User Reviews

Season seven made it clear in the very first episode that our heroes were up against some huge evil power, and then they got to know what that entity is, exactly. That entity is a mighty enemy because it has both the muscle and the brain. It can seriously influence the minds of our heroes in order to demoralize them and separate them from each other. And then it can summon a monster to go plow through the ones it wants dead. Only Buffy proved strong enough to deal with it. And the "big bad" itself may be very powerful, but not almighty, after all. After "Showtime", things became relatively calm, and our heroes got a chance to breathe. But it wouldn't last, because the ultimate evil has another card up the sleeve. One that you won't even notice until it is too late. An agent kept secret until the moment to be called for, and one nobody would ever even suspect because he is a human being and a priest. Only this opponent proved even worse than that ancient vampire warrior that almost killed Buffy in "Bring on the Night", this one is even stronger physically. Someone has been either killed or seriously injured. And Buffy became unwelcome in her own house because she is the leader here, and whoever gets hurt or killed, their blood is on her hands. She has just been forced to leave the house. A unanimous decision, except Spike wasn't around at the time, but he's about to come back from an important mission. One where he was looking for information on that human priest masked beast. So, this is now the episode called "Touched".

On the surface, there isn't much going on here, but what seems to be and what is may not be the same. Buffy and Spike are out of the equation for a certain amount of time here, and Buffy's house is crowded with people. They have a new leader now, and one that has a history with Buffy, a history going way back and not all friendly. But the point here is value. You don't really value what you have until you've lost it and have to keep going without it. Buffy may have made a mistake, for sure, but how many times has she saved them? And since when does "we no longer follow your leadership" equal "we get to force you out of your own house, the one you've been so generous to present to us all as shelter for this crazy time"? They may all have to learn the hard way what they have lost by kicking Buffy out. And now think about this. She has died twice. She's been brought back twice. She's been near death as a result of battle injury, and none of that has been able to break her spirit. But here, now, something almost has. The fact that after all she's done, she was thrown out by exactly the ones she's been doing all of it for. Sometimes you don't need to be injured or defeated in a fight to give up, sometimes what pushes you too far is how you are treated by the ones closest to you regardless of what you've gone through for them. And Buffy is now nearly lost. Thankfully, she does still have someone who won't turn their back on her, and won't just go with emotion. And it is Spike.

Spike has never been welcome with anyone here but Buffy herself, and even between the two of them, there were problems, and every time she had to defend him from the others, she would bring up his physical strength. She'd always say they needed him because he was muscle and good in a fight. And she was right about that. He is good in a fight. But what's so interesting about this scenario is as follows. Buffy did need Spike, but for a different reason, and she may not have known it herself. She is now at the point of giving up and abandoning all, and if she does, nothing good comes anyone's way, she has to come back. But she can't come back by herself, she needs someone to bring her back, and that happens to be Spike. He is more experienced than any other of the heroes, and he has now known Buffy for a good time, and he can tell when a bad decision has been made. The good guys getting rid of Buffy was a bad decision, and her decision to finally give up is no good either, and Spike is there to convince her to return. Words can cut deep and hurt bad, but they can also help when they are the right ones and well-meant. And that's what Spike has to say now. Watching him and Buffy finally talk to each other calmly, reaching understanding and warmth after all they've been through, that was something special. Remember, a man is not just "muscle", a man is also common sense, and a heart. And Buffy going up against Caleb once again was as brilliant as it was simple. The confrontation between them in the end of this episode reminded me of Buffy facing Adam in "Primeval", and few things can do that.

The Good; Wonderful scene between Faith and The Mayor/First, so great to see him back. Buffy finally bests Caleb and some Buffy and Spike scenes to set the Spuffer's hearts aflutter. Oh and everyone has loads of sex

The Bad; I know Spike's trapped in the mission but what about Andrew, surely he can pop out, get a paper? What does Caleb want with the scythe, what good is it to him? Surely the Scoobs must realise that the Bringer will tip off The First allowing it to set the trap?

