Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5E20: 'Spiral' Analysis & Breakdown | Passion of the Nerd

[@LeoP2008]

Passion of the Nerd's return was like when Giles returned at the end of Season 6 to fix everything. Yes people...2024 has been our Season 6 and we *do* in fact need our Watcher. 🤣

[@JhadeSagrav]

"And there are no more TPN episodes to entertain you now." KZbin notification: "I'd like to test that theory." {{{ Rabid shrieking }}}

[@erikohman2294]

You ok?

[@averyatnip9274]

Someone once said that the a new Buffy Guide episode is "never late and never early, but right when it's needed." And it will always be right.

[@timmycakes001]

@@Square-ow7oqoh piss off. Clearly you didn’t lose interest as you’re here even before enthusiastic fans.

[@timmycakes001]

@@Square-ow7oqwhat rest of your comment? You showed up to say how disinterested you are, before people who are actually interested. Ironic

[@timmycakes001]

You are the most interested disinterested person here, who is absolutely not watching the video and not commenting because you are so not interested lmao

[@timmycakes001]

@@Square-ow7oqjust annoyed at a person who said they lost interest when they are clearly still interested lol

[@LaniDianeRich]

OMG, I’m going to need to have this cross-stitched on a pillow. 😂

[@carpelibrarium8522]

One of my favourite character moments is how Spike responds when Tara accidentally causes him injury. His decades with Dru are evident by how quickly his irritation at catching fire dissipates when he realises Tara was the cause. He knows it wasn't a reckless, negligent, malicious, or deliberate act and calms his demeanour to help Tara feel calm and unthreatened.

[@IlChatNoir17]

Oh man. I never realized this. Nice catch!

[@Bonanzababe]

And all before he got his soul back!

[@itsreeeshaaa7560]

I have always loved that little detail.

[@rachaelknudsen8801]

​@@itsreeeshaaa7560It's so small, but also such a reminder that Spike was once William, and some part of him still is that decent.

[@babs3241]

@@rachaelknudsen8801 Which is quite interesting, isn't it? William retains a LOT more of himself, even when the demon is in charge, than a lot of vampires seem to. And so does Drusilla. Liam more or less disappears into both Angelus and Angel. I'm wondering if it has something to do with the moment of transformation. Darla (who also kind of retains herself) actively asked for the transformation, while she essentially lies to Liam about what she's doing, so he goes into it in ignorance. Dru knows exactly what's happening and enters in terror, but as herself in a lot of ways. Drusilla reveals herself to William before the transformation, and, like Darla, he actively agrees to it... though unlike Darla, he doesn't seem to really grasp what he's agreeing to... he just wants something "effulgent." Is that the difference? I don't know. But their reasoning behind becoming vampires might have something to do with how much of their selves they retain. Whatever else was going on in "Fool for Love," William was just a romantic whose heart had been broken and who wanted someone special to love. So that remained true of him in his vampire form. Dru was terrified and mad, and needed to exert emotional control over the situation. Darla just wanted to live and spit in the eyes of the world. And Liam had nothing at all in his poor pickled brain.

[@mindyp51d]

I loved this episode. I loved the horses and I loved the knights and I loved Dawn and Anya and Giles getting it in the gut and Xander lighting Spike's butt for him and Tara saying "Don't hurt the horsies" and Buffy quietly saying "Hurt the Horsies" and Willow's use of magic and Buffy's twirling that rope on top of the RV... I loved this episode. 🤩😍😍😍😍😍

[@JackKramme]

Came for Spiral, stayed for the in depth RV analysis.

[@LaniDianeRich]

😂 Right?!?

[@rachaelknudsen8801]

No story problem has ever been this fun before.

