#175-
‘ That Vision Thing ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 2

Quite a strong episode which focuses on Cordelia’s visions, specifically, what is happening to her because of these visions. We all knew that Doyle was a half-demon and had the strength to deal with the pain that a vision brought. But can Cordelia. Well, she gets tested quite thoroughly in this episode and I think we get to really see the strength Cordelia has. It’s very interesting to hear that Cordelia values her visions so much, since early in the series she would do anything to get rid of them. Generally, the plot is solid and entertaining. Wolfram & Hart’s decision to attack Angel via Cordelia is a good one, as we see how much Angel is willing to do for her, foreshadowing their relationship somewhat. We also get a bit of comedy as Skip, the demon, is introduced, who has a real average joe-demon style, something that is quite endearing. Overall, a very solid episode that is a very good watch.

#174-
‘ Underneath ‘, Angel Season Five, Episode 17

Another solid episode in the greatness that is Angel Season Five. This episode feels a little middled but does keep you entertained and doesn’t do anything wrong, which you can’t fault. Angel has decided to start taking the fight to the Senior Partners but needs his former nemesis, Lindsey to do it. That requires a little expedition to a very quiet and pristine hell dimension. I like the idea of a perfect suburbia as hell and really enjoy the monotony of what Lindsey, and Gunn, have to go through. Gunn’s sacrifice does put him back in the good books a bit after having a hand in Fred’s death. We are also introduced to Hamilton, the new liason to the Senior Partners. He’s a little bland but does provide some fun later in the series.

#173-
‘ Out Of My Mind ‘, Buffy Season Five, Episode 4

Riley continues his season of annoyance and actually hits a new peak. Since Riley is a former super soldier, he was drugged up to make him more powerful, but these drugs have taken their toll, leaving Riley’s heart on a collision course with a major stoppage. In something similar to the episode Goodbye, Iowa, Riley becomes somewhat unreasonable and unruly and Buffy has to try her hardest to help him and with Riley’s friend, Graham’s help, she does get him to a doctor to fix his heart. The thing that annoys me the most is that Riley feels he needs to be as good or better than Buffy to protect her. Silly man. Thankfully, Spike & Harmony provide some goodness for this episode and help it move up the rankings. Both work very well together and probably have the best episode as a duo. This episode also has the distinction of having a great ending in which Spike finally realizes that his infactuation with Buffy may not be from pure hatred after all.

#172-
‘ Happy Anniversary ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 13

A standalone episode in the middle of Angel’s estrangement from the group, and in the end, this is the best episode of the mid-season slump. That claim can be attributed to Lorne, who provides a slice of humour and fun which has been sorely lacking from other episodes. He also teams well with Angel, especially at this point in the series since Angel is so downtrodden. I also felt Lorne suffered a bit from Oz- syndrom- a fun, loveable character that didn’t get enough screen time. The plot of the episode isn’t too bad, it doesn’t really provide much emotional drama but the scientific parts are interesting. Solid

#171-
‘ Ground State ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 2

This episode marks the introductions of the new character, Gwen, an electrically charged girl who appears in a couple of episodes this season. She ends up entwined with Angel as they both try to steal an amulet known as the Axis of Pythia which Angel needs in his search for Cordelia. Her wit and power  make Gwen quite interesting, which Angel also finds. There is a intruiging scene in which Gwen repeatedly shocks Angel only to find him to be a Vampire, but her shocks actually restart his undead heart, much to the surprise of both of them. Outside of that decent plotline, we also see that Wesley has become a hardened demon hunter and actually talks to Angel properly for the first time in a long while. The scene is nice since I like having Wes interact with the group and this episode puts his reunion with them into motion slightly. Overall, a solid episode that has some very nice moments.

#170-
‘ The Ring ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 16

One of Season one’s better case-based episodes. I think this is a sleeper episode for this season and one that I always find very entertaining whenever I watch it. The plot is solid, not brilliant, but better than many of the other episode plots that inhabit this season. The idea of galdiatorial contests between demons is an intriguing, if not an entirely creative one. The twist involving the clients being the villains is very good and I think that Darin , the older brother, is actually a very ruthless one episode bad guy. The arena fights are quite good, especially Angel’s battle with Trepkos. We are also introduced to Lilah, who becomes a vital character for Angel and makes a good introduction to the series.

#169-
‘ Sleeper ‘, Buffy Season Seven, Episode 8

This episode takes on a mystery theme as Spike finds himself at the mercy of The First who has been secretly and subliminally forcing Spike to feed and kill again. This episode is important for me because we get to see that The First is more than just a manipulator. The First knows how to use it’s weapons and it is threatened that Spike is actually the most dangerous weapon of all. Buffy is highly suspicious of his wrongdoings and eventually finds out what he has been doing, but believes that it is not truly his fault, so she gives him a reprieve, much to the disappointment of the rest of the Scooby Gang. As a mystery themed ep, it’s one of Buffy’s better outings, we know who’s doing it, but seeing Buffy on the prowl is quite rewarding. We also get some comedy when Anya is stuck having to watch Spike, a very funny section of the episode. Solid episode.

#168-
‘ Into The Woods ‘, Buffy Season Five, Episode 10

Things haven’t gone well for Buffy in season five and this episode puts Buffy in a bit of a funk. Her relationship with Riley finally hits it’s breaking point and Riley leaves for South America and rejoins the special forces. But before that happens we get a whole lot of fighting, both physical and verbal, and a bucket load of emotion. Riley had become progressively more annoying to me through season five and it mainly stemmed from his Tuetonic (as Buffy would say) need to take care of his slayer girlfriend. He finds himself unwanted and I suppose unmasculine with Buffy since she is very powerful and, in many ways, closed emotionally. Riley cannot deal with this and decides to find out what thrill she gets from vampires, or specifically, being bit by them (ala Angel, Dracula). This causes a severe rift in their relationship when Spike hints about Riley’s doings to Buffy. The fighting between the two provides a very steady dose of entertainment and the emotion involved also is quite powerful. And while the pure emotion between Buffy and Riley and thier imminent breakup is good enough for a decent episode, Xander comes in and provides a solid bump that makes this episode a good one. He provides one of his patented speeches to Buffy and gets her to realize that she needs Riley and that she should go after him. It’s a very nice speech which ends with him going to Anya and declaring his love to her. Unfortunately, Buffy is too late and Riley leaves, not to be seen again until season six. As you can tell from this rather long entry, this episode is a good one, but it still has it’s flaws, eg. lack of villain, other characters don’t offer much. On the whole though, a good episode.

#167-
‘ Rm W/A Vu ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 5

The first Cordelia-based episode for the series, and it’s quite a good one. There isn’t a whole lot of paranormal in the Buffyverse, but this is definetly the best effort. Cordelia finally has something go her way in L.A when she lands a very nice, spacious apartment, thanks to Doyle. Unfortunately for her, a very nasty old ghost is stationed in her new domicile and has plans to get Cordy to commit suicide. It’s a very intriguing plotline and really is pulled off well. We all know how tough a front Cordy puts up, but this episode let’s it slip a bit and we finally get to see the scared girl in Cordelia. It’s a ncie touch, and something that I think is needed for the character. It also provides a fantastic payoff when Cordelia rises up and proclaims “the bitch is back!” at the ghost, giving Cordelia an emotional victory. A very rewarding ending. Angel and Doyle aren’t brilliant but this episode is all about Cordy and I’ll let their lack of performance slide. This episode also introduces Phantom Dennis, an interesting character that gets some further play in this series.

#166-
‘ Belonging ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 19

This episode is something of a segue to the finale that is offered up in season two. We find out a couple crucial things in this episode. First, we get some major backstory on Lorne, mainly about his dimension and the fact that he didn’t fit in there. And second, we are briefly introduced to the character of Fred, who becomes a target of Cordelia’s visions. These two facts lead us into the big three part finale in Lorne’s dimension. But in this episode, we deal with a dangerous creature from Lorne’s dimension, as well as Lorne’s cousin Landok. The most interesting parts of this episode deal with Lorne’s background, which I find quite interesting and Gunn’s thoughts about abandoning his life and friends to work with Angel. Two good emotional points. The action is decent and the ending is tantalising but in the end, this is a solid episode.

#165-
‘ Unleashed ‘, Angel Season Five, Episode 4

A werewolf episode, something that was done quite a while back in Buffy. It’s fairly early on in the season so it’s not a arc-driven episode but it’s still very solid on all fronts. The character of Nina, who is the werewolf involved in the episode, is an interesting addition to the show and provides a love interest for Angel. Most of the episode is quite engaging and provides some thrills but it doesn’t really blow you away. While the main plot is solid, I think the side story involving Spike is somewhat more critical and even more interesting. Seeing Spike actually fear for his existance is very rewarding since we don’t often see Spike in such a predicament. His connection with Fred is also vital for the series and gives this episode some importance.

#164-
‘ The Trial ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 9

A very deep and important episode for the relationship of Angel and Darla. This episode provides background, emotion and a feeling on inevitablility that few episodes can get close to. Darla as a character has grown since her first appearance in the opening scene of Buffy. From the Master’s second-in-command to a powerful and feared vampire, Darla has one of the most crucial character arcs of any of the secondary characters in either series. Without Darla, Angel’s history has a big hole in it and this episode plays on that enormous history and connection between the two. The interesting thing about this episode is that it provides a catalyst for the season plot. As Darla, the human, is dying from syphilis, Angel takes it opun himself to save her from her fate, and will do anything to save her human life, even offer his own. The trial part of this episode is very entertaining and feels sorta Indiana Jone-ish in it’s presentation. Unfortunately for Angel, his sacrifice will not help and only Wolfram & Hart’s intervention via Drusilla saves Darla from a normal human death, only to suffer a colder fate, returning Darla to be that of a vampire again. These events are what help bring Angel to the darkness he experiences in the middle of season two. A vital episode that hits crucial emotional highpoints, the only knock I can think of is the lack of support from the other characters, although, it was all the Angel/Darla show and there’s nothing wrong with that.

#163-
‘ Slouching Toward Bethlehem ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 4

A pretty solid episode that reintroduces Cordelia back into the series after being mostly absent for the early part of the season. She returns from a higher plane with no memory of her previous life and no recollection of her friends,  especially Angel. It sorta creates a strange awkwardness as the Cordelia we knew feels lost, and her interactions with her friends are strange. It also reinforces the fact that Angel and his crew are not normal and that a normal person, Cordelia in this case, would be frightened by them and what they do. She ends up staying with Connor, much to our dismay (I would suppose, since Connor is not a much loved character). The tempo of the season arc is also kicked up a notch after Lorne is partially lobotimised by Wolfram & Hart after reading the new Cordelia. On the whole, a very solid episode that ticks a lot of boxes.

#162-
‘ Two To Go ‘, Buffy Season Six, Episode 21

Maybe it’s just me, and it’s not a knock against Alyson Hannigan and her brilliant acting because her portrayal of Dark Willow is excellent, but I don’t like seeing Willow so ruthless, and she is at her most evil in this episode. Maybe it’s because I love the character so much that I don’t like to see her so radically changed but I feel as if any remanence of the old Willow that I love was lost. To see her fight Buffy, while fun, was tough with their history and to see her threaten Dawn was very awkward. But once again, that is just me. On the whole, this episode is pretty good but it suffers a bit from being the middle part of a three parter. It doesn’t have the intial punch of Villains or the emotion of Grave. It does have the big Buffy/Willow fight which is great and the semi-truck chase is impressive but in the end, it’s overshadowed by Giles’ return at the end. A great reason to watch the season finale. Like I said before, the reason I drop this episode down the rankings is because I just struggle a bit watching Dark Willow and she is at her most evil here, still, a solid episode.

#161-
‘ Older And Far Away ‘, Buffy Season Six, Episode 14

I’ve always had somewhat of a soft spot for this episode. Maybe because it’s a bit of fun in the middle of a dark season, while still retaining some danger. The idea of having Buffy and the gang, plus a few others, stuck in the Summers’ house magically is quite interesting. It also adds a feeling of claustrophobia which improves the danger of the episode. The villain is fairly lacklustre but the character interactions are pretty good. We get some funny, via Clem and Spike, and some tension, via virtually everyone.  A nice balance. In the end, it’s all because of Dawn, which is slightly annoying but I always enjoy watching the episode and that’s always a big plus in any episodes good column.

#160-
‘ The Magic Bullet ‘,  Angel Season Four, Episode 19

This episode shows the strength of Fred. When we first seen Fred she was a shy, quiet girl who had been subject to terrible treatment and loneliness in another dimension. Angel saved her and integrated her into his group and she slowly grew into a crucial member of Angel’s Fang Gang. However, we haven’t really seen how strong Fred has grown, she had a bit of a moment with Wesley back in Billy but now, we see just how powerful Fred is. For her to single-handidly evade a whole population of Jasmine followers and save Angel and the rest of the group is a magnificent feat and a real accolade for Fred. The episode is really led by her and the slight thrillerish feel you get thoughout the episode is good fun. Since the other character’s are under Jasmine’s spell, they don’t really offer a hell of a lot, but it was nice to Jasmine somewhat frazzled as a villain. And on a side note, the appearance of Zak Wylde is great, although David Boreanaz and Vincent Kartheiser wreck the coolness of the moment.

#159-
‘ Dead Things ‘, Buffy Season Six, Episode 13

Three crucial plot and character issues come about in this episode. Firstly, The Trio of Andrew, Jonathan & specifically Warren become slightly more of a nuisance. Warren actually commits murder. I think this move was needed for these ‘villains’ since we needed to know they were at least somewhat dangerous and Warren provides that psychosis which could threaten Buffy. The killing of Katrina after a failed slave technology experiment is very horrific and real. This murder was committed by a human, not often do we see that on Buffy as most villains are supernatural in nature. Meanwhile, Andrew and Jonathan are very much bystanders in Warren’s mess. Jonathan appears to want out immediately after the event and is the most shaken by Katrina’s death while Andrew seems to just stick by Warren, much to our dismay. The second and third crucial issues involved revolve around Buffy and Spike. Since Warren manages to magically convince Buffy that she committed the murder of Katrina, Buffy world comes crashing down, like she wasn’t depressed enough already. Luckily, Spike tries to help her out and proves that he is looking out for her. Unfortunately for him, Buffy doesn’t want his help and ends up taking her frustration out on him in a chilling beat-up sequence. Luckily, things get solved in the end, but Buffy begins to realise how dangerous Warren and his mates are, and so do we. In very emotionally draining episode but a strong one nonetheless.

#158-
‘ Awakening ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 10

This episode is sorta a misdirection. A big ploy to get Angelus involved in the season and that’s fine by me. Wesley insists that Angel give up his soul and revert to Angelus so that they can defeat The Beast. Unfortunately for them though, Buffy’s no where to found so how can Angel get that one moment of happiness? It’s allright, they bring in a dark mystic who manages to fool Angel with a highly elaborate fantasy to which we are privy too. The fantasy is virtually Angel’s perfect day, minus Buffy. Angel gets to defeat The Beast, make up with Connor and get with Cordelia. A very pleasant day for him. It’s a nice fantasy and when your first watching it, your not entirely sure that it is a fantasy. It’s only when the mystic declares it done and we see the terrifying eyes of Angelus that we know that all we witnessed during the episode was a fake. It’s an interesting way of getting around the perfect happiness barrier and ends up as a nice episode although it eventually pales in comparison to the episodes coming in season 4 of Angel.

#157-
‘ Couplet ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 14

This episode gets a bit of bad rep in the fandom but I quite like it. Maybe I just like seeing Angel all jealous but I think there is some definite merit in this episode. I’ve always liked the character of Groo and his return is in this episode. He manages to do many of things Angel can do, but in a curteous manner, much to the chagrin of Angel. I’ve always found Angel at his funniest when he departs from his broody, responsible side. Fred and Gunn’s relationship also gets heated up a bit, which does lead to some trouble. I gotta admit, the tree villain is a bit crappy but Angel’s victory is nice and his kindness it letting Cordy go with Groo is also very touching.

#156-
‘ The Prodigal ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 15

One of the stronger background based episodes of Angel. We are focused on two characters in both the past and present and how they relate to each other’s father’s. Liam (Angel) in the past and Kate in the present. Both have similarities but in different ways. Liam is a layabout who gets drunk and goes around with ladies, much to the disappointment of his father while Kate tries her hardest to be the cop her father was but she cannot connect with him, therefore creating an estrangement. This episode explores these two relationships quite well and in a very entertaining way. To be honest, I like the flashbacks, especially since we are shown how Angelus is created and how he starts his reign of terror. But perhaps what tops that is the power Darla shows as she instantly takes him down a peg by informing a happy Angelus of the immortal defeat he shall feel after killing his father without ever gaining his acceptance. Once again, a similar outcome comes for Kate as her father dies, at the hands of vampires before they can connect. Leaving Kate completely distraught and on a major downward spiral. A great episode that provides a great emotional payoff.

#155-
‘ Normal Again ‘, Buffy Season Six, Episode 17

This episode freaks with my mind. The basic premise of the episode is that Buffy gets attacked by a demon which can cause severe psychosis making Buffy think she is actually in an alternate L.A where she has only imagined Sunnydale and being a slayer. Or is it an illusion? That’s the question that’s left at the end. Preferrably, I am adament that Sunnydale is a real place in this fictional show so that settles my opinion on that. Generally, this episode is a good one and is one of Buffy’s better thriller-type episodes. I probably don’t enjoy it as much some other people but it’s definitely a solid episode. A side note, we get to see Joyce again which is nice.

#154-
‘ Superstar ‘, Buffy Season Four, Episode 17

What a coincidence, the two of the three episodes that are alternate reality based fall around the same place in my rankings. Also, they are both episode 17 in their respective seasons, how strange! All in all, I don’t mind this episode but like many of these alternate reality episodes, I just wanna get back to the character’s I know and love. Sure, I like to see how they would react in different situations but I just prefer normalcy. This episode doesn’t change to much character-wise, well, apart from Jonathan and Buffy. Jonathan’s paragon spell makes him the best and brighest man in the world and gets complete adoration from everyone (minus Adam), but his spell also conjures up a hideous demon which must be defeated. The general plot is ok, although the demon looks a bit shady. The most interesting part of this episode is the strength of Buffy to overcome the spell and still find the inner leader allowing her to defeat the demon, returning everything to normal. There’s also quite a bit of humour in the episode, mainly led by Xander.

#153-
‘ I Was Made To Love You ‘, Buffy Season Five, Episode 15

A pretty solid episode in which we first are introduced to Warren and establish the use of robit analigues for humans, specifically, April, the reliable girlfriend in this episode. A basic theme of this episode is relationships, specifically, Buffy’s failure at them. April, the robot, acts a bit like Buffy, metaphorically searching for her guy. Buffy hasn’t had much luck with guys and this episode explores how Buffy feels about this. A vital scene is where she sits with a dying April as they discuss love and needing men. Buffy realizes at this moment that she doesn’t need a boyfriend right now. The majority of this episode is pretty solid but it’s the final two scenes in which this episode becomes important. Firstly, Spike’s order of a robot Buffy, which leads to much fun in the future and most importantly, what happens to Buffy when she returns home. I’ll let you wait a while for that information if you don’t already know (and if you don’t know, go watch some Buffy would ya?).

#152-
‘ Judgement ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 1

A pretty solid season opener for season two, with a host of new faces and an interesting plot. We are introduced to two new people in this episode. Firstly, Gunn, who we seen near the end of season one is made a full cast member, giving Angel and his crew some muscle. Secondly, Lorne, or The Host as he is known at this point in the show, is established. He is the quirky green, horned demon who can read your future as you sing. Lorne’s introduction as a narrator is actually quite fun and provides something of an outside, demon look on the preceedings. Plot-wise, things are pretty solid with some great action and some thrillerish aspects. The interesting part is when Angel kills a demon who is actually protecting an important pregnant girl. Angel’s has virtually killed a good demon and now needs to make up for it by taking on the previous demon’s job and protect the pregnant lady. It’s an innovative plot and is provides some nice entertainment. This episode essentially marks the beginning of a new age of Angel, one where things aren’t so case-based but rather, Wolfram & Hart based.

#151-
‘ Players ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 16

A Gunn episode, which doesn’t happen often in the series. The episode’s main plot revolves around the return of electric Gwen as she recruits Gunn into helping her rescue a kidnapped girl. The plot is pretty much inconsequential but what makes this episode fun is seeing Gunn gets some solid facetime. His interactions with Gwen are a lot of fun and I’ll even go as far as to say that this is Gunn’s best episode in the series. In the end, Gwen has actually tricked Gunn into helping her acquire a device which allows her to touch people, and guess who she touches first (not Angel). The secondary storyline is actually the main arc of the series which revolves around the strange Cordy and Connor. Angel and the gang have become suspicious of Cordy and her behaviour and decide to set her up, finding out that she is actually the mastermind behind all the bad that’s happened this season. We all knew beforehand, but it’s nice now that they know to. Another solid Angel episode, there’s quite a lot of them.

