The short? A good start for this season that will transition the series from adolescence to adulthood. It's not spectacular, but it handles its themes solidly. Full review below the cut. Characters...of 10. ( About my scoring system ) Best Moment: Xander's pep talk to Buffy. It's these moments where Xander shines, and it's wonderful to see him open up about his admiration of Buffy.

The short? There's vampire biteage, prophetic dreams, a big snake, and a big explosion. Nobody could ever say this episode lacked excitement. Full review below the cut. Characters: Buffy...system ) Best Moment: The final scene with Oz pointing out that they survived high school. It sums up the high school years perfectly and paves the way for the next chapter of BtVS.

The short? As often happens with the first part of two-parters, this one is largely set up for what comes next. Though it does have the fabulous Buffy/Faith fight scene at the end. Full review below...leaving the Council and almost killing Faith bump it up. ( About my scoring system ) Best Moment: Buffy turning her back on the Council. It's a major step for her character and for the series.

The short? An important and satisfying episode in more ways than one. It puts a closer on the high school years as well as setting up Buffy's future love life with the Buffy/Angel Break Up. Full review...not a pleasant scene for Buffy/Angel shippers to watch, but it speaks the honest truth about their relationship. Additionally, it sets up the framework for Buffy's future attempts at relationships.

The short? A solid arc episode that deals with the title theme adequately. Nothing especially stellar, though. Full review below the cut. Characters: Buffy Angel Xander ...explanation to Buffy as to why she's staying in Sunnydale. It really is something that can be said by all the Scoobies as to why they stick around when they'd be a hell of a lot safer just walking away.

The short? A solid episode about high school life that helps to begin wrapping up this chapter of BtVS. Full review below the cut. Characters: Buffy Angel Xander Willow...award goes to whoever played the lunch lady. Cause that scene always makes me laugh. 7 out of 10. ( About my scoring system ) Best Moment: Buffy's speech to Jonathan in the tower.

The short? Three words: Poor plot execution. What a way to muck up an essential arc episode. Full review below the cut. Characters: Buffy Angel Xander Willow ...overly fond of this episode. However, I do love the scene at the beginning with the Mayor and Faith. We see the formation of their father/daughter relationship that will be important later on.

The short? A fantastically funny episode that also manages to end up being one of the most important episodes of the series for Willow's character. Plus, there are two Willows. Two Willows! Full review... When our!Willow is pretending to be vamp!Willow at the Bronze. We see her slowly coming to realize her own weakness, and we see her recognizing the power that vamp!Willow has in her confidence.

The short? A gripping episode that deals with the heart of the philosophical conflict between Buffy and Faith's approach to Slaying. Extremely well-done. Full review below the cut. Characters...different Slaying philosophies of the two, and it does so without really endorsing one viewpoint over the other. These conflicting views will be played with throughout the run of the series.

The short? An episode that isn't quite successful at what it sets out to do. Due to the lack of any prior build-up, Buffy's behavior and actions feel forced and horribly out of character. The next episode...example of Giles and Buffy siding together against authority (As represented by Wesley in this case). Giles and Buffy work together so well. And let's not forget Faith's short entrance.