Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV Series) The Gift (2001) User Reviews

The reason that television was invented

[katierose295 · 10/10 · 1 September 2006]

This is arguably the greatest episode of BTVS. (In my opinion, the only two episodes that could even come close to challenging it are season six's "Once More With Feeling" and season two's "Becoming Part Two.") "The Gift" wraps up season five (and, in a way, the entire series to this point) with such a perfect mixture of laughter and tears that it reaches the level of art. This episode is just flat out great television and I almost hate to write about it. I'm not going to do it justice. I highly recommend that you see this episode for yourself so you can fully appreciate it. It's too d*mn good to miss.

"The Gift" is the season five season finale. It picks up where "Weight of the World" left off. The Scoobies are at the Magic Box, Glory has Dawn and she's going to use Dawn's blood to rip down the barriers between every dimension. Giles tells Buffy that they need to stop that at all costs... Even if that cost is killing Dawn themselves. Buffy refuses to even consider such a thing. She sacrificed Angel to save the world and she can't do it again. She is more convinced than ever that the first Slayer was right, death is her gift. Needing another way to defeat Glory, the Scoobies brainstorm some ideas. Finally, they decide to just keep Glory busy with a fight so she misses the mystical portal time line. Spike and Buffy gather weapons at the Summers' house. Xander and Anya have sex in the basement of the Magic Box. Willow works on a spell to fix Tara. They finally complete their preparations and head off to face Glory.

Tara leads them to Glory's tower-thing. The portal's going to open high above the street and Sunnydale's brain-sucked citizens have built a rickety structure to reach it. Dawn is tied at the top. Buffy fights Glory with the Dragon sphere, the Buffy-bot and Olaf the Troll's magic hammer. Meanwhile Spike races up the steps to get to Dawn. He finds Doc at the top and the smaller demon pushes Spike off. Buffy beats Glory so senseless that Ben comes out again. Unable to kill a human, Buffy leaves him and heads up to her sister. Giles, who knows that Glory can't be allowed to survive inside Ben, quietly suffocates him. When Buffy finds Dawns the portal is already opening. Dawn tries to jump into the opening so it will stop, but Buffy won't let her. Instead, she tells Dawn that she loves her and asks her to take care of her friends. Then she turns, leaps through the portal herself and dies. The Scoobies gather around her body at the base of the tower, crying and holding each other. The episode closes with Buffy's tombstone with the fitting epitaph "She Saved the World A Lot."

There is just so much to love about this episode that I can't even list it all. Every one of the Scoobies is just brilliant. There's Anya and Xander getting engaged in the basement, bunny scare and all. Apocalypse aside, it's such a perfect moment. Watching that scene you really wish that they could just end up happy. And there's Glory gaping at Tara and demanding "What are you doing here?" when she shows up at the tower. Which prompts Willow to step out and calmly says, "She's with me." Then she does a little brain sucking of her own on Glory, which brings Tara back to her. There's Giles' killing Ben, which was, I honestly believe, the right choice given the circumstances. Giles' didn't make the decision lightly. He even puts his glasses on so he'd have to watch Ben die and he couldn't take the easy way out by not looking at other man. It had to be done if the world was going to be safe from Glory, but I'm not sure that Giles ever recovers from it. There's the wonder and emotion on his Spike's face when Buffy quietly invites him back into the house. Then Buffy asks him for his help, trusting that of everyone Spike will willingly end the world to keep Dawn save. Prehaps she's think back to last apocalypse they headed off together back to season two. When they stood in that very living room and struck a bargain to stop Angel and Dru, as Joyce looked on in confusion. Now Buffy need him to help her protect Dawn. Spike nods, "To the end of the world. Even if that happens to be tonight." His failure to rescue Dawn from Doc will haunt him into next season. And finally Buffy herself. That moment with Dawn on the top of the tower is just incredible. The look of pure understanding that passes over her face as she realizes what she has to do. Buffy finally understands what the first Slayer meant by "death is your gift" and she sacrifices herself to protect her sister and world.

