Hey, all. "Moriarty" here. So I had to finally break down and make a deal with HERCULES THE STRONG. If I'm going to continue to post these spoiler filled reviews for my very favorite TV show, it is a requirement that he give me the tapes once he's seen them. Otherwise, it's just too cruel. Of course, you weak-willed BUFFY fans are going to read these spoilers, and you won't have your own tapes to refer to, so my deal really doesn't help you, does it? Hmmmmm... I guess I am Evil. Good to know I've still got it.

BIG BUFFY SPOILER FAQ 4.21: “PRIMEVAL”

IS THIS LIKE THE BEST EPISODE OF BUFFY EVER OR WHAT?

Or what. This episode, scripted by David Fury, is more plot- and action-driven, and I - for one – always prefer the funnier, more character-driven installments. It’s certainly understandable why Team Whedon didn’t elect to end the season with this Initiative storyline resolution. But if you like explosions and expensive-looking special effects, this is the “Buffy” for you.

AT THE END OF LAST EPISODE, RILEY CAME TO VISIT ADAM. IS HE THERE TO EXACT REVENGE AGAINST ADAM – OR FOR SOME OTHER REASON?

For some other reason. Adam, it turns out, can control Riley via the “behavior modifier” Maggie Walsh implanted in Riley’s spine. Riley spends the bulk of the episode as Adam’s reluctant slave.

DID ADAM GRAFT SPIKE TO FORREST?

The special effects weren’t THAT expensive-looking. Forrest is grafted instead onto a more anonymous demon-type.

DOES MAGGIE WALSH REALLY RETURN THIS EPISODE?

Yes, but only as Adam’s nearly-silent zombie slave. Unlike Forrest, she hasn’t been grafted to anything supernatural.

DOES SPIKE GET HIS “CHIPECTOMY?”

Nope. Adam never gets around to it. At episode’s end, Spike remains the “clockwork vampire.”

DOES SPIKE DIE?

Not this week. Nor next, as far as I know.

DOES ANYONE DIE?

The only major character to meet his end is Adam.

IS THE SCOOBY GANG STILL PISSED AT EACH OTHER?

At first, but when they discover Spike’s treachery, there’s a guarded truce between the four core Scoobies (Buffy, Giles, Xander and Willow). In the episode’s best scene, the friendship is healed further as the gang rapples into Initiative HQ. This re-teaming turns out to be crucial to Adam’s defeat.

WHAT’S WITH THOSE COOL BIRDS IN THE PROMO?

In order to defeat Adam, Willow and Giles use magic to link with Buffy and make her more powerful. As a result, she can temporarily turn deadly missiles into birdies.

DOES ADAM RELEASE ALL THE DEMONS?

Yes.

IS THERE A HUGE DEMON/SOLDIER MELEE AT INITIATIVE HQ?

Yes.

DOES RILEY END THE EPISODE AS A GOVERNMENT SLAVE?

No. At a crucial juncture, he heroically – and painfully – rips the chip out of his own chest so he can aid his girl.

HOW DOES IT END?

Buffy removes Adam’s battery. We see the folks at the Pentagon order a permanent shutdown of the Initiative.

IS “BUFFY” STILL THE BEST SHOW ON TV?

For the moment, but we’ll want to see the season finales of both “Buffy” and “The West Wing” before we start tossing around these sweeping statements. Like “Hush,” next week’s character-driven “Buffy” finale was written and directed by Joss Whedon, so it should prove pretty nifty.

I warn you not to defy me!

I am – Hercules!