Third time lucky? Season Three is examined below...

Anne
Quick summary - While Willow and the gang try to hold the fort, Buffy finds it hard living in L.A, where she has a chance encounter with an old face, Lily. When both of them end up in what seems like Hell, they have to locate their inner strength to make their way back to their own dimension and in Buffy's case, Sunnydale...
Best quote - Buffy; (when asked 'who are you?' by an ugly ass intimidating guard) I'm Buffy The Vampire Slayer...and you are?
Comments - A good enough season opener but with a sombre melancholy feel. The setting of L.A. (while featuring some Angel-like scenes) sours the taste and what Joss is trying to say about society and kids out on the streets really isn't all that interesting. However, if you can get past this then the episode isn't too bad. The direness of Buffy's situation is contrasted nicely with the gang's pathetic but hilarious attempts at vampire slayage. The main focus, though, is on Buffy - and it's cool to see friendless down-and-out Buffy slowly transform back to her usual self as she is called upon by Lily to defeat the baddies. Julia Lee's return as Lily is more than welcome, but Sarah Michelle steals this ep, taking us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Joss Whedon scatters some great vervy dialogue amidst the depression ('You've got guts - I'd like to slice you open and play with them') and there's also a great set piece down in 'hell'. The action chase scene rates high amog the best Buffy fight sequences. Although the episode is entertaining, you can't help feel relieved when Buffy turns up at home at the end, though. Apart from getting us into the season and allowing the actors to get back into their roles with ease, this episode serves no great purpose other than to get Buffy home. Not Joss's best work but a cool start...
Verdict - * * * 1/2

Dead Man's Party
Qucik summary - Buffy's welcome home bash is disrupted by the living dead and heated confrontations between Buffy and her friends that rock the boat...
Best Quote - Giles; (on his way to the party in a hurry, knowing that Joyce's mask is causing the living dead to rise) 'Do you like my mask? Isn't it pretty? It raises the dead!' AMERICANS...
Comments - Another good episode. And that's it - good. Whilst a teensy bit better than Anne, this episode is just a way to get things back to what can be called 'normal' in Sunnydale. Sarah Michelle Gellar, again, shines as a down Buffy, and Marti Noxon's script is also fab - as the well-written confrontation scenes prove. Each character's feelings and points-of-views are justified, understandable, and easy to sympathise with, all apart from Xander's who comes off as simply annoying in this episode (and is he forgetting that he could have stopped Buffy leaving town by telling her Willow was performing the restoration spell in Becoming Part 2?). The script also has a certain amount of liveliness and plenty of funny jokes in all the right places. There's also some intrigue as the first hints that Willow has been practicing witchcraft over the summer sink in. The drama is what works better here though, and the mother/daughter dynamic is a big part of that, Kristine Sutherland playing a major part here. Anthony Stewart Head also dazzles us with some super acting, as the Watcher relieved to have his Slayer back home and who is determined to get Buffy back into school (check out his Ripper-esque threats to Snyder - ooer!). But c'mon - zombies?! Although zombie-attack scenes do provide the viewer with some jumpy fun scares (for more, see Angel Season Two's The Thin Dead Line), are they not just a plot device? And the sight of them staggering around like invalids is hilarious. However, the lack of explanation when it comes to Ovu Mobani and the zombies who rise is all forgotten and unimportant when we finally get the payoff - the gang make up, hug, and things feel right again, the past put behind them. Zombie-licious!
Rating - * * * 1/2

Faith, Hope & Trick
Quick summary - It's fresh blood all around this week, as we are introduced to a number of new players in the Buffyverse. New Slayer Faith makes her presence very well known, her enemies Kakistos and Mr Trick show up to get a little revenge, and Buffy's new boy toy thingy comes in the form of Scott Hope. It's all a little hectic as Buffy returns to school and finally says goodbye to her past - just as Angel returns from his hell dimension. Uh-oh...
Best quote - Willow; (on Buffy flirting) You should do that thing with your mouth that boys like. (realising) Not that bad thing with your mouth... (blah blah blah then to Oz) You're supposed to stop me when I do that...
Comments - A superb episode, the first all-rounder of the third season. With so much freshness, it's also nice to get back to Buffy-being-in-high-school. The script, courtesy of Greenwalt, is super-tight and the new characters are (mostly) sublime. While it was good hoofed boy Khaki-Trousers got dusted, Mr Trick and Faith make a fine vamp and vixen, respectively. Eliza Dushku made her mark here, and to whoever cast this bird; God bless you! The guy who plays Mr Trick is equally as cool, though Scott Hope is a little bland. However, he makes way for Buffy's moving-forward. The subtle game Giles plays with her to make her reveal how she killed a soulful Angel is one of the series highlights - and the ending needs no comment! I remember seeing it on first viewing and being a little staggered. To wrap things up, this is a great piece of old-school Buffster yet moving the show forward into its most creative stage - the season three year! Funny, sexy, action-packed - gold-dust, anyone?
Verdict - * * * * *

