Buffy the Vampire Slayer -- Season 7, part 1

Season 7 finally stops the long downward slide in Buffy that's been going on since S3. The principal characters have finally reached adulthood, and even Dawn exhibits signs of growing up. The Big Bad is creepier, more malevolent -- and more effective -- than any since Angelus back in S2, but the dark tone is laced throughout with some superb dry humour, and things never get too depressing. For ongoing fans, there's a strong sense of continuity from previous seasons, but without overdoing it for those new to the Buffy fold.

Principal Wood makes an intriguing new recurring character, and the introduction of Andrew (from S6's troika) works surprisingly well, adding humour and pathos to the gang. As expected, James Marsters turns in an excellent performance (especially in Sleeper), and Emma Caulfield (Anya) also shines in Selfless.

Overall, I'd say the writing is pretty sharp, with some real standout episodes and no real clunkers. My personal favourites are Help, Selfless, Conversations with Dead People & the fantastic Sleeper. The season seems to be evolving at a reasonable pace, with a decent mix of introspection & action, character development & arc exposition, and even allowing occasional stops for pure humour (Him).

15 August 2003

Episode Verdicts

1: Lessons: 5.5/10
2: Beneath You: 5.5/10
3: Same Time, Same Place: 6/10
4: Help: 7/10
5: Selfless: 7.5/10
6: Him: 4/10
7: Conversations with Dead People: 7/10
8: Sleeper: 8.5/10
9: Never Leave Me: 6/10
10: Bring on the Night: 4.5/10
11: Showtime: 5.5/10

20 May 2005