#200-
‘ Carpe Noctum ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 4

Something of a silly episode, which can be a good change of pace at times. The episode involves the body switching between Angel and a rather old man who misses his heyday. Plot-wise things are basic and fairly average but that’s not the good parts of this episode. Strangely enough, it’s the body switching which ends up being pretty funny, especially as we get to see Angel (or rather and old dude in Angel’s body) act quite unlike himself. The old guy gets quite frisky in an immortal body and even gets close to shagging with Lilah on his Angel’s own desk.  In an extra tidbit, Fred finally has to deal with her crush on Angel, especially after the old guys antics.

#199-
‘ When She Was Bad ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 1

Opening episodes don’t seem to be a Buffy strong suit. While this opener has some good points for the most part it’s just average which is a bit of a shame. Buffy is really unlikable in this episode as she’s quite bitchy. She does have a reason for it since she’s still getting over being killed, which would take a while for anyone to get over, but I suppose since she’s just so cold-hearted it’s hard to sympathise with her. The lack of a strong villain alos bring down the episode a bit.

#198-
‘ Get It Done ‘, Buffy Season Seven, Episode 15

A less than stellar episode in which Buffy delves into the history and creation of the Slayer. The reason this episode is less than steller is because it’s just so dreary. Buffy gets into full general mode and becomes less and less relatable. She hardens right up and becomes fairly cold which is a bit disappointing. The other parts of the episode aren’t all that brilliant. Spike gets his jacket back which brings back his cool a little but apart from that it’s unspectacular.

#197-
‘ Shadow ‘, Buffy Season Five, Episode 8

The episode that really starts of the mid-season storypush. Joyce gets diagnosed with a brain tumor which really hits you as an audience. I’ll probably talk about it more when I discuss her death but to see a character you’ve seen for 5 years get told she has a life-threatening condition, it’s quite tough and I think that’s what makes this episode at least somewhat memorable. The downside comes in the storyline with Riley, in which he feels unwanted by Buffy so he decides to try to find what rush she felt with Angel. Not a smart idea.

#196-
‘ Nightmares ‘, Buffy Season One, Episode 10

One of the few episode in the first season of Buffy which feel quite a bit like the rest of the show. What I’m saying is that this episode seems to fit quite well into the rest of the Buffy episodes. It has a decent supernatural plot, some nice character interaction as well as some depth to each character. Everything you look for in a Buffy episode.  The thing that keeps this episode from the top 150 is that it just lacks the right mix of everything. The concept is strong and the individual nightmares are quite a lot of fun. I’m not a big fan of the big basher dude who crops up in the episode so that’s a negative.

#195-
‘ Empty Places ‘, Buffy Season Seven, Episode 19

Just like movies have low points where things go wrong and characters feel lost and abandoned, so does Buffy. In this case, we are leading up to the big battle at the end of this season and we’ve just been introduced to the mighty Caleb. The potentials are down in the dumps and injured and Buffy’s friends have lost some of their faith in her. The worst part of this episode is also the thing you can’t turn away from, the big argument at the end between Buffy and everyone else. Buffy tries to lead the young potentials into battle again but is met by strong opposition from Giles, Wood, Kennedy, Rona and Faith. Thankfully, Willow and Xander decide to just not agree with Buffy rather than attack her (that might have put a stake in the heart of this episode). Pacing is alright and so is the plot but the last argument, while fairly compelling ends up being very hard to watch because of the immediate loss of trust in Buffy and her skills by almost everyone. Also, I just want to tell off Dawn for kicking Buffy out of her own house.

#194-
‘ Long Day’s Journey ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 9

There is some definite murder-mystery elements to this episode which is why I think it’s pretty decent. The Beast has upped the ante on the whole apocalypse thing and has gone about killing important figures so he can block out the sun, making LA a feeding frenzy for vamps and other monsters. The mystery part is when Manny, a rather cliched character trying not to be cliched ends up dying under the watch of Angel, Cordelia, Gwen and Gunn. The problem is that the mystery element seems to get lost in the action of the final act. The Beast manages to fight off Angel and Connor and others and successfully brings LA into perpetual darkness. To sum up, average episode.

#193-
‘ Teacher’s Pet ‘, Buffy Season One, Episode 4

One of the themes early on in the Buffy series was that while the episodes might have weak plots or cheesy villains, the characters would provide the entertainment, the plots where just a way for you to see them react and interact. This episode is very much a testament to that. The plot involving a substitute teacher who actually is a virgin-eating praying mantis is really quite stupid, but it’s the characters that make it watchable. Xander tries to be the suave, sexualy experienced teen but actually ends up perfect pray for the she-mantis. This also happens to be the first episode in which we find out that Willow has a thing for her best friend, which is interesting. The other main letdown for this episode is that the lady playing Ms. French, or the she-mantis, is supposed to be incredibly attractive and I just don’t think she is, I’m not saying she wasn’t pretty or anything, just not stare-worthy.

#192-
‘ Provider ‘,  Angel Season Three, Episode 12

I think I’m in the minority here because I find this episode a bit quirky. Many consider this to be on the bottom of Best Angel episode lists and that is fairly understandble, there’s no strong villain and a lack of decent plot or pacing but I enjoy what they are trying to convey. Money is something that has been a theme in Angel since the very beginning and this episode deals quite strongly with the business side of things. The team hand out fliers and build a website and soon find themselves busy, which is very rare for them. There is also some humour to be found in this episode which gives it some added spice. Like I said before, the plot is very thin and seeing Angel covet money is a bit strange but for the most part I find enjoyment in this episode.

#191-
‘ Blood Money ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 12

This episode is entrenched in the lacklustre middle peroid of season two where Angel is alienated from his friends and colleagues. The episode is really only decent and it revolves around Angel outsmarting Lindsey and Lilah as they try to profit of charity. Plot isn’t all that great and pacing is decent, we also lack a strong villain with the blue guy that Angel fights with being pretty lacklustre. A positive note is that we get to see Anne again who we originally seen in Buffy, it’s nice that they found a recurring role for her in this series.

#190-
‘ First Date ‘, Buffy Season Seven, Episode 14

A bit of a rest-stop episode from the frantic pace that is the last season. Romance is a bit of a theme, or rather, fake romance. Buffy goes on a date with Wood so she can find out more about him only to find out that he has a lot more in common with her than she suspected and Xander goes on a date with a nice girl who ends up being a demon who works for the First. The Buffy-Wood side of the plot is fairly decent and interesting, however, the Xander side isn’t so compelling. The First is also more prevalent in this episode, appearing to both Andrew and Wood which is nice. On the whole though, nothing spectacular.

#189-
‘ Lonely Hearts ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 2

Angel was definitely still trying to find it’s feet by the second episode, which is obviously understandable but I think this episode put it well on the way to finding those feet. If you look at the episode basically, there isn’t anything surprising or spectacular in the episode. Plot is pretty average and pacing is solid, hell, even the character iteraction is only decent. The best part of this episode is it’s message and it’s mix of elements. Those two things make it a solid effort. Kate’s first appearance is also quite good which is another thing that make’s this episode somewhat memorable.

#188-
‘ Never Leave Me ‘, Buffy Season Seven, Episode 9

A pretty solid episode that revolves around two reforming men, Spike and Andrew. Spike is still struggling with his chip and the fact that the First can make him attack viciously without warning or control. Andrew, however, has been caught by the Scooby gang and he has to try to explain himself to them. The interrogation scenes involving Xander and Anya are absolutely brilliant and the definite standout scenes for this episode. There is also some action in the episode with some Bringers attacking the Summers’ house. When you add all the elements up you get a solid episode.

#187-
‘ Gone ‘, Buffy Season Six, Episode 11

One of the few episodes in the dark season six that has a humourous plotline. In this episode, Buffy is turned invisible by the meddling Trio. The incident is actually something of a blessing in disguise for Buffy because she actually can have a little fun and not be so depressed about her life. There is some strong humour in this episode which is a good but it’s not enough to propel this episode into the ‘good’ pantheon. The episode just lacks a little in the plot side of things with pacing and story only being decent.

#186-
‘ The Puppet Show ‘, Buffy Season One, Episode 9

I don’t mind this episode, like many of the early episodes in the series, the plot is not perfect and is really fairly cheesy but a good amount of strong character moments make this a solid outing. There’s also the introduction of Principal Snyder which is a big plus, especially since I think this is actually one of his best appearances. The plot involving the doll is a bit of a let down and the constant misdirection is a little annoying but as a whole, it’s a decent episode.

#185-
‘ Sacrifice ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 20

Nearing the end of the mind control storyline that was dominate in season four with Jasmine. This episode showed the gang now fully out of Jasmines bind and escaping the cluthces of a controlled LA. It’s actually something of a two-faced episode. We have the part where Angel is leading the group away from Jasmine and Connor which eventually leads to them hiding in the sewers. That part of the episode is pretty lacklustre. But, the good part comes in Wes’ meeting with a strange demon who previously knew of Jasmine. That demon was very interesting and reminded alot of Gollum from the Lord of The Rings. That part of the episode saved it from mediocrity and propelled it into the mid-range on this list.

#184-
‘ Heart Throb ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 1

An episode that deals with Vampire romance, an interesting subject. We know that Angel loves Buffy, but is that because his soul? Well, no, because Spike loves just fine (maybe too much). This episode shows another vampire couple who are apparantly completely and absolutely in love, so much so, that the male who is left after his lover’s death decides to take complete revenge on Angel before dying himself. It’s a fairly interesting plot, and one of the few episodes where plot beats out character because there is a lack of strong character interaction. Bordering on ‘good’ but not quite there.

#183-
‘ Dead End ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 18

An episode that focuses on Lindsey and his lack of a hand specifically. Lindsey is a pretty strong character and this happens to be his last episode for quite a while as he manages to finallly break away from Wolfram and Hart. His plot which involves getting a functioning real hand to replace his lack of one is a bit of a doozy as the hand turns out to be evil, which sounds a bit silly I know and the plot is not a strong suit of this episode. In the end, seeing Lindsey go out on his own is satisfying. On the Angel side of things, Cordelia has to deal with the painful visions she’s getting and the lasting effects they are having on her which is a fairly interesting B-plot. Still, a decent episode.

#182-
‘ Killed By Death ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 18

This is the episode that effectively breaks the constant greatness that hits that mid part of season two. In saying that, this episode is still fairly solid. Buffy leads really quite well, even while sick and everyone else compliments nicely, especially Cordelia, who’s humour is a standout. The plot isn’t terrible but isn’t great either. A positive though is that the Der Kinderstod is really quite frightening, although his defeat is a little lame. A solid episode.

#181-
‘ The Shroud Of Rahmon ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 8

This episode mixes two themes, a crime mystery and a heist story. In a strange twist, we are given the aftermath first with Wes being interrogated by police after the events that transpire. We only then flash back on the story involving a heist of an important demon artifact. Angel infiltrates his way into the job. Gunn also squeezes in, much to Angel’s dismay. The tension created is pretty good and Angel acts well as a loudmouth, 40’s style gangster vamp. The animousity between Angel and Gunn is built well and when Kate gets involved things just turn out bad. On the whole, a solid outing.

#180-
‘ I’ve Got You Under My Skin ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 14

Another mystery-based episode, and this one is actually quite good. I think what makes this episode better than some of the other’s in season one is that it really feels like a mystery. There’s a pretty strong plot, a decent set of one-time characters, a mysterious villain & a nice twist. But, in saying that, we still get nice stuff from Angel, Cordy and Wes. Only let downs I can think of is some pacing trouble and a lack of action but you know, it’s a mystery, it doesn’t need that much action.

#179-
‘ Anne ‘, Buffy Season Three, Episode 1

The season opener for the brilliant season three, but this episode is not particularly stellar. After the disasters of season two, Buffy decided to leave Sunnydale, eventually ending up in L.A. I feel like this episode was a mini-test run for Angel since the lighting & general plot is very similar. As a whole, the episode is decent. It plods along a bit and Buffy is pretty depressed throughout although it’s nice to see her embrace her Slayer-side to escape a hell dimension. There’s also the reintroduction of Chantrelle/Lily/Anne who we seen back in Lie To Me. It’s nice to see her again, especially since she acts as something of a duplicate for Buffy’s problem. Back in Sunnydale, there is little going on but that doesn’t mean there isn’t some entertainment. I especially like Xander & Cordelia’s interactions, as well as Oz’s explanation of his return to school for Willow. Solid episode, but not up to the scratch of the rest of the season.

#178-
‘Forever’, Buffy Season Five, Episode 17

After the heartwrenching previous episode, we probably needed a show that could just stablize the season, and for the most part, I think this episode succeeds. It doesn’t provide a lot of action, or comedy but it does have some drama. The worst part of this episode is Dawn, I’m sorry to say. She is very cold to Buffy throughout, and she has a reason to be upset, but her anger towards Buffy is quite depressing. There isn’t really much else that is earthshattering or anything like that. Glory gets closer to finding the key’s location and form and Willow’s misuse of magic starts to begin since she secretly encourages Dawn’s idea of bringing back Joyce. The strongest scene is when Spike offers his respects to Joyce, despite Xander’s absolute coldness. A nice, touching gesture.

#177-
‘ Buffy Vs. Dracula’, Buffy Season Five, Episode 1

Another solid season opener which doesn’t represent the rest of the season. I think it was inevitable that someone like Dracula would make an appearance in Buffy. I actually quite like how he is depicted. His accent, look and powers are very traditional, giving him a sense of uniqueness for the series. It also made sense to pit the slayer against a guy like Dracula. The plot is decent, I especially like the set-up of the dark power within Buffy, which gets explored further in season seven. Xander, Will & Giles get some funny moments while Riley starts to get a little annoying with his jealously. on the whole, this episode is just a solid opener, much in the same vein as Anne.

#176-
‘ Offspring’, Angel Season Three, Episode 7

A pretty strong episode. Darla comes back into Angel’s life with a little surprise. A baby. Something Angel probably would never, in a million years would think could happen. Darla’s presence in this episode is really quite brilliant. She displays some wry humour and provides a strange dynamic within the group. We also get some emotion within this episode as Darla has to deal with a soul for the first time, something she has trouble adjusting to. Aside from this, we also are given some more background on Holtz, the big bad of this season as well as the real beginnings of a Angel-Cordelia relationship. At the end of the day, this episode is a good watch and provides a real stepping stone into the season’s main story arc.

#225-
‘ What’s My Line, Part One ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 9

An average episode that is really more of a lead-in to the much better next part. The plot is fairly decent but focuses more on the Tarakan assassins than on Dru and Spike, who are the more interesting. The Assassins are very cliched and not at all interesting, even though the bug man is slightly strange. Kendra, the first Slayer we see who is not Buffy is introduced via a misdirection. It is nice to see some chick fights but on the whole, it’s just a lead-in to the second part.

#224-
‘ Sleep Tight ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 16

This really is the big middle season climax. Like I said in the Forgiving section (see #227) I’m not a huge fan of the Wesley betrayal storyline. I appreciate how troubled he is which is why the episode is rated higher than Forgiving. I also like the drama created by Wesley’s betrayal but, because of my dislike for the storyline I just can’t enjoy this episode a lot.

#223-
‘ Quickening ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 8

Another pretty average episode in which we follow the gang as they try to protect a pregnant Darla from both Wolfram & Hart and a vampire cult. There’s some positives to note, Darla is quite funny this episode and has a bit of charisma with the other characters, I also find Holtz and Sahjhan to be a fairly interesting couple of villains. The main letdown is some of the pacing and the lack of a strong plot as it is mainly a lead in to next episode.

#222-
‘ I Robot, You Jane ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 8

The first episode that properly focuses on Willow. Unfortunately, the episode is not as good as it could be. The plot flows largely around the use of the internet and how romance can be manipulated by the wrong people (or demon). It’s all very cheesy and cliched which is pretty disapointing because the characters are quite solid. Buffy & Xander’s caution about Willow’s obsession is a lot of fun and the introduction of Jenny is nice, especially her interactions with Giles. If not for the weak plot, it would have been a solid episode.

#221-
‘ Expecting ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 12

Very similar to the previous episode on my ranking. An episode with an awfully weak plot but solid characters. The plot involving demon impregnation is very stupid and not really entertaining. Luckily, Wes & Angel do a good job of keeping us happy throughout the 4o minutes.

#220-
‘ Reptile Boy ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 5

Right smack bang in the middle of season two’s monster-of-the-week episode run that appears for most of the first half of the season.  This episode isn’t too bad, it has some weak points involving a snake demon and a set of charming frat boys but some nice moments keep you interested. In the end, a fairly forgettable episode.

#219-
‘ Beer Bad ‘, Buffy Season Four, Episode 5

I’m ashamed to say I enjoyed Buffy’s cavegirl speak, yes, it’s stupid I know, but I find it funny which is why this episode trumps some others higher on the list. I also like seeing Parker get what he deserves too. The plot on the whole is really quite bad but I still find the episode slightly fun purely because Buffy’s cavegirl persona. I’m very sad, I know.

#218-
‘ Inside Out ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 17

The climax to the evil Cordelia demon storyline, and thankfully it ended when it did because it was tainting the character of Cordelia. We all know it wasn’t her but seeing Charisma Carpenter act in such a way is tough, I’m happy they gave her one last episode so we can remember her the way she always was. But I’m getting off track. This episode focuses largely on Connor and his loyalty to Cordelia. For the most part, things are pretty average and really nothing stands out.

#217-
‘ The Killer In Me ‘, Buffy Season Three, Episode 13

An episode with too much Kennedy which immediately makes it less than it could be. Let’s make it be known right now, that as a Willow fan, I hated her relationship with Kennedy. It’s best to not dwell on it. I like that we finally get to properly deal with Willow’s guilt over killing Warren but I’m unsure about it’s execution. Kennedy just makes it worse. I also enjoyed the double acting by Alyson Hannigan and Adam Busch.

#216-
‘ Shiny Happy People ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 18

The final phase of Angel’s season four storyline begins here. The godly woman who was born from Cordelia immediately manages to hypnotize the gang which makes for a fairly interesting storyline. Unfortunately, it also slows down the action considerably. The pacing and action get slowed down quite a lot, so much so that the whole episode gets dragged down. Thankfully, Fred manages to see the light via her blood mixing with the all-powerful Jasmine’s which gives us something to enjoy throughout the episode. Fred’s solitary fight against Jasmine, while nice, is much more interesting in the episode, The Magic Bullet.

#215-
‘ As You Were ‘. Buffy Season Six, Episode 15

The return of Riley to Sunnydale. I’ll be honest, I originally liked Riley, but I thought his character dropped off quite a bit later on. So, seeing him return is something I wasn’t looking forward to. In the end, it’s a decent episode, his new wife, Sam, is fairly nice and adds a dynamic to the episode. Plot-wise, things are a bit of a downer. Having Spike be this demon dealer is really quite stupid and seemed like it was a last minute addition. There is a lack of strong character interaction as well. Part of the lacklustre mid-point during season 6.

#214-
‘ Listening To Fear ‘, Buffy Season Five, Episode 9

A part of the very small slump that hits season 5 around the mid-point. This plot involves a Queller demon coming from space to kill the mental patients Glory has been creating with her ‘brain sucking’, which makes Joyce a prime target after her new tumor diagnosis. The Queller is really quite bad, and not all that interesting. What is interesting is Joyce’s condition and that’s what makes this episode decent.

#213-
‘ Inca Mummy Girl ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 4

A episode in a similar vein to Reptile Boy (see #220), a fairly lame plot tinged nicely with some decent character moments. This episode deals with a relationship between Xander and a pretty Incan princess, who also happens to be a mummy who needs life she sucks from victims to survive. It’s a decent plot but suffers from the early notion that Buffy can’t outmatch her opponent which is why Ampata manages to trap Buffy in her own tomb, which is just plain silly. In an unrelated tidbit, first appearance of Oz, one of my favourite characters.

#212-
‘ Sense & Sensitivity ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 6

A strange episode in Angel’s early history. I don’t mind this episode mainly because I find it slightly funny. The plot meanwhile doesn’t hold up quite the same. I like that Kate has a bit more involvement in the plot and she comes off as quite a strong cop. I also am sorry to say, was slightly humoured by the sensitivity whammy that Angel and Kate get hit with. There’s also a nice scene where Angel has to act all cheery to stall some mafia guys which I find hilarious. On the whole, a decent episode.

#211-
‘ Where The Wild Things Are ‘, Buffy Season Four, Episode 18

One of season four’s few fairly basic cheesy episodes. This episode focuses on a house which emits a paranormal sexual energy powered by a non-stop sex session that Buffy and Riley have throughout the episode. I think that’s the big problem with the episode, it lacks direction because Buffy has little screen time and the other characters split the rest, leaving no central character to focus on. The other big-let down is the plot which is pretty weak to be honest, mainly due to a lack of real villain. On a good note, Xander and Anya are brilliant and really provide the humour for this episode.

#210-
‘ Living Conditions ‘, Buffy Season Four, Episode 2

Another one of the few season four episodes that have a pretty terrible plot but is somewhat saved by nice character interactions and solid humour. For some reason, I find Buffy incredibly hilarious when she becomes slightly unstable like she does in this episode. Her manic ramblings and constant paranoia make her incredibly fun to watch. It also makes the other characters interactions with her quite fun. Unfortunately, the plot and ending is pretty poor which drags the episode down quite a lot. Also, much to much Cher for my taste.

#209-
‘ Ted ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 11

An interesting episode that was brought down by a disappointing ending. The first half of this episode is top grade stuff and if it carried on in a similar vein might have ended up in the top 50 but unfortunately that wasn’t meant to be. Basically, this episode revolves around a new man in Joyce’s life who seems to be the perfect guy which everyone loves, apart from Buffy. Her intuition turns out to be quite good as Ted, played by the late, great John Ritter, actually is a robot who collects wives. The brilliant part of this episode is when Buffy trully thinks she killed Ted by kicking him down her stairs. It’s the first time Buffy has had to deal with such an issue and it will have an affect throughout the rest of the series. It’s just sad that the ending involving robot Ted diminishes the possibe greatness the episode potentially had for us.

#208-
‘ The Freshman ‘, Buffy Season Four, Episode 1

Something of a cult episode to some people. Personally, I think it’s just average. My main issue with the episode is the villlains, Sunday and her crew. They are incredibly cliched and I still have a little trouble with Sunday being able to subdue Buffy so easily during the episode, if Angelus and Spike cannot why can she? Some positive notes include how nice it is too see Willow fitting in college while Buffy has a little trouble with it. I also find Xander to be very cool throughout the episode, especially when he gives Buffy some confidence in herself via a nice speech. Just an average starting to season four.

#207-
‘ Loyalty ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 15

The beginnings of the Wesley betrayal storyline. I like this episode better than Sleep Tight (see #224) or Forgiving (see #227) because we can really feel for Wesley and his struggle to do what he thinks is right. Angel also is very humourous as he really gets into his fathering role with Connor. We also get some interesting relationship plotlines involving Fred and Gunn. On the whole though, this episode doesn’t stand out.

#206-
‘ The Price ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 19

An episode with interesting ideas that is just a little let down by the plot. Much of the episode is about loss and what you will do to overcome or prevent such a loss. Angel is still dealing with losing his son to Holtz and decides to do everything he can to get him back which eventually puts others in danger, especially Fred. The concepts behind the episode are good and provide an extra layer of thinking for the episode but the slugs created as a price for Angel’s attempt at getting Connor back are just a little too lame to be taken seriously.

#205-
‘ Dead Man’s Party ‘, Buffy Season Three, Episode 2

Incredibly similar to the previous episode on this list, The Price, we have some nice moments that are somewhat lessened by a troublesome plot. The good stuff revolves around the return of Buffy and her having to try to connect with her friends and family after leaving them high and dry. It’s actually very satisfying to see Buffy have to explain her actions to everyone because in a way, she’s explaining herself to the audience. All this character interaction is very good and pretty emotional but as soon as the zombies and masks get involved things just go down hill which is very sad because this episode had some nice potential.

#204-
‘ Benediction ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 21

Second last episode are always tough, they often have fairly strong plots but always act as a lead-in so more often than not you have fonder memories for the last episode than the second last. This is all too true with this episode. There are some positive things, Angel and Connor have some time to bond (or so we think), Wesley and Lilah some to come together & Holtz returns. All fairly decent things but it just doesn’t stick in the memory like other episodes, especially when compared to other season endings in other seasons.

#203-
‘ Peace Out ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 21

Another pentultimate episode, this one is a bit different though because it effectively ends the season storyline. Much like Benediction, things just don’t stick in your mind like they should. Angel is sent to a demon world previously inhabited by Jasmine where he has the obligatory fight and ends up providing the ingredient that breaks Jasmine’s hold on LA. Her final defeat eventually comes from Connor punching his fist through her head. The most interesting part of this episode is the very end when we find Lilah sitting in the lobby of Hyperion Hotel. Not only does that lead into a brilliant last episode but makes you think about what is more important: free will or world peace which Jasmine provided, I know what I’d pick. (The former for those unknowing ones).

#202-
‘ Never Kill A Boy On The First Date ‘, Buffy Season One, Episode 5

A fairly average first season episode. I have a few complaints. Firstly, Owen is way to similar to Angel but I did find it interesting that he turned out to be a danger junkie considering his broody demeanor. Secondly, pacing is really quite slow and things don’t turn up until the end and even then it’s not frantic. Lastly, the villain involved, the psycho vamp is fairly pedestrian. On the positive side, we get some nice Buffy humour and Cordelia interaction as well as some decent appearances from Xander, Willow and Angel.

#201-
‘ Beauty & The Beasts ‘, Buffy Season Three, Episode 4

One of the few episodes that have an Oz-focus which makes me very sad because he is my favourite character. There is two sides to this story. The Pete side and the Oz side. Pete’s side is fairly average, a whole Jeckal & Hyde deal which is only slightly entertaining. Oz’s side however is much more interesting because his werewolf background isn’t explored in detail and having the possibility of him killing someone in wold form is quite dramatic, especially when you consider Oz’s calm and cool personality. Still, even with the Oz issue the episode ends up pretty average.

#254-
‘ The Pack ‘, Buffy Season One, Episode 6

The Worst episode of Buffy in my opinion and I know that many out there will disagree. This episode brings nothing to the table both for the series overall and for any of the characters. The only good thing I can think of is Giles line about having to kill Xander since he’s turned into a mean 16 year-old boy. The plot is amongst the most stupid plotlines in the Buffyverse. A Hyena possession is very, very silly and was not well thought out with the only merit coming from making Xander a victim of the possession. The eating of Principal Flutie was not only stupid but unfortunate because I found his character quite charming, although it did allow for Snyder which was a admirable replacment. I also found Buffy to be very ineffective throughout the episode. And lastly, the whole climax involving Giles being subdued by a zoo trainer responsible for the possessions before finally being killed by Buffy is not only crap but doesn’t match with the non-human killing principles established by the show later. Thankfully, this is one of only 4 episodes that I believe are pure bad in the whole of each series.

#253-
‘ Doublemeat Palace ‘, Buffy Season Six, Episode 12

Poor plot, lack of character development, painfully slow pacing & a very poor villain. Buffyverse episodes aren’t perfect, we all know this but virtually all episodes provide something which make it good fun to watch, whether that be a decent plot, some nice humour or, in most cases, just the pleasure of watching the characters. Unfortunately, there is little to none of these redeeming qualities. To be honest, I can’t remember much of this episode, I watched it twice and that was enough. The whole ‘fast food is bad’ message also seemed poorly executed. On the whole, lacklustre, to the extreme.

#252-
‘ The Bachelor Party ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 7

The worst of the Angel episodes which is unfortunate because I really liked Doyle and one of his critical background episodes is a stinker. The main letdown is a very slow and poor plotline which turned just a little two weird. The parts involving Doyle’s past and his continuing relationship with Cordelia provide some positives but not enough to make the episode salvagable.  The whole bachelor party part of the episode is boring and lacked any of the usual punch. Angel is also very subdued and provides little apart from a bit of a fight scene in the end.

#251-
‘ All The Way ‘, Buffy Season Six, Episode 6

The last of what I consider to be the worst of the Buffyverse episodes. All The Way focused on Dawn and she doesn’t quite provide the same importance or interest as other characters. For the most part it’s a basic, “I’m a teenager and I’m rebelling.”, plot. There is some nice character stuff though. Willow’s magic abuse becomes more apparent to Tara and Xander announces his engagement to Anya. Buffy is also a little more fun which I like but not enough to save an episode that for the majority of the time is fairly boring.

#250-
‘ Wrecked ‘, Buffy Season Six, Episode 10

A critical episode in the development of Willow’s abuse of power storyline, well, at least it should of been. Instead, we had a drug addiction storyline that felt cheap in comparison. Now, don’t misunderstand, I thought Alyson Hannigan performed quite admirably. But her storyline just wasn’t as good as it potentially could have been. I would have rathered a more subtle addiction device or the continued use of power corruption. Unfortunately, the drug storyline used is very unsubtle and the use of a secret, magical drug den filled with magic addicts and a dealer who is just plain bad makes me cringe. Thankfully, we do get a few redeeming moments. The morning after with Buffy and Spike is very amusing and Willow’s regret at the end is quite strong.

#249-
‘ Reprise ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 15

I will definetly be in the minority here but I never liked this episode. I can’t put my figure on why I don’t like it either. It has some very critical moments for the season and series. Kate & Angel finally hit rock-bottom and both seek comfort which is not good for them, drugs and Darla respectively. It all sounds great but it never grabs me. Throughout the episode all I can think about is how I want the next episode to come. I just don’t get held by it’s storyline. The best part is when Holland Manners explains to Angel that the home office is actually Earth. I know I should feel something for the storyline but I don’t, and I’m sorry for people who find this episode great but I just can’t see it.

#248-
‘ She ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 13

The worst of the run of pretty basic case-of-the-week episodes that Angel ran during that first season. The basic concept in this one is women’s rights which is a good concept but just fails a little in the execution. Bai Ling appears as a guest star but doesn’t click with David Boreanaz which breaks one of the basic plotlines of the episode, the attraction between the two characters. The villains didn’t come across as all that powerful and the pacing for the episode is basic and lacks punch. The best part is the start of the episode where we get to see Angel and Wesley dance, hilariously mind you. That in itself is worth watching the episode.

#247-
‘ Bad Eggs ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 12

Much like She, this episode is the worst of the monster-of-the-week episodes during season two. There’s not much to say about this episode. The plot is bad, there’s less than great character moments and the episode on the whole is just poor. The vampire brother’s Lyle and Tector are fairly interesting but badly cliched. Thankfully, there’s a couple of character interactions that are fun watch.

#246-
‘ The House Always Wins ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 3

A very average episode which focuses on Lorne and being a slave to the poker machines. The Lorne side is mildly interesting but the gambling side in which Angel get’s his destiny taken from him is silly and a little boring. Lacks some consistent humour and any real exciting action.

#245-
‘ I Fall To Pieces’, Angel Season One, Episode 4

An episode with fairly average concepts and moments. Nothing great to report and nothing much to dwell on. Just a basic case-based episode.

#244-
‘ Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight ‘, Buffy Season One, Episode 11

A poor episode based around an invisible girl terrorising Sunnydale high, particularly Cordelia. Much like many of these bottom ranked episodes there’s not much to talk about. The plot is unspectacular and there’s a lack of great character interaction. Cordelia does have a nice moment where we see a different side of her character which is nice.

#243-
‘ Go Fish ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 20

More silliness. The fish storyline is very average. There is some humour which makes the episode a bit of fun but doesn’t make it a good episode. The ending is also fairly unsatisfying. Once again, I find when Buffy tries to intergrate a message or moral into it’s story things go down the drain, in this episode, it’s about steroid abuse with athletes. Thankfully, this is one of the last pure monster-of-the-week episodes for series which is a good.

#242-
‘ That Old Gang Of Mine ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 3

Something of a polarised episode. I fall on the side that doesn’t like it. The episode has some decent concepts and some decent action but just lacks the punch of the better episodes on this list. Also, the character of Gio is very unlikable, but maybe that’s his purpose. I feel sorry for Lorne as his Caritas gets shot up quite badly this episode.

#241-
‘ Habeas Corpses ‘, Angel Season Four, Episode 8

Not the best of episodes. Wolfram & Heart finds itself completely and utterly destroyed by The Beast. Connor also finds himself trapped within. Things aren’t too bad until all of a sudden, the victims turn into zombies, for no apparent reason. That’s the biggest downfall of this episode, well, aside from the average quality of everything else.

#240-
‘ Goodbye Iowa ‘, Buffy Season Four, Episode 14

A Riley-based episode in which he finds himself torn between his duty & honour as a soldier and his love for Buffy. Things just don’t seem to click for me this episode. I’m unsure about Adam and wasn’t very impressed by his character. Riley, while troubled, was sort of annoying throughout the episode as well. Buffy and the gang had some nice moments but for the most part, this episode is just a little too weak.

#239-
‘ Double Or Nothing ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 18

There’s something about Las Vegas and Angel that doesn’t seem to sit to well with me. While I prefer this episode to the other Vegas-based episode, The House Always Wins (see #246) I still find it quite average. The relationship between Gunn and Fred has developed quite strongly and gets tested during the episode so that side of the plot is fairly interesting but the character of Jenoff is sorta boring. Also, the episode just feels like a break from the overall story arc of this season.

#238-
‘ Some Assembly Required ‘, Buffy Season Two, Episode 2

An episode wrecked by an unfortunate plot. The one-episode character’s of Daryl & Eric are just a little too cliched, and even Chris, the younger brother who your supposed to sympathise with isn’t likable enough. One of my pet peeves early on in the show is when, for the sake of action, they pit Buffy against a foe who is clearly no match for her. In this episode, Daryl, who’s virtually a zombie, manages to pretty much defeat Buffy and til this day I still don’t understand how.  On a positive note, I think Giles is absolutely hilarious in this episode, so watch the episode for him.

#237-
‘ Him ‘, Buffy Season Seven, Episode 6

An unfortunate episode at the start of a pretty strong last season. As a humourous episode, it manages to be fairly funny but Dawn’s whining throughout is just too annoying.

#236-
‘ The Cautionary Tale Of Numero Cinco ‘, Angel Season Five, Episode 6

Probably the most boring episode. I never liked this episode and watching it seems something of a waste. Mexican wrestlers, while colourful and talented, don’t seem to fit the universe. Lack of any decent character moments also drag it down.

#235-
‘ Billy ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 6

Another episode with a strong message laid into it, this time, violence against women. It’s a fairly interesting concept involving a male who,by touch, can make other men irrationally violent. It makes for a nice in-house chase scene between Fred and Wes, who by the way is surprisingly scary. The downfall comes from the weakness of the pacing for the most part and the lack of subtlety in it’s message.

#234-
‘ War Zone ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 20

The introductory episode for Gunn. I think the main letdown is that the episode focuses too largely on Gunn and his life. While it’s mildly interesting and does have a personal moment that goes with it, it’s just a little too dull. There’s just not enough Angel, Cordy & Wes. Lack of major villain hurts too.

#233-
‘ The Harvest ‘, Buffy Season One, Episode 2

The second part of the Buffy opener and unfortunately, it doesn’t quite live up to the first part. There’s some nice moments, for example, the explanation of vamps to Willow and Xander and the aftermath of the harvest. But, those moments are overshadowed by the lamish plot, slowish pacing and lacklustre battle at the end. Thankfully, the show was finding it’s feet so it’s pretty forgivable.

#232-
‘ Gingerbread ‘, Buffy Season Three, Episode 11

A blemish in the incredibly strong season three. Once again, the moral of this story is about the mob mentality taking over a town.  In this case, the mob is against magic. Now, there’s some merit in this episode, the idea of Sunnydale trying to rise against the strangeness brought on by the hellmouth is quite logical. The downfall comes when the two murdered kids who started the uprising are found out to be a very crappy demon. It just sorta sucks. There is a lack of nice character interaction as well which dents the episode as well.

#231-
‘ Why We Fight ‘, Angel Season Five, Episode 13

Suffers from the same problems as the previous Angel season five episode on this list (see #236), just a little too boring and slow. The idea of a vampire sired from Angel since he got his soul is interesting but the rest of the plot involving a submarine and the like is just too weak. It’s also very weird to see Spike with black hair.

#230-
‘ Untouched ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 4

A very strange episode. To be honest, it’s just very boring. Lilah gets a little more face time but is nowhere near her best. Everything else is pretty basic. The character of Bethany is also unlikable and I feel no remorse for her which hurts the episode the most.

#229-
‘ The Thin Dead Line ‘, Angel Season Two, Episode 14

A part of the middle season slump that happens during Angel season two. This episode features zombie cops who are incredibly brutal which is an obviously based on police brutality. For the most part it’s a weak episode. Angel is still all lonesome, and Anne get’s a reappearance which is nice. The best part is when Wesley gets shot, not because I don’t like Wes, quite the contrary, rather it’s the worry the episode makes you feel for his life. Still, it’s not enough to save this episode.

#228-
‘ The I In Team ‘, Buffy Season Four, Episode 13

I’m unsure why I don’t like this episode. Buffy’s entrance into the Intiative is quite funny and the betrayal by Walsh is interesting. Maybe because there’s a major lack of character interaction which is what I tend to enjoy most. Just an average episode.

#227-
‘ Forgiving ‘, Angel Season Three, Episode 17

Let’s make it known now, I’m not a big fan of Wesley’s betrayal storyline. I like the consequences which turn Wesley into an awesome dark rogue. The whole stealing Connor situation is very suspect for me and I prefer the other storylines in other seasons. This episode deals largly with the immediate response to Wes’s betrayal and Holtz’s abduction of Connor. Angel is understandably pissed and that’s all good but I just think maybe things could have been executed better. I’m sure there’s fans out there that will completely disagree, but that’s what makes opinions so great.

#226-
‘ Blind Date ‘, Angel Season One, Episode 21

Another average episode, mainly because Angel and co. get less screen time than usual. Lindsey gets that extra time and while it’s mildly interesting it ultimately means nothing because he ends up back at Wolfram & Hart anyway. Holland Manners is introduced and he’s quite cool but on the whole it’s just an average episode.

Written by: Joss Whedon.
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, James Marsters, Marc Blucas, Emma Caulfield, Kristine Sutherland, Amber Benson, Mercedes McNab, George Hertzberg, Seth Green & Armin Shimerman.

Buffy, Xander, Willow, and Giles meet at Buffy’s to relax with videos, one of them Apocalypse Now. They fall asleep before they even get through the FBI warning and are confronted by the First Slayer in their dreams. Each of the four Scoobies experience vivid dreams.

Willow’s dream

The episode begins with Willow painting a Sapphic love poem in Greek on Tara’s back; she is then faced with the opening performance of Death of a Salesman, featuring Riley as the cowboy, as part of a drama class she signed up for. Willow realizes with increasing uneasiness that she knows neither her lines nor her role. Buffy then takes Willow to stand in front of a classroom in the same nerdy clothes she wore in “Welcome to the Hellmouth” and “The Harvest”. Xander mocks her as she nervously begins her book review. Oz and Tara flirt with each other while watching Willow do her book report. Willow has the life sucked out of her by the First Slayer in front of the class.

Xander’s dream

In the longest dream, Xander wakes on Buffy’s couch to find a bizarrely altered version of Apocalypse Now playing on the television. After excusing himself to use the restroom, he finds himself the object of an attempted seduction by Joyce. He then meets Buffy, Giles, and Spike in a playground where Giles tells him that Spike is being trained as a Watcher, switches to an ice-cream truck with Anya where Willow and Tara (wearing skimpy clothing and cheesy make-up suited to porn-film “lesbians”) make a pass at him in the back. Xander comes across Giles, who starts revealing the reason for the dream, but then starts speaking French. A reenactment of the Apocalypse Now scene with Colonel Walter Kurtz turned into a discussion between Xander and Principal Snyder follows. Finally, Xander has his heart torn out by the First Slayer in the guise of his father.

Giles’ dream

Giles swings a watch in front of Buffy, sitting on a chair in Giles’ apartment, which is bare of everything, except the chair and a bed upstairs. She laughs, and Giles’ dream cuts to a family scene with Buffy and his girlfriend Olivia at a fairground. Quicker than the others to understand that something is wrong, he confronts Spike, who is posing for a photo-shoot in his crypt. In The Bronze, he meets Anya failing as a stand-up comedian and Xander and Willow, who warn him of their attacker. He breaks out into song, giving suggestions on how to deal with what hunts them, but when the sound system breaks down, he crawls backstage. He begins to realize his pursuer is the First Slayer, just in time for her to scalp him.

Buffy’s dream

In the final dream sequence, Buffy is woken by Anya in Buffy & Willow’s dorm room, only to switch to her own room at home where she talks to Tara. At the old school, Buffy talks to her mother who lives in the walls, then meets Riley at the Initiative. He has been promoted to Surgeon General and is drawing up plans with the human Adam for world domination through coffee makers that think. The three of them are interrupted by a demon attack, and Riley and Adam leave to create a pillow fort for protection. When Buffy finds her weapons bag, the only thing in it is mud, which she smears on her face. Transported to the desert, she finally confronts The First Slayer, who uses Tara’s voice. The First Slayer tells Buffy that she cannot have friends and must work alone, which Buffy rejects. The Slayers fight in the desert and then in Buffy’s living room next to her dying friends until Buffy realizes that she can stop the fight mentally. The First Slayer vanishes and everybody wakes up when Buffy starts talking about hair care.

