Lessons

Review by Heather V. Long

It has been a Long Summer - pardon the pun. The episode served up by Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy definitely appeared worth the wait and the weight that they left us with last spring.

The episode featured the theme "It's about the power - who's got it? Who wants it?" Book ended neatly by scenes featuring Buffy teaching Dawn and Spike being tormented by visions of big bads of the past; the viewer is given quite a bit to whet their appetite. The episode is very light on the Anya and Xander, though their appearances were definitely nice to have.

Xander's work on building the new school offered up a lot of easy quip lines as he brought the plans for Buffy to see. Buffy's gentle teasing and general comfort with "parenting" Dawn offered insight into how far they have come over the summer. To be frank, if this is the new and improved Dawn - HUZZAH! She rarely whined, she did scream a few times but overall, I liked her. Anya's good demon routine added some brevity to the show, but the scenes were too brief.

Okay, let's pan to the English countryside and Giles' riding the beautiful paint/shire cross. As a horse person, I thought his horse was exquisite, but I saw shades of Highlander as Giles made himself seem extremely comfortable in the picturesque setting. Another Huzzah as he tells Willow that her magic isn't a hobby or an ADDICTION, it's a part of her now and a part she must learn to control it. I liked the mentor/student dynamic and the gentle, but firm tone and manner he maintained with Willow.

Giles feels sympathy, but not pity. It reminded me largely of the times when he came to grips with Buffy's nature and learned that he couldn't just feel sorry for her or boss her around, he had to be firm and strong - the guide. Now he's guiding Willow down a similarly treacherous path. The everything is connected/Gaia bit was interesting, but Willow is big with the metaphysical at the moment. I admit, it's definitely enjoyable to see her healing --- but I think it's apparent that a good chunk of that healing requires her going home to face the past there.

The episode was high with the Buffy nerves. I could feel for Buffy not wanting Dawn to attend Sunnydale High School. How perfectly in character? The slaying of Dawn's social life in thirty seconds or less also fit neatly into the character we have come to know. Joss and company promised that they were taking Buffy to a lighter place and I think they've succeeded.

The meat of the episode involved the manifested spirits that attacked Dawn and struck out at Buffy. The encounter with Spike in the basement offered its own reward in several forms, but also hints of foreshadowing that may or may not have impact in later episodes.

Why was Spike hiding there? What about the school attracted him? Who placed the talisman? A spell controlled by a talisman, a four year old could figure it out! His advice to Buffy, useful as usual, was actually accepted and employed without a lot of disparaging remarks. Maybe Buffy really did grow up over the summer and come to grips with her attraction and interest in Spike. She definitely showed signs of remorse and concern. The confusion also played out neatly.

The lasting mystery, however, is who or what is tormenting Spike? Is it external or internal? Why is he hiding? Is the soul he was granted tormenting him because of guilt? Or was he granted a malicious soul that he is battling to contain? These questions and so much more could lead to new chapters in Sunnydale life.

Oh - and did anyone notice the neat sacrifice at the beginning that seemed to have nothing to do with anything?

Can't wait to see what they offer us up for that!

Oh -- and the cell phones? It's about time the Scoobies joined the twenty-first century. Cordelia's had one since high school, but the core group has needed these tools forever!

Rating for Episode:

Five Stars out of Five - Buffy is back - let's hope she stays this time!

---

Heather Long