[@JackKramme]

@@LaniDianeRich RIGHT

[@KM-un8oj]

@@rachaelknudsen8801 It’s not a story problem…the writer’s explained the deal outright with Gile’s line but the brain dead demographic that creates and watches these vids thinking they can “critique” alchemical literature having never read the Bible or a history book seem to win the day here on KZbin….the horses are there for a reason…look at the budget for this show…really?…the writers room just randomly decides to have a scene like this with no understanding of “horsepower” vs. horsepower?…the common bedfellows of arrogance and ignorance strike again to deprive us all of our remaining brain cells.🙄👍 Thanks again TPN, because the universities weren’t butchering BTVS enough with nonsense like this…

[@MedicinalPoet]

I honestly thought this series had been abandoned, happy to see I was myth-taken!

[@alwynjaegar1778]

He's gearing up to that hour long finale video.... you can feeeeeel it 😂

[@yzudak]

Yes indeed, we should get it in about 5 years.

[@rachaelknudsen8801]

​@@yzudak And there will be much rejoicing.

[@JhadeSagrav]

​@@yzudak Have faith, friend! 😂

[@georgebailey8179]

The crossover between Buffy and Top Gear that we didn't know we wanted, but absolutely needed.

[@Elen8878]

I audibly gasped with excitement when I saw this. I’m making hot chocolate just for this occasion

[@jaycievictory8461]

That's so cute 😁

[@purcascade]

That is a brilliant idea.

[@ECPhoenixman]

Are there marshmellows? Please say yes.

[@Hedge_witch]

It's such a little treat! An event! I love it 😊

[@tekmansam]

Yesterday, I said to myself, "Self, whatever happened to the Passion of the Nerd, did you get unsubscribed? It has been a long time since you have seen a video." *Goes to check--nope, it's just been seven months since his last video. *Wakes up this morning....

[@Kayjee17]

It's been SEVEN MONTHS!??!

[@JhadeSagrav]

​@@Kayjee17 "Seven months yesterday, seven months and one day today, except today doesn't count does it?" 😅

[@adriansilich60]

Head for patreon. Catchups and discussions every couple weeks :) A few bucks each month, best investment!

[@lovecraftianleviathan8918]

Holy crap, it’s Christmas! (As in, these only come once a year now.) Somebody _please_ get Ian an editor and a couple co-writers! He’s becoming the George RR Martin of KZbin.

[@DwnBckFwdAttck]

😂

[@jamescarr1265]

Hahaha

[@GameDevAcademy]

I'm happy to wait for as long as it takes Ian to create each video.

[@Lauren-jc8uf]

Great video Ian!!!! The RV vs horses analysis is so hilarious, I was learning shit about vehicles and everything, and then you got the the part about "if an RV traveling.... are the KNIGHTS STILL STUPID?" That line killed me, I was rolling around on the floor laughing. Love it! So good!

[@Briansgate]

Can never thank you enough for all of the attention you give to the Buffy show.

[@charlottevelasco3136]

I honestly love Spiral as the “beginning of the end” in terms of the season arc of season 5. Like u said the tension is palpable and seeing Buffy’s increasing uncertainty and despair and her response is something we’ve never seen from her before. I think it just gets better from here tho, cannot wait to see ur guides on the next two eps. Keep doing what you do (as long as ur having fun)!!!

[@bottomofastairwell]

I love how it really foreshadows her descent into ennui and depression in session 6 too. we see how things eat at her, how they just keep coming, until she snaps and gives up. We see wow tapping into darker magics and how easily she more resorts to magic to solve her problems and relies on it all the time. There really is so much little stuff in this episode that's pretty yelping about things to come next season

[@bensneb360]

Passion of the Nerd has returned with a new Buffy guide episode… it’s a Christmas miracle

[@katieq6495]

a wonderful holiday surprise when i opened youtube!

[@MT-or3kz]

HE'S BACK

[@GameDevAcademy]

Oh Ian I'm so glad you're back. These videos really mean a lot to me and I look forward to every one of your Buffy and Angel guide uploads. Thanks so much for making these videos and I'm already looking forward to the next one (no rush though - when you're ready).

