The Scooby Gang's first year in college was slated by many a fan. But for a different perspective on this season, read on!

The Freshman
Quick summary - Buffy, Oz and Will all adjust to college life in different ways. While Will and her boyf have a blast, Buffy finds the change hard. Then along comes a gang of vamps led by a bloodsucking-bitch who prey on freshmans, giving Buffy even more to worry about...
Best quote - Buffy;(to Giles, who has spent the night with Olivia and is lounging around in a robe) OK, remember before you became Hugh Hefner, when you used to be a Watcher?
Comments - A fine start to a season that's all change. While the ep does rely heavily on the Buffy-finds-it-hard-to-adjust theme, it works and the other ingredients that come into the mix make it one fun ride. Sunday and her gang o' vamps work as a fab metaphor for the horrors of starting college - it's just a shame the leader of the pack bit the dust so early (although she did poof in a cool hands-on-hips pose). Sarah Michelle Gellar is the star player here, making you really feel for Buffy as she so regularly does. While the rest of the gang are underused somewhat, this was probably meant to be - the first few days of college are disorientating and Buffy obviously went through this. Nick Brendon's screentime, though, is worth it - while his 'what-I-did-on-summer-vacation' speech is hilarious, Xander is also the reason behind Buffy regaining her confidence and facing up to college. Yay for Xander! Throw in some juicy hilarious Joss Whedon dialogue, inventive fight scenes (check out Buffy's backhand with a tennis racket!), Riley's first appearance, Kathy's debut (see Living Conditions) and some uber-cool mini-crossovers (the phone call and the guy at the Bronze - that WAS David Boreanaz) and you have an excellent starter to the Slayer's fourth year...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Living Conditions
Quick summary - Things are not well between Buffy and her college roomie Kathy. Because the Scoobies believe Buffy is off her rocker, they are oblivious to the real cause of all their problems - Kathy is a soul-sucking demon...
Best quote - Buffy; (when Kathy comments that Buffy must have gotten out of the wrong side of the bed) And guess what? You were next to it!
Comments - A bit of a crazy ep, this one! While the first half of it is splendid, containing lots of hilarious bitching between Kathy and our Buff, the final two acts are tedious in places. Saying that, while a coupla scenes are cringe-worthy (Kathy's subtitled argument with her demon father and the 'share time' thing) the whole thing is so out-there and wild that it borders on spoof-like comedy. The boys are left out in the cold a bit cos (as Buffy puts it) this episode is pretty much one big 'bitch attack'. Sarah Michelle Gellar is superb as a Cordelia-esque Buffy and so is guest star Dagney Kerr, who portrays Kathy to a tee (meaning she is really annoying, which is good because this is how the character should be). Alyson Hannigan is also funny as a torn Willow, wanting to believe her friend isn't crazy but failing. Other stuff of interest to note is the brief teaser for the Oz/Veruca fling, Parker's intro, the creepy nightmare sequences, and the fact that Will and Buff end up getting to share a room! Hooray!
Verdict - * * * 1/2

The Harsh Light Of Day
Quick summary - Buffy, Harmony and Anya all get treated unworthily as their men use and abuse them. Oh, and Spike's back!
Best quote - Anya; (on sex with Mr.Harris) I think it's the secret to getting you out of my mind. Putting you behind me. Behind me figuratively - I'm thinking face to face for the event itself...
Comments - Jane Espenson scripts mean one thing, and this is that you'll be guffawing as you watch the ep. This episode is no exception to that rule - Anya and Harmony are back and both as tactless as ever, making way for some of the most-likely-to-make-you-chuckle dialogue (most of it referring to sex in the ex-demon's case) of the season. While Spike's return isn't as explosive as you'd expect, it's good enough and makes way for the crossover episode In The Dark. While Spike's hunt for the whatever-of-Amarra is going on, Buffy is falling madly in love with Parker. This ends badly though when it's made clear Parker wanted the Slayer purely for a night of pleasure. While Espenson doesn't capture Buffy's heartbreak (she's just too funny), subsequent episodes show how the event affects Buffy in a mini-arc. Aside from loadsa priceless jokes, there's a fab fight scene and some great music choices (Bif Naked, Dollshead). Enjoy!
Verdict - * * * *

