Buffy decides she should get over Angel and starts dating a boy who's been after her for ages. Meanwhile, a young girl arrives who seems very good at killing vampires, which is handy because the oldest vampire alive has just arrived in Sunnydale with his associate, Mr Trick...
Now this is more like it. There's a lot happening in this episode, all of it coming together very effectively at the end. In fact, there's even a nice twist when it comes to trying to kill the several centuries old lead vamp. It also introduces three new recurring characters into the mix: Faith, the new Slayer (yes, a new one was called into action when Kendra was killed in Becoming I), Scott Hope, Buffy's new boyfriend, and Mr Trick, a cunning vampire who clearly has big plans for Sunnydale.
Although Trick doesn't appear much in this episode, he's certainly a different vampiric presence, so full marks to the producers for coming up with another diverse and entertaining villain. When The Master was killed, Spike and Drusilla were a breath of fresh air through being totally different characters, and now Mr Trick arrives, and he's likewise completely different from his forebears, keeping the formula fresh.
But the real find for the series is Eliza Dushku as Faith. Kendra had a totally unreal accent and didn't really convince as a Slayer, but without even knowing who she is, from her first appearance you can tell from her movements who Faith is. Plus, her character is a much more natural teenager, and is instantly likeable. I was concerned that Faith's rashness was going to get her killed by the episode's end, as the writers like bringing people in only to kill them off. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see her alive and well at the end, because I think she's worthy of her own series!
Oh yes, let's not forget the priceless scene between Joyce and Principal Snyder or the cool surprise ending.
****
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