Buffy 7.8 FAQ

What’s it called?

“Sleeper.”

Who’s responsible?

Teleplay is credited to David Fury (“Grave”) and Jane Espenson (“Conversations With Dead People”).

What does TV Guide say?

“As Dawn and Willow recover from their chaotic night at the Summers house, Buffy probes a series of grisly murders that may be the work of Spike. Aimee Mann appears and performs ‘Pavlov's Bell.’ Charlotte: Robinne Lee.”

Willow had a chaotic night at the Summers home?

It’s still dark when Willow comes home to find Dawn trashed the place, but there’s no additional mayhem there that night.

May be the work of Spike?

Spike eventually realizes he’s been having memory blackouts, but he does remember chatting up the blonde who was fed upon last episode. On the other hand, the brainchip seems to kicks in just fine when Spike punches Xander.

So is Spike being controlled? Or was that Morphy in Spikeface dining on the young woman?

As this week's installment ends, nothing is certain. Stupid shapeshifters, confusing everything …

The big news?

The hooded figures are back, and they’re still making short of work of slayers-in-training. A caucausian teen in London seems to be the latest victim. A watcher named Robson discovers her.

The other big news?

Spike, always fairly lucid when he’s over Xander’s, confirms he still carries a torch for Buffy, even though he now socializes with others. “Yeah, I go and pass the time... with someone. But that's all it is is time. 'Cause, god help me, Buffy, it's still all about you.”

What else is TV Guide not telling us?

Giles turns up in the last scene of the episode. (Which is not the biggest of spoilers since Anthony Stewart Head’s name is in the episode's opening credits.)

Is Giles back in Sunnydale?

No, he’s still in England, where he discovers the work of the hooded figures.

What is the murderous Nerd of Doom Andrew up to?

Andrew sits this episode out.

What’s doing with Xander and Anya? I miss them!

Xander recruits Anya to keep an eye on an unsuspecting Spike while Xander attends a client meeting. She sneaks into the the sleeping Spike’s room to look for clues.

Is there kissing? Meaningful glances?

Not so much.

What’s up with Dawn?

Willow explains to Dawn that Joyce may have actually been Morphy. Dawn neglects to reveal to everyone what “Joyce” said about Buffy.

What’s good?

Aimee Mann’s comment as she exits the Bronze’s stage. That episode-concluding final shot of Rupert Giles.

What’s not so good?

The comedy is on a pretty low boil. The plot doesn’t yield a lot of big surprises.

How does it end, spoiler-boy?

It’s decided that the Scoobs are going to have to keep a closer eye on Spike, who sits distraught nearby in a corner. “This thing has been closer to Spike than any of us,” says Buffy. “And if you wanna understand it... I'm gonna have to get close to Spike.” Back in England, we get a glimpse of a hooded figure’s pale face. The episode’s last dialogue is: “It’s all right. I understand. I’ll take care – ”

Herc’s rating for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” 7.8?

***

The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:

• ***** better than we deserve
• **** better than most motion pictures
• *** actually worth your valuable time
• ** as horrible as most stuff on TV
• * makes you quietly pray for bulletins

8 p.m. Tuesday. UPN.

I am – Hercules!!

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