This isn't a bad episode if you see the main story line as a joke. There are demons trying to open the Hellmouth, "again." And the Scoobies are trying to stop them. It's pretty standard stuff and nobody seems real worried about the possible end of the world. Instead of focusing on the brewing apocalypse, I recommend watching the Xander, Willow and Spike scenes. The three of them are actually pretty funny together. Plus, this episode reveals that Spike can fight demons, which sets up his new fighting-on-the good-side thing. So, if you're watching on DVD just skip Riely and Buffy's tedious relationship talks and the demons trying to end the world and watch Spike bond with the Scoobies.
The episode revolves around the theme of moving on. Moving on from high school (specifically from the Hellmouth of Sunnydale High), from old loves (specifically Angel), from old ways of life (specifically the limitations imposed by Spike's chip), and from old ideas about yourself (specically Willow and Xander's outdated images about themselves.) They all believe that they're stuck in their roles, with no way to change things. But, in reality they just have to move on from their old baggage. Nobodies "doomed," they just have to adjust to things around them changing.
Riley and Buffy have just discovered the truth about each other. She's the Slayer and he's a commando-guy and neither one of them know how to handle the situation. She's reluctant to get involved with another "non-normal" boyfriend and tried to break things off. Meanwhile an earthquake in Sunnydale signals the start of a new apocalypse plot. Three demons are out to end the world and the Scoobies have to stop them... As usual.
Back at Xander's house, Spike is having a hard time adjusting to life a has-been Big Bad. He can't even intimidate Xander into doing his bidding. Distraught over his new chip-head situation, he tries to stake himself. Willow and Xander walk in on his attempt and drag him along on their research trip so he won't hurt himself. As it turns out, the demons are trying to open the Hellmouth. Spike, Buffy, Willow and Xander head back to Sunnydale High to stop the apocalypse. While there, Spike learns that he can fight demons without setting off his chip. Riley soon arrives and helps Buffy stop the end of the world.
There are some really good parts to this episode. I love Spike and seeing him in that stupid shirt is pretty funny. I think it's sort of sweet that he really did try to do the laundry and it didn't work. He has no idea how to function in the non-evil world. He's used to beating people up or threatening them to get his way. Now, he's helpless and alone. His "Good-bye Dru... See you in hell" suicide speech is really sort of touching. Spike feels that he's lost the one attribute that defined him... His ability to be the strongest and best fighter. I'm actually happy for him when he finds out that he can kill demons. Also, I love that the magical amulet thing was in Giles's house the whole time. "I bought it at a wizards estate sale," is a far better way to find the mystical do-dad then the usual hunt through Sunnydale's crypts.
Mostly, I like this episode for Willow, Spike and Xander's scenes, though. Spike can find people's sore spots so easily and he's willing to fight back without his fists. He belittles the Scoobies, making them question their place in Buffy's world. Willow is dealing Oz leaving and Percy calling a nerd. Xander is a pizza-delivery guy living in his parents basement. A few words from Spike and they're both thinking back to the high school "losers" that were before Buffy came to Sunnydale. The ironic part is, Spike is the only one who ever sees the importance of the Scoobies in Buffy's slaying. He thinks that they keep her alive. (see season two's "School Hard" and season five's "Fool for Love.") He's playing on their fears and insecurities, not saying what he really believes. He'll use the same tactic later this season in "They Yoko Factor." But, when they're all battling at the end, Willow tosses the mystical bones to Spike, expecting that he will fight on their side. Even though he's been pining for an apocalypse to end his misery. And Spike does automatically try to protect the bones. Then, Xander goes back to help Spike when he's hit over the head. (Spike will return the favor in season seven's "Dirty Girls") And they all cover for Spike with when he lies to Riley "I'm a friend of Zannnndeeeersss." They're kind of getting along, they just don't get along.
On the downside, there's Riely. Every scene with him in it just drags. Also, it seems like there's something wrong with the dialog recording in a lot of the episode. Like lines were re-dubbed or added later. And since we were going back to Sunnydale High, I wish we had used the shows history a bit more. Have Spike point out the spot where he attacked on Parent/Teacher Night (season two's "School Hard") or have the Scoobies find that little cheerleader statue ("season one's "The Witch.") Also, Spike's pants inexplicably switch from shorts to jeans over the course of the episode and it bugs me.