From: Wikipedia

BUFFY- (+4)

• +1/ Falling asleep within seconds of beginning to watch video’s with the Scoobies.
• +1/ Her acting during the play we see in Willow’s dream, she’s hilarious as a old-time stage actress and her little speech on men is very amusing-
  “(with contempt) But what else could I expect from a bunch of low-rent, no-account hoodlums like you? Hoodlums, yes, I mean you and your friends, your whole sex, throw ‘em in the sea for all I care, throw ‘em in and wait for the bubbles, men with your groping and spitting all groin no brain three billion of you passing around the same worn-out urge. Men! With your … sales!”
• +1/ In Giles’ dream, being the hyperactive daughter who must play with everything at the carnival. It’s fun because we don’t see Buffy so carefree normally and to see her bounce around and talk fast as a kid would is great (see Giles point 4).
• +1/ Overcoming the First Slayer and refusing to give up her friends which then leads to a big Slayer fight which Buffy eventually stops by deciding to wake up.

XANDER- (+5)

• +1/ Falling asleep nearly straight away after putting the video’s on.
• +1/ Saying something rather crude about Willow’s relationship about Tara, it’s still fairly funny though-
  Xander: So whatcha been doin’? Doing spells? (To Oz) She does spells with Tara.
  Oz: Yeah, I heard about that.
  Bell rings.
  Willow: (anxious) I’m gonna be late. (Walks off)
  Xander: Sometimes I think about two women doing a spell … and then I do a  spell by myself.
• +1/ Actually responding to Joyce’s advances of a sexual nature in his dream. His lines in that little scene are great, very Xander-esque. Obviously, Xander finds Joyce attractive-
  Joyce: Hey.
  Xander: Hey Joyce. Mrs. Summers. (Takes a step closer) We’re not making too much noise down there, are we?
  Joyce: Oh, no. Anyway, they all left a while ago.
  Xander: Oh, I should probably go catch up.
  Joyce: (grins) I’ve heard that before.
  Xander: I move pretty fast. You know, a man’s always after-
  Joyce: Conquest?
  Xander: (shrugs) I’m a conquistador.
  Joyce: (we see her face and hear her voice, but her lips aren’t moving) You sure it isn’t comfort?
  Xander: I’m a comfortador also.
  Joyce: (leans seductively against the door frame) I do know the difference. I’ve learned about boys.
  Xander: That’s cool about you.
  Joyce gives him a seductive look. Xander just stares at her.
  Joyce: It’s very late.
  Again we hear her voice although her lips don’t move.
  Joyce: Would you like to rest for a while?
  We see her bed with the covers turned down. Xander looks from it to her.
  Xander: Um, yeah. (Confidently) I’d like you. I’m just … gonna go to the bathroom first.
• +1/Snyder: Where are you heading?
  Xander: (shrugs uncertainly) Well, I’m supposed to meet Tara and Willow, and possibly Buffy’s mom.
• +1/ Being all skittish around Joyce after his dream-
  Joyce: Xander?
  Xander: Yes, what, Joyce? (Nervously) Uh … Buffy’s mom.
  Joyce: Be my kitchen buddy again, help me carry? (Nods toward the kitchen)
  Xander: Yes. Sure. (Nervously) Buffy’s mom.

WILLOW- (+6)

• +1/ Willow’s line about blackmailing patriotically, reminded me a lot of the old Willow which shows she hasn’t changed too significantly-
  Buffy: Are you sure you’ll be all right? Cause I can be there in the morning.
  Riley: (shakes head) It’s just a debriefing. They’re not gonna make me disappear, and they’re not pinning anything on me. I got Graham and a lot of the guys testifying I’m the
  reason they’re alive. I might actually get out of this with an honorable discharge.
  Giles: In return for your silence, no doubt.
  Riley: Oh yeah. Having the inside scoop on the administration’s own Bay of Mutated Pigs is definitely an advantage.
  Willow: (cheery) It’s like you’re blackmailing the government. (They look at her) In a … patriotic way.
• +1/ Like the others, falling asleep right away after the video’s get put on.
• +1/ Recalling her nightmare from Nightmares, I love it when character’s recall old episodes-
  “I just think it’s really early to be putting on a play. I, I don’t even know what… (Eyes widen) This isn’t Madame Butterfly, is it, because I have a whole problem with opera.”
• +1/ Getting very upset by the whole play scenario, she’s fun agitated.
• +1/ Buffy: Well, you must have *done* something. (Frowning in disapproval)
  Willow: No. I never do anything. I’m very seldom naughty.
• +1/ Being all sexy with Tara in the back of Xander’s ice cream truck.

GILES- (+5)

• +1/ Falling asleep straight away, like the others.
• +1/ Being the play organiser and delivering the inspirational speech to his actors, I also love how he tries to ignore Harmony’s bites.
• +1/ “A Watcher scoffs at gravity.”
• +1/ Being Buffy’s father in his dream, he’s very hard on her, which is somewhat like he treats normal Buffy-
  Buffy: Come on! Come on! We’re gonna miss all the good stuff.
  Olivia: Does she always want to train this badly?
  Giles: Well, it appears she’s never heard the fable about patience.
  Buffy pulls them through crowds of people. Carnival booths, colorful lights.
  Olivia: Which one is that?
  Giles: The, the one about the fox, and the, uh, less patient fox.
  Buffy: (stops in front of a game booth) Here, I want to, I want to!  (Jumping up and down)
  Giles: Yes, go ahead.
  Buffy turns to the booth. There’s a big coffin with a fake-looking vampire standing behind it.
  Vamp: (bouncing) I am a vampire!
  Buffy throws a yellow ball at it, misses by a mile.
  Giles: (exasperated) Buffy, you have a sacred birthright to protect mankind. (Buffy turns to look at him, pouting) Don’t stick out your elbow.
  Olivia sighs.
  Vamp: (bouncing) I am a vampire!
  Buffy throws another ball, hits it right in the chest. It falls backward.
  Vamp: Ahh, you staked me!
  Buffy spins around, grinning with delight. Giles looks unimpressed.
  Giles: I haven’t got any treats.
• +1/ His expositional song explaining what’s happening, possible precurser to Once More, With Feeling.

SPIKE- (+2)

• +1/ Swinging on some swings with Giles, in a tweed suit, a very amusing sight.
• +1/ Posing for some camera’s in his crypt. Some of the poses he comes up with are great.

ANYA- (+2)

• +1/ Allowing Xander to go into the back of his truck with Willow and Tara, since she’s learned how to steer the the vehicle by gesturing emphatically….we then see her do it, brilliant.
• +1/ Her joke for the Bronze crowd, the way she delivers it is the funny part as with most Anya things-
  Anya: Okay. A man … walks into the office of a doctor. He’s wearing on his head, um…
  Anya looks at her papers she has in her hands.
  Anya: Wait, there’s, there’s a, there’s a duck. Is that right?
  Man in Crowd: You suck!
  Anya: Quiet! You’ll miss the humorous conclusion.
  Giles: She’s doing quite well.
  CONTINUED….
  Anya: And … then the duck tells the doctor that there’s a man, that’s attached to my ass.
  Crowd laughs. Xander laughs.
  Anya: See, it was the duck, and not the man that spoke. (Smiles proudly. Applause)

RILEY- (+3)

• +2/ Playing a stupid cowboy in the play in Willow’s dream. Not only does he look humourous but he’s acting is fantastically bad-
  Riley: (swaggers forward, pushes up cowboy hat) Why, hello, little lady. Can I hold those milk pails for you? (Laughter from audience)
  Harmony: Why thank you, but they’re not very heavy. (Overacting) Why have you come to our lonely small town, which has no post office and very few exports?
  Riley: I’ve come looking for a man. (Looks directly into camera) A *sales*man.
• +1/ Planning world domination with Adam-
  Riley: Oh. (Looks at Adam ) We’re drawing up a plan for world domination. (Looks back at Buffy, pleased.) The key element? Coffeemakers that think.
  Buffy: (frowns) World domination? I-is that a good?
  Riley: Baby, we’re the government.
  He swings around in his chair to strike a James Bond-like pose.
  Riley: It’s what we do.
  Adam: She’s uncomfortable with certain concepts. It’s understandable. Aggression is a natural human tendency. (Looks at Buffy) Though you and me come by it another way.
  Buffy: We’re not demons.
  Adam: Is that a fact?
  Riley: Buffy, we’ve got important work here.  A lot of filing, giving things names.
  Buffy: (looks at Adam) What was yours?
  Adam: Before Adam? (Shakes his head. Suddenly the lighting turns blue) Not a man among us can remember.
  Buffy looks around at the blue lighting. In the background we see shadows moving; we hear noises like emergency doors slamming shut.
  Computer Voice: The demons have escaped. Please run for your lives.
  Adam: This could be trouble. (He and Riley stand)
  Riley: We better make a fort.
  Adam: (nodding) I’ll get some pillows. (Leaves)

TARA- (+2)

• +1/ Being all sexy with Willow in the back of Xander’s ice cream truck.
• +1/ Being all foreshadowy with Buffy, very closely related to the scene Buffy had with Faith back in Season Three. Tara mentions Buffy’s death clock and Dawn.

JOYCE- (+2)

• +1/ Upset that Buffy had not introduced Riley to her yet, showing just how little Joyce has been in this season.
• +1/ Trying to seduce Xander, very strange but slightly sexy (see Xander point 3).

HARMONY- (+1)

• +1/ Trying to bite Giles as he gives his actors a speech before the play. An obvious reference to Harmony’s ineffectiveness as a vampire.

ADAM- (+1)

• +1/ His little scene with Riley as they plan world domination, it’s nice to see him normally and not a mish-mash of demon parts (see Riley point 2).

SEASON COUNT-

BUFFY- +141
WILLOW- +112
XANDER- +94
SPIKE- +69
GILES- +65
RILEY- +57
ANYA- +42
OZ- +37
FAITH- +14
TARA- +13
HARMONY- +12
ANGEL- +9
JONATHAN- +8
FORREST- +5
ADAM- +5
JOYCE- +5
THE MAYOR- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +2
WILLY- +1
PARKER- –2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

OVERALL COUNT-

BUFFY- +448
WILLOW- +358
ANGEL- +302
XANDER- +296
GILES- +217
SPIKE- +139
OZ- +129
RILEY- +57
ANYA- +50
JOYCE- +46
FAITH- +43
THE MAYOR- +36
TARA- +13
JONATHAN- +12
HARMONY- +9
FORREST- +5
ADAM- +5
WILLY- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +1
PARKER- -2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

EPISODE THOUGHTS-

A brilliantly strange and entertaining Joss episode. Not only was it strange to have a finale that runs after the season arc had finished but also to have an episode that is like a character bible is just fantastic TV. This episode is full of foreshadowing, self-references and incredibly deep exploration into the main characters. It’s also structured wierdly, with each act being a dream of one of our core Scoobies. It’s hard then to review this as a normal episode because it just isn’t, there’s a villain who is interesting but since she doesn’t speak often and isn’t on the screen a lot it’s hard to really appreciate her involvement. After all, this is about our character’s not a normal plot. Willow’s and Giles’ dreams are the standout’s for me. All the dreams are great however and full of references and foreshadow. Willow’s and Giles are just more entertaining. Another appeal of this episode is that we get to see character’s in ludicrous situations that we wouldn’t normal see. We see Buffy act like Giles’ child, Willow in her old school clothes from Welcome To the Hellmouth, Xander with a gaping hole in his chest, Giles as a play director, Spike in a tweed suit & Riley as a cowboy. That’s half the greatness of this episode, it’s like the actors got to just have a bit of fun out of character and that’s fun to watch. As usual, Joss’ writing is superb and very sharp. The plot of them being hunted by the First Slayer is interesting and not overly powerful so that the character’s take forefront. The episode is also remarkably funny like so many of Joss’ episode. One of the better season finales.

89/100

Written by: David Fury.
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, James Marsters, Marc Blucas, Emma Caulfield, Leonard Roberts, Amber Benson, Bailey Chase, George Hertzberg & Lindsay Crouse.

Buffy and the original Scoobies finally manage to find out that Adam is hiding at one of the Initiative’s secret labs. Buffy figures out that Spike played them and reunites with the original gang. They decide to finish this themselves without the help of Anya or Tara. After a disappointing idea by Xander, Giles comes up with a plan as he figures out a way to make Xander’s idea work. Buffy, Xander, Giles, and Willow find a way into the Initiative, and stop at a room near area 314, where Adam and his people hide planning to build and release an army of hybrid cyborg monsters. Buffy leaves through a secret door while the rest prepare a spell the significance of which is still not clear.

Buffy finds Riley and leaves him fighting Forrest, now turned into a killer cyborg demonoid. Then she goes on to tackle Adam. Things don’t look good for her at first, but then the significance of the spell is made clear: Giles, Willow and Xander invoke the powers of the primeval slayer and beg to be led with her into Buffy’s body so they can defeat Adam together. It works, turning Buffy into an eerie version of herself with the powers of the primeval Slayer and the gang. After an intense fight in which she’s able to use powers like creating an invisible wall to protect her from bullets and turning a small missile into doves, she easily rips the uranium nucleus out of Adam’s chest which kills him. After this, she falls down in the arms of a surprised Riley, who arrives just in time to hold her. Giving all of their strength and power to Buffy leaves the rest of the gang totally exhausted and vulnerable as a demon breaks through but Spike kills it and saves them so they decide not to stake him for his actions. Buffy, Riley, Xander, Giles, and Willow team up together with the Initiative’s soldiers to stop the demon attacks saving most of them with only 40% casulties amongst the Initiative. The government decides to shut down the Initiative for good after this and fill up the base with concrete. Which is the last time the Initiative base in Sunnydale is heard from in the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series, until The Killer in Me episode in Season 7.

From: Wikipedia

BUFFY- (+7)

• +1/ Bringing the Scoobies together to make up after she figures out that Spike orchestrated the break up. It was much to hard to watch them not together, even if it was for a bit of one episode (see Xander point 1).
• +2/ Her proper make-up talk with Willow as they descend the Initiative elevator shaft. It’s nice to see them talk out their problems as best friends. They then hug and descend before taking in Xander for a big Scooby group hug-
  Buffy: How you doing?
  Willow: Super.  What was I thinkin’, using stairs all this time?
  Buffy: Okay.  Will–
  Willow: No, really, Buffy.  It’s not as scary as I thought.
  Buffy: No.  It’s not what I was gonna say.  I just…I’m sorry. I hate that things have been so strained between all of us.
  Willow: It’s not your fault.  Spike stirred up trouble.
  Buffy: Yeah, but I think trouble was stir-uppable.  I think we’ve all sort of drifted apart this year, don’t you?
  Willow: Maybe a little.  But, you know, first year of college, it’s hard to keep the old high school gang together.
  Buffy: But I want it together.  Will, I miss you.  And Giles, and Xander.  And it is my fault.  I’ve been wrapped up in my own stuff, I’ve been a bad friend.
  Willow: You’re the Slayer, Buffy.  Your stuff is pretty crucial.
  Buffy: I mean Riley.  And…Riley, mostly.
  Willow: Well, I haven’t been Miss Available either.  I–I kept secrets.  I hid things from everyone.
  Buffy: That’s not your fault.  Will, you were going through something huge.
  Willow: I wanted to tell you, but I was so scared.
  Buffy: You can tell me anything.  I love you.  You’re my best friend.
  They hug.
  Willow: Me, too.  I love you too.
  They begin falling due to the weight.
  Willow: Oh, falling now!
  They land on the ground, but continue to hug.
  Buffy: Let’s promise to never not talk again.
  Willow: I promise, I promise.
  Xander slides down. Buffy and Willow hug him.
  Buffy: Xander.
  Willow: Oh, wonderful Xander!
  Buffy: You know we love you, right?
  Willow: We totally do.
  Xander: Oh God, we’re gonna die, aren’t we?
  Willow: No, we just missed you.
  Xander looks up.
  Xander: Giles, hurry up!
  Giles looks down.
  Xander: You definitely wanna get down here for this!
• +1/ Telling off Colonel McNamara, and doesn’t he need some telling off.
• +3/ Using the power of the Scoobies and the First Slayer to turn into Uber-Buffy. She’s actually pretty scary and ultimately powerful, she even speaks Sumerian.

XANDER- (+6)

• +2/ Making up with the Scoobies, he gets the extra point because he’s a tad funnier-
  Buffy: (to Xander) Where’s Anya?
  Xander: Oddly, Anya decided not to join us, despite all the fun we had at our last meeting.
  Willow: And I don’t think Tara felt welcome.
  Buffy: Why?  Because of the things that we said?
  Willow nods.
  Buffy: Will, who told you we were talking behind your back, specifically?
  Willow: Well, um…Spike, specifically, but–
  Buffy: And who told you that we thought you’d be better off joining the Army?
  Xander: That’s not…exactly what he said.
  Giles: Well, uh…S–S–Spike can be very convincing when–when–when, uh…I’m very stupid.
  Buffy: He played us.  He wanted us to fight to split us up.  That’s where it came from.  The stuff we said the other night.
  Giles: Of course.  Well, piffle, let’s move on.
  Xander: I’m movin’.
  Willow: Me, too.
  Buffy: Good.  Great.
  Willow: So…why do you think Spike made with the head games?
  Xander: He’s all dressed up with no one to bite.  He’s gotta get his ya-yas somehow.
  Buffy: I think it was more than that.  I think it was Adam.
  Xander: Spike’s working for Adam?!  After all we’ve done–nah, I can’t even act surprised.
• +2/ His part in the group hug, I envy him so much, to be between those two ladies is quite a nice position (see Buffy point 2).
• +2/ Being the Heart in the Slayer spell and helping Buffy to defeat Adam.

WILLOW- (+6)

• +1/ Being both annoyed and happy after the disk self-decrypts-
  Tara: Maybe you should rest.  Clear your head?
  Willow: Can’t. Not now.  I–I think I’m on to something.  I’ve been assuming the–the ciphertext was encrypted with an asymmetric algorithm.  Then it hit me.  A hexogonic key pattern.  It’s–
  Tara: Hey, look, you did it.
  Willow: I didn’t.  I haven’t even finished typing in the new code.
  Tara: Something’s doing it.
  Willow: Must be programmed to  self-decrypt to a certain point. That is so annoying.  It’s like someone blurting out the answer to a riddle just when you’ve–I mean Yippee! We have the information.
• +1/ Her part in the make-up scene (see Xander part 1).
• +2/ Making up properly with Buffy as they infiltrate the Initiative, it’s very nice scene and gets funny when Xander becomes involved (see Buffy point 2).
• +2/ Performing the Slayer spell and providing the spirit element to make the Uber-Buffy.

GILES- (+3)

• +1/ His part in the make-up scene, Giles figures out Buffy’s train of thought quite quickly though (see Xander point 1).
• +2/ Providing the Mind in the Slayer spell and helping to defeat Adam.

SPIKE- (+3)

• +1/ Realising the flaw in his plan when discussing things with Adam-
  Spike: She’s separated from her friends. They want nothing to do with her. She’s all alone.
  Adam: That’s how I want her.  Where I want her is down in the Initiative. She will ensure that as many demons die as humans, she will achieve maximum carnage before she’s too weak to go on.
  Riley: No.  You can’t–
  Adam: Stop talking.
  Riley stops.
  Spike: Right.  The Initiative.  But getting her there–that’s what the bleeding disks are for, isn’t it?  Our little witch gives her the info and pop–Alice heads back down the rabbit hole.
  Adam: The witch.
  Spike: Uh, Willow.  (uses his hands to demonstrate height) About so high, perky, good with math.  Natural choice.
  Adam: A friend.
  Spike: Right.
  Adam: One of the friends from whom you so efficiently separated her.
  Spike: Damn right I did.  You should’ve seen her.  They won’t be talking to each other for a long, long–
  Adam looks down at Spike.
  Spike: Hang on.  I think I might’ve detected a small flaw.
  Adam: So you failed.
  Spike: Well, hey, you’re supposed to be so smart. You let me plan this thing.  Okay, let’s not quibble about who failed who. The important thing is make sure the Slayer is where we want–
  Adam: Go.
  Spike: Gone.
• +2/ Saving the Scoobies from a demon so that he himself will be spared-
  Willow: Wow.  That was–
  The door breaks down and a demon comes inside. Spike comes in and breaks the demon’s neck. The demon falls to the floor.
  Spike: Nasty sort of fellow.  Lucky for you blighters I was here, eh?
  Giles: Yes, thank you.  Although your heroism has been slightly muted by the fact that you were helping Adam to start a war that would kill us all.
  Xander: You probably just saved us so we wouldn’t stake you right here.
  Spike: Did it work?
  They all get up.
  Spike: Well, then everything’s all right.  And we all get to be not staked through the heart.  Good work, team.

ANYA- (+1)

• +1/ Trying to help Xander get over his fight with his friends, in a very Anya-like way-
  Xander is lying in bed. A door closes.
  Anya: Xander?
  She comes down the stairs.
  Anya: You said you wanted to check the board at the unemployment office this morning.
  She lifts the covers.
  Anya: You can’t go like that.  They won’t even interview you if you’re naked.
  Xander: I’m not going.  There’s never anything good.
  Anya sighs.
  Xander: Maybe I should join the Army.
  Anya: Don’t they make you get up really early in the morning?
  Xander: Oh, yeah. (pulls the covers over himself) Never mind.
  She pulls the covers away from his face.
  Anya: Are you still upset about that fight you had with your friends? It was hours ago!  Get over it.
  Xander: Anya, you–Forget it.
  Anya: So, they all think you’re lost, directionless loser with noplans for his future?  Pfft.
  Xander: Anya, you can’t “pfft” that stuff away.
  Anya: Why not?
  Xander: I don’t know.  ‘Cause I think maybe they’re right.
  Anya sighs and kneels down to Xander’s bed and lays on his chest.
  Anya: So what if they are?  You’re a good person, and a good boyfriend, and…and I’m in love with you.  Whatever they think of you, it shouldn’t matter.

RILEY- (+3)

• +1/ Digging out his Initiative chip, that required so awesome determination and i must of hurt like crazy.
• +2/ Having a nice fight with demon Forrest and eventually blowing him up.

ADAM- (+1)

• +1/ Pointing out the flaw in Spike’s plan, Adam got somewhat angered by that (see Spike point 1).

SEASON COUNT-

BUFFY- +137
WILLOW- +106
XANDER- +89
SPIKE- +67
GILES- +60
RILEY- +54
ANYA- +40
OZ- +37
FAITH- +14
HARMONY- +11
TARA- 11
ANGEL- +9
JONATHAN- +8
FORREST- +5
ADAM- +4
THE MAYOR- +3
JOYCE- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +2
WILLY- +1
PARKER- –2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

OVERALL COUNT-

BUFFY- +444
WILLOW- +352
ANGEL- +302
XANDER- +291
GILES- +212
SPIKE- +137
OZ- +129
RILEY- +54
ANYA- +48
JOYCE- +44
FAITH- +43
THE MAYOR- +36
JONATHAN- +12
TARA- +11
HARMONY- +8
FORREST- +5
ADAM- +4
WILLY- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +1
PARKER- -2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

EPISODE THOUGHTS-

This is a very strange episode. Firstly, this episode ends the season arc a whole episode before the end of the season, which is strange for a TV series. Secondly, this episode is a big team effort by the Scoobies. Buffy usually has to finish things off by herself with a bit of help from the Scoobies but all four core characters are vital in the defeat of Adam. Also, we have three fairly large battles running con-currently, Buffy vs Adam, Riley vs Forrest & Initiative vs Demons. These fights are fairly well done, even though Buffy and Adam’s battle is a little too wacky for me. On the whole, this is a strong episode, there’s some really nice character moments, especially between the Scoobies that make this episode memorable. The scene in the elevator with Buffy, Willow and Xander is a very nice scene and a real stand-out. Spike and Anya also provide some good moments to go along with our core. In saying that, this episode lacks the feeling of a finale and also feels slightly disjointed. Apart from the few nice scenes involving the Scoobies there’s little else that really brings this episode together. Still, it’s a strong episode with some major action that entertains quite well.

82.5/100

Written by: Douglas Petrie
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, James Marsters, Marc Blucas, Emma Caulfield, Leonard Roberts, Amber Benson, George Hertzberg & David Boreanaz.

Colonel McNamara talks with a superior about plans for the Initiative, getting Riley back and dealing with Buffy. Spike tells Adam that Buffy is going to be a difficult challenge to defeat and he shouldn’t underestimate her. Spike talks about killing two slayers and not being able to kill Buffy, especially because of the chip now in his head. The two plan to separate Buffy from her Slayerette friends. Still upset about Angel, Buffy returns from L.A. to her empty dorm room. Xander brings Riley some rather colorful clothes to wear, and they talk about their mutual distaste for Angel. Not realizing he didn’t know, Xander accidentally tells Riley about how pure happiness with Buffy is the trigger that sets Angelus free.

Giles is practicing his singing when Spike surprises him by showing up in his apartment. Spike talks with Giles about files inside the Initiative that he might be able to get for a very large price. Spike tells Giles that Buffy doesn’t respect her former watcher anymore, and that upsets Giles. Willow and Tara play with their new kitten while planning their class schedule for next year. They also talk about future housing plans, but Willow hasn’t talked with Buffy yet and isn’t sure what she wants to do now that things have changed so much.

Riley goes to Buffy in the funny clown pants Xander gave him to wear. Using a radio, he’s tapped into the Initiative and is making sure he’s aware of everything going on with the operation. She mentions that Angel upset her, but she doesn’t want to talk about it and Riley leaves. Xander and Anya bring Spike fatigues to wear and a fake gun. Spike continues to tear apart the Scooby gang by making Xander feel unwanted by convincing him that the rest of the gang doesn’t feel he’s useful.

Buffy goes patrolling and runs into Forrest, who is also looking for Adam. They argue as they go into a cave and find Adam. The three of them fight, Adam skewers Forrest and Buffy makes a run for it. Limping, she falls and slides down a hill, hitting her head on a rock. Pretending to have sneaked into the Initiative and retrieved some disks with information, Spike charges into Giles’s place. Giles continues to get drunk while Willow tries to decrypt the disks. Spike talks to Willow and Tara about their Wicca interest and how her friends don’t seem to support it. Willow thinks that means that their friends aren’t accepting their romantic relationship.

Riley hears that there is trouble on the streets through his radio and goes to check it out. He finds that it is Angel fighting off the commandos, and Riley refuses to let Angel go see Buffy. The two have a brutal fight, of which Angel is clearly the victor. Since the fight is personal for both combatants, no punches are pulled. Angel, who normally refrains from using his superior physical strength against a human and still stinging from Buffy’s recent comments in LA, holds nothing back in the fight. Similarly, Riley, having just learned what makes Angel lose his soul, uses every weapon (literally) on him. During the fight, Riley uses his tazer, a bottle, and his baton on Angel. However, these weapons prove futile in comparison to Angel’s brute strength, better fighting skills, and experience. The fight violently ends when Riley, having momentarily stunned Angel with his tazer, is lifted by Angel and thrown into several trash cans. Angel then picks him up again and throws him once again into the side of a building. Finally, both run off when a military truck comes down the street. Buffy returns to her dorm room and Angel shows up. As Angel tries to talk to Buffy, Riley barges in and raises a gun to Angel. Angel taunts Riley and the two come to blows again. Buffy separates them and wants to talk to Angel alone.

Buffy goes off on Angel and then they laugh when Angel confesses he came to make up. They both apologize for the things they said and did in L.A., and part on friendly terms. Angel leaves, stating that he doesn’t like Riley. Spike reports back to Adam, happy to have split up the Scooby Gang. Riley is worried that Buffy has reunited with Angel, confesses that he already knows about how Angel can lose his soul. They profess their love to each other and then Buffy brings him bad news. She tells him that Forrest is dead and he leaves quickly.

The damage that Spike has done to the gang starts to become clear as gang breaks out into a fight. While Tara and Anya sneak into the bathroom and hide, Buffy argues that she is going to take on Adam alone. Giles is incredibly drunk and makes funny comments in the background. Xander complains that his friends don’t need him and Willow complains that Buffy doesn’t accept Tara, revealing their relationship to Xander and Giles. While Giles goes to sleep the alcohol off, Buffy leaves, telling her friends that she doesn’t need them.

In Adam’s lair, Riley shows up as an expected guest.

From: Wikipedia

BUFFY- (+6)

• +1/ Her meeting with Forrest in the, uh….Forest. There’s quite a bit of animosity there which makes the interaction entertaining-
  Forrest and Buffy are pointing their blasters at eachother.
  Forrest: Don’t shoot.
  Buffy: Give me a reason not to?
  Forrest: You’re killing humans now?
  Buffy: Not yet. (lowers blaster) Beating you senseless should do just fine.
  Forrest: I can have a patrol here in under a minute.  So here’s the plan: you go you’re way, I’ll go mine.
  Buffy turns and continues to the cave.  Forrest starts to follow but stops when she looks back at him.
  Buffy: I’m checking out that cave.
  Forrest: My orders exactly.
  Buffy: Alone?
  Forrest: We’re spread a little thin, so yeah.  Family’s tearing apart.
  Buffy: (sarcastic) Family.  What kind of family are you?  Corleones.
  Buffy steps inside followed by Forrest.
  Forrest: We weren’t until you showed up.
  Buffy: What?  No girls in the club?
  Forrest: You think you’re the first girlfriend Riley’s ever had? (she stops to glare at his back as he continues ahead) Such a big head on that skinny little body. (he stops to face her) No.  You’re just the first one to get him to commit treason.  Riley had a career.  And a future till he met you.  And, yeah, I got a problem with that.
  Buffy: A future?  A future doing what? (steps closer to him) Illegal experiments. Torture.  Murder.  I guess killing someone isn’t really a problem for you.
  Forrest: Less and less.  And why don’t you get the hell out of here before I–
  He takes a threatening step to her.
  Buffy: (angry) Touch me and you’ll find out what Slayer strength is like.
  Forrest: (gamely) I think it’s about time you showed me then.
• +1/ Having to stop Angel and Riley from fighting, it’s fun to see Buffy have to be a mediator between two big men, she also threatens them with pain, which she can do (see Angel point 2).
• +2/ Buffy and Angel Apologising to eachother for the way they carried on in Sanctuary, a very amusing scene and a reminder of the pain both of those two dealt with for the past 3 years-
  Buffy: (angry) Okay.  I come to see you, to help you, and you treat me like I’m just . . . your ex.
  Angel: Well, technically–
  Buffy: Shut up!  And then you order me out of *your* city and then you come here and start pounding on my boyfriend?! I would really like to know what the HELL are you trying to do?!.
  Angel: I was trying to make things better.
  She regards his sincere expression and can’t keep herself from laughing.  It becomes contagious because Angel can’t help but to smile also.
  Angel: Heh.  Well.  (chuckles)  It’s a . . . going pretty good, don’t you think?
  Buffy: (smiling) Swell.
  Angel: You know– heh. (seriously) I couldn’t leave it like that.  The way I spoke to you– I came to apologize.  I . . I had no right.
  Buffy: And Riley?
  Angel: I got jumped by some soldiers.  He came in in the middle.  And wasn’t real forthcoming with the benefit of the doubt.
  Buffy: Put yourself in his place.
  Angel: (considers) I get it.
  Buffy: Look . . . You weren’t entirely wrong, what you said in L.A.  We don’t live in each other’s worlds anymore.  I had no right to barge in on yours and make judgments.
  Angel: I’m still sorry.
  Buffy: Thank you.
  Angel: And, next time . . I’ll apologize by phone. (Buffy laughs softly)  Uh, things are pretty tense around here.
  Buffy: They really are.
  Angel: Can I do anything?
  Buffy: Honestly . . . I think the best thing you can do right now is–
  Angel: (understandingly) Okay.
  Buffy: It means a lot that you came.
  Angel just looks at her for a moment then starts walking down the hall.  Buffy his heading to her door when Angel turns around again.
  Angel: Oh, and . . .  Riley.
  Buffy: Yeah?
  Angel: I don’t like him.
  Buffy: (smiles) Thank you.
• +2/ The awesomely large fight between Buffy, Willow, Xander & Giles which Spike expertly orchestrated. Very fun to watch. Buffy tries to be the only sane head in the bunch but ends up feeling like her friends have abandoned her and leaves angrily-
  Buffy: Sorry, you guys, but we’re on a clock here.  Okay, Adam was at that cave so maybe he was there for a reason?  I-I can–I can go back, scope it out, track him if I have to.
  Willow: (sarcastic) Right.  And then maybe you’ll get lucky and he’ll still be there and he can rip your arms off for you? (sternly) Buffy, you can’t go back alone.
  Giles: You never train with me anymore.  He’s gonna kick your ass.
  Buffy: (shocked) Giles.
  He steps out of the kitchen, drink in hand, and leans against the entrance of the hallway.
  Giles: Sorry.  Was it a bit honest? (drunken grin) Terribly sorry.
  Xander: (standing) So she doesn’t go alone. (turns to him) Giles, weapons all around.
  Buffy: You’re not going, Xander.
  He turns to face her, giving her a hard look.
  Buffy: Y-you’d get hurt.
  Xander: (as if expecting this) Oh.  Okay.  You and Willow go do the superpower thing, I’ll stay behind and putt around the Batcave with crusty old Alfred here. (with a thumb to Giles)
  Giles: Ah-ah, no.  I am no Alfred, sir.  No, you forget.  Alfred had a job.
  Buffy: Willow is not going either.  I’m doing it alone.
  Willow: (still sarcastic) Oh, great.  And then when you have your new “no arms” we can all say “Gee, it’s a good thing we weren’t there getting in the way of that!”
  Xander: Right!  Maybe we can help in other ways? (to Buffy) Want some fighting pants, Buff?  I can get ya some new fighting pants!
  Buffy: You guys, this isn’t helping.
  Willow: Oh, wow!  We’re already getting in the way.  We’re pretty good at this, Xander, huh?
  Xander: Right.  I’m so good at it you might have to ship me off to the Army to get me out of the way!
  Buffy: The Army?
  Xander: You didn’t think I knew about that, did you?  You two talking about me behind my back.
  Willow frowns at him.
  Buffy: Us talking about *you*?  How about you telling Riley every last detail of my life with Angel?
  Willow: And besides, when is there any “us two?”  You two are the two who are the two.  I’m the other one.
  Xander: Uh-huh.  But maybe that all changes when I’m doing sit-ups over at Fort Dix?
  Giles almost chokes on his drink.
  Giles: Fort Dix?
  He bursts out in a wheezing laugh.  The three of them stare at hi.
  Buffy: Are you drunk?
  Giles: (happily) Yes.  Quite a bit, actually.
  Buffy: Well, stop it! (to Xander and Willow) This is stupid.
  Xander: Stupid?  So you finally have the guts to say it to my face?
  Buffy: I didn’t say you were stupid!  So . . stop being an idiot and let me fix this!
  Xander rolls his head in an exasperated way and sits down on the couch.
  Buffy: Okay, I need you.  I need both of you.  All the time! Just . . not now.  Adam is very dangerous.
  Willow: Wait.  How do you need me, really?
  Buffy: You’re . . good with the computer stuff. (Willow accepts that)  Usually. (Willow glares at her) And-and there’s the witch stuff.
  Willow: (accusingly) Witch stuff?  What exactly do you mean by “witch stuff?”
  Buffy: You guys, what is happening?  This is crazy!
  Giles: Oh, no, it’s not. (moves to his desk) It’s all finally making perfect sense and I’m not going to miss a moment of it.
  He sets his drink down and tries to sit.  But his aim is off and his ass doesn’t come close to hitting the chair and he drops to the floor.
  CONTINUED…
  Xander: And if I did join the Army, I’d be great!  You know why?  ‘Cause they might give me a job that couldn’t be done by any well-trained border collie.
  Giles: That’s it.  I’m going to bed.
  He struggles to pull his sweater over his head as he stomps up the stairs.  Willow stands beside Xander.
  Willow: No, you’d do wonderful in the Army.  Hey, do you think the umbilical cord between you and Anya can stretch that far?
  Xander: I knew it!  I knew you hated her!
  Giles’ sweater drops down from the loft above and falls on him covering his face.  Xander yanks it off his head.
  Willow: Look, I’m not the one being judgmental here.  I’ll leave that territory to you and Buffy.
  Buffy: Judgmental?  If I was anymore open-minded about the choices you two make my whole brain would fall out!
  Xander: (to Willow) Oh!  And superior.  Don’t forget that. (to Buffy) Just because you’re better than us doesn’t mean that you can be all superior!
  Buffy: You guys, stop this!  What happened to you today?
  Willow: It’s not today!  Buffy, things have been wrong for a while!  Don’t you see that?
  Buffy: What do you mean wrong?
  Willow: Well, they certainly haven’t been right, since Tara.  We have to face it.  You can’t handle Tara being my girlfriend.
  Xander: No!  It was bad before that! (he steps out in between them again)  Since you two went off to college and forgot about me!  Just left me in the basement to– (turns on Willow in shock) Tara’s your girlfriend?
  Giles: (from upstairs)  Bloody hellll!
  Buffy: Enough!  All I know is you want to help, right?  Be part of the team?
  Willow and Xander shake their heads, grumbling.
  Willow: (unison) I don’t know anymore.
  Xander: (unison) Really not wanted.
  Buffy: (raising her voice) No!  No, you said you wanted to go.  So let’s go!  All of us.  We’ll walk into that cave with you two attacking me and the funny drunk drooling on my shoe!  Hey!  Hey, maybe that’s the secret way of killing Adam?!
  Xander: Buffy . . .
  Buffy: (hurt and angry) Is that it?  Is that how you can help? (a beat) You’re not answering me!  How can you possibly help?
  They don’t reply and turn their eyes away from her.  She regards them silently for a moment.
  Buffy: (somberly) So . . . I guess I’m starting to understand why there’s no ancient prophecy about a Chosen One . . and her friends.

XANDER- (+7)

• +2/ Discussing Angel with Riley, in which he sorta lets the whole Angel-Buffy trigger out of the bag, much to Riley’s dismay, silly Xander-
  Riley: I take it you’re not an Angel fan either?
  Xander: Well, it’s not like I hate the guy.  Just, you know . . the guts part of him.
  Riley: Can’t blame you.  But to be fair, it’s not him you hate.  It’s the curse.
  Xander doesn’t respond.
  Riley: Right?
  Xander: What did Buffy tell you?
  Riley: On Angel?  Everything.  More than I wanted to know sometimes.  She loved him.  He turned evil.  He, uh, killed people.  She cured him.  He left.  Interesting little curse.
  Xander: One moment’s happiness.
  Riley: What do you mean?
  Xander: You know, it’s his trigger.  Angel’s an okay guy if he’s mopey and sad and brooding, but if you give him even one second of pure, real pleasure . . .
  Riley: And that sets him off.
  Xander: Only in the big ol “kill your friends” kind of way.  And you know what makes Angel happiest?  I’ll give you a hint.  It not creme brulee.
  Riley doesn’t say anything for a couple of seconds.
  Riley: Buffy.
  Xander nods, opening his palms in a “there you go” gesture.  Riley dwells on this for a moment and it dawns on him.
  Riley: Sex (scoffs softly) with Buffy.
  Xander’s jaw drops as he realizes . . .
  Xander: She . . . kind of left that part out, huh?
• +2/ His reaction to Spike telling him of Buffy and Willow’s suggestion that Xander head off to the army, which of course, never happened. Xander is pretty unhappy of course but makes for an amusing little scene (see Spike point 3).
• +3/ Xander’s part in the huge argument where he gets all upset about Buffy and Willow’s supposed plan to ship him off the the army. Xander tends to have the best lines which is why he gets 3 points, I especially love his batcave reference with Giles and his reaction when he finds out that Tara is Willow’s girlfriend (see Buffy point 4).

WILLOW- (+3)

• +1/ Being dramatic with her cat after she discusses taking drama next year, show’s just how much Willow has changed. She couldn’t even stand up in front of people in high school.
• +2/ Her part in the big argument. Her sarcastic remarks are quite fun and champions her side of being the excluded one because of her new sexuality (see Buffy point 4).

GILES- (+5)

• +1/ Singing ‘Free bird’ by Lynryrd Skynryd, one of my favourite classic songs.
• +4/ His part in the huge argument. Giles is at his funniest…ever. He’s drunk and plays it well. Every line he says in the argument is hilarious and are standouts. I especially love his reaction to finding out Willow’s now a lesbian…”Bloody hell!” (see Buffy point 4).