Fear, Itself
Quick summary - Halloween's here and the sidekicks try to comfort Buffy over her disastrous one-night stand with Parker. They do this by taking her to a frat party where each regular's worst fear is realised...I myself would prefer a box of chocs!
Best quote - Willow; (after being told by Buffy that her basic spells are only '50-50') Oh yeah?! Well... (struggling to come up with an insult) ...so's your face.
Comments - Trick or treat? Certainly a treat! Not as groovy as the second season's stab at a Halloween special, but a decent enough fright-fest! David Fury's script is quirkily written, featuring some coolio jokes and rib-tickling twists - the whole Gachnar thing is proof of how original and funny this show is. While dedicated to October 31st, this ep isn't all that special and serves mainly as a basic fun-filled scare-a-thon! The special effects are very cool indeed, there's an array of delightfully silly costumes (Rupert's sombrero, Anya's bunny outfit, for two examples), some quite scary scenes (Buffy being attacked by dead peeps, the skeleton in the closet) and some intelligent characterisation by way of what each character fears (much more satisfying here than in Nightmares). Oh, and does Sarah make an astonishingly sexy Red Riding Hood or what?! Ghoulish fun!
Verict - * * * 1/2

Beer Bad
Quick summary - Buffy attempts to get over Parker by drowning her sorrows with some egotistical frat boys. However, there's something unusual in the brew...
Best quote - Xander; (very loud and unseemly) Nothing can defeat the penis!
Comments - Not Beer Fab but not as bad as everyone makes out. While the caveman thing is truly cheesy and the beer-causes-badness metaphor is also contrived, there are plenty of other elements that save the day. There's a kick start to the Oz/Veruca plot (explored fully in the next ep), there's finally closure to the Buffy/Parker subject matter, and there's plenty of funny moments that make up for all the caveman grunting (such as Sarah Michelle's hilarious Cave Slayer, Willow confronting Parker, and Nick Brendon's performance). Not brill but so much better than stinkers like Ted - this is pure lighthearted entertainment not to be taken at all seriously! Just watch it and laugh!
Verdict - * * * 1/2

Wild At Heart
Quick summary - Oz gets jiggy with female werewolf Veruca, Oz breaks Willow's heart, and then Oz leaves...
Best quote - Buffy; I'm sure Oz is flogging and punishing himself... this is sounding wrong before I even finish.
Comments - Boy, can Alyson Hannigan act! Here, she shows off her skills alongside the equally talented Seth Green. While it's true that the other members of the gang are out of the picture for most of this ep, this is purely the Alyson-Seth show with some amazing scenes between the two of them - notably the final one where Oz leaves, and when Will discovers Oz with Veruca in his crypt. Get ready to cry buckets! This is just drama at its finest with mature dialogue and (did I mention?) breathtaking performances! Don't miss it...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

