High five! Probably my favourite season out of the lot, the 2000-2001 run really made an impression. It's put under the spotlight below...

Buffy Vs.Dracula
Quick summary - Buffy faces off with the most famous vamp ever to walk the earth yet cannot resist his strong hold over her. Her confrontation with him leads her on a mission to discover more about the origins of the Slayer and what it means to be the the Chosen One. That is, if she gets out of taking Dawn, her sister, to the cinema...
Best quote - Xander; (after Dracula's brainwashed him, when Willow claims to have Dracula 'factoids') Like any of that's enough to fight the Dark Master... (off the strange looks the gang give him) ...Bator.
Comments - On first viewing, this episode just didn't satisfy me at all. However, I watched it again. And again. And again. Then I realised that I'd missed out on so many tiny little things and really started to appreciate this ep for what it is - a one-off all-systems-go spoof! This ep is the ultimate tongue-in-cheek offering, really taking the mickey out of the whole Dracula legend and mythos - the mansion, the dirt, the Three Sisters, etc. And Rudolf Martin's performance is excellent for it seems he is not taking things too seriously, either. All the regulars get a fair amount of screen time, including Nicky Brendon who is given a chance to give us a very amusing performance as Drac's emissary. We are reminded how brilliantly he handles comedy and he puts in a star turn, as do Gellar and Head, one as the under-thrall object of the Master...bator's affection, the other a past-it Watcher who nearly leaves SunnyD for the pastures old of England. Of course, the scene near the end throws the two together when Buffy reveals she wants to know more about being the Slayer, giving a reason for Giles to stay, and also posing an interesting subject that's picked up on in such episodes as Fool For Love. And, as for interesting tidbits to future plots, look to the tantalising final scene where we are first introduced to Buffy's sister (very briefly, though). Aside from Dawn, this episode signals the debut of two other new additions to the show - behind-the-scenes, no less. These are Thomas Wanker (who fills Chris Beck's place as composer of scores) and a new stunt double for Ms.Gellar, who replaces Sophia Crawford. And the music and fight scenes are just as good as ever! Macabre, fast-paced, and very funny, this is a solid premiere!
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Real Me
Quick summary - Dawn, Buffy's younger sister, is kidnapped by Harmony's newly recruited minions, which gives Buffy even more just cause to be mad with her...
Best quote - Anya; (playing the gameboard Life, thinking she's losing) Crap! Look at this. Now I'm burdened with a husband, and several tiny pink children, more cash than I can reasonably manage. (upon being told she's winning) Ooh, I'm so pleased! Can I trade in the children for more cash?
Comments - The Dawnster has arrived! Real Me offers Michelle Trachtenberg the chance to really get into her role and fill the shoes of Buffy's sibling - and she takes that chance! It feels like we've know her for years and she has the assurance of a long-serving member of the cast. This is Dawn's first characterisation piece and we hear her thoughts, feelings and opinions on each of the Scooby Gang and her big sis. And who can resist her adorable cuteness? Whoever thought up the whole Dawn storyline (why am I even asking this question? I know it's Joss) should be congratulated! The new character adds a new lease of life to the show. And the return of Harmony adds a new lease of unlife to the show. Mercedes McNab is better than ever as the new strong-willed Harm who has obviously read many a self-help book after her split with Spike. However, she's still useless and unthreatening, even if she has her own 'minions', and McNab pulls this off brilliantly, obviously now with a better feel for the character. Other things to watch out for include Tara's subtle reaction when Will claims that she's one of the good guys (an issue that will be resolved in Family, below), Giles's new car (all red and sporty), and also his interest in the magic shop which ends up with him buying the place at the end. There's also a lot of comedy injected into David Fury's script, and a lot of knowing winks about Dawn's true identity - such as the double meaning of her thoughts at the very end. Fast-paced and funky stuff, with lots of spunky dialogue!
Verdict - * * * *

The Replacement
Quick summary - Xander is split into two by a demon looking to kill the Slayer. Each Harris is convinced the other is evil, and Buffy must stop them from killing one another, because if one dies then the whole of Xander dies...
Best quote - Anya; (turned on by the thought of two Xanders and one bed) Well, maybe we shouldn't do this reintegration thing right away. See, I can take the boys home and we can all have sex together, and, you know, just slap 'em back together in the morning.
Comments - I love Jane Espenson! And Nicky Brendon is also hilarious in this Xander showcase that really brings the character back into the action and grows him up a bit. Who cares about that Toth demon guy? This is all about Xander, as we learn that there is a more suave side to him and he's not useless. Each Xander represents a different side to his personality and it's interesting to watch each one at work, and to see into the character. Xander grows from this experience, so it's more than a mere filler episode, as we see a more mature Xander from now on - character development that we've been waiting all too long for. Emma Caulfield also seems to be having a great time, managing to put in a hilarious and, at times, intriguing performace - her fear of death is an interesting point that is addressed. Xander's character growth also signals a more stable, adult relationship between him and Anya - a welcome step to the next stage, in my eyes. There's also the first signs of trouble brewing between Riley and Buffy when he claims that Buffy doesn't love her, when she fails to respond in the way he thought she would when he tells her he loves her. That's all of the kinda important stuff out of the way - besides this, the episode is just a complete riot with lots of comedy gems thrown in from Ms.Espenson, these being either one-liners or whole scenes. Though not as flawless as the picture-perfect Doppelgangland, this is a very satisfying twist on the 'double' genre. Applause, applause!
