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When Xander realizes that he isn't needed by the gang as much as he'd like to believe, his quest to prove he's cool leads him to an unforgettable night that finds him consorting with fast women, raising the dead and rolling with a dangerous crowd that could put Sunnydale in a world of hurt. Meanwhile, Buffy, Giles and the rest of the crew engage in a furious battle with the Sisterhood of Jhe, an all-female demon apocalypse cult that intends to reopen the Hellmouth and bring about the end of the world.
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| XANDER: | I mean, you yourself, Oz, are considered more or less cool. Why is that? |
| OZ: | Am I? |
| XANDER: | Is it about the talking? You know, the way you tend to express yourself in short, noncommittal phrases? |
| OZ: | Could be. |
| XANDER: | I know! You're in a band! That's like a business-class ticket to cool with complementary mojo after takeoff! I gotta learn an instrument. Is it hard to play guitar? |
| OZ: | Not the way I play it. |
Yep, its another apocalypse in Sunnydale. The Hellmouth is opening again, and this time Xander isn't invited. Instead of focusing on this seemingly important event, one which would form the backbone for any standard episode, we are treated to a parallel story, and given a good view into Xander's character. The Hellmouth story is almost entirely incidental, and this episode could have been more powerful if Xander had been the only person having an unusual night.
As Cordelia, ever watchful for a back to stick a knife into, is quick to point out, Xander has been neglected of late, and lacks the supernatural powers of his colleagues - Willow/witch, Oz/werewolf, and Buffy/slayer. (Note, that Cordelia conveniently forgets to include herself!) It's interesting to note that it's not merely Xander's ability to handle Jack O'Toole and his zombie pals that's being tested: it's his ability to handle them on his own.
Several times during the night Xander encounters friends who would be able to help him, (Giles at the Restfield Cemetery, Willow outside the magic store and Faith after her battle with one of the Jhe demons). He has plenty of opportunity to ask for assistance, but he doesn't, and his character grows stronger because of it. Of course, during his hot and sweaty tussle with Faith he probably had other things on his mind...
Once Faith kicks Xander out, he starts doing things by himself. He knows that he doesn't have the strength to defeat Jack. But he can beat him by having more courage. Echoing their meeting at the Bronze, Xander says it all comes down to who has less fear. And he wins. Xander realizes that there is something special about him. That despite being an ordinary mortal, he can still be brave and heroic.
When Jack asks Xander whether he's ready to die, Xander replies he likes the quiet. The next day when Willow and Buffy tell him he was lucky not to be at the school, he says he likes the quiet life. When Cordelia confronts him, he is quiet. Xander has learned to be happy with who and what he is. He doesn't need super powers to confront the monsters in his life. Simple mortality has its advantages. In Helpless (18), Buffy learned that she was the Slayer with or without her power. That being the slayer is more than being physically strong. Xander has finally learned that being cool is more than having powers, playing the guitar, or driving a vintage car. Learning that, he finally discovers cool.
Foreshadowing
Buffy: Xander, one of these days, you're gonna get yourself hurt. - season 7
Faith steals a long green compound bow, commenting that "this could be my new thing". Although her attempts to use it in this episode are inept she does get better. - Graduation Day pt. 2
My views/status of characters;
Buffy - like
Willow - like
Xander - like
Giles - like
Cordelia - like
Spike - like
Angel - neutral
Oz - like
Overall I consider this a average episode compared to the rest of the season.
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