The Initiative
Quick sumary - Spike wakes up in an underground complex known as the Initiative - with a chip in his head which prevents him from hurting humans. As he struggles to deal with his inability to kill, Riley realizes he has a crush on Buffy - but what will she say when she finds out he's part of the Initiative, a regular Joe by day but demon hunter at night? Hmm.....
Best quote - Willow; (during the whole 'impotence' discussion with Spike) Maybe you were nervous...
Comments - Another super-dupa ep! James Marsters is now a fully-fledged regular with his name in the opening titles, and he gets a lot of the best scenes here. At first he is out for blood and Marsters makes his character quite threatening and menacing (check out the scene where he attacks Will). However, then he comes across a defanged fluffy harmless bunny - which will have you rolling around in stitches. While his convo with Will is a certain highlight, there's also plenty of other stuff going on. Back in the days when Riley wasn't the new boyfriend, he was pining for Buffy and using dreadful chat-up lines revolving around, of all things, cheese! Marc Blucas is truly funny in this ep as a hapless klutz. The fact that he's one of the soldiers we've seen now and again (The Freshman, Fear, Itself, Wild At Heart) adds to the character's credibility. We also learn Maggie Walsh and two of Riley's pals are part of the whole operation - intriguing to say the least! Aside from this, there's the absolutely rib-tickling catfight between Harm and Xander (it just cracks me up!), a great turn from Alyson Hannigan again (her scenes with Riley are cute, and she's still heartbroken over Oz), and some sparkling dialogue. This ep poses more questions than it answers but it's the feeling of not knowing what's going to happen next that makes it even cooler...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Pangs
Quick summary - Buffy attempts to cook the gang a marvellous Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. However, there are more than a few obstacles to overcome. There's Spike who is homeless but does have useful information about the commandos, and the vengeful Chumash tribe out to hang and de-ear many an American. Oh, and do you remember Angel? Well...
Best quote - Buffy; (when Anya keeps on claiming she's imagining having sex with Xander, as he digs and she watches) Imaginary Xander is quite the machine.
Comments - Third outstanding episode in a row! Jane Espenson (see The Harsh Light Of Day) is as witty as ever and the script for this ep proves it! Forty minutes of this ep is basically taken up by jokes, and the only thing that makes these jokes funnier are the comedic perfomances from the cast and their delivery ('You made a bear! Undo it, undo it!', hehe). Angel's return isn't really the focus but does provide some quips - Xander's mistake at the end is a classic, as are the expressions of everyone at the dinner table especially Spike and Anya. Speaking of, both are amazingly funny during the duration of this week's stay in Sunnydale - Emma Caulfield and James Marsters are just too fab!However, all of the cast seem to be revelling in the comedy. There are, though, some serious points raised in the Willow/Giles argument but I totally agree with Giles - you gotta look out for No.1. Alyson Hannigan's performace is a highlight (this girl's on a roll) even if Will doesn't see sense! While the Chumash tribe merely act as something for the gang to argue about and face up to (and plus there's not much of the Riley-wants-Buffy plot promised in the last ep), no-one really cares. This ep is a holiday treat to just plain enjoy! Only watching it with Angel counterpart I Will Remember You makes it even more satisfying! And some advice - don't choke laughing...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Something Blue
Quick summary - Willow, not over Oz, casts a spell to will her heart to mend. She believes this spell fails yet, without realising it, causes her friends to suffer by willing certain things to happen - for example, Spike and Buffy get it on...ohmigod!
Best quote - Buffy; (on the wedding invitations) Honey, we need to talk about the invitations. Now, do you want to be 'William the Bloody' or just 'Spike'? Because either way it's gonna look majorly weird.
Comments - Another brilliant episode which is what every filler episode should be; fun, not too heavy, and not completely devoid of plot developments. Alyson Hannigan, in a string of amazing performances over the past few eps, keeps up the trend and her character is the cause of some of the funniest scenes of the season. Spike and Buffy!!! HA!!!!!! Anyone who's watched Season Five will know Buffy and Spike are never gonna happen (maybe Joss will surprise us fans though) so this ep gives us a chance to see what a relationship between them would be like. In a few words; sick, twisted, but unbearably funny! Sarah Michelle and James seem to be having a blast, and the other members of the cast are also delightfully amusing - Tony Head as a blind Giles, Nicky Brendon and Em Caulfield as lovers being chased by demons, and Marc Blucas as Riley who is told by Buffy that she's getting married . Tracey Forbes' script is just as hilarious as any by Jane Espenson and is just fun from start to end - throw in a surprise cameo from Amy and the return of D'Hoffryn ('give us a chant') and you've got an ep that isn't much for the brain to work with, but a lot for the eyes and ears. Bravo!
Verdict - * * * * *

Hush
Quick summary - The Gentlemen, murderous fairytale creatures dressed in black suits and wearing gleaming metallic smiles, silence Sunnydale. This is so that they can cut into the townsfolk and steal their hearts - without the pesky screams from the victims. Prepare to be scared...
Best quote - Anya; (pre-silence) This isn't a relationship; you don't need me! All you care about is lots of orgasms.
Comments - The best episode of the show ever without a doubt, and possibly the best episode of any show ever. Everything on offer here is perfect - the blend of horror, suspense, comedy, creativity, and romance is only made better by the amazing direction, acting, makeup, score music, and writing. You can sooooo tell Joss Whedon was in charge of this one, as it fires on all cylinders. While there are some very funny scenes (the OHP scene, to name just one of many), the horror element is what makes this televisual experiment so satisfying for me. The Gentlemen are the only monsters in the history of the programme to scare the pants off me - they are truly nightmarish, gliding through the streets with not a sound, all polite until they rip out the hearts of innocent people. *shivers* This masterpiece is like a mini-movie and (mainly due to said villains, and atmospheric set-pieces) much in the style of Tim Burton's work. The fact that not a word is uttered for around half an hour is extraordinary and it's a wonder that it was pulled off in such an excellent manner. The character interaction is what saves the day though, as all our faves remain exactly the same - just not capable of speech. The theme of communication throughout the ep is indeed relative, and the fact that certain characters (Xander/Anya, Buffy/Riley) can only 'speak' to each other while silent is a great statement. Now that Buffy and Riley know of each other's career choices makes it so this ep does develop the storyline too. Other things to look out for are slight things that say a lot about how much we need conversation (Xander phoning Buffy, for instance), the inventive fight scenes, the return of Giles's girlfriendly Olivia, and the introduction of Tara and her witchy ways. Just make sure you see this - if not, you've missed one of the greatest examples of modern quality TV that your set has to offer! Kudos to Joss Whedon...
Verdict - * * * * * (and an extra * as this ep is out of this world)