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Out Of My Mind
Quick summary - Riley's life is at risk when the physical side-effects of being used as a lab rat by the Initiative threaten to give him a heart attack. Meanwhile, Spike and Harmony ('together again') attempt to get Spike's chip removed...
Best quote - Buffy; (on what could be considered as the vampire form of masturbation) Spike, I just saw you taste your own nose blood. You know what? I'm too grossed out to hear anything you have to say. Go home.
Comments - Rebecca Rand Kirshner makes her writing debut with this competent episode, dealing with Riley and Buffy's relationship problems and Spike's obsession with Buffy, here in its initial first stages. The episode starts off incredibly well, going at a good pace with sparkling dialogue between the characters. When Harmony enters, it gets even better, Mercedes really hamming it up. Following this, Riley goes off the wall - a plot which holds the interest for a while. However, not for long. While Blucas and Gellar manage their scenes well, the storyline becomes tired and slow - dragging down the final act and a half or so with it. The only thing that saves the final half of the ep are the characters of Spike and Harmony, who are just amazingly entertaining here! Spike's end-of-ep dream sequence is what adds half a star to this episode's rating - without it, and Marster's strong performance throughout, the final act would have been too boring to explain. By now, the Initiative is also boring and bringing in Graham just seems like an excuse for the way Riley leaves in Into The Woods. The distinct lack of the other Scoobies is also disheartening. However, it's certainly worth watching and a few scenes push it above average standards.
Verdict - * * * 1/2

No Place Like Home
Quick summary - When her mother becomes sick with no explanation, Buffy performs a spell that allows her to see spells. This causes her to discover something she could never have imagined - that Dawn isn't her real sister but 'the Key'. And there's a new nasty in town searching for it, decked out in a killer red dress...
Best quote - Buffy; (when Dawn asks what Buffy is doing in her room) My boyfriend! Go away...
Comments - And so we come to the obligatory episode that introduces us to this season's main villain. And this year the big bad comes in the form of the gorgeous and majorly evil Glory, played wickedly by the excellent Clare Kramer. Here, she puts in a great debut performance and there's plenty more from her to come! While she's searching for the Key and getting aquainted in Sunnydale, Buffy realises her sister is this mysterious Key. While this episode poses more questions about this plot than it answers, the whole thing is set up here brilliantly, with many clues about what Dawn is slipped in here and there. Sarah Michelle Gellar handles her part extraordinarily, as the daughter looking out for her mother - and when she is told what Dawn is, she's in utter disbelief at the way none of her memories are real. Joyce's developing illness is also an intriguing move, if depressing. For comic relief, then look towards the scenes at Giles's shop which opens for business in this ep - Emma Caulfield is an utter delight as the money-obsessed Anya, who is offered a job by Giles when her enthusiasm shines through. And Giles in that wizard outfit - words can't describe! From here on out, there are plenty more scenes in the magic shop which now acts as a replacement for the school library, finally giving the gang a place where they can get together and talk demons. The actors bounce off each other during these scenes, adding chemistry which can only be a good thing. Basically, this ep kicks off the season's bold arc with a tasty mix of cryptic hints, illusion, and a sense of unpredictability. Top direction as well - the trance section is extremely cool!
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Family
Quick summary - Tara's family make their presence known in Sunnydale and Tara's life, trying to force her to return home before her 'secret' is revealed to her friends as her birthday approaches. Scared that her father might tell the gang the truth, she performs a spell that causes them to fail to see demons. That's bad news when Glory's sent a clan of bone marrow hungry demons after the Slayer...
Best quote - Buffy; (views a whole table stacked with books, after Giles tells her he's narrowed down the material useful to find out what Glory is) Your definition of narrow is impressively wide.
Comments - While Family isn't in the typical Joss Whedon vein (meaning it's not a huge extravaganza of epic proportions) it's certainly a highlight of the year, I feel. Not only is Amber Benson, who I think is a wonderful young actress, given a large amount of screentime, but the story itself is just a good ol' fashioned tale with a happy ending. While sappy in places, I'm a big sap so that works fine with me! The performances are excellent, especially from Benson and Alyson Hannigan. Tara's family pose a threat that has been missing from the show for a while - that of the human kind. The episode's message is that humans can sometimes be far more evil than demons, and the McClays certainly are a nasty bunch. Fitting in with the theme of the episode (family), there's also strife in the Summer's household as Buffy comes to terms with what her sister really is and vows to protect her. Glory is still out there (more Clare Kramer equals scenes of the good) and she brings together a group of scary-looking demons that are nearly as freaksome as The Gentlemen - not quite, though. Congrats, however, to the makeup peeps! The scenes where these monsters launch their invisible attack on the Scoobies are quite scary in places (accompanied by a fitting score courtesy of that Wanker). There's also more signs that Riley is heading off the rails. Tara's angst, Tara's acceptance into the Scooby Gang, Tara and Willow together - I personally find this episode a real treat, as I'm sure all Tara fans do! The other elements are also very enjoyable and make it even more worthwhile...
Verdict - * * * * *

Fool For Love
Quick summary - When Buffy has a close call while patrolling, she pays Spike to tell her the story of how he killed two Slayers...
Best quote - Buffy; (when Spike suggests that he could kill her) It wouldn't be you, Spike. It would never be you. (throws the cash at him) You're beneath me...