BTVS could have ended here and still have been one of the best shows ever. Personally, I'm glad we got to follow that Sunnydale gang for two more season, though. Since "The Gift" was BTVS 100th episode, it had a special "previously on" segment when it first aired. (It's an easter egg on some DVD sets) Clips from the previous 99 episodes flash by, faster and faster, as if everything has been building towards this episode and this story line.

On the down side, I'd kinna like to know what happens to that dragon that came out of the portal. Also, not to nit pick, but when did we establish that Buffy and Dawn had the same magical dimension closing properties in their blood?

My favorite part of the episode: Spike breaking down and sobbing uncontrollably at the sight of Buffy's dead body. Oh, God, I'm getting misty just thinking about it.

Beautifully Orchestrated Finale

[www-kristabellax · 10/10 · 5 June 2007]

Never could I have imagined that such a complex narrative and plot would indefinitely lead to one of the most fine hours upon TV.

The teaser was refreshing and reminded us I think of the very first memories as one of the greatest moments of TV. Stark, revealing, funny and charming a sure reminder of when Buffy entered our hearts for the very first time.

To see a character so loved torn by so much conflict and done in such a raw manner is not something people are accustomed to seeing on the TV and yet Buffy managed it with gracefulness and eloquence.

For me the pivotal moment in the episode was when Buffy of course realised what her gift actually meant. It didn't mean death. It meant rebirth, life. Giving it unto others by sacrificing yourself which she did with great aplomb.

The scene on the tower when the words disappear and there's only music is one of the most heartbreaking and most intensely beautiful moments of Buffy that I will always cherish. The score is done so beautifully and true to the shows form.

I believe doubtlessly that Buffy TVS'S "The Gift" will go down in history as one of the greatest hours in TV history. Now that Buffy has truly, honestly ended TV will be that much emptier for it.

God bless a show that didn't always play it safe. God bless a cast that could act more than many other movie stars.

God bless Buffy for a show that equivocally touched so many lives.

Buffy Discovers Her True Gift

[Samuel-Shovel · 10/10 · 19 March 2018]

I love how everything from the season builds up to this one crescendo of a finale. We use the troll hammer we picked up earlier, the Buffy-bot, Willow's magic, even Xander's construction know-how. It all mixes together to create this delicious final showdown.

So it turns out Buffy had the "Death is your gift" all wrong but it finally dawned on her (see what I did there?). I loved the use of the flashback and the emotional climax of this scene. I think it really would have worked as a series finale but the fact that we go on for another few seasons kind of makes all this matter a little less. Regardless, it is a beautiful act by Buffy and a beautiful scene.

I love Giles as the old, wise Watcher and him doing whatever he needs to do to protect Buffy, including out and out murder.

This is probably my 3rd favorite Buffy episode after "The Body" & "Hush". While this season as a whole hasn't been my favorite, this emotional finale makes it all worth it.

Death is not the end

[Joxerlives · 10/10 · 18 July 2012]

The Good; The final battle especially the bait and switch with the Buffybot and the Dawn/Buffy scene at the end. Also like the way Buffy casually announces to the gang she killed a vampire and they treat it like no big deal. Love the Scooby strategising session and Anya's gameshow hostess introduction of the troll hammer. Best ever Minion toadying 'Oh groovetastic one' and 'Oh sweaty naughty feelings causing one'.

The Bad; Doesn't anyone notice Glory's tower? Since when was Olaf a troll 'god'? Some of the minion makeup doesn't look so good, one rather looks like Michael Myers from the Halloween series. WHY NO COMMENTARY? Especially as this could have been the last ever Buffy ep.

Best line; Minion 1; "This shall be our day of Glory!" Minion 2; "Nicely put!" Minion 1; "Well it just cried out to me!" (takes crossbow bolt in the chest) "Ugh!"

Jeez!; How heartrending is it when Dawn folds her clothes up before she is to be sacrificed, like Joyce taught her? Just as Buffy wishes that Joyce was still there.

Kinky dinky;

Xander and Anya have a world in peril quickie. Then he proposes. Anya and Xander call each other pervert.

Captain Subtext; Tara's back, hooray! "I got so lost". So you can restore Glory's brainsucking. She also tells Giles 'You're a killer' before he kills Ben. Dawn asks Ben to turn into Glory as she prefers her, Glory refers to Buffy as sweetcheeks. Xander observes 'Smart chicks are so hot'. "You couldn't have figured that out in 10th grade?" asks Willow ruefully (another mark in the bi column). Xander however doubts that Willow thinks of Buffy like that but what does he know, he never noticed Tara and Willow and Spike did. Spike quotes Henry V, William the Bloody sensitive poet still in there somewhere.

Guantanamo Bay; Giles kills Ben/Glory. The right thing to do but still ruthless as hell. Would Xander have done it if Giles hadn't? It's him who comes up with the idea in the first place. Giles proposes killing Dawn. Too much to ask of Buffy but there are millions of Dawns all over the world, sacrifice one to save them all? Buffy tells Giles that if Dawn dies the council can get someone else (Faith?). But could she ever walk away from all those other Dawns?

Scoobies to the ER; All pretty banged up, I heard a rumour that season 6 would see Anya in a wheelchair but it never happened.

Buffy and Dawn more than sisters? Buffy once again hints that the connection between her and Dawn is deeper than just sisters, she describes it as physical and says that she is closer to Dawn than anyone (as the final scene with the Summers' blood will prove).

Questions and observations; Lovely recap of past 100 eps, especially nice to have Cordy and Angel. The vamp in the alley goes 'Oh god'? I know it's weird but I always rather liked Glory's minions. Very clever that when we see the Buffybot it's wearing the clothes we've last seen Buffy in. SMG puts on her white jumper which later turns up in 'The Grudge'. The creatures from the transformed city hall rather resemble the bugs from Aliens especially the Alien Hybrid from Alien 4 which Joss wrote.

So what happens to the people Glory brainsucked? We know that there is a link between Glory and them, when Glory dies do they return to normal? (I remember reading one very inventive fic where Faith had been brainsucked by Glory and in the follow-up story DarkWillow cures her by brainsucking Warren before she kills him and giving Faith his mental energy. But you figure if Faith can recover from her coma Slayer healing would easily take care of it?) Spike says blood is life which is what possessed Xander says in Buffy vs Dracula. Please note all Dawn-haters, Dawn was quite willing to commit suicide to save the world. And if Buffy's blood hadn't worked she'd have followed her off the tower, Faith would be the Slayer and the Summers girls would all be together in heaven.

A lot of people wanted Buffy to end at this point but I don't, I don't want Buffy to die young like all the other Slayers, I want her to live a long and happy life and I don't want poor Dawn to lose the mother and sister she loves within 6 weeks of each other. But still, stonking ep, if it had ended like this it would have been OK with me.

Marks out of 10; 10/10 for the girl who saved the world a lot (and still does

Undoubtly One of the Best Buffy Episodes!

[Sweettina135 · 10/10 · 11 January 2007]

I may be bias because I'm a huge Buffy fan and almost 90% of the episodes are down on my list of favorites, but this one makes you cry and laugh, and the script is phenomenal and quotable.

This is a pivotal episode in the Buffyverse. Xander proposes to Anya, Buffy sacrifices herself for Dawn, Spike really steps up as becoming one step closer to the vampire that will later choose to get a soul, Giles shows that as a good man, he still has a bit of ripper in him, and Willow's magic takes a whole new turn.

At this point, I have pretty much memorized the script from beginning to end.

My favorite lines would have to be:

"B: Have you ever heard the expression 'biting off more than you can chew? (Vampires shakes head) B: OK. How about the expression, 'vampire slayer'? Vamp: What the hell you talking' about? B: Wow. Never heard that one. Okay. How about 'Oh god, my leg, my leg!' (Vamp tries to attack her and she punches him then kicks him in the leg) Vamp: Oh god. My leg! B: See? Now we're communicating."

About the apocalypses: "B: I've always stopped them. Always won...I sacrificed Angel to save the world. I loved him so much. But I knew ... what was right. I don't have that any more. I don't understand. I don't know how to live in this world if these are the choices. If everything just gets stripped away. I don't see the point. I just wish that...I just wish my mom was here. The spirit guide told me ... that death is my gift. Guess that means a Slayer really is just a killer after all."

"(Anya screams when looking into a box) Anya: God, who, who would put something like that there? Is this supposed to be some sort of sick joke? (Anya pulls a bunny out of the box) I mean, things aren't bad enough! This is an omen. No, no, it's an omen. It's a higher power, trying to tell me through bunnies that we're all gonna die. Oh god."

"Spike: I know you'll never love me. I know that I'm a monster. But you treat me like a man."

"B: Dawn listen to me, listen. I love you. I will always love you. But this is the work that I have to do. Tell Giles...tell Giles that I figured it out. And, and I'm okay. And give my love to my friends. You have to take care of them now. You have to take care of each other. You have to be strong. Dawn. The hardest thing in this world is to live in it. Be brave. Live. For me."

Back to the review. Even though I have seen this episode a million times, I still sit on the edge of my sit hoping that Buffy will beat Glory up on the tower and reach Dawn in time.

This episode includes a lot of sacrifice or the will to be sacrificed for those you love. It's definitely the main theme of the episode. Ex: - Anya pushes Xander out of the way because she loves him so much that she'd rather die than him. - Buffy dies for Dawn and the world.

The episode has some amazing camera techniques and the music selection is superb! The editing is smooth and the dialog is witty, as usual.

This is undoubtedly the most amazing episode. I cry every time.

A Few of My Favorite Moments

[davidalan528 · 10/10 · 3 January 2007]

"The Body" and "The Gift" comprise two of the best hours of television I've seen in my raised-by-TV existence. Here are my favorite moments from what may be my favorite episode (I refuse to choose between this, "The Body," and "Chosen").

Prescient Tara, to Giles before heading to the battle: "You're a killer; this is all set down."

B: "Remember: the ritual starts, we all die; and I'll kill anyone who comes near Dawn." Spike: "Well, not exactly the St. Crispin's Day Speech, was it?" Giles: "...'We few, we happy few'..." Spike: "...We band of buggered."

B: "Willow, you're up." Giles: "You need anything?" Wil: "Could use a little courage." (Spike promptly offers up his flask) Wil: "The real kind. But thanks!"

Glory: "I need a brain to eat!" Minion: "Take mine, O Groovetastic One!" The best running joke throughout the season is, as Glory calls it, the toadying.

Glory, after decapitating Buffybot: "Huh. The Slayer's a robot. Did everybody else know the Slayer's a robot?" B: "Glory?" (Puts the trollhammer smackdown on Glory.) "You're not the brightest god in the heavens." The shared wide-eyed look of horror between Spike and Dawn when they realize he couldn't protect her long enough.

The look in Buffy's eyes as she realizes a) that she has the power to close the portal with her blood, and b) that she's won, that she did beat Glory (remember in "The Weight of The World" and earlier in this episode, Buffy defines 'victory' as saving Dawn from Glory).

And here's a bonus favorite of mine: I've been watching the series again on DVD...remember good ol' "Graduation"? If anyone's seen part two since you've seen Season Five, you picked up on Faith and Buffy's little exchange in which Faith mentions "little sis coming"...but what it took me more than a minute to get was that the scene is of them making up Dawn's room, and the beginning of that scene is Faith saying "Little Miss Muffet, counting down from seven, three, oh..." - The first crazy dude to confront Dawn this season looked her dead in the eye and said "curds and whey, curds and whey". And, 365 x 2 = 730. Two years to the episode after "Graduation, Pt. 2," Buffy dies. You have to give Joss Whedon his props - the man plans ahead.

Rescue Dawn

[pulikd · 9/10 · 1 October 2022]

Similar to the last episode from season 2, and aware of it, with Buffy herself even comparing the current crisis to the older one in a dialogue, and immediately and rightfully mentioning how the two scenarios may be similar, but they are also different. And that difference is clear. The ending here may be as devastating, if not more, than the one in "Becoming: Part 2", but "The Gift" accomplishes it in a different way. What may be viewed as a drawback here is how "The Gift" relies heavier on visual effects, and even though they may be decent or even good, they are visual effects, and certain elements may come across as cartoonish. Thankfully, such are very few and occupy very little screen time. Not a problem, really. What could also be viewed as a drawback is the pacing of the episode. Not the whole episode, though, just the very ending of it. It could and probably should have been somewhat slower to give the audience, or should I say fans, a bit more time to absorb the pain from what they just witnessed with their favorite characters. The material itself, the idea itself, and the execution in general, all up there on the quality scale, no doubt, but the episode ends a bit too fast. It could have used more care.

Those details may be worth taking one star off, but not more. Season 5 has been rich and powerful, and here, with the final fight about to be fought, the finale unfolds. Our heroes are preparing. They need a plan, so they do come up with one. Only we, the audience, don't get to see the whole conversation they are having now. Some of it is left off screen so there are surprises during the fight. A smart move from the screenwriter, for sure. Our heroes are all different individuals with different characteristics or unique abilities. And they are going to work according to what they are good at, everyone doing a particular job with all of them, ultimately, working as one. They've been through a lot. Some of them may not be in their best shape. Some may be exhausted after all they've had to go through on the season. And this particular fight cannot be easy. But is anything ever really easy at all in this life?

The One Where Buffy Dies...

[taylorkingston · 10/10 · 28 May 2016]

I loved this episode. It was so amazing. It is probably my favorite Season Finale, one of my all-time favorite episodes, and is in the Top 3 favorite episodes of this season. Such a great Season Finale. Especially because this originally was the Series Finale, because The WB cancelled it, and afterwards, UPN picked it up. Ironically (at least I think it's ironic) a few years later The WB, and UPN forged together to create The CW. Interesting.

In this episode, Glory is preparing her "Key", also known as flesh, and blood, Dawn, for the ritual that will rip open dimensions, and get her back home to where she can be an evil God again. I don't get why she doesn't stay, and be evil in our own dimension. I'm not routing for evil or anything, but when you think about it, she could probably cause a lot more mayhem on Earth, and still be worshiped as a God. Meanwhile, Buffy, and the Scooby gang prepare for the long-awaited battle. Thankfully, in the end Tara gets her brain back, Glory is defeated, but unfortunately, not before Dawn is cut, and her blood starts flowing. Since Buffy realized that the Monks made her out of her own blood, she jumps into the ripped open dimension portal, and sacrifices herself for the world. That's like the sixth apocalypse she, and the gang are stopped. Even if she didn't come back to life, that's still a pretty good track record.

Fun fact: Buffy's tombstone reads: She saved the world a lot.

Fun fact: Last episode to be aired on The WB.

Fun fact: Originally the Series Finale.

Fun fact: The "previous on…" clip shows scenes for almost all of the other 99 episodes.

Fun fact: This was the 100th episode.

Best part of this episode: Everything.

Worst part of this episode: Nothing.

Overall, I give this episode a 10 out of 10, which in my ratings book is: Freaking Ridonkulous.

The True Finale. Let Us In A State Of Shock.

[killianlpc · 10/10 · 21 August 2022]

An incredible finale to S5. We just knew for the beginning montage of every previous episode that this was going to be something special. Buffy finally discovers her truth 'Death Is Your Gift', and we were all nonplussed that this would be the end of our heroine. There was of course lots of foreshadowing for this, when Giles and Buffy are in the gym before the final battle and Buffy says to Giles, 'I don't want to live in a world like this is these are the choices, if everything gets stripped away', we can see her pain and PTSD from the previous episode where was catatonic with stress. Still the moment when Giles suffocates Ben/Glory is a shocking scene and when we realise she will sacrifice herself, it is utterly heart breaking. In the aftermath where all the Scoobies are crying over her body, we get the greatest quote from the series when Buffy has said to Dawn ' the hardest thing in this world is to live in it' The Final shot of the gravestone adds to our unimaginable pain. This was the greatest of all the Buffy The Vampire Slayer episodes, nothing could match it for plot, drama and pure heart breaking scenes. A true finale, an episode unmatched in the show.

Amazing end of Phase 2 of Buffy

[ossie85 · 10/10 · 19 August 2022]

Giles tries to prepare Buffy for the worst - she may have to kill Dawn - but Buffy will hear none of it. Xander asks Anya to do something amazing and Willow is still trying to find a cure for Tara. Glory prepares Dawn for the ceremony and the gang prepare an attack. But Doc may have something to say about that.

Why It's So Good - A simply stunning finale for the 5th season. Genuinely exciting, with plenty of great character moments scattered through out. If Phase 1 was seasons 1-3, Phase 2 ends with this episode. Absolutely iconic.

Watch Out For - 'When you say you love us all . . ."

Quote - "I'm your - no, I-I was never a gun. Someone else should be the gun. I, I could be a, a cudgel. Or, or a pointy stick." - Willow.

"The Gift" one of the best episodes in TV history.

[buffysummersapologist · 10/10 · 29 March 2023]

"The Gift" is widely regarded as one of the most emotional and impactful episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and is often cited as one of the best episodes in television history. This episode marks the end of the show's fifth season and features a major character death that has lasting consequences for the series.

One of the reasons why "The Gift" is such a powerful episode is its intense action and suspenseful storytelling. The episode builds to a thrilling climax as Buffy and her friends attempt to stop an apocalypse and save the world from destruction. The stakes are high and the tension is palpable, making for a gripping viewing experience.

Another reason why "The Gift" is so memorable is its strong character moments. The episode features some of the most powerful scenes in the series, including Buffy's final conversation with her sister Dawn, and the heartbreaking moment when Buffy sacrifices herself to save the world. These scenes are emotionally resonant and showcase the depth and complexity of the show's characters.

"The Gift" is also praised for its thematic resonance and its exploration of the show's central themes of sacrifice, heroism, and family. The episode is a powerful meditation on the nature of heroism and the sacrifices that are necessary to save the world. It is a fitting end to the show's fifth season and sets the stage for the show's final two seasons.

"The Gift" is a standout episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" that showcases the show's strengths in storytelling, character development, and thematic resonance. It is a powerful and emotionally resonant episode that has had a lasting impact on fans and critics alike, and is widely considered to be one of the best episodes in television history.

The gift

[Realrockerhalloween · 5 October 2016]

As season five comes to a close Glory finally gets to perform the ritual to take her home. Buffy gets ready to fight for her sister and the world. One of my favorites as it feels like a Greek tragedy as the God gets ready to cause mayhem, the slayer comes to her people's aid destroying the evil force, dying for the world so She can be with her mother and Dawn can keep her memory alive knowing her sister's at peace. The music is heartbreaking knowing Buffy has forged strength through the pain as the first slayer told her and her soul is full of love.

Another aspect is everyone gets a chance to shine showing they were all needed in her life with Xander using a wrecking ball to weaken Glory, Giles killing Ben to stop her from returning, Willow using her magics open a path way and Spike making it to the top of the tower to save little Muppet told of in dreams redeeming his past misdeeds.

