Emma Caulfield Movies
Holding a degree in psychology, Emma Caulfield began her acting career in television on shows like General Hospital and Beverly Hills 90210. After a couple of brief film appearances, she landed her breakthrough role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer as the demon Anyanka, reborn as the human Anya Emerson, at Sunnydale High. Her popularity on the show led to an expanding role for her character as well as a lead in the thriller Darkness Falls (2003). ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide- 2001
Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and the gang find themselves singing out their feelings in this musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The weirdness begins when Buffy interrupts her patrol to sing about post-resurrection angst. The next day, she learns that all of Sunnydale has become a great big Broadway musical. She and her friends float out various theories, but it turns out a musical demon named Sweet (Hinton Battle) has cast a nefarious spell over the town. As the enchantment forces various unfortunates to sing and dance until they burst into flames, the main characters find themselves expressing their deepest emotions. Tara (Amber Benson) sings a tender love song to Willow (Alyson Hannigan). Xander (Nicholas Brendon) and Anya (Emma Caulfield) share a comical duet about their marriage misgivings. Spike (James Marsters) belts out a heavy metal number about his love/hate relationship with Buffy. Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) croons pensively about Buffy's need for independence. And Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) dances a ballet of loneliness. Dawn also accidentally reveals that Willow cast a spell of forgetfulness over Tara (see "All the Way"). Soon, Tara and Giles are harmonizing about the need to leave Willow and Buffy for their own good. Just when it seems that these tangled emotions will cause the Scoobies to combust, however, Sweet arrives to make Dawn his underworld bride. While rescuing her sister, Buffy reveals the truth she's been hiding from her friends -- when they brought her back to life, they wrenched her not from Hell, but from Heaven. The anguished Slayer then almost dances herself into fiery oblivion -- until Spike intercedes and begs her to live. Once Sweet is vanquished, the entire cast sings an uncertain song about what the future may hold. Then Spike and the Slayer sneak out and share an unexpected kiss. Originally broadcast November 6, 2001, on UPN, "Once More, With Feeling" marked episode 107 of the cult-favorite series. Several minutes longer than a typical hour-long Buffy episode, the musical had to be trimmed for subsequent airings and syndication. A cast album was also released. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2001
The fallout from the musical episode (see "Once More, With Feeling") brings two characters together but tears most of the others apart. Spike (James Marsters) tries talking to Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) about the kiss they shared but she refuses to discuss it. Meanwhile, the Scoobies express their horror at learning they wrenched Buffy from paradise when they brought her back to life. Tara (Amber Benson) confronts Willow (Alyson Hannigan) about messing with her memories and using magic to solve all of life's problems. Willow agrees to quit magic cold turkey for a week to prove she can live without it. But then she casts a spell to make Buffy and Tara forget all of the suffering they've endured. Just as Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) is announcing his departure to England to force Buffy to stand on her own, Willow's enchantment backfires. All of the Scoobies are rendered amnesiacs, and they come to various wrong-headed conclusions about their identities and relationships. Unfortunately, into this comic befuddlement comes a shark-headed demon (Raymond O'Connor) with a grudge against Spike. The fiend and his vampire minions terrorize the gang until Willow's spell is accidentally broken. Tara leaves Willow, Giles leaves for England...and Buffy once again finds herself locking lips with Spike. Originally broadcast November 13, 2001, on UPN, "Tabula Rasa" marked episode 108 of the cult-favorite series. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2001
Warren (Adam Busch), Jonathan (Danny Strong), and Andrew (Tom Lenk) proceed with their quest to make their names as super-villains by using a ray gun to freeze a museum guard and steal a valuable artifact. As Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and her friends investigate the crime, the Slayer continues to fend off the affections of Spike (James Marsters). When the quarrel turns physical, however, the love-sick vampire learns that he's now capable of hitting the Slayer without experiencing excruciating pain. To his dismay, he realizes that the anti-violence chip in his skull still works fine on everyone else; he can hit only Buffy -- apparently because she came back from the dead less than human. Elsewhere, Tara (Amber Benson) assures Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) that she'll always be there for her even though Tara's relationship with Willow (Alyson Hannigan) is over. As for Willow, she begins her new post-Tara life by finally figuring out how to turn Wiccan pal Amy (Elizabeth Anne Allen) from a rat (see "Gingerbread") back into a human. Amy and Willow embark on a night on the town, turning the Bronze into their own private magical playground. Meanwhile, Spike confronts Buffy about her seeming inhumanity. They fight ferociously, but somehow the battle turns into a tryst of super-heroic proportions. After two years of yearning, Spike finally makes love with Buffy -- savagely, as an abandoned building crumbles around them. Originally broadcast November 20, 2001, on UPN, "Smashed" marked episode 109 of the cult-favorite series. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2001
