The Mayor is in need of the Box of Gavrok to aid him in his quest for power. Buffy decides that an active rather than reactive approach is needed, and the usual suspects gather to steal it.
The anticipation is becoming unbearable as we head towards the end of the season, with characters set to go their own ways and the problem of the Mayor still needing a solution. This episode moves things along a little, providing Buffy with her first face-to-face confrontation with Wilkins, but there is little significant change by the end of the episode. What is here is some beautiful characterization, especially of Willow who has really grown up into a strong and powerful woman, not just with her magical powers but also in her attitude and the way she stands up to Faith.
When she is captured, it is also good to see Oz's feelings, with one punch saying so much about his feelings for Willow. The relationship between her and Buffy also reaches a new level of friendship which is a treat to watch. Meanwhile, Xander and Cordelia, just as both seem on the verge of making up, head at each other's throats once again, leading to a touching penultimate scene, and on top of this Wesley still finds himself pressured into the back seat by Giles. It does wonders for his integrity that he makes some good points, despite the contempt he is held in.
One aspect that isn't developed is that of Snyder, who bursts in on a clandestine meeting and surely should do more than just be concerned and leave. From all prior indications he knows what is happening in his town, so why doesn't he do something here? It seems rather strange. The pacing is also a little slow in places, although this is tempered by some fantastic fight action from Buffy and Angel.
The Mayor and Faith are on top form too, with plenty of dark laughs from the former and some home truths for the latter, who doesn't take things very well. All credit to Eliza Dushku that she is still filling in her character, and it's not clear whether she is more troubled by the dead creature or the loss of her knife at the end of the story. There's a lot to get your teeth into here, with plenty of things that will probably take on more significance later.
****
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