Doomed
Quick summary - Buffy and Riley try to come to terms with their new knowledge about the other's job, while there's another apocalyptic ritual just waiting to happen to the chagrin of the Scoobs...
Best quote - Buffy; (explaining to Mr.Finn who she is) I'm the Slayer. (Riley looks on blankly.) Slay-er. Chosen One. She who hangs out a lot in cemeteries. (Still no bells ringing.) You're kidding me! Ask around. Look it up. Slayer, comma, The."
Comments - A solid enough ep which falters mainly because there was no way it could live up to its predecessor, Hush. There are other faults, such as the fact that there are three writers on one script - while all three are very talented, the action seems a little muddled for it feels as though each one wanted a fair piece of the cake. You can almost pick out the scenes that Espenson worked on, and the ones Noxon and Fury got control over. However, all in all, this is swell. The conflict between Buff and Riley is the main focus, and both Gellar and Blucas handle it well, but the best parts revolve around the 'sidekicks'. Alyson Hannigan is fab yet again, hurt by Percy's comment, and the bitching between the suicidal Spike and Xander is very funny. While Tony Head's voice is dubbed for some unknown reason and there's a severe lack of Emma Caulfield, the nostalgic feel due to the return trip to Sunnydale High makes us die-hard fans remember the good ol' days. And with a happy ending to match...aaw! And if you want pure violence, the fight scenes are also wicked. A grower...
Verdict - * * * *

A New Man
Quick summary - Giles feels out of the loop when Buffy's nineteenth birthday hits, so he (rather foolishly) spends the night in a pub with Ethan Rayne. To say he wakes up with the worst hangover he's ever had is an understatement. ..
Best quote - Prof.Walsh; (after discovering Buffy is the Slayer, on the difference between the Slayer and the Initiative) It's only our methods that differ. We use the latest in scientific technology and state-of-the-art weaponry, and you, if I understand correctly, poke them with a sharp stick.
Comments - Hmmmmmmm...I usually love Jane Espenson scripts and, don't get me wrong, this has many hilarious moments. However, it's not enough to satisfy me as an individual. While Giles as a demon chasing Ms.Walsh down Main Street is an image I wouldn't give up for anything in the world, this ep just feels like a void to me - in that it leaves me with an empty feeling after I've viewed it. It's all harmless stuff - there's googly eyes between Riley and Buffy, Anthony Stewart Head seems to be revelling in his role as a Fyarl, and James Marsters is ever-so amusing in his 'buddy' scenes with Rupert. But it's all just a way to get Giles integrated into the action. The only other really intriguing and important development is the 314 mystery which we are given slight clues about. However, it is a fun ride while it lasts, and Robin Sachs as Rayne is as great as ever. Just a little too empty, and the first of two rather substandard eps in my eyes...
Verdict - * * *

The I In Team
Quick summary - Buffy gets a tour of the Initiative which leads Ms.Walsh to fear that her rival for Riley's attention is getting too close to something. While Willow feels left out, Ms.Walsh sets up a death trap for the Slayer...
Best quote - Anya; (on her and Xander, after Willow comments that Buffy's got a brand-spanking-new boyfriend) Yes, we've enjoyed spanking!
Comments - Quite a lethargic and slow episode which fails to get going until near the end. While there are some hilarious dialogue exchanges, there's a big lack of action. While Lindsay Crouse handles Walsh's spiral into paranoia over Buffy extremely well, she's not all that threatening. While her pet project Adam seems to be the opposite, he/it does not get a piece of the action until the surprising and cool end ('Mommy'). By now, the Buffy and Riley relationship is also beginning to grate, as they're just too lovesick at this stage. However, the later events of this episode promise to spice things up between them. Basically, the job of this episode is to set things up - leaving only the continuing relationship between Tara and Willow, and the events of the final act to keep the interest. Patchy...
Verdict - * * *