Following their respective big nights out (see "Smashed"), Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) recoils from her liaison with Spike (James Marsters) while Willow (Alyson Hannigan) suffers a colossal hangover from doing too many spells with Amy (Elizabeth Anne Allen). Anya (Emma Caulfield) and Xander (Nicholas Brendon) continue to worry about Willow's descent into magic, while Tara (Amber Benson) grows despondent that her fears about Willow were well-founded. The next night, Willow again meets up with Amy, this time to visit a mystically hidden hang-out where a sorcerer named Rack (Jeff Kober) doles out powerful magicks that function like drugs. Although her blissful spell/trip ends badly, Willow heads back to Rack's the next day -- this time with Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) involuntarily in tow. Buffy catches Amy stealing magical supplies from Willow's room and learns about the witches' activities together. She enlists Spike's help in tracking down Willow and Dawn but warns her vampire suitor that their tryst meant absolutely nothing and won't be repeated. Meanwhile, Willow drags an angry Dawn away from Rack's abode, and they end up in a desperate flight from a demon whom Willow accidentally summoned while under the influence. The demon is vanquished, but Dawn suffers serious injuries and Willow is left a gibbering, guilty wreck. That night, Willow suffers from Wiccan withdrawal as Buffy watches over her attempt to kick the magical habit. Originally broadcast November 27, 2001, on UPN, "Wrecked" marked episode 110 of the cult-favorite series. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2001
Skirmishes between Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and the three dorky would-be villains who have targeted her continue as the Slayer attempts to hit the books and find gainful employment. While auditing classes back at U.C. Sunnydale, Buffy literally brushes up against Warren (Adam Busch), with confusing results. The dorky inventor plants on her a device that speeds time up, resulting in lost hours and missed appointments for the Slayer. Just as she figures out what's going on, the tiny troublemaker self-destructs. The next day, Buffy reports to work at the construction site where Xander (Nicholas Brendon) has agreed to hire her. First her gender and then her super-strength and over-efficiency annoy her burly co-worker's, but Buffy doesn't last long at the new job, anyway; once again, Warren and his sidekicks send demons to attack her, and in protecting her fellow workers she causes thousands of dollars in damages. Soon Buffy finds herself working for Anya (Emma Caulfield) as a salesgirl at the magic shop; this time, the nerds pull a Groundhog Day on her, looping her through this particularly annoying afternoon until she is finally able to restore time to its normal flow by making her first sale. Later, during a drunken escapade with Spike (James Marsters), Buffy comes face to face with Jonathan (Danny Strong) in battle but doesn't even know it: the diminutive would-be arch-fiend is disguised as a much larger demon. He, Warren, and Andrew (Tom Lenk) make their getaway, having successfully taken stock of the Slayer's abilities. Originally broadcast October 23, 2001, on the UPN network, "Life Serial" marked episode 105 of the cult-favorite series. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2000
- Add Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 05 to QueueAdd Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 05 to top of Queue
After a comic go-around with the original vampire playboy in season opener "Buffy vs. Dracula," Buffy the Vampire Slayer's fifth season quickly established its overriding theme: the importance of family, both biological and adoptive. Kristine Sutherland -- mostly absent from season four -- returned as Joyce Summers, Buffy's mother. More importantly, series creator Joss Whedon surprised viewers with the introduction of the Slayer's teenaged sister, Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg). Neither a long-lost sibling nor a recent adoptee, Dawn was simply dropped into the mix as if she'd always been there. As the season progressed, though, she was revealed to be The Key, an ancient force that monks had incarnated into human form, with fake memories created for everybody. The reason? So that Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) would protect it from Glory (Clare Kramer), a deposed god who needed it to get back to her own hellish dimension. Rather than the usual picturesque "big bad," Glory appeared to be a well-heeled beauty, albeit one with super strength and a propensity for snacking on people's sanity. As the hellgod stalked Sunnydale in expensive pumps, her minions furiously seeking the identity of The Key, Buffy had bigger problems. Doctors discovered that Joyce was suffering from brain cancer, while Dawn accidentally learned about her true origins and freaked out.
