Jonathan, Warren and Andrew are amused by their ability to get everything they want without having to earn any of it. They discuss their further plans to bring down the Slayer and take over Sunnydale.

The next day, Anya gives Buffy and approximation on how much repairs are gonna cost from the fight. She suggests charging for slaying again, and Buffy insists that she probably wont be doing that. Willow suggests doing a locator spell to find who hired the demon, but one look from Giles changes her mind fast. Willow Tara Anya and Xander exit to throw some things out, and Giles gives Buffy hope by pointing out that her Mother was strong and dealt with these sort of things all the time, without super powers. The phone rings and Buffy leaves the room. When she comes back, she informs Giles and Dawn that it was Angel, and that she has to go meet him in a place outside of LA or Sunnydale- and she has to leave now. She thanks Giles for ‘taking care of this’ for her and runs out, leaving Giles and Dawn speechless.

Episode 5 : Life Serial

Buffy returns from her meeting with Angel, but, despite the nosey prodding, she doesn't want to talk about it, but admits it was nice seeing him. Giles asks her what her plans are for her future, but she doesn't know. She decides she'll sit in on some classes with Willow and Tara. 

Warren, Jonathan and Andrew devise a plan to determine the Slayer's fighting style and reactions time (etc) to get a feel for how to bring her down. They start a contest to see who can taunt Buffy the most. 

At school, Buffy quickly gets discouraged when she takes an advanced sociology class with Willow. Later, as she's walking to class with Tara, a cloaked Warren bumps into her, tagging her with a small circular object, which she doesn't notice. Suddenly Buffy gets caught up in what seems to be a bazaar fast forward through time, in which the day is progressing at a much faster rate then she is. She gets caught up for a moment and gets trampled, then discovers the little disc that she was tagged with. Before she can figure out what it is, it self-destructs, and the natural order of time is restored. 

Since the whole school thing didn't work out, Buffy decides to get a job with Xander at a construction site. Despite getting a hard time from the guys on the job, Buffy earns some respect when she uses her super strength to lug 100 lb steel beams. The pig headed foreman comes to her to compliment her, but before he can, Buffy spots a demon and throws the foreman out of danger, knocking him out before he even sees the demon. More demons show up (compliments of Andrew.. it's his turn) and Buffy manages to take them all out, but they melt, leaving no evidence behind. Xander gets upset with Buffy for slaying at his job site, but says he believes her, and suggests that someone is after her...Then he fires her. 

Buffy starts working for Anya at the Magic Shop, and is fast acquainted to Jonathan's part of the "Let's terrorize Buffy" game. In their black van, parked outside the magic shop, he performs a spell in Latin.. Moments later, a female customer comes in the store inquiring about an ancient mummy hand. When Buffy goes to get it, it attacks her, and she kills it, and is faced with a very dissatisfied customer. A second later, the scene repeats itself, and only Buffy is aware. Again, she loses the battle with the mummy hand and again, the customer is angry. After about 5 or 6 times, our quick-witted slayer realizes that the time loop will be broken when the customer is satisfied. So, instead of fighting with the mummy hand they have, she tells the customer she can special order a different one for her, and the customer is happy, thus the time loop is broken, to Jonathan's dismay. Buffy forgets to charge the woman for shipping, and Anya tells her she'll just deduct it from her pay, and Buffy replies with a silent "I Quit" as puts her name tag on the table and walks out. 

Later, she gets trashed with Spike, and the two head to a bar where Spike thinks he can get info on who's after Buffy. As he plays a game of poker (with kittens instead of chips) with some demons, Buffy walks off, yelling about how pathetic she is, with her inability to get a job or keep up with school. Before they can argue, Buffy notices the black van she saw at the construction site parked outside the bar. The geeky trio sees her approaching and, using Jonathan cloaked as a demon as a decoy, they drive off. Buffy gets a few hits on Jonathan before he gets away. When he gets back to the van, the trio cant stop bragging about how they faced the Slayer. 

Buffy gets home and confides in Giles about the mess she's making of her new life. Giles makes her day by giving her a seemingly generous check, suggesting that her financial burden has been significantly lowered. She thanks him sincerely, and tells him that she sees him as a father, and as she walks out, she states that she feels safe with him, and she's glad he'll always be there. However, the hard, saddened look on Giles face suggests that might not be the case... 

Episode 6: All the Way
Written by Steven S. DeKnight

Ok, not a lot of time, so here's a run down of the key elements of this episode:

Anya and Xander announce their engagement, and the gang celebrates with a makeshift party at Buffy's house. Willow uses magic to decorate the house, and later Tara expresses her disapproval of Willow's careless use of magic for personal gain. Willow doesn't see what the big deal is. After hearing everyone else talk about the mega-commitment marriage is, Xander starts showing signs of second thoughts, although it's clear that he loves Anya. He and Buffy share some warm friendship moments following the announcement. 

Dawn goes AWOL with her friend Janice and two seniors, who turn out to be vampires. The foursome wreak some playful havoc (during which, Dawn admits she's a klepto) before heading to the woods, where Dawn gets her first kiss, just before realizing the guy is a vampire. She runs out of the car and he tries to convince her that she'd like eternal life. 

Buffy and the gang realize Dawn isn't where she's supposed to be and make with the looking. While searching the Bronze, Willow gets ready to transport anyone in the crowded club who's NOT Dawn to an alternate dimension for a split second, so they can look faster, and Tara freaks out on her, pointing out the fact that uses magic like its nobody's business, and is getting way out of control.

Giles manages to find Dawn just before she gets bit, and he acts all heroic until he's surrounded by about 15 hormone charged teen vamps. Buffy and Spike get there in the nick of time, and, after Buffy and Dawn have a little "mother-daughter" type of argument, fighting ensues. In a scene that cost the people at UPN about 35,000 JUST in vampire dusting special effects, Buffy and Co. take out the vamps (Dawn is forced to kill her crush before he bites her.) They head home and Giles tells Buffy that something has to be done about Dawn behavior. She agrees, then thanks him for taking care of it as she goes upstairs to bed- much to the watchers obvious dismay. Giles tells Dawn that he's angry and disappointed in her.

As she gets ready for bed, it's clear that Tara is still very mad at Willow. She lays down infuriated. Willow walks over to her dresser, picks up some kind of flower, and whispers forget.. Then she lays down, and Tara snuggles up to her lovingly, giggling and smiling- as if they never even had the fight. As Tara falls asleep, Willow closes her eyes, with a big smile across her face

Episode 7: Once More, With Feeling
Special Musical Episode Feat. Original songs
Written by Joss Whedon And performed by the cast!

This episode was truly a work of genius. The music, the dancing, the way it all came together, and how all of these people who's professions are acting, not music, learned what they needed to know and successfully pulled off one of the most entertaining
hours of television I've ever seen. Great job! And notably missing was any full songs for Willow..
Makes you wonder what kind of skeletons she's got in her closet... 

Here's my run-down of the stories that unfolded throughout the extravaganza:

Along with rest of the town, the gang gets caught in a 'wacky Broadway nightmare' when a mystical force comes over Sunnydale, forcing the towns inhabitants to sing their most private thoughts to each other. Needless to say, some very serious s*** hits the proverbial fan: 

-    Xander and Anya confess to each other that they're both terrified of their impending nuptials, both for their own reasons, which "[They'll] never tell"

-     Tara finds the flower Willow used to make her forget their fight on the bed but thinks nothing of it. The two reaffirm their love for each other, and she     sings a passionate song for Willow about how she's "under her spell.." Later, she finds out how true that was. Dawn tells Tara that she's glad she and Willow aren't fighting anymore, and Tara instantly knows something's up. She covertly goes to the magic shop and learns the flower is used for spells for mind control. 

-    Spike again confesses his love for Buffy, but she's still resistant, although she seems to be beginning to understand where he's coming from.  He basically tells her that if she can't love him, then she should stay away from him, because being around her makes him feel in a ways she can't know...
In short, he wants her to let him  "Rest in Peace."

-    As he's training his Slayer, Giles comes to the sudden and painful realization that as long as he's around, Buffy will never stand on her own- he's "Standing in the Way." As Buffy and Willow talk in the distance, Tara, feeling utterly crushed and betrayed, and Giles, knowing what he must do, sing about how they "Wish [they] Could Stay," but, even though it will hurt them so much, they have to go. 

-    And poor Buffy. Let me tell you, this is the most depressing storyline ever. In her opening number, Buffy's walking aimlessly through a grave yard, admitting that she's just "Going Through the Motions," and is unable to feel inside, like she used to... like she's walking through life only physically, but is dead emotionally. However, when the gang stresses over the weird evil, it's Buffy who points out that there's nothing they can't face if they stick together, reminding them that they've averted the end of the world on several occasions. 

-    Earlier in the day, Dawn swipes a charmed necklace from the Magic Box. Later, she gets kidnapped by goons, who bring her to the Bronze, where she meets the demon Sweet, the hip-jivin' guy responsible for the musical mayhem. He claims she summoned him, and confesses his plans to whisk his new bride to hell. She tells him her sister's the Slayer, and he's intrigued by the chance to see the Slayer dance till she burns. He sends Cronies to go find Buffy. He does, and informs her of his master plans before running away. They gang is ready to jump into attack mode, but Giles puts his foot down, and make s Buffy go alone, expecting only her best. Spike steps in and offers to go with her, but  she reminds him that he wants her to stay away from him, so he leaves. 

-    On the way to the Bronze, Buffy reaffirms the fact that she can't feel anything, but at the same time, she accepts what she has to do. Meanwhile, Spike sings about hating Buffy, the decides to go help her. Giles questions his decision to send Buffy alone, and the group decides to go help, because that's what they're always there to do. As each makes their way, they all "Walk Through the Fire."

-    At the Bronze, Buffy breaks into song about the joys of life, and how they don't matter to her. Then accidentally ends up confessing to her friends that she was in fact in heaven. The group stands in utter disbelief, completely mortified with what they've done, especially Willow. Buffy starts dancing in a frenzy, and just before she reaches the boiling point, Spike steps in and stops her, saving her from dying a third time. Sweet gets bored and goes to take Dawn, who insists she never summoned him. He points out that her necklace (the one she stole) is his pennant, so she must've summoned him. Turns out Xander inadvertently did that while trying to do a spell to see if he and Anya would work out. Upset but a good sport, Sweet bids everyone a "See you in HELL" and disappears. Spike leaves, and Buffy catches up with him in the alley, where she realizes that he's the same as her, he's walking but not really alive. The two lock eyes and as the curtains close, they finally share a passionate kiss. 

