New Moon Rising

Oz returns, but there is so much water under the bridge since he left. Willow has gone through the confrontation of loss. She has met Tara and has feelings for her. She has given up on Oz and here he is. He has taken care of his werewolfism except under negative stress. No more Mr. Moonshine. He feels nothing has changed but even when he first sets foot in Giles' place, there is a heaviness. He is captured by the Initiative Gestapo and immediately subjected to torture, without any chance to explain himself. Riley and Buffy infiltrate the place and manage to get him out. While this is going on, Spike and Adam seem to have an alliance going. Adam needs to eliminate Buffy and gain more knowledge. The episode ends with Riley on the verge of a court martial and Oz leaving. Perhaps for good. This episode is setting up the last series of events in this season. Nicely constructed.

God they did Oz so dirty in this episode. Don't get me wrong, I love Tara and Willow but Willow and Oz just has my heart. I've hated the way they changed Oz after Veruca was introduced. I know I know nature of the wolf and all but honestly.

Things have been quiet lately for Buffy and the gang... surely a sign that a greater evil is plotting something. The surprise that comes isn't from something evil but the return of an old friend: Oz. This presents emotional problems for Willow; she has been getting closer to Tara for some time but still has feelings for Oz. The next night is a full moon, during which Oz demonstrates to Willow that he has learnt to control his inner wolf. While they talk all night an Initiative team is attacked by a wolf-like demon. Later it becomes clear that Oz hasn't totally tamed the wolf and he is captured by the initiative. Buffy plans to break him out and Adam makes contact with Spike.

This episode may not have featured lots of fighting evil creatures; instead it provided a character driven emotional story. It was great to see Oz again; this led to major character development for Willow. It has been clear for some time that she and Tara are very close; finally it is made clear that they are together as a couple... something that surprises Buffy and triggers a dangerous response from Oz. The various conversations explain what Oz was up to since leaving Sunnydale. Spike's dealings with Adam suggest interesting things to come. The regular cast is on fine form; Alyson Hannigan and Amber Benson standing out as Willow and Tara in some emotional scenes. Seth Green's return as Oz is also to be welcomed; he impresses in the role, bringing a vulnerability to the character... and not just when he is captured. Overall a good, emotional episode with some great character development.