put to bed whist the Scoobies try to figure out a cure, and in her first scene in this episode Joyce is caught between trying to be a mother and trying to hide the fact she was a teenager in 'Band Candy'. She doesn't succeed, and Buffy finds out Joyce has had sex (twice!) with Giles in a hilarious exchange.

It gets more serious when the strain of hearing everyone's thoughts begins to kill Buffy and we have the touching scene of Joyce, wrapped in a blanket, watching her ill daughter in the night. Awww.

The next morning she's visited by Giles, and asks him if she's hurting Buffy with her thoughts; she isn't, but only because Buffy can no longer distinguish between thoughts anyway. Just then Angel rushes in with the cure. He feeds it to Buffy as Joyce watches.

When Buffy wakes up, cured, Joyce sits down on the bed next to her and fusses. It also looks like she's stroking Angel's buttock, no doubt remembering his comment from the last episode.

The first scene is one of the funniest of the whole season, and for that alone it's a great Joyce episode. Plus we get compassionate Joyce thrown in too!

Sunnydale Style:

For the whole episode she wears an orange jumper over brown pants, later wrapped in a blanket and then a beige cardigan too. Not her finest fashion moment, but not her worst.

Interaction:

Buffy, Giles, Angel and Wesley.

Joyce's Best Line:

I can but reproduce the whole exchange:

Buffy: You had sex with Giles?!
Joyce gasps.
Buffy: YOU HAD SEX WITH GILES?!
Joyce: It was the candy! We were teenagers!
Buffy: On the hood of a police car!!!
Joyce hurries out of the room
Joyce: I'll be downstairs. You feel better.
Buffy: TWICE!!!

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Choices - reviewed by Dolores

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 19

Summary:

Just a quick scene at the beginning where Joyce finds out Buffy has been accepted to Northwestern University. She proceeds to phone distant relatives to tell them so. Joyce very much in mom mode, then.

Sunnydale Style:

She's looking rather nice in olive green pants and a lacy white twinset. And a long necklace, natch.

Interaction:

Buffy.

Joyce's Best Line:

"Ooh, you know what? Your Aunt Arlene and her family are in Illinois. I've got to call and tell them." - Joyce finds a flimsy excuse to gloat to someone.

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

The Prom - reviewed by Dolores

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 20

Summary:

Joyce, yet again, gets one scene; this time she visits Angel to tell him that he ought to consider splitting up with Buffy. She also seems to be ogling his firm, muscular body. It's a very odd appearance; there seems to be no reason for Joyce to do it - she just does.

This is perhaps symptomatic of the lack of time Joyce gets to explain her motives for anything. Personally I think she's become obsessed with Angel after he complimented her hair in 'Enemies' and she was plotting to split Angel and Buffy up so she could get him for herself. Of course, her plans were foiled when Angel moves to LA...

Anyway here her role was pivotal to the whole end of Buffy and Angel's relationship storyline (and in turn the creation of Angel's spin-off series) because she was the one who forced Angel to face up to the fact his love for Buffy was doomed.

Sunnydale Style:

There's been a running theme of 'brown' this season in Joyce's choice of clothing. In this episode it reaches its zenith in an all-brown outfit. Brown shoes, brown pantyhose, brown skirt, brown top, underneath a brown, possibly tweed, coat, accessorised with a brown handbag. The only breaks in this chestnut monotony were a short chunky orange necklace and gold dangly earrings.

Interaction:

Angel.

Joyce's Best Line:

"Because when it comes to you, Angel, she's just like any other young woman in love. You're all she can see of tomorrow. But I think we both know that there are some hard choices ahead. If she can't make them, you're gonna have to." - Joyce lays it on the line to Angel.

Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:

Graduation Day Part 1 - reviewed by Dolores

Season/Episode Number:

Season 3, Episode 21

Summary:

In the last Season 3 episode in which she appears Joyce gets - guess what? - one scene. Basically, Buffy tells her to leave town before the impending mayoral ascension. Presumably, she does.

This is basically so we don't wonder where Joyce is in the big finale. It's touching in a way, but once again leaves you irritated that Joyce doesn't get more involved in the action - she could help, dammit!

Sunnydale Style:

Her final outfit is functional, but not exactly stunning. A beige, black and white striped top and grey pants with a tan coat and, but of course, a long necklace.

Interaction:

Buffy.