Beauty & The Beasts
Quick summary - When a mangled body of a Sunnydale High student is discovered in the woods, the gang fear Oz is the persecutor of the act. However, there are two new 'beasts' on the block - reeling from the imminent return of a feral Angel, Buffy must stop the real killer, a Jekyll'n'Hyde-style guy with anger management issues. Testosterone on parade!
Best quote - Oz; (on the marching jazz band) Since the best jazz is improvisational, we'd be going off in all directions, bumpin' into floats...scary.
Comments - This is a well-written episode courtesy of Ms Noxon but, frankly, how depressing is it? There are the usual one-liners floating about, and it's great that Seth Green gets to be given more to do - the dryness of Oz is here aplenty. However, the whole domestic-abuse-as-demon thingy is just horrible, and the fact that it concerns two characters we've never been introduced to before now makes it less powerful. The solution to the badness (violence beats violence) is also not a good place to go - it seems Marti and co. just needed to wrap the whole thing up. It works but it's all quite messy. The return of Angel, on the other hand, is quite brilliantly done - I remember seeing the scene where Buffy encounters him the first time around; my face was a big 'o' of surprise, even though I knew it would eventually come. Sarah handles herself magnificently yet again, and it's great that we're left to decide whether Angel will be good or bad at first. The other Scoobies get left out in the cold a little, so soak up the morgue scene - funny much?! Also, the big chase scene involving Oz is fun but, other than this, prepare for a bit of a dank hole of miserableness. Don't get me wrong, the episode is craftily made - but I'm just not fond of the way the whole man-beats-woman thing is handled. Just concentrate on whatever else you can while watching, such as the dialogue (which still remains hilarious even in such bleak circumstances) and you should get some enjoyment out of it...
Verdict - * * *

Homecoming
Quick summary - While Mr Trick prepares (along with assorted nastiness) for SlayerFest, an event that will surely see the two Slayers die, Buffy has bigger battles to win. She and Cordelia are facing off in the Homecoming Queen stakes - and it's not pretty. However, things get even worse when Cordelia manages to be confused with Faith and the two girls are hunted down before one of them can accept the crown. Meanwhile, Xander and Willow lip-lock...
Best quote - Buffy; (facing off with Queen C) You've awakened the Prom Queen within...
Comments - Gorgeousness! This is one of the first examples of Buffy being so perfect that it's unbelievable. This funny, satirical, pathos-containing episode is Buffy at its best. There's so many little details that you need to watch it five or so times to get all the little jokes and stuff - anyway, I'll try to stop gushing for a sec. OK, it's hard! This episode marks the start of an incredible season-long creativeness that was never really matched in consistency - in this episode, we are introduced to the Mayor, the seeds of the Oz/Willow and Xander/Cordy break-ups begin to be sown, Cordy gets an ep to shine, and there is social commentary on the ridiculousness of high school teen pageants. Oh, and Kulak! And boring Scott breaking up with Buffy! And flattering dresses! These are a few of my favourite things, hehe. The lack of Angel makes way for an assortment of colourful baddies for Cordy and Buff to dispose of (LOVE Cordy getting tough), while we also get another glimpse of all-I-wanna-be-is-a-regular-high-school-girl-Buffy again during the scene in the cabin. The performances are quality stuff, with Charisma and Sarah shining above the rest, yet Alyson and Nicky handle their stunning/shocking/amazingly sweet snogging scene admirably too. There are only two scenes featuring Harry Groener but he makes a big enough impression with these for us to know that he'll be back, while K.Todd Freeman is hysterical ('a spiny looking head thing - I ain't never seen that before') as the flash Trick. The soundtrack is fab (Lisa Loeb, Fastball, Four Star Mary, etc.), there are too many great moments to say, and the humour touches my spot (I say!). Fantastic stuff, and one of those 'girl power' eps!
Verdict - * * * * *

Band Candy
Quick summary - Buffy is fed up of Giles and Joyce getting on her back. However, when the two of them (plus the rest of the Sunnydale adults) get munching on some mystical candy, Buffy gets a taste of what the adults in her life were like as teenagers. Throw in a demon who eats babies, the return of Ethan Rayne, and more Mr Trick/Mayorness and Buffy's got her hands full...
Best quote - Buffy; (on Giles, pre-Watcher days) Less together-guy, more bad-majick-hates-the-world-ticking-time-bomb guy...
Comments - This is one of the most splendid episodes ever made, a classic in every way. Jane Espenson's debut showcases the woman's talent with her writing hand, and it's obvious she knows the characters very well because the characterisation of the adults-as-teenagers is spot-on. Ripper Giles, nerdy Snyder, awkward Joyce - the observations made by Jane are brought to life in hilarious style by a trio of equally superb and subtle performances courtesy of Head, Shimerman, and Sutherland. Speaking of hilarious, the script is packed to the brim with one-liners, brilliant situation comedy, and wonderful visual gags (Buffy's double take upon discovering Giles and Joyce snogging is fab!). The message at the centre of the caper (essentially 'be careful what you wish for' when Buffy realises having immature irresponsible parental figures is a whole lot worse than having the ones she does) is cool, there's more evil mischief in the form of superb bad guys (three in fact; Mayor Mean, Trick and the ever-wicked Ethan Rayne, played wonderfully by Robin Sachs), and the ongoing Willow/Xander tryst. As a result, this episode needs nothing more - it stands on its own as a solid, pure gold 24-carat stunner! Kudos to Espenson, man!
Verdict - * * * * *