[@p1nkae]

OMG YOUR BACK!!! I missed your btvs so much i might cry

[@bethan013]

I just want you to know that I really appreciated ‘horse powersies’

[@johnforbes4915]

The Math of the Knights vs. the van was so hilarious- well played Passion of the Nerd hehe 😂

[@katieq6495]

The Math of the Knights was awesome

[@ArrowOdenn]

Yay an early Christmas gift! I'm not kidding when I say that I've been waiting nearly 8 months for this! We've missed you! Of course we don't know your personal circumstances... but here's hoping 2025 brings you more opportunities to work on these guides. They are deeply appreciated and I look forward to every new episode like I did the series episodes, watching live back in the day.

[@arc7375]

Getting a new Guide video is honestly the best Christmas present I could hope for. Bless you, it really makes a difference in my morbid, pointless life. X

[@DoylePTB]

Happy to have you back. I hope you are well

[@KennedyFarner]

I need more of these! I understand life can get in the way, so I don’t want you to go out of your way obviously, but God do I love this series…

[@gooseberries608]

I think the ren fair guys do share that important role of being something that Buffy can actually fight though. Throughout the season we’re told and shown time and time again how impossible it is for Buffy to fight Glory (until the season finale ofc), so it only makes sense as the plot starts moving into place and we start moving away from the monster of the week episodes, that the writers might have had this group in their back pocket conveniently for this exact situation. After all, it’s not a Buffy episode without a fight sequence lol

[@cameronlapp9306]

The flip side of this is that the Initiative is a good comparison: they are very much humans and are nominally trying to save the world from monsters. It feels like they could have benefitted from having an insider (like Riley in the Initiative) to tie them in and humanize them more. The RenFaire aesthetic is in retrospect probably also a reaction to the Initiative - it would have made more sense for them to have cars & guns but then they probably would have felt too military? Maybe instead they could have been differentiated as a group of monsters (vampires/werewolves/etc), which would have been interesting to contrast against Glory. Or we could have just had them be the Watchers Council rather than having them disappear post Glory = God reveal? In the end they have the same "why didn't you show up earlier" of all the ancient secret society one-shots of Buffy.

[@goddessofanguish]

The king is back!!! I recently been rewatching your recent episodes so fantastic timing. The Ben bit is interesting, considering his actions in the coming episodes and how it differs from Buffy - I’m really looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

[@animatoronline8336]

YOU'RE BACK!

[@subutaynoyan5372]

Even with all the knights on horseback charing as vanguard nonsense, this episode is quite good. It just builds tension upon tension and breaks Buffy. And it isn't even hardship that breaks Buff down, it's guilt. It's the relief she probably felt when Glory took her.

[@kaylak5288]

The scream I scrempt when I saw this notification! I've just started a new Buffy marathon so this is quite timely ❤

[@e.a.s6633]

A moment of pause for how much we need this this series right now.

[@moisesdejesussburgosmanzue800]

OMG thank you so much for posting , we appreciate this work so much

[@canadiankazz]

Spiral is one of those episodes I always forget about until they happen. "Oh yeah, the one with the Winnebago!" It definitely has some great moments though. You really feel like Buffy is at her breaking point by the end.

[@LaylaTheWheeledOne]

Honestly, only you would give us a two-minute, in-depth analysis of a 50ish-year-old RV to explain why the KNIGHTS are stupid, but the fact that their horse could catch up to said RV is COMPLETELY THE OPPOSITE OF STUPID, complete with terrible, amazing, childish illustrations. Some of the most impactful educators I've had throughout my life draw in a similarly self-aware and terrible fashion. I am not surprised at all that you check that box as well. Welcome back, sir Ian.

[@Dan_Campbell]

Ah man, I didn't get a notification. Anyway, thanks, looking forward.

[@satyakt5828]

Happy to hear you again, Ian! Please keep your terrific videos coming! You give all us nerds life. ❤🙏❤

[@diegobacellar84]

Thank you so much for keep doing it. I'm a big fan of the Passions!!