Joyce's Best Line:

Joyce walks in to find Buffy packing. " What are you doing? You're running away again! (pause) And you're taking my clothes?"

Fertility Statue Rating:

Click here for our season three overview.

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Title:	Anne - reviewed by Faithtastic
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 1
Summary:	While Buffy is away in the Big Bad City (sporting some horrid dye job on her hair), Joyce and the Scoobies fret over her whereabouts. In fact Joyce and Giles are co-ordinating the effort to find her. It transpires that Joyce has been consumed with guilt and worry over kicking her daughter out, but not enough to prevent her from placing the blame on Giles for leading her daughter astray. Cue much Meryl Steep-like teeth gnashing angst as she accuses him of having "this whole relationship with her behind my back." Ouch. However, when Buffy does eventually turn up on her mother's doorstep, all remorseful, Joyce immediately envelops the Whiny Princess in a hug.
Sunnydale Style:	Joyce gets a few wardrobe changes in this episode, displaying her sheer range of style, dahlink. Joyce is the true doyenne of fashion in Sunnydale. Her first outfit is a youthful purple hooded sweater and black slacks, accessorised masterfully with a silver pendent. Later, she goes for the casual look of blue jeans and white ribbed T-shirt as she tinkers with the dishwasher.
Interaction:	Buffy, Giles.
Joyce's Best Line:	Giles: "You mustn't blame yourself for her leaving." Joyce. "I don't… I blame you." Meeeow.
Fertility Statue Rating:

Title:	Dead Man's Party - reviewed by Faithtastic
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 2
Summary:	A Joyce-tastic episode. The aftermath of Buffy's return and both she and her mother are finding it difficult to adjust. Meanwhile, Joyce has brought home some dodgy piece of African tribal art from the latest shipment at the gallery, ostensibly to brighten up her bedroom. Hmm. Apparently, Joyce has become used to the silence without Buffy around. Yeah, right. We can just imagine all those swingers parties and all-night orgies Joyce hosted every week. And this Pat woman? Just how much was she 'looking out' for Joyce, hmm? The Blonde One also finds time to make an appointment with Principal Snyder about re-enrolling Buffy in high school, threatening to take it to the local authorities if he doesn't reinstate her daughter. Then there's Joyce driving her big black jeep. Grrr. Next, Joyce arranges a dinner party for Buffy's friends that soon turns into a party, despite Joyce's insistence that her guests use the 'company' plates. In the face of gatecrashing zombies, the Summers residence is trashed, Joyce sacrifices a plant pot and produces a baseball bat to club a reanimated corpse into submission. Who knew Joyce owned such an implement? Relationshippy analysis - Joyce and Giles bond over Nigerian art. When Giles compliments the mask as being "striking," it almost seemed liked he was admiring Joyce's magnificent bouffant. There's also the news that Joyce has joined a book club and struck up a friendship with the nosey and irritating Pat who thankfully dies brutally at the end. Also, Joyce and Principal Snyder dislike each other intensely. Unresolved sexual tension anyone? Well… maybe not. It is Snyder after all, "that nasty, hard, bigoted rodent man," is Joyce's accurate assessment. Finally, for you Xander/Joyce shippers - yes, there are some of you out there! - the caterpillar eyebrowed one nobly defends Joyce in her argument with Buffy. How does Xander know so much about Joyce's emotional state while Buffy was away? Hmm?
Sunnydale Style:	It's like a fashion show of Joyceness! She begins with a brown v-neck top and yet another pendent. In the meeting with Snyder she dons a smart, business-like cream suit with a white top underneath. For the party she wears a daring red button down blouse with hideous orange paisley trousers. Sorry, not even Joyce can carry that one off with dignity.
Interaction:	Buffy, Principal Snyder, Pat, Xander. Also in scenes with Willow, Oz, Cordelia, Giles and whole bunch of partying extras. Phew.
Joyce's Best Line:	Oh, there are a few choice Joyce-isms in this episode. But I think I'm going to have to plump for her eulogy to the dead cat. "Goodbye, stray cat who lost its way. We hope you find it." Is there no limit to Joyce's compassion?
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Title:	Faith, Hope and Trick - reviewed by Faithtastic
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 3
Summary:	A few significant things about Joyce's role in this episode. She has another immensely sarcastic confrontation with Principal Snyder about entrolling Buffy in school again, proving that she's willing to stand up for her daughter against arrogant bureaucrats. Joyce also serves in increasing Buffy's hostility to Faith as the new slayer in town. She seems keen on Buffy transferring her slayer duties over to the younger girl - what with college looming for her daughter. It seems Joyce's primary concern is that Buffy should get a good education. Furthermore, Joyce approves of the new girl, catering to her every whim at dinner. Most significantly, Joyce is understandably shocked to discover that Buffy technically died once.
Sunnydale Style:	At her meeting with Snyder, Joyce wears a smart but casual outfit of suede jacket over a purple sweater, accessorised with a chic shoulder bag. We only see her above the waist so we don't know what lower garment she wears. Hell, she could be naked for all we know.
Interaction:	Buffy, Principal Snyder and Faith.
Joyce's Best Line:	After Buffy goads Snyder about his negligence - "I think what my daughter's trying to say is: neh-neh-neh-neh-neh."
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Title:	Band Candy - reviewed by Faithtastic
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 6
Summary:	A veritable Joyce-fest and an interesting insight into Joyce's teenage self. Seems our 'Joycie' might have been a bit of a rebel. Or a wannabe bad girl anyway. This episode is a real departure for KS as she gets to play something other than the usual 'mom' stereotype. She also gets to suck face with Anthony Stewart Head - a Giles/Joyce shipper's wet dream - but more on that later... Joyce is justifiably skeptical about Principal Snyder's enlisting of the students to sell candy bars in order to raise funds for the school band. Especially when Buffy suggests Joyce could sell the candy bars at the gallery - "Buy something Pre-Columbian, get a free cavity." We can see Joyce has had much practice in perfecting that withering look. However, Joyce relents and agrees to take 20 bars. In this scene, Joyce also expresses her concerns about Buffy running away again in a poignant exchange when her daughter brings up the subject of taking her driving test. Later, having lied to both her mother and Giles so that she could go and ogle nekkid Angel, Buffy returns home to find Joyce and her Watcher in cahoots. They gang up on her, sending her to bed, so that they can bond over chocolate