Talking about the afterlife or any conception of it on television is a tricky thing sometimes. You could go all wacky like a bad horror remake, or get all sugary like with 7th Heaven. And forget Joss being evil. Spelling Television, now that's sadistic. Anyway, Joss handled this really well. There's nothing else I can say. It's all there, on the screen, soaked in this ep.

I can understand Becky's (see article below) view of Buffy not telling the Scoobies the truth as being out of character. But given her history, I don't think it is at all. It's typical Buffy behavior. When Angel came back at the start of third season, she didn't tell them. She hid it from them for a long time and told them that Willow's spell never came through. I'm not talking about this because of the hell issue - I just mean that Buffy has kept things from them in the past.

Best scenes: The Willow-Xander-Buffy hug. Also, the exchange between Dawn and Buffy when she brings out her sister's forgotten lunch. Just really touching moments.

Hopefully an episode with some major humor in it soon. I'm dying to laugh with the show again, instead of the usual Angel-like brooding while it's on. LOL. Next time we'll be doing a big rant ANGEL since we've been concentrating on BTVS for the last two 411's. Until then, take care...and beware of programmings made by Spelling Television. ::Shudder::

Favorite Line: "This is very bad. Very, very, very, bad. BAD!" - Xander

Was anyone else as confused as me at the end of this episode? Why does Buffy feel that she can't confide in the Scoobies all of a sudden? More importantly, how can she NOT be overjoyed at the fact that she was brought back from the dead? Okay. Maybe that sounded a little morbid. But c'mon. She's the Slayer. Slayers are supposed to save the world from big bad demons. Whatever happened to her duties to the gang?

I did somehow feel that Spike was the only one who was able to relate to her though. I mean, he's also experienced death before as well. And I have to admit. I LOVED the hand scene between the two of them. He was obviously the only one who was willing to patch them up for her. It was too sweet. But as soon as Willow and company came in the door, the atmosphere changed dramatically.

And wow. That demon they created sure had the whole Exorcist deal going for it. When the fire came out of Dawn's mouth, I freaked. But Anya possessed with the knife was seriously disturbing. It was like something out of a creepy horror film. You know, the kind that really scare you, though you're too embarrassed to tell anyone? This was when I came to the realization that BTVS had truly frightened me. Something that show hasn't done in a looong time.

What was up with Buffy going to visit Spike? How come the writers keep toying with us with this particular storyline? I don't get it. If they're not getting together, why is it constantly hinted at so much yet? Grrr. Here's what I propose - either conclude it or make it happen. Hehe. We need closure, Joss.

Giles is coming back! Yay! Do the Flooded previews remind you of another show that we love to watch obsessively? Buffy charging to slay vampires? Can we say 'Angel Investigations' all over again?

All captures used for this article were created by by Jackie. It's hard work, show some respect. Read past rants in the Archive section. We update the 411 weekly, so go read!