Now that Riley knows that Buffy is the Slayer, and she knows that he is one of the mysterious commandos, they are having a hard time redefining their relationship. Meanwhile, to distract Giles from focusing on the commandos, Buffy tries to convince him that the recent earthquake might be a prophecy of doom and should be investigated. Then, when a new group of demons shows up in town stealing items of a mystical nature, it appears that she may be right after all.

Not sure what to make of Doomed. It is always a bit of a worry when there are three scriptwriters on the credits. I presume they had three small segments of script to w**k on but it all feels unified.

I found it all really engaging and the way they follow on from Hush is absolutely right. The story, it seems to me, is about the continuing fusion of Buffy and Riley started in The Initiative. The demon story is mere window dressing forcing Buffy and Riley to w**k together. Even though Buffy is reluctant to commit to another relationship they are obviously made for one another. The final encounter in High School is clearly symbolic. Riley clips himself onto Buffy showing that they need one another to face down their 'demons'. This is a fine Buffy metaphor.

The dialogue was of a generally high standard. Spikes verbal demolition of Willow and Xander is both priceless and a masterclass in the art of the putdown. I love Buffy's quip to Riley 'Is this really the time for Donkey Kong?'. I also liked the contrast between the intimate world of the scooby gang and the systematic classifying of The Initiative. 6/10. sk

I like this episode. a great way to conclude what started in hush. The plot is moving nicely (spike w**king on the scoobies feeling and finally discovering that he can hurt demons, showing scoobies/initiative way of w**king, buffy/riley, …..) as is the arc (buffy and the intiative, the gang breaking apart,….)

The return of the half burn high school is a nice way of showing that the gang have changed since graduation day (eww to “major meat, extra crispy” but it was a nice touch), I mean willow commented that she found the place smaller than she remembered. Nice to have the hellmouth return (“again!” blasé comment from willow and xander) and a great way to show that it’s not the principal problem for the slayer (solving her relation issue seem to be a little more important)

Love willow reaction to percy comment about calling her a nerd (a brutale return to high school) and putting it at the same level as an apocalypse (or higher) or finding a corpse near her.

Every buffy/riley arguing scenes are a gem … you can understand both of the side (apart when riley explain how is body is reacting): and love the fried cook cover story.

Actions, humour, feeling, relationship ……………. Everything that makes/made buffy a great TV show

/and the mention of faith in the coma (3 episodes to go :) )

Another enjoyable episode, which highlights the odd mix that is season 4. I love the character dynamics and the development in this season, how the introduction of the new characters and change of setting is affecting the relationships within the original Scoobies. On the other hand, we have more on the season arc, and still the Initiative arc isn't w**king for me.

I love how the episode follows directly on from 'Hush'. It gives it the feel of a two parter, while it obviously isn't.

Again, thanks to my delay in posting on this thread, there isn't really much to add to what John and Claire have said.

It's nice to visit Sunnydale High again, though somewhat chilling too, seeing the aftermath of Graduation.

Spike is at his best in this episode, and out Cordelia's Cordelia. To Xander - "Delivering melted cheese on bread. Doing your best to keep America constipated." Great line! And special marks for his 'American' accent!

Alyson is superb... poor Willow gets a lot of stick in this episode, firstly from Percy and then from Spike. Sadly, you get the feeling that Spike is right in manner ways here.

Andrew :yahoo:

iirc, cordie kinda prophecised that xander was gonna play pizza delivery guy on the campus in season two (reptile boy)

I watch this again this morning it was better then I remembered it largely because of Spike he was mischeif making best when telling Willow and Xander there are just Buffy groupies. It was nice to see Willow looking a bit more like old self until that :shit: Percy calls a nerd and all she did for him! How sweet is Willow dispite Spike tried to kill more once she won't let him stake himself. The fact hurt demons mean Spike back and just love is speech at the end of the episodes. I think they should made and episode called how Spike saved Christmas :lol:

I not a big fan of Riley but I think early season 4 was when at his best like punch out Parker and here again he say won't walk away just because it might not work. I'm still really all that sure what make her change her mind though maybe I missed something? :ponder:

riley used spychology on buffy :lol: and maybe he prove he could be trusted when he came to her help to stop the apocalypse :shrug: (and maybe she was just a little curious about the initiative :ponder: )

I thought I was the biggest cynic on boards :lmao: :lol: you might be right though :lol:

Perhaps Buffy just decieded she liked him and it was time to take a chance?

:lol:

probably but she went to complety needing a break to completly trusting riley (but having a lot of question about the initiative) :ermm:

I think at times Joss was unsure about how quickly to develop the Buffy/Riley relationship I think this an example of this it would better if Buffy had taken a little longer for to won over by Riley.

maybe she heard about riley punching parker and she did think that maybe he was worth it (i would have love to have seen that scene ................... but then it was at the dorm ............. only guys there so .............. maybe not :shrug: )

iirc they were in a receiption area type thing so I don't see why there wouldn't be wouldn't girls around. Buffy's dorm was co-ed is that term? The was a guy who asked Buffy and Kathy to keep noise down when they were fighting in Living Conditions. I don't know if it was the same in Riley's dorm though? I would been good to Buffy's reaction to that punch I think she might have kissed Riley there and then.

riley and co were at lowell house. there was no mention of it as a fraternity house (well a reason for no girl) but then why would parker be at that house (when he said in living condition that he was at Kresge hall.) ? if he was, that would mean he is also a member of the initiative (because iirc, when hush happened, when riley went to the hidden lift :lol: , everybody look at him like he had a clue of what was going on) :fear: