Becoming: Part 1

Here we get the backstory of Angel from another century. How he was at a crossroads and how he chose. He has failed in his efforts to gain the powers to bring Armageddon and resorts to seeking out Buffy. As her friends try to come up with a way to stop him, they are ambushed. The second slayer has give Buffy her weapon and has nothing to fight with. The results are tragic. Now Buffy must overcome great obstacles to put an end to the plans hatched by Spike, Drusella, and Angel. The whole things is delightfully orchestrated and sets up a season finale that should be amazing. There is so much here and yet we have five more seasons to go.

Showing the back story of Angel reminds us of who he is and what's at stake... pun intended. Great suspense building and character stuff and anticipation for the finale is building!