Best line; Buffy (tearfully); "I don't want to be the one" does she mean the Slayer or just alone? but I do like; Wood; (of The First) "It was just trying to find your Achilles heel" Faith; "No it just talked to me. It does a heel thing too?" (once this Twilight business is over I think it's night classes for you my dear)

Women good/men bad; Interestingly Caleb refers to 'brute strength' just before Buffy wipes the floor with him. It's a very female concept, he has strength and speed but she's agile and intuitive, able to anticipate his every move. Once again Buffy shows her strength as a general, playing to her strengths and turning his power to her advantage.

Jeez!; Giles slits the Bringer's throat

Kinky dinky; Xander and Anya have ice cream sex on the kitchen floor, Faith plays 'ride'em cowgirl' with Wood, him succumbing to her charms by saying "You're the leader"

Captain Subtext; Buffy says that she and Spike were never close and he only wanted her as she was unattainable. But actually the sexless scene between her and Spike falling asleep in one another's arms is the closest they've ever been. Note both Faith and Wood lost their mother at a young age, his mother was a Slayer and now he has sex with one whilst her attraction to him has the same 'Electral' (is that how you put it?) elements as Buffy's. Kennedy says she's going to give Willow 'Screaming joy' and 'Unrestrained moaning'. Obviously thinks a lot of herself in the sack, maybe it's the pierced tongue? She also says she'll 'tether Willow down'. She must be pretty impressive as Xander and Anya can hear Willow moaning all the way down in the kitchen. A nice little moment between Faith and Giles when he praises her leadership, just as with Wes in the Angel-'souless'-arc, Watcher and Slayer finally as it always was intended to be. Faith says it's 'been a while' when she seduces Wood, implying since she's had sex or been with a man? Faith admits to Wood that Wilkins was like a father to her. Then she beds Wood, another older man authority figure with a dark side and possibly demonic essence.

Guantanamo Bay; Torturing the captured Bringer and then Giles slitting his throat in cold blood.

Kills: 2 Bringers for Kennedy who seems the best fighter of all the Potentials by some way. Another Bringer for Giles and one each for Vi, Kennedy and Faith Buffy: 125 vamps, 62 demons, 6 monsters, 10 humans, 1 werewolf, 1 spirit warrior & a robot Giles: 8 vamps, 2 demons, 3 humans/1 god. Will: 6 vamps + 3 demons +1 fawn+1 human. Oz: 3 vamps, 1 zombie Faith: 19 vamps, 6 demons, 4 humans. Xander: 6 vamps, 2 zombies, 1 a demon, 2 humans Anya: 1 vamp and 1 a demon Riley; 18 vamps + 7 demons Spike; 11 vamps and 7 demons+1 human Buffybot; 2 vamps Tara; 1 demon Dawn; 1 vamp + 1 demon Kennedy; 3 humans+1 vampire Amanda; 1 vampire Woods; 5 vamps and 2 demons Vi; 1 human

Alternate scoobies: possessed Andrew

Total number of scoobies: 35 or so. Again, despite the house teeming with Potentials no Chao-Anh but Vi is back. Xander, Buffy, Dawn, Willow, Anya, Spike, Giles, Kennedy, Vi, Rhona, Amanda, Chao-Anh, Wood, Andrew, Faith plus an indeterminate number of potentials.

Notches on Scooby bedpost: Faith beds Wood and Willow and Kennedy finally get it on Giles: 2; Joyce & Olivia, possibly Jenny and 3xDraccy babes? Buffy: 4 confirmed; Angel, Parker, Riley, Spike. 3 possible, Dracula+RJ+Shadowmen's demon(?) Joyce: 1;Giles, 2 possible, Ted and Dracula(?) Oz: 3; Groupie, Willow & Verucca Faith:4 ;Xander, Riley, Bullwhip guy and Wood. Xander: 2; Faith, Anya Willow: 3;Oz, Tara and Kennedy Riley; 3; Buffy, Sandy and unnamed vampwhore Spike; 2 Buffy and Anya Anya; 2 Spike and Xander Kennedy; 1 Willow Wood; 1 Faith