Having spilled their deepest secrets to the people they were keeping those secrets from, Buffy, Xander, Willow, Anya, Tara, Dawn, Giles, and Spike are all left with one very interesting question: "Where do we go from here?"

Episode 8: Tabula Rasa

While patrolling, Buffy runs into Spike in the graveyard. He wants to talk about their kiss, but she just insists it was a fleeting moment, and for him not to read into it. They’re interrupted by a Loan Shark (that would be an actual loan SHARK) who wants Spike to pay up the 40 Siamese cats he owes them. Although Buffy is repulsed by the fact that they even play for kittens, she helps Spike and fights off the sharks goons. Spike flees, leaving Buffy to wonder why she keeps saving him.  

Willow, Xander, Anya, and Tara reflect on what they learned of Buffy’s after life. Xander proposes that what’s done is done, and now they need to focus on helping Buffy. Willow suggests a spell to make Buffy forget heaven, and Tara immediately flips. Tara confesses that she know Willow used that spell on her. She suggests they take time apart, and Willow freaks- she doesn’t want to lose her. They agree that if she can go one week, without magic, Tara will think about staying. 

Giles informs Buffy that he is leaving for England. He has to go so that she can start living on her  own. She is completely rocked, and feels like he’s abandoning her at such a hard time, but he knows she can do it on her own. She disagrees and storms off angry. 

No more then a day after swearing not to do magic, Willow uses some alone time to do a spell. She calls upon the power of the “Tabula Rasa” (I’m guessing that’s the name of the flowers?) to make Buffy and Tara forget all things bad. She pockets a silver crystal, and when that crystal turns black, the spell will be cast.  

Giles calls everyone to the Magic Box and is ready to tell them that he’s leaving when Spike bursts in seeking help from the Loan Shark’s goons. Giles proceeds to tell the group and  they’re understandably upset. Buffy goes to storm out in a rage when Willow says she’s sorry for pulling her from heaven. Buffy gets mad, pointing out the fact that “sorry” really doesn’t cut it. Just as Buffy is about to sound off, the crystal turns black, and instantly, the gang passes out where they stand (or sit, in most cases).   

They wake up a few hours later and its obvious that none of them have any memories. Through the confusion, Willow and Xander think they’re dating (they woke up on the floor together), Giles and Anya think they’re engaged, and Spike thinks he’s a human (Giles’ son, no less) named Randy. Everyone learns their names from their driver’s licenses, except Buffy, who names herself Joan. She fights with Dawn about her new name, and the two theorize that they may be sisters. The group gets attacked by the Loan sharks vamps, who go for Buffy and Spike. Buffy slays one- to her surprise- while Spike is confused as to why they’re after him. The vamps retreat outside. Xander, Willow, Dawn, and Tara head for the sewers to get away as Giles and Anya try to find a spell to help them. Buffy and Spike charge the vampires, and Spike vamps out, causing an alarmed Buffy to run. He tries to convince her that he’s good, and she laughs at the idea of a “vampire with a soul,” but realizes he’s fighting on her side. 

At the shop, Anya is reading from a spell book, but doing something wrong because she’s surrounded by, among other things, dozens of bunnies. Giles tries to convince his adorable fiancé that she’s reading from the wrong book. They retreat behind the counter and Giles finds his one way ticket to England, prompting Anya to get upset and through her engagement ring. They stop the chaos in the shop and she goes to pick it up, confessing that she doesn’t want him to leave, and the two share a passionate kiss (whoa..) 

In the sewer, the fearing foursome get trapped by a vampire, and the whole thing poses a sense of familiarity- especially Willow and Tara’s seeming sexual attraction. After some time, frightened Xander manages to dust the vampire. He accidentally steps on the spell crystal (which Willow had dropped while running) and instantly, everyone’s memories are restored. Tara knows right away what Willow did and the two share a long hard look as Willow walks away, silently defeated. Anya and Giles are highly disturbed by the kiss and the two start cleaning the shop frantically.  

Buffy and Spike fight off the vamps, and Spike tells the loan shark that he’ll get his kittens. Spike makes moon eyes at Buffy and she walks off, disgusted. 

That night, Giles boards his plane to England and is now out of the picture for some time. A heart broken Tara packs her belongs from the Summers house and prepares to take off as Willow sits alone in a corner, tears streaming down her cheeks, a very defeated look on her face. Tara tries to say good by to Dawn , but Dawn runs inside, feeling like Tara’s breaking up the family (talk about misplaced anger..). At the Bronze, Buffy sits alone, a blank look on her face. Spike approaches her, but she’s not interested in talking to him. A little while later, we find the two of them in a corner, kissing passionately.

Episode 9: Smashed
Written by Douglas Petrie

Due to the fact that I had a black-out in the middle of this episode and the fact that I'm going to Montreal on vacation for a few days, I can't offer a synopsis of this episode. I can say that I think it sets up some very interesting plot twists, especially now that Spike can hurt Buffy, seeing as how she came back "different." Can't wait to see where that goes.. 

Please see the Buffy Episode Guide website for a complete rundown of this episode.

 

Episode 10: Wrecked
Written by Marti Noxon

Tara and Dawn wake up to find the Summers’ house empty. They worry about the fact that no one came home last night, but Tara assures Dawn that they’re fine. Buffy wakes up next to Spike and is instantly disgusted with herself. She tries to convince him that last night was the last time, but he knows she has a thing for vampires. She reminds him that it was ONE vampire, and that he’s just convenient. As she leaves, she threatens to kill him if he tells anyone about their night. 

Willow and Amy arrive home, and Tara is obviously upset. Amy comments on Willow’s power, and Tara leaves in a huff. Buffy comes back and claims that she was out all night fighting a bad guy. Willow heads to bed and attempts to close the curtains telepathically, but to her chagrin, nothing happens, and she wonders why her powers aren’t working. 

Later, Xander comments on Willow’s seemingly out-of-control magic use, and Buffy points out that Willow’s a grown up and doesn’t need to monitored, adding that everyone makes mistakes. While she may be also talking about Willow, you can tell she’s talking in regards to her affair with Spike. 

Willow discusses her magical hangover with Amy, who suggests they go see a warlock, sort of a "dealer" of intoxicating spells. They find his cloaked hideout and he immediately sees them. As Amy spins euphorically, Willow trips out on the ceiling. From her point of view, the floor below is a green field, peaceful and serene, until a scary looking demon emerges from the bushes and locks eyes with her. The next morning, she goes for the shower and tries to wash off the magical nasty feeling as she sobs. She finds a box of Tara’s clothes and lays an outfit on the bed, then does a spell. The clothes suddenly take shape, and begin to comfort Willow. Later, Willow suggests she and Dawn have a girls night out. They leave a note for Buffy and take off. 

Buffy arrives home to find Amy rummaging through Willow’s stuff. She informs Buffy of Rack and that Willow is his new fave, but can’t tell her where to find him. Buffy worries since Willow has Dawn. She reluctantly goes to Spike for info on Rack, and he points out that you have to be of supernatural decent to find his place, so they head out. On the way, they argue about their night, and Spike warns that she’ll be craving him now, and she yells for him to get out of her life, but realizes she needs him to find Dawn.

Willow takes Dawn to Rack’s and tells her to stay in the waiting room. Dawn is confused but listens. Under Rack’s magic, Willow is floating through the calmness of space until the red faced scaly demon rips into her dream world, carrying a dead body. Willow screams in silence as Rack smiles. About two hours later, Willow comes out, and Dawn is furious. As they walk through a dark alley, Dawn suggests they go home, but Willow, in her obviously high state, says not to be a party pooper, and assures her that they’re fine. The demon she was seeing emerges, pointing out that she summoned him. He attacks Dawn, but she delivers a nasty kick, giving them time to run. Willow magically steals a car and laughs playfully as the vehicle drives itself, high Willow, and frightened Dawn right into a brick wall.

Dawn staggers out of the mangled car and barely has time to assess her injuries before the demon violently attacks her. Buffy arrives and fights him until he suddenly combusts, revealing the magic-ed out Willow (she destroyed him). Willow sees how hurt Dawn is and is instantly horrified with what she’s done. She tries to apologize, but Dawn gives her a look of utter disgust just before smacking her clear across the face. As Spike walks Dawn off, Buffy scolds Willow for putting her in danger. In an absolutely heartbreaking scene, Willow breaks down, admitting that she can’t stop using magic, and begging her best friend for help. 

Later, Buffy informs Willow that Dawn’s arm is fractured. Willow confesses that she didn’t have her magic under control, but was in denial. She wanted to be someone other then the old Willow, and admits that it made her free, but ultimately made her out of her mind. They both agree that sometimes, no matter how good something feels, it still has to be given up, and the two come to the simultaneous conclusion that “it’s over.” (Buffy’s talking about Spike, obviously). 

That night, Willow lays in bed suffering from the mother of all withdrawals, while Buffy, who's room is lavished with strands of garlic, sits wide awake, clutching a crucifix, apparently doing everything she can to keep Spike away from her.

Episode 11:  Gone
Written and Directed by David Fury

Buffy and Dawn begin clearing the house of all things magic-related as Willow watches. Dawn is upset that they have to get rid of things she likes, but Buffy explains that certain things can tempt Willow to use magic, so they have to get rid of them. Buffy finds Spike’s lighter as she’s explaining that, and realizes the words ring true for her too. Meanwhile, Warren uses the diamond they stole from the museum a while back to complete his invisibility ray. With the new toy, he figures the trio is now pretty much unstoppable.  

