Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV Series) Grave (2002) User Reviews

Not the best season finale, but also not the worst

[katierose295 · 8/10 · 31 August 2006]

"Grave" is not best BTVS season finale. But, it's also not the worst and it does caps off the season. It brings about the end of Dark Willow's rampage and finally starts the Scoobies down paths of healing. This is also the episode where Spike gets his soul back. The restoration of Spike's soul is the most lasting thing that comes out of season six. It's consequences will play out next season and go on to have a huge impact on "Angel" season five. You really shouldn't skip this episode.

"Grave" picks up right where "Two to Go" leaves off. Giles has arrived to help Buffy stop Willow. Xander, Jonathan, Andrew and Dawn are searching for a place to hide. And Spike's still fighting the demon trials in Africa. Giles has borrowed magic from a witch coven in Devon and is able to trap Willow. While he and Buffy discuss all the problems that have befallen the Scoobies since Giles went away, Willow escapes. She attacks Giles and sends a fire ball after Xander, Dawn and the Duo. Buffy rushes out to follow it. Willow sucks the magic from Giles, but he's dosed it so she can feel the emotions of everyone. In an effort to stop the pain in the world, she decides to bring about an apocalypse.

Meanwhile, Xander is feeling more useless than ever as he realizes that he has no idea where they can hide from Willow. Buffy arrives just in time to save them from the fireball, but she and Dawn fall into the crater it makes. The Duo runs off. Anya teleports over to Buffy and tells her that Giles is hurt, Willow's out to destroy the earth and no supernatural means can stop her. About that time mud creatures pop out of the walls of the crater and start attacking Buffy and Dawn. They have to work together to survive.

Xander, learning that Willow is out to end the world, goes looking for her. He finds her on a cliff, trying to channel energy through an evil monument. Instead of trying to fight Willow, he reminds her that in destroying the planet, she'll be killing him too. But even if she does wipe out mankind, he'll still love her. She's his best friend, she's always been his best friend and, if he has to die, then she's the only one that he wants to be beside. Willow crumples beneath his words. Crying and shaking, her magic drains away and she falls into Xander's arms sobbing. The world is saved. Meanwhile, Spike completes the demon trial and is rewarded with the restoration of his soul.

There's a lot to like about this episode. Xander and Willow have, arguably, the deepest bond in the Buffyverse. The two of them are each other's most loyal friend and supporter. They need each other. So, it's fitting that Xander should be the one person to talk Dark Willow down. Willow could hurt Giles and Dawn and Buffy and even plot to end the world. But, she couldn't kill Xander. It was his love that finally got through her dark shell of rage and despair. His yellow crayon speech and her slowly breaking down into sobs as he holds her is just one of the greatest scenes of the whole season.

I've heard people argue that Spike was trying to get his chip removed, but it seems pretty clear to me that he was always fighting for the restoration of his soul. (He even says as much in season seven's "Beneath Me" and "Angel" season five's "Destiny.") He didn't need the chip removed to fight Buffy. He could already hurt her, if that's what he wanted. It was all about getting his soul back. The "why?" part of his quest seems a little bit vaguer, though. His story changes as times goes on and I think there are several plausible explanations for his battle. Watching his plan play out over the last four episodes of the season, I don't think that Spike was trying to get re-ensouled because he felt it was the right thing to do. I think that he started out to prove something to Buffy and to himself. To take away the one thing that he felt was preventing her from really being with him. The chip had given him an excuse to be a good guy, but it wasn't enough for Buffy to really commit to him. Spike's still a demon. She needed him to have a soul if she was going to love him. So, being a proactive sort of guy, he went to get one. As his quest wore on, though, Spike's motivations seem to become clearer. He's now fighting for the soul out of guilt and repentance. He's no longer grumbling bitterly about, "Giving that b*cth what's coming to her." He's whispering that he wants to, "Give Buffy what she deserves." He thought that the chip had made him into a White Hat and still he'd tried to rape her. He no longer felt evil, but he couldn't be good. Spike wanted his soul back to ensure that he would never try and harm Buffy again. It was his apology to her and his own insurance that he really had changed.

On the down side, does Dawn always have to make everything about her? Buffy has nearly been raped, Willow's now the ultimate evil, Tara's dead, Giles is injured and the world's about to end. And all Dawn can think to do is whine that Buffy didn't tell her about Spike almost raping her and Giles being back in town? She's not worried about Buffy's feelings or what her sister must be going through or anything else. All Dawn ever focuses on it Dawn.