Questions and observations; Amanda during the opening argument very reminiscent of Willow during Buffy's 'intervention' over Angel's return in Revalations (in fact Amanda AND Vi are very reminiscent of season 1 Willow in many ways). Dawn very much in the junior Watcher role now and seemingly a confidant for Giles (the closest thing to Buffy for him?). Buffy feels bad about how she's treated the gang saying she cut herself off and always did. Does the First tell the truth when it takes a form? Everything it says comes true just not in the way people think. What is Caleb's agenda? He wants to rid the world of sin yet allies himself with the First Evil? Or does he just want to destroy humanity as he's so disgusted in them? The fight scenes very Matrix like, Buffy even doing Neo's backward flailing move. The First yearns to be able to touch once more, is that it's eternal punishment, to never be able to feel the flesh? To walk amongst the living yet not know life? Check out Xander's little turn to the camera as the rest are talking, for a moment you almost think he's going to turn traitor (like Wes in WITW)

Marks out of 10; 8/10

Buffy moves into the first house she finds and kicks out the person living there. Faith it trying to gain control at the Summers house with much resistance from Kennedy. The First, in Mayor form, gives Faith a visit. Love is in the air as Faith/Wood, Willow/Kennedy and Xander/Anya all have sex, while Buffy/Spike share their most touching moment. Faith captures a Bringer, while Buffy goes after Caleb.

Why It's So Good - It is all about these characters after all. And we get some great moments with each of our heroes, but ultimately it is Spike and Buffy - and particularly Spike's speech - that is the highlight.

Watch Out For - Xander and Anya.

Quote - " Well, gosh! I think a "Hello" or a "Nice to see you" might be a little more welcome. It's the end of humanity Faith, not the end of courtesy." - The Mayor/The First.

After Buffy is voted out of power in "Empty Places," I'm just waiting for Spike to get back to the house. I want him to confront those traitors and REALLY let them have it. "Touched" is an episode that doesn't disappoint on that score. In fact, if you like Spike and Buffy, this is probably the episode for you. Not only does it have Spike defending Buffy's "Chosen One" status, it also has some of Spike and Buffy's most beautiful scenes together. The Buffyverse is always more about love, than sex when it comes to showing a real bond between people. As the couples back at the Summers' house have sex, Buffy and Spike spend the night just holding each other. Transcending their physical relationship, Spike and Buffy make a real emotional connection in "Touched." It's sort of the capstone of their entire romance. You really shouldn't skip this episode if you're watching the season.

"Touched" picks up right where "Empty Places" left off. Buffy has been kicked out of her home and has taken refuge in an abandoned house. (Well, NOW it's abandoned. She forces the owner out, telling him he has to leave Sunnydale.) Spike and Andrew are at the church researching Caleb. Back at the Summers' house, Faith is trying to lead the Potentials, but things are dissolving in to chaos as everyone tries to assert their opinions. They finally decide to kidnap at Bringer and torture him for information. Unfortunately, Bringers don't have any tongues, so the Scoobies work on a spell to communicate with their new hostage. Before they get too far, though, Spike and Andrew come home. Nobody can meet Spike's eyes as he demands to know where Buffy is. Willow finally steps up and carefully explains that they took a vote and Buffy is now "taking a little break." Spike is completely unimpressed with that excuse. He begins shouting at the Scoobies, reminding them that Buffy died for them and that turning on her now is ridiculously disloyal. Faith quickly tries to stop Spike's rant. She wants him to just accept things and follow her leadership. Spike hits her. Faith and Spike battle their way in to dining room, at which point Spike tosses her into a wall and stalks out to find Buffy.

After questioning the Bringer with their spell, the Scoobies decide to attack some armory that Caleb has. Faith is still uncertain of her leadership skills and she's doubly shaken when the First pays her a visit looking like the Mayor. Mr. Wood's comes to talk to Faith and the two of them end up sleeping together. Anya and Xander also have sex, as do Willow and Kennedy. Spike finally tracks down Buffy at the abandoned house. Buffy is feeling utterly defeated. Spike promises that they will get her "head Slayer" job back and tells her that he thinks that Caleb is hiding a weapon at the vineyard. Buffy is too depressed to care. Spike gives her a very moving speech, about how he loves and believes in her and that she has to keep fighting. "You're the One, Buffy." Buffy is touched. As Spike turns to leave she asks him to stay and just hold her. Spike and Buffy lay side-by-side on the bed, just staring at each other. The next morning, Buffy heads off to confront Caleb. Faith and the Potentials head for the armory. Buffy evades Caleb's attacks and finds a magical ax thing embedded in a hunk of stone. Faith accidentally leads the Potentials into a trap. As they search the armory, a bomb goes off.