Revelations
Quick summary - While Willow and Xander struggle to keep their secret relationship secret, Buffy has a hard time when the gang realise Angel is back from hell or something like it. Xander and Faith, convinced that he must still be bad, hunt him down, while new 'Watcher' Gwendolyn Post uses the confusion to draw attention away from her own evil scheme to capture The Glove Of Myhnegon, a powerful 'fashion accessary'...
Best quote - Buffy; (after experiencing Gwendolyn first-hand) Interesting lady. Can we kill her?
Comments - A chocolate box of Buffy goodness with only a few sour choices in the mix. While pissed-off Xander is as annoying here as he was in the second episode of the season and some of the 'British' dialogue is way too cliched, the rest is a yummy violent display of fireworks. The revelation that Angel is back causes the upsetting of the group dynamics, which is always fun, while we get some of the first hints that Faith's distrust may cause her to switch to the dark side (Eliza Dushku rules, by the way). Doug Petrie makes an impression with his first episode, keeping the action quota high (the last ten minutes are a veritable feast of fightiness) while there's also more angst in the form of the continuing Willow/Xander lvoe affair, which we know will be discovered only in a matter of time. Gwendolyn Post, while annoying, is played excellently by Serena Scott Thomas, Kristin's sister, and bounces off the other characters well. Meanwhile, it's nice to see Angel being given something to do and the return of the Buffy/Angel temptation is nice to see again. As you can see, the episode isn't short on activity and plot. However, at times, it does feel like too much has been crammed in and, as a result, Oz and Cordy are left out in the cold. A great whirlwind of an ep most of the time, though...
Verdict - * * * *

Lover's Walk
Quick summary - While the gang (especially Buffy) react with shock at their SAT results, Spike returns to Sunnydale, a drunk grieving mess after being dumped by Dru. He captures Willow and Xander, holding them hostage in the old factory, until Willow performs a spell to win Dru back for him. Spike tracks down the ingredients with a reluctant Buffy and Angel, while Oz and Cordy (out to rescue their respective lovers) walk in on Xander and Willow lipping...
Best quote - Spike; (to Buffy and Angel, on the torture that is love) You're not friends. You'll never be friends. You'll be in love until it kills you both. You'll fight, and you'll shag, and you'll hate each other until it makes you quiver, but you'll never be friends. Love isn't brains, children, it's blood. Blood screaming inside you to work its will. I may be love's bitch, but at least I'm man enough to admit it...
Comments - This is often referred to as a fan favourite but I find it, while good, a little boring upon repeated viewings. James Marsters shows what a talented actor he is, that's not a question, but when this episode first aired the whole novelty of it was watching Spike show up again - after seeing so much of the vamp in the later seasons and going back to this, the novelty is not there. However, with that said, the script is still crammed with one-liners and Spike's interaction with the gang (especially Buffy, Angel and Willow) is still fun. There's a massive fight (always fun) and the best element of the episode comes in the form of the big Xander/Willow/Cordy/Oz triangle-revelation thing. In fact, everyone (including Buffy and Angel) get their hearts broken thanks, in some part, to Spike - this is a cool twist, having the vamp make everyone realise the truth. However, there's just a lot of standing around for my taste - it all seems a little pointless after a while. There's no denying that the episode has its charms though; it's just a shame there aren't more.
Verdict - * * * 1/2

The Wish
Quick summary - A betrayed Cordelia returns to high school after discovering Xander's little tryst with Willow, only to be humiliated by her former friends and at a loose end. When new student Anya befriends her, Cordy mistakenly wishes for a Sunnydale that never saw Buffy's influence - and, with Anya being a vengeance demon, gets her wish. Only life in Sunnydale with no Slayer isn't exactly merry...
Best quote - Dark-Sunnydale Buffy; (on her first meeting with Angel, who speaks highly of her) Is this a 'get-in-my-pants' thing? You guys in Sunnydale talk like I'm the Second Coming.
Comments - Is this not like one of the best, most disturbing, twisted episodes yet? While the idea of alternate dimensions/personalities is not a thing of the new, the twist this show puts to it makes it an even more entertaining form of storytelling. The first act is relatively slow and normal, only there's a new girl called Anya at school. After the whole trauma of the breakup, Cordelia makes the wish. I'm so glad she did cos the dark Sunnydale is sooooooo fab! The acting is brilliant, with Alyson Hannigan and Nicky Brendon totally believable as bad-ass vamps (and thanks to whoever chose the leather catsuit thingy - mwroh!). Head is fab as a weary Watcher, Gellar excels as a battle-scarred Buffy, and it's also fun having the Master back, this time actually fulfilling his evil potential. Some scenes are delightfully dark, such as the torturing of Angel and the happenings in the new Bronze, and some are also sexual in a weird awful way (the 'threesome' where Cordelia is killed). And this is all thanks to Anya - at this point, she is not the loveable funny ex-demon girl we've come to love but pure naughtiness. All in all, the episode is 100% classic. It points the way forward and is very creative, yet takes time to look back at early concepts (what could have been if The Harvest had been successful, for instance). This is certainly one of Marti's best efforts and is an admirable feat for all concerned (music, direction, the cast, everyone!!!).
Verdict - * * * * *

