Xander Harris and Cordelia Chase officially become a couple in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” the sixteenth episode of Season 2. Their connection, though initially tumultuous, represents a significant departure for both characters, marking the beginning of a surprisingly enduring (and ultimately heartbreaking) relationship.
From Bickering Rivals to Unexpected Lovers
The romance between Xander Harris, the perpetually unlucky-in-love everyman, and Cordelia Chase, the queen bee of Sunnydale High, was one of the most unexpected and compelling storylines in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Their relationship wasn’t built on instant attraction but rather on a slow burn, fueled by mutual attraction hidden beneath layers of sarcastic jabs and witty banter. While sparks of attraction had been evident in earlier episodes, “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” is the point where they finally acknowledge – and act upon – those feelings.
The Catalyst: Amy Madison’s Love Spell Gone Wrong
The episode itself is a chaotic masterpiece of teen angst and magical mayhem. After being dumped by Buffy, a heartbroken Xander asks Amy Madison, a fellow classmate and practicing witch, to cast a simple love spell to win Buffy back. However, Amy’s spell spirals wildly out of control, causing every female in Sunnydale, except for Buffy, to become obsessively infatuated with Xander.
Cordelia’s Revelation
Amidst the pandemonium, Cordelia, usually disdainful of Xander, finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. This intense, magical attraction forces her to confront the buried feelings she’s been trying to deny. The humor lies in the absurdity of Cordelia, the epitome of popularity and refinement, fighting against this overwhelming pull while simultaneously succumbing to it. Ultimately, she confesses her feelings to Xander, leading to their first kiss and the official start of their relationship.
The Dynamics of Their Relationship
Xander and Cordelia’s relationship was defined by its inherent contrasts. He was the loyal, if awkward, friend, and she was the materialistic, often superficial, cheerleader. Their pairing challenged both characters, forcing them to grow and confront their own flaws. Cordelia helped Xander develop confidence and social skills, while Xander grounded Cordelia and introduced her to a world outside of popularity contests and fashion trends. This dynamic made them an intriguing and surprisingly effective couple, at least for a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Was there any hint of attraction between Xander and Cordelia before “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”?
Yes, subtle hints existed. While their interactions were primarily characterized by bickering, there were moments of shared vulnerability and understanding. For example, in earlier episodes, Xander occasionally defended Cordelia from demon attacks, and Cordelia sometimes showed a flicker of genuine concern for Xander’s well-being, suggesting an underlying connection. These brief moments hinted at a deeper dynamic than simple animosity.
FAQ 2: Why did Cordelia initially reject Xander?
Cordelia rejected Xander due to social pressures and her image. She was concerned about what her popular friends would think of her dating someone considered an underdog. Maintaining her status as the most popular girl in school was paramount to her, and a relationship with Xander initially jeopardized that.
FAQ 3: How long did Xander and Cordelia date?
Xander and Cordelia dated for a significant portion of Season 2 and continued into Season 3. Their relationship lasted for approximately a year, going through several ups and downs before its ultimate demise.
FAQ 4: What caused the eventual breakup between Xander and Cordelia?
The primary reason for their breakup was Xander’s infidelity. He cheated on Cordelia with Willow Rosenberg, his best friend and former crush. This betrayal shattered Cordelia’s trust and marked the definitive end of their relationship.
FAQ 5: How did Cordelia react to Xander’s cheating?
Cordelia was understandably devastated and enraged. She publicly humiliated Xander, both verbally and physically, and harbored resentment towards him for quite some time. The betrayal deeply affected her confidence and contributed to her eventual departure from Sunnydale.
FAQ 6: Did Xander and Cordelia ever reconcile after their breakup?
No, Xander and Cordelia never truly reconciled. While they occasionally crossed paths and even worked together on supernatural threats, the damage caused by Xander’s infidelity proved insurmountable. Their relationship remained strained and awkward.
FAQ 7: How did Xander and Cordelia’s relationship affect their individual character development?
The relationship significantly impacted both characters. It helped Xander gain confidence and social standing, while it forced Cordelia to confront her superficiality and develop empathy. Their experiences together contributed to their growth and evolution throughout the series.
FAQ 8: Was the Xander and Cordelia relationship a popular storyline among fans?
The Xander and Cordelia relationship was a divisive storyline. Some fans found it endearing and appreciated the unexpected pairing and the characters’ growth, while others disliked the pairing, finding it unconvincing or believing that Cordelia deserved better than Xander. The cheating storyline was particularly controversial.
FAQ 9: What were some of the memorable moments from their relationship?
Memorable moments include their first kiss in “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” their awkward double dates with Buffy and Angel, their struggles to navigate social differences, and their eventual heartbreak. These moments showcased the complexities and challenges of their relationship.
FAQ 10: How did Cordelia’s move to Angel impact her relationship with Xander?
Cordelia’s move to the spin-off series Angel essentially severed any chance of reconciliation with Xander. The geographical distance and the fact that Angel rarely referenced Xander further solidified their separation. In the Angel universe, Cordelia continued to develop as a character independently of her past relationship with Xander.
FAQ 11: Did Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, have a specific intention behind pairing Xander and Cordelia?
Joss Whedon often paired characters who were seemingly incompatible to explore the complexities of relationships and challenge audience expectations. Pairing Xander and Cordelia served to highlight the themes of class, social status, and personal growth that were prevalent throughout the series. It also provided opportunities for both comedic and dramatic storytelling.
FAQ 12: Could Xander and Cordelia have had a lasting relationship if Xander hadn’t cheated?
This is a subject of much debate among fans. While their relationship was fraught with challenges, some believe that Xander and Cordelia could have overcome their differences if not for Xander’s infidelity. However, others argue that their fundamental incompatibility would have eventually led to a breakup regardless. The cheating simply accelerated the inevitable.