The next morning, Dawn gives Willow and Buffy and attitude. Buffy points out that Dawn partly blames Buffy for the car accident thing, because she was too wrapped up in her own life to see Willow’s decent into addiction. Spike shows up looking for his lighter and comes on to Buffy, pointing out that she’s his ‘little goldilocks.’ She wants to fight him, but he touches her in his way, and she starts getting heated. They’re interrupted by Xander, who mocks Spike’s attempts to mack on Buffy, pointing out that only a loser would hook up with him. Then, a social worker stops by is obviously unimpressed with the job Buffy is doing, and promises to watch her like a hawk, and if she doesn’t see improvement, she’ll strip Buffy of her guardianship. Then, in an emotional panic brought on mostly by her attraction to Spike, Buffy cuts her hair. Realizing she’s no barber, she goes to one to get fixed up.  

The geeks are planning to use their invisibility ray when they spot Buffy. They to hide, but end up accidentally zapping the Slayer, rendering her invisible. 

At the shop, Anya and Xander discuss seating arrangements for the reception when InvisiBuffy shows up. They are freaked, but Buffy is starting to enjoy it. Xander offers to go check the spot where she turned invisible. Anya suggest that a spell gone wrong is to blame, and when Xander wonders who would mess around with that stuff, there’s only one conclusion… 

Willow, who’s withdrawals are slowly lessening, reverts back to her high school days of net-surfing and book-reading to track down who stole the diamond from the museum. When she needs a book on the other end of  the table, she begins to levitate it, but immediately stops herself, staying completely on the wagon. Xander shows up and informs her of no-show Buffy, and suggests it would be OK if she had something to do with it, since relapse is part of recovery. She gets upset that he doesn’t trust her to do the right thing and walks off.  

Buffy heads to Social Services to pay Doris Kroger a little visit. Buffy does things like moves her coffee mug around, saying KILL, KILL, KILL.. things like that (it’s actually a REEEALLY funny scene). When Doris runs off, Buffy messes with Dawn’s case file. When Doris shows the file to her boss, all he sees is “All work and no play makes Doris a dull lady,” mocking Jack Nicholson’s famous line from The Shining. Doris’ boss thinks she’s losing it, so he assigns Dawn’s case to another worker, and sends her home to rest.

Xander runs into Willow at the Buffy Disappearance scene and apologizes for jumping to conclusions. Using good old fashion CSI skills, Willow determines that the black van stalking Buffy was definitely involved, and she vows to find it. They also manage to find a traffic cone that was turned invisible, so they spray paint it, hoping it might lead to some clues. Anya and Xander research at the shop when Anya touches the traffic cone and it turns to mush. They worry instantly, since whatever’s happening to the cone can happen to Buffy.

Buffy pays Spike a visit and messes with his head for a while, before giving in to temptation and dragging him (or kicking his ass) to the bedroom.  Xander goes to Spike’s to see if he’s heard from Buffy and finds Spike, from what he can see, humping the bed. Spike plays it off that he was excersizing, and since Xander has a nasty case of not caring, he gets to the point and tells Spike to look out for Buffy. He leaves, and Spike gets mad at Buffy, because he knows that once she’s normal again, she’ll go back to hating him. He decides to cut his losses and throws her out. Buffy goes home, and a few minutes later, Dawn arrives. Buffy tries to make some jokes, but Dawn is extremely freaked, and upset with Buffy’s laxed attitude, and she runs upstairs. Buffy gets a message from Xander about her current situation, and is apparently freaked.

Warren informs the other two that Buffy will be dead soon, and they demand he reverse her- they’re not murders. Warren agrees reluctantly.

Willow hacks into the DMV website to track down the mystery van. When the computer takes to long, she starts getting the jitters, and almost uses magic, but the computer kicks in and she smiles, knowing that she can get through these things (I’m so proud of her!). She tracks the van and gets inside the nerd’s hideout, where she finds the invisibility ray and its blue prints. Before she can pat herself on the back, the invisible nerd trio ambush her, tying her up and gagging her. They call Buffy and instruct to meet them- alone- at the local arcade. She gets there and finds Willow, who informs her that they’re surrounded by the three guys from her phantom van. Warren gets ready to make her visible again when Willow notices that the gun is set to kill her. Jonathan and Andrew are upset that Warren lied, but Buffy’s still gonna bring them all down. A fight made up entirely of pre-dubbed dialogue and sound effects ensues, and before long, Willow uses the ray to zap them all back into view, revealing the nerd trios identities. Buffy and Willow pretty much laugh at them as they make their pathetic escape. Afterwards, they share a heartfelt conversation: Willow admits that the day has been extremely hard on her, and Buffy reminds her that she can beat her problem. Buffy admits that when she learned she could be dying, she got scared, and came to the realization that, although she thought she might, she really doesn’t want to die. Willow points out they they both made good first steps, but the looks on their faces suggest that it’s a bittersweet victory.

Episode 12: Doublemeat Palace
Aired 1/28/02 - Written by Jane Espenson

Ok, nothing too major happened during this episode, so here's a run down of what transpired.

Having no choice and desperate for a paycheck, Buffy takes a job at the local Doublemeat Palace. She instantly picks up a "strange happenings" vibe, thanks to the extremely unpleasant training video and odd, spacey coworkers. During a slow double shift, Buffy decides to get her frustrations out by having a quick round of screw-the-Spike. (right, because there was a point to that...) After a lot of discussion over the "secret ingredient" in the chain's trademark burger, Buffy determines that something is going on. Later, she finds a finger in the meat grinder, and instantly realizes what the secret ingredient is. She makes a scene, and gets fired, but not before grabbing a burger to analyze...

As the wedding plans continue, Anya invites one of her old vengeance demon friends, Halfrek, over for a spot of tea. Once Xander clears out, Halfrek prods into her relationship with her future hubby, pointing out that Xander 'corrects' her, and in a sense controls her. Although she doesn't see it that way, she is kind of annoyed. Later, she makes some comments to Xander, but he has no idea what she's talking about. Probably because he's too busy eating the people burgers...

Willow is still having a hard time adjusting to life without magic. She gets a visit from Amy, who offers her an unsolicited, and unwanted, release by temporarily giving her power again. Willow is freaked, because she wants to change. After it dies down, she tells Amy to stay away from her, because what she did makes her trying to quit much more difficult. Amy makes her admit that she had fun, just before leaving, obviously not getting what the big deal is.

Xander eats the burger specimen, leaving Buffy no choice but to go back to the Palace. While she does that, Willow is able to use some scrapings from the wrapper to determine that the mystery meat isn't people.. or beef... it's something else.. Meanwhile, Dawn mentions her fears that Buffy will never have a good job and be able to support them full time, because she's the Slayer. She feels bad that Buff will have to work minimum wage her whole life. Xander tries to make her feel better by adding that someday, she can grow up to be a doctor or lawyer, and help support Buffy... she's less then thrilled about that idea.

At the palace, Buffy finally learns that the restaurant isn't chopping up the employees... the disappearances are credited to a  sweet old regular customer, who apparently has a snake-like demon stored in her head, which needs to come out and feed every now and then. The snake demon tries to paralyze her, but she manages to gain enough control over her muscles to scour away Willow tries to get inside to inform Buffy of her findings, but can't get in. She walks over to the drive through mike and informs Buffy that the meat is actually a vegetable type-product, so she's not sure where the bad is. When she hears the struggle inside, she makes her way in, and almost gets attacked by the snake, but comes back just in time to sever it from the old lady's body, killing it and it's host. Willow is excited that she took out the evil, and the two throw the snake in the grinder, claiming their victory.

The next day, Buffy goes to give in her uniform, since she was fired. When she mentions the secret ingredients for the burgers, the new manager (the old one was eaten) gets nervous, pointing out that Buffy knows a very important secret, and the rep of the company depends on it. Buffy kindly barters for her job back, and gets it... and then the thought of being a "lifer" goes through her mind, instantly changing her excitement to fear.

Episode 13: 'Dead Things'
Aired 2/5/02- Written by Stephen S. DeKnight

Buffy and Spike finish another romp in the crypt, and notice that they're actually conversing. Spike admits that he likes the animalistic things she does, and she gets defensive, stating that she's not an animal. He inquires to the state of their relationship, and she reminds him that it's just sex. He whips out a pair of handcuffs and asks "Do you trust me?". She replies with a heartfelt "Never."

Buffy meets up with Tara because she needs her to look into the resurrection spell they used to bring her back. She would ask Willow, but.... She fills Tara in on how Spike can hit her, and urges her to find out why she came back wrong. Tara tries to convince her that she's fine, but Buffy still wants her to look.

Now on the Lamb, Warren, Jonathan and Andrew settle in to their new lair. Jonathan uses his magical abilities (God, is EVERYONE on this show a witch?) to forge a cerebral dampener, a device that can turn any female into the trio's willing sex slave. Once it's charged, Warren looks at it and comments that he knows just who to use it on. They start Operation: Make Girl Sex Slave (I just made that up)... As Jonathan and Andrew watch from the van, Warren scopes out his spec, and finds her.. It's none other then the love of his life, Katrina (the one he was with when April the psychotic robot girlfriend came after him). Katrina isn't please to see him, and makes it clear that she wants nothing to do with him. He flashes her with the cerebral dampener, and she's instantly at his command.

Buffy comes home to find the gang practicing their dance moves for the wedding reception. For a second there, she thinks the town is swept up in another all singing-dancing bonanza. They fill her in on their plans to go to the Bronze, but she decides to stay home with Dawn for the night. That is until Dawn's friend comes to pick her up and she gone for the night. Dawn makes it obvious to Buffy that she's never around, and sort of leaves abruptly, prompting Buffy to accept the invitation for frothy fun at the Bronze.

The geeks toast their victory in the lair, admiring their new love bunny. Warren chimes in, pointing out that he gets her first. He takes her in the back just before she can get to the good stuff, the spell wears off, and she comes to. She freaks out on him and the others, pointing out that what they're doing is rape. She tries to get away, but Warren grabs her, and clubs her in the head with a bottle, killing her instantly. Jonathan and Andrew are freaking out- they're not killers. Warren is freaked, but a little more composed. They know Buffy will figure it was them, because there's a link. Warren comes up with a plan to take care of the body, and Buffy, with 'one big stone.'

At the Bronze, Willow reaffirms that she's getting by without magic, and it's easier when she's not alone. Buffy feels left out at the as Xander, Anya and Willow dance away. She goes up to the scaffold, where Spike appears. He points out that she's too dark for them... they'd never understand her, and they couldn't deal if they knew what she was doing. As he fools around with her, he makes her look down and them, and tell him she doesn't love getting away with what they do, right under their noses. She doesn't say anything.

