Kristine Sutherland Movies

As Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and the Scoobies recover from the recent assault on the Summers' house (see "Never Leave Me"), Spike (James Marsters) suffers at the hands of his captor, who appears in the form of his long-lost love, Drusilla (Juliet Landau). Dru brags about using Spike's blood to raise the Turok-Han, a monstrous bloodsucker who resembles an amped-up version of F.W. Murnau's Nosferatu, The Vampire, and who assists in Spike's watery torture. Just as Buffy is putting the pieces together and revealing to her friends that their foe is none other than the shape-shifting First Evil (see "Amends"), Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) arrives with three trainee slayers in tow. He confirms the threat of the First and reveals that his charges are among the final remaining bastions of the recently obliterated Watcher's Council. Buffy and Giles head to the abandoned Christmas tree lot where Buffy first encountered the robed Harbingers of the First. There, Buffy barely escapes the monstrous Turok-Han -- no thanks to Giles, who sits out the battle with no explanation. Emotionally and physically fried, Buffy nonetheless heads to her day job and encounters the enigmatic Principal Wood (D.B. Woodside) in the catacombs beneath the school. Meanwhile, everyone else uses the daylight hours to fortify the house against the über-vamp's inevitable after-dark assault -- an event that actually occurs when one of the trainee slayers freaks out and flees right into the monster's grasp. Too late to save the girl, Buffy gets a royal thrashing at the Turok-Han's hands. Nonetheless, she vows to stop cowering and start taking the fight to the First's own doorstep. That would probably be good news to Spike, who sees through the First's Drusilla drag but continues to suffer as the big bad's prisoner. Originally broadcast December 18, 2002, on the UPN network, "Bring on the Night" marked episode 132 of the cult-favorite series. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) returns home, chattering animatedly to her mother until she discovers Joyce (Kristine Sutherland) cold and apparently dead on the couch. She dials 911, makes an unsuccessful attempt at CPR, and watches, dumbfounded, as the paramedics meet with similar failure. Alone with the body, she waits until Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) arrives and comforts her, then heads to the school, where she has to break the news to a devastated and hysterical Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg). Elsewhere, the Scoobies gather to join the Summers family. Willow (Alyson Hannigan) shares a tender kiss with Tara (Amber Benson) but later grows incensed at what she perceives as the insensitivity of Anya (Emma Caulfield). The normally snide ex-demon then tearfully reveals her ignorance of mortal vulnerabilities and her anger and confusion at the fleetingness of life. Her boyfriend, Xander (Nicholas Brendon), deals with his feelings the old-fashioned way: he puts his hand through a wall. Eventually everyone gathers at the hospital, where Dawn, needing to see her mother one last time, wanders to the morgue and is attacked by a newly risen vampire. Buffy finds her and struggles to kill the vamp through her sea of grief. In the protracted battle, the sheet falls away from Joyce's body, leaving Dawn and Buffy to face the reality of simple, human death, so different from the theatrical dustings and beheadings to which they're accustomed. Originally broadcast February 27, 2001, on the WB network, "The Body" marked episode 94 of the cult-favorite series. Written and directed by series creator Joss Whedon, this episode contains no score or incidental music besides the standard theme song. It also marks the first on-screen physical intimacy between longtime same-sex lovers Willow and Tara. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