Comments - A super blast from the past with a truly epic feel! While there's only a handful of scenes featuring the Scooby Gang, this is no real problem when what we are served is a truly magnificent selection of snippets from the past, which include appearances from characters we haven't seen for a while on the show (namely Dru) and which answer some of the questions we've been dying to know the answers to! James Marsters is genuinely remarkable in all his scenes - shifting with ease from the wimpy mommy's boy he was when he was human, to the badass vamp who killed two Slayers, and finally to a lovesick confused Spike whose affection grows for a Slayer he can't kill. While Angel and Darla aren't used much, this is acceptable when we view such huge events as Spike being sired and the Boxer Rebellion scenes (which are as good as anything from a big-budget movie, especially the fancy fight scene). There are swell continuity touches, too, such as the chaos demon's cameo (watch Lovers Walk and you'll get it). Some of Spike's big speech foreshadows the events of The Gift, when he foretells that Buffy will die when her ties to the world (such as having a caring mother) begin to break. Also, there's the chemistry between Marsters and Sarah Michelle Gellar, while not in a lovey-dovey way, is astounding as their scenes at the end prove. Amazing!
Verdict - * * * * *

Shadow
Quick summary - Buffy discovers her mother has a brain tumour, and deals with this terrible news in her own special way - pounding on a demon snake Glory has summoned to locate the Key. Meanwhile, Riley associates with questionable company...
Best quote - Glory; (when Dreg tells her to be patient in her quest fior the Key) Everything takes time! What about my time?! Does anyone appreciate that I'm on a schedule here?! Tick tock, Dreg! Tick frickin' tock!!
Comments - While this episode is muddled in a way due to the three plot strands that don't quite mesh together that well, it still proves to be entertaining and definitely furthers the plot. The biggest development here (and the most depressing) is learning that Joyce has a brain tumour. While a dire subject matter, it provides the three main cast members involved (Gellar, Trachtenberg, and Sutherland) a base to show off their talents when it comes to drama. While this is only the start of a very emotional rollercoaster of a storyline, the trio of actresses are already very impressive here - especially Gellar, as a stunned Buffy who is very distraught but refuses to cry and gets to grips with a demon snake to cope. And while we're on that topic, that snake - while the computerish fancy special effects one was quite cool, the up-close-and-personal snake was horrific. This must be the price we have to pay for having such massive eps such as Fool For Love, which the dosh is spent on! Clare Kramer is, again, fab as the utterly bratty but brilliant Glory yet her search for the Key is beginning to wear thin by now. The third big plotline is that of Riley's letting a vamp bite him. This starts off a series of visits to a vamp brothel, where 'suck-jobs' take place, and makes the character more interesting but also makes him selfish and horrible and worthy of the viewer's hate. However, this episode is quite interesting as it kick starts a number of big subplots. It's not perfect, though, and a bit rough around the edges...
Verdict - * * * *

Listening To Fear
Quick summary - Buffy and Dawn do their best in dealing with their mother's illness, which is causing her mental state some harm. This isn't good when an E.T. has been summoned (by quiet mysterious intern Ben, no less) who 'quels the madman'...
Best quote - Willow; (bringing gifts to the hospital) Oh, I feel just like Santa Claus... except thinner, and younger, and... female. And, well... Jewish.
Comments - A bit shaky but, again, an intriguing episode that picks up the pace and moves the new storylines into a new direction. There's also more top acting from the three females who portray the Summers girls - Kristine Sutherland stands out this time as the effects of her character's dreadful disease begin to show. Gellar is also superb as a Buffy with too much on her plate, and Michelle Trachtenberg is fab as Dawn begins to question why certain people (who happen to be crazy) are stating that she doesn't belong in Sunnydale, that she isn't real. Joyce herself realises the truth when she suffers from a bout of mental ill health, and joins her other daughter and Giles as the only people who know of Dawn's true identity. Oo-er, that's gonna get interesting! While the Queller E.T. is a bit cheesy, there are some icky scenes and those in the Summer's household at the climax are quite creepy. The portions of the ep where the Scoobies research the demon are also of interest, as they provide some much-needed wit and colourfulness. However, parts of this ep are really very boring, especially those involving Riley again getting in touch with the Initiative. Spike is also majorly underused. An episode capable enough of holding your attention, though...
Verdict - * * * 1/2

Into The Woods
Quick summary - Buffy's joy, due to her mother's successful brain op, is short-lived when she discovers Riley has been paying female vamps to bite him...
Best quote - Anya; (when Willow and Giles poke fun at a suggestion she makes) That's very humorous. Make fun of the ex-demon! I can just hear you in private. "I dislike that Anya. She's newly human and strangely literal."
Comments - The episode many a fan was waiting for...the one that saw Riley's departure. While I was not really sad to see him go, this episode gives him a proper send-off while also giving Blucas a final chance to show us that maybe we underestimated his acting abilities. There's plenty of brilliant work from him here - especially during the lengthy scene where he faces off with Buffy in the training room at the magic shop. Marti Noxon seems to have a talent for writing episodes that revolve around crumbling relationships (see The Prom, Wild At Heart) and this one is no exception to that rule. The conclusion (while not very surprising) is suitably sad and I've gotta say I really wanted Buffy to catch up in time - but she didn't, of course, which was probably the wiser move. However, the wonderful score music and direction just made you want her to reach her goal in time. Comedy (which there isn't much of here) comes in the form of Emma Caulfield, Anya's conflict with Willow being touched upon in time for the next episode. She also gets a slice of the drama too, though, when Xander professes his love for her - a sweet scene that really shows how mature Xander is now after The Replacement, and also moves the relationship forward. Nicky Brendon also gets a chance to interact with Gellar here, too, as Xander's the one who makes her realise that she does love Riley. This scene brings back old memories of the times when Xander and Buffy were closest buds, and shows how their relationship has also developed. Other than this, there's a great fight scene (where Buffy poofs around six vamps in, like, ten seconds), the false sense of security created when it seems that Joyce is off the hook, and Spike and Riley drowning their sorrows (concerning Buffy) together in the vamp's crypt. And throw on a healthy dollop of even more heartache, and you'll get what this episode is about...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Triangle
Quick summary - While Buffy mourns the end of her relationship with Riley, Giles heads off to England to find out more info on Glory from the Watcher's Council. He leaves Anya and Willow in charge of the shop, and it isn't long before they're bitching and putting Xander in the middle of their tiffs - oh, and they also let loose a huge troll Anya once dated. Wacky!
Best quote - Willow; (when Anya makes it clear that she's afraid Willow will come between her and Xander) Hello? Gay now!
Comments - Great stuff from Jane Espenson! After the three or four depressing eps before this, it's about time we had a fun brash harmless filler. And this is such a creature! While Buffy's heartache is apparent throughout, this ep concerns the aggro between Willow and Anya which we finally get some resolve to. In what is something of a 'buddy' ep, the two get in whole heaps of trouble with Giles away - and both Hannigan and Caulfield seem to be having a right laugh! They work together incredibly well, and it's also interesting to finally find out what it is that ticks them off about each other. Nick Brendon's performance is also worth noting - as a fed-up Xander tired of being stuck in between their fights. It is Olaf (the troll guy) that steals the show though - although I don't watch E.R., the actor who plays him should be congratulated on his very tongue-in-cheek but hilarious portrayal. The scenario is one that is just perfect for wacky comedy, and Espenson takes the opportunity to make this ep a fun-fest! Near flawless (if only it weren't for those pesky scenes where Buffy suddenly has crying fits, which just aren't that funny), this ep is a zesty, insane, absolutely brilliant caper! There's also slight developments on the Dawn front - with her increasingly aware that there's something she doesn't know about herself...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Checkpoint
Quick summary - Buffy feels the heat when Quentin Travers and other members of the Watchers Council visit, demanding that she pass a review of her skills before they dish out the ooey-gooey stuff on Glory. After being humiliated in class, put down by Spike, visited by an irritated Glory, and attacked by a group of knights looking to destroy the Key, she's finally had it - and realises that she can overcome this and puts her foot down with the English visitors. Her power over Quentin and the rest leads to the discovery of what Glory is...
Best quote - Anya; (when asked what she knows about the Key, and unnerved by the council members because of her demonic past) Sounds demony to me. I don't hold with that demon nonsense. Muffin?
Comments - Another one I was really unsure about when I first watched it but that has grown on me a little. Not a whole lot happens but, as the title suggests, it is an important piece of Season Five's ongoing arc as we learn what Glory really is and Buffy realises that she has power over the council guys and uses it effectively during a brilliant girl-power type speech at the end. Other highlights include Glory's menacing visit to casa de Summers, and Buffy facing off with the Knights-of-Whatever for the first time. However, the best stuff comes during the near-flawless second act with the council members questioning Buffy's friends (the succession of quick cuts make way for some fast and hilarious hole-digging, and Anya's brown-nosing is cute) and Buffy undergoing a review of her physical skills ('What came after agility?'). Doug Petrie and Jane Espenson manage to gain a lot of laughs. However, the whole thing takes a whole act to get going and, as already mentioned, not a whole lot occurs. And the council guys are sooooooo annoying. Buffy puts it accurately when talking about Travers to Giles - 'I can't hit him...can I?'
Verdict - * * * 1/2 (I could be generous and give this four stars but instead I'll be critical)

Blood Ties
Quick summary - Dawn finds out that she is the Key during Buffy's 20th birthday celebrations. Upset and cutting herself off from her mother and sister, she runs away and ends up at the hospital where she gets into more trouble than she could have possibly thought when the seemingly clean-cut Ben transforms into Glory before her very eyes...
Best quote - Glory; (when Willow and Tara sprinkle her with sparkly stuff during their teleportation spell, hitting her where it hurts) Look what you did to my dress!
Comments - A brilliant episode and a vital chapter of the season's arc, Blood Ties is both enjoyable and frequently surprising. Dawn (and the Scooby Gang) discovers what she truly is, making way for an excellent performance from Michelle Trachtenberg. Her storyline mirrors that of a child finding out she is adopted, and the metaphor works, making you feel sympathetic for not only Dawn but also her mother and sister, their situation also explored. The drama stuff works well and the performances are very believable, with some good old-fashioned sisterly love thrown in for good measure. This pivotal instalment also reveals what the connection between Ben and Glory is - and, while not delved into completely yet, it's quite shocking and leaves you guessing. There's also an important scene at the end where Buffy claims that both her and Dawn's blood is the same - see The Gift. The fight scene during the last act is a scene to treasure, littered with some hilarious lines in somewhat of an otherwise laugh-free episode. However, the dialogue is snappy enough and the action is well paced. There are also some more from the Knights Of Etc. and a growing sense that we're getting somewhere now, what with the various elements coming together and more hints being dropped here and there. Not entirely perfect (due to heavy-handedness now and again) but a great debut from new writer Steven DeKnight.