and the stresses of being over-protective. After Giles doesn't show up for study hall, Buffy goes over to his place and is shocked to find her mother there, allegedly for a 'summit meeting.' Yeah, right. As soon as Buffy leaves, Joyce nervously asks Giles if he thinks Buffy 'noticed anything.' Joyce then proceeds to retrieve a hidden bottle of alcohol while Giles lights up a cigarette. And so we catch our first glimpse of Delinquent!Joyce. Still at Giles', Joyce sits cross-legged in front of his record collection. Oz wasn't the only one impressed by Giles' LPs it seems... Somewhat shockingly, we discover that Joyce knows how to illegally hook up a TV to get pay-per-view. We also get a rare treat - Joyce brushing her bountiful bouffant. Joyce/Giles shippers must be foaming at the mouth as we see the couple walking down the street, Giles' arm around a rather foxy looking Joyce. The Blonde One is impressed by Giles' reckless behaviour when he chucks a trash can through a store window and steals a coat she has her eye on. It's not even a particularly nice coat but apparently it's very 'Juice Newton' according to Joyce. Whatever the hell that means. After Ripper beats up a cop, Joyce thrills 'you are soooo cool. You're like Burt Reynolds." Promptly, she plucks the gum she's been enthusiastically chewing from her mouth and snogs Giles on the hood of a police car. The minx. The couple are discovered by Buffy having another tongue sandwich outside the candy factory. The Buffmeister is understandably horrified and Joyce throws an adolescent strop when Buffy orders her to go home ("screw you!") in an amusing role-reversal. Left alone with Snyder while Buffy and Giles go after Ethan Rayne, Quar.. eh, Snyder comes onto Joyce, asking if she's going steady with Giles. Joyce just rolls her eyes in a prima donna-esque manner and walks away. Before heading off to the hospital, Buffy tells the group to find something to restrain Ethan Rayne with. Joyce wordlessly produces a pair of handcuffs and Buffy displays her mother's talent for repression. Yay! Joyce helps beat the demon. Well, she protects the babies anyway which is more than she normally gets to do. She also offers to write Buffy a note so she can avoid her SATs the next day. In the final scene, Joyce and Giles are acutely embarrassed and awkward with each other, avoiding eye contact. They are in Denial Central. Bless.
Sunnydale Style:	In the kitchen with Buffy, Joyce favours an elegant outfit of white sleeveless blouse and black pants. She rakishly wears her coral blue sweater tied across her shoulders. Tres chic. At Giles', and for much of the episode, Joyce wears a daring ensemble: a blue t-shirt, short black skirt and black knee boots. Over the t-shirt she wears a long, sheer snakeskin print shirt thingy. She later adds to this her Juice Newton coat - a floor length black coat with feathery collar. Very Cruella De Ville. In the final scene outside Sunnydale High, Joyce is resplendent in an all-beige ensemble of cardigan, top and pants.
Interaction:	Buffy, Giles, Principal Snyder, a policeman.
Joyce's Best Line:	Referring to her car after Buffy points out the huge dent in it: "Oh my god! What was I thinking when I bought the geek machine?"
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Title:	Lover's Walk - reviewed by Faithtastic
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 8
Summary:	In the kitchen, Joyce enthuses about the colleges that Buffy could apply to thanks to her good SAT score. She emphasises that this is Buffy's chance at having some semblance of a normal life. Joyce reveals that she and Giles have been in communication and agree that it would be possible for Faith to take over Buffy's slaying duties if she chooses to attend a college outside Sunnydale. Later, Joyce telephones Buffy at the library in order to schedule a college talk. Clearly, Joyce is still doing the concerned parent routine and appears more excited about the prospect of Buffy going to college than the Whiny Princess herself does. During this conversation, Spike appears at the backdoor. Amusingly, Joyce proceeds to have a compassionate chat with Spike, distraught as he is over Drusilla leaving him for a Chaos demon. She even attempts to offer him some advice, drawing on her own experience with Hank. Anyway, she makes him tea and even offers to fetch 'those little marshmallows' when Spike asks. It's certainly a moment for Joyce/Spike fans. When Angel appears, Joyce shows some fighting spirit when she warns him to "get out of this house or I'll stake you myself". Thankfully, Buffy appears and sorts things out. Not much for Joyce to do here really.
Sunnydale Style:	During her talk with Buffy, Joyce wears a black and white horizontally striped top of dubious taste with black pants. Later, when Spike appears, Joyce is adorned with a white v-neck sweater, black pants again and a long necklace.
Interaction:	Buffy, Spike and Angel.
Joyce's Best Line:	Perpetually Confused Joyce strikes again. Buffy has Spike over the breakfast bar, a stake poised above his heart. Spike: Do me now and you'll never find the little witch. Joyce: Willow's a witch? Spike: And Xander too. Joyce: Wait... Xander's a witch?
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Title:	Amends - reviewed by Faithtastic
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 10