On her way into the Magic Box, Willow runs into Tara, who's on her way out. They share an awkward moment, where Tara states that she's glad Willow's doing good. You can tell by the look on Willow's face that she misses Tara deeply. Tara tells her to have Buffy call her when she gets a chance.

That night, Buffy almost stops by Spike's, but turns back at the last second. Unfortunately, he knew she was there so he takes off and tries to find her. Buffy gets caught up in a BAD temporal time loop, in which a young woman is getting attacked by three large cloaked demons. After all the craziness, Buffy spins around, thinking she's gonna hit a demon, and ends up cracking the victim, causing her to tumble violently down a nearby hill. Spike fights off one of the  demons then runs after the mortified Buffy, who informs him that the girl (it's Katrina, only she doesn't know it) is dead, and that she killed her. Spike manages to get her to run off, despite her obvious state of shock. He tries to convince her that it was an accident, and to trust him to take care of it. Meanwhile, the geeks watch via long range camera (were they video taping it??).

Later, Buffy has another wicked time loop dream in which she sees herself screwing Spike, then screwing Katrina, then staking Spike, then staking Katrina ( this show is so weird...). She wakes up, and knows what she has to do. She wakes up Dawn, and confesses that she loves her, and is sorry she couldn't be everything Joyce was. Dawn is getting scared, so Buffy tells her what happened, and that she has to tell the police, so she might be going away for a while. Dawn points out that she never wanted to be back in the first place, so she should go, because she's not really there anyway.

Spike catches up with Buffy outside the police station, and informs her that he's not gonna let her give up her life over one death, in light of all the people she's saved. He points out that he took care of it, and no one will ever find her. No sooner then he finishes that sentence they over hear some patrol cops talking about how they 'found her in the river.' Good plan, Spike. She wants him to leave her alone, but he loves, even though she doesn't think he does. After a heated argument, she freaks out on him, and pummels him into oblivion, screaming about how he's evil, and that she could never love him. She leaves him calling for her on the side walk and goes inside, ready to do what she has to do. Then, she over hears the victim's name- Katrina- and remembers that's she's Warren's girlfriend. Knowing that she's been set up, she turns around and walks out.

Later, Dawn and Buffy almost share a moment once Dawn learns that Buffy's not leaving, but her underlying anger is still there, forcing her to stomp out of the room. Buffy swears that Warren and the others aren't gonna get away with what they did.

At their lair, Warren points out that they're gonna get away with it, since Katrina's death was ruled a suicide. They decide that if Buffy ever figures it out, they'll take care of her. Then they come to the realization that the actually got away with murder, and to their surprise, they like it.

Buffy meets with Tara, who confirms that she didn't come back wrong, she just came back a little different physically, but nothing more harsh then the scale of getting a sun burn. However, it's enough to fool Spike's chip. Buffy is mortified to learn that she's been letting Spike 'do those things' to her, even though she's normal. Tara is surprised to learn about Buffy and Spike, but is very accepting, pointing out that it's ok if she loves him. Buffy can't figure out why the only time she feels is when she's with the one person she hates most. Tara swears that she won't tell anyone. Realizing that the only excuse she had for hooking up with Spike was invalid, Buffy breaks down, pointing out that what's she's doing is wrong- that she's wrong. She needs to believe that. She falls to Tara's lap, sobbing, hysterically and repeatedly begging her not to forgive her.

Quote #1: You see, you try to be with them, but you always end up in the dark- with me. What would they think of you if they found out... all the things you've done. If they knew, who you really were... look at them... that's' not you're world. You belong in the shadows, with me... look at your friends, and tell me you don't love getting away with this, right under their noses.
- Spike to Buffy, while conspicuously messing around with at The Bronze.

Quote #2: I am not your girl.. you don't have a soul.. there is nothing good or clean in you.. you're dead inside...you can't feel anything real.. I could NEVER be your girl.                           
- Buffy to Spike, while kicking his ass outside the police station.
 

Episode 14: "Older and Far Away"
Written by Drew Z. Greenberg

Dawn again wants to spend some time with Buffy, but Buffy has to patrol. Desperate to be around her, Dawn suggests that later they can set up for Buffy's party, but Buffy blows the idea off, since the others have it covered. Buffy heads to the cemetery and runs into a nasty big headed demon with a large sword. The demon pulls a disappearing/reappearing act, until Buffy manages to stab him with his own sword. Unbeknownst to her, the demon, or at least its soul, goes into the sword, which Buffy picks up and takes home.

While planning for the party, Xander suggests Tara's presence, and Willow is cool with it. Dawn sees if anyone wants to go to the mall with her, but they're all busy. Dawn tries to conceal her anger as she leaves. She sneaks in later that night, and unloads her new stash of stolen goods, the most impressive being a swank leather jacket, which she admires in the mirror. The next day, she gets called in to meet the new guidance counselor, who pries into her life, asking why she's so distant. Finally given the opportunity to be listened to, Dawn wishes that she can make everyone in her life stop going away.

As they get ready for the party, Xander and Anya let it slip that they invited a guy for Buffy to hang with. Tara gets there, and shares another very awkward (and stutter-filled) reunion with Willow. Spike shows up, toting a six pack and his gross looking but friendly poker buddy, (demon), Clement. Xander introduces Buffy to his friend Richard, and shoves them off to get acquainted. Spike laughs to himself, but Tara plays on his insecurities, pointing out Richard's cuteness.

Later, everyone gathers around to do presents. Buffy opens up Dawn's gift- it's the radiant leather jacket she swiped- and is breathless, until she sees the security tag is still fastened. Dawn quickly explains that the store must have left it on. Dawn is excited that Buffy likes her gift, and is waiting for some kind of acknowledgment, when Xander cuts in and presents Buffy with a new custom-made weapons chest, instantly taking the spotlight off Dawn. Buffy's friend Sophie shows up (she's definitely a Doublemeat employee) Dawn shuts the door, just as her guidance counselor appears. She morphs into Halfrek (Anya's vengeance demon friend), and utters the words Wish Granted.

Spike rags on Richards obvious attempts to mack on Buffy, and then does some macking of his own, but they're quickly interrupted by Tara, who pretty much laughs off Spike's lame excuses as to why they were all over each other (I love how she plays on the fact that Spike doesn't know that she knows..). Later, everyone's sitting around playing games, and Dawn is obviously delighted that everyone is still around.

The next morning, everyone is still there, and a little more lazy then usual. They admit they want to leave, but physically can't, and it's becomes obvious that something's going on. When everyone talks about finding away out, Dawn gets upset- she thinks no one wants to be around her. They ask if she did something, and she admits she's not responsible, but she's glad they can't leave. They reconvene, and decide that magic is the only way out. Willow sheepishly admits that she did keep some things, just incase. Everyone is disappointed, but glad she did. Tara concocts a spell to release the evil from the house, but accidentally releases the demon that Buffy thought she killed from the sword he was imprisoned in. He attacks the group, and manages to slash Richard before disappearing. Buffy promises that they'll be out of there soon.

Cut to LATER THAT NIGHT- they're still trapped.

Anya is experiencing a nasty, sweaty case of claustrophobia. Xander does his best to calm her down. He goes to get her a glass of water but gets attacked. Buffy and Spike fight the demon off, and he disappears again, after cutting Xander a bit. Anya suggests Willow use her powers to get them out, but Willow says she can't, because if she starts again, she won't be able to stop. Anya gets aggressive, but Tara steps in and tells her to back off.

Later, Dawn admits to Buffy that she feels completely alone. Buffy reminds her that the most importing thing she does is look out for her. Dawn compares that to what her guidance counselor says, and Buffy is confused- the school doesn't even have counselors. Buffy figures out that they're dealing w/ a vengeance demon. Fully panicked, Anya trashes Dawn's room, looking for evidence that she's responsible for them being trapped. What she finds instead is a chestnut of stolen merchandise, particularly from the Magic Box. Anya expresses her disappointment in Dawn, since she helped take care of her. Before they can get too mad, Buffy fills her in on the vengeance demon bit, and Anya instantly knows who it is. She calls for Halfrek, and points out that only she can break the spell. Hallie appears, but gets stabbed in the chest by the random demon, and falls to the floor.

Buffy finally manages to kill the demon. Halfrek wakes up unscathed, and points out that Dawn was in pain, and no one could hear it, and scolds them for not knowing, pointing out that, now, all they have is time and each other. She tries to make an exit, but quickly realizes  that she too is trapped in the house. Annoyed, she reluctantly breaks the spell.

Willow tells Tara that she kept the magic stuff as a safety net- just in case. Tara admits how proud she is that Willow said no, even though things were really bad. Everyone leaves, and Buffy watches from the door as they walk. She looks at them, then back at Dawn, then shuts the door, leaving a huge smile on Dawn's face.

Best Quote: "Hey, you're gonna back off. You're not gonna make her do something that doesn't want to. And if you try, you'll have to go through me, understood?" -Tara, to Anya, when Anya aggressively tries to convince Willow to use her magic.

Episode 15: 'As You Were'
Written and Directed by Douglas Petrie

Buffy confesses her plans to reapply for college as she finishes up a shift at the Doublemeat. Later, while on patrol, a vamp attacks her, then backs off once he smells the awful post-shift-at-a-fast-food-restaurant smell on her. She stakes him, then gets playfully upset because she smells. Later, Spike tries to hook up with Buffy, but at first she doesn't want to. She's seems tired, but agrees, and they do the deed again. Willow invites Buffy to the Bronze, but she again declines, so Willow and Dawn head out without her. Buffy tells them to have a good time, and adds under her breath that somebody should.

At the Bronze, Xander and Anya discuss the final phases of the wedding plans (the big day is in one week!). They are both clearly nervous. Willow admits that she's happy because the wedding will give her and Tara another chance to talk.

The next morning, Buffy gets a letter from the college denying her readmission. Dawn says good bye, and we see hints that her relationship with Buffy is improving. At the Palace, Buffy works the counter when the second love of her life, Riley Finn, surprises her.  Buffy is shocked, and can barely talk. He apologizes for putting her on the spot and informs her that he's tracked a dangerous, multiplying demon to Sunnydale, and that he needs the best help he can get- her. They find the demon, and it takes them down in a matter of seconds before running off.  They tag the demon and begin tracking it. Riley admits that it's good to see her.