Goodbye Iowa
Quick summary - While Riley suffers withdrawal systems from the drugs Walsh was secretly pumping him with, Buffy must infiltrate the Initiative to find out what the dead professor was so desperate to hide...
Best quote - Anya; (on Buffy's choice in love interests) You know you really should get yourself a boring boyfriend. Like Xander. You can't have Xander.
Comments - Slightly better than The I In Team but still a little dull for an ep that answers a few questions we've been dying to know the answers to. Marc Blucas is given some decent material to work with as a confused and ill Riley - due to the death of his mother figure and the rift between The Slayer and his place of work, he doesn't know where his trust should lie. While the main plot revolves around Adam, who we learn is an ultimate killing machine in this ep, there are also some interesting subplots - the demons hatred for Spike, and Tara's questionable identity (see Season Five's Family). However, at times, the episode drags on when it shouldn't. The tying up of many a loose end makes up for this, though...
Verdict - * * * 1/2

This Year's Girl
Quick summary - While the Scooby Gang question what course of action they should take in trying to hunt down Adam, Faith awakens from her coma and decides to pay 'blondie' a visit. Woo hoo...
Best quote - Willow; (her thoughts on Faith) She's like this cleavagey slutbomb walking around going 'Ooh. Check me out, I'm wicked cool. I'm five by five.'
Comments - Eliza Dushku's return can only mean one thing...party! Her performance here is as wicked as ever, as Faith wakes up to find the world has moved on without her. She displays many an emotion as the confused rogue slayer, and is five by five! Best scenes are the confrontations between the two Slayers which serve up some tasty action and catfight combat - yummy! The dream sequences are also very cool, and so is the return of Harry G as the Mayor on videotape. This also makes way for the cool cliffhanger and the fabulous follow-up ep Who Are You. Kristine Sutherland and the Watcher's Council guys also make worthwhile appearances. However, there are a couple of bad points that take away from part one, the worst being the amount of time taken up discussing the events of the previous episode and what the gang feel they should do next - a waste of precious Faith time! However, overall, this one is a keeper, even if it's not as explosive as part two...
Verdict - * * * *

Who Are You
Quick summary - After the body switch, Faith gets used to life in Buffy's body. Meanwhile, Buffy is kidnapped by the Watcher's Council's Special Operations thugs, as they think she is Faith...
Best quote - Faith; (as Buffy, to Spike) I could ride you at a gallop until your legs buckled and your eyes rolled up. I've got muscles you've never even dreamed of. I could squeeze you until you popped like warm champagne, and you would beg me to hurt you just a little bit more. And you know why I don't? (pauses) Because it's wrong...
Comments - A super Joss Whedon masterpiece. It's been a while since Sarah Michelle Gellar really got a chance to cut loose and show off her acting range - but now we see her portray Faith, and is she as brilliant as Dushku? Of course! We also see Eliza's portrayal of Buffy, which isn't as exciting or sexy, but still shows off her talents. The best parts of this episode are those when we see Faith's hatred for herself (check out what she says while fighting Buffy, who is in Faith's body) and are followed up on in the crossover with the spinoff. There's also some wicked exchanges between Faith and those people that Buffy knows (look above for the 'Best Quote') and Faith's seduction of Riley, which causes friction between Buffy and Riley in the next episode. Aside from the whole Buffy/Faith stuff, there's a sweaty spell performed by Buffy and Tara which just screams 'metaphor for sex', gruesome goings-on with Adam, and a chance to see the nastier side of the Watcher's Council again. Three cheers!
Verdict - * * * * *

Superstar
Quick summary - Jonathan has performed a spell that has made the entire population of Sunnydale (except Adam) believe that he is a star. However, the appearance of a monster that attacks Tara could risk his position...
Best quote - Anya; (when Buffy doesn't leave when she tells her that Xander isn't home) You're not going away. Why aren't you going away?
Comments - Filler thriller! Jane Espenson is the only writer (okay, apart from Joss) who could have pulled this Jonathan showcase off. Inventive, tongue-in-cheek, and damn darned funny are just a few things that this episode is. It's the little things that count like the comment that Jonathan starred in The Matrix, and the billboards plastered with his face - it's just so original and twisted. The Buffy/Riley rift provides some melodrama but who really cares about that? This is just pure dazzling entertainment. Things to point out include the oh-so-cheesy-but-fitting score courtesy of Chris Beck, the fact that Tara's involved a lot more now in the action, and Danny Strong's star performance...
Verdict - * * * *

