The first ep I remember seeing* was "Fear Itself." There was some character backstory I didn't really understand, but it didn't scare me away, it made me want to come back for more.

(*Asterisked because the operators down in the mods used to have BtVS on all the time, and I would hang out and watch with them when I wasn't editing. But because we were watching it in a basement on an old TV with rabbit ears, the reception was (a) very dark (b) very staticy and (c) very pink. So I don't count those eps because I had no idea what was actually happening on screen while we were watching.)

Also, recruitment is covered in the FAQ.

I like Pangs for new people because they can identify with trying to have Thanksgiving despite many obstacles.

One of the reasons that I like Hush is that you can explain things without messing up the dialogue.

Thanks all, for the help.

I'd say one of the earlier episodes like "The Witch" or "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date" that mix creepiness, action, and comedy would be a good introduction. Followed by "Nightmares" and "Prophecy Girl."

my first episode was Becoming Part II. yeah. imagine jumping into that. i spent that summer soaking up everything i could before season three premiered.

I still think Welcome to the Hellmouth/The Harvest is a good intro to the show. The only character who is really off for how they will be going forward is Angel.

If your friend is willing to sit for two eps, I'd recommend Something Blue and Hush. Or maybe two of Band Candy, Lovers Walk, and The Wish. Eps aired close together, but such completely different moods.

Just watched Hell's Bells and I still don't get Xander's lame excuse for walking away. I guess what's really annoying is watching every episode from whichever one they get (finally) engaged in, to this one, and never seeing hints of what was to come. Was it always planned that they'd break up?