When the wish-granting Anya attempts to retrieve the amulet that gives her her powers from a dimension created by Cordelia's recent wish, what she gets is the vampiric version of Willow, leading to much mistaken identity.
With Willow feeling tired of being taken for granted by her friends and Principal Snyder, there has never been a better time for these events to happen, as they grant Willow an insight into what she could have been, had events happened differently. And she's in for the shock of her life, discovering that her doppelganger is not only a vampire, but also that she 'might be a bit gay'!
Alyson Hannigan clearly relishes the chance to quite literally vamp it up as the sadistic alternate Willow, and plays the role with such diversity to her usual persona that she really is another person. There's also some very good double work that allows both Willows very close to each other. It's also good to see how much Xander, Buffy and Giles care about her when they believe she has been made a vampire, and also leads to a lovely scene when the real Willow is discovered.
But that's not all. There's some great work from Wesley the Watcher once again, some good Cordy scenes, and another chance for Angel to make himself useful. Even Oz gets a degree of time in the limelight. My only real criticism is that the Faith storyline gets forgotten about early on, but as a coming-of-age tale for Willow, it can't be bettered. The last couple of scenes are particularly cool. Another gem from writer/director Joss Whedon for the show which seems incapable of putting a foot wrong.
****
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