When Faith accidentally stakes a human, she and Buffy must decide whether to tell or not. Meanwhile, the Mayor instructs Mr Trick to take out the two Slayers, who now know too much.
What happens when a Slayer crosses the line? The question throughout this story is just how Faith feels about her actions. Does she really not care about what she has done, or is there a more deep-seated problem? The problem with following up Bad Girls is that so much happened in that episode that this is a more subdued and introspective offering.
What is does deliver is a look at the inner self of Faith, and she's not merely the rebellious teen she first appeared: she's dangerous. Not only does she show no remorse for her actions, but she almost strangles Xander to death just to show how strong and in control she is. Consequences is full of these disturbing scenes, and the viewer is led on a twisting path as everyone tries to help Faith, despite no-one knowing the Slayer well enough to help her, assuming she even wants their aid.
It also allows Angel to bring out some of his demons to an enchained Faith, leading to his explanation to Buffy that the younger Slayer now has a taste for killing, and may not be able to stop. This is a new role for David Boreanaz, who brings a sage-like elder's wisdom to the situation.
But this is really a showcase for Eliza Dushku who never lets on exactly what is going through her mind, making each successive event a total surprise to the viewer, especially the final scene. But even here, her actions remain cloudy.
After his rather poor showing last week, new Watcher Wesley makes more of a mark here as well, with well-defined actions that show him trying to do what's best, yet through not fault of his own totally misjudging the situation. The way he is left standing towards the end of the episode is quite touching, as although he has made his own poor choices, he was still attempting to help, and doing what was expected of him. And who can blame the guy for that? Hopefully we'll see more of this character, and the fall-out from this episode is sure to hit home in the coming weeks...
****
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