When Kennedy makes a play for Willow, she gets something of a shock when Willow turns into Warren. Meanwhile, Spike's chip is degrading so Buffy seeks the Initiative's help, and the rest of the gang become suspicious of Giles.

Absolutely fantastic Buffy here, really. Three concurrent plotlines, all dealing with issues needing a resolution, and although not all are entirely completed, each one is interesting in its own right. If anything, the Buffy plotline lets the side down a little, with a very dark and not especially relevant fight sequence when she and Spike discover that the Initiative was buried, along with everything within it. It's quite creepy for a while, but quickly becomes dull, and the appearance of some of Riley's work colleagues is the only way it can end. Where it does redeem itself is in the finish, where Buffy is essentially asked to decide how much she trusts Spike. Will she agree to the chip's removal, confident he won't kill again, or order it repaired, keeping him in thrall? Considering he's managed to kill this season with the chip in, I'd guess it makes little difference him having it, but we'll see.

The Giles plotline is especially satisfying, simply because it's designed purely for those who've been paying attention. Ever since his return, he hasn't touched anything, and we deliberately weren't shown how he survived the imminent removal of his head a few episodes back. Of course, from the perspective of the still-possible Giles spin-off series, he had to be alive, and indeed from my own personal perspective because I love the character so much. It's great that there's always been a plan, though, and that the writers have been careful with what Giles has done recently, making us suspicious of him. This is one of the reasons I watch this show: it really does reward those who pay attention. The other reason, of course, is thee comedy, and Giles' line when found ("So I go on a retreat with a group of girls without touching them and you're worried?") is one of the best this year.

Finally, to Willow. I love Kennedy; I think she's one of the best things to happen this season, and her rapport with Willow is lovely to watch. She's a very different, more outgoing person than Tara, and exactly what Willow needs to get over what's happened. Again, however, the writers are aware that such a traumatic event isn't dealt with quickly, and it's Willow's guilt over Tara's death and moving on to the extent of kissing Kennedy that results in her becoming Warren. Exceptional acting not just from Alyson Hannigan, but Adam Busch as well, who really sounds and acts like Willow when we see her as him. What really makes this terrifying is the next phase of the story, in which Willow starts to display Warren's traits, and becomes even darker than the dark self we saw last season. Scary enough with magic, it's even more terrifying to watch Willow brandishing a gun, a scene made even more powerful by Kennedy standing up to her and showing no fear, convinced Willow won't harm her.

It's good to see Amy again, even if her motivation is a little limp, and it's a welcome reminder that she was never the nicest person in the world, her time spent as a rat leaving we viewers more inclined to be sympathetic. Her confrontation with Kennedy goes great favours for the Potential Slayer too, as we see the kind of qualities that would make her a superb vampire and demon killer and indeed, a welcome star of a new spin-off show. Time will tell, but I predict big things for Kennedy.

Really great stuff here, then, and even though two of the three plotlines aren't concluded, it's a fine story that ties up loose ends and creates some more interesting issues. Hopefully the mid-season doldrums are over.

****

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