Digest

This episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer delves into the emotional aftermath of Buffy's mother's death, focusing on the struggles of Buffy, Dawn, and Willow. Buffy grapples with her new role as a mother figure to Dawn, who is experiencing an existential crisis after discovering her true nature as the key. Meanwhile, Willow struggles to cope with Tara's trauma after being attacked by Glory, a powerful hell god seeking the key. The episode also explores the growing threat of Glory, who is becoming increasingly powerful and determined to find the key. The episode's middle section deviates from the typical Buffy style, feeling disjointed and uncharacteristic of the show. The writers introduce new plot points and character revelations that feel forced and underdeveloped, creating a sense of confusion and frustration for the viewers. Despite these shortcomings, the episode effectively portrays the emotional turmoil of the characters and the growing danger posed by Glory.

Outlines

00:02:07

Buffy's Grief and Dawn's Existential Crisis

Buffy struggles with the decision to drop out of school to focus on Dawn, who is experiencing an existential crisis after discovering her true nature as the key. Buffy's grief and Dawn's confusion create a tense atmosphere, highlighting the emotional challenges they face.

00:06:49

Glory's Growing Power and Ben's Disappearance

Ben, the intern, returns to the hospital after a two-week absence, revealing that he's been replaced by Glory. This highlights the growing power of the hell god and the potential danger she poses.

00:13:09

Glory's Search for the Key

Glory enjoys a bubble bath while her melty minions attend to her. She scolds them for bringing Spike instead of the key, calling him "appulseless, impure, follically fried." She demands information about Buffy and her friends, determined to find the key.

00:14:53

Buffy's Parenting Struggles and Dawn's Rebellion

Buffy confronts Dawn about skipping school, highlighting her struggles with parenting a grieving teenager. Dawn defends herself, claiming she was doing her homework, but the principal reveals that Dawn has been skipping frequently. Buffy's fear of losing Dawn to foster care fuels her overreaction.

00:19:06

Anya's American Ideals and Capitalism

Anya, obsessed with American culture, criticizes an elderly couple for not buying anything at the magic box. She believes their lack of spending is un-American and mocks their lack of knowledge about capitalism.

00:22:44

Buffy's Search for Parenting Advice

Buffy seeks Giles' advice on how to discipline Dawn, feeling overwhelmed by her new role as a mother figure. Giles encourages her to be firm but also acknowledges the difficulty of parenting a grieving teenager.

00:31:11

Buffy's Overreaction and Dawn's Rebellion

Buffy finds Dawn, Willow, and Xander playing a game and becomes angry, believing Dawn is not doing her homework. She insists Dawn do her work at home, despite Dawn's claims that the game is helping her learn. Buffy's overreaction stems from her fear of losing Dawn to foster care.

00:41:09

Willow and Tara's Misunderstanding

Willow vents to Tara about Buffy's behavior, believing she's being too harsh on Dawn. Tara agrees, suggesting that Buffy's actions will only make Dawn more rebellious. Their conversation highlights the difficulty of understanding someone's grief and the challenges of parenting.

00:49:13

The Episode's Unbuffy-Like Nature

The episode's middle section feels disjointed and uncharacteristic of Buffy. The writers introduce new plot points and character revelations that feel forced and underdeveloped, creating a sense of confusion and frustration for the viewers.

00:53:46

Willow's Outburst and the Lazy Writing

The episode delves into the fight between Willow and Tara, highlighting Willow's sudden outburst about not establishing her "Lesbos street cred." The discussion explores the validity of Willow's feelings but questions the abruptness of her outburst, suggesting it might be a result of lazy writing for plot purposes.

00:58:48

Buffy's Chore Chart and Don's Rebellion

Buffy attempts to impose a structured routine on Don, but Don rejects the idea, highlighting her independent spirit and resistance to being controlled. The scene explores the challenges of parenting and the complexities of Don's unique situation as a key.

01:03:33

Tara's Sadness and Glory's Arrival

Tara is visibly upset after the fight with Willow, sitting alone at the fair. Glory appears, creating a tense atmosphere as she approaches Tara, foreshadowing the danger to come.

01:04:37

Giles's Advice and the Melty Bitch's Capture

Giles offers Willow comfort and advice after her fight with Tara, emphasizing the importance of communication in relationships. Meanwhile, Giles captures a melty bitch, revealing his strength and hinting at his potential role in the fight against Glory.

01:07:20

The Witch and Tara's Capture

The melty bitch reveals that Glory is searching for a witch, leading Willow to realize that Tara is in danger. Willow rushes to the fair, leaving Giles and Anya to check on Tara's room.

01:08:29

Glory's Cruelty and Tara's Transformation

Glory captures Tara at the fair, showcasing her brutal power and cruelty. She breaks Tara's hand and threatens to torture her, leaving Tara traumatized and unable to speak coherently.

01:11:45

Willow's Failed Rescue and Tara's Fate

Willow attempts to rescue Tara but is thwarted by dragon dancers. Glory uses her power to manipulate Tara's mind, leaving her in a catatonic state.

01:13:23

Tara's Hospitalization and Willow's Despair

Tara is hospitalized in the psychiatric ward, leaving Willow heartbroken and desperate to take care of her. The scene highlights the emotional toll of Tara's trauma and Willow's unwavering love for her.

01:17:36

Willow's Recklessness and Buffy's Intervention

Willow, fueled by anger and desperation, decides to confront Glory despite Buffy's warnings. Buffy tries to reason with Willow, emphasizing the danger of facing Glory alone.

01:20:17

Willow's Magic and Glory's Vulnerability

Willow, fueled by dark magic, confronts Glory in her suite. The scene showcases Willow's newfound power and reveals that Glory is not invincible, as she is injured by Willow's spells.

01:22:54

Spike's Sacrifice and Don's Guilt

Buffy reveals to Don and Spike that Willow attempted to confront Glory. Spike, despite his own vulnerabilities, expresses his willingness to sacrifice himself for someone he loves, highlighting his depth of character.

01:24:35

Glory's Power and Willow's Determination

Glory, despite being injured, remains powerful and mocks Willow's attempts to defeat her. Willow, however, remains determined to protect Tara and defeat Glory.

01:29:11

Tara's Recovery and Glory's Return

Willow, Buffy, and Dawn are hiding with Tara, who is still recovering from Glory's attack. Glory suddenly appears, breaking through the wall and revealing her persistence in finding the key.

01:32:55

Dawn's Transformation and the Key's Power

Tara, under Glory's influence, becomes mesmerized by Dawn, suggesting that Dawn is the key. The scene raises questions about the key's power and its connection to Glory.

Keywords

Q&A

• How does Buffy's decision to drop out of school reflect her emotional state?

  Buffy's decision to drop out of school highlights her overwhelming grief and the need to prioritize Dawn's well-being. She feels burdened by the responsibility of caring for her sister and struggles to cope with the recent loss of their mother.

• What does Ben's disappearance reveal about Glory's power?

  Ben's two-week absence suggests that Glory's control over his body is increasing. His inability to explain his disappearance highlights the growing influence of the hell god and the potential danger she poses.

• Why does Buffy struggle with her new role as a mother figure?

  Buffy's lack of experience with parenting, particularly with a teenager, makes it difficult for her to find the right approach. She feels overwhelmed by the responsibility and struggles to balance discipline with nurturing.

• How does the episode's middle section deviate from the typical Buffy style?

  The episode's middle section feels disjointed and uncharacteristic of Buffy. The writers introduce new plot points and character revelations that feel forced and underdeveloped, creating a sense of confusion and frustration for the viewers. This disrupts the show's usual fast-paced and witty dialogue.

• What is the significance of the melty bitch's statement that Glory is searching for a witch?

  This statement leads Willow to realize that Tara is in danger, as she is the witch Glory is seeking. Willow rushes to the fair to rescue Tara, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

• How does Glory's cruelty affect Tara?

  Glory breaks Tara's hand and threatens to torture her, leaving Tara traumatized and unable to speak coherently. This scene showcases Glory's brutal power and her willingness to inflict pain.

• Why does Willow decide to confront Glory despite Buffy's warnings?

  Willow is fueled by anger and desperation, unable to accept what Glory has done to Tara. She feels a responsibility to protect her and defeat Glory, even if it means putting herself in danger.

• What is the significance of Willow's newfound power?

  Willow's magic is amplified by her anger and desperation, allowing her to injure Glory, who is normally invincible. This scene reveals that Glory is not unbeatable and that Willow has the potential to defeat her.

• What is the key's connection to Glory?

  The key's power seems to be amplified when Glory is present, suggesting a connection between the two. This raises questions about the key's true nature and its role in the fight against Glory.

Show Notes