It is almost time for Sunnydale's Class of '99 to graduate; while most students prepare to celebrate Buffy and her friends are more concerned about the mayor's ascension. One particular concern is the question of why Faith killed a visiting geology professor. As Buffy and Angel return from retrieving documents from the professor's apartment Faith shoots Angel with a poisoned arrow giving Buffy something else to worry about.
This, the first of a two-part season finale, was really great. There is some great action; most notably the brilliant face-off between slayers Buffy and Faith the finishes the episode. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Eliza Dushku were on great form in this episode; particularly in their fight scene. I liked how we learnt quite a bit more about the ascension; some of this information comes from Anya, who witnessed a previous ascension and plans to be nowhere near this one, and the geologist's papers. Given the action and major plot development it was a pleasant surprise to see some great character development too with Anya and Xander getting a bit closer and Willow and Oz's relationship progressing. The ending was an effective cliff-hanger that should leave viewers keen to watch the series finale. Overall I'd say this was a top notch episode that delivered in every way.