This episode did absolutely nothing except move the Season Four plot forward. I guess that’s something. Which, as Brett pointed out, is what episode writer ouglas etrie does.

In theory, I guess they’re doing everything right with Riley - by which I mean allying him with Willow and setting up this interesting parallel to Buffy by being a  demon hunter. I just…don’t care. I didn’t need to watch him discover his feelings for Buffy. I have no idea how that was supposed to make him likable. I also don’t want to watch Buffy-as-Bridget-Jones. I hope that kultziness isn’t going to become a new thing for her.

I am shocked, shocked I say, by the presence of another stereotypical black character in the Buffyverse. Shocked. In an unsurprised way.

Season Four has been way, way too much about foreshadowing and vagueries in a way that I think this show is better than.

I’m glad somebody finally told us why we’re supposed to care about Professor Walsh - the second worst thing about season four.

Can we never see Parker again? Until he’s the victim of something, I mean.

Willow. I think her handling of the breakup was handled well. (Parse that sentence!) It needed a certain lightness and that worked for me. Spike and Willow together is always a fun idea in theory…but the whole…you know…erectile dysfunction metaphor stuff was a little too much for me. BUT I think the idea of a neutered Spike is going to be fun to play with.

Giles and Xander together is fun.

And, of course.

The Harmony/Xander fight.

Well, that’s a win.