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Crush
Quick summary - Buffy is horrified when Dawn reveals to her that Spike is madly in love with the Slayer. He admits that he has deep feelings for her, but her rejection leads him into the arms of his black beauty Drusilla, who is intent on returning Spike to his murderous ways...
Best quote - Buffy; (to Spike) The only chance you had with me was when I was unconscious...
Comments - On first viewing, I really disliked this episode. However, while it remains one of my least favourite episodes of the brilliantly consistent Season Five, it does get better with each viewing. Main bad point first; Dru is wasted. While Juliet Landau makes the most of the material she has and the build-up to her entrance is handled well, she hasn't a lot to do and her exit is pathetic. Also, during the final act, while James Marsters also tries his darned best, Spike is out of character and he is actually annoying. Not everything's disappointing, though. Sarah Michelle Gellar gets to put in a comical and bitchy performance, and she is great, especially during her scenes with Spike ('Go mock yourself'). Mercedes McNab's final Season Five appearance is also hugely funny, with her dressing up as Buffy and walking out on Spike (which leads to her showing up in L.A. in the hilarious Disharmony). Hope we see her again! While we miss out on the Scooby Gang (especially Anya and Giles), there's enough to keep you laughing. The stuff between Buffy and Spike are heavy-handedly handled sometimes though, yet the conclusion is satisfying for now - Buffy de-inviting Spike from her house. Extra points for an adorable Dawn who has a crush on Spike, and for the new-and-improved Bronze. As a whole, pleasing enough but should have been much much better - perhaps if it had been a two-parter or if Dru had had a bigger role to play. Ah well, you can't have everything, I guess...
Verdict - * * * 1/2

I Was Made To Love You
Quick summary - Buffy, still disgusted that Spike has feelings for her, tries to get over this by flirting with hospital intern Ben. However, she realises that she does not necessarily need a boyfriend after she encounters April, a robot manufactured to be the perfect girlfriend who is dumped by her boyfriend Warren...
Best quote - Buffy; (on April) She growls? You made her so she growls?!
Comments - A chuckle-inducing funfest that which takes a much-needed break from the heavy and involving plots of late, yet makes time for some new ones to be explored at a later time, such as Spike placing an order for a Buffybot! We also have a fun cameo from Clare Kramer as Glory just to remind us that she's still plotting away while the character of Ben becomes ever more intriguing. The big 'what's gonna happen there then?' moment comes at the end, though, when Buffy discovers something shocking awaiting her at home. This one sombre scene makes way for one of the season's highlights (along with the finale), which is the next episode The Body. What else makes this episode worthwhile is Jane Espenson's ability to blend hilarious comedy moments with thought-provoking character-based developments (such as Buffy coming to the conclusion that she should go through an independent phase). April is a fun character (and Britney would have fitted the role perfectly), making way for light-hearted fun and there's a whole host of zesty one-liners to learn and love. Funny stuff...
Verdict - * * * *

The Body
Quick summary - Buffy returns home to find the lifeless body of her mother sprawled on the couch, a painful discovery that changes the lives of her, her sister and her friends forever when Joyce is declared dead...
Best quote - Anya; (on why she's asking so many questions) But I don't understand! I don't understand how this all happens. How we go through this. I mean, I knew her, and then she's, there's just a body, and I don't understand why she just can't get back in it and not be dead anymore. It's stupid. It's mortal and stupid. And, and Xander's crying and not talking, and, and I was having fruit punch, and I thought, well, Joyce will never have any more fruit punch ever, and she'll never have eggs, or yawn or brush her hair, not ever, and no one will explain to me why.
Comments - Up there with Hush as one of the best pieces of episodic television ever, not just on this show but overall. A dramatic masterpiece that allows Joss Whedon to make a mark through his writing and directing talents - the script is heartbreakingly raw and true to what people go through when mourning, while the direction is breathtakingly innovative with certain unique shots and techniques that enhance the proceedings. The actors are absolutely frikkin' marvellous, all handling their character's certain way of grieving spectacularly but not with over-the-top performances. Sarah Michelle Gellar captures accurately the confusion and innocence that such a horrific discovery would cause, while Michelle Trachtenberg proves that she is a force to be reckoned with (although she is only a teen) when Dawn is told of the news. Alyson Hannigan is like a lost little girl when she is obsessing over what to wear and worrying about Buffy and Dawn, while Amber Benson is magnificent as a Tara who takes charge and reassures her girlfriend (perfectly natural kiss, by the way). Meanwhile, during Anya's speech (see Best Quote), Emma Caulfield had me in floods of tears, truly brilliant as an Anya who doesn't understand the situation. Both Nick Brendon and Anthony Head also excel, one who uses anger and subtle comedy to disguise his heartbreak, the other the grownup who needs to act as the person in charge. There are many moments that touch a hidden place inside and will have you reaching for the tissues. However, none of it is sappy and this may have something to do with no musical score accompanying the scenes. Instead we have long periods of silence that are just as effective, if not more. An episode that has to be seen for you to understand how powerful and emotionally draining it really is, The Body is one of the show's finest hours (or forty five minutes, more accurately). I'll say it again; never before have we seen such driven turns from the regulars, amazing direction from Mr Whedon nor have we had an episode where the element of realism has taken over the supernatural aspects. Buffy and friends have to face monsters that none of them can fight or kill - death and grief - and this is much scarier and more painstakingly hard to get by than vampires. Hard to watch in places but in a good way, this episode turns the show on its head. Depressing but inspiring, The Body is simply the best example of how this show can surprise you and wrench at your heartstrings without descending into sentimental tosh or using tried-and-tested ideas. One of a kind, this essay on all the emotions you feel during grief - shock, denial, pain, guilt, blame, confusion, rage are just a few examples - is truly refreshing and proves that the show is much more than a pithy teen show. Rest in piece Joyce, and bravo to everyone involved in creating something that will stand the test of time...
Verdict - * * * * *

Forever
Quick summary - Joyce's funeral is approaching and Buffy inadvertently pushes Dawn away, while planning her mother's send-off. After the funeral, while a visiting Angel comforts her big sis, Dawn becomes determined to bring her mother back from the beyond. Aided by Spike and a creepy old man called Doc, she almost goes through with it until she confronts Buffy and finds that sis is hurting just as much as herself...
Best quote - Buffy; (while falling apart as she speaks) I have to do these things because, when I stop, she's really gone...
Comments - The aftermath of The Body is a moving and somewhat chilling episode that, again, looks at how the characters deal with the death of a loved one in different ways. Dawn is consumed with grief and goes to extremes to get her mother back, while Buffy tries to stay ahead of things and not let things fester. The two ways of dealing are conflicting, and the contrast provides a brilliant scene where the sisters confront each other - we see Buffy's defences crumble as her true weakness and pain shows. It turns out that Buffy wants her mom back as much as Dawn and when she goes to answer the door, little sis realises that what she's done is wrong. They need to go through the grief period naturally, and let their mom rest in peace. Both Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg are hugely impressive throughout (would we expect any less?) and the scene at the end where they fall to the floor, holding each other and bawling is truly heartbreaking. The quite controversial decision Dawn makes to resurrect her mother provides a creepy atmosphere and a slowly building tension. And the fact that we never see just what Dawn conjured up is just as effective as if it had been shown. It leaves it up to your imagination (which, if anything like mine, is scary!). While much of the episode revolves around Dawn's quest, which provides a (again, I use the word) chilling performance from Joel Grey as Doc (see The Weight Of The World and The Gift) and some action in the form of retrieving the Ghora's egg, there's also interesting bits'n'bobs to note when it comes to the supporting characters. Anya realises what beautiful things life and sex are, Willow makes an effort to see her mom and starts writing a journal, Giles has a quiet moment to himself remembering the good times and sipping on a drink, etc. All of these are intimate peeks into how our beloved characters cope. James Marsters also makes up for his lack of appearance in The Body, making you feel sympathy for Spike who is truly upset about the death of 'the lady'. While there is a distinct lack of jokes, this is to be understood when Marti Noxon is so good at writing lyrical and touching stuff - as the gem of a scene where Angel meets up with Buffy at the graveyard proves. While short, David's appearance leaves a mark and shows that Angel can now kiss a 'seriously needy' Buffy without expecting more. Although some parts of the ep drag on a bit and some of the dialogue isn't snappy enough, there are enough parts that twist at your heart and move towards a satisfying conclusion while including poetic thoughtful dialogue instead. Just falls short of 'classic' material...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Intervention
Quick summary - While Buffy and Giles head out to the desert so Buffy can find out more about what being a Slayer means, Spike's Robot Buffy arrives at the same time that Glory commands her minions to watch the Slayer's interactions with the people around her. When Robot Buffy protects Spike during a vamp attack, the minions misunderstand and kidnap Spike. While Glory tries to uncover the truth about the Key, Buffy's friends are confused at 'Buffy's' actions...
Best quote - Anya; (after taking Buffy's place on patrol while she's out in the desert with Giles) I must have breathed in about a quart of vampire dust. That can't be good...
Comments - Doppelgangland did it, The Replacement did it - and Intervention takes a third stab at the lookalikey genre. You'd think that this time around it wouldn't have been so engaging or funny, but you'd be wrong. This episode is one of the funniest of the season, while not being without its important moments nor forgetting the death of Buffy's mother. Buffy feels unable to love due to her Slayerness, and her quest leads to one of the season's big moments when the First Slayer claims that 'Death is your [Buffy's] gift'. And, as the title may give away, the season finale The Gift explains it all. These scenes are marvellous, as is Sarah's performance. This season has offered up some of her best work to date, and here she proves she can do comedy and drama and do both equally as good as the other. Robot Buffy is a hoot and Sarah brings to her the distinctive robot quality that April had in IWMTLY. When she's provided with some hilarious lines, this girl can really make you laugh and her delivery is perfect. And, of course, the double trouble fest means that there are some classic scenes of confusion, namely the one where Buffy returns home from her vision quest thingy and learns that her friends believe she straddled Spike. Speaking of, James's performance is just as good and he is given a chance to show off his talents to the fore - his interaction with Robot Buffy is priceless, while his bitchy putting-down of Glory is classic. While the Glory/Key plot is covering the same ground a bit this far on, Clare Kramer brings a ditziness and menace to Glory that you have just gotta respect, while her minions are as funny as ever. All of the supporting cast, meanwhile, are brilliant, especially Emma Caulfield - Anya's observations of the real Buffy's 'denial' and 'anger' are tip-top. The best thing about this ep, though, is the final scene - although it was a teensy bit obvious, it works well as do Sarah and James together. Chemistry or what?! I'm tempted to give this a five but because, in places, it serves only to bridge the gap between the events of The Body with the big season finale build-up, I'll deduct half a point. However, this is a winner...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Tough Love
Quick summary - While Buffy must act as Dawn's authority figure now that their mother has gone, Willow and Tara have their first big row - and an ill-timed one at that, as Glory gets Tara alone and gets all brain-sucky. A majorly pissed-off Will then decides to take her revenge...
