AKA: One of these things is not like the others.  One of these things just doesn't belong.

No, I don't expect anyone to understand that alternate title...unless you understand the inner workings of my brain, but that would be...just...scary.

Villains.  The reason I watch BtVS in the first place.  Action.  None of this pansy assed talky/feely stuff that never gets anywhere.  This episode was riveting, and suspenseful.  I loved it.  (See, Melissa is still a good liar.)  We got a good view of all the characters' insides (no blood and gut puns intended).

Spike

I'll start with Spike because, well, I want to.  Have I mentioned how much I missed Evil Spike, even though I still love Morally Ambiguous Spike?  He was truly on the edge.  ME is playing him up to be the old Spike from season 2.  But, you know what?  I'm not buying it.

Raise your hand if you watched Spike threaten to hurt the "bitch", then felt terrible for him when the uber-demon pointed out all his failures and insecurities.  I'm amazed at how scary Spike can be, yet still able evoke such protective emotions from me.

He's pissed.  He's hurting.  He's done with being the butt-monkey.  (Or, was that another character?)  He says he wants things back to the way they were.  But don't worry, folks.  It's just the anger talking.

Clem

I vote Clem as demon of the year.  Go Clem!  He's kind, considerate, and a gentleman...er...gentledemon.  He volunteers to crypt-sit for Spike.  He volunteers to keep Dawn company.  He even offers refreshments to his guests.

Notice how disturbing it was to Clem for someone to come in unannounced.  Buffy didn't even break the door down.  She just walked in quietly.  Perhaps she needs to learn a lesson about coming in uninvited.

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And while I'm on the subject of S/B... (Okay, I wasn't.  So sue me.)  I'm with Xander.  Send your sister to the rapist's house?!  I just don't get it.  How can she not trust him with herself, but can trust him to care for the same girl she died for last season?!  I must speak for us all here: "Huh?"  

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And, just one more thing on this topic.  Clem: "I've been dying to see The Wedding Planner".  Coincidence, or reference to Something Blue?

Buffy

I have to admit that I really wanted Willow to kill Warren.  I consider it justice.  But Buffy really had a wonderful point.  She is not on this earth to judge.  Her job is to kill mindless, violent demons with no sense of remorse.  But then again, that's pretty much what Warren is.  So, I struggled this whole episode with my own feelings (kill him, kill him!) and what ME wanted us to feel (save poor Willow!).

Buffy was very together, making sense all the way.  Good for her.

You do all realize that she was clinically dead, right?  I heard asystole on the monitor.  I wonder if ME will be acknowledging that she has been dead thrice now.  And the last two times, she was brought back by Willow.  Doesn't she ever learn a lesson?

Xander

Oh, man.  What must he be feeling right now?  His ex-demon ex-fiancé is not so much ex as he thought.  I know one guy who's walking around with his hands protecting the family jewels.  Zoiks!

Anya

Why was she wearing pilgrim clothing?

Dawn

This girl has seen too many dead people for an "innocent" youth...and most of them in her house.  I fear for her psyche.

Willow

I wasn't supposed to be rooting for Willow, was I?  

Love the hair.  Makes you wonder.  If you become demon/evil, does that predispose you to extreme colors of hair?  Anya's changed hair colors about 45 times.  Spike's is white.  Now Willow's is black.  Hmmm.

Warren

I hope he was carrying a few clean pairs of underwear in that backpack.  

But seriously, that was the best death scene EVER!  Yay, Willow!  I mean...Bad Willow.  Shame on you.

Andrew

I think Andrew took Xander's seat on the white water raft trip down the Nile.

Jonathan

"He's a nice murderer who keeps his word."  At least someone got Spike's description right finally.

What is with the coroner and paramedics in Sunnydale?  First, the paramedics leave a girl with her dead mother on the livingroom floor.  Then, the coroner has Xander sign for Tara like she's a UPS package.

Visual of the evening

Willow needs to lay off the garlic and onions.

Favorite Line: "Bored now."

Screen Caps courtesy of Spirit Crow