Phases

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.

----------------------------recap----------------------------
Buffy and the gang track down a suspected werewolf roaming in the woods and also try to stay out of the way of a bloodthirsty hunter who is after the same beast. Meanwhile, Willow worries when Oz doesn't appear anxious to take their relationship to a physical level.
--------------------------end recap--------------------------

Giles: Quite. And it, uh, acts on pure instinct. No conscience, predatory and aggressive.
Buffy: In other words, your typical male.
Xander: On behalf of my gender, hey!
Giles: Yes, let's not jump to any conclusions.
Buffy: I didn't jump. I took a tiny step, and there conclusions were.


Solid character development, good dialogue and a twist on an old plot.

The teaser opens with Oz looking at the cheerleader statue that contains Amy Madison's mother from the first season episode "Witch", remarking that its eyes "follow you wherever you go". Gotta love the continuity.

Angel "walks" Theresa home. And the killing begins. Although he tries to lay it off at the werewolf's feet, Oz doesn't bite. Angel does have Theresa give Buffy his love, after she vamps out.

Seth Green's portrayal of the incredibly laid-back Oz really shines ("Is Jordy a werewolf?... No, no reason") and the deepening affection between Willow and himself really comes across as genuine and wholesome. He gets an A in Willow with a gold star.

We find out that Larry is gay in a somewhat amusing locker room scene with Xander.

Could have totally left out Cain the werewolf hunter without affecting the episode much at all. He was completely superfluous.

Foreshadowing

Oz: (referring to Willow) Yeah. Yeah, she's actually an evil mastermind. It's fun.
Willow - season 6



My views/status of characters;
Buffy - like
Willow - like
Xander - like
Giles - like
Cordelia - like
Spike - absent
Angel/us - like
Oz - like

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