Summary:	While shopping for a Christmas tree, Joyce suggests to Buffy that they invite Faith over to spend Christmas Eve with them. Although Buffy is reluctant, Joyce cunningly and successfully guilt-trips her into changing her mind. However, Joyce quickly squashes Buffy's suggestion of inviting Giles over, and rather brusquely too. Christmas Eve and Faith shows up on the Summers' doorstep despite her supposed alternative plans. Must have been the lure of Joyce's nog that changed her mind... As it begins to miraculously snow in Southern California, Joyce and Faith emerge from the house in wonder. For some reason, Joyce is wearing an entirely different outfit than previously. Why? Perhaps she spilt some nog on her clothes? Maybe after some nookie with Faith, she just threw on the nearest thing? This episode does little except to show that Joyce is as compassionate as ever. Who else would have given a second thought to poor Faith languishing all alone in her skanky motel room?
Sunnydale Style:	Firstly, Joyce wears a gorgeous outfit - a dark red velvet shirt with matching skirt and deep red top. After her curious costume change, Joyce sports a cream sweater and pants with her trademark flowery robe to ward off the chill.
Interaction:	Buffy and Faith.
Joyce's Best Line:	"So, Angel's on top again?" Joyce refers to the dilemma of whether the angel or the star should sit atop the Christmas tree. Buffy misconstrues and we wet ourselves.
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Title:	Gingerbread - reviewed by Faithtastic
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 11
Summary:	Buffy is out slaying one night when Joyce appears bearing snacks and thermos flask. This is the first instance that Joyce has embraced Buffy's slayerhood and tries to initiate some mother/daughter bonding. During the fight with a vampire, Joyce shouts encourgement from the sidelines until she recognises the vamp as Mr Sanderson, an employee of the bank. While Buffy chases Mr Sanderson, Joyce wanders off to the swing park, her cheerleading antics going unappreciated. She discovers, to her horror, two children lying dead beside the rounabout. At the scene of the crime, Joyce breaks down in front of Buffy, unable to contain her upset and is comforted by her daughter. Up until this point, Joyce has been fairly cosseted from the stark reality of the evil that resides in Sunnydale and the murder of the children comes as a short, sharp shock to the system. The next day, Joyce shows up at the school cafeteria at lunchtime to speak to Buffy. She informs Buffy that's she's organised a vigil at City Hall and that the Mayor will be in attendence. Here we see another side to Joyce's character as she takes a leadership role, proactively mobilising the folks of Sunnydale. At the vigil, Joyce and Giles have a wonderfully awakward exchange, having not seen each other since their, er, liaison in Band Candy. Of course, we know they're desperate to do it again but they're both so repressed that it would never happen. Bless. Anyway, Joyce powerfully addresses the assembled concerned citizens to rapturous applause, insisting that they can't afford to keep quiet about the demonic goings-on in Sunnydale any more. As the placards say 'Never Again!' However, rather amusingly, Joyce's action group is named MOO - Mothers Opposed to the Occult. Later, Joyce lays down the law with Buffy from MOO's nerve centre - her study. She tells Buffy that she is no longer allowed to associate with Willow. We catch another glimpse of Joyce's pragmatic side as she argues that Giles' books on the occult and demonology have no place being in a school library and she identifies the ultimate fruitlessness of Buffy's duty as a Slayer. Rather uncharacteristically, Joyce tactlessly dismisses Buffy's calling, pointing out that her daughter merely reacts to evil instead of preventing or stopping it. When Buffy leaves, we discover the 'dead' children have been instructing Joyce in her vigilante agenda. That night, Buffy and Giles gatecrash a MOO meeting. They are attacked and subdued by members of the meeting and Joyce covers Buffy's mouth with an anaesthetic soaked cloth. Again, the children tell her to do this. At the witch trial, Joyce is rather sinister and reveals her disappointment in Buffy, exaggerated though it may be. "Since when does it matter what I want? I wanted a normal, happy daughter. Instead I got a Slayer." Meeow! Indeed, it's Joyce herself who lights the pyre. In her crazed, demon-influenced state, Joyce genuinely believes she is doing what is in Buffy's best interests. Unfortunately we don't get to see how Joyce copes with the consequences of her actions after the situation is resolved. It's not every day you try to burn your daughter at the stake after all. Knowing Joyce, however, I think we can assume she repressed a great deal and felt immensely guilty.
Sunnydale Style:	At the swing park, Joyce wears a long black skirt, a dark top, her usual tan suede coat and a black scarf. Arriving at the school, she favours a smart and sophisticated brown pantsuit, white t-shirt and a classy brown handbag. She wears this same outfit to the vigil. At the MOO meeting and for the duration of the rest of the episode, she wears a hideous red/orange diaphanous flower print shirt and black pants. She accessorises with a red badge with MOO in white lettering.
Interaction:	Buffy, Giles, Sheila Rosenberg, Xander, Willow, Oz, Amy, Mayor Wilkins and a frenzied mob.