SPIKE- (+6)

• +1/ Warning Adam about underestimating Buffy, Spike nows from experience-
  Spike: The Slayer’s dangerous is all I’m saying.
  Adam: Yes.  She makes things interesting.
  Spike walks up to him.
  Spike: No.  See?  You’re not getting it, Mr. Bits.  You’re gonna be interestingly dead. (paces again) Little Miss Tiny’s got a habit of  bollixing up the plans of every would-be, unstoppable bad-ass who sets foot in this town.  Just want you to know, when the big ugly goes down, the Slayer’s gonna be right in the thick of it.  You ready for that?
  Adam: I’m counting on it.
  CONTINUED…
  Adam: Two Slayers.
  Spike: That’s right.
  Adam: And you killed them both?
  Spike: (grinning) Yeah.  I killed the hell out of them.
  Adam: Yet you fear this one?
  Spike: (offended) Hey, watch it, mate.  I don’t fear anything.  Just know my enemies.
  Adam: Do you?  Then why haven’t you killed this Slayer yet?
  Spike: Because . . . (trails off) Stinking, rotten luck is why.  On top of that, now I got this buggering chip up my head.
  Adam: Yes.  Your behavior modification circuitry.  I know what you feel.
  Spike: (scoffs softly) Not likely.
  Adam: You feel smothered.  Trapped like an animal.  Pure in its ferocity, unable to actualize the urges within.  Clinging to one truth.  Like a flame struggling to burn within an enclosed glass.  That a beast this powerful cannot be contained.  Inevitably it will break free and savage the land again.  I will make you whole again.  Make you savage.
  Moved, Spike has to blink back tears.
  Spike: (awed) Wow. (composes himself) I mean, *yeah*.  I get why the demons all fall in line with you. (sits up) You’re like Tony Robbins.  If he was a big scary . . Frankenstein looking– (reconsiders)  You’re exactly like Tony Robbins.
  Adam: I will restore you to what you once were.  When I have the Slayer . . . how and where I want her.
  Spike: (sighs) Easier said.  She’s crafty.  Her and her little friends.
  Adam: Friends?
  Spike: There’s your –what do you call it– variable.  The Slayer’s got pals.  You want her evening the odds in a fight you don’t want the Slayerettes mucking about.
  Adam: Take them away from her.
  Spike perks up at that idea.
  Spike: Now there’s a plan.  She’s working solo, she won’t have a chance to come after us when the wild rumpus begins. (chuckles) Plus, it will make her miserable.  And I never get tired of that.
  He sits back again.  He smiles at that prospect.
  Spike: (to himself) Yeah.  Leave `em to me.
  Adam: You can’t hurt them.  What can you do to make sure they’re out of the picture?
  Spike: Not a blessed thing.  They’re gonna do it for me.
• +2/ First, he strikes Giles, discussing his lack of job and the lack of respect Buffy has for him, well crafted, Spikey-
  Giles: What do you want?
  Spike: Hmm, year supply of blood, guaranteed protection, merry bushels of cash, and, most important . . . a guarantee that I’m not to be in anyway slain.
  Giles: (puts on glasses) Done.
  Spike: With a smile and a nod from you?  Sorry.  Not close to good enough.  This deal’s with the Slayer.
  Giles: I’ll tell her.
  Spike: Oh, you’ll tell her!  Great comfort that.  What makes you think she’ll listen to you?
  Giles: Because . . . (trails off, unsure)
  Spike: Very convincing.
  Giles: I’m her Watcher.
  Spike: I think you’re neglecting the past-tense there, Rupert.  Besides, she barely listened to you when you were in charge.  I’ve seen the way she treats you.
  Giles grows uncomfortable at those words.  He grabs a bottle off the bar and starts to pour himself a drink.
  Giles: Oh, yes?  And how’s that?
  Spike: Very much like a retired librarian.
  Giles doesn’t say anything and continues to pour.
  Spike: Look, I’ve got what she wants as long as she has what I want.
  He walks out of the kitchen and heads for the door.  As he passes Giles–
  Spike: Spread the word.  She knows where to find me.
  Giles: (softly, without authority) I’ll think about it.
• +2/ Next, he gets Xander by praying on his insecurity about his place within the Scoobies. He makes up the story that he heard Will and Buffy discussing the army and Xander. Spike, brilliantly, remains focused on other things, not on his great tactical strike-
  Xander: Can I tell you how much I really . . don’t care?
  Spike: (warningly)  Attitude.  See how far that’ll take you in boot camp. (Xander gives him a questioning look) Say, I hope you get one of those toughs-as-nails drill sergeants who’s only hard on the men because he’s trying to keep them alive when the bullets start flying.  I love that stuff.
  Xander: Boot camp?  Yeah.  Like I’d go there.
  Spike: What, you changed your mind?  Not gonna join?
  Anya hits Xander hard on the chest.
  Anya: (angry) You’re joining the Army!?
  Xander: (to Anya) Okay, one– Ow. (to Spike) Two– Where’d you get that idea? (to Anya) Three– OW!  I’m not joining the army!
  Anya: Oh, good.  Stopped that nonsense just in time.
  Xander: I was never–
  He turns to Spike who’s examining the fake gun.
  Xander: Who’d you hear this from?
  Spike: Oh, your girlie-mates were talking.  Something about, uh, being all you can be.  Or all *you* can be.  And having laugh.  Figured you were signing up.  Say, have you got anything larger in the . . toy gun line?
  Xander: “All I can–” (paces to the other side of the crypt) Can you believe this!?  Like I’m some sort of useless lunk.  It happens I’m good at a lot of things.  I help out with all kinds of . . . stuff.  I have skills . . . and . . . stratagems. I’m very . . . (looks to Anya) Help me out.
  Anya: (nonchalant) He’s Viking in the sack.
  Spike: (not caring) Terrific. (indicates the clothes in his hands) You didn’t have these cleaned after the last time, did you?
  Xander continues as if not hearing him.
  Xander: This is so like them, lately.  It’s all about them and the college life.  Well, you know what college is?  It’s high school only without the actual going to class.  Well . . high school was kinda like that too.  But the point is, I’m out there working hard to make a living.  It’s nothing but a huge joke to them.  Xander got fired from Starbucks.  Xander got fired from that phone-sex line.
  Anya: They look down on you.
  Xander: And they hate you.
  Anya: But they don’t look down on me.
  Spike: Hey, it was just a laugh.  There’s no need to go insane over it.
• +1/ Lastly, he strikes Willow and uses her ‘witch stuff’ as a metaphor for Willow’s change of orientation to which he has Buffy not liking, what’s interesting is that Spike is able to key into Will’s relationship by just watching Tara with her, Spike in quite the observer which is how he manages to break them up-
  Spike: Can you fix `em?
  Willow: Crack a government encryption code on my laptop?  Easy as really difficult pie.  Why?
  Spike: (sighs) You’re not exactly the whiz these days either.  God, I’m never gonna get paid.
  Effected by the offhanded remark, Willow shifts uncomfortably in her chair.
  Willow: I am a whiz.
  Tara: She is a whiz.
  Willow: If every a whiz there was.  I-I just need some time.
  Spike: No.  I just heard you weren’t . . . (Willow hits a key and the jittering stops) Your mates said you weren’t playing with computers so much. (indicates Tara) Into the new thing.
  Willow: (frowning) What new thing?
  Spike: (nonchalant)  You know, you two.  The whole wicca thing.
  Willow: They-they were talking about that?
  Spike: Can we get back to business here?  I’ve got a deal at stake.
  But Willow is very concerned now.
  Willow: What did they say?
  Spike: (impatient sigh)  Talking about, you know, it’s a phase.  You’ll get over it.
  Willow: What?  Who said that?  Was it Buffy? (to Tara) ‘Cause . . . you know what she means by that.
  Spike: No, she was defending you.  ‘Cause Xander said you were just being trendy.
  Willow: Trendy?
  Spike: I don’t know what they were going on about.  A person wants be a witch, that’s their business.
  Willow shakes her head, thoughtfully.
  Willow: (softly) I knew Buffy was freaked.
  Tara: You should talk to her, ’cause I’m sure she–
  Spike: Pressing business, ladies. (pointing to the screen) Don’t want to get sidetracked. (taps it with his finger) Still got your monsters to fight.

ANYA- (+1)

• +1/ Not liking the idea of Xander going to the army, she then tells Spike that Xander is a Viking in the sack, you gotta love Anya (see Spike point 3).

RILEY- (+6)

• +1/ Discussing Angel with Xander and finding out that Angel’s curse is triggered by having sex with Buffy, which tears him up (see Xander point 1).
• +1/ I liked the way he didn’t push Buffy about what happened with Angel, even after what he knows from Xander.
• +1/ Duking it out with Angel, he holds his own for a while but does manage to get the worst of the beating.
• +2/ Arguing with Angel in front of Buffy and stoically remaining in the room to hear what they say only to watch them leave to talk privately (see Angel point 2).
• +1/ Explaining his actions to Buffy, I like his description of Angel, very funny-
  Riley: Buffy . . . I feel like we’ve gotten really close.  At least I thought we had.  I don’t know much about Angel (Buffy lowers her eyes) or your relationship with him . . but . . . all I ask is . . if you’re gonna break heart, do it fast.
  Buffy looks up at him, frowning.
  Buffy: What?  You think that Angel and I . . .
  Riley: Didn’t you?
  Buffy: No.  Of course not.  How can you even ask me that?
  Riley: (sighs)  I don’t know.  Xander said–
  Buffy: Xander?!  Oh, he’s the deadest man in Deadonia.
  Riley: No.  It’s not his fault.  I prodded and he explained how Angel went bad.  The, uh, trigger.
  Buffy: (quietly) Oh.
  Riley: And, uh (chuckles) after that, I went a little nuts!  You know?  I mean . . . On the one hand . . I should believe in us.  But on the other . . Sometimes things happen between exes and when I saw that he was bad. . .
  Buffy: He’s . . not bad.
  Riley just looks at her.
  Riley: Seriously?  That’s . . a good day? (Buffy rolls her eyes in confirmation) Well, there you go.  Even when he’s good he’s all Mister . . Billowy Coat King of Pain and girls really–
  Buffy: Riley, stop.
  Riley: See?  Nuts.

ADAM- (+2)

• +1/ His description of the beast inside Spike, it was so good that he actually moved Spike.
• +1/ Knowing who the beatles are and liking ‘Helter Skelter’, somewhat predictably.

FORREST- (+1)

• +1/ Running into Buffy as they both try to explore a cave that Adam is using as home, I like the animosity he has for Buffy (see Buffy point 1).

ANGEL- (+5)

• +1/ Having a punch up with Riley. Riley inflicts a bit of damage but Angel eventually gets the better of him.
• +2/ Arguing with Riley in front of Buffy. I love that Angel immediately turns jealous and petty around him, it makes him hilarious-
  Angel: Buffy, please.  I really don’t have a lot of time.
  She hears the slight urgency in his voice.
  Buffy: (concerned) What’s going on?
  The door bursts open a Riley steps in, steadying himself against the shelf of Willow’s desk.  He raises his arm and aims the Baretta in his hand at Angel, thumbing back the hammer.
  Riley: (pissed) I told you you weren’t coming near her.
  Buffy: (pissed) You’ve got to be kidding me.  This is why you came?
  Angel: No.  This was accident.
  Buffy: (very pissed) Running a car into a tree is an accident!  Running your fist into somebody’s face is a plan!  Please, explain this to me!
  Angel doesn’t answer her but looks at Riley.
  Angel: (calmly) Put that gun down.
  Riley: It’s pretty much all I got left, so I’m thinking not.  He attacked four of my men, Buffy.  I think he’s up to his old tricks.
  Buffy: He won’t hurt anybody. (to Angel) Tell him.
  Angel starts to move forward.
  Angel: (with contained violence) Might hurt you.
  Riley steps forward.
  Riley: Please try.
  Angel: Heh.  Some threat.  You can barely stand.
  Riley brandishes the gun in front of his face.
  Riley: Trigger finger feels okay.
  Angel: (sideglance to Buffy) You actually sleep with this guy?
  While his head’s turned, Riley punches him in the face.  Angel quickly hits him back.
  Buffy: Okay, stop it!
  Buffy steps in between them and shoves them apart.  Riley slams back against Willow’s desk and Angel goes flying onto Willow’s bed.
  Buffy: Okay, that’s enough!  I see one more display of testosterone poisoning and I will personally put you both in the hospital!
  She glances back and forth between them.  Riley looks like he still wants to shoot Angel.
  Buffy: (challengingly) Anybody think I’m exaggerating?
  Angel: He started–
  Buffy points a warning finger at him and he wisely shuts up.
• +2/ Finally getting his chance to apologise to Buffy for his behaviour in Sanctaury, it’s a nice scene (see Buffy point 3).

SEASON COUNT-

BUFFY- +130
WILLOW- +100
XANDER- +83
SPIKE- +64
GILES- +57
RILEY- +51
ANYA- +39
OZ- +37
FAITH- +14
HARMONY- +11
TARA- 11
ANGEL- +9
JONATHAN- +8
FORREST- +5
THE MAYOR- +3
JOYCE- +3
ADAM- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +2
WILLY- +1
PARKER- –2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

OVERALL COUNT-

BUFFY- +437
WILLOW- +346
ANGEL- +302 (3rd to Triple century in 67 episodes).
XANDER- +285
GILES- +209
SPIKE- +134
OZ- +129
RILEY- +51
ANYA- +47
JOYCE- +44
FAITH- +43
THE MAYOR- +36
JONATHAN- +12
TARA- +11
HARMONY- +8
FORREST- +5
WILLY- +3
ADAM- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +1
PARKER- -2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

EPISODE THOUGHTS-

A fantastic lead in to the season arc finale. It was inevitable that this day would come, when the Scooby gang would break up and this season provided the best impetous for it. Buffy’s infactuation with Riley, Willow’s relationship with Tara, Xander’s life off-campus & Giles’ lack of purpose since his sacking. All this culminated to a breaking point, which Spike just raised the tempreture under so that it finally broke. Strangely enough though, this argument is what brings them together again. Without these fears being talked about, the Scoobies could have separated so much that reassembling would be very tough, but having them argue allowed them to realise how much they love each other, but I’m getting ahead of myself. This episode is the break up. I love how Spike strategically lays doubts into the minds of the Scoobies, each personally tailored by his observations of them. He’s so delicate that it’s somewhat fun to see his work come to fruition. In saying that, the argument is just fun to watch, and not only because Giles is drunk. The acting and writing is brilliant and really is among the best of this season. The set-up before the argument is nearly as good, we see Angel come to town and fight with Riley, which is fun and we watch Spike’s deft little movements. Actually, the acting on the whole is fantastic, it’s hard to pick a standout. Plot-wise, it’s all moving toward the end and the eventual break-up. The pacing is fantastic and ech scene is sharp and fun to watch. Top shelf episode.

93/100

Written by: Marti Noxon.
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, James Marsters, Marc Blucas, Emma Caulfield, Leonard Roberts, Amber Benson, Bailey Chase, George Hertzberg & Seth Green.

Willow and Tara walk around the school grounds holding hands and talk about Tara getting a cat as a pet. At the Scooby Gang meeting, Buffy explains that there is little going on, but as usual, Giles knows that means trouble. As the meeting ends, Oz shows up in the doorway, shocking everyone into silence. Oz arranges to talk with Willow later, and after Oz leaves, Tara also leaves the incredibly uncomfortable situation. Buffy and Riley talk about how bad Willow and Oz’s break-up really was, and Buffy accidentally mentions that Oz is a werewolf. Buffy goes off on him when he negatively comments on Willow dating a werewolf (he says that Willow seems smarter than to date a dangerous guy, unknowingly drawing a parallel between Willow and Oz and Buffy and Angel).

Oz takes Willow for a walk outside during a full moon, showing her that he’s not in werewolf mode. While in Tibet, with the help of herbs, charms, chanting, and meditation, he’s learned to control the wolf inside. Oz wants to get back together with Willow, but she is reluctant. Graham patrols with a team and they are all attacked by a four-legged demon, closely resembling a werewolf. Willow and Oz talk all night about their lives while they were apart. Tara comes by in the morning while Willow is away, and upon having Oz answer the door she gets nervous and leaves.

Buffy wakes up at Riley’s, but she’s very distant from him. They talk about the night before in the graveyard and Riley’s reaction to Oz, then Riley leaves after hearing news about Graham getting hurt. Willow shocks Buffy with the news about Oz being able to control the wolf. Buffy is even more shocked as Willow subtly explains that her relationship with Tara is now serious and that complicates things with Oz. Adam goes to Spike for his help in exchange for getting the chip out of Spike’s head.

Willow tells Tara that she and Oz only talked the night before, and then they hug. Oz and Tara have a confrontation and after smelling Willow on Tara, Oz concludes that the two are romantically involved. He loses control, and starts to change into a werewolf. Werewolf Oz chases Tara into a classroom, and then Riley and the Initiative guys take Oz away. The gang meets up and makes a plan to free Oz. Oz is kept caged at the Initiative and just as Riley is about to shoot him dead, he changes back into his human form.

Despite Riley’s attempts to help, the scientists start performing tests on Oz. Spike shows up at Giles’ place and offers to lead Buffy and the gang into the Initiative. Riley sneaks in, gives Oz some clothes and tries to help him escape. On the way out, they get caught. Colonel McNamara lectures Riley about betraying the Initiative on so many levels and how he will be court-martialed. Dressed as commandos and scientists, Spike and the gang sneak into the Initiative through a back door. Adam secretly helps them by running operations through a computer and helping them shut down the power for most of the city.

Holding the Colonel hostage, Buffy gets Riley and Oz free, Riley leaving the Initiative for good. Now that his life is in danger, Riley camps out underground with Buffy at his side. He confesses that he was wrong about Oz, and then Buffy volunteers to tell him about her past, and hopes that it won’t destroy their relationship. In Oz’s van, Willow and Oz say their sad goodbyes and then Oz leaves town again to escape the Initiative and Willow, who unintentionally is the cause of him turning into a werewolf. Willow goes to Tara’s, bringing her a candle. Tara tells Willow that she should be with the person she loves, and Willow replies that she is. Tara blows out the candle.

From: Wikipedia

BUFFY- (+5)

• +1/ Defending Oz when Riley assumes that because he is a werewolf that he is dangerous. It’s obvious that she is correlating Oz to Angel.
• +2/ Finding out that Willow is involved with Tara, at first Buffy is a little freaked by the revelation but she tries to be supportive as any best friend would do (see Willow point 4).
• +1/ Rescuing Oz from the Initiative, that’s gotta be the 3rd time she’s had to infiltrate the Initiative, she must be quite good at it now.
• +1/ Discussing Oz for a bit before finally getting the courage to tell Riley about Angel. It’s nice that they connect the fact that Buffy can now forgive Riley for assuming Oz was dangerous after Buffy had her wig when she found out about Willow.

WILLOW- (+13)

• +1/ Overhelping Tara during a Scooby meeting, she’s adorable.
• +1/ Finding out that Oz has controlled his wolf-side, for a moment, she’s the old Willow again and is excited before realizing her dilemma again (see Oz point 1).
• +1/ Talking all night with Oz, it’s nice to see them together again-
  Willow: So Tibet was your favorite?
  Oz: Well, it’s where I stayed the longest. This warlock in Romania sent me to the monks there to learn some meditation techniques. Very intense. All about keeping your inner cool.
  Willow: Good, ’cause you were such a spaz before. (Smiles.) So that’s it? You keep your cool, and no more wolfie?
  Oz: No, there’s more. I take some herbs and stuff. Some chanting. A couple of charms.
  Willow: It’s incredible. You’ve been all around the world. You’ve had this… complete mind/body transformation. I’ve just been here. (Chuckle) Same old Sunnydale.
  Oz: Doesn’t mean you haven’t gone through a lot.
  Willow: It’s true. Some of it, you know, was me telling myself I hated you and cursing your name. Not literally.
  Oz: Well, thanks for that.
• +2/ Telling Buffy about Tara, who has a little trouble with this change at first. You gotta feel for Willow. Two people she loves vying for her and it’s left for her to choose-
  Buffy: Hey.
  Willow: Hey. You okay?
  Buffy: (rubbing her neck) Yeah, I just – I don’t wanna talk about it. I wanna hear about you and Oz. You saw him, right?
  Willow: I was with him all night.
  Buffy raises her eyebrows.
  Buffy: All night? (Grins) Oh my god. (Sits on Willow’s bed.) Wait. Last night was a wolf moon, right?
  Willow: Yup.
  Buffy: Either you’re about to tell me something incredibly kinky, or-
  Willow: No kink. (Smiling) He didn’t change, Buffy. He said he was gonna find a cure, and he did. In Tibet.
  Buffy: (smiling) Oh my god. I can’t believe it. (Pause) Okay, I’m all with the woo-hoo here, and you’re not.
  Willow: No, there’s “woo” and, and “hoo.” But there’s “uh-oh,” and… “why now?” And… it’s complicated.
  Buffy: Why complicated?
  Willow: (sighs, steels herself) It’s complicated… because of Tara.
  Buffy: (frowns) You mean Tara has a crush on Oz? No.
  The clue-by-four hits Buffy.
  Buffy: Oh!
  Willow gives a nervous smile. Buffy stands up.
  Buffy: Oh. Um… well… that’s great. You know, I mean, I think Tara’s a, a really great girl, Will.
  Willow: She is. And… there’s something between us. It-it wasn’t something I was looking for. It’s just powerful. And it’s totally different from what Oz and I have.
  Buffy: Well, there you go, I mean, you know, you have to – you have to follow your heart, Will. And that’s what’s important, Will.
  Willow: Why do you keep saying my name like that?
  Buffy: (with false cheer) Like what, Will?
  Willow: (sits up) Are you freaked?
  Buffy: What? No, Will, d- (stops herself, sighs) No. (Sits on bed) No, absolutely no to that question. (Willow looks skeptical.) I’m glad you told me. What did you say to Oz?
  Willow: I was gonna tell him … but then we started hanging out, and … I could just feel everything coming back. (Buffy looks sympathetic.) He’s Oz, you know?
  Buffy: Yeah. I know.
  Willow: I don’t wanna hurt anyone, Buffy.
  Buffy: No matter what, somebody’s gonna get hurt.  And the important thing is, you just have to be honest, or it’s gonna be a lot worse.
• +2/ Talking to Tara about her problem and reassuring her that they’ll be friends no matter what, a very powerful scene-
  Willow: I just want you to know that what you saw this morning, it wasn’t-
  Tara: No, it’s okay. I-I always knew that if he came back-
  Willow: We were just talking. Nothing happened.
  Tara: (hopeful smile) Oh. (Pause) Really?
  Willow nods.
  Willow: But, you know, it was intense. Just talking. We have a lot to talk about. (Frowns) I kinda feel like my head’s gonna explode.
  Tara: (struggles for a moment) Whatever, you know, happens … I’ll still
  be here. I’ll still be your friend.
  Willow: Of course we’ll be friends! That’s not even a question.
  Tara: (upset) But I’m saying, I know what Oz means to you.
  Willow: How can you, when I’m not even sure? I mean, I know what he meant to me. But he left, and… everything changed. I changed, and… then we–
  Tara: What?
  Willow: (teary) I don’t know. I just – life was starting to get so good again, and — (sighs, moves closer to Tara) You’re a big part of that. (Crying) And here comes the thing I wanted most of all, and… I don’t know what to do, I … I wanna know, but I don’t.
  Tara looks sympathetic. She brushes the tears off Willow’s cheek.
  Tara: Do what makes you … h-h-happy.
• +1/ Calling Spike an evil olive when he wears the army camouflage.
• +4/ Her goodbyes with Oz, a very emotional scene. The last scene of my favourite Buffyverse couple. Even though I would’ve liked Oz to stay, they ended it well, you can feel how much they do love eachother even as they say their farewells-
  Oz: I shouldn’t have come back now…. I just thought I’d changed.
  Willow: You have changed. (Smiles) You stopped the wolf from coming out. I saw it.
  Oz: But I couldn’t look at you. (He still can’t.) I mean, it turns out… the one thing that brings it out in me is you… which falls under the heading of ironic in my book.
  Willow: It was my fault. I upset you.
  He finally looks at her.
  Oz: Well, so we’re safe then, (sarcastic) cause you’ll never do that again.
  Willow tries to look amused.
  Oz: But… you’re happy?
  Willow: (smiles) I am. I can’t explain it-
  Oz: It may be safer for both os us if you don’t.
  Willow looks sad.
  Willow: I missed you, Oz. I wrote you so many letters… but I didn’t have any place to send them, you know? (Pause.) I couldn’t live like that.
  Oz: It was stupid to think that you’d just be… waiting.
  Willow: I was waiting. I feel like some part of me will always be waiting for you. Like if I’m old and blue-haired, and I turn the corner in Istanbul and there you are, I won’t be surprised. Because… you’re with me, you know?
  Oz: I know. (Pause) But now is not that time, I guess.
  Willow: (shakes her head) No.
  They look at each other.
  Willow: What are you gonna do?
  Oz: I think I better take off.
  Willow: When?
  Oz: Pretty much now.
  Willow nods. She’s teary again. Oz leans over and they hug.
• +1/ Seeing Tara and telling her of her choice, a nice way to end the episode.