Where The Wild Things Are
Quick summary - Xander and Anya experience their first big row, while Buffy and Riley recover from the aftermath of their first big relationship-type problem and boink like bunnies. Throw in the Lowell House frat party where many a kid suffered abuse years ago and you've got a situation that leads to craziness...
Best quote - Anya; (in one of her many heated arguments with Xander) I'm just trying to tell you that we have nothing in common besides both of us liking your penis, and now I don't even have that!
Comments - Many fans put down this episode, thinking it was bad taste to have a randy couple 'keeping it up' for 90% of it. However, when push comes to shove, I think it's a fun and fluffy filler which succeeds in developing the relationship between Anya and Xander. Nick Brendon and Emma Caulfield's onscreen chemistry is amazing, yet often ignored - this ep gives them a chance to shine while feeding off each other, and sees them in the spotlight in a season where they were often ignored. It's nice to have Buffy and Riley offscreen a lot of the time for a change, in juxtaposition, in a season where they were always involved. While similar to Fear, Itself in a way because of its haunted house plotline, this ep does manage to carve out its own identity and deals with the serious subject of child abuse. The real villain of this episode is not the supernatural force of the oppressed children but the woman who caused their pain and tortured them, and an episode that deals with such an issue should be given ten-out-of-ten for effort. There's also some downright creepy scenes, some nice interplay between Alyson Hannigan and Amber Benson, and Giles's acoustic set!
Verdict - * * * *

New Moon Rising
Quick summary - More painful experiences of the emotional kind for Willow when Oz returns, claiming that his wolf side is under control, disrupting her relationship with Tara...
Best quote - Willow; (to Oz just before they say their farewells) I was waiting. I feel like some part of me will always be waiting for you. Like if I'm old and blue-haired and I turn the corner in Istanbul, and there you are. I won't be surprised... Because you're with me, you know?
Comments - Purely performance-driven and what a drive it is! Alyson Hannigan's work is more mature and frgihteningly effective than ever, and Seth Green matches that while Amber Benson also gets a chance to show off her skills. The triangle between the three characters gives the actors an opportunity to just act drama, and they sure do deliver. There's chemistry galore, and a tear-inducing scene now and again. There's also Riley's decision to quit the Initiative and his feelings towards Willow's wolf-like ex, which sets up the conflict between him and Angel in The Yoko Factor. Basically, this is just a way to get the lesbian relationship off the ground, and to give the Oz/Willow relationship some closure. While there's not much plot, the writing is brilliant along with the acting and makes the whole thing worthwhile. While it's heartbreaking for Will to say goodbye to Oz again, there's the sweet end that leaves the future open for Will and her new girlfriend...
Verdit - * * * * *

The Yoko Factor
Quick summary - Angel returns to Sunnydale to apologise for what he said to Buffy in L.A. While he and Riley come to blows, Spike causes the gang to fall out by going behind their backs and playing on their weaknesses. This results in a long overdue argument which ends with Buffy going to hunt Adam all by her lonesome...
Best quote - Riley; (on Angel) Even when he's good, he's all Mr. Billowy Coat King of Pain...
Comments - A cool way to tie up many loose ends just before the all-action Primeval. The brewing friction between the four core members of the Scooby Gang is finally let out in a fantastic argument scene in Giles's flat - while it manages to be funny, it is also heartbreaking to see the gang we know so well (nearly) falling apart. Angel shows up on the scene, too, to mend his rift with Buffy that started up in the L.A. episode Sanctuary. They part on good terms, which is satisfying, but not as lovers. It's good to see how much they've grown since the earlier seasons. We also learn more of Adam's big masterplan, which involves Riley in some way. This is left open for the next ep. Highlights include the fight scenes between Riley and Buffy's ex, and Spike's meddling.
Verdict - * * * 1/2

