Willow finally realizes what she needs to do to return Amy the rat to human form. While she goes out on the town with her witchy friend, Spike makes a discovery that will change his relationship with Buffy considerably...

Similarly to recent Angel episodes, you only realize at the end of this story that it doesn't really have a plot as such yet it doesn't matter. Continuing the expert characterization that has been playing out this season, Willow embraces her magical abilities with Amy at her side, the pair creating all manner of trouble at The Bronze. At the moment it all seems innocent enough and just magic for the sake of some fun, but there's an edge to what they do that makes it look like there's more going on than we're seeing.

Meanwhile, Spike is still trying to find out what Buffy wants from him, especially now they've kissed twice. The revelation comes when she hits Spike and he strikes her back, without experiencing any pain. Visiting Warren about his chip, a man who's recently been party to a spot of diamond theft, about which more later, he discovers after trying to bite a young woman that the chip is fine: it's Buffy that's wrong. It's a superb and totally surprising twist, yet it also shows that given the chance, Spike would drop his god intentions and return to evil in a heartbeat, which makes for almost as much of a scare. Obviously we don't know what's wrong with Buffy yet, but it's going to be interesting finding out as time goes on.

Finally finding himself on the same level as the Slayer, however, Spike engages her in an impressively violent fight, where much nastiness and some home truths lead to the pair having an extremely heated sex session as the building they are in crumbles around them. Incredibly sexy, wonderfully exciting and powerful, it shows Spike very much as the person he truly is, no longer forced to hold back and almost forcing himself on Buffy, who, for her part, doesn't resist. It never seemed to be right when she was with Riley, and it looks like Spike's right: she does like a dangerous man, hence her actions here.

Lastly, there's the return of The Trio, who begin the first phase of their plan against the Slayer. Hilariously funny once again, the scene where Spike visits them is great fun, and it's only a shame that they're not in the episode more. Then again, they obviously have plenty going on, so they'll be back. Lots to build on here, then, and this is shaping up to be the best season of Buffy in a long time.

****

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