Focusing on her family and refusing to show any weakness, Buffy managed to drive boyfriend Riley (Marc Blucas) away. Of course, she had a little helping hand from Spike (James Marsters), who discovered, to his horror, that he'd fallen in love with his arch-nemesis. Although repulsed by the neutered vampire's affections, Buffy slowly grew to trust him as an ally -- especially after an unexpected death left her feeling more alone than ever. Friends Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), Willow (Alyson Hannigan), Xander (Nicholas Brendan), and Anya (Emma Caulfield) continued to serve as Buffy's inner circle, while Tara (Amber Benson) escaped from her own repressive family to become a bona fide Scooby, reinforcing the season's familial theme. When an attack from Glory left Tara drooling and helpless, Willow struck back, testing her rapidly growing magical abilities. She failed, leading indirectly to Glory's discovery of The Key's identity. With Dawn in the hellgod's clutches and the clock ticking down to the moment when Glory could use the girl's death to break down the barriers between hell and earth, Buffy reached its 100th-episode season finale. Titled "The Gift," it summed up the season's themes of family, loss, and sacrifice and left some doubt as to the show's future. Behind the scenes, financial negotiations between the show's producers and the WB network had broken down. But upstart UPN agreed to pay top dollar for two more seasons, leaving the WB with a hole in its schedule and fans overjoyed. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
Focusing on her family and refusing to show any weakness, Buffy managed to drive boyfriend Riley (Marc Blucas) away. Of course, she had a little helping hand from Spike (James Marsters), who discovered, to his horror, that he'd fallen in love with his arch-nemesis. Although repulsed by the neutered vampire's affections, Buffy slowly grew to trust him as an ally -- especially after an unexpected death left her feeling more alone than ever. Friends Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), Willow (Alyson Hannigan), Xander (Nicholas Brendan), and Anya (Emma Caulfield) continued to serve as Buffy's inner circle, while Tara (Amber Benson) escaped from her own repressive family to become a bona fide Scooby, reinforcing the season's familial theme. When an attack from Glory left Tara drooling and helpless, Willow struck back, testing her rapidly growing magical abilities. She failed, leading indirectly to Glory's discovery of The Key's identity. With Dawn in the hellgod's clutches and the clock ticking down to the moment when Glory could use the girl's death to break down the barriers between hell and earth, Buffy reached its 100th-episode season finale. Titled "The Gift," it summed up the season's themes of family, loss, and sacrifice and left some doubt as to the show's future. Behind the scenes, financial negotiations between the show's producers and the WB network had broken down. But upstart UPN agreed to pay top dollar for two more seasons, leaving the WB with a hole in its schedule and fans overjoyed. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, (more)
- 2000
As the hospital-bound Joyce (Kristine Sutherland) continues to battle her brain cancer, she's unaware that several of her fellow patients are people driven insane by having their mental energy devoured by the ravenous Glory (Clare Kramer). One such unfortunate tells Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) that there's nobody inside of her, but Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) -- eager to protect her sister from the truth that she's actually the human incarnation of the mystical Key that Glory seeks -- reassures the girl that the patient's ramblings mean nothing. Soon, though, the sisters become concerned about their own mother's sanity when the cancer causes Joyce to experience bouts of dementia. Even more acute danger presents itself when an apparent UFO sighting by Willow (Alyson Hannigan) and Tara (Amber Benson) turns out to be the arrival of a demon whose breed feeds exclusively on the insane. Xander (Nicholas Brendon) suspects that Glory summoned the demon, but the truth turns out to be more surprising. Meanwhile, the mental patient who unnerved Dawn becomes the creature's first victim. Then Joyce, who has returned home to await surgery, almost falls victim to it in her own bedroom. Buffy defeats the beast with help from Dawn -- and from Spike (James Marsters), who just happens to be in the Summers' basement filching photographs of his beloved Slayer. After the dust settles, a less loopy Joyce tells Buffy that in her altered mental state, she was able to recognize the truth about Dawn. Nonetheless, she declares that Dawn is precious to the world and that Buffy must protect her -- especially if something happens to Joyce. As the Scoobies watch forlornly, Joyce heads into surgery. Meanwhile, Riley remains convinced he's being shut out of Buffy's life and continues his kinky vampire encounters. Originally broadcast November 28, 2000, on the WB network, "Listening To Fear" marked episode 87 of the cult-favorite series. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2000