Amends
Quick summary - Christmas is descending, and Oz and Willow are back together; however, things aren't so jolly on the Hellmouth. Angel is being bombarded with dreams and haunted by visions of those he killed, and the torment is pushing him closer to the dark side. When he waits for the sun to rise upon a hilltop, wanting to sacrifice himself rather than kill Buffy and revert to Angelus, only a miracle can spare him - cue the magic snow...
Best quote - Angel; (during the emotionally-charged conversation between him and Buffy on the hilltop) Look, I'm weak. I've never been anything else. It's not the demon in me that needs killing, Buffy. It's the man.
Comments - This won't be a popular deicision but I absolutely love everything this episode represents. It's cheesy, sentimental and ends on one weird-ass note - yet it is one of my eternal faves. First of all, I love everything Christmas-related and so far this is the only holiday episode (please let the seventh season have a sequel). Second of all, the Buffy/Angel dilemma is struck up once again and, while it has been hit-and-miss at times, the scenes between them work perfectly here. The acting is superb, especially from Gellar (the scenes and dialogue atop the hill are a personal fave), while we get some closure (some might say not enough) about why Angel returned from the hell dimension. Whedon's direction is entirely compitent, the shots of the snow and Buffy walking with Angel being some of the most magical. It is also nice to see Robia LaMorte return as something she's never got to play before - pure evil! Those priest guys are pretty freaky too (I have a thing with eyes, OK?!). Meanwhile, there's sweetness in the form of Oz and Willow getting it back on - Will's seduction is simply hilarious and wonderful and everything Alyson Hannigan is! Faith is also reintegrated back into the gang for a while. At the end of the episode, everything is sparklingly positive after a bit of a rough time so I think (in a show often full of trauma and unhappiness) the smiles are well deserved. This is the star on the tree...
Verdict - * * * * *

Gingerbread
Quick summary - Buffy's mom joins her daughter on a routine patrol, only for her to discover the bodies of two children. Bad luck. However, the situation gets worse when Joyce organises an organisation that are opposed to the occult and threaten Willow, Amy and Buffy herself...
Best quote - Willow; (tongue twisting time) A doodle. I do doodle. You too. You do doodle, too.
Comments - Espenson strikes again! Jane's usual blend of wit and tongue-in-cheekness makes for another hilarious stand-alone episode yet the whole fairytale element raises it higher. I love the Hansel-and-Gretel twist and the witch-hunt scenes cannot fail to raise a chill. Yet, as always, Jane has the one-liners crammed into the ep, making us guffaw throughout. Making Amy a rat is, of course, a now-classic move, whilst making us believe Will could be the bad guy for a while was a stroke of genius. The Mayor puts in a little speech that certainly does not go unnoticed, while Kristine Sutherland is great as the traumatised Joyce (former of MOO). In fact, the ep offers some swell (and angry) social commentary on reaction to such crimes as kids being killed. It isn't afraid to be controversial, something this particular programme has never avoided. Meanwhile, other plus points include meeting Willow's mother for the first time, the hilarious double act of Giles and Cordy, and Xander's continued guilt when with Oz. This is a fabulous filler, primarily because the writing is so sharp. Go Jane!
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Helpless
Quick summary - As Buffy's 18th birthday rapidly approaches, she feels herself becoming increasingly weak and less powerful. Little does she know that she's being drugged by Giles, in preparation for a Watchers Council test that will see her face off with an insane serial-killer vamp...
Best quote - Oz; (on the wonder that is...) Ice is cool. It's water but it's not...
Comments - The second of the Buffy-birthday-badness episodes is brilliant, as was Surprise. Sarah Michelle Gellar gets another chance to shine as a Buffy that is put through the wringer entirely. It seems everyone is against her - the Council, Kralik, even Giles. In fact, the drama at the centre of Giles betraying Buffy is played excellently - while things come back together at the end, the scenes where Buffy discovers the awful truth are fraught with emotion. David Fury's dramatic skills (rather than his comedic ones) get a chance to be paraded and I, for one, like them. One might say this episode is a little too bleak. However, there's something about it that is magnetic. It might be the disturbing/depraved/totally scary maniac vamp Kralik, who is one of my fave one-episode villains. The scenes in the boarding school are up there with Hush as some of the scariest I think the show has done (Chris Beck's freaky music helps some). While there is a shortage of Scooby Gang, the exploration of the 'what happens if Buffy loses her powers?' question makes up for it. It is great to see Buffy as the victim for once. The Council and Travers are the baddies of the piece, if you think about it, and Harris Yuelin's performance is suitably slimy. Him firing Giles is the last straw, and this prepares us for the hate we feel for the Council in Season Five's Checkpoint. To conclude, this is one of my favourite episodes (as you can tell, most of my faves fall in this season) as the drama and pure horror elements take over from comedy for once, and we get to see the show at its most adult and serious. It is grittier, darker Buff stuff...
Verdict - * * * * *

