When She Was Bad

These snapshots may contain SPOILERS for the entire series, so if for some reason you haven't yet seen some of the episodes and do not want to know what is going on, read no further.
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Buffy returns from summer vacation with a "major attitude" and recurring nightmares involving the Master, even as the Anointed One and his followers plot their revenge.
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Buffy:  Hi, guys!  Miss me?

The season opener starts, albeit after summer vacation, pretty much right where it left off in "Prophecy Girl." This didn't really register the first time watching, but after repeated DVD viewings it starts to sink in, I like the continuity, it gives the episode a nice flow and unites this with the first season quite smoothly. This episode does a good job of tying up all the loose ends from last season. It begins by showing that events have long term consequences, and plots will move across more than 1 episode or season. This episode also seems to be more about Buffy fighting her inner demons more so than the vampires who come across more as an ancillary plot device.

While Giles says Buffy has 'issues' everyone else falls victim to Buffy's Bitch Queen attitude. Some have called this PTSS. Or in the words of the immortal Yoda "fear leads to ... hate" which definitely turns you into one mean SOB. Everyone gets skewered by Buffy in one form or another, before the end of the episode. While not putting her in the best light you can empathize with her, its not easy being killed.

The vampire preacher gets more boring every time I watch.

Buffy tortures the vamp for information.

Angel showing up in Buffy's bedroom while she's sleeping to watch her. Remember, she rolled over and saw him already there. Can you say stalker?

Started noticing / liking the music from this episode onwards (eg. Alison Krauss "It Doesn't Matter").

Really began noticing SMG's acting after the first rewatch. Was always good but this season started giving her some added depth to play with. Fear, anger, angst, sexpot, etc. The happy ending seemed kind of forced, though. After acting like the Bitch Queen, when did Buffy apologize for all those mean/hateful things she said/did? Yes, I can see her being forgiven, but some form of 'sorry' would have been nice to see.


Foreshadowing
JOYCE: I'll just be happy if she makes it through the school year.
SNYDER: That Summers girl. I smell trouble. I smell expulsion, and just the faintest aroma of jail.
GILES: Buffy, ... that was hardly the, the worst mistake you'll ever make.
BUFFY: (to Angel)... you must've thought about it. What would happen if it ever came down to a fight, ... Well, why don't we find out?



My views/status of characters;
Buffy - understandable
Willow - like
Xander - like
Giles - like
Cordelia - like
Angel - neutral


Overall I consider this a good episode compared to the rest of the season.