Joyce's Best Line:	Perhaps the biggest speech she's ever had, Joyce proves herself to be quite the orator. I shall quote the best bit: "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." Honourable mention must go to this amusing exchange, as Sheila hands Joyce the torch to light Buffy's pyre. Joyce: This has been so trying. You've been such a champ. Sheila: Oh, you too Joyce. Joyce: We should stay close, have lunch.
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Title:	Helpless - reviewed by Dolores
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 12
Summary:	High drama for our favourite mom! Joyce is put in mortal danger once more. It's Buffy's 18th birthday and we Joyce is in the kitchen making dinner, because despite the strains of the gallery she's still a homemaker at heart. Buffy comes in to find that her father isn't taking her to the traditional birthday ice show. Buffy is very disappointed, and Joyce offers to go with her, but Buffy doesn't want her to. It's obviously a daddy-daughter thing. Buffy is also suffering because she's lost her Slayer powers and in a fight with a vampire (escaped from the Watcher's Council henchmen who were keeping him captive so a weak Buffy could fight him as part of a test) loses her coat. This is significant as when we next see Joyce she's still at home, concerned when she hears a noise at the door. She opens it to see a body, covered in Buffy's coat. Is her daughter hurt? To late she gets too close and it's really the evil vampire! Buffy comes in later to find a Polaroid of Joyce being held hostage by the vampire taped to the door with 'Come' written on it! Ooo, and such. We then cut to where Joyce is being kept bound and gagged whilst her captor takes lots and lots of Polaroids of her. Meanwhile he informs Joyce that he's going to turn Buffy and then, when the new undead Buffy wakes up, 'yours will be the first face she eats.' Nice. Joyce looks suitably terrified. Buffy, goes off to save her mom as you would. She wanders into a room in the building where Joyce is being held captive. The walls are completely covered in Polaroids of Joyce from every conceivable angle - where the hell did that vampire get all that film? More to the point, did Kristine Sutherland have to sit whilst all those photos were taken, or did an extra in a big wig have to do it? The people should know. Anyway, Buffy kills the vampire by making him drink holy water, and Joyce is saved! Phew! In the episode's last scene we get one more glimpse of Joyce at Buffy's birthday party, fussing over her daughter. Awww. Joyce really doesn't get to do much in this episode but be terrified, although she is kind of pivotal. Her last big chunk of screen time in season 3, too.
Sunnydale Style:	For cooking dinner she sports a gorgeous pale green jumper over black pants. Ever the safety and hygiene-conscious mom, she also wears a white apron with large blue checks, and, to accessorise, a trademark big necklace. The clothes she's captured in consist of a brown cardy over a very nice black T-shirt with flowers on it. And a gag, technically. Finally, for Buffy's party she has on a grey top. We don't see her bottom half, but given that Buffy and her friends were all there you'd imagine she'd be wearing something decorous, and not fishnets or anything like that.
Interaction:	Buffy, and Kralik (the vampire), and scenes with Giles, Xander, Willow and Oz.
Joyce's Best Line:	Joyce has very few lines in this ep, the best of which is her last. Oz wants to know how Buffy killed the vampire. Joyce answers (with a proud smile), "Oh, she was very clever. (Buffy gives her a look) Uh, you go ahead and tell it, dear. You tell it better…"
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Title:	Bad Girls - reviewed by Dolores
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 14
Summary:	A quick appearance here to help illustrate how much Buffy is on edge about her and Faith being bad. She comes down to breakfast the morning after Buffy and Faith were caught breaking and entering but then escaped police custody. She offers to make waffles but Buffy says she isn't hungry (stricken as she is with guilt). That's about it really.
Sunnydale Style:	Another robe! This one is red. Very sexy.
Interaction:	Buffy.
Joyce's Best Line:	(About the waffles) "They only don't have calories if I make them for you. Mom logic."
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Title:	Consequences - reviewed by Dolores
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 15
Summary:	Again another couple of brief appearances. Kristine must have been hanging around the studio or something. We see her first watching the television news about the murder of the Deputy Mayor. She is shocked, as any concerned citizen would be. Later, she's even more concerned as Detective Stein interviews Buffy about the murder.
Sunnydale Style:	A rather gorgeous pair of Japanese style silk pyjamas in the first scene then a brown twinset for Buffy's grilling.
Interaction:	Buffy and Detective Stein.
Joyce's Best Line:	She has only two lines. Compassion!Joyce is clearly on show with the first, about Finch's murder: " Oh, it's just terrible, isn't it?"
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Title:	Enemies - reviewed by Dolores
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 17
Summary:	Once more Joyce is relegated to a tiny cameo, but at least this one is very amusing. She lets Angel and Faith into the Summers house when they come looking for Buffy (unaware they're both bad). Angel compliments her on her hair, and the expression on her face is priceless.
Sunnydale Style:	She's looking rather stunning anyway with a grey and black blotchy top (looks better than it sounds) over black pants (quelle surprise), and one of her pendants.