[@leahshalek6144]

What a wonderful gift, to get another Passion of the Nerd Buffy Guide episode! I really missed these!

[@meris8486]

Love the way you ended with silence, so good

[@MariaThereseC]

i binged all these a few months ago for the first time and the fact that you've been doing these for 10 years SHOWS it is genuinely some of the best stuff i have ever seen on this webbed site and i am so honored i get to experience them in real time now

[@glockenrein]

Oh a Christmas present. 😊 I hope you’re doing well.

[@DigiDestined13]

I was expecting this upload to be the next episode of "Angel," but I will never say no to another episode of "Buffy" Season 5! 😍

[@yzudak]

Never a good idea to expect consistency from this channel.

[@catherinegabriellajohnson8881]

Holding off on this because my husband will be away tonight and this will help me pass the time. Very excited.

[@cheesylurda1355]

When I saw the last freeze frame shot of Buffy's face, I was holding my breath, listening for wind chimes. I think it's intentionally shot to mirror the same expression as she looks out the kitchen door after Joyce passes. Considering what had just happened in THAT episode, it's so relatable that she may have gone to a similar place in her mind after finding Joyce/losing Dawn. A simpler, childlike place to escape.

[@becca_98]

I just wanna say how much your videos have impacted me! You've helped me to construct a new meaning to my life by introducing me to phylosophy like Camus and Sartre, so thank you for helping me ❤ If nothing that we do matters...

[@keriwebb6988]

I have needed this for a long while. I am so excited! The only thing that keeps me from pulling my hair out on waiting for a new one is knowing how much care and energy Ian puts into these videos.

[@syldarikitsune]

3:33 - 3:48 is pretty much us to you bud. Thanks for all your hard work. Happiest of holidays!🎉

[@sisterthesister4870]

I'm on to you, Ian. The reason you upload sparingly is to make us really, REALLY excited when another episode guide video drops. I don't think I've ever clicked on a video so fast. (That's not a criticism by the way, it's a thank you. I'll gladly take whatever you give us, oh most-glorious.) I've never really understood the Shoehorn Knights, but this episode - and the one after it - always got me. I think everyone who's ever experienced depression would be able to at least understand why it would resonate with some of us. In my experience, one of the unofficial symptoms of (emerging) depression are 'flight-thoughts', by which I mean thoughts or phantasies about leaving your normal life behind. The thought of starting over somewhere either outside of civilisation, or somewhere where no one knows you and you could re-invent yourself. I've always seen this episode more in that light than anything else, perhaps partly because their 'flight' only lasts so short and they just end up where they started in about one episode. Although I have to say the time they spend at the gas station used to be longer in my memory, but that is from the time when we had to wait at least a week for a new episode. Binge-watching has a tendency of changing the feel for a season, something that isn't unique to Buffy.

[@yzudak]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@EndyHawk]

I found your channel just before election night. It’s helped keep my mental lights glowing bright over the past month. Thank you for your insights!

[@ellebee4112]

Yay! Thank you so much for the new episode! I’ve been rewatching all of your other videos in wait for this one 🖤 need my Buffy analysis fix! Spiral wasn’t really a favourite for me though. I really struggled with the knights in general. I love the idea of what they represent but their medieval fair costumes just felt really silly to me. I’m pretty sure there’s a reason armies stopped wearing chain mail and such a long time ago. The next episode is the one I’m really looking forward to you covering. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Buffy’s mind palace!

[@DwnBckFwdAttck]

I thought these may have stopped forever 💔! Perfect Sunday morning watching. Glad you’re back and hope you a good hombre

[@KarenMahoney-cm7dj]

I was so delighted to see this! I hope you are OK. I send you my best karma to empower you to keep on with these.

[@maurofitermannmoreira7953]

Ah, it's great to see you find the time to do another one of these! They're always moving.

