Review of “Sanctuary” I was very impressed with this episode on a number of levels. I think more so from last week due to the lengths that the characters stretch here. Faith begins the ep broken, shattered, almost at her own brink. But as the days pass you see her transform to a more fragile, guilt ridden, emotional complexity. Realization has set in, and although she thinks running is an answer she knows she has to face her demons by confronting the pain and hurt and embracing it. When Buffy arrived she knows this is her worst fear and there is nothing left, not even defense. Faith is just a vulnerable shell of a girl. By the end of the episode she is strong again, if only to accept what she had done, which took enormous strength, perhaps all that she had left. The Buffy and Angel conflict was interesting and for the first time we realize that they 'have' moved on to different places as well. Angel stands his ground with fighting his own wars and Buffy has changed immensely, no longer the 16 years old in love with the dark, brooding stranger. They have lives now, and its painfully obvious these lives take them in different directions. An amazing range of brilliantly acted talents from Eliza Dushku, David and Sarah! Interesting to see the dark side of the Watchers Council! (again for BtVS fans) Great to see Kate (Elisabeth Rohm), need to see more of her! Two things, must mention! Robert Kral with the musical composition! Amazing throughout but especially when Faith hands over the knife to Angel and when Buffy first walks up to Faith! And, Tim Minear and Joss as twin pens forging a rutted path through pain to enlightenment! Writing at it's best! The 'victim' dialogue was excellent. One question Joss, where the Hellmouth did you find the budget for a helicopter!? I give it . . . Review by CoA Council member, Swoop

CoA Stakes Rating Guide = Disappointing, stake it, bury it! = Not too bad, Lacking a few graves. = Typical Dark Avenger saves the day Saga. = Better still, Quality Headstones. = Outstanding! Reward it with mortality!

Wesley: Bitch. Not you obviously. Wesley: Won't she find it difficult enjoying delicious jelly filled donuts if she's, one assumes, bound and gaged? Angel: You should be resting. Faith: I've been asleep for 8 mos. You rest. Faith: You gonna step aside or do we throw down? Faith: I gotta be the first slayer in history to be sponsored by a vampire. Buffy: So you decided to punish her with a severe cuddling?! Buffy: You apologize to me, I will beat you to death. Buffy: You hit me! Angel: Not to go all schoolyard on you, but you hit me first. Wesley: That's for calling me a ponce. Buffy: I have someone in my life now... that I love. It's not what you and I had, its very new. You know what makes it new, I trust him. I know him. Angel: That's great. It's nice you moved on. I can't. You found someone new. I'm not allowed to, remember? I see you again and it cuts me up inside, and the person I share that with is me. You don't know me anymore, so don't come down here with your great new life and expect me to do things your way. Go home! Buffy: See? Faith wins again. Angel: Go. Angel: For a taciturn, shadowy guy, I've got a big mouth. Quotes by CoA Council member, Sasha