Best quote - Tara; (the moment when Tara reveals Dawn's true identity to a Key-hunting Glory) Such pure green energy... (big dramatic music and a menacing smile from Glory follow)
Comments - Another great episode with a cliffhanger ending that really kicks off the Season Five finale. Performances are swell all around but Alyson Hannigan has to take most of the cred - as 'the lover', her quest to pay back Glory lets us see how powerful a witch Willow is and how powerful an actress she herself is. You can really believe her rage, and the moments when she's with a now mentally ill Tara are incredibly touching, due to some rather intimidating strong acting from the redhead. Sarah Michelle Gellar is also great as a stressed-out freaked-out Buffy, as is Amber Benson who takes on some of the most challenging work she's done yet on this show. Michelle Trachtenberg is also ab fab as a Dawn questioning her existence, as the other people around her suffer because of the Key. Some gentle comedy (mostly revolved around Anya's sudden interest in her country and communism) cannot disguise the fact that this episode is a dramatic piece. The very fight between Will and Tara that causes it all is a perfectly harrowing scene, while the big bad Glory is dishing out dramatic intensity in every shape, way or form. It has to be said that Clare Kramer is just getting better as she goes along. While not loads happens other than Tara being attacked and Glory's big discovery at the end, this is a beautifully written and structured episode with one of the best scenes from Season Five, when Willow takes on her god-like enemy. While the effects are a bit iffy, you've just gotta love Willow with black eyes! Hope we see more of dark Will in the future...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Spiral
Quick summary - Buffy hits the road with her friends now that Glory knows Dawn is what she's been looking for. However, an attack made by the Knights-of-Byzantium leads to Giles being injured, and the gang have to take refuge in an under-siege gas station...
Best quote - Anya; (at Buffy's suggestion) Run away? Finally, a sensible plan!
Comments - Spiral is a superb example of the show's ability to offer up some gratuitous action without losing a sense of tension and still managing to develop the story arc. The highlight is at the end when Ben transforms into Glory before everyone's eyes and knicks off with Dawn, another great cliffhanger! The fact that Buffy doesn't take this news well also shapes up the events of The Weight Of The World. While some of the acting from the non-regulars is rather shoddy (particularly that Orlando guy), there are some great fight sequences involving the Knights-of-Hack'n'Slash, especially the one where Buffy takes them all on atop of the moving trailer. All that these knights seem to be here for is to dish up some generous violence, but that general-forehead guy finally puts us out of our suspense and reveals what Dawn the Key is actually created to do - and, while a bit obvious, the truth is satisfying to hear. Ben also gets into the action, his moral dilemma intriguingly played, while there's some great acting from all the central characters - Sarah Michelle Gellar is fab as a put-upon Buffy, Alyson Hannigan is great as a Willow trying to keep on top of things and trying to look after her Tara, and Anthony Stewart Head is brill at looking all in pain and groaning a lot! Everyone's a winner!
Verdict - * * * *

The Weight Of The World
Quick summary - Glory starts to feel the burden of humanity when the magic between her and Ben starts to fade, causing her to feel guilty about what she's going to do to Dawnie. However, she starts to feel better when she persuades Ben to hand over the girl. Meanwhile, as the gang perform separate tasks assigned by Willow, the red-headed Wicca herself enters Buffy's mind to coax the Slayer out of her coma-like state...
Best quote - Giles; Buffy, the only way is to kill Dawn...
Comments - Lacklustre much? The Weight Of The World isn't exactly what you'd expect from the penultimate episode of the season, and an attempt to do something different proves unsuccessful. It starts off reasonably well but there are some scenes that go on much too long for my liking, and the episode takes too much time getting to the point. Glory's scenes with Dawn are one of the only things that save this episode from being a complete disaster - they are well written, and Clare Kramer handles being Guilty-Glory extremely well. As always, the performances from all the regulars are strong but the material is too weak. There isn't much humour for a start - while things are grim, it isn't the show without some funny stuff on offer (and the attempts at comedy involving the gang forgetting that Glory and Ben are the same person are often pathetic). Willow's whole 'pretty trippy' mind spell may sound like a cool premise but the execution isn't at all cool; scenes are used over (making them seem like they were made to fill time), it's not all that stimulating, and the revelation as to why Buffy fell into her catatonia-like state, while poignant, we kinda knew all along as the dream-like sequences went on - so no big surprise that she was just feeling guilty. There are some cool and pivotal moments though, such as the chilling cameo from Joel Grey as Doc (not just an old grandpa after all then) and the cliffhanger moment when Giles informs Buffy of the only way to stop Glory's opening of the portal. Also, Ben gives into Glory's offer that he'll be made immortal if he hands over Dawn - a shocking twist in an oh-I-knew-that-was-gonna-happen-but-it's-still-shocking way. However, the scene where Ben's turning to the dark side is handled is tedious, and just goes to show that the FX guys have enough of their budget left over at the end of the season to make way for more of Glory-turning-into-Ben and Ben-turning-into-Glory. It might have been cool before but we get it - no need to use that effect about twenty times in one scene. Boring and the only real bad blot on the Season Five radar, TWOTW is simply stalling before we get to the bottom of Buffy's gift in, you guessed it, The Gift...
