@avclub-4caf6aa0375b2499ebfe7e971b36eee3:disqus That was exactly what they wanted, I believe.  And Whedon won essentially by saying, "Either they're married, or I quit because we're obviously not trying to make the same show."

Trivia tidbit: this episode was written, from concept to draft, in one weekend.

Trivia tidbit: this episode was written, from concept to draft, in one weekend.

I don't like the Girl in Question because of the placement (and also because I think the humor just gets too broad and wacky, beyond what I tend to like in my Buffyverse).

I don't like the Girl in Question because of the placement (and also because I think the humor just gets too broad and wacky, beyond what I tend to like in my Buffyverse).

I have to say, I love that the AV Club has developed its own mythology and backstory to the point where news stories like this must be nigh incomprehensible to newcomers.

Uhhhh… I wouldn't call Brick an "anti-love song" or a song that's particularly defensive at all… we all know it's about an abortion, right?  I don't see him particularly attacking the woman in this situation.  I dunno, that seemed like a weird way to describe it for me.