Buffy: Surprise (2.13)

While the real awesomeness lies in the next episode, Surprise is a lot of fun on its own. In setting up Buffy losing her virginity, the show excellently depicts that teenage sense of lust and fear. Buffy and Angel are all over each other, the two of them having such raw passion that the inevitable is right around the corner. I also loved Buffy's determination to not say goodbye to him as he plans to leave town with the Judge's arm. They're infatuated with one another, and Buffy isn't prepared to let him go before they've even consummated their relationship.

Further evidence that the show is upping its game comes in the form of Jenny Calendar. Buffy as a series always refused to allow characters to become complacent, Jenny somebody who easily could have remained in her little box as a teacher and love interest for Giles. Instead, the writers grant her an elaborate back-story that connects her to Angelus. It's a shocking turn of events, any clunky exposition drowned out by a powerful guest spot from Vincent Schiavelli, while I liked the writers having fun with Jenny's motives, making us believe she has evil plans for Buffy when in fact she's merely driving her to the surprise birthday party.

Drusilla was a hoot here. She was fun when she was weak and hazy, but it's a whole new level of awesome now that she's strong again. Juliet Landau is increasingly badass as this deranged vampire lady, dancing provocatively, threatening to pull out the eyes of her minions. She's a nutcase, but so much fun to watch.

Equally awesome was Willow and Oz's blossoming relationship. Alyson Hannigan is so great in these moments, perfectly conveying that fear and that desperate attempt to appear cool and exciting, all of which we experience ourselves when we first start dating, or at least being attracted to others. They're a perfect match together, too, Oz's laconic quality easily fitting Willow's nervous sweetness. Aww.

Surprise concocts a palpable sense of foreboding, right from Buffy's nightmare at the beginning of the episode to Angel's sudden bout of pain right at the end. While little is actually said or done throughout the hour, we know that true horror is right around the corner, with the wheels in motion to deliver something truly shocking. It's tricky to judge this episode solely on its own, but it's undoubtedly another masterpiece in restraint and tension. A

Credits
Guest stars Seth Green (Oz); Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers); Robia LaMorte (Jenny Calendar); Brian Thompson (The Judge); Eric Saiet (Dalton); Vincent Schaivelli (Uncle Enyos); James Marsters (Spike); Juliet Landau (Drusilla)
Writer Marti Noxon Director Michael Lange