My favorite part of the episode: Giles hearing about all the troubles that the Scoobies have gotten into without him... And bursting out laughing.

A Brilliant and Dark Conclusion to Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Sixth Season

[buffysummersapologist · 10/10 · 3 April 2023]

"Grave" is the final episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's sixth season and it leaves a lasting impact on the viewer. The episode is a masterclass in storytelling, combining intense action with deep themes and character development.

The episode picks up where the previous one left off, with Willow on a rampage and the Scooby Gang struggling to stop her. The action scenes are thrilling and well-executed, but what sets this episode apart is its exploration of themes like addiction, power, and redemption.

Willow's addiction to magic and her subsequent descent into darkness are portrayed with nuance and sensitivity. The episode does not shy away from the dark side of addiction and the toll it takes on the addict and those around them. At the same time, it shows the potential for redemption and the power of love and friendship to overcome even the darkest of forces.

The episode also explores the theme of power, both the corrupting influence it can have and the responsibility that comes with it. The final showdown between Willow and Buffy is a powerful representation of this theme, as Buffy must use her own power to stop her friend from causing further harm.

The writing in this episode is nothing short of brilliant. The show's creators manage to balance the action and drama with moments of levity and humor, creating a well-rounded and engaging narrative. The performances of the actors, particularly Alyson Hannigan as Willow, are outstanding, adding depth and emotion to the characters.

In conclusion, "Grave" is a fitting conclusion to Buffy the Vampire Slayer's sixth season. Its exploration of themes like addiction, power, and redemption is both mature and thought-provoking. The episode's action, drama, and humor are expertly balanced, creating a well-rounded and engaging narrative. If you're a fan of the show, this episode is a must-watch.

My favourite scene in the entire series

[Joxerlives · 9/10 · 29 July 2012]

The Good; My all time favourite ep of Buffy is 'Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered'. My all time favourite scene is the ending of 'Forever' where Buffy and Dawn collapse into each other's arms. And my all time favourite Buffy moment is when Xander confronts DarkWillow and that first tear rolls down her cheek. And in that second you realise he's got her, that everything is going to be all right after all. Makes me cry every time. First saw it at a convention where they played Enrique Ingliseas' song 'Hero' over it and it was wonderful.

And little Dawnie swordfighting side by side with big sis Buffy, makes me cheer every time! Also love Willow's 'Fly my pretty!'. You'd think they'd have tried the whole bucket of water routine on her?

The Bad; Although there's supposed to be a limitless amount of root monsters you can see there's actually only 4.

Best line; DarkWillow (dismissively) "This is your master plan? Telling me that you love me?" (Yep and it's BRILLIANT!)

Jeez!; Spike and the beetles, urgh!

Kinky dinky;

Willow (upon Giles' entrance) "Uh oh, daddy's home. I'm in trouble now" Yes you are my dear, prepare for one magical spanking. Dawn finally learns of what Spike tried to do to Buffy.

Captain Subtext;

Andrew and Jonathon seem very wary of the trucker who gave them a lift. Check out Anya and Buffy flocking into Giles' arms like a couple of excited little girls happy to see their daddy home.Buffy says that Dawn will be beautiful and powerful. Face it Buff, she already is. Spike calls the demon a 'ponce'

Apocalypses; 7, Willow wants to destroy the world, come a long way since the softer side of Sears

Scoobies in bondage: Buffy: 8 Giles: 4 Cordy: 5 Will: 4 Jenny: 1 Angel: 4 Oz: 1 Faith: 3 Joyce: 1 Wes: 1 Xander; 2 Dawn; 4

Scoobies knocked out: Buffy and Anya knocked out again plus Xanderx2 Buffy: 19 Giles: 12 Cordy: 6 Xander: 14 Will: 8 Jenny: 2 Angel: 6 Oz: 3 Faith: 1 Joyce: 3 Wes: 1 Anya;5 Dawn; 3 Tara; 1

Kills: Spike kills 2 demons as does Buffy whilst Dawn kills one Buffy: 107 vamps, 58 demons, 6 monsters, 3 humans, 1 werewolf, 1 spirit warrior & a robot Giles: 8 vamps, 2 demon, 1 human, 1 god.

Cordy: 3 vamps, a demon Will: 6 vamps + 3 demons +1 fawn+1 human.