Primeval
Quick summary - Buffy and her friends make up, and head underground into the Initiative. There Buffy takes on Adam, along with her pals, who perform a spell that allows them to join forces...
Best quote - Buffy; (taking a stand to Colonel I'm-Up-My-Own-Ass) I'm the Slayer. You're playing on my turf...
Comments - Wow-ee! The all-out-there explosive episode is a little premature this season to make way for Restless but it's still a corker. In what is a whirlwind of violence and special effects, Buffy and her ever-so-dependable crew infiltrate the Initiative and show those soldiers that they are in charge of such matters as Adam. It's great to have the four original members back together with all of the conflict behind them now. Although Adam was a pretty weak Big Bad, if he'd never been created we wouldn't have got this totally cool ep, so respect his creation! The fight scenes totally rip off The Matrix but I don't give a damn. This one feels like a mini-movie and is simply brilliant. Damn straight! The enjoining spell also has many a consequence (see Restless).
Verdict - * * * * *

Restless
Quick summary - After the big battle with Adam, Buffy invites the gang over for a night of vid-viewing. However, they dose off and are hunted by the spirit of the first ever Slayer in their dreams...
Best quote - The Cheese Man; I wear the cheese. It does not wear me...
Comments - Wow-ee! Again! While much much different to any season finale we've been served up before, this is just a stonker of an ending. There are hints about the future of the show ('Be back before Dawn') and many things answered in the dream sequences. And what sequences they are! Class plays, lesbian kissing action, Giles taking the stage and singing the storyline, and the Cheese Man are just a few of the wacky and intriguing things that are included. Each dream is puzzling but each tells us many things about that character, and I'm sure the riddles kept you thinking for the rest of the year like they did with me. The dreams also contain cameo appearances from a few old faces (Oz, Snyder, Adam, etc.). The most striking thing about this episode though, aside from the writing, is the direction. Each dream contains some striking images - Miss Kitty stomping towards the camera, the 'green' section of Xander's dream, Buffy putting the mud on her face, the sweeping shot of the desert, and the John Woo style fight scene with many a slow-mo shot. Kudos to Joss Whedon (I'm sure he's used to it by now) for this enigmatic and inventive masterpiece. Truly amazing...
Verdict - * * * * *

SEASON FOUR OVERVIEW
Nobody likes change? Well, I certainly liked this season - and it was all change. Out with the old metaphors for high school life, and in with the new metaphors for college life. During the first year of college, you have to adjust to a new situation, a new living space, and new people. The characters did this in Season Four and, so, grew and changed because of it. While some people didn't like the fact that Xander and Giles were left behind, the truth is that you lose touch with old friends after being thrown into such a different environment. While it was a little unfair that Brendon and Head didn't get a fair amount of the action, when they did they shone. And with the reuniting of the gang in Primeval and Restless, you can be sure that they'll have more screentime in Season Five...
Some of the new aspects and characters of the show have changed it for the better. The show feels a little more grown up than the high school episodes, and this may have been what caused Mr.Whedon to come up with more innovative ideas which led to experimental and mature TV such as Hush and Restless. In any case, there are many standouts this year. There's also been the addition of Anya to the show, who is given a more permanent role than in Season Three and spices up the show in the way that the dialogue is a lot more risque now. Anya is a sexually charged human now, and this has let the writers get away with a lot more. To be honest, this season is more comic than any other, I feel, and it's the comedy ingredient that makes this run what it is - fun, zesty, and entertaining. The drama is also stronger than ever, though, too - look at such episodes as Wild At Heart and New Moon Rising for proof.
The big problem with this season is its main story arc. You never really can tell whether the Initiative or Adam is the Big Bad, and the focus switches from one to the other. Adam is also not given a true chance, as he is brought into the mix after the halfway point, which is a little too late. Marc Blucas is part of the Initiative and one of the reasons why so many Buffy viewers dissed the fourth year. I do agree that the character Riley does get boring towards the end of the stretch of episodes but Blucas does a fine job when he's given something to work with - as in episodes The Initiative, Doomed, Goodbye Iowa, and The Yoko Factor. The simple fact is, though, that he is just a little too dull. So are his soldier pals Forrest and Graham...
I, though, respect this season's change in direction. Many a fan would have complained if the season had been a carbon copy of the first three yet when the series dares to be different they also reject it. The writing and directing is as good as ever, as is the characterisation. Performances are stellar, and the star turn this year has to be from Alyson Hannigan - Willow starts the year excited about college, then is heartbroken when Oz leaves, meets Tara and then is thrown into despair when Oz returns forcing her to make a choice. And Hannigan handled it all with a subtle yet powerful range - congrats! Not as good as the third season for storylines and action but a definite improvement on some levels. Not to be dismissed...