As the gang digest the implications of Glory (Clare Kramer) being a hell-god rather than a garden-variety demon, Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) lays another whopper on them. She reveals that Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) is "The Key" that Glory so desperately seeks. Although Dawn herself caught snippets of that knowledge two episodes earlier (see "Triangle"), she doesn't grasp its implications until Spike (James Marsters) helps her sneak into the magic shop and read up on her origins. Horrified to learn that she is not truly human but rather an ancient mystical force given mortal form and memories mere months ago, the distraught teen experiences a meltdown in the midst of Buffy's 20th birthday party. The Scoobies are unsure how to comfort her, so the Slayer goes into research mode while Willow (Alyson Hannigan) works on a sort of supernatural burglar alarm to protect Dawn. As Glory is off decimating the ranks of the Knights of Byzantium, Dawn continues to act out her feelings of alienation. She sneaks out to the hospital to commune with the unfortunates who have been driven mad by Glory's soul-draining touch and are therefore capable of seeing what Dawn truly is. Dawn soon runs into Ben (Charlie Weber), the handsome doctor who recently treated her mother and who unwillingly shares his body with Glory. Ben intuits that Dawn is The Key, but then Glory takes over his body and, failing to make the same realization, tries to pump Dawn for information. Buffy shows up and brawls with Glory, who is vanquished only when Willow and Tara (Amber Benson) slap her with a teleportation spell. Unfortunately, though, Dawn's memory of Ben transforming into Glory seems to have been erased, opening a vulnerability the hell-god will exploit in the subsequent episode "Spiral." Originally broadcast February 6, 2001, on the WB network, "Blood Ties" marked episode 91 of the cult-favorite series. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

After the previous episode's romantic tug-of-war (see "Crush"), love is once again in the air. Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) nearly goes on a date with cute doctor Ben (Charlie Weber), unaware that he actually time-shares his mortal shell with the malevolent Glory (Clare Kramer). Meanwhile, a disturbingly perky woman named April (Shonda Farr) arrives on the scene looking around frantically for her boyfriend, Warren (Adam Busch). She responds violently, and with great strength, to the vulgar flirtations of Spike (James Marsters), who's only hitting on her to assuage his hurt feelings over Buffy's rejection. The Scoobies figure out that the blank, cheerful, determined April is actually a robot. In fact, she's a sex-bot created by the nerdy Warren, who has since ditched his creation to enjoy a relationship with an actual human being named Katrina (Amelinda Embry). When Buffy confronts Warren about the mess he left behind, an incensed Katrina dumps him. Soon, the human girlfriend almost falls victim to the robot one, who's still searching for the man she was constructed to love. Buffy intervenes, saves Katrina, and comforts April as her batteries run down into oblivion. Saddened by the seemingly inane but actually thought-provoking wisdom she's received from the dying robot, Buffy breaks her date with Ben just as he's transforming into Glory. Spike, however, is less easily dissuaded from his infatuations. He turns to Warren for another sex-bot, this time in Buffy's image. Originally broadcast February 20, 2001, on the WB network, "I Was Made To Love You" marked episode 93 of the cult-favorite series. The character of Warren would reappear throughout the subsequent sixth season, slowly morphing from a misguided nerd into a villain capable of killing a member of the Scooby Gang. Pop sensation Britney Spears was in talks to play sex-bot April, but the part eventually went to Shonda Farr. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

As Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) awaits her role as sacrificial victim for monstrous hell-god Glory (Clare Kramer), her slayer sister (Sarah Michelle Gellar) withdraws deeply into herself. Devastated by the shame of having allowed Dawn to be kidnapped (see "Spiral"), Buffy retreats into the safety of an illusory childhood in which she's safe with her long-estranged father, her now-deceased mother, and her mystically incarnated baby sister. Meanwhile, Glory battles for control with Ben (Charlie Weber), her unwilling host body. Ben's conscience and memories keep leaking into Glory's consciousness, leading her to pontificate about the misery of the human condition to the captive Dawn. Ben briefly manages to wrest full control from his demonic sibling. He attempts to free Dawn, but Glory promises him immortality if he'll stop fighting. He acquiesces, earning Dawn's disgust. Meanwhile, a firm but patient Willow (Alyson Hannigan) uses her magicks to wrench her way into Buffy's subconscious and give the Slayer a good talking-to. Buffy awakens from her catatonia, ready to save the day. That's when Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), recovering from his injuries, reveals that Glory's plan to break down the barrier between dimensions requires that Dawn's blood be spilled at a certain place and time; the barrier will remain open until all of Dawn's blood is spent. Originally broadcast May 15, 2001, on the WB network, "The Weight of the World" marked episode 99 of the cult-favorite series. This episode marked the first of several posthumous appearances by Buffy's mother, Joyce, played by Kristine Sutherland. The recently deceased Summers matriarch would feature in another of her daughter's hallucinations (see "Normal Again") and pop by for a beyond-the-grave chat with Dawn (see "Conversations With Dead People"). ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) learns that her mother is suffering from brain cancer and feels helpless to do anything about it. Anya (Emma Caulfield) and Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) counsel her and Willow (Alyson Hannigan) that a healing spell might make things worse because the magical and the medical aren't supposed to mix. Riley (Marc Blucas) comforts Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) and tries to do the same for Buffy, but she pushes him away. She's too busy seeking out the giant snake-demon that Glory (Clare Kramer) has dispatched to find the mystical Key that, unbeknownst to the vivacious demon, has actually been incarnated into human form as Dawn. Buffy is furious to discover that Glory procured the materials for her enchantment from Giles and Anya's shop -- walked right in and out under their noses. Nonetheless, after receiving another butt-kicking from Glory, the Slayer tracks down the she-demon's minion and savagely mutilates it, thereby saving Dawn and venting some of her own feelings of powerlessness. Back at the hospital, she affects steely determination, once again shutting Riley out. Of course, she has no clue that he's been getting his kicks by letting a vampire tart suck his neck and then staking her. Originally broadcast November 21, 2000, on the WB network, "Shadow" marked episode 86 of the cult-favorite series. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

The mystery of the Slayer's newfound sibling deepens as narrator Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) confides to her diary that she's sick of big sis Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) hogging all the attention. Buffy vents her own frustrations about having to balance her duties as the Slayer with her sisterly responsibilities -- a juggling act thrown into sharp relief when Dawn accidentally invites bimbo vampire Harmony (Mercedes McNab) into the house and gets kidnapped, necessitating a dramatic rescue. As for viewers, they may well be frustrated by the sudden and inexplicable appearance of Dawn in the surprise ending of the previous episode (see "Buffy vs. Dracula"); Buffy was an only child for the first 78 episodes of the series, but now she and her friends are acting as if Dawn has been around all along. Perhaps the truth has something to do with the mad vagrant who accosts Dawn and tells her she doesn't belong here; nonetheless, it will be three more episodes before the truth about the girl's origin is revealed (see "No Place Like Home"). In the meantime, Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) decides to take over Sunnydale's magic shop after yet another of its proprietors ends up dead. Originally broadcast October 3, 2000, on the WB network, "Real Me" marked episode 80 of the cult-favorite series. As of this episode, Michelle Trachtenberg joins the regular cast. Tom Lenk, who portrays vampire Cyrus here, would return in the prominent role of geeky would-be villain Andrew throughout the sixth and seventh seasons. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

Spike (James Marsters) reveals his feelings for Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) when she comes to him for information on what it's like when a slayer dies. A brush with her own mortality ignites Buffy's curiosity and she realizes that only Spike, who has killed two previous slayers, will be able to sate it. When she offers the neutered vampire cash for his life story, he happily obliges: William, a terrible poet in the London of 1880, tries to court beautiful Cecily Addams (Kali Rocha) but finds acceptance only from Drusilla (Juliet Landau), the alluring but insane vampire who later sires him. Rampaging across the planet with Darla (Julie Benz), Angelus (David Boreanaz), and Dru, William comes into his own and renames himself Spike. His flamboyant carnage annoys the low-profile Angelus, who warns Spike that one day a slayer will get the best of him. Now fixated on slayers, Spike kills a Chinese Chosen One (Ming Liu) during the Boxer Rebellion, earning extravagant praise from Drusilla. A mere 75 years later, on a subway in New York, he finally bags his second slayer (April Weeden-Washington), this one a Foxy Brown-style heroine from whose corpse he collects his now-signature black leather trench coat. Dru remains his inamorata throughout these adventures, but in 1998 she leaves him, disgusted by his truce with Buffy (see "Becoming, Part 2"). In the present day, Spike counsels Buffy that he was able to kill both slayers only because their constant proximity to death left them eager, finally, to feel its peaceful embrace. He tells Buffy that when she's ready he will kill her, then he tries to kiss her. She recoils, tells him he's beneath her, and leaves him sobbing. Later, however, after learning her mother has once again been hospitalized, Buffy stiffly allows Spike to console her. Originally broadcast November 14, 2000, on the WB network, "Fool for Love" marked episode 85 of the cult-favorite series. The subsequent episode "Hell's Bells" would hint strongly that Halfrek, the vengeance demon played by Kali Rocha, is the same person as Cecily Addams, the human she portrays here. And although she would be played by a different actress, this episode's unnamed Blaxploitation slayer would resurface unexpectedly in "First Date." ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