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, All Movie Guide
- 2000
A nervous Scooby Gang finally has reason to celebrate when Joyce (Kristine Sutherland) pulls through her brain cancer surgery. Just as her mother is returning to health, however, Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) must confront her ailing relationship with Riley (Marc Blucas) and come to grips with the sick behavior he's been exhibiting. After the relieved couple enjoy their first romantic evening in ages, Riley sneaks away in the night to a vile brothel where human beings pay vampires for the thrill of being bitten. Spike (James Marsters) -- himself smitten with the Slayer -- takes it upon himself to tell Buffy about her boyfriend's deception. Spike leads her straight to the charnel house of ill repute, where she glimpses Riley in the throes of his new hobby. She flees, then learns the history of such sordid institutions from Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) and Anya (Emma Caulfield). Buffy returns to the brothel and burns it to the ground, shocking her friends with her vehemence. When she and Riley finally hash things out, he reveals that his nocturnal activities were an attempt, however pathetic, to find the one thing Buffy hasn't been giving him: a sense of being needed. He then delivers the ultimatum that unless she gives him reason to do otherwise, he's going to leave on a demon-hunting expedition to Belize the very next day. A hurt, angry Buffy takes out her frustrations on the keepers of the vampire whorehouse, then receives a stern warning from Xander (Nicholas Brendon) to make sure she won't regret it if she lets Riley walk away. The Slayer runs a desperate race to reach Riley before he leaves, but she arrives just in time to see his helicopter disappearing into the night. Meanwhile, an impassioned Xander reaffirms his love for Anya. Originally broadcast December 19, 2000, on the WB network, "Into the Woods" marked episode 88 of the cult-favorite series. Although this marks Marc Blucas' final appearance as a regular cast member, the actor would reprise his role as Riley Finn the following season in "As You Were." ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Buffy's (Sarah Michelle Gellar) friends begin expressing bad feelings toward the Initiative (see "The Initiative"). Anya (Emma Caulfield) doesn't appreciate their anti-demon policies and Xander (Nicholas Brendon) doesn't trust the secretive commando operation. Buffy couldn't disagree more, especially after Dr. Walsh (Lindsay Crouse) asks her to join the Initiative. Buffy and Riley (Marc Blucas) fight a demon together unaware that Maggie is watching them via hidden camera. Later, Dr. Walsh sends Buffy out to capture a harmless monster which turns out to be two large, strong demons. Dr. Walsh is watching as Buffy is cornered by the demons and the hidden camera cuts out. As she is telling Riley of Buffy's death, Buffy appears in her lab alive and angry. Afterwards, Dr. Walsh enters room 314 (see "A New Man") and awakens some kind of half-human monster who mutters the word "Mommy." It is implied in this episode that as Tara (Amber Benson) and Willow spend the whole night together, their feelings change toward each other. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2000
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, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Riley (Marc Blucas) is acting strangely around Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and catching her with Spike (James Marsters) -- or Hostile 17 -- makes him even more antagonistic. Meanwhile, Adam (George Hertzberg) kills Dr. Walsh (Lindsay Crouse) and leaves the Initiative compound. Later, Buffy is confronted by Riley with the news of Dr. Walsh's death. Then, while searching for Adam, Buffy, and Xander (Nicholas Brendon) sneak into the Initiative compound and discover that drugs were being secretly given to the commandos and Riley's in withdrawal. Riley confronts Adam who seriously wounds him. Elsewhere, Willow (Alyson Hannigan) attempts to perform a spell with Tara (Amber Benson) to magically locate all of the demons in Sunnydale. Tara sabotages the spell while Willow's eyes are closed. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2000