GILES- (+1)

• +1/ His reaction to Anya’s offer of a high-five, they are great together (see Anya point 1).

OZ- (+11)

• +3/ Learning to control himself for Willow and wanting to get back together. It’s a sad scene because you feel happy for Oz and his accomplishment but also feel for him because he doesn’t know who Willow is involved with-
  Willow: Oz… (He stops walking)  This is all so weird. I-I-I feel like… this isn’t really happening. Like it’s a dream or, or something.
  Oz: It’s real. Look up.
  Willow: What?
  Oz: (smiling) Look at the sky.
  Willow looks up. The moon is full.
  Oz: I guess you stopped keeping track of ‘em after I left.
  Willow: Full moon. (Looks at Oz, back up at moon)
  Oz: Full moon.
  Willow: Full moon, but-but how? I mean (smiling) you did it! How, how did you do it? Where did you go?
  Oz: It’s a long story.
  Willow: (looks up again, then down, smiling) Oh my god, Oz!
  She hugs him. He holds her and closes his eyes. Willow pulls back. Not smiling any more.
  Willow: This is… I mean, it’s wonderful for you.
  Oz: I talked to Xander, and he said you didn’t have a new guy.
  Willow: No. No new… guy.
  Oz smiles and takes her hand.
  Oz: I know what I put you through, and I’m not gonna push. But I am… a different person than when I left. And I can be what you need now.
  Willow looks sad.
  Oz: That’s what I want. That’s why I’m here.
• +1/ Talking with Will all night (see Willow point 3).
• +1/ Meeting Tara, not knowing who she is, he invites her in but she scurries away.
• +1/ Finding out about Tara and Willow by smelling Willow on Tara. A fairly bad way to find out which turns him into a werewolf again…in the middle of the day.
• +1/ Having to control himself more than ever around Willow, obviously still upset by the revelation of her involvment with Tara.
• +4/ Saying his goodbyes to his beloved Willow before leaving Sunnydale for good, a very, very sad moment (see Willow point 7).

SPIKE- (+2)

• +1/ Meeting Adam for the first time. Spike tries his normal ‘your a demon and I kill demon’s routine’ only to find him a little bit too big. Doesn’t stop him trying though which you have to admire him for.
• +1/ Having to wear Initiative camouflage so they can rescue Oz, he looks incredibly strange which is what happens when your used to seeing him in black leather coats all the time.

ANYA- (+1)

• +1/ Anya celebrating with Giles-
  Anya: Slap my hand now! (Chuckles and holds up hand)
  Giles: Beg your pardon?
  Anya: In celebration.
  Giles: Oh… (slaps her hand) Yes.
  Anya: Ow!

RILEY- (+3)

• -1/ Being very black & white about demons, that’s not very smart of you Riley.
• +1/ Trying to break Oz out, he’s redeemed himself.
• +1/ Ditching the Initiative and becoming a rebel, a good choice I’d say.
• +1/ Helping to rescue Oz.
• +1/ Apologizing to Buffy for being so black & white.

TARA- (+2)

• +2/ Telling Willow that she’ll always be her friend no matter who she chooses, not only is that nice but shows that Tara really does love her (see Willow point 5).

ADAM- (+1)

• +1/ Having parts of a boy scout, funny and strange.

SEASON COUNT-

BUFFY- +124
WILLOW- +97
XANDER- +76
SPIKE- +58
GILES- +52
RILEY- +45
ANYA- +38
OZ- +37
FAITH- +14
HARMONY- +11
TARA- 11
JONATHAN- +8
FORREST- +4
ANGEL- +4
THE MAYOR- +3
JOYCE- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +2
WILLY- +1
ADAM- +1
PARKER- –2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

OVERALL COUNT-

BUFFY- +431
WILLOW- +343
ANGEL- +297
XANDER- +278
GILES- +204
OZ- +129
SPIKE- +128
ANYA- +46
RILEY- +45
JOYCE- +44
FAITH- +43
THE MAYOR- +36
JONATHAN- +12
TARA- +11
HARMONY- +8
FORREST- +4
WILLY- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +1
ADAM- +1
PARKER- -2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

EPISODE THOUGHTS-

The ending of an important era in the Buffyverse. Oz departure breaks the last remnant of of the old Buffy away. The old days of high school are now well and trully behind, new characters are now tied into the scene: Spike, Anya, Tara & Riley have tied themselves to our core group and lead us into the next phase of Buffy and this episode is a good one to close the old phase off on. Oz’s departure is quite sad for me because he is such a good character and one of my favourites. I’m happy that he did get a proper chance to leave considering what happened in Wild At Heart, which was earlier in the season. While this is about Oz, the focus does end up on Willow and her dilemma of choosing between Oz and Tara. That choice is what drives the episode and eventually leaves to Oz departing us. I remember when I watched this for the first time I was so upset that oz was leaving that I developed a irrational hatred for Tara which wouldn’t subside for at least a season. Thankfully, having seen the series multiple times, I’ve developed an affection for Tara and now see the choice more objectively. That in itself show’s how powerful this show is and just how much people care for the characters, well at least me anyways. I still would’ve preferred Oz but Tara is a fine replacement. Many of the best scenes from this episode are based around Willow choice, whether it be interactions with Oz, Tara or Buffy. Willow is brilliant throughout and Oz finally gets some focus, Buffy leads the others with a decent score but many of the others don’t have much because of the focus on the A plot. The plot on the whole is strong and pacing is decent but this episode is about character and that’s where it shines.

87/100

Written by: Tracey Forbes.
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, James Marsters, Marc Blucas, Emma Caulfield, Leonard Roberts, Amber Benson & Bailey Chase.

Buffy and Riley fight a vampire and a demon in the cemetery, finally disposing of both of them. While they intend to go tell Giles about the odd pairing of demon and vampire, they opt for sex at Riley’s dorm at Lowell House. Riley gets up in the middle of the night, acting as if he hears something from the restroom. All he finds is a dripping faucet in the tub. Xander’s driving an ice cream truck for his new job, and Anya rides along with him to complain about their diminishing relationship. Trying to convince her that there is nothing wrong with him or their relationship, Xander suggests they have sex right there in the truck. He doesn’t realize that there is a group of kids waiting outside for their ice cream.

The gang talks about patrol the night before, and they realize that Adam is bringing the races of demons together. Buffy and Riley escape for some alone time, which is no secret to the rest of the gang. The two continue their sex romp through the night. While the rest of the house is freezing cold, Buffy and Riley continue to keep occupied, and warm. An initiative agent is badly burned when a fire in a fireplace bursts forth into the room. The next night, Spike jumps out at Anya in the streets, trying to scare her into giving him her money. At the party, Buffy and Riley are making eyes at each other from across the room while their friends attempt to talk to them. Spike and Anya bond over a couple beers at the Bronze, complaining about what it’s like to be without their harmful demon powers.

A guy is talking to a girl, when he places his hand on a wall and suddenly gets very excited. Xander flirts with a girl named Julie. Riley and Buffy escape upstairs to resume their own private party. Willow and Tara talk about horses, but Willow had a bad experience with them and she’s very afraid of them. Willow touches Tara’s knee, but Tara backs away, inexplicably disgusted with the gesture. Anya and Spike then arrive at the frat party and the two verbally gang up on Xander.

A group is playing spin the bottle and Xander joins in. On Xander’s turn, the bottle lands on Julie, and he kisses her on the cheek. She suddenly jumps him and starts kissing him aggressively. After she runs away, Xander follows and finds her in the closet cutting off her hair. Willow goes to the restroom looking for Tara and instead finds a body drowning in the bathtub. When she reaches for it, it disappears and reappears behind her. All this time, Buffy and Riley have barely come up for air, not even stopping when they hear Willow scream or the gang calling for them outside the door.

The house begins to shake violently, and vines begin to cover the walls. Forrest and Graham run downstairs for instructions from their commanding officers. A ghost runs straight through Anya and Spike is strapped to a chair. Spike breaks free of his bonds and everyone escapes outside. The gang goes to Giles for help and find him singing and playing the guitar at the Espresso Bar. He’s surprisingly very good, which Willow, Tara, and Anya all find slightly appealing.

Research leads them to information about the Lowell building, which used to be the old Lowell Home for Children. They find the woman, Genevieve Holt, who ran the children’s home and she confesses that she rewarded the children when they were good and punished them when they were dirty. She’d cut off their hair and “baptized” them by holding them under water in a bathtub. After leaving Ms. Holt’s place, they conclude that a group of poltergeists is now releasing their pent up sexual energy thanks to the repetitive acts of sex by Buffy and Riley. When Buffy and Riley are drained of all their strength, they will die.

Willow, Tara, and Giles perform a spell to stop the spirits. Xander and Anya hack their way through the vines and try to reach Buffy and Riley. Anya is knocked across the house while Xander is dragged into the bathroom and held underwater. Anya makes her way upstairs to save Xander and they fight against the vines and finally open Riley’s dorm. The next day, the gang talks about Giles’s “mid-life crisis” and the consequences of Buffy and Riley’s endless sex. Unconvincingly, Buffy and Riley say how horrible the experience was.

From: Wikipedia

BUFFY- (+4)

• +1/ Fighting a vamp and demon with Riley which gets them a little worked up, sexually. They can’t keep the hands off eachother and even go home to have sex instead of telling Giles of their encounter. There’s this nice line where Buffy directs Riley in the fight by saying- “Okay, you get Fang, I’ll get Horny”.
• +1/ Reacting to Riley’s poor disguised offer of sex-
  Riley: Buffy, hey, look at the time. Don’t you, uh, have a class?
  Buffy: Yeah, in about 20 minutes.
  Riley: Yeah, but … I have that … thing… (Buffy gets it)
  Buffy: Right, that … thing, we could … squeeze in … before.
  Riley: Yeah.
  They get up.
  Buffy: Bye!
  Riley: Gotta run.
• +1/ Buffy once again pulling Riley upstairs to go have sex, she’s one horny girl-
  Buffy: Hey, uh, can we- (points upstairs) I, um, need you to take a look at an … essay, for … class.
  Riley: That … essay, right. Here. (Hands his drink to Forrest. Forrest looks annoyed. Graham looks amused)
  Riley: I’ll catch you guys in a minute, uh, essay … gotta look at …
  Buffy pulls him upstairs.
• +1/ Discussing what happened with the gang, specifically her constant affections with Riley and the revelation that Giles sings, funny scene-
  Buffy: I just had no idea. It’s so creepy! (Looks up at the others) He was really singing?
  Willow nods.
  Xander: I’d say it was more like crooning. (To Anya) If we grow old together, remind me to skip the midlife crisis. (Puts his hand on her knee.)
  Anya: (smiling, softly) Okay. (They look affectionately at each other.)
  Willow: Come on, you have to admit, it was kinda sexy.
  Xander: Please stop saying that. I’m willing to offer cash incentives.
  Riley: We’re just lucky no one got injured. (Looking at Buffy) No thanks to us.
  Willow: Don’t be too hard on yourself.
  Buffy: He’s right, Will. If Riley and I hadn’t … gotten so wrapped up in each other, none of this would’ve happened.
  Anya: True. Feel shame.
  Xander: My girlfriend. Mistress of the learning plateau.
  Willow: Really, it wasn’t your fault. You were under the influence of powerful magics.
  Buffy: We were like zombies. I had no control over myself at all.
  Willow: Must have been horrible.
  Buffy looks sidelong at Riley. Riley looks at her, looks down.
  Buffy: Yeah. Horrible.
  They both nod firmly.
  Riley: Uh-huh.
  Buffy: Mm-hmm.
  Riley: It was bad.

XANDER- (+6)

• +2/ Trying to reassure Anya that he still finds her attractive and that their not breaking up, it’s a hilarious scene and a tribute to how great their are comedically and as a couple (see Anya point 1).
• +2/ Breaking up with Anya in the middle of the frat party, once again, a funny scene because they clearly like eachother but they lack communication-
  Xander: Anya? What are you doing? (pointing at Spike) You brought *him* here?
  Spike: That’s what *I* said! Only I hit the “here” part.
  Xander: Anya, this is crazy. (Anya crosses her arms, glares at him) We had a little fight. It just means that we have to work our way through some stuff. It doesn’t mean that we rebound with the evil undead. (Spike looks offended) And what have we been doing with him anyway?
  Spike: (grinning) Oh, who’s the puffed-up manly man? All splotchy and possessive. (Walks over to Xander)
  Anya: It’s not very convincing, is it?
  Spike: Yeah. I see now what you said about him earlier. (Looks Xander up and down) No follow-through.
  Xander: (loudly) Hey! What a surprise! Hostile 17! (Spike trying to shut him up) Can I get you a drink, Hostile 17?
  Spike looks around anxiously to see if anyone heard.
  Anya: Xander, stop.
  (pike jumps back from some people who walk by. A bunch of guys walk past, ignoring them. Spike looks around.
  Spike: Pfft! (Regaining his confidence) Well, may be some fun to be had in the lion’s den after all. You two keep scraping. I’ll find the liquor. (Walks away)
  Xander: Anya. What are you doing with him?
  Anya: (angry) We didn’t have sex, if that’s what you mean. That’s all I do now, not have sex.
  Xander: You’re overreacting. We had a fight. But see, it’s okay. It’s normal.
  Anya: Yes. The normal part of the ending a relationship right before the vengeance begins.
  Xander: Right. No! Vengeance?
  Anya: Relax, I’m not gonna do it. I’m just trying to tell you that we have nothing in common besides both of us liking your penis. And now I don’t even have that! So I get to say when it’s done. And it’s done.
  Xander: Okay, you know what? You don’t deserve to be the one to walk away from this. I’ve put up with a hell of a lot from you … much of that in the last minute … and if anyone gets to be the one to leave, it’s me. (Starts to walk away)
  Anya: (incredulously) You’re leaving *me*?
  Xander: Yes. I am.
  Anya: Where are you going?
  Xander: To enjoy the party. (Walks away)
  Anya: (yells as she pushes through the crowd, moving away from him) Well then, then I’m staying too, to, to show you how much I’m not bothered by you having fun! Because I’ll be having more fun!
  Xander: (yells across the room) I’m having fun already!
  Anya: (yells) Me too! (Unhappy face) Woo hoo! (Turns and stalks off)
• +1/ Being horrified at seeing Giles sing, the girls are riveted however, much to Xander’s dismay (see Willow point 2).
• +1/ Saying poltergasm, that’s point worthy-
  Giles: Not a ghost. An apparition. I believe we’re dealing with a kind of poltergeist. A whole cluster of them, in fact, born out of intense adolescent emotion and sexual energy.
  Anya: Both of which were totally pent up during Mrs. Holt’s reign of repression.
  Xander: So with Buffy and Riley having … you know, acts of nakedness around the clock lately, maybe they set something free. Like a … big burstin’ poltergasm.
  

WILLOW- (+2)

• +1/ Taking advantage of Buffy’s fixation on Riley-
  Tara: So you don’t even know if she’s coming tonight.
  Xander: I’m thinking no. She was… pretty upset. Which, makes me wonder, is it me? Am I the crazy one?
  Willow and Tara shrug at each other.
  Buffy: (still looking at Riley, not listening) Uh-huh. Absolutely.
  The others look where Buffy’s looking.
  Willow: Hey, Buffy, this might be a good time to mention that someone, so not me, spilled something purply on your new peasant top which I would never borrow without asking. Still love me?
  Buffy: Uh-huh.
  Willow and Tara look at each other and laugh. Buffy ponders for a moment, then looks at Willow.
  Buffy: Huh? What about my peasant top?
  Willow: Nothin’.
  Tara: (quickly) Xander was just talking about Anya.
• +1/ Being completely enamored by Giles’ singing-
  Anya: Oh.
  Willow: Wow.
  Giles: (sings) To be fated…
  Xander: Um, could we go back to the haunted house? Cause, this is creeping me out.
  Tara: Does he do this a lot?
  Xander: Sure. Every day the earth rotates backward and the skies turn orange.
  Giles: (sings) But my dreams, they are as empty, as my conscience… (Notices the kids watching, looks embarrassed but keeps singing) seems to be…
  Willow smiles.
  Giles: (sings) I have hours, only lonely…
  Willow: Now I remember why I used to have such a crush on him.
  Giles: (sings) …my love is vengeance…
  Tara: Well, he *is* pretty good.
  Giles: (sings) …that’s never free-ee….
  Anya: (agreeing) His voice … is pleasant.
  All three girls are riveted.
  Xander: What?!
  Giles: (sings) No one knows what it’s like…
  Willow: Oh, come on, he is kinda sexy.
  Giles: (sings) Like I do…
  Xander: I’m fighting total mental breakdown here, Will. No more fueling the fire please.

GILES- (+2)

• +1/ Singing and playing guitar for an audience, go Giles!
• +1/ Telling off Mrs. Holt who was the strictest of strict people, and I say good on him.

