As Buffy tries to cope with a disobedient Dawn, Glory's hunt for the Key takes her to Tara just as she and Willow have a fight.

It's surprising how much happens in this episode considering how slow it seems in the beginning. Ben's sacking from his job seems like a waste of time as it doesn't really make any difference, Glory's quest doesn't appear to be going anywhere beyond a bath and Buffy's problems being a 'mom' take up way too much time. While I appreciate the fact that the writers are carefully picking up the pieces of Joyce's death, with a threat like Glory on the horizon Buffy seems curiously reticent in taking her on.

It's the way everything explodes that makes the episode worthwhile. The very real and human threat of Dawn being put in a home is as much a shock to us viewers as it is to her, but Tara's meeting with Glory is the most powerful, as she has her hand crushed and her mind drained by the god in an effort to find out who the Key is. While we think Willow will get there just in time, it's a shock that she doesn't, but it does lead to a terrifying confrontation between the witch and Glory that shows just how far Willow is now prepared to go. The fact that she still doesn't stand a chance is more scary, and Buffy's arrival is a foregone conclusion.

Spike is at his best, once again proving that if there's one thing he knows about, it's relationships. He has an interesting relationship with Dawn, and his talk with Buffy about Willow's likely actions hits home without being over the top. Likewise, Willow and Tara's relationship is focussed on well in some sensitive and tear-jerking writing, although what will happen to Tara now is anyone's guess.

And then there's the ending. Just as you start to wonder again why Glory doesn't simply come after her Key, sweeping all before her, she does. And when the now-loopy Tara gives Dawn away, it's time for the fireworks to really begin. And, naturally, for the episode to end...

***

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