Buffy is training Dawn to be more of a fighter, but her problems really kick in when she has her first day at high school, specifically the rebuilt Sunnydale High. While Xander and Buffy try to prepare for whatever Hellmouth-born creature comes for them next, Willow seeks help from Giles in controlling her powers.

This must have been an exceptionally difficult story to construct, as by the end of last year the Scooby Gang was fractured completely and most of them have no reason to interact. To this end, then, there is a lot of cutting between the main cast members as we find out how they're doing and what they've been up to in the last few months. What's clear from the very start is how many of the group seem to have confronted their demons (sometimes in a very literal sense) and finally grown up. Xander's first appearance in a suit makes him look every inch the businessman, and it suits him. Buffy seems to be back on top of things at last, is training Dawn in self-defence, and generally appears to be in a happier place than she used to be. It's good to see. The all-pervading darkness from last year is gone, and there's a feeling of 'onwards and upwards' that provides a welcome more comic edge to proceedings.

If there's any problem with this intercutting, it's that certain characters get a little squeezed out. However, you get the impression that that doesn't matter, and that their turn will come. Anya is the least used here, presumably now without a job, but then again, what would a vengeance demon need money for? Considering his presence it's a shame that Anthony Head doesn't get more screen time, but his scenes getting "all Dumbledore" with Willow are exceptionally well-played, and Head brings a quiet power to the role that has been too long missing. He's more at peace than ever here, on his own turf and content with the life he has put together. He is also clearly concerned about Willow, and their bond of friendship is demonstrated well here. His quiet calm counterpoints her inner turmoil superbly, and it's good to see that Willow still has strong magical powers, but must learn to treat them with caution.

The story itself is simple yet effective, as spirits from Sunnydale High return to terrorize Buffy and make her pay for her inability to save them. It's a shame that some of the graduates from Graduation Day aren't included here, which would make the whole story that touch more personal. The cast are uniformly excellent; James Marsters is wonderful as the turbulent soulful Spike and Michelle Trachtenberg seems to have passed through the whiny phase and is much more reminiscent of a young Buffy (helped by being dressed in similar clothes to her sister when she was starting at Sunnydale High). The new principal is an interesting character and should be a valuable authority figure for Dawn and friend for Buffy, and already there are mysteries in place about what's going on. Firstly we never find out who used the talisman to bring the dead back, and secondly there's an unexpected and superb final scene in which the main villains of six seasons return to tell Spike that things are just beginning. I'm just as excited to see where this series is going as I've ever been, and it looks to be a more coherent overall effort than last season.

****

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