Interaction:	Angel and Faith. A rare episode in that she doesn't have any scenes with Buffy at all.
Joyce's Best Line:	Angel asks: "Say, you change your hair?", to which Joyce, fragile ego given a huge boost, modestly replies, "Highlights."
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Title:	Earshot - reviewed by Dolores
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 18
Summary:	Buffy is suddenly telepathic and can hear people's thoughts. She's put to bed whist the Scoobies try to figure out a cure, and in her first scene in this episode Joyce is caught between trying to be a mother and trying to hide the fact she was a teenager in 'Band Candy'. She doesn't succeed, and Buffy finds out Joyce has had sex (twice!) with Giles in a hilarious exchange. It gets more serious when the strain of hearing everyone's thoughts begins to kill Buffy and we have the touching scene of Joyce, wrapped in a blanket, watching her ill daughter in the night. Awww. The next morning she's visited by Giles, and asks him if she's hurting Buffy with her thoughts; she isn't, but only because Buffy can no longer distinguish between thoughts anyway. Just then Angel rushes in with the cure. He feeds it to Buffy as Joyce watches. When Buffy wakes up, cured, Joyce sits down on the bed next to her and fusses. It also looks like she's stroking Angel's buttock, no doubt remembering his comment from the last episode. The first scene is one of the funniest of the whole season, and for that alone it's a great Joyce episode. Plus we get compassionate Joyce thrown in too!
Sunnydale Style:	For the whole episode she wears an orange jumper over brown pants, later wrapped in a blanket and then a beige cardigan too. Not her finest fashion moment, but not her worst.
Interaction:	Buffy, Giles, Angel and Wesley.
Joyce's Best Line:	I can but reproduce the whole exchange: Buffy: You had sex with Giles?! Joyce gasps. Buffy: YOU HAD SEX WITH GILES?! Joyce: It was the candy! We were teenagers! Buffy: On the hood of a police car!!! Joyce hurries out of the room Joyce: I'll be downstairs. You feel better. Buffy: TWICE!!!
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Title:	Choices - reviewed by Dolores
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 19
Summary:	Just a quick scene at the beginning where Joyce finds out Buffy has been accepted to Northwestern University. She proceeds to phone distant relatives to tell them so. Joyce very much in mom mode, then.
Sunnydale Style:	She's looking rather nice in olive green pants and a lacy white twinset. And a long necklace, natch.
Interaction:	Buffy.
Joyce's Best Line:	"Ooh, you know what? Your Aunt Arlene and her family are in Illinois. I've got to call and tell them." - Joyce finds a flimsy excuse to gloat to someone.
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Title:	The Prom - reviewed by Dolores
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 20
Summary:	Joyce, yet again, gets one scene; this time she visits Angel to tell him that he ought to consider splitting up with Buffy. She also seems to be ogling his firm, muscular body. It's a very odd appearance; there seems to be no reason for Joyce to do it - she just does. This is perhaps symptomatic of the lack of time Joyce gets to explain her motives for anything. Personally I think she's become obsessed with Angel after he complimented her hair in 'Enemies' and she was plotting to split Angel and Buffy up so she could get him for herself. Of course, her plans were foiled when Angel moves to LA... Anyway here her role was pivotal to the whole end of Buffy and Angel's relationship storyline (and in turn the creation of Angel's spin-off series) because she was the one who forced Angel to face up to the fact his love for Buffy was doomed.
Sunnydale Style:	There's been a running theme of 'brown' this season in Joyce's choice of clothing. In this episode it reaches its zenith in an all-brown outfit. Brown shoes, brown pantyhose, brown skirt, brown top, underneath a brown, possibly tweed, coat, accessorised with a brown handbag. The only breaks in this chestnut monotony were a short chunky orange necklace and gold dangly earrings.
Interaction:	Angel.
Joyce's Best Line:	"Because when it comes to you, Angel, she's just like any other young woman in love. You're all she can see of tomorrow. But I think we both know that there are some hard choices ahead. If she can't make them, you're gonna have to." - Joyce lays it on the line to Angel.
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Title:	Graduation Day Part 1 - reviewed by Dolores
Season/Episode Number:	Season 3, Episode 21
Summary:	In the last Season 3 episode in which she appears Joyce gets - guess what? - one scene. Basically, Buffy tells her to leave town before the impending mayoral ascension. Presumably, she does. This is basically so we don't wonder where Joyce is in the big finale. It's touching in a way, but once again leaves you irritated that Joyce doesn't get more involved in the action - she could help, dammit!
Sunnydale Style:	Her final outfit is functional, but not exactly stunning. A beige, black and white striped top and grey pants with a tan coat and, but of course, a long necklace.
Interaction:	Buffy.
Joyce's Best Line:	Joyce walks in to find Buffy packing. " What are you doing? You're running away again! (pause) And you're taking my clothes?"
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