A mystery emerges when Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) randomly comes into possession of a shiny, mystical orb. Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) is too busy with the grand opening of his magic shop to research Buffy's discovery. Dismayed by his lack of customers, Giles reluctantly agrees to hire avaricious Anya (Emma Caulfield) as his shopkeeper. At home, Buffy and Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) both grow concerned as Joyce (Kristine Sutherland) continues to suffer from migraines. With help from sorceress Willow (Alyson Hannigan), Buffy tries to discover whether there's dark magic afoot. She finds no clues about her mother's condition, but she does discover that Dawn is continually fading in and out of reality. Buffy realizes that Dawn isn't her sister and fears that the girl may be there to harm Joyce -- a suspicion that seems to gain credence from Giles' revelation that the orb Buffy found is a talisman meant to protect its bearer from a specific and unspeakable evil. Buffy heads back to the spot where she discovered the sphere and finds a grievously wounded monk under attack from a gorgeous blonde who comes off like the world's most self-obsessed -- and supernaturally powerful -- bimbo. Buffy narrowly escapes getting her clock cleaned and learns from the dying monk that Dawn is actually "The Key," an ancient source of energy capable of unlocking something called "The Door" with disastrous results. To prevent the super-bimbo -- an ancient and malevolent entity known as Glory -- from finding and using The Key, the monks incarnated it in human form and wove it into the fabric of Buffy's life so the Slayer could protect it. Back at home, Buffy comes to terms with the fact that Dawn is human now -- and her responsibility. Meanwhile, Spike (James Marsters) deals with his newfound feelings for Buffy. Originally broadcast October 24, 2000, on the WB network, "No Place Like Home" marked episode 83 of the cult-favorite series. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

The season four finale finds Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and friends returning to her house after the battle with Adam (George Hertzberg). Riley (Marc Blucas) is absent while testifying to the government about the Initiative's activities. Xander (Nicholas Brendan) suggests the group all relax and watch Apocalypse Now -- before the opening credits roll, everyone is asleep. In their dreams, each character is attacked or "challenged" by a primitively painted woman. Each dream is surreal and reflects emotionally on past season events and characters. Willow (Alyson Hannigan) tries to give a book report to a bored Xander (Nicholas Brendon) and the ancient woman sucks the spirit from her body. Then Xander dreams his father is taunting him about never moving out of the family's basement. His father rips Xander's heart from his chest while transforming into the primitive warrior woman. In Giles' dream, he figures out that the spell the group cast to imbue Buffy with stronger powers (see "Primeval") unleashed this ancient "evil" slayer who promptly slices his head open. Finally, Buffy must face the primal woman in her dreams and more importantly -- herself. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi

Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is looking forward to trading in her stakes for a corsage as she and her friends prepare for their senior prom. Angel (David Boreanaz) is less enthused about the big dance, especially since Joyce (Kristine Sutherland) wants him to end his relationship with Buffy. Meanwhile, a Hell Hound mauls a shopper at the dress shop where Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) is working. Reviewing the store video camera recording, Buffy clues in on the Hell Hound's possible owner. Despite her friends' insistance, Buffy won't let anyone else miss the prom to help her track down the Hell Hound. This is the first episode where Anya (Emma Caulfield) and Xander (Nicholas Brendon) actually date. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi