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Episode 2.06 Halloween

by Siobhan

Summary:

It's Halloween in Sunnydale and the demons are filled with a child-like glee.

This episode starts out normally enough. Buffy is fighting a vampire in a pumpkin patch. Typical enough, but that is where typical ends. This particular fight is being videotaped and as Buffy defeats the disposable vamp of the week, her audience fades into the darkness.

It's Halloween in Sunnydale (hence the pumpkin patch) and Principal Snyder ropes Buffy and her friends into playing chaperone for the little trick-or-treaters. Luckily, according to Giles, vamps and demons prefer to stay in on Halloween. It's against the rules or something. Only there is a new bloke in town and his raison d'erte is breaking the rules. Ethan Rayne casts a spell over Sunnydale, turning people into their costumes. Guys with guns turn into soldiers. People with eye-patches become pirates. And kids with horns turn into actual little devils. And unfortunately for Sunnydale, Buffy, dressed as an 18th century aristocrat, promptly turns into a helpless little miss.

Things quickly escalate out of control (as things are wont to do when you live on a Hellmouth). The Scoobies are running from Spike and his pack of kids-turned-demons. Lady Buffonia is quivering in the corner and Giles (or should I say Ripper) is --ahem-- convincing Ethan Rayne that his little spell was a very bad idea. Spike has Buffy and is moving in for the kill when Giles finally manages to break the spell. Buffy pops back to normal and proceeds to kick Spike's ass. Then kindly steps back and allows him to run away. Poor boy.

Spike moments:

This episode cements the character that was first spotted in School Hard. The vamp in the teaser was taping Buffy on Spike's orders. In School Hard we met a vampire who disdained stuffy and meaningless traditions. He wanted a little less ritual and a little more fun. He got rid of the Annoying One and began a new era. Spike studies his prey and he is not afraid of the modern world. We also see further proof of his devotion to his evil half, Drusilla. He's at the Hellmouth for her. He is determined to get rid of the Slayer so she won't get in his way as he tries to heal Dru. And he knows how to enjoy himself. Spike's glee at watching all the little beasties run through Sunnydale is contagious. You can't help but agree with him - it really is neat.

Really Important Stuff:

Tradition has been established. Spike is wearing what has already become his signature outfit - black jean, black t-shirt, red over shirt, black boats, and the ever-so-important Black Duster. Spike is, at this point, unequivocally evil. We know this not because he is the leader of the demon pack or because he tries to kill the Slayer. No. His hair establishes his evilness. It is super-platinum and sporting enough gel to form an impenetrable helmet on his head. It would take a greater evil than this world has ever known to move it. It's a fact of Buffy-life - the harder Spike's hair the more evil he is.

Spike lines:

"She's tricky. Baby likes to play." Ah, our first glimpse of Spike the Truth teller. Buffy gets off on being the Slayer. She likes the fight. And she is still years away from admitting it. But Spike sees it right away. Our boy knows his Slayer, and he knows what gets her. Of course, Spike is also describing himself. He loves to play. He loves to fight. He and Buffy are two peas in a pod, even this far back.