Angel: 3 vamps, 1 demon, 1 human Oz: 3 vamps, 1 zombie Faith: 16 vamps, 5 demons, 3 humans Xander: 6 vamps, 2 zombies, 1 a demon, Anya: 1 vamp and 1 a demon Riley; 18 vamps + 7 demons Spike; 8 vamps and 6 demons Buffybot; 2 vamps Tara; 1 demon Dawn; 1 vamp + 1 demon Scoobies go evil: Giles: 1 Cordy: 1 Will: 3 Jenny: 1 Angel: 1 Oz: 1 Joyce: 1 Xander: 4 Anya; 1 Dawn; 1 Buffy; 1

Alternate scoobies: Buffy: 8 Giles: 4 Cordy: 1 Will: 5 Jenny: 2 Angel: 3 Oz: 2 Joyce: 2 Xander: 4 Tara; 1 Dawn;1 Spike; 1 Anya; 2

Recurring characters killed: 12 Jesse, Flutie, Jenny, Kendra, Larry, Snyder, Professor Walsh, Forrest, McNamara, Joyce, Katrina, Tara Sunnydale deaths; 94

Total number of scoobies: 3-Giles is back Xander, Buffy, Giles Xander demon magnet: 5(6?) Preying Mantis Lady, Inca Mummy Girl, Drusilla, VampWillow, Anya (arguably Buffy & Faith with their demon essences?), Dracula?

Dawn in peril; yep, down the hole 11

Dawn the bashful virgin; 9

What the fanficcers thought; Liked the one where DarkWillow does destroy the world only for Dawn 'The Key' Summers to appear in front of her, glowing with green energy and putting it all right. Also liked the idea of Xander actually failing to persuade Willow who sides with the First Evil but in the follow up higher power Cordy turns up because she's the REAL love of Willow's life and she succeeds where Xander fails.

On a lighter note there's a good one showing Willow's first day at Sunnydale nursery (with teacher Flutie and little Harmony, Jonathon, Larry etc). We find out that actually frightened little Cordy snapped Willow's crayon because she was jealous of Willow and Xander's instant friendship, feeling excluded and leaving her to sit with Harmony. The_Yellow_Crayon. Weird one where Dru and Snyder sexually enslave Faith and Buffy in season 3 (I think it's literally called 'Buffy in a Slave Labor Camp'?). In the follow up story Snyder get's eaten by the Mayor at Graduation (who's then destroyed by the rest of the Scoobs)and Buffy just shrugs, breaks her chains and walks home into Joyce's arms whilst Dru falls in love with Faith and it's HER that get's her soul back so that they can be together.

Questions and observations; According to the commentary SMG finds it easier to cry than to laugh? Hmmmm? DarkWillow feeling the world's suffering is similar to what CC experienced in 'To Shanshu in LA'.

I know that Joss is an avowed aethiest but you have to wonder about a story where a simple carpenter saves the world by professing his love? It strikes you as very Christian. Love conquers all.

I must confess that even after the final revelation I didn't understand the twist in the tail. I genuinely thought Spike had gone to Africa to get his chip removed and that the demon had doublecrossed him and restored his soul instead. Someone at The Bronze had to correct me (hangs head in shame). But once again, love conquers all, it can save the world, it can save a friend, it can bring two sisters together and it can redeem a monster.

Marks out of 10; 9/10 just great

One of the Best Episodes of Buffy.

[RyanCShowers · 3 September 2011]

Grave, I think it's one of the best episodes of Buffy and the best finale of the bunch which is a really a bold statement considering the fact all the finales are mere masterpieces. As many of you know, I'm *THE* #1 of Season 6 (Shaun , I love it to death. Normal Again + OMWF are my top two episodes of the series. Grave isn't quite as good as those two, but it's worthy of the #3 spot. Villains and Two to Go are also in my top 10, along with Becoming Part. 2, Chosen, Earshot, The Gift, and Restless.

There's something about Grave that's special compared to the other finales. It's small-scale and at the same time this epic adventure. IMO, I think Grave would make an excellent and interesting stage play. I love how the episode and characters get to develop in the first 20 minutes at the Magic Box, then the action takes center stage. The destruction of the magic box is a great addition to the episode. It's really sad to see the place go, I love it.

The acting all around never hits a bad note. In the season where one performance was greater than any other acting thus far, Gellar still impresses in Buffy's last scene with Dawn. It's acting at its very best. Hannigan also continues to wow as Dark Willow, Caulfield, Head, and Trachtenberg are also wonderful here. And Nic Brendon is finally put to good use after six years!

All of the character arcs hit you like a bullet here, one right after another, it's a great thing. It's kind of like "the kick" scene from Inception. I really think all of the character arcs are nailed in Grave, alone. It's technically amazing as well. The photography is just beautiful and frightening from start to finish. IMO it's the best photographed Buffy or Angel episode. The sets are great, I love the grave that Buffy and Dawn are trapped in at the end. The sound and special effects are also top notch.

I also feel compared to the other six finales, that this one is the one that could've most likely have happened. There was no way Buffy could stop it at all, with every other villain, she stood a chance. With Dark Willow, there's no way which is why in my opinion Dark Willow is the best Buffy villain we've seen. Xander's speech at the end is beautifully written, I thought that needed to be added.

The whole season is unique, and it pulls a trick on us. I loved to falsely tricked by movie stereotypes, I do. The big bad of the season, we were lead to believe it was the trio when actually the real big bad was the Scoobies themselves. They were their own demons, through Willow it's used to the literal extent. It's excellent storytelling.

Another metaphor I love is the "grave" metaphor, which gave the episode it's title. Buffy and Dawn were in the cemetery, literally in a grave. Willow and Xander ended at the grave at the temple. Giles and Anya were at the destroyed Magic Box which serves as a grave. And Spike of course, got his soul back; there's metaphors coming out of this episode's ass.

It's one of the best episodes of TV out there, for my money, one of the finest the Whedonverse will ever see. It's a heavy-episode, but flawless nonetheless.

End of the world

[ossie85 · 8/10 · 23 August 2022]

Giles and Willow magically fight and Giles temporarily binds Willow. Giles explains that he was informed that a powerful force in Sunnydale was rising and he borrowed powers to stop them. When Willow steals Giles power she feels the pain in the world and now wants to end it. Spike's trials continue. Jonathan and Andrew are still desperately trying to escape. Buffy and Dawn are trapped in a grave.

Why It's So Good - Usual apocalypse stakes are a bit more personal, but this time, Buffy is on the side-lines. Willow and Xander are the heart of this episode, and it works.

Watch Out For - Giles reaction to everything that's happened this year.

Quote - "Oh, no. You're not the only one with powers, you know. You may be a hopped-up über-witch but this carpenter can drywall you into the next century." - Xander talking to Willow.

Xander is the best character of Buffy V.S

[nicofreezer · 9/10 · 27 September 2023]

With Rupert Giles of course. These two are and always have been a head and shoulder above everybody else in this show and in " Angel" , for now 6 seasons Giles and Xander either consistently save Buffy from pretty bad episodes or elevate the show.

Xander by providing 90% of the best comedy content, always fun and entertaining, he is also one of the only character to never lose sight of whats ok or not, of who's good and who's not, that why he was always against Spike, when other character are losing their minds trusting or even sleeping with an evil creature.

Xander is also the most courageous of all of our heroes, because he is the only one always there to help despite having no supernatural power at all.

Xander is the one saving Buffy in the season 1 final, And right here in "grave" the season 6 final, he save the entire world , in the very best scene of the Buffy universe. No question about it.

( Giles always helped a lot saving the world, it's was a two man job ) This episode is a classic, a top 10 in the Buffyverse , a 9/10 hands down.

Giles is back!

[Mike1388 · 8/10 · 23 August 2010]

I really miss Giles in season 6, he is the only person that control these kids, and hate to admit it but kids need adults supervision. So, in this episode we will see Willow go all ballistic and try to destroy the world! Wait, I thought she just want to kill those nerds? I'm pretty sure if Buffy don't stop Willow to kill those nerds (Jonathan and Andrew), Willow will come to her senses! Again, these two geek character. I despise them both, Jonathan is bearable but Andrew is not. We seen here how stupidly Giles said that these two are not wrong, even Buffy supported him. OK, hello?! Maybe Jonathan isn't all wrong cause from the start he joined the group just to get fame, and a place to fit in. But, Andrew on the other hand has motive and crush on Warren (Isn't it obvious?!), and how many times they did spell that injured Buffy and the gang? At the last moment, Buffy forgave them, wow Buffy you are an angel! I hate this compassion crap, I said kill Andrew and let Jonathan live. But, I'm not a director just an avid disappointed fan.

Not a bad ending, but a cheesy one. Hope season 7 isn't as lame as the sixth season.

Willow Is Horrible

[dougmacdonaldburr · 8/10 · 5 January 2020]

I never liked Willow. I thought her shy, meek, ginger geek persona was hiding a very horrible person. I turns out I was completely right. You can blame it on a personal loss or an addiction to magic, but, don't be naive. Willow is not a good person. She is an egomaniac. She doesn't care about other people, she only pretends to. Despite all of this everyone loves her. The fools. They do not see what I see. The writers also made her completely overpowered. Anyway, I had to rant about that. This is a great episode. I love the ending. Xander is a very underrated character. It is easy to be brave when you have superpowers, but, being a hero when you don't takes true courage. Season 6 is actually my favourite of the show. There are a lot of hits and misses, but, they sure took risks. That demands respect.

the problem with Buffy fans

[bpvalentine · 6/10 · 10 September 2013]

While I agree that for a season finale this episode is remarkably anti-climatic in a way I can't put my finger on, it remains a fairly strong piece.

I understand the reactions other fans have towards this this, which is far from saying I agree. Buffy fans tend to be emotionally entitled, like most teenagers so it is no surprise. Should Willow be aloud to rampage through a town and kill anybody connected to her killer? While the post 9/11 parallel is eye rolling, it ends up being fair question here. Yes, you want to see Willow go all Carrie and burn the petty nerds in a righteous fire. Some of the fans want that because it's romantic. true love, soul mates, etc. the problem is while losing tara will change Willow, her massacre will poison her soul AND taint her memory of tara. No, Buffy isn't the real world and it IS about fantasy, sure. But it is also meant to ring true about our humanity. And what the show chooses does moreso than if they allowed Willow to go all Frank Castle and then....I don't know. Such a bad idea I can't even imagine what.

And no, Spike isn't trying to get his chip out. Do you guys really watch the show? It's his soul. I assume his chip no longer valid if he isn't a vampire or demon.

I think the stuff that normally would have made for season finale happened in the episodes preceding here and was all sorta drawn out.

What I REALLY dug about this season was the Big Bad, the three nerds, mostly Warren. I doubt Buffy as a show ever dealt with darker material than with that guy. What makes him so much worse than other Bads is that he had a soul, he's human. And he *chose* his evils, not like other Bads who behave as they do because, well, they vampires or demons. I have to admit I haven't loathed characters this much in a LONG time. Especially since they were just these petty nerd types who wanted to force acceptance out of others rather than earn a place. Rather than be worthy of love. Scenes where Warren's black heart comes out is some of the most creepy, loathsome moments I've seen on a TV show.

simply awful..

[drlloyd11 · 1/10 · 9 December 2011]

Somehow after "Once more with Feeling" this show not so much ran off a cliff and sank in the mud. In theory this should have a fantastic season, as it had years of set up. Willow as dark phoenix had some merit, but they took too long with too many episodes of gloom and bad writing to get to he point.

The dialog between Willow and Giles is a good example of this.

Willow, overflowing with pain, having found an addiction to have the love of her life killed senselessly, standing before him with endless rage, is told "I'm sorry about Tara" in the most bland uninterested voice as if they were discussing toast. I remember watching, and when Willow started to slap Buffy around, realizing that I was on the villains side.

Season 6

[ametaphysicalshark · 13 April 2008]

Season 6 is an excellent season of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", improving drastically on seasons 4 & 5 in every way. For one, the story arc is really quite convincing and entertaining. The trio's geeky conversations are far more entertaining than Glory bitching about something or the other, or Adam droning on about something nobody could care less about. Then you have Evil Willow, who is very entertaining and played excellently by Alyson Hannigan. Michelle Trachtenberg has improved leaps and bounds since season five and Dawn is no longer an annoying brat, and the rest of the supporting cast here, essentially The Trio, are played to perfection by Adam Busch, Danny Strong, and Tom Lenk.

Although season 6 could have had fewer average and occasionally mediocre episodes it makes up for this by having several of the series' best episodes, the absolute standouts for me being:

"Once More, With Feeling"- almost certainly the best-directed episode of the entire series, this episode turns jump the shark potential into glorious television thanks in no small part to its catchy tunes

"Tabula Rasa"- a perfect combination of comedy and drama

"Seeing Red"- perhaps one of the darkest episodes with two of the series' best and most shocking scenes

By combining some captivating and creative one-off episodes with a solid story arc, season 6 becomes my second favorite Buffy season after season 3, and really solid, exciting television by any standard.

Season average based on all episodes: 7.86/10

End of a Dark Season

[Samuel-Shovel · 6/10 · 20 September 2018]

In "Grave", Giles has returned, hearing of Willow's vendetta through the magical grapevine. He does his best to channel magic through his friends to stop Willow but she eventually bests him and absorbs his power. Xander attempts to hide the two remaining members of the Trio. Buffy and Dawn end up trapped in a hole fighting off monsters conjured up by Willow to keep them busy. Anya tends to a dying Giles. Willow has so much power now that she can feel the weight of the world's despair on her. She decides to end it all (in classic season finale fashion). But Xander shows up and uses the power of friendship to make Willow stop. She breaks down and Xander saves the world from destruction. Meanwhile, Spike regains his soul after surviving all his trials.

As far as season finales ago, this one felt a bit lackluster. While not terrible, there have definitely been better. It's semi-interesting that the hero of this season turns out to be Xander. After fleeing the alter and being the proverbial punching bag of the group, he finally delivers his hero moment by standing up to Willow when it counts. All Buffy does is kick some dirt monsters with his sister at her side, nothing earth shattering like she typically does.

This closes the book on Buffy's penultimate season. It was a bit of weird one. The tone was a lot darker than I was used to from BtVS. This one dealt more with sexuality, morality, mortality, and all those other grown up issues. I guess as the characters of a show grow up so do their problems. That's evident here. But where do we go for this final season? Spike has a soul. Dawn can't be treated like a baby anymore. Giles is back. Buffy seems to have returned to a bit of normalcy. Time will tell I suppose...

And why should this night...I mean episode...be any different?

[skay_baltimore · 1/10 · 5 August 2010]

And the Buffy Butcher-A-Thon keeps right on rolling. From the convenient arrival of Giles (complete with brand spanking new magical powers, courtesy of the local London witch's coven), to Buffy outrunning a fireball (when she can barely even run like a human being to begin with), to Xander herding the local evil nerds, with Dawn in tow, to Spike fighting demon cockroaches in Africa, to...

LOVE CONQUERS ALL!

Xander...the human vegetable...saves the world by telling Willow he loves her. He loves how she dealt with breaking the yellow crayon in kindergarten. He loves her veiny face. And now that she wants to destroy the world he wants to be the first one she kills. Because he loves her, loves her, loves her. And then suddenly all of her magic powers just go Pffffffffffffzzzzzzzzzzzt, because the magic she took from Giles was PURE magic, and it helped her find the final spark of humanity left in her.

Pffffffffffffzzzzzzzzzt.

Just like this episode.

Pfffffffffffzzzzzzzzzt.

Just like this series.

Pfffffffffffzzzzzzzzzt.

(Maybe the next episode will show Xander waking up in a mental institution, realizing he has a huge Messiah complex. Then he'll end up working in a Home Depot, helping countless weekend warriors build their dream decks and re-grout their tubs.)

And the fact that Willow killed Warren in cold blood somehow gets passed over?

BtVS is total chit.

Best friends

[Realrockerhalloween · 5 October 2016]

The finale is beautiful yet sad as it reminds me Tara will be gone from this point now and nothing will ever be the same as Willow tries to redeem herself. Xander's speech in the temple mound comes straight from the heart as he remembers as the same girl he met in kindergarten who he loves no matter what and proves that he was a hero all along. He felt helpless when Buffy was shot yet it took his abilities not the slayer or a witch to stop the apocalypse but a caring friend who knew details about her past to stark her humanity long forgotten. Giles even aids in by sacrificing himself by returning and giving her pure magic to allow her to feel instead of going through the motions and hear what her old friend is saying instead of being deaf to it.

Another aspect is Buffy learns her baby sister can take care of herself and doesn't have to protect her from the world but show it to her. She can fight from observing Buffy in training or battle to no longer be weak but can take care of herself. Also Spike has been shown going through trials yet it was left to what he hopes to accomplish since it centered around Buffy and we find out he wanted his soul back so she would love him. It opens a flood gate as to why a demon would want one unless he thinks it will make him like Angel to have a true relationship instead of list or obsession.

Edge of your seat season finale.

[m-47826 · 7/10 · 11 July 2021]

After Buffy's sacrifice last season finale, the show was bound to go through this stage. In spite of comic reliefs and silly episodes, season 6 is dark and gloomy. It's the grieving process stage of BTVS. The season leading to a lighter, and back to basics format next year. Entropy is one of my favorite episodes, now. It used to be Seeing Red, but I just realized how chaotic and randomly dramatic, it could be. I'm not talking about Spike's attempting rape on Buffy. It is exactly what you would expected of him, at that point. But the way the scene was shot, was too reminiscent of The Body episode's plain style. Tara's death, was the most shocking moment of the season. But it's also what makes it so pivotal to the story. Everything prior to Grave, is very serialized and keeps you glued to the screen. Dark Willow is the best big bad since Angelus, and it is incredible how such a harmless character, was turned into one you would want to get destroyed. As despicable as Warren may have been, his fate was the cruelest, any vilains got. And the two left-overs, were juggling between pitiful and annoying. With Jonathan, trying way too hard to make himself look good. And Andrew being... Andrew. The way Willow talks through this evil alter ego, was something I've been waiting for since season 4. Her becoming a magic junkie, was no stranger to those feelings. And it probably wasn't just in the script, either... Giles return, was a good pay off, only wasn't used properly. Buffy and Dawn, being stuck with corny looking root demons, would've probably dragged down the episode. But it is where the little sister, finally becomes her sibling's heir. At least that's what, killing her first demon, using the same kind of skills as hers, implied. Xander, playing the unheard savior of THIS apocalypse. Was a nice node to the character never being good enough. And the special bound between him and Willow, that seemed to have been completely lost lately. BTVS is not big on music placements. But when it is, it always hit the right notes. That kind of love, Displaced, Stranded, and Prayer of St. Francis, all captured the essence and concerns this season finale moments. With yet another depressing, and wonderful McLachlan song, closing it, and paving the way for one last battle...

The end to the worst season of Buffy

[bedpilled · 3/10 · 4 January 2024]

Used to like this show a lot, but the quality of its writing has seriously downgraded. Makes me marvel how a show that can produce such great episodes like The Body and Fool For Love can also churn out such a disaster as this finale and season as a whole, the main culprit being the writer as character motivations are written as sloppily as a five year old's colouring book.

There's the way that Spike's romance with Buffy was degraded into a purely sadistic and sexual affair culminating in Spike's attempted rape of Buffy which was not only incredibly tasteless but out of Spike's character to do.

As a result of her dealings with Spike and her robotic morals which demand she MUST save the lives of three rapists and murderers because they're human, she's become way too detached and insufferable to enjoy as a protagonist. In her battle with Willow, I honestly found myself roaring at the television hoping she'll lose.

The same goes for Anya who for whatever reason decides to also stop Willow in killing the rapist trio, which has her working alongside not just Xander who broke her heart only a few episodes prior but also her "friend" group whose strongest words of condemnation for him were "I want to be mad at him but I can't". Anya, a vengeance demon who spent her entire life either maiming or killing men who harmed women, turned saviour of rapist men alongside the man who broke her heart? Makes sense to me, 10/10 writing.

Not to worry though, as she's not alone in her quest to save the lives of rapist-murderers as dues-ex Giles shows up out of nowhere with magical powers (I guess he can use magic now, not like this would have been helpful in the numerous instances of the show where their running-in with demons would have necessitated such a thing) to stop Willow, and despite the fact that she's supposed to the most powerful witch around, he somehow goes toe-to-toe with her for a while, even though regular vampires and at times, regular humans, have given him trouble and almost killed him in an instant.

The rapist-murderer duo get away by the good honour and graces of Buffy and her gang, and the world gets saved by Xander's power of love and friendship. You know for a season that wants itself to be taken seriously for being more gritty and dark, it sure is conflicted about what it wants to be. You can't drop a cartoonishly Disney ending but also be Breaking Bad.

What's more is that it's becoming increasingly clear that the writer's personal biases either for or against certain characters is muddying the waters and quality of the show. It's well known now in retrospect that Joss Whedon hated the positive fan response to Spike as a character and saw himself in Xander as his POV. And it shows when you sit through a season of Spike being dragged through the mud and becoming a rapist meanwhile Xander saves the world through his love for Willow, even though the pair have shared paltry scenes since their dissolution in Seasons 2 and 3.