The Zeppo
Quick summary - All the gang, aside from Xander, come together in a battle against a bunch of ugly apocalyptic demons who wanna end the earth - like that's important! Xander has sooooo much more going on - he becomes part of a gang of dead bullies who plant a bomb that could blow up the school, and he sleeps with Faith, all of which wooshes over the rest of the gang's heads. So unappreciated...
Best quote - Buffy; (when Xander pulls up in his uncle's car, claiming it's his new thing) Is this a penis metaphor?
Comments - Another great solid episode with plenty going for it, plus it's really different and original. When you think about it, the ending of the world is a big thing - on any other show, this subject matter would be the main one explored if such a situation was occuring. Not on this show, which just does something completely out-of-the-ordinary and uses this as a subplot. Instead, Xander's night of complete and utter weirdness takes centre stage (or screen, more accurately) as we see everything from our favourite doof's point of view - all the tense apocalypse stuff pushed to the sidelines and making way for a big laughs-a-plenty joy ride. Nicholas Brendon laps it up, shining as he always does when he's given a big slice of the action (see Teacher's Pet, BB&B, Go Fish, The Replacement, etc.) and the script provides him with many wonderfully amusing things to say. Dan Vebber's script is very witty and, I feel, far superior when compared to his first effort, Lover's Walk. Here, he gets the chance to play with the format of the show and, while doing so, makes fun of it (see the big dramatic Buffy/Angel scene that is so similar to many big dramatic Buffy/Angel scenes we've seen before - however, here it is broken up by Xander and you can tell that, in his eyes, it's been exaggerated). Charisma Carpenter gets to return Cordelia to her bitch roots, and this is what makes Xander want to succeed. The Jack O'Toole gang makes way for plenty of fun and tongue-in-cheek humour ('You got a problem with dead people?'), and the casual sex between Faith and Xander is both surprising and important to future goings-on (see Consequences). With back-to-back wall-to-wall endless jokes, frolics and surprises, this is a must-see ep and a great showcase for Xander - who doesn't get a big character episode after this until the fifth season's The Replacement. So make the most of it, and don't laugh too hard - though that might be difficult...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Bad Girls
Quick summary - While the Mayor prepares for his 'dedication', Buffy and Faith rebel against new Watcher Wesley's orders and go off fighting a new cult of vamp acolytes who work for a big squishy pissed demon. As Buffy unwittingly gets sucked into Faith's way of slaying, she finds herself involved in crime and even witnesses her fellow Slayer killing the Deputy Mayor Finch by accident...
Best quote- Buffy; (after being dunked into a pool of sewer by a vamp, then whooshing back up out of it with a sword) I hate it when they drown me...
Comments - A rollercoaster of an ep but definitely the weakest we've had after a run of solid gold (The Wish - The Zeppo). It's still better than the opening episodes of the season but it just seems like there's so much to take in it kinda feels rushed and goes over your head. Maybe it's meant to feel like that, I dunno. However, great performances from the two bad girls in question (Sarah Michelle Gellar and Eliza Dushku) makes for an attitude overload, and it's nice seeing the wilder side of Buffy's character after a bit of an absence. The murder of the deputy mayor certainly makes for some interesting adjustments after this ep - but who really cares about that when we have Buffy and Faith dancing like wild sex kittens at the Bronze to Curve's 'Chinese Burn'? Yum-eeeeee. Alexis Denisof's debut performance as Wesley is very amusing but not in that likeable way - here, he's the bumbling idiot we love to hate rather than the matured pleasant spinoff version. We also have hints that Willow is being left out (see Doppelgangland for more AND leather) yet the Scoobies aren't around much at all in this ep. We do have repeat performances from Mr.Trick and the Mayor though (become invincible, indeedy). And there's also an incredibly fat demon bloke who just gets on my nerves but, hey - life's a bitch! I mean, over the past twelve days, I'd completed half of the season three episode synopses - and I accidentally delete them! Urgh! Anyway, back to the ep - it's pretty good fun. But it's not a shining star nor is it one to watch over and over. If you store it away for a year or so though and then watch it, you're bound to enjoy it! And the story's not over yet - watch Consequences after this for more...
Verdict - * * * *

Consequences
Quick summary - When Wesley asks his two slayers to investigate the death of Alan Finch, Buffy is shocked at how flippant Faith is about the murder. While Buff's nursing a guilty conscience, Faith feels that nobody's gonna cry about a bystander who got caught in the crossfire. When the police get involved, a scared Faith spins wildly out of control, passing off the murder as the work of Buffy then almost killing Xander. Is it too late to save her?
Best quote - Mr Trick; (upon being staked by Faith) Oh no. This is no good at all...
Comments - Although it's received some very critical reviews, I feel Consequences is a very worthy conclusion to Bad Girls. While Noxon's script does contain a little heavy-handed moralising, it also contains some great dialogue. The story itself does move slowly but in a good way, nothing being rushed at all. There are many shocks and twists (the ending, of course, being the biggest when Faith crosses over to the dark side) and some great character interaction - love the Buffy/Faith contrast scenes, and Angel giving his speech to Faith. Performances are great, Eliza stealing the show as bad but as sexy as ever. While not given a lot to work with, Alyson Hannigan plays Willow's feeling of being left out perfectly, something which is followed up in Doppelgangland. While there's not much comic relief, this is great drama, something the show and Marti Noxon have always excelled in. Unfortunately, Trick does get killed off but, hey, if he hadn't been poofed we wouldn't have had Faith joining the Mayor's side - this development being a complete and utter surprise when I first watched the ep. And, of course, it leads to some of the greatest episodes ever! All in all, this is a great Faith piece which doesn't have heaps of action but does know what it's going on about and leads to Faith's downfall in a convincing and interesting way. Don't let other (far superior) reviewers sway you! :)
Verdict - * * * *

