Buffy: Lovers Walk (3.8)

I really missed Spike. And considering I grew to violently dislike his omnipresence on the show in its later years (an opinion that may change during my re-watch), that's some feat. But while season three has been pretty spectacular so far, my biggest complaint is about the use of its cast of players. Buffy and Giles have never been better, but with Oz and Cordelia majorly on the periphery of things and Xander and Willow both becoming hateful, a vital element on the show had been lacking somehow. And while Spike's one-shot appearance doesn't turn that complaint around entirely, his presence is really, really welcome. I love his humor, his insight into the characters, and the fact that he's such a whiny sad-sack here.

Spike's interaction with everybody created wonder. Willow's awkward and fearful 'there, there' was hilarious, likewise his gleeful memories of eating a homeless man with Dru on a park bench, but Spike's moment with Joyce was one of the greatest comedy moments this show has ever done. Here we are, expecting Spike to chew down on her neck, and instead they bond together over coffee. He's such a loser, but an adorable loser. Also a lot of fun was the giant Buffy/Spike/Angel team-up against the vamps. It was ridiculously awesome seeing them working together like that.

Xander and Willow's gross affair seemed to reach its conclusion, and it's just sad all-round. Poor Cordelia. Her love for Xander forced her to change her entire social life and made her alienated from her friends, and he goes ahead and cheats on her in the most humiliating way possible. Same with Oz. They were happy and together, and Willow betrays him with one of her best friends. I don't like either of them right now. Xander, in particular, is a complete douche. At least Willow seemed to understand what she was doing was wrong, Xander really didn't seem to give a damn all that much. Ugh. This whole story has been icky.

Meanwhile, it took Spike's intervention to make Buffy realize that being around Angel isn't smart. They're both seriously in love with each other (still), and existing around each other in such a romantic way is futile considering the dangers involved. Once again, Buffy has to be alone in order to avert disaster. She also has decisions to make about her future. With Faith in the picture, there's obviously that unexpected option available to actually leave Sunnydale. It sounds so perfect at this point. Obviously... too perfect.

Spike unsurprisingly steals the show, with some wonderful dialogue and a show-stopping performance from James Marsters. The script is a little all-over-the-place (Both the Mayor's scene and Giles' retreat vacation don't end up exactly where you assumed they would), but it's a great example of what Spike can bring to the show. B+

Credits
Guest stars Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers); Harry Groener (Mayor Richard Wilkins III); James Marsters (Spike)
Writer Dan Vebber Director David Semel