Xander and Anya argue while stuck in traffic on their way to pick up relatives at the airport. They're not sure why they invited his family and her demon friends to stay with them in their house. Later, as they hide from their guests, they realize that while their wedding is going to be a disaster, their marriage is what's important, since that's what lasts forever. Suddenly, they feel better about what they're doing.

Riley and Buffy catch up with the Sivolte, and Buffy manages to knock it out. Right after that, a woman soldier shows up, and asks Buffy what she's doing with her husband. Riley introduces Buffy to demon hunter / wife, Sam. They've been married for four months. Before Buffy can be stunned, the Sivolte wakes up and attacks. Buffy snaps its neck, thinking she's done good, until they inform her that this was a homing mission, not a kill (something Riley should have filled her in on).

Buffy brings them  to her house. Dawn is obviously still angry with Riley for leaving without saying good bye, but they're otherwise met with a warm reception, although Willow admits to Buffy that she will hate Sam as much as Buffy wants. They discuss the status of the Sivolte, pointing out that someone in town called 'The Doctor' plans to sell its unhatched eggs on the black market. Sam suggests Willow help with a locator spell, and Willow gets upset, pointing out her addiction. Alone, Sam apologizes to Willow, adding that she has never met anyone with the power to quit magics before.

Buffy and Sam head out on patrol (Riley goes alone). Sam admits that she's intimidated by Buffy given her influence over Riley. After hearing how blissful their marriage is, Buffy makes up some story to get Sam to spilt up, then heads to Spike's. She asks about the Doctor, but, desperate for someone's affections, she makes him tell her that he loves her, and they hit the sheets AGAIN. After the romp, they wake up to find Riley. He is stunned to see them together and points out that Spike is The Doctor. Furious, Buffy helps Riley invade the cave under Spike's crypt, where they find about a dozen Sivolte eggs, ready to hatch. Buffy is furious with Spike- she's tired of the games. He comes back by pointing out that all she does is play with his mind, then he walks off. The eggs hatch, and they're able to make it upstairs with enough time to drop a bomb below, killing the baby Sivolte's.

Later, Riley admits that he has clearance to take Spike out, but won't due to her attachment to him. She wonders how she got so pathetic, but he tries to convince that who she sleeps with and where she works are not what define her, and that she's a hell of a woman. She adds that when he left, she never got the chance to say good bye, and he admits it's ok. (She does leave out the part about her trying to catch him...) Xander gets wedding tips from Sam as their chopper arrives, and Riley and Sam say their good bye's. After all is said and done, they get whisked away into the night, en route to another mission in South America.

(Haters of the Buffy / Spike relationship, you will rejoice with this final scene!!)
The next day, Buffy goes to Spike's and officially ends their affair. He says that it won't stick because wants him. She agrees- she does want him- but using him is killing her, and she needs to move on. She says good bye, and walks from the dank, smelly crypt, into the warm, lively sun light.

Quotes from As you Were:

It is going to be a perfect, perfect day if I have to kill every one of our guests and half this town to do it. - Anya

I do want you. Being with you.. makes things simpler, for a little while.... I'm using you. I can't love you. I'm just being weak and selfish, and it's killing me. I have to be strong about this. I'm sorry, William. - Buffy, as she breaks up with Spike

Episode 16: "Hells Bells"

I couldn't tape this episode, so I am working from memory here. Here is a breakdown of what transpired during the infamous "wedding day from hell."

- We finally meet Xander's family, and it becomes abundantly clear why he used to spend Christmas on the front lawn. His side of the family clashes constantly with Anya's side (who everyone was told, are 'circus folk.')

- Spike shows up with a trampy date. When he and Buffy are alone, she admits that seeing him with someone else is hard, but it doesn't change how she feels about her decision to end their sex games. He steps up and offers to leave, as if to spare her from the pain (I HATED THIS WHOLE SCENE).

- Willow got to spend some time with Tara as they helped Anya get into her dress. While doing so, Anya expressed her extreme happiness about being married to her best friend forever. Willow and Tara get a flirty kick out of Anya's out-spoken vows.

- There's finally a cute Buffy/Xander moment as she uses her slayer strength to get his cummerbund to fit. Xander admits that he is nervous, but knows he wants to be with Anya for the rest of his life. Buffy reminds him that his and Anya's relationship is her light at the end of the tunnel- her ray of hope that true love really can conquer all.

- Just before the wedding gets underway, Xander is confronted by a mysterious old man who had teleported to Sunnydale earlier in the episode. The man begs him not to get married, admitting that he is actually Xander from the future. Xander of course doesn't believe him, but then the old man gives him a glimpse of what his life will be like if he marries Anya. Xander learns that some years down the road, he is a couch potato father with no job. His kids are little devils, and he is getting nagged by Anya to get a job- which he can't do, since he threw out his back trying to save Buffy (which he was apparently unsuccessful...) Flash to a few years later, it's clear that Xander and Anya are miserable with each other, as are their kids (one human, one demon...) And, at the peak of their old age, Anya incessant nagging pushed him to the edge. He's about to wail her with a frying pan when he's JOLTED back to reality. Future Xander again warns him not to get married as Xander runs off.

- Willow gives Xander a little pep talk minutes before the ceremony, and they both reaffirm their love for each other.

- The girls learn that Xander has run off, and do their best to stall Anya while Willow tries to find him. Seeing the rowdy crowd getting restless, Buffy tries some stage antics  to keep them occupied. However, with another outburst from Mr. Harris, the crowd erupts into mass chaos (as if it would be any other way). Anya gets impatient and starts to walk down the aisle when she over hears Dawn telling someone that the groom took off. She is confused and devastated. Xander's cousin points out that she saw him with the old man before he took off, so Anya confronts him. She pleads with him to tell her what he said to Xander, and he turns around to reveal his true form- a grotesque demon...thing. He informs her that, in the early 1900s, she put a spell on him that turned him into a demon and trapped him in an alternate dimension. He has now come back for revenge by ruining her wedding day. He points out that all he did was she Xander a few phony images, and Xander took off. Anya is devastated, but then things turn violent as the demon attacks her. Buffy assumes the fighting and is about to get killed when Xander steps in and helps take him out. Anya is relived to see Xander, and wants to move on with the ceremony- but he needs to talk.

- In the entrance way to the reception hall, Xander reluctantly tells Anya that he cannot marry her- he isn't ready. He takes a look at his drunk father screaming at his mother, which affirms what he believes. He is so sorry to do this to her, but he can't go through with it. She is completely heartbroken- she doesn't understand. About to cry, he apologizes with all his heart and takes off, leaving Anya to explain to the guests that wedding will not be taking place (although, when she was walking down the aisle to do so, the band misunderstood and played "Here Comes the Bride".... OUCH.)

- Later, completely bummed, Buffy, Willow, and Dawn discuss their sorrow for Anya, and disappointment over what happened. They admit that they want to hate Xander, but can't. Meanwhile, Xander, who looks just as emotionally destroyed as Anya checks into his temporary home, the Sunnydale Motel. At the same time, D'hoffryn (Anya's vengeance demon master who was also a guest at the wedding) tries to convince his Anyanka that she let Xander domesticate her, and that she needs to get back into the game of being a demon- back to what he does best. Completely filled with anger and hate, Anya looks up at him, making it obvious that she's thinking about it.

Episode 17: "Normal Again"
Written by Diego Gutierrez

In search of the nerds, Buffy comes to an abandoned house. When they see her snooping around, Andrew summons a demon to distract her. The demon deploys a skewer from his arm, which he slams into Buffy. The impact mentally shifts Buffy to an alternate reality, in which she's being poked with a needle by a doctor- the doctor who looks after her in her rubber room.

Willow goes to see Tara, but it looks like she getting close with someone new, so Willow backs off. Tara sees her walking away.  Buffy has another delusion of herself in a mental hospital, but shakes it off. Later, Willow admits that she might have prejudged Tara's intentions, then Xander returns home, after leaving Anya at the altar. They are really glad to see him. He admits that he still loves her and wants to work it out, but they don't think it's gonna happen- he really hurt her.

Buffy runs into Spike in the cemetery, and he is surprised to learn that the wedding was a bust. He points out that some people don't know what they have until it's gone. Xander and Willow show up, and Spike starts in on Xander for not being a man. Xander gets mad and decks Spike. Meanwhile, Buffy is suffering from a killer delusion. She's in the mental intuition, where her doctor informs her that Sunnydale doesn't exist, and that she's been hospitalized for six years. Then she is shocked when her mother, Joyce, and Father, Hank (together) come in to show their support for their ill daughter.

Back in reality, Willow and Xander help Buffy home, where she admits that the hallucinations were more then that- like she was really there. The gang makes with the research. Another flash hits, and this time, the doctor is telling Buffy and her parents that a full recovery is possible, but it all depends on her. The doctor reiterates her conditions- in which she thinks she's a superhero. In her mind, she's the key player of an intricate fantasy world that only she can see.

At the lair, Jonathan gets annoyed when Warren and Andrew return from getting some 'stuff' without telling him. They make references to something they're planning...something behind a vault. Warren admits that things are about to pick up around here.

Buffy sits alone, staring at a picture of her with her parents. Willow informs her that they found the demon, and that his stinger is the antidote to the poison.  Buffy confesses that when she was first called, she freaked out, and told her parents, and they institutionalized her for a couple of weeks. Willow is shocked. Buffy stopped talking about it, and so her parents just forgot. She breaks down, and wonders if she's still in that clinic. Willow promises her that they'll get the antidote.

Xander and Spike go out demon hunting, and Spike spits out some comments about being Buffy's bitch. Xander dismisses them. Before they can argue, the demon shows up and kicks their asses, but they ultimately win, knocking it out. They chain it up in the basement, and Willow is able to get what she needs to make the antidote.

Buffy admits to Dawn that they need to try harder- Dawn needs to get her grades up, and stop stealing. In the mental-verse, Joyce and Hank try to convince Buffy that she doesn't have a sister by making her say it out loud. In reality, Dawn is in tears, having heard Buffy say that. Dawn is horrified to know that, in Buffy's ideal reality, she doesn't exist.