Doppelgangland
Quick summary - When Willow gets fed up with being seen as 'Old Reliable' by the people around her, she attempts to rebel by joining Anya in a spell. However, little does she know that the spell is a dark one that will summon Anya's destroyed amulet. Willow stops things before Anya retrieves her necklace but Will's evil double from the alternate universe has already been summoned forth, resulting in chaos and confusion...
Best quote - Willow; (after being hugged by all her friends in the library after they have seen the vampire version out and about, whom she doesn't know about yet) You didn't all happen to a bunch of drugs did ya?
Comments - One of the classics, this episode still manages to raise many smiles upon repeated viewing. Joss Whedon's script and directing are flawless, but this is really the Alyson Hannigan show - she is absolutely amazing and charismatic! We again get a taste of evil Will, and Hannigan plays it with delicious evilness and relish. However, good ol' Will is also present and as adorable as ever - especially when she takes on the role of evil Willow in the Bronze (how cute is that little wave to Oz?!). Equally funny is evil Will's interpretation of normal Will - 'I like books...cos I'm shy'. The characterisation (of Willow especially) is superb, and there are plenty of little 'Buffy' moments that will make you laugh every time you watch it. The fight scene in the Bronze at the end is lovely jubbly (nice use of pool table equipment!) while Emma Caulfield's second appearance as Anya is delightfully whiny and bitchy ('I'm 1120 years old - just give me a FRIKKIN' beer'). The continuation of the Faith-working-for-Mayor plot-of-the-season isn't that apparent here but we see the first signs of the dynamic that will be established between them. There's not really much else to say except that this is a fabdabulous piece of television that is worthy of much critical praise - and it has received it, not only from me but many other 'professional' TV critics. One of the series highlights and a great followup to the wonderful The Wish, this maybe even better. I love it!
Verdict - * * * * *

Enemies
Quick summary - After retrieving the Books Of Ascension from a demon looking for cash, Faith acts on the Mayor's orders and attempts to rid Angel of his soul. With the return of 'Angelus' Buffy is in extreme danger, with a demonic lover plus a raging ex-friend wanting her dead...
Best quote - Faith; (her holding a knife to Buffy's throat, Buffy holding a knife to hers) What're you gonna do, B? Kill me? You become me. You're not ready for that... (kisses Buffy on the forehead) ...yet! (runs away into the night)
Comments - This is a strange episode. I do really like it when I watch it but then I come away and half an hour or so afterwards I don't feel all that effected by it and don't remember much about it. Not a lot happens, as we find out that Angel turning to the dark side is a case of bluff, whilst there's just a lot of talk in between all the important stuff. While this dialogue is snazzy and fast, it's not really all that memorable. However, there are a few really funny moments (such as Giles revealing that he introduced the shrouded man to his wife) and plenty of great foreshadowing of the big finale (see Best Quote and all the talk about Ascension). The performances are startling, especially from Eliza Dushku (Faith has never been so villain-ish up until this point) and David Boreanaz (although it's fake, it's great to have the deliciously evil attitude of Angelus back on the show). Doug Petrie's story, however, moves quite slowly and even though there's plenty to enjoy, it does take a while to get to the third act where Faith has finally succeeded with her plan to turn Angel. Another crucial ingredient missing is anything useful for the Scooby Gang to do - Oz might discover that the Mayor is over one hundred years old but him and the rest of the crew aren't around much else at all. The developments are shaping up wonderfully though and the buildup feel to the finale is well and present. The father/daughter dynamic of Wilkin's and Faith's relationship is an interesting choice and one that works, owing a lot to Groener's performance ('Try to have her home by eleven,' the Mayor tells 'Angelus' when they head off to torture Buffy sadistically.). The Buffy/Faith scenes also provide us with a great dynamic with the good girl Slayer pitted against the deprived malicious Slayer who never had anything she wanted as a child and has never experienced love. You can tell a lot's gone into this but it's just a little on the empty side when it comes to the actual goods. However, I am tempted to give it another half of a star. Watch it and decide for yourself if you like it...
Verdict - * * *

Earshot
Quick summary - Buffy gains the ability to read minds after being infected by a demon's glowing ooze. Her 'aspect of the demon' isn't as great as she first thinks when the inability to shut out thoughts leads her to a near-breakdown, and she hears one particular person planning on killing all the students in the school...
Best Quote - Buffy; (to Jonathan, concluding her poignant speech on the pain of the pupils in the school) It looks quiet down there. It's not. It's deafening...
Comments - While I do feel that Earshot is a very good high standard piece, I do not feel that it deserves all the critical attention it has received. It is thoughtful, well-structured, and beautifully written, and the events that delayed its airing in America make it take on a certain sense of irony that rings true even though it does disturb a little. However, there are negative points that take away from the moral learned. While it was necessary for Buffy to patch things up with Angel after Enemies, I have to admit that their scenes in this are rather forced so a conclusion is met. Meanwhile, some time is taken to get to the actual good stuff. When you get to it, though, it's pretty special. Jane Espenson's comic touch makes it all the better, as the brilliant scene in the library proves where the gang learn of Buffy's newfound power (everyone has a say, and everybody has thoughts, all of which Buffy hears - and all the thoughts are wonderful and some disturbed). The revelation that Joyce slept with Giles is also hilarious, as is the scene where Buffy reveals to Giles that she knows (watch out for that tree!). Aside from quick and funny wit, there's the race to find the killer. The interrogation scenes are classic, especially a rehash of Willow trying to crack Jonathan (see Go Fish). And the final act or so is full of red herrings (Frederick Iverson, Jonathan, etc.), making way for some great suspense - when the killer is finally revealed, you'll be in hysterics (love the rat posion box!). The scenes up in the clock tower are amazing yet simple, the writing so poetic that it just needs to be heard. And there's the great stunt where Buffy makes her way up to the clock tower (Nancy's 'I could have done that' doesn't give credit where credit is due). Cameos from Larry and Percy make for good continuity, and it's good to have Cordy back in the thick of things (nice cheerleading cozzy by the way). All in all, this is great but doesn't really ring 'classic' to me. It's a fun watch, balancing comedy and drama elegantly, just not one of my favourites...
Verdict - * * * *