Xander (Nicholas Brendon) -- the only member of the Scooby Gang without supernatural abilities of his own -- takes the spotlight when an encounter with a demon named Toth (Michael Bailey Smith) splits him into two separate versions of himself, one with all the good qualities and the other with all the bad. The inept Xander soon discovers the existence of his enhanced twin but is dismayed to watch his double succeeding in all the areas where he usually fails. The new, improved Xander not only lands a promotion at his construction job, but also signs the lease on a fabulous new apartment to please girlfriend Anya (Emma Caulfield), who is feeling vulnerable now that she's no longer an immortal demon. When the happy couple learn of the bumbling doppelganger Xander, Anya wants to keep him around as a sex toy while shiny happy Xander wants to kill him. Luckily, Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) and Willow (Alyson Hannigan) figure out that if one Xander dies, both will. While Willow works to break Toth's spell, Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) tracks down and kills the demon. Soon things are back to normal enough that Riley (Marc Blucas) has time for a heart-to-heart with Xander, in which he reveals that although he's in love with Buffy, he doesn't believe she loves him back. Originally broadcast October 10, 2000, on the WB network, "The Replacement" marked episode 81 of the cult-favorite series. Kelly Donovan, Nicholas Brendon's real-life twin, portrays the alternate Xander; although their last name is Schulz, the thespian brothers use only their first and middle names professionally. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Riley (Marc Blucas) are getting it on. Like, really getting it on. They don't want to stop -- not even as the Lowell House becomes cold and creepy around them. Preparing for a house party, the commandos try to build a fire in the fireplace which briefly explodes, leaving Mason (Neil Daly) severely burned. Meanwhile, Anya (Emma Caulfield) and Xander (Nicholas Brendon) break-up over not having sex for the first time in their relationship. Anya decides to take Spike (James Marsters) to the Lowell House party where Xander is also getting a little post relationship sympathy from Julie (Casey McCarthy). Soon, some partygoers discover that touching a certain wall fills you with intense sexual pleasure. All the while, Riley and Buffy become more isolated from the rest of the house. Then, Julie kisses Xander and runs away to cut off her hair because she feels dirty. A spin-the-bottle game comes to a disturbingly unsatisfactory end as the bottle explodes. Then, after encountering the ghost of a boy drowned in the bathtub, Willow (Alyson Hannigan) escapes the house to find Giles (Anthony Head). They discover the house was once an orphanage run by a women who tortured the children as punishment for their sinful desires. Buffy and Riley, still making love, are trapped in the house as the repressed children's ghosts threaten to destroy them. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2000
Oz (Seth Green) returns. Having traveled widely -- he mentions Tibet -- Oz has discovered how to control his werewolf transformations. Willow's (Alyson Hannigan) joy over his return is compromised now that she loves Tara (Amber Benson). Seeking advice, Willow reveals the true nature of her relationship with Tara to Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) -- up until now she has kept her homosexuality as secret. Meanwhile, a commando is attacked by what he assumes to be a werewolf. Oz is subsequently captured by the Initiative. Surprisingly, Spike (James Marsters) leads Buffy into the Initiative compound to free Oz. More surprisingly, Riley (Marc Blucas) helps liberate Oz, subsequently severing his ties to the Initiative. Now, with her boyfriend AWOL from the Initiative, Buffy feels free to reveal her past relationship with Angel (David Boreanaz). Elsewhere, Adam (George Hertzberg) offers to remove Spike's anti-violence chip if he assists in his plan to unleash worldwide chaos. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2000
As Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) strengthens her resolve to protect supernaturally incarnated sister Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) from malevolent über-demon Glory (Clare Kramer), Tara (Amber Benson) fears that her friends will discover her own otherworldly origin. The crisis begins when Tara's father, brother, and cousin arrive to escort her back home before her 20th birthday, at which time, they remind her, her demon heritage will manifest itself and make her a danger to those around her. Reluctant to let girlfriend Willow (Alyson Hannigan) and the others find out she's less than human, Tara casts a spell to prevent them from sensing any demons at all. Unfortunately, the enchantment prevents the gang from being able to see the minions Glory has dispatched to attack them. Only the reluctant intervention of smitten vampire Spike (James Marsters) -- acting on his newfound love for nemesis Buffy -- prevents a total massacre. Tara cancels her spell, her friends learn that she's part-demon, and then (again with help from Spike) everyone learns she's actually human after all. Overjoyed to find out that the demon legend was just a way to keep the women in her family subservient, Tara joyfully rejects her blood family and accepts her role as a member of the Scooby Gang. Originally broadcast November 7, 2000, on the WB network, "Family" marked episode 84 of the cult-favorite series. This episode also reveals that Ben (Charlie Weber), the handsome doctor Buffy keeps running into, somehow involuntarily shares his body with the fearsome Glory. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2000
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, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Joyce (Kristine Sutherland) gives Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) a bad scare when she suffers a mysterious fainting spell and ends up in the hospital. The Summers matriarch soon recovers, but not before her doctors discover that Buffy's boyfriend, Riley (Marc Blucas), faces a medical crisis of his own. The chemical enhancements he received as an unwitting dupe of the Initiative have robbed him of the ability to feel pain -- or to control his racing heart, which threatens to explode. Nonetheless, Riley resists undergoing an operation to return him to normal human strength for fear that Buffy will break things off if he loses the powers that enable him to fight by her side. Buffy convinces Riley she'd rather have a live boyfriend than a dead super-soldier. Unfortunately, Spike (James Marsters) almost prevents Riley's surgery when he kidnaps the Initiative's doctor in an attempt to get the behavior modification chip removed from his skull. The plan backfires, Riley makes a full recovery, and Spike makes a shocking realization: He's in love with his fiercest foe, the Slayer herself. Originally broadcast October 17, 2000, on the WB network, "Out of My Mind" marked episode 82 of the cult-favorite series. Ben (Charlie Weber), the handsome young intern who treats Joyce, seems to be a bit player but will later turn out to have a mysterious connection to Glory, the season's "Big Bad" villain. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2000
At Buffy's (Sarah Michelle Gellar) surprise birthday party, Xander (Nicholas Brendon) lets slip that Riley (Marc Blucas) is not only Buffy's new boyfriend, but also in the Initiative. Giles (Anthony Head) is flabbergasted, as he is the last one to find out this information. Feeling out of the loop and obsolete as a Watcher, Giles gets drunk with old buddy, and black magic sorcerer, Eathan Rayne (Robin Sachs). Rayne relates a rumor that demons are fearing the coming of something named 314 (see "The I in Team"). After passing out, Giles awakens to discover he's been turned into a Fyarl demon and can only speak in demon grunts and growls. He goes to Xander for help only to be chased off with pots and pans. Meanwhile, Buffy and Riley discover Giles missing, and, suspecting Eathan Rayne's involvement, go looking for him. Fortunately, Spike (James Marstens) speaks Fyarl and promises to help Giles -- for money. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2000