SPIKE- (+4)

• +2/ Trying to scare Anya as part of his way of making money. It’s pretty sad that one of the most feared vamps makes a living by jumping in front of innocents and scaring their money from the pockets-
  Spike: (Spike leaps out, wearing his vampire face, growling.) Grr!
  Anya jumps back with a yell. Spike looks annoyed.
  Spike: Oh, it’s you. (Morphs back to human face)
  Anya: Spike! (petulantly) What are you doing? You made me yell really high.
  Spike: Hey! Yeah, I did. I scared you. (Grins. Walks right up to her until his face is inches from hers) Gimme money.
  Anya: I’m not paying you for scaring me. (Pushes him away.)
  Spike: You’re not paying me. I’m robbing you.
  Anya: Oh, well now that’s just ludicrous. You can’t hurt me because you’ve got that chip in your brain. Also, I like my money the way it is… when it’s mine. (Starts to walk past him.)
  Spike growls and spins her around.
  Anya: Oh, now come on. You’re not even bumpy any more.
  Spike: (feels his forehead with fingers) Oh. I was just a minute ago. Hang on. (Steps back, preparing) Get me mad again.
  Anya: (sighs) Does this really work? Scaring people into giving you their money?
  Spike: Yeah, it works. Keeps me in blood and beers. (Grins) Plus, you know, funny. Watching those little humans quail.
  Anya: I’m beginning to understand why you’re so friendless.
• +1/ Discussing their poor relationships and their good ol’ demon days with Anya, they make a strangely good couple-
  Anya: A year and a half ago, I could have eviscerated him with my thoughts. Now I can barely hurt his feelings. (Sighs) Things used to be so much simpler.
  Spike: (wistfully) You know … you take the killing for granted. (Anya nods nostalgically.) And then it’s gone, and you’re like, “I wish I’d appreciated it more.” Stopped and smelled the corpses, you know?
  Anya: Yeah. Now everything’s complicated.
  Spike: It’s a terrible thing, love is. I been there myself. (Pause) It ended badly.
  Anya: Of course it did. It always does. Seen a thousand relationships. First there’s the love, and sex, and then there’s nothing left but the vengeance. That’s how it works.
  Spike smiles, leans in really close.
  Spike: You and I … should just go do the vengeance. Both of us! You eviscerate Xander, and I’ll stake Dru. Like a project.
  Anya looks tempted.
  Anya: I don’t know. I just can’t. (Sighs)
  Spike looks resigned.
  Anya: (encouraging) You can go do Dru though.
  Spike: (nods) Yeah. I will. (Sits still for a moment) Maybe later.
• +1/ Originally willing to help the Scoobies with Buffy, only to convince himself that it isn’t worth it-
  Willow: We have to go back in there.
  Anya: Why?
  Xander: Because Buffy and Riley are trapped.
  Anya: So? (Willow and Tara look surprised) She’s the Slayer, he’s a big soldier boy, what do they need you for?
  Xander: Anya, look around! There’s ghosts and shaking, and people are going all Felicity with their hair… We’re fresh out of superpeople, and somebody’s gotta go back in there. (Deep breath) Now who’s with me?
  Willow and Tara hesitate.
  Spike: I am.
  Everyone looks at Spike in surprise.
  Spike: I know I’m not the first choice for heroics … (drops his cigarette and grinds it out with his foot) and Buffy’s tried to kill me more than once. And, I don’t fancy a single one of you at all. But… (pauses) Actually, all that sounds pretty convincing. (Frowns, shakes his head and walks away.) I wonder if Danger Mouse is on.

ANYA- (+6)

• +2/ Thinking that she and Xander are going to break up because they didn’t have sex the night before, not only is it illogical but it’s hilarious-
  Xander: Aw, come on. Big party at Riley’s house. It’s gonna be fun. Why don’t you wanna go?
  Anya: You know why not. Those initiative men make me… not comfortable. And you don’t care.
  Xander: They don’t even know that you’re an ex-demon. And we don’t know that they’d care even if they did know. Which, by the way, they’re not gonna find out. Anyways, they’ll probably be too busy flirting with every other girl at the party to even notice you.
  Anya: So … you don’t think I’m desirable enough to be flirted with? (looks surprised) Is that it?
  Xander: I’m just not gonna win here, am I?
  Anya: (sighs. Accusingly) You don’t find me attractive any more.
  Xander: What are you talking about? I think you’re gorgeous.
  Anya: Oh, really? Well then, why didn’t we have sex last night?
  Xander: (looks up) Is that what this is about? We’ve gone other nights without sex.
  Anya: (angry) I know. Twice! I can’t believe we’re breaking up.
  Xander: Breaking- We’re not! Are we?
  Anya: Of course we are. You, you’ve obviously grown tired of me. I mean, I’ve seen it happen to thousands of women over the centuries, I just never thought it would happen to me.
  Xander: Anya, there’s a lot more to you and me than the sex. (Anya rolls her eyes) Well, there should be! I mean, a relationship is something that you work at. Work through. Together.
  Anya: I don’t understand. I’m pretty, I’m young… I mean… (stands up, walks closer) Why didn’t you take advantage of me? Is something wrong with your body?
  Xander: (getting mad) There’s nothing wrong with my body.
  Anya: Well, there must be. I saw that wrinkled man on TV talking about erectile dysfunction-
  Xander: Whoa! Hey. (Chuckles nervously) All systems go here. (Gesturing at his crotch) No function problem, okay?
  Anya looks skeptical.
  Xander: (claps his hands, starts unbuttoning his shirt) You want sex? Let’s have sex. Right here. Hot, sweaty, big sex.
• +1/ Not falling for Spike’s scaring people for money routine (see Spike point 1).
• +1/ Discussing her demon days with Spike, like I said in Spike’s section, they make a nice couple (see Spike point 2).
• +1/ Breaking up in the middle of the frat party with Xander, hilariously done by the way (see Xander point 2).
• +1/ Saving Xander from being drowned in a bathtab, which brings them back together as a couple.

RILEY- (+4)

• +1/ Helping Buffy fight off a demon and a vamp, which gets them all worked up.
• +1/ Coming up with a rather poor escuse to go have sex with Buffy (see Buffy point 2).
• +1/ This time, reacting to Buffy wanting to have sex, thay may as well not disguise it at all (see Buffy point 3).
• +1/ Feeling ashamed after their sexual escapades fueled the poltergeist house (see Buffy point 4).

SEASON COUNT-

BUFFY- +119
WILLOW- +84
XANDER- +76
SPIKE- +56
GILES- +51
RILEY- +42
ANYA- +37
OZ- +26
FAITH- +14
HARMONY- +11
TARA- +9
JONATHAN- +8
FORREST- +4
ANGEL- +4
THE MAYOR- +3
JOYCE- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +2
WILLY- +1
ADAM- 0
PARKER- –2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

OVERALL COUNT-

BUFFY- +426
WILLOW- +330
ANGEL- +297
XANDER- +278
GILES- +203
SPIKE- +126
OZ- +118
ANYA- +45
JOYCE- +44
FAITH- +43
RILEY- +42
THE MAYOR- +36
JONATHAN- +12
HARMONY- +8
TARA- +9
FORREST- +4
WILLY- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +1
ADAM- 0
PARKER- -2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

EPISODE THOUGHTS-

A lot of people aren’t fans of this episode but I find it fairly decent. The thing that makes it so is the humour that Xander, Anya and Spike dish up. Those three save this episode from obscurity and provide with some memorable points. For example, Anya thinking she and Xander are breaking up which they end up doing because of her illogical paranoia as well as Anya talking to Spike about their old demon days. These scenes are some of the funniest in the season and make this episode passable. Buffy anf Riley have a few nice moments but are mainly having sex for the whole ep, Willow and Giles also have small moments. Plot-wise, it’s probably the weakest in this season, the whole house poltergeist fueled by sex is pretty silly and the lack of a major villain to come against is detrimental. On the whole, a passable ep.

71/100

Written by: Jane Espenson.
Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, James Marsters, Marc Blucas, Emma Caulfield, Danny Strong, George Hertzberg, Leonard Roberts, Amber Benson & Bailey Chase.

Buffy and the gang slay vampires in the graveyard, but when they discover a nest of the vampires that is too much for them all to fight, they go to Jonathan for help. At Giles’ place, Jonathan checks out weapons and even practices hand-to-hand with Buffy. Willow uses her computer to try and find a way to attack the vampire nest, but Jonathan quickly finds a better way to enter. With a plan in mind, Jonathan passes out weapons and tells everyone where to go. In the crypt, Jonathan slays the majority of the vampires, leaving Buffy to feel inadequate, as she allows one vampire to get by her.

As they leave the crypt, Jonathan poses for some picture. He senses Spike hiding in the shadows and the two go face-to-face. Buffy’s at a lack for her usual puns, but Jonathan steps in to knock Spike’s confidence down. While putting pictures of Jonathan up on a wall, Willow and Tara talk about the fight earlier that night and Buffy’s relationship with Riley. At Riley’s dorm room, Buffy tries to play basketball, but she is too uncomfortable being around Riley to let him get close.

Jonathan comforts Buffy and he tells her that she’s really just mad at Riley because he doesn’t know her as well as she’d like him to. He tries to convince her to forgive Riley because deep down, her expectations are too high. All the while, Jonathan is encountered with overzealous fans, and signing autographs for them. Colonel George Haviland is the new commander at the Initiative, but Jonathan takes over and explains the plans to find and destroy Adam. One fan, Karen is spying on Jonathan’s house, but is attacked by a demon and barely manages to run away.

Jonathan talks to Riley about his relationship with Buffy, and then he shoots at apples atop of the heads of Initiative operatives, while blindfolded. When Jonathan takes center stage singing at the Bronze, Buffy and Riley take the dance floor. Xander and Anya are inspired to go somewhere to have sex when he starts to play the trumpet. Buffy lets Riley know that she forgives him and wants to move on with their relationship. Karen goes to the Bronze for Jonathan, and when she is taken back to his place, Karen describes the demon’s appearance to them all. Jonathan seems to act weird when she draws a symbol she saw on the demon, but he dismisses it as a harmless monster that he’ll take care of.

Adam realizes right away that something is wrong with the world, and that Jonathan isn’t supposed to be as popular as he currently is but decides to sit back and see how the situation develops. When twin blond girls call for Jonathan to come to bed, he drops his robe to reveal a symbol on his shoulder that is just like the symbol Karen drew. On her way to her dorm room, the demon attacks Tara. She chants a spell and manages to escape with her life. The next morning, Tara identifies the demon by the symbol on its head, and Buffy suddenly has even more reason to question Jonathan.

Buffy stops by Xander’s, and only finds Anya and plenty of things on Jonathan. Buffy questions how Jonathan could be so perfect. He is credited for all the great things that have happened in the world (starring in The Matrix, inventing the internet etc.), when it seems pretty impossible for him to do them all. Riley encourages everyone to follow Buffy’s lead. They look at Jonathan’s swimsuit calendar to see the monster’s mark on Jonathan’s shoulder. He arrives and explains to everyone that he has a history with the monster and every time he faces it, he is overcome by a great deal of confusion.

Buffy and Jonathan go look for the demon, and get some information on the demon’s location from Spike. Willow discovers that Jonathan did an augmentation spell that would make him everyone’s target of adoration. The downside is that a demon is created that would be everyone’s worst nightmare and if it is destroyed, the spell is reversed. The gang has a hard time dealing with the prospect of a world without Jonathan.

In a cave, Jonathan tries to prevent Buffy from falling into a deep pit, but the demon interrupts them. Jonathan leaves it up to Buffy to fight the demon. Her fighting skills improve greatly as the fight goes on, and then Jonathan pushes the demon into the pit and his own life is saved by Buffy. After the demon falls into the pit, everything goes back to normal and Jonathan is back to being ignored. Buffy talks with Jonathan and asks him how he did what he did. At counseling after his attempted suicide, another guy informed Jonathan about the augmentation spell, but he unfortunately skipped the demon part. Buffy and Riley are kissing on his bed, until she moans, “Jonathan”.

From: Wikipedia

BUFFY- (+7)

• +1/ Seeing her all unsure of herself and not confident, it’s strange yet fun.
• +1/ Trying to insult Spike, not really succeeding-
  Spike: Yeah, back off ‘Betty.’
  Buffy: It’s Buffy, you big bleached… stupid guy.
• +1/ Still hurting after what Riley and Faith in Buffy’s body did, she has trouble even standing near him.
• +1/ Discussing Riley with Jonathan, It’s fun to see Buffy to be the one without strength, she also has some funny lines-
  Buffy: It’s all Faith’s fault. She’s like poison. No worse, she’s like acid that eats through everything. Maybe she’s a bomb. The point is everything was going along great with Riley and then she comes along and messes everything up.
  Jonathan: Buffy you know what I think: I don’t think this about you being angry with Faith, I think you’re angry with Riley.
  Girl: Hi, could you please?
  Jonathan accepts a pen and a notepad from a blonde girl who can’t stop grinning.
  Jonathan: Sure.
  Jonathan signs an autograph.
  Jonathan: I mean you have this amazing connection with him and then at the one moment when it matters the most he looks into your eyes and he doesn’t even see that it’s not you looking back at him.
  Buffy: There’s no way he could know. I mean you don’t just look at someone and say ‘Hey that’s not your body, get out of that body with your hands up!’ (She gestures with her hands up.)
  Jonathan: I know you know that. But you have to believe it! Buffy if there’s any part of you that’s blaming Riley for what happened, it seems like there’s a part of you that needs to forgive him.
• +1/ Thinking something is very fishy with Jonathan so she assembles the Scooby gang to discuss it, Buffy’s leadership skills are breaking through the spell-
  Buffy: I’m just saying it doesn’t make any sense. H-he starred in the Matrix but he never left town. And how’d he graduate from med school? He’s only eighteen years old.
  Xander: Effective time management?
  Giles: I-I’m sorry Buffy, but I just don’t understand what you’re trying to say.
  Anya: Yeah and when is Jonathan going to get here and start the meeting?
  Buffy: This is the meeting.
  Willow: This is the meeting?
  Buffy: Well, I was just kind of wondering if maybe anyone thought that Jonathan was kind of too perfect?
  Xander: No he’s not! He’s just perfect enough! He crushed the bones of the master, he blew up a big snake made out of mayor and he coached the U.S. women’s soccer team to stunning World Cup victory! We saw him doing those things!
  Buffy: But that’s just it. I’m not entirely sure that we can trust our memories. Anya tell them about the alternate universes.
  Anya: Oh ok. Umm. Say you really like shrimp a lot. Or we could say you don’t like shrimp at all. Blah, I wish there weren’t any shrimp you would say to yourself.
  Buffy: Stop you’re saying it wrong! I think that Jonathan may be doing something so that he’s manipulating the world and we’re all like his pawns.
  Anya: Or prawns.
  Buffy stares at Anya.
  Buffy: Stop with the shrimp I am trying to do something here!
  Giles: Of course, but it may be a little out of your depth.
  Buffy: I’m not.
  Riley: Sounds like nonsense. (Buffy looks discouraged.) But I’m starting to know this girl pretty well (he stands, walks and stops beside Buffy) and I think she sees things that the rest of us don’t. I think, for once, we should follow her lead.
• +1/ Intimidating Spike, which doesn’t happen in this spell affected time, Buffy is all strong and snappy again, I’ve missed.
• +1/ Defeating the demon, with Jonathan’s help.

XANDER- (+4)

• +1/ Practicing his quick-draw staking technique, some great Xander hilarity-
  “Quick draws about more than speed. It’s also about pointing a stake the right way. (He quickdraws again.) And there can be splinter issues. It is a true test of dexterity.”
• +1/ Complaining that Anya was moaning Jonathan’s name during sex-
  Anya: Did not.
  Xander: Last night with me you said Jonathan.
  Anya: It was a moan!
  Xander: Fine! You moaned Jonathan!
  Anya: Not unh! It was like unnh-unnh-atha.
  Xander: Maybe it was ahh-onathan. Still not fluffing up the old ego.
  Riley: Quite the couple, aren’t they?
  Buffy: They get into a fistfight, I’ve got a fifty on Anya.
• +2/ Even after finding out Jonathan’s secret Xander still sides with Jonathan. He then manages to cast a spell by speaking some Latin in front of a spell book.

WILLOW- (+3)

• +1/ Her part in the post-nest attack dialogue (see Anya point 1).
• +1/ Building a Jonathan shrine with Tara.
• +1/ Figuring out Jonathan’s secret via research, Willow heads the research but still has trouble believing, even after saying it out loud.

GILES- (+2)

• +1/ Owning a Jonathan swimsuit calendar…I sort of lost a little respect for him there but it’s still funny.
• +1/ Helping to find out Jonathan’s secret.

SPIKE- (+2)

• +1/ Calling Buffy and the Scoobies a strangely funny name-
  ” I wasn’t exactly pining for a noisy visit from ‘wonder Jonathan and his fluffy battle kittens’.”
• +1/ Being quite seductive with Buffy the second time they meet, that’s until she has enough and starts to interrogate him.

ANYA- (+5)

• +1/ Her part in the post-nest attack-
  Xander: I think did great. We knocked em dead. Which they already were.
  Willow: We knocked ‘em deader!
  Anya: They weren’t very well organized. If they had all rushed at Buffy they could have killed her right away.
  Buffy: Thanks Anya. That won’t keep me awake all night.
• +1/ Defending herself after Xander caught her allegedly moaning ‘Jonathan’ during sex (see Xander point 2).
• +2/ Having trouble being a good hostess when Buffy comes to visit. Anya is great fun in the scene and shows how great she is as a comedic element-
  Anya: Xander’s not here.
  Buffy: Oh.
  Anya: You’re not going away. Why aren’t you going away?
  Buffy: Oh I was kind of hoping to look at some of Xander’s stuff.
  Anya: Oh. (Smiles) Sure. Come on in. (Waves Buffy in.) Make yourself at home. And so on.
  Anya sits on the couch and starts reading Jonathan’s book. Buffy sees a poster of Jonathan, a Jonathan comic and lots of trading cards of Jonathan. Many pictures of Jonathan adorn the walls. After looking around Buffy sits on a table or couch arm near Anya.
  Anya: Oh you’re still here. (miles faintly) That’s nice.
  Buffy: May I ask you something? Does it every seem just a little strange that Jonathan is so good at everything?
  Anya: (shrugs) He’s Jonathan.
  She resumes reading the book. Buffy takes the book.
  Anya: Hey! I was just at the part where he invented the internet.
  Buffy: Anya he fights better than I do. And I’m the slayer. (Points to self) The Slayer! That’s supposed to mean something right?
  Anya: Oh! buck up you. (She punches Buffy in the arm very softly.) You kill the best. (She makes rah rah gestures.) Go you. Kill, kill.
  Buffy: Actually not needing validation right now, but thank you.
  Buffy: He just seems too perfect. (She looks at the book which is titled ‘Oh Jonathan’ an autobiography.) I don’t know.
  Anya: So I can have my book back?
  Buffy: Anya when you were a demon, you granted wishes right?
  Anya: Vengeance wishes on ex boyfriends. I’d wish he was a dog or ugly or in love with president McKinley or something.
  Buffy: But someone could wish the whole world to be different right? That’s possible?
  Anya: Sure, alternate realities. You could uh, could have like a world without shrimp. Or with, you know, nothing but shrimp. You could even make like a freaky world where Jonathan’s some kind of not perfect mouth breather if that’s what’s blowing up your skirt these days. Just don’t ask me to live there! Now if I, uh, could just have book back you could be on your way someplace else?
• +1/ Trying to help Buffy explain the alternate realities but ends up dwelling on the shrimp or lack of shrimp worlds (see Buffy point 5).

RILEY- (+2)

• +1/ Siding with Buffy after she proposes the crazy idea that Jonathan isn’t who he says he is. A sign of loyalty from him (see Buffy point 5).
• +1/ Feeling way too tall after being around Jonathan.

TARA- (+2)

• +1/ Building a Jonathan shrine with Willow.
• +1/ Managing to escape the floppy demon.

JONATHAN- (+8}

• +1/ Defeating Giles in chess by just looking at the board, he’s just too good.
• +1/ Being the strong and supportive one in the post-attack scene. He tries to reassure Buffy about her skills.
• +1/ Reassuring Buffy about Riley’s love and helping her on her way to forgiving him. At least this spell is providing some helpful bonuses (see Buffy point 4).
• +1/ Leading the Initiative briefing…the funny part is how small he is….it’s hilarious.
• +1/ Singing and playing trumpet at the Bronze.
• +2/ Helping Buffy defeat the demon, even at the cost of his paragon status, it’s fun to see him fight with the need to be important and the need to help Buffy.
• +1/ Feeling very sorry for what he did but still providing some advice for Buffy.

ADAM- (+1)

• +1/ Managing to pick up that a spell has been cast over reality, it’s good that the real villian is not fooled.

SEASON COUNT-

BUFFY- +115
WILLOW- +82
XANDER- +70
SPIKE- +52
GILES- +49
RILEY- +38
ANYA- +31
OZ- +26
FAITH- +14
HARMONY- +11
TARA- +9
JONATHAN- +8
FORREST- +4
ANGEL- +4
THE MAYOR- +3
JOYCE- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +2
WILLY- +1
ADAM- 0
PARKER- –2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

OVERALL COUNT-

BUFFY- +422
WILLOW- +328
ANGEL- +297
XANDER- +272
GILES- +201 (6th to double century in 73 episodes).
SPIKE- +122
OZ- +118
JOYCE- +44
FAITH- +43
ANYA- +39
RILEY- +38
THE MAYOR- +36
JONATHAN- +12
HARMONY- +8
TARA- +9
FORREST- +4
WILLY- +3
GRAHAM- +2
ETHAN RAYNE- +1
ADAM- 0
PARKER- -2
PROFESSOR WALSH- -4

EPISODE THOUGHTS-

For me this is a strange episode. It has a original plot with an interesting concept and there is some nice funny lines too, but I still find the episode a little too crazy and a little too far out of the bounds of a normal episode. Jonathan leads the episode and does a fairly decent job, his cool and calm demenour is a little off-putting and you always now that it’s a ruse so youy never really invest in him. Buffy is strong as usual and seeing her be unsure of herself is quite nice as well. The fact that her ability to lead is still strong enough to overcome a spell is a testament to her leadership skills. The demon involved isn’t all that convincing and the plot is a little silly and slow. Willow, Xander and Anya provide some nice humour which spices up the show but on the whole it’s a decent episode.

77/100