Choices
Quick summary - As Buffy considers college options, she declares that the gang should take the fight to the Mayor. However, not all goes according to plan as Buffy tries to retrieve the Box of Gavrok - and Willow ends up being caught hostage.
Best Quote - Buffy; (during her 'I wanna leave Sunnydale for higher education' speech to Wesley) You can't define me just by my Slayerness. That's...something-ism.
Comments - Choices, while a bit of a staller before the big three final episodes, is a great little episode with plenty of humour and energy. It doesn't have much plot, as the action mainly revolves around the hostage sitch and there's only shaping up of future developments and no real conclusion (the Mayor ends up with the Box of Gavrok and the gang get Willow back, things the same as they were at the beginning). However, there's a lot of great characterisation here, especially when it comes to Willow. This is the episode where she chooses to stay on at UC Sunnydale, thus resulting in her character's journey through the next seasons. The confrontation she has with Faith shows how strong a character she is now, no longer the timid shy thing of the second season. The Buffy/Willow scene outside the school is a joy, their friendship being really believable and Willow's choice being a payoff for long term viewers. It's not only Willow who has a choice to make, though, as the Mayor's (brilliantly written) speech to Buffy and Angel forces Angel to question the relationship in the next episode. The final scene tells us that Angel is already thinking about what the Mayor said. Another defining moment is finding out that Cordy is working in the dress shop, which leads to her joining Angel in L.A. in the spinoff series. With a number of great scenes and engaging dialogue and character interaction, this episode is enjoyable and quite important in the ongoing story arc. Faith's knife, for example, is now in Buffy's hands (see Graduation Day). Simply put, this is nice!
Verdict - * * * *

The Prom
Quick summary - Angel breaks up with Buffy as her prom night nears and she uses slaying as comfort food, killing off a trio of hell hounds that threaten to ruin the prom for the other happy couples. However, her night isn't that bad after all when her hard work is recognised by her classmates, and Angel shows up for one last dance...
Best quote - Buffy; (during her breakup heartbreaking sewer talk with Angel) Heart? You have a heart?! It isn't even beating... What? Don't love you. Well I'm sorry I didn't know I got a choice in that. I'll never change. I can't change. I want my life to be with you...
Comments - Amazing! This is pure brilliance and with not one flaw. The Prom is a simply beautiful tale about hidden feelings which gives the cast a showcase for their talents (especially Sarah Michelle Gellar) and has a distinct 'goodbye-to-high-school' feel. There's a lot of heartache and pain but it's a Marti Noxon script, and a wonderful one at that. The scenes in the sewer are simply fantastic, as are all the scenes that involve heartache and Buffy crying. While the hell hounds are merely something of a plot device (see how quickly Buffy disposes of them), this episode doesn't need mucho supernatural stuff. It's about the relationships and the characters, and evolves into a tribute for Buffy and one of the last ever Buffy/Angel episodes. The schmaltzy award scene is a favourite of mine - although it's a little conventional, it works and brings a tear to the eye. The fact that Jonathan presents the award is even more touching. Plus there's somewhat of a conclusion to the Xander/Cordy feud. He finds out she's broke (which leads her to a placement on the spinoff) and pays for her prom dress, a selfless act that shows how much he cares for her - and she really appreciates it. Speaking of Xander squeeze, Anya makes it known here for the first time that she is attracted to him and they go on their first date - Emma Caulfield is hilarious, and the dynamic between the pair is already winning. Who knew they'd get engaged?! Music choices are also superb, especially The Sunday's 'Wild Horses' - moving much? As this is the prom, it is one of the last ever Sunnydale High episodes and it sure does feel like it. The next two episodes are that action-packed that they don't stop too ponder on this too often, so it's nice that we have one final happy 'high school moment' (as Buffy puts it) with all the characters at peace and in the same room together - it's soo adios to Angel, Cordy, and Wes. So enjoy them here while you have the chance. One of my favourite episodes...
Verdict - * * * * *