Willow gives her the antidote, and Buffy admits that she's grateful for Willow's friendship. Spike comes in and informs Buffy that she's addicted to misery. He tells her to stop being a hero, and to live for once, and adds that if she doesn't tell everyone about them, then he will. He leaves, and before she drinks the antidote, she stops to think about it- then dumps it out in garbage. Flash to the mental ward: Buffy snaps out of a daze and looks longingly at her parents, and, teary eyed, admits that she wants to get healthy...she wants to go home- with them. The doctor informs her that in order to get better, she has to get rid of the things that keep her in that world...meaning her friends. She has to do whatever it takes to convince herself that they're not real...

Later, Xander comes to the house and finds Buffy, acting weird. In the middle of a conversation, she violently attacks him. She drags him to the basement, where he's horrified to see Willow, bound and gagged on the floor. Buffy looks at them for a second, then heads upstairs....for Dawn. Dawn instantly knows something's up with Buffy. With the look of the devil in her eye, Buffy chases the terrified teen. Dawn tries to convince Buffy that the other reality is fake, but Buffy is convinced that this world is an illusion- the idea of a super girl saving the world is ridiculous. She throws Dawn the basement with the others. Buffy then walks over and unchains the angry demon, and then sits back and watches as it tears at her friends. Tara comes over, and hears the struggling. She's able to free the gang and distract the demon, but Buffy knocks her down the stairs. In the other world, Joyce begs Buffy to come back to them- she knows Buffy can do it- she can beat this thing. Buffy pauses, then cries as she says good bye to her horrified mother. She knows what she has to do. Real Buffy snaps out of it, and manages to take out the demon before anyone else is killed. She is so sorry for what she's done, but they admit that it's ok. Willow will get started on another antidote. In the other reality, her doctor tells her sobbing parents that Buffy is gone forever.

Episode 18: "Entropy"
Written by Drew Z. Greenberg

Armed with groovy four wheelers, the nerds hunt down a pair of vamps who are carrying a CD they need. When the vamps run into Buffy and Spike, the nerds are able sneak off unnoticed- with the disc. Meanwhile, Spike insists that Buffy tell the gang about their affair, but she refuses to. She figures that even if he does tell them, they'll get over it, since they forgave her for nearly killing them.

Tara informs Willow that the girl she was with last week was just a friend. Willow happily suggests they meet tomorrow for coffee, and Tara accepts. Meanwhile, Buffy and Dawn peruse the market place and discuss the various stores Dawn stole from during her klepto days. They briefly discuss Dawn's future of paying back the people she stole from. Later, Dawn suggests she and Buffy spend quality time by patrolling together, but Buffy is dead set against it.

In the nerd lab, an increasingly paranoid Jonathan is concocting something, another piece in their latest elaborate get-rich-quick plan. Warren assure him that when they pull this off, they'll be set for life. Then, Warren and Andrew discuss the fact that they won't need Jonathan much longer. Oooohh.. they're plotting...

Xander comes home to find Anya waiting for him. He immediately apologizes, and admits that he still wants to be with her. She is touched at first, but when she realizes he still doesn't want to get married, she gets mad. She turns her back to him, and her face reverts to Anyanka, then she wishes he'd never been born. She reverts back to Anya, and is clearly annoyed that nothing is happening. She makes a few more wishes, and still nothing happens, so gets frustrated and leaves a clueless Xander behind. At the coffee shop, Halfrek informs her that she can't exact justice on behalf of herself, but she can get someone else to make the wish for her.

Tara and Willow discuss the goings on of the Summer's clan in Tara's absence. Tara admits that life outside the Scooby circle is pretty boring. Anya shows up, and subtly tries to get one of them to admit they hate Xander, but of course, no dice.  She tries talking to Dawn, who also states that Xander feels terrible. When Anya keeps pushing for Dawn to make a wish, Dawn admits that she's just there to work off her debt.

Anya talks to Buffy about Xander, trying to get her to wish something, but she gets upset when Buffy doesn't wish Xander a horrible death. Buffy admits that what he did was wrong, but that he's her friend. Buffy tries to comfort Anya until Xander shows up, and Anya points out to him that they all still love him, despite what he did to her. She storms off, and Xander vents some anger by kicking and shattering an ugly gnome lawn ornament. To her surprise, Buffy uncovers a hidden camera inside aimed right at the house. Xander suggests its the one guy who's obsessed with her and not getting any (little does he know...)

Buffy confronts Spike about the camera, but he doesn't know anything about it. She points out that Xander thought it might be him, and Spike just points out that Xander hates him. He tries to get her to admit that what they have is real, and she points out that it is - for him. She sincerely apologizes to him, and he just tells her to get out.

At the magic box, Halfrek points out that if Anya wants Xander cursed, she's gotta find someone who hates Xander, then in walks Spike. He wants her help with a numbing spell, something to dull his emotional pain. Anya has just the thing- a bottle of Jack Daniels. After they knock back a few, they begin discussing their love woes (although Spike never mentions Buffy's name). They also point out that they can't stand the Scooby gang, since "they're all so nice." Spike admits that Anya's the only one he likes, because she speaks her mind. Anya sincerely thanks Spike for being there for her. She admits that her rejection from Xander hurts her to the core. Spike adds that Xander would have to be an idiot for not wanting her. The two lean in to a romantic embrace (oh my GOD!!), and when Anya asks "what are we doing?" Spike replies with "moving on." and with that, they begin making out, and undressing each other. Anya admits that she's only using him, and he agrees, neither slowing down for a second.

At the house, Willow begins tracing the signal from the camera. She, Xander, and Buffy are all surprised to learn that there are camera's spying on all of them. When she taps into the camera at the Magic Box, she's shocked to see, live and uncensored, Spike and Anya going at it like jack rabbits on a table. When Xander sees it, he is instantly devastated. Dawn walks in and gets a peek, and she and Willow both notice a twinge of anger and hurt in Buffy's eyes. Buffy goes out back for a second, and Dawn follows. Xander, on the other hand, leaves without saying a word, toting Buffy's handy axe, a look of death on his face.

In the lair, Jonathan performs the final part of his gadget, which sends a beam of light through a magnifying glass, and onto a map of Sunnydale, pin pointing the location where they'll find what ever it is they're looking for. The map catches fire, but they manage to put it out. They here an alarm, telling them that someone is tapping into their feed, and they go to shut it down, but when they see the Spike/Anya Sex Show, they are frozen in pubescent awe.

Knowing she's busted, Buffy admits to Dawn about her affair with Spike, and they share a nice touchy feely sister moment, where Dawn admits that understands what Buffy was going through. (Dawn is sleeping with Spike, too?? Damn...). Willow barges in and informs Buffy about Xander.

When they're done, Spike and Anya share a silent but sentimental good bye as Spike leaves the shop...and walks right into Xander. Xander pummels him around a bit, and is inches away from staking him when Anya and Buffy stop him. He gets mad at Anya, but she reminds him that he left her. He tells her that now when he looks at her, it makes him sick, because she had sex with "that." That is when Spike adds "...it's good enough for Buffy." Xander is absolutely mortified. He gives the hurt Buffy a look of disgust, then walks off. She does the same. Spike makes a comment about Xander, and is about to wish something, but Anya stops him, and they go their separate ways.

Tara surprises Willow by showing up and stressing how important the rebuilding of their relationship is, and how long it will take. They she suggests they skip that process, and invites Willow to kiss her. The two share a warm, loving kiss, and what looks to be the beginning of their new relationship.

Quotes of the Week:
Anya (to Xander): Congratulations, they all still love you. Even after what you did to me.
Spike: (to Anya): We should've been dead hundreds of years ago... and we're the only one's who are really alive.
Buffy: (to Dawn): You stole a tooth brush? As far as rebellious teenagers go, you're kind of square.

Episode 19: 'Seeing Red'
Written by Stephen S. DeKnight

Willow and Tara wake up after a night of long awaited make-up sex, and they are both extremely happy. Willow wonders out loud if there's something going on with Buffy and Spike, and that's when Tara fills her in. Willow is surprised that Buffy never told her, and feels that Buffy might need her, to talk. Dawn learns that Willow and Tara are back together, and is uber-excited for them.

Buffy goes to hunt down the Trio, only to find their lair empty. She manages to grab some stuff that they left behind, but a barrage of buzz saws come flying at her from all directions, and she barely escapes. Later, at the house, Buffy, Dawn, Willow, and Tara try to sift through what she was able to grab, and to formulate a plan. They can't ask Xander for help, since he's still mad at Buffy, and when Dawn hopefully suggests Spike, Buffy shuts her down, pointing out that Spike isn't gonna be around for a while. Dawn looks a bit upset.

Anya tries to get a woman to wish harm on her boyfriend, but not too far into the conversation, Anya quickly starts venting the anguish she feels after having been abandoned by Xander.

Warren, Jonathan, and Andrew take down a Nezla demon in it's lair, then skin it. Jonathan puts the demon suit on so he can pass through a barrier. While he's away, Andrew and Warren reaffirm the fact that they won't need him much longer. Jonathan returns with a box containing The Orbs of Nezlacon. Warren holds the orbs and soaks up their energy, feeding himself with superhuman strength and invulnerability. They get attacked by a demon, and Warren effortlessly kicks its ass. The others want to try, but he insists they get them only after he's done playing.

A depressed Spike gets a visit from Dawn, who points out that if he loved Buffy, he never would have slept with Anya. He recants with the fact that Buffy has been nasty to him for a while now. She reminds him that he hurt Buffy, and he thinks out loud that there may be some evil left in him after all.

Buffy goes to see Xander, and it's clear he's still upset. He doesn't get why she was sleeping with Spike, but she points out that it doesn't matter since she's not seeing him anymore. Not able to work through this right now, Xander gets up and takes off. He goes for a walk, and peeks inside the Magic Box, catching a glimpse of an equally depressed Anya, but he doesn't go in. Instead he goes to drown his sorrows at the Bronze, and even angrily dismisses the advances of a bar fly. He's too busy complaining to notice super-warren and the nerd squad come in. While Warren goes off to play, Jonathan confesses to Andrew that they're getting to reckless, but Andrew dismisses him, telling him to get used to being out ranked. Warren starts a fight with a guy who picked on him in high school, and instantly knocks him out. He tries hopelessly to impress a bunch of girls, but ends up looking like, well, the nerd he is. Xander confronts him, not realizing what he's dealing with. Warren makes a crack about doing Anya before knocking Xander clear across the Bronze. He's about to do him in when the others point out that it's time to go, so they take off.

