Sarah Michelle Gellar turns in a teriffic performance as Buffy, especially in the episodes "Get It Done" where she discovers the true origins of the Slayer and the season finale "Chosen", where she makes a decision that changes her fate forever. She is given fine support by her fellow regulars Alysson Hannigan, Nicholas Brendon, Anthony Head et al. The return of Eliza Dusku's rogue Slayer Faith is also welcome, and adds some interesting tension between the characters.

Ensouled vampire Spike (William Marsters) becomes a complete character in this season. The episode "Lies My Parents Told Me" shows what really turned this sensitive poet into a bloodthirsty demon: killing his mother. It's a wonderful episode, rounding off his character while setting him up for his role over on "Angel".

The last-minute introduction of preacher Caleb (Nathan Fillion) is something of a double-edged sword. While he's an interesting addition to the series gallery of misogynistic bad guys, his presence severely blunts the impact of the main villain, the First. Furthermore, some episodes feature plot twists that are not adequately set up beforehand.

But these are minor quibbles. The series last episode, "Chosen", completes the story in a suitably epic, grandiose fashion.

Goodbye, Buffy, it was nice knowing you.


the end!!!!!   July 13, 2004
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

sadly it is the end of buffy, but at least it goes out with a bang (well an explosion) this is by far one of the best series and definately the best series ending. it is so inventive and as always its just good fun to watch, there are as many laughs, innuendos and of course slaying with this great storyline. For anyone who has ever liked buffy this box set is vital viewing.


Isn't there supposed to be something else?   March 3, 2004
 1 out of 6 found this review helpful

First of all, this is not a criticism of the final season of Buffy. But isn't there supposed to be something else?
Maybe I wanted to see something completely different. For example, I would like the reasons why Spike could hit Buffy in season 6 explained - after all his chip may have been going awol, but he still couldn't hit other humans. Perhaps an insight into why wouldn't have gone amiss.
I saw an interview with one of the writers who said they were going to explore Buffy Gone Bad in Season 7, but this didn't come about. Instead we got a tale of woman empowerment throughout the whole season. I'm all for Woman Empowerment but so much emphasis was placed on this and it made the whole season drag!
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this season but I just felt they could have made it so much more. In seasons 4 & 5 they showed us how far they can go with magic/wicca and in season 6 they showed us just how weird they could go. Why not have combined the two areas and come up with something a little more potent?
As for the episodes, the energy starts off at full pelt and for the first few all looks good in the Buffy-writing-verse. But then it trails off throughout before picking up for the final couple of episodes. The final episode is without doubt the best one this season, but I was still left felt empty, almost cheated, expecting more.
This season really is the one to complete your collection, but if you are new to Buffy then rest assured there are amazing seasons earlier - notably 2 and 3. And 5. 4 wasn't too bad either. Oh, and 1 was the start of it all so I can't miss that one out.
Fire Bad, Tree Pretty.


Spuffy no more   January 8, 2004
 5 out of 17 found this review helpful

When Buffy started it had a heroine who was bright, funny, and caring surrounded by brave friends who entertained us with witty and original episodes.

It ended with a dislikable woman more concerned with her own pain, pushing away those who'd loyally stood by her for years. Lowlights include the obession with Spike to the exclusion of Giles and Xander, the pointless introduction of Wood, Andrew and Kennedy, Faith's return (Eliza's always welcome but they gutted the character, compare with her return to Angel S4), an awful enemy, and a terrible illogical ending.

Buy Angel S4 instead. It had original plotlines, great villians, and great characterisation. Everything Buffy S7 didn't have.