After finding a pair of dead children, Buffy’s mother rallies Sunnydale’s residents against the town’s encroaching evil.
This episode of Buffy is decidedly odd. What starts off as a look at slaying and Slayers goes awry when Buffy’s mum starts a quite literal witchhunt. Soon, Willow and local school witch Amy are being dragged off to be burnt at the stake. The episode works on several different levels. Firstly, it finally gives Buffy's mum a chance to see the Slayer doing what she does best, and how it's not in the least bit a safe pursuit. Secondly, there are some great comedy moments. Joyce's first confrontation with her daughter fighting a vampire is greeted with her realization that the vamp in question is from the bank, rather than 'oh no, I'm in mortal danger'. Then there's Oz and Xander's efforts to save the girls, at which they arrive just a fraction too late.
Then there's the drama. This is one of the creepiest episodes of Buffy because it keeps the actions of the characters realistic. Joyce and the other parents' action are totally understandable in the beginning, and some great acting keeps them convincing until they decide to burn the 'bad girls', when the viewer suddenly realizes there is more going on than first thought.
The pacing is a bit off, but that's the only real criticism in a clever episode of Buffy that throws in a handful of twists and keeps you guessing as to what will happen next. Shame Amy wasn't made better use of though. And what did Xander mean about not being with her? Was he hiding something?
****
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