My favorite part of the episode: Spike's "lets kill something" pep-talk to Willow and Xander at the end.
The episode revolves around the theme of moving on. Moving on from high school (specifically from the Hellmouth of Sunnydale High), from old loves (specifically Angel), from old ways of life (specifically the limitations imposed by Spike's chip), and from old ideas about yourself (specically Willow and Xander's outdated images about themselves.) They all believe that they're stuck in their roles, with no way to change things. But, in reality they just have to move on from their old baggage. Nobodies "doomed," they just have to adjust to things around them changing.
Riley and Buffy have just discovered the truth about each other. She's the Slayer and he's a commando-guy and neither one of them know how to handle the situation. She's reluctant to get involved with another "non-normal" boyfriend and tried to break things off. Meanwhile an earthquake in Sunnydale signals the start of a new apocalypse plot. Three demons are out to end the world and the Scoobies have to stop them... As usual.
Back at Xander's house, Spike is having a hard time adjusting to life a has-been Big Bad. He can't even intimidate Xander into doing his bidding. Distraught over his new chip-head situation, he tries to stake himself. Willow and Xander walk in on his attempt and drag him along on their research trip so he won't hurt himself. As it turns out, the demons are trying to open the Hellmouth. Spike, Buffy, Willow and Xander head back to Sunnydale High to stop the apocalypse. While there, Spike learns that he can fight demons without setting off his chip. Riley soon arrives and helps Buffy stop the end of the world.
There are some really good parts to this episode. I love Spike and seeing him in that stupid shirt is pretty funny. I think it's sort of sweet that he really did try to do the laundry and it didn't work. He has no idea how to function in the non-evil world. He's used to beating people up or threatening them to get his way. Now, he's helpless and alone. His "Good-bye Dru... See you in hell" suicide speech is really sort of touching. Spike feels that he's lost the one attribute that defined him... His ability to be the strongest and best fighter. I'm actually happy for him when he finds out that he can kill demons. Also, I love that the magical amulet thing was in Giles's house the whole time. "I bought it at a wizards estate sale," is a far better way to find the mystical do-dad then the usual hunt through Sunnydale's crypts.
Mostly, I like this episode for Willow, Spike and Xander's scenes, though. Spike can find people's sore spots so easily and he's willing to fight back without his fists. He belittles the Scoobies, making them question their place in Buffy's world. Willow is dealing Oz leaving and Percy calling a nerd. Xander is a pizza-delivery guy living in his parents basement. A few words from Spike and they're both thinking back to the high school "losers" that were before Buffy came to Sunnydale. The ironic part is, Spike is the only one who ever sees the importance of the Scoobies in Buffy's slaying. He thinks that they keep her alive. (see season two's "School Hard" and season five's "Fool for Love.") He's playing on their fears and insecurities, not saying what he really believes. He'll use the same tactic later this season in "They Yoko Factor." But, when they're all battling at the end, Willow tosses the mystical bones to Spike, expecting that he will fight on their side. Even though he's been pining for an apocalypse to end his misery. And Spike does automatically try to protect the bones. Then, Xander goes back to help Spike when he's hit over the head. (Spike will return the favor in season seven's "Dirty Girls") And they all cover for Spike with when he lies to Riley "I'm a friend of Zannnndeeeersss." They're kind of getting along, they just don't get along.
On the downside, there's Riely. Every scene with him in it just drags. Also, it seems like there's something wrong with the dialog recording in a lot of the episode. Like lines were re-dubbed or added later. And since we were going back to Sunnydale High, I wish we had used the shows history a bit more. Have Spike point out the spot where he attacked on Parent/Teacher Night (season two's "School Hard") or have the Scoobies find that little cheerleader statue ("season one's "The Witch.") Also, Spike's pants inexplicably switch from shorts to jeans over the course of the episode and it bugs me.
My favorite part of the episode: Spike's "lets kill something" pep-talk to Willow and Xander at the end.