There are some good parts to this episode. A big, BIG "thank you" to Faith for telling Kennedy to back off. I hate Kennedy and I'm just so happy someone finally called her on her constant whining. Really, though, most of the episode is about Spike. In the entire Buffyverse, Spike never comes off more heroic and romantic than he is in "Touched." Seriously, his speech to Buffy in the bedroom is one of the high points of the season. Every word of it is poetry. And when he and Buffy cuddle up next to each other on the bed, they just fit together perfectly. The scene flashes from Anya and Xander, to Willow and Kennedy, to Faith and Mr. Wood all having sex. And then to Buffy and Spike just staring into each others eyes and it's pretty clear which couple is establishing the most intimate connection. Also, I was just so furious at the Scoobies for turning on Buffy in "Empty Places" that I'm glad they look guilty when Spike starts yelling at them. Actually, they seem worried from the second that he walks into the kitchen, as if they already know that he's not going to be on their side. They insist that they're right. But as Spike shouts, they seem to begin questioning themselves. Not even Giles defends himself as Spike snarls that Giles' can't handle the fact that Buffy has "surpassed" him now. By the end they're just staring at the floor. They deserve to feel bad and I think that Spike's words really got through to them.

On the down side, when did Buffy tell Spike her theory that Caleb was hiding something at the vineyard? He seems to know about it when he finds her in the bedroom, but didn't she come up with that idea AFTER he'd left for the church with Andrew? Also, I think that instead of going to that abandoned house, Buffy should have one to Spike's old crypt. It would have fit in with season two's "What's My Line? Part One" where Buffy hides in Angel's empty apartment when she has no where else to go.

My favorite (non-Spike) part of the episode: Faith and the "Mayor." I just love them and I glad they got one last scene together before the end of the show. Even if he is the First and all...

Buffy starts off in her usual tyrannical manner, only this time the Scoobies and the Potentials aren't receptive. One thing leads to another and she's basically voted out of the top dog Slayer role, replaced by Faith. Later on Spike and Andrew return and Spike is not pleased with the turn of events. He and Faith mix it up, then he storms out of the house in search of Buffy -- who has basically commandeered some guy's house and kicked him out.

Andrew continues to royally annoy.

The Mayor/The First shows up and tells Faith that Buffy can't be trusted.

The tortured Spike/Buffy dyad is in full force in this episode. "You're a hell of a woman". "Would you just hold me?" Buffy and Spike share a tender moment. Big whoop.

Robin and Faith bump uglies.

Gratuitous lesbian sex scene with Willow and Kennedy.

And you think Anya is going to let all those pheromones go by unnoticed? (You better believe she's got Xander's one good eye lookin up at her!)

Great song by Heather Nova - "It's Only Love".

The morning after...Buffy confronts Caleb and has suddenly developed Neo/Matrix-like agility. Armed with swords and flashlights, Faith leads the group into a tunnel and discovers a caches of weapons, a battle with the Bringers ensues, and the good guys prevail. Meanwhile, Buffy outfoxes Caleb and discovers a secret cave and a secret weapon lodged in a large rock. Kennedy discovers a doorway to a flight of basement stairs and everyone goes down the stairs. There's a box that's locked. Faith kicks off the box and discovers a huge bomb that starts ticking...Cliffhanger ending.

In "Touched", with Faith in charge on the Potentials, the gang tries to figure out their next move. Buffy tries to cope with being the castaway. Spike returns to comfort here. The gang kidnaps a Bringer and use a spell to interrogate it, learning what they need to do. Many of the characters shack up for pre-battle sex.

Eventually Buffy picks herself back up and goes to battle Caleb. Evading him in a distraction technique before finding a secret weapon underground. The gang battles the Bringers, opening a box of their own only to discover a ticking bomb as the episode ends.

I really felt a bit bored in this episode. Faith's interactions with the First don't do much for me, nor did the sex scene montage add a lot of emotion going into the big battle. It's nice that Xander and Anya seem to be back together I guess? But Faith and Principal Wood's inclusion was a big shrug for me. I'm not really sure what to think going into these final few episodes.