After a tiring night of Slaying, a robe clad Buffy comes into the bathroom and begins to draw a bath. Spike comes in and she instantly tells him to get out. He confesses that he's sorry for caring about her and tries again to get her to admit that she loves him, but she says that she could never trust him enough for it to be love. Consumed with passion, he tries to force himself on her, ignoring her cries and pleas for him to get off her. She's finally able to get him off, seconds before he damn near rapes her, and points out that that's why she could never love him. Spike seems surprised by his actions.

Xander gets to Buffy's and finds her in the bathroom crying. He wants go after Spike, but she asks him not to. He decides to respect her wishes. Willow and Tara fill Buffy in on the fact that they were able to decode part of a CD the nerds had, revealing their plans to rob a bunch of banks and armored cars. With said data, they were able to narrow down which job the guys are gonna pull tonight.

Spike gets back to his crypt, images of him attacking Buffy still burned in his head. Clem stops by, and Spike wonders out loud why he didn't take from Buffy what he wanted. Spike decides that the chip is what's causing him to go insane ...it's making him feel like he's nothing. Clem points out that things change, and Spike agrees... evilly adding "...if you make them."  Later, Spike secretly leaves Sunnydale, pledging that when he comes back, things are gonna be different.

At the local amusement park, the trio is about to make a big score, only to have their plan foiled by Buffy. She quickly realizes she's in for more then she bargained for when Warren starts fighting like a pro, matching her moves. She gets some good hits on him, actually relieved that she doesn't have to hold back. But ultimately, he gets the upper hand. Just when he's about to beat her, Jonathan secretly tells her to destroy the orbs attached to his belt. Buffy does so, and Warren is reverted back to himself. He is instantly scared of Buffy, and vows that he WILL get her soon, before strapping on a rocket pack and taking off into the sky. Andrew reveals his rocket pack, and Jonathan knows right away that he was betrayed. When Andrew goes to take off, he hits the roof two feet over his head and gets knocked out. He and Jonathan get arrested and are brought to the county jail, where they’re left to wonder if Warren will ever come back for them.

Willow and Tara again reaffirm their love for each other. They spot Xander outside as he approaches Buffy, and Willow wonders if they're making up. Tara hopes so, since that's the best part (she says with a smile).

Xander gives Buffy a heartfelt apology for being such an ass about things, and she apologizes, equally as heartfelt, for not telling him about what was going on. He admits that he doesn't know what he would do without her and Willow, and she insists they never find out. The two share a long overdue hug, reaffirming the deep, but platonic, love they have for each other. Their happiness is quickly shattered when a shaky and nervous Warren enters the back yard, cursing at Buffy for coming after him. In a move that no one could have predicted, Warren pulls out a gun and starts firing wildly. Buffy throws Xander out of the way and catches a bullet in the chest. Xander is shocked, and does his best to cover up the wound, while Buffy lays there with her eyes open, blinking, but otherwise motionless.

While running away, Warren stumbles, accidentally shooting a bullet right through the bedroom window- and right through TARA! Willow is mortified as blood from her smiling girlfriend's body sprays all over her. Tara collapses lifelessly onto Willow, who, in a heart wrenching scene, begs her lover to wake up. As Tara lies there, motionless, Willow's eyes go black, then burn red, as the deepest, darkest magics she's ever known consume her. 

                                                                                         

Quotes of the Week:
Xander: I'm not saying I don't make mistakes, but last time I checked, slaughtering half of Europe wasn't one of them. He
            doesn't have a soul, Buffy...Just some leash they jammed in his head.

Warren: No wonder she's sleeping with a dead guy, you hit look like a girl.
Xander: Well, at least I can get one.

Warren: Say good night, bitch.
Buffy: (strips him of his powers, then smiles) Good night, Bitch.

Episode 20: 'Villains'
Written by Marti Noxon

As paramedics rush to the Summer’s house to help Buffy, Willow implores the power of Ocyris to bring Tara back, but the hell God refuses, pointing out that this is a human death caused by human hands. Willow is furious, and lets out a scream, one that scares Ocyris himself away. As the ambulance loads Buffy up, Willow comes out, and Xander fills her in on the fact that it was Warren. The others still don’t know about Tara. Willow silently goes off on her own as Xander goes to the hospital w/ Buffy.  

In jail, Jonathan and Andrew discuss their currently screwed state. Andrew still remains confident that Warren will come get them Warren, meanwhile, brags to the patrons of a vampire bar that he took out the Slayer. They all laugh and joke around with him, until he realizes their laughing AT him- they saw on the news that the shooting victim survived, and warn him that Buffy is gonna come after him big time. Warren goes to see Rack (the magic dealer), because he wants protection from Buffy. Rack informs him that Buffy isn’t his problem- Willow is. He points out that Willow is the new power in town, and is coming after him for killing Tara. Warren is growing more and more scared, and Rack agrees to give him some power, but he’s not making any guarantees.  

Willow blows into the magic shop (literally) and freezes Anya, who protests what she's doing, then proceeds to suck the knowledge from the darkest black arts books in the shop. Meanwhile, Dawn comes home to find the house empty, but when she gets upstairs, she is mortified to see Tara’s lifeless body, still laying cold on the floor. 

Xander watches as the doctors work to save Buffy. That is until mega-witch Willow storms in and they all clear out. Xander is freaked, and watches as Willow magically lifts the bullet from Buffy’s chest and closes the wound. Buffy comes to, and is scared to see Willow magicked out. Willow promises to explain later, but for now, they have to find Warren.  

Scared for his life, Warren hops a bus to Mexico. Meanwhile, Xander, Will and Buffy are driving, guided by Willow’s intuition. They are confused as to why Willow is so hell bent on getting Warren, since Buffy is fine. They track the bus Warren is on, and Willow gets to him, only to realize that it was a robot. When she again vows to kill him, Buffy tries to stop her, and that’s when she fills them in on the fact that Tara’s dead. They try to stop her from going off, but she magically freezes them, then disappears into thin air.

Buffy and Xander get back to the house, and find Tara’s body. Buffy finds Dawn in the room, who’s there to keep Tara company. Dawn is completely broken down, and she admits that she doesn’t understand what happened. Later, the coroner’s remove Tara’s body from the house as Buffy Xander and Dawn try to strategize. Dawn and Xander admit that whatever Willow does to Warren, he deserves, but Buffy points out that he’s human, and a different set of rules applies to him. She adds that if they could control the universe, the people they love would still be alive. Buffy suggests the check out the Magic Box, and Dawn admits she wants to stay at Spike’s where she feels safe. Buffy brings Dawn to Spike’s only to find Clem, who informs them that Spike left town. Buffy is surprised. Dawn is ok with staying with Clem while Buffy goes to find Willow.  

Spike arrives on tribal grounds in Africa, where he confronts a demon, pleading with him to help restore him to his evil ways.. to get rid of the chip. The demon laughs him off, but Spike challenges him. If he proves he’s still a warrior, the demon will grant his request.  

At the Magic Box, Xander and Buffy are surprised to learn that Anya is a vengeance demon again. She has to tell them because she can help track Willow- she can follow her need for vengeance. Anya offers to side with them on this, but makes it clear to Xander that it’s only to help Willow.  

Willow uses magic track down Warren in the woods. He tries some tricks, but she manages to easily brush off everything he throws at her. Finally, she catches the terrified boy and telepathically ties him up with some tree vines. She plays with his mind, revealing Katrina, who asks how he could kill her. He pleads with Willow to make her go away, and she does. Willow points out that he gets off on killing women.

Then, in her twisted, payback way, she uses the bullet she took out of Buffy to slowly simulate on him what Tara had went though…what it feels like to be shot. She holds it there as long as she can, enjoying Warren’s agonizing screams. He begs her to stop, and points out that she won’t kill him- she’s a good person. He tries to apologize for what he’s done, but he’s too late. Just as Buffy and the others arrive, Willow decides it’s time to stop playing. She flicks her wrist and instantly SKINS Warren, leaving only a bloody heap. Buffy, Xander, and Anya are mortified as Willow then wills him to explode. She turns to them and says, an evil, cold tone in her voice, “One down…” just before disappearing into thin air.

Quotes of the Week:
Xander: You said it yourself, there’s no coming back from it.
Willow: I’m not coming back.

Rack (to Warren): She’s gonna blow this town apart…starting with you.

Warren: I know you're in pain.
Willow (just before she kills him): Bored now.

Episode 21: 'Two to Go'
Season 6 Finale - Part 1
Written by Douglas Petrie

Click here for Quotes from the Season Finale

Buffy, Xander, and Anya start heading towards the jail, but Xander is holding them up- he’s too slow. Hoping to get there before Willow, Anya teleports away. Buffy points out that Willow killed a person, and that it will change her. When they get to Xander’s car, they find it destroyed, courtesy of Willow. Buffy has no choice to but run on without him, leaving him to feel completely helpless.

At the jail, Andrew suggests that Warren is still looking for them, but Jonathan shuts him down, reminding him that Warren’s not coming back. Anya teleports in and informs them that Warren is dead, and that SuperWillow is coming after them. They try to get the guard to let them out, but it’s too late. Willow starts pulling apart the outside of the cell piece by piece, and they start to bug out. Finally she gets up there, but they’re gone, having been freed by Buffy. Anya again tries to reason with Willow, but she again gets knocked out. Xander comes to the rescue with a stolen cop car, and he, Buffy, and the nerds take off. In the car, Jonathan admits he’s surprised by the turn Willow has taken. It’s not long before Willow, magically helming an 18-wheeler, is hot on their trail, ramming the small cruiser over and over again. After a while, the magic drains her, and they are able to get away.  

Dawn is antsy while still hanging with Clem. She wants to help the gang. Dawn comes up with a plan, but she needs a demon to help her. She drags Clem out to find Rack, and he reluctantly goes along.