Graduation Day, Part One
Quick summary - As graduation and the Mayor's ascension both approach rapidly, Buffy and the gang try and come up with a way to stop it. However, when Angel is poisoned by Faith's poison arrow, Buffy must find a cure - and that cure is Faith's blood...
Best quote - Xander; (to Anya, who is still clueless about men and humanity) Men like sports. Men watch the action movie. They eat of the beef and enjoy to look at the bosoms.
Comments - On par with Becoming, Part One, the first slice of Graduation Day mounts the tension and really builds a solid foundation for the second part without losing your interest. Joss Whedon marvels us with a super smart and enjoyable script, and some great direction techniques. There are plenty of amazing scenes and set pieces, the Buffy/Faith fight and cliffhanger being the most memorable and most fancy - check out those moves! There are plenty of little continuity references (to Consequences, and Faith's 'stick around' in Enemies), all making for a big final fight between the two gorgeous gals. Buffy ultimately wins but kinda loses - Angel's cure throwing herself off a roof. The Angel plot is quite cool especially as Buffy and Angel are no longer an item making way for a new dynamic, as it's clear they both still have feelings for each other. Speaking of dynamics, the continuing Anya/Xander one provides a lot of laughs, whilst the Mayor/Faith one provides us with some great scenes (including a lot of character building when it comes to Faith, and a great father/daughter feel as already mentioned). Oz and Willow's first time is worth the wait, and as sweet as expected, while Joss does his usual trick of bringing back plenty of recurring characters for little spots (Harmony, Percy, Snyder, Amy!) as well as the Box of Gavrok - wicked gross, indeed! Chris Beck's score is absolutely thrilling and a highlight, providing the already exciting fight sequence with even more atmosphere. Buffy's quitting of the Council is an important checkpoint and done well, while there are many clues to the Mayor's ascension laid out on the table ('We're gonna need a bigger boat...'). All in all, this is superb stuff and another five star gem. Not as spectacular as part two but, without this, the expectations for part two wouldn't have been as high. Simply brilliant!
Verdict - * * * * *

Graduation Day, Part Two
Quick summary - Buffy ends up in hospital after feeding herself to Angel now that Faith is in a coma. When she recovers, she and the gang prepare for war and a graduation ceremony that none of the students will ever forget...
Best quote - Faith; (riddling Buffy during the coma-like dream/mind thing) Little Miss Muffet counting down from 730... (see The Gift)
Comments - While this explosive special effects overload may lack the emotional impact of Becoming's shock finale, I feel this is one of the best season finales. It's just so darn jam-packed and the payoff we've been waiting for - the Ascension - meets expectations. A number of old friends die (Snyder, Larry, and Harmony - see The Harsh Light Of Day), the students fight back against the vamps and the snake demon the Mayor has become with flame throwers, and the school is blown up. Breathtaking battle scenes are always great, and Joss's direction makes this sequence one of the greatest and on par with any Hollywood movie. The buildup is again handled well, the speech by Mayor Wilkins slowly eerily building, Harry Groener providing us with one last chilling performance (see This Year's Girl for a cameo though). It's also goodbye to Eliza Dushku for a while - Faith is certainly one of the best characters on the show, while Dushku is one of the best recurring actresses. It's sad to see her leave but you can't be a big major movie star whilst playing a TV character too - we do get to see her in the next seasons though, even if it is only briefly. More importantly, it's also adios to David Boreanaz, Charisma Carpenter, and Alexis Denisof as well, as they head off to make the spinoff. They're all given final moments of greatness on this show but it's still kinda sad, knowing that the Scooby Gang will never be as it once was. The final Buffy/Angel scenes are particularly well-handled, the sexually-charged draining scene and the final silent goodbye rounding things off nicely. With a healthy dose of humour (see the discussion on how to defeat the Mayor in the library, and Cordy and Wes's failed chemistry) and a weird dream sequence that clues us in on developments in Season Five (see the quote above), Joss Whedon never fails to keep you on the edge of your seat and waiting for the next dramatic development. Simply brilliant and awe-inspiring, this episode is one you won't forget quickly and a fitting goodbye to the high school years...
Verdict - * * * * *

SEASON THREE OVERVIEW - Possibly my favourite season, numero three was the one that changed my outlook on the show. I absolutely loved these episodes the first time I saw them and they are what got me hooked on to the show. I don't know whether it was the inclusion of a story arc and characters that really spiced things up (the Ascension, and the Faith/Mayor thing) or the fact that creativity levels were running very high (check out episodes like The Wish, Doppelgangland, etc.). The balance of comedy (Band Candy, The Zeppo), drama (Amends, The Prom), action (Bad Girls, Grad. Day) and moral lessons (Earshot) has never been better, bringing with it amazing performances from the regulars.
The super smart scripts have ensured that the actors have enough to play with, and as it is written, so yada yada. The Buffy/Angel replay is great for Sarah Michelle Gellar and Boreanaz to get their teeth into, while there have been brilliant character episodes for the 'sidekicks'. The introduction of Faith has stirred things up in a major way, and added sass and fresh blood to the show, while the villain has been supremely scary. There have been twists galore, choices made by the brilliantly played characters which have resulted in a chain of thrilling events (Faith's story arc, for example). Unexpected shifts like Giles being fired have also increased unpredictability, and therefore increased entertainment value and excitement, along with possibilities for the future.
All in all, this has just been great television. Maybe it wasn't as poignant as the second season, but this season has been an all-out experience. With lots of new dimensions, new actors, and new ideas, it's been very interesting to watch. Applause applause!