Buffy is a Hero and Death Is her Gift

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 15 October 2007]

Buffy tells that she would kill anyone that could harm Dawn. Anya suggests the use of the Dagon sphere and the Troll's hammer to fight against Glory. While in the basement looking for the magical objects, Xander proposes Anya. Glory prepares Dawn for the ritual and the Scooby gang uses Tara to find the exact location where Glory is. Willow retrieves Tara's brain from Glory, and while Buffy and the gang battle against Glory and her followers, Doc unexpectedly makes Dawn bleed, opening the gate to hell and forcing Buffy to a deadly decision.

In this last episode of Season Five, Buffy defeats Glory but spares Ben, while Giles have an unthinkable attitude. The battle between Buffy and Glory is disappointing and the surprising conclusion will only be resolved in the next season. Unfortunately Fox do Brasil distributor does not respect the Brazilian consumers and I have no idea when or if they will release the Sixth Season on DVD. The most hilarious moment of this episode is when Spike asks Buffy: "When you say you love us all" and is interrupted by a shut-up. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "O Dom" ("The Gift")

The Gift Is A Crock

[skay_baltimore · 1/10 · 1 August 2010]

The problem with "The Gift" -- the season finale -- is that it's a lie. So much is built up to the climax, yet, in truth, Buffy doesn't die. Or...to be more accurate...she does die...but is brought back by Willow's black magic in season 6. But regardless, it's a lie to play on those emotions of the viewers. It's a lie to do it once. But the writers of BtVS have the audacity to do it twice. How many times can they kept stacking the deck and pulling the rug out from under the viewers? It's as if it were a game to them. All it does is cheapen the show and what would otherwise have been a stellar season ending finale.

Maybe the most profound thing ever to leave Buffy's lips were the words: "Dawn...the hardest thing in this world is to live in it". Then she seemingly sacrifices herself rather than follow the proscribed course which would have been to kill Dawn. That in itself, however, according to her own words, makes her a coward, not a hero. People are too easily deceived by cheap emotion and sentimentality. The perfect example is this season finale. It's the exact opposite of what it should have been. And to play the "Buffy's dead/no she's not" card -- twice in 5 seasons -- is simply unconscionable. Shame on Whedon. And shame on the fans who don't call him out on this. It makes an absolute mockery of BtVS, whether or not anyone sees it or has the courage to call Whedon out on it.

Epic and tragic at the same time.

[m-47826 · 8/10 · 4 May 2021]

This episode is a real tear jerker. I already know what happens, but the sacrifice always gets me. It's so selfless and pure. And even though the heroine comes back to life, next season. A part of her died through that last minute choice. She leaves herself behind. And that's the most heartbreaking thing about it. The Buffy we knew from the pilot episode, dies. There's Good and bad too, in The Gift. The fact that it's a semi series finale, with a sluggish buildup. And that the finale battle with Glory, is a little disappointing. Considering the amount of build up it had on previous episodes... Regardless, it's one of the best Buffy episodes. And clearly one closing a very important chapter of its on and offscreen journey.

This is the episode where Buffy sacrificed herself for Dawn

[Joekellachan · 9/10 · 20 October 2006]

This episode was a bit shocking when Buffy sacrificed herself for Dawn.Iwas sitting on the sofa with my mouth wide open I mean Dawn was the key and she was supposed to die!This was one of the episodes that lifted me off my feet well not literally!My dad and I thought it was the end of Buffy forever but we where wrong oh boy where we wrong.And I thought it was amazing that Glory and Ben shared the same body and they could not live without each other.I don't think Ben deserved to die Glory was the real bad guy.When Ben was in control of the body he took pity on Dawn he really didn't deserve to die.If Buffy could have found a way to separate each other in one of Gile's books that would have been good.