In a dank cave somewhere on tribal grounds, Spike takes on his first challenge- fighting a flame-fisted barbarian to the death.  He takes a violent beating from his opponent, but in the end, he is the victor. The shaman then informs him that he has completed the first test, and shall move on to the next round.

At the magic shop, the gang comes across a book of protection spells that might repel Willow’s magic, but it’s written in ancient Sumerian. Jonathon offers to help translate, since they’re protecting him, but Buffy makes it clear that the only reason he’s alive is because if Willow kills him, she crosses a line, NOT because they're protecting him. Xander and Buffy discuss what they might do if they do slow Willow down, and they both admit that they’re not sure. Buffy figures out that if Willow’s low on power, she’ll be going some where to get it all back. Later, Andrew suggests that he and Jonathan utilize the supplies in the shop to get away, but Jonathan isn’t going for it. Instead he tells Andrew to grow up. Andrew tells Xander that Willow will kill them all. Anya agrees, pointing out to Xander that Willow doesn’t care if he lives or dies, playing on his fears of not being loved. He asks Anya if she plans on turning on him, and she admits that she can’t. She points out that this is all his fault, and he admits that he was completely inadequate when Warren pulled the gun. He feels total guilt over the shooting. Anya, of course, was talking about their relationship, not the shooting.

Willow shows up at Rack’s, who’s proud of how powerful she is. Or at least he was proud until she violently drains him of his super powers. A few minutes later, Dawn shows up, thanks to Clem's help, and goes in the room alone, only to find Rack hanging upside down, dead. Then she’s face to face with Willow, who is now Uber-witched out. Willow verbally attacks Dawn’s whininess, then is about to turn her back into the mystic ball of energy she started out as. Buffy gets there in time (how the hell did she get in there?) and tries to convince Willow that if she doesn’t stop, she’ll destroy herself, and reminds her that there’s too much to live for. Willow’s not buying it- not after Buffy’s yearlong depression-fest about how much she hates the world. She verbally slams Buffy as she stealthily transports the three of them to the Magic Box. Dizzy from the trip, Buffy and Dawn collapse, giving Willow a free shot at the nerds. She tries her magics, but her powers are harmless against others, thanks to Anya, who chants in the back room, hoping to avoid Willow’s wrath. Realizing she can’t hurt them with Magic, Willow infuses herself with strength, confident that beating them to death will suffice. Buffy fights her off long enough for Xander, Dawn, and the nerds to get away. Anya stays behind to keep the spell going, hoping to slow Willow down.

When they get down the street, Andrew decides he's not gonna sit around and die. He pulls a sword on Xander, informing him that he and Jonathan are leaving town. Jonathan turns the tables on Andrew by pulling a sword on him, informing him that they're not going anywhere- after this is over they're going back to jail to do their time. He's trying to do the right thing. Andrew caves, defeated.

Buffy and Willow kick each other's asses all over the shop, then Willow spots Anya and knocks her out (AGAIN), giving her her powers back. She magically throws Buffy across the room, knocking her out too, then points out that there’s one left who can stop her. As if on cue, a bolt of energy slams her to the floor. She looks up, annoyed, to see none other then Giles, who'd like to test that theory.

 
Episode 22: 'Grave'
Season 6 Finale - Part 2
Written by David Fury

Click here for Quotes from the Season Finale


Buffy and Anya wake up as Giles steps into the shop. Willow tries to get up, and he magically throws her back down, making it obvious that he’s packing some supernatural additives (borrowed power). Willow manages to refute his power for a second, finding time to crack on his insignificance to the group, before he locks her into a magical state of sleep, keeping her dormant for the time being. This gives Buffy and Anya a chance to hug Giles. In the back room, Giles tells Buffy that he learned what was going on through a powerful coven in England, who fortified him with their powers and sent him to bring Willow down. Buffy fills him in on all the bad stuff that’s happened (The wedding, Anya being a demon, again, dawn’s stealing, and her affair with Spike.) His reaction: Uncontrollable laughter. She looks upset at first, but then recognizes the humor in the situation and starts laughing herself. Meanwhile, Willow uses mind control to convince Anya to undo the binding spell. Giles confesses that he should have never left, but Buffy thinks he did the right thing. She admits that she doesn’t understand why she was brought back. It was her time, and someone else would have been called to replace her. So what is her purpose? He has no answers. She wonders what will happen to Willow, and he points out that, if she survives, she won’t be the same after killing a human. Willow appears, holding an unconscious Anya, and chillingly points out that “Willow doesn’t live her anymore.” She blasts Buffy across the room, then Giles blasts her though the wall back into the store.  

While walking, Xander points out all the bad things that are going on, and basically states that he’s not good for anything. Dawn gets irritated by him feeling sorry for himself, adding that if Spike were there, he’d go back and help. That’s when Xander fills her in on the fact the Spike tried to rape Buffy. She says she doesn’t believe him, but you can tell she’s fooling herself.  

Now badly messed up, Spike thrashes another one of the Shaman’s tests. The next test comprises of a whole mess of creepy spiders which crawl on him - and in him - as he screams  in pain.

As the Magic Box catches fire, Willow gets up, unscathed, where as Giles is growing weak from the powers. Willow, obviously consumed by darkness, attempts to kill him, but Buffy manages to tackle him away from the blast, which destroys the upper level of  the shop. Willow gets irritated with Buffy for again saving someone, then comes up with a clever way to get rid of her. She formulates a fiery comet, stating that it will find the nerds and destroy them, along with whoever is helping them. She sends it on its way, forcing Buffy to leave Giles and chase after it, in hopes of getting there in time to save the others. Willow magically messes with Giles for a little bit, adding that he left town because he was jealous of her power. He refutes, pointing out that he powers will burn out if she continues to use them at this rate. Seeing as he has a point, she decides to sucks his powers from him. The powers infuse her entire being, and just as she gets into the rush, she’s slammed when she taps into all the pain and suffering of the world. Her happiness turns to utter sadness. Giles tries to convince her that she can end it, and she agrees. As she makes a massively magical teleporting exit, she adds that all the suffering has to end. 

Andrew attacks Xander’s plan to hide out in the cemetery, and the two start arguing. That is until they spot Willow’s comet coming right at them. Buffy gets there in time to get the nerds out of the line of fire. The comet explodes, sending Xander and Dawn flying. Xander gets knocked out, and Buffy and Dawn fall into a hole left by the comet, leaving them stranded amidst caskets, with no immediate way out. Seeing this as their chance, Jonathan and Andrew run off.  

Anya wakes up and is horrified to see destruction to the shop. She finds Giles, who can barely move, and he explains that since Willow took his powers, he can see and feel her…he knows what she going to do- she’s going to put the world out of it's misery- by ending it.

As day breaks, Buffy tries to climb out of the hole, but it’s clear that they’re stuck there. Buffy and Dawn have the “I’m not a kid anymore” fight, and Dawn adds that Buffy can’t protect her from all the bad things that keep happening…she needs to trust her. Xander finally wakes up and calls to them as Anya teleports in and informs them that Willow is going to use the energy from a buried satanic temple to burn the earth to a cinder. Also, Giles said that no supernatural force – including the Slayer – can stop her. Then she points out that Giles doesn’t have a lot of time left before she teleports to get back to him. Buffy calls up to Xander, but he’s gone. Willow can sense that Buffy is trying to get out, and the two have a telepathic heart to heart, in which Willow points out that Buffy should go down fighting. With that, she summons a whole bunch of corpse like demons to keep Buffy busy. Once Buffy realizes that she can’t take them all, she sincerely asks Dawn for help. Using the swords that fell in (the ones the nerds had), the two sisters begin their fight.

Willow raises the satanic temple, and begins her ritual to awaken it’s powers. As magic and lights swirl all around her, the earth begins to shake. At the shop, after the small quake, Anya thinks Giles is dead, and is sincerely sad…there’s so much she wanted to tell him. Just as Willow’s ritual is about to kick in, Xander steps in, blocking her magics to the temple. She throws a bolt of magic at him, and it obviously hurts him. Immediately, she looks like she feels remorse. With that, Giles awakens, and tells Anya that it’s not over.

Dawn proves she can hold her own when the fighting begins. When Buffy looks surprised, Dawn says “What, you think I’ve never watched you?” Go Dawn…

Xander again blocks Willow, and she points out that he can’t stop her. He knows, but if the world’s gonna end, he wants to be with his best friend. She says she WILL kill him, but he adds that it doesn’t matter, he’ll still love her. She slashes him, and he still comes closer.. “I love you..” She slashes again, but he doesn’t budge. “I love you Willow.” She tries again, but this time, nothing happens. Again, nothing happens. He gets to her, and she completely breaks down. They fall to the ground, and she clings to him, crying uncontrollably as the dark magic that consumed her flows out of her body.

Giles wakes up and informs Anya that what Willow took from him was the true essence of magic, and it tapped into the one spark of humanity she had left. Anya is surprised to learn that it was Xander who got to her in time. He's the one who saved the world.

In the cemetery, the grave monsters disappear. Dawn points out that they’re all still here, and Buffy breaks into tears. Dawn thinks she’s mad the world didn’t end, but Buffy says they’re tears of joy. She apologizes to Dawn for how bad the last year has been, and admits that she wants to see her friends happy again. She wants to see Dawn grow up, to show her the world. After a year of turmoil, the sisters’ relationship is finally renewed. (Dawn should should be kicking some serious ass next year.)

As Buffy and Dawn make their way back to the surface, Xander continues to console Willow, who is still sobbing. Anya helps Giles out of the destroyed Magic Box. We last see Jonathan and Andrew on a freight truck with a burly driver, probably en route to Me-hi-co. As Buffy and her sister begin walking back, Buffy takes a look at the world…the beauty of it, and you can see the renewed love she has for her life.

The Shaman informs Spike that he has passed all the necessary tests. Spike orders him to make him what was, so he can finally give the Slayer what she deserves. The Shaman nods in agreement, "Very well..." he says, then slams his palm onto Spike’s chest. As the spot he’s touching glows vibrantly, Spike screams in agony, as the Shaman continues: “...we will return your soul.”

  END OF SEASON SIX