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, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Jonathan (Danny Strong) is the man. Although only 18 years old and formerly a nebbish high school student that Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) stopped from committing suicide (see "Earshot"), he is now stronger than the slayer, inventor of the Internet, and star of the hit film The Matrix. Not only that, but the Initiative has employed him as the chief tactical consultant in their mission to recover Adam (George Hertzberg). Meanwhile, Karen (Erica Luttrell), a Jonathan fanatic, is attacked by a ferocious beast bearing a symbol on its forhead. Soon after, Jonathan takes the stage at the Bronze to perform a swinging vocal number and virtuoso trumpet solo -- this after giving Riley (Marc Blucas) advice on how to get back together with Buffy (see "Who Are You?"). Suddenly, Karen, bloodied and scared, bursts into the Bronze claiming she was attacked on Jonathan's estate. As she draws the symbol the beast had on its forehead, Buffy notices Jonathan give a look of recognition which he quickly dismisses. This gets Buffy's slayer sense tingling and she challenges the ever so Machiavellian Jonathan to hunt down the beast with her. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2000
Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) finds herself inside Faith's (Eliza Dushku) body and being carted off on a gurney by the police. Having used a mystical Katra to switch her body with Buffy's, Faith marvels at her perfect disguise, mocking Buffy's do-gooder persona in front of the Summers' bathroom mirror. Meanwhile, while the police are transporting "Faith" to jail, a van pulls in front of the squad car, and three men jump out -- members of "the team" from the Watcher's Council -- kidnapping "Faith." Elsewhere, "Buffy," instead of hunting for Adam (George Hertzberg), goes to party at The Bronze. There, she meets Willow (Alyson Hannigan) and Tara (Amber Benson). Assuming they've met up with Buffy, Willow leaves Tara alone with her while she orders drinks. "Buffy" ridicules Tara, making fun of her stutter and telling her how in love Willow is with Oz (Seth Green). Afterwards, Tara tells Willow that Buffy didn't seem like herself. They both devise a spell to switch Buffy and Faith back into their own bodies. Ironically, while Faith is attempting to cause trouble while in Buffy's body, she experiences her first taste of love and kindness, being thanked by a person she saves from a vampire and even making tender love with Riley (Marc Blucas) -- who admits he loves Buffy for the first time. Adam also launches his war on humanity, sending vampires to attack a church, that, luckily, Riley is attending Sunday morning. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2000
Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is busy staking vamps when she is interrupted by a tall, pale vampire with long black hair admiring her slayer skills -- Dracula (Rudolph Martin). Buffy, "having fought more than a couple of pimply, overweight vamps that called themselves Lestat," is initially suspicious. Quickly, exiting via bat wings, his Dracula-ness is verified. Anya (Emma Caulfield) even claims to have hung out with him when she was a vengeance demon. Apparently in Sunnydale, to woo the slayer over to the darkside, Buffy and friends must separate fact from fiction to slay the dark prince. Meanwhile, Giles (Anthony Head) announces he is planning to return to England -- not before he gets in some heroic necking with a few of Dracula's sexy "brides." As if the appearance of the bloody prince isn't enough for this season opener, we also meet Buffy's cute little sister, Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg). ~ All Movie Guide
- 2000
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. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2000
Adam (George Hertzberg) now controls Riley (Marc Blucas) via a chip implanted in his arm by Dr. Walsh (Lindsay Crouse). His plan to create an army of half human/half demon is finally revealed along with new recruits Forrest (Leonard Roberts) and Dr. Walsh. Meanwhile, Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) meets up with Giles (Anthony Head), Willow (Alyson Hannigan), and Xander (Nicholas Brendon). After comparing notes, the group realizes they've been tricked by Spike (James Marsters) into being angry with each other. They also piece together Adam's evil plan and break into the Initiative compound to put it to an end. They are captured by Initiative commandos and at the same time Adam releases the demons and chaos ensues. Needless to say, Spike's chip stays implanted. During the final battle sequence, Willow, Xander, and Giles magically imbue Buffy with heightened supernatural powers that seem correlate to each character's best personality trait. ~ All Movie Guide