[@Buffy8Fan]

I consider Buffy smart for realizing that when she's out of her depth she should run away to fight and live another day. Its why she told Willow in the first place not to take on Glory when Tara was brain sucked. They don't yet have a chance. Any said chance they could have had was gone with Willow provoking Glory. Same strength. Just in gearing it towards the space she needs to get to hopefully regroup. Giles and Xander don't seem to understand the immidiacy of the danger if Spike being there is their biggest worry and try to argue with Buffy over her decision on it. Xander's the reason Spike is in town and Dawn is the reason The Knights of Byzantium attack. 😁 I like that Ian acknowledges self defense, as it is the same with the two men with guns Buffy tosses the corsages on in _Homecoming,_ although I've seen it said those two are demons, but demons with guns is so rare it doesn't seem likely in that episode they aren't humans. Its not just that Giles says Winnebagos are slow, it's that those types of Winnebegos are slow. I don't see any problems with horses catching it. Everything Ian said about the situation made logical sense as to why the horses could catch it. I always assumed the reason The Knights of Byzantium were so mysterious was because they were so tied into Glory. Not because members were as old as she was, but because the order of knights go back even further than Ben has been alive to protecting against Glory, but who knows how many other unknown things, so the group don't get recognizd anymore than what they fight against, even from The Watchers Council.

[@gingernutpreacher]

Ive seen horses do 40mph admitting with out the rider being in armor

[@adriansilich60]

Spiral has always felt like a lot of, well, spiral without much pay-off to me - I often avoid it or put it off when my rewatches come up to it. But that's sort of the point, if I think about it. So glad you're back! You've been missed!!❤

[@arious-uk]

I just want to say thank you very much for another Buffy episode. They are all excellent and I really enjoy watching them.

[@KagiWarai]

Can I be selfish for one moment and just say thank you for posting this on my birthday? I'm soooo glad to see you continue with the guide!! I'll always wait for it, always watch it when it arrives and I'll rewatch it while I wait ❤

[@LaniDianeRich]

AHHHH! Happy birthday! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@KagiWarai]

@LaniDianeRich Aaww!! Thank you!! ^^

[@MsArtivisual]

Thank you so much, Ian, for another wonderful piece of work. And thank you, genuinely, for taking all the time and space you need to take care of yourself. We love you and it's important that our friend is well cared for (as well as possible, anyway) (even if it is a parasocial relationship)

[@RRADOMAL]

Seeing your videos upload is literally like all my Christmas’s rolled into one

[@LaniDianeRich]

Right?!?❤

[@LOSTEXPLAINED108]

Hold on. You're saying that Ben and Glory are working together?

[@gowanmetal]

Oh shit- Giles gets speared through the windshield just like a future Whedon project spears a certain pilot

[@JhadeSagrav]

I'm a leaf in the Winnebago!

[@katherinemichelle4613]

Yay!! He’s back! It is so fun when a new video drops! I don’t care how long they take as long as they keep coming!

[@user-xn1xd4mg4j]

The RV chase is one of my favorite fight scenes in the whole series, silly or not.

[@js4100]

I’m so glad you’re back!!! These videos have gotten me through Covid, elections, my parents illnesses and well the state of the world. Your voice and thoughts are keeping me rooting for humanity. Thank you!!❤

[@norwegianprince]

When the world (me) needed him most (was looking for good Buffy content), he returned (Uploaded).

[@84katie84]

This was the best notification to wake up to this morning! Love your videos as always ❤

[@JadeSophiaLeech]

Can’t explain how happy I am that you’ve posted again. Perfect as always

[@The_Stingingray]

I really love your channel, these are so funny and so informative. I wish you could make these every day but obviously a ton of work goes into each video. Hopefully before the new year we can get the incredible finale, but if not im just happy that you still have the series eventually. Legitimately you make me fall in love with this show again with every video. Hope you have a wonderful day!

[@g.f.martianshipyards9328]

When I saw the thumbnail, my brain needed a few seconds to process what has occurred.

[@roseinthestorm18]

I love that you're still making these videos! We appreciate you so much!

[@Berkthemerk4]

Thank you for making these videos. ❤

[@heartlightintuition]

Woohoo, so good to see a video from you! This is such good timing to look at this episode. I feel like a lot of people in this world are spiralling and trying to overcome seemingly impossible, unthinkable problems right now. Your compassionate takes are so valuable. I also enjoy how you point out the flaws in this episode, because the knights did annoy me, and you helped me to work out why. And I had forgotten that precious moment with Giles. Thank you. ❤

[@markcarter6832]

I absolutely adore Buffy the series consider it to be near perfection .... passion of the needs episode breakdowns often give me new insights into the episodes really glad to see him continuing his efforts. It's just unfortunate that it is unlikely that I will live long enough to see his final episode even of the fifth season

[@niallohagan4897]

I'm so so so happy this has been posted! I've been keeping an eye out for months - excellent insights! I might have to start a Buffy rewatch again and watch each of your guides after each episode again. Merry Christmas!

[@aracthabar]

I'm so glad these are back.

[@jennifermcilwrath]

Wow, it’s been a long time since the last Buffy Guide… guess I’m just going to have to watch them all again!

[@LaniDianeRich]

I recommend. ❤

[@Burpees73]

Thank you for being a treasure Ian

[@aravisthetarkheena]

I laughed so hard at the RV analysis bit 🤣🤣🤣

[@zigzagperson]

Like that cliffhanger in the end Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the next episodes

[@MercenaryX84]

Spiral has everything, it's kooky, dark and existential. I always refer to Gregor as General Exposition. The Knights should've used more and possibly weaved into the story better, along with the monks and the Watcher's council. Tighten the story up and have those three elements flow into each and have it add more the themes of the season. It can work, it's all about figuring out exactly how it can

[@DB6195]

I was literally just thinking “man I haven’t seen one the reviews in awhile I wonder if it’s still going.”

[@LaniDianeRich]

It’s still going! Ian’s been working full-time and that’s a tough transition. But the goal for both of us is to get him back to this full-time, because it’s amazing work and it’s fulfilling to do.

[@CorbCorbin]

Winnebago math is hard.

[@LaniDianeRich]

Ha! Thank you. It IS hard! But he did a great job, didn’t he?😂

[@GMan873]

Man that RV looks older than the Breaking Bad RV.

[@LaniDianeRich]

😂

[@NS-xx1ze]

I ve watched the entire show in the meantime and am dying twice for you to cover the rest.

[@Itcouldbebunnies]

Personally, I don't need any explanation for the knights. I'm just happy they showed up to give us a kickass fight scene. 😁

[@trollingmermaids]

Opened my KZbin app to see this and started yelling 'this is not a drill!!!!' while searching for my wireless earbuds 😅

[@ConvolkJT]

I'm about to lose my soul every time you upload

[@hannahv.boyens]

Wake up gang, new Buffy vid dropped!

[@yzudak]

It's like trying to wake Rip Van Winkle.

[@JhadeSagrav]

And we are HERE for it!

[@subutaynoyan5372]

Well, fighting against stress and challenges and fighting against an insurmountable god are way different to compare. It's not like Buffy was talking about unkillable gods when she was giving those speeches before season 5

[@timeforbacon6287]

Was having a complete sh*t day and opening KZbin to see this video had dropped completely turned it around. Thank you for these. Truly. Might have to go rewatch them all.

[@guygrist4436]

He’s back!!!

[@cheddarssalad1230]

I literally started an Angel rewatch because I was missing these recaps. I fear I will see Fred on my own before you show her to me. That said, no rush. You gotta do you.

[@jamescarr1265]

Fred is one of my favourites

[@yzudak]

Yep, you will.

[@jordanhyman9877]

finished an Angel rewatch recently. My opinions always change on it based on where I'm at in my life I think.

[@ReminiscentIndustries]

Was literally just binging this series and now a new one releases. Thanks, Ian!

[@corro202]

Great video.

[@nickadair9502]

He has returned!!!

[@WickedFireBird69]

I never understood the title of this episode until I followed this KZbin channel and the entirety of this Season. When the Season began Buffy had friends, family a boyfriend and hope. By the end of this episode she has none of those things...

[@CineRam]

In case you aren't aware, your videos for episodes 17 and 19 are in opposite positions on your channel's Season 5 playlist. You can drag-and-drop them into their correct places on the playlist's main page.

[@LaniDianeRich]

Thanks for the heads up! We’ll get it fixed.

[@rbpme]

OMG welcome back and thank you

[@willow8186]

Thanks for still posting Buffy videos, I really love your stuff as a big fan myself and your work in these videos is always top notch ❤😊

[@jaycievictory8461]

Oh, bravo to that insight into Giles' potentially mortal injury being a catalyst to Buffy's breakdown in his position as her Mind. One of my biggest issues with the later seasons, which culminates in s7, is how that four-part representation of Buffy is almost totally eradicated. It's why that attempted callback to s1 "The world is doomed" falls so flat. By the series finale, the four of them have barely spent any time together.

[@Talisguy]

Hard agree for season 7, but (and I say this as someone who doesn't like season 6,) the parallel is still there in season 6. Buffy spends the entire season dealing with crippling depression, and her mind leaves, her heart is consumed by insecurities that he doesn't talk to anyone about and isn't emotionally equipped to help her through it and her spirit is engaging in self-destructive behaviour and spiralling out of control. It's not an exact one to one parallel but I think the symbolism still works fine. In season 7, her heart, mind and spirit are...there. More or less.

[@jamescarr1265]

I love her season 7 arc of closing herself off, faking that she knows what’s going on with big speeches, not being a good enough friend and acting like a general but the message is hammered home extremely unsubtly.

[@jaycievictory8461]

@Talisguy I feel like s6 goes so deep into the depression theme and isolates Buffy fully from her friends, and there isn't that moment where they're all brought back together like in s4. Then we head into s7....

[@Talisguy]

@@jaycievictory8461 Yeah, agreed. The structure of season 6 means that there isn't time for a reconciliation scene, so it was on season 7 to get the gang back together. ...Then it filled the Summers house with dozens of thinly sketched bit characters who constantly ate up screentime instead.

[@antonia7167]

​@Talisguy yep. Once more with feeling asks 'where do we go from here?' but really that question needed to be asked after the S6 finale. The first five or so episodes do a good job of kicking that off with great character moments for Willow, Xander, Spike, Dawn and Anya, but then Giles barges in with the Potentials and it's mostly downhill from there.

[@Talisguy]

The Knights feel like the writers came up with the set piece of medieval knights laying siege to a Winnebago (silliness aside, I get why you'd want this action scene. It's memorable, distinctive and has the process to be a real action highlight if done well,) then wrote backwards from this point to explain why the knights were even there. The knights catching up to the Winnebago is something I can just about buy, but how did they _find_ it? They just now learned that the Key is human and that Dawn must be with Buffy, and the gang had already left before they found this out, so how the hell did they find them in a Winnebago on a random, featureless desert dirt road when nobody told anyone that they were leaving and even Buffy had no idea where they were going? Why don't they use modern equipment? I could believe tradition over practicality if they really were an ancient order, but they reveal in this episode that Glory has only been in this dimension at all for about 25 years and the Key has only been killable for less than a year. Why would an order need to exist to kill the Key to stop Glory from using it _hundreds of years before either of those things were possible?_ What if the Monks had, like Glory suggested was possible, turned the Key into a log or a bike pump? Were they going to kill a bike pump by stabbing it? And why are they still using horses and medieval weaponry? I have so many questions.