Verdict - * * 1/2

The Gift
Quick summary - The gang prepare for war when Glory plans to unleash all hell on earth by bleeding Dawn dry. Going in with all they have got, they realise that not all of them are likely to make it through and they are right - in order to save her sister, Buffy sacrifices her own life to the horror of her friends...
Best quote - Buffy; (her closing words to Dawn before she leaps into the electric-blue energy that kills her) I love you. I will always love you. This is the work that I have to do. Tell Giles...tell Giles I figured it out and I'm okay. Give my love to my friends. You have to take care of them now. You have to take care of each other. You have to be strong. Dawn, the hardest thing in this world is to live in it. Be brave. Live...for me. (closing shot of her gravestone which reads 'Buffy Anne Summers. 1981 - 2001. Beloved sister. Devoted friend. She saved the world a lot.')
Comments - Woah! In what is definitely up there as one of the best season finales EVER on ANY show, the heroine actually dies! Of course, with this being Buffy The Vampire Slayer and everything you know that Buff's gonna be back next season - but how will it all pan out? I'm waiting with baited breath. The scenes where she dies for Dawn are amazingly poignant, topped off by a truly moving score from Chris Beck and the agonising reactions from all of her friends and her sister. The performances are all spot-on in what is a jam-packed action-stacked tornado of an ep, tying up nearly all of the season's loose ends and managing to add some simply fab character interaction and true chemistry between the leads. Reappearances from Doc (is he dead or not?) and the favourites that are the Dagon Sphere and the troll hammer (whoever said Olaf was a god by the way?!) round off the episode, while there's some terrific action sequences, namely those where Buffy and Glory face off and also where the gang take on Glory's minions. There are plenty of highlights during this 100th episode, which begins with celebratory flashbacks to almost every episode ever made. We have some great characterisation (especially involving Buffy, as this episode is rather like a tribute to the character), touching scenes as the tension builds up (Willow getting Tara back, Spike telling Buffy how much he appreciates her attitude towards him, and of course the brilliant scene where Anya accepts Xander's marriage proposal), and some true suspense and action. Phew! After watching this, you'll feel knackered. It certainly makes up for The Weight Of The World, and that may have something to do with the fact that Joss Whedon was in charge here - leading to some ace visuals (special effects much?) and some of the best dialogue of the season, stuff we've been waiting to hear. And in the best 'end of season' tradition, there are plenty of questions left unanswered - is Glory really dead (I hope not!), are Anya and Xander going to go through with their wedding plans, is Giles going to turn all cold-blooded and Ripper-ish, and (the biggie that I've already asked) what's gonna happen with Buffy and her death and all? Season Six is set to be great if this question is answered in a challenging way - and I'm looking forward to it so much! Roll on, as always...
Verdict - * * * * *

SEASON FIVE OVERVIEW - Absolutely marvelloso! I don't know whether this or Season Three is my fave but there's not a lot in it. This is masterful. After a season that saw a top government monster squad acting as the big bad and a fragmented Scooby Gang, we get no such James Bond-esque things and a solid group of good guys who get plenty of screentime each. Magic is back, and the stories are as captivating as ever. Some of the lesser elements of the unfairly-dissed Season Four are gone, and it feels kind of like a fresh start in so many ways.
This may be due to Dawn's introduction. Never have I seen a young teen who can act like Michelle Trachtenberg. Her place now in the show is integral, and the character has made way for the exciting arc of the season. Speaking of, new addition Clare Kramer has succeeded in portraying the only solo female big bad villain. Dru was always part of Spike'n'Dru but Glory (while associated with not-so-scary Ben) works alone, aided only by her scabby minions. She hams the role up deliciously, yet still something about her portrayal is menacing. The Gift, one of the show's finest hours, is what all fans of the show had hoped for as a celebration of 100 episodes - and it only happened because of the Glory/Key story. The arc injected a sense of freshness to the show and added real excitement. It's epic in parts, looking at the five/four-part season finale. Brilliant!
We have never had such shocks either as we got in this season. Talk about twists - Joyce's death probably being the biggest. The dramatic way in which the loss was dealt with was Oscar-worthy, I dunno about Emmy-worthy. And we have also been treated by many an ep we've been waiting for as die-hard fans - Fool For Love, for example, and Family, which cleared up the Tara mystery. Continuity touches have never been so apparent - the troll hammer, part of a fun but somewhat seemingly-trivial exercise in filling time, plays such a huge part later on that you just have to praise Joss Whedon's ingenuity.
Performances have been great as have individual character arcs. Marc Blucas leaving was dealt with aptly, although the show's not missing much without his presence (not that I'm saying he was a bad actor, but the character was getting stale and even more dull and unlikeable). Emma Caulfield has been somewhat underused, a slight niggle, but maybe her coming nuptials might bring her into the fray a little more. Other than this, everyone's been used adequately and some of the acting and character development has been stonking - Sarah Michelle Gellar, Aly Hannigan, and James Marsters shine, although everyone does really.
In conclusion, this is just an astonishing run of episodes. While there have been moments of weakness (The Weight Of The World, while in hindsight is not AWFUL, is still pretty poor), this season has pretty much gone from strength to strength. Can't wait for Buffy's return from the grave. Roll.....