This season of Buffy stands head and shoulders above the rest (with the possible exception of 7) and I will not have enough room to explain why. There's a new character in town; Dawn, Buffy fourteen year old sister (Michelle Trachtenberg) who has mysteriously appeared without any warning. The big bad for this season is Glorificus, The Beast, The Abomination, Glory, That Which Cannot Be Names and so on (Clare Kramer) a Hell God who is content to wreak havoc and mayhem. Dracula himself shows up in the first episode. Riley Finn (Marc Blucas) leaves town midway through the season leaving Spike(James Marsters) free to proclaim undying love for Buffy.
Spike is not entirely responsible for the success of this season but he deserves most of the credit. His interplay in the first few episodes with Riley and Harmony (remember her) is funny to the point of respiratory problems. Throughout the first half he's there solely for comedy value but moving on he steps into the shoes of hero especially in the episode "Intervention" and all time favourite of mine. Glory tortures him extensively but all she gets is a symphony of verbal abuse. Another instance of Spikes good side is the regret he shows over Joyce Summer's death, saying; "I liked the lady! Always had a cuppa for me and she never treated me like a freak!" The core group of Xander, Buffy, Willow and Giles are as tight as ever. Their dialogue is touching, particularly throughout Joyces battle with a brain tumour and her subsequent brain aneurysm. The actual death is documented in "The Body" written by Joss Whedon and done with no music, and told in real time to offer as little comfort as possible. Another truly touching scene is in the final episode: Xander's proposal to Anya. Honestly I'd never had time for Xander of their relationship but that changed it for me.
All in all a modern masterpiece that deserves excellent reviews and should be watched by anyone interested in drama, horror, action, you name it, Buffy Season V has it.
Ally Out!
