You know what? For all that I have never understood or bought the connection between Buffy and Spike - I think Spike was the writers confusing a charismatic character with a solid character - I bought this scene. At this point, I kind of just have to suck it up and sign on for what they’re doing.

Pairing up Andrew and Spike was fun.

The Bringer talking through Andrew was awesome.

The Mayor coming back to Faith was amazing. A-mazing. I remember at the time it took me awhile to love him, but looking back he is hands down the shows best Big Bad. Besides Willow.

I meant to call the Faith/Principal Wood pairing sooner. I like it. If the Faith spinoff had happened, he’s a character I wish could have somehow come along.

The sex in this episode was dumb. Pretty dumb. A little too much.

Way way too much time with Kennedy and Willow. I feel like part of it was wanting to make something of their relationship, but the whole thing is too apologist on Joss part for my liking. I think if he hadn’t gotten flack last season we might have actually, you know, seen Willow mourn Tara for more than two episodes.

You know - I know we needed The First to take on some form which makes sense to Caleb and also is recognizable to viewers (since we just met Caleb this is difficult) but having it be Buffy is awful. It doesn’t work. It feels like a less sassy Glory. For the first time ever, I don’t feel like the show is building up momentum in heading for the finale. I think everything I read is true - Joss just didn’t feel like he had another finale in him.