Moral of the story I guess is that to be a good and moral person, you MUST save the lives of rapists. Currently burning every library as every possible book in it is inferior to Joss Whedon and his writing genius.

The ruining of great characters and a great show

[casparws · 4 June 2018]

This season is the worst one and is only slightly redeemed by Willow becoming 'evil' in the final episodes. And that's only because she does what we never get to see Buffy do - seek revenge.

Once loved characters gradually became insufferable and the stories became too depressing and disjointed. Whilst seeing characters go through turmoil can be interesting in this season it was irritating and unnecessary. What on Earth was that double meat palace crap?!

Buffy is a brilliant creation of a superhero character. However, deciding she would always be the moral compass of the group really proved to have ran out of steam by this season - to the point where the only direction to take her character was for her to become unrealistically morally robotic. After months of harassment she is shot by a misogynistic murderer who wanted to make her his sex slave and this still doesn't chip away at rigid morals. OH COME ON BUFFY YOU ABSOLUTE WET BLANKET. There's nothing more infuriating than watching a character with so much physical power (and potential societal power) be so intellectually and morally impotent.

This season is when the show's binary ethics of good and evil become too rigid to be believable. Why would killing a person destroy Willow? What if after she's 'come down' from the magic high she actually doesn't feel remorseful for killing a human? Why does Buffy think Willow is wrong to kill Warren but it wasn't wrong for her to kill the knights who were after Dawn at the end of season 5? It seems the only right Buffy believes she has is to tell people they can't do something "because it's wrong". This is why Faith was a brilliant addition. But even she got punished for killing someone, despite proclaiming not to care and raising a valid point about having saved so many lives why should ending one be so bad. The blanket 'killing a human = bad' has always been a lazy part of the Buffyverse.

Interesting. But excessive.

[pulikd · 6/10 · 6 October 2022]

Season six has come to an end here, and this is definitely not the best season ending episode on the show. It is interesting to have villains that are new to the show. Not demons, nothing supernatural at all, just some human kids going too far with the crazy resources they have been able to get their hands on. Also, there is one of the main heroines, Willow, going too far with her magic practice, she has to learn to restrain herself and needs help with that. Then there is Buffy and Spike and their story, and the screenwriters could have chosen a different direction in that regard. Still, what they did choose was bold and I am curious to see what happens next. But there are things I will not put up with no matter what. For example, Buffy is still, even now, questioning whether or not it was right for her friends to bring her back from the grave after season five. During the whole season, nobody has ever brought up how Buffy coming back from the grave is the only reason Sunnydale is still there. Rather than burned to the ground by that demon party. Had Buffy not come back, the town would have been destroyed. And the people would have suffered, obviously. Buffy saved everyone here and nobody ever brings this up. Nobody is thankful. Then there is this whole end of the world thing again. Someone kills Willow's lover. Willow is very good with magic, and now she's filled with negative emotions. She's out for revenge. Alright, this is already enough, there is no need for another apocalypse, it comes out of the blue and does not look all that good, and what it takes to stop this new apocalypse isn't that much. It turns out to be so simple.

The Master in season one did not want to destroy the world, he wanted to take control of it, to come forth from the shadow and rule, to rise from beneath the ground. Angel in season two wanted to unleash hell on earth because the demon in him had been unchained and hell is his cup of tea, his natural habitat. He wanted to remake the world to his design, not get rid of it. The mayor in season three wanted to ascend and gain more strength to be a force in this world, not just destroy everything. Adam in season four was a creation gone against his creators and he, too, wanted to redesign the world according to his sick, twisted logic. Glory in season five was a prisoner on this earth and wanted to get back to her own world, and had to open a portal that would get her there, only that portal would also kill pretty much everyone everywhere. Willow here just wants to destroy everything because she's gone crazy. This is boring. She has been in trouble because of her magic and she is trying hard to stop using magic, but then someone dear is violently taken away from her, and she knows exactly who did it, and she wants to punish them. This is enough material already. Willow in danger of losing her humanity should she cross the line, her friends putting their lives on the line to stop her. This is enough material to work with. Could have been a unique season on the show that does not end with yet another end of the world scenario, but there you are. Big, loud, tiring, and can't boast much brain. Could have been smaller, more careful and precise, could have been much better.