As prom night approaches, secrets are revealed, relationships are forged and broken, and a hellhound is released with an appetite for people in evening wear.
This is something of a sneaky episode, as it is partly designed to set events in motion for the Angel spin-off show turning up in the autumn. We knew that Buffy and Angel had to break up, but this episode does it in such an effective way that you can forgive it for doing what was necessary. The fact that Angel is forced to break off their relationship because he loves Buffy too much to deny her a future is a clever solution, which even Buffy has to admit is the right decision when she thinks it through. Although Angel's sudden desire to leave made me almost expect to hear him say, "I've been offered this spin-off..."
Once again, this is more of a character piece, allowing Xander and Cordelia to patch up some of their differences as Wesley finally makes a move. The romantic moments are nicely placed to give best effect, but the most enjoyable aspect of The Prom is the comedy.
Xander and Anya make a hilarious couple, Giles demonstrates how far he's progressed in three years by telling Wesley to do things he wouldn't have done a short while ago, and even Buffy has some great moments inbetween her sadness. It's going to be a shame to split some of these people up, especially as I have a nasty feeling that Cordelia's trip to LA with Angel for his series may have something to do with the death of Wesley, who's becoming one of my favourite characters. It'd be a shame to lose the rapport he and Giles share.
The only aspect that lets the episode down a little is the hellhound plotline, mainly because it seems tacked on so that the episode has some supernatural force in it rather than just character scenes. The beasts are all-too-easily dealt with (although that is partially the point) and could have been left out. Or at least a better threat could have been dreamt up. Still, that's only a minor quibble about an otherwise fantastic episode.
****
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