BUFFY 6.8 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Tabula Rasa.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to Rebecca Rand Kirschner, author of “Tough Love” (the one in which Glory gives Tara the ol’ brain suck).
Does it deal with the aftermath of 6.7 (“Once More, With Feeling”), the big truth-telling musical episode?
It does!!!
Including what Buffy did to Spike?
Yes!!! (And much, much more.)
What’s the what?
Even TV Guide will likely give away more than this: A spell causes all the Scoobies to awaken in the Magic Box with amnesia. They don’t know who they are, who their friends are, or that demons and vampires exist.
Is Rupert Giles still hanging about?
Just barely; we are very, very sad to report that this will be Anthony Stewart Head’s final episode. Like Riley, Oz, Angel, Cordy, Faith, Harmony, Wesley, Dru and God knows who else, Giles could easily return at some point, but there are no clues indicating if he will be back, or when.
The big news?
Another shoe from “Restless” drops! Spike spends the bulk of the episode in that tweedy suit he wore in a certain dream sequence.
Any new bad guys this episode?
Yes, and - holy mackerel! - the creators are getting very creative with their demons. A fellow named “Teeth” is connected to a part of Spike’s life we will find out about toward the end of 6.5 (“Life Serial").
Have Tara and Willow already moved out of Joyce’s bedroom at this point? Y’know, since Buffy’s back and everything?
No, as the episode kicks off, we see that Casa del Summers remains very much the house of estrogen, with Dawn, Buffy and their lesbian pals all slumbering under the same roof.
Didn't Herc say Tara and Willow break up in 6.7?
He did. Herc's sources were a bit confused on this point back in July (or perhaps Team Whedon just decided to make an adjustment). Tara will as predicted discover Willow's deception in 6.7, but Tara won't actually leave Willow until late in 6.8.
Any sign of the Legion of Nerdy Doom?
Jonathan, Warren and Andrew sit the episode out.
Will 6.8 be good?
So good. Too good. Spike’s outfit isn’t the only subtle element longtime fans will enjoy. The episode will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make your mouth hang open very wide indeed. What an ending!!!
I warn you not to defy me!!
