Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Recap/S3/E21 Graduation Day Part 1

Everything About Fiction You Never Wanted to Know.


Graduation gowns are being passed out at school. Cordelia kvetches about the color of the gown, while Xander's convinced he's not getting out of this school alive. Willow and Harmony sign each other's yearbooks, and Harmony almost sincerely says she wishes they had gotten to know each other better. Willow smiles and hopes they don't lose touch. Wearing a very skeptical face, Buffy walk over and asks, "Don't you hate her?" Willow is sunny:

"Yes, with a fiery vengeance. She picked on me for ten years. Vacuous tramp."

Willow pleads that she can't help it -- she's becoming nostalgic about everything. Buffy has not caught the spirit, however, and says she's leaning toward skipping graduation in order to fight the Mayor. Willow gives her fondest farewell to a soda machine. Xander appears with news: It turns out that Buffy will be able to multi-task, since the Mayor is their commencement speaker. The Ascension will take place at the graduation ceremony.

An apartment full of clutter and artifacts. There's a knock at the door, and a middle-aged dude in a cardigan and bowtie goes to answer. When he opens the door, he finds Faith. The Professor thinks Faith is a student and asks her to come back during office hours. She informs him she's been sent by the Mayor, so the Professor asks her in. When Dr. Worth lets slip that he's alone, pulls out her jagged knife and stabs him to death.

At Faith's penthouse, Mayor Wilkins and Faith shoot the breeze about his upcoming "big day." Faith gingerly enters the room, wearing a girly pink dress that Wilkins picked out for her. She doesn't think it's "her," but the Mayor disagrees. He tells her that the Ascension isn't just his day, but hers, too, and that no father could be prouder. Aww. I mean-- shame on you.

In class, Anya tries to entice Xander into going out with her, but is not up-to-date on what men enjoy doing. Sports, right? Yeah, that's the ticket. Xander scolds her for her generic assumptions, then apologizes; he's on edge because of the Ascension. Anya looks stunned. The phrase rings a bell.

Buffy shows Giles and Wesley the newspaper headline about the murdered professor; Buffy is sure it was Faith, on assignment by the Mayor. It's obvious that Worth knew something. Xander comes in with Anya, who has witnessed an Ascension involving the demon Lohesh. Wesley, sweating under the collar, assures himself that Lohesh doesn't sound so tough. Anya explains that the demons walking the earth are not pure; an Ascension turns the subject into a pure demon -- which, for one thing, is bigger.

Principal Snyder is showing the Mayor the graduation setup. The Mayor tells Snyder that he has done a good job, and that Sunnydale owes him a debt for that, which will be paid. Snyder doesn't look at all pleased by the ambiguity of that.

Buffy asks if Anya has ever heard of the box of spiders the Mayor needs to eat (Box of Gavrok), but Anya hasn't. Suddenly, the doors of the library swing open and the Mayor enters. The gang recoils with terror. Affably, but with an undercurrent of menace, Wilkins says Faith told him that the library was the gang's "inner sanctum." He says it's nice to see that some kids are still reading, and Buffy sasses him for being in love with the sound of his own voice. A slightly crazy laugh from the Mayor, and then he addresses the clench-jawed Giles.

"That's one spunky little girl you've raised. I'm gonna eat her."

Giles grabs a rapier and drives it through the Mayor, who scolds him for setting a bad example in front of the children. As he slowly wipes the blade clean, he promises the gang that some of their deaths will be quick, then chuckles, "See you at graduation." Apparently, they're in for one heckuva speech.

At Willow's house, Willow and Oz look for spells that will help them fight the Mayor, but aren't having much luck. Willow grouses that she doesn't even have enough witchy power to change Amy out of her rat form. Oz cracks yet another joke. Wrong moment, buddy. Willow begins a tirade at Oz, asking him to at least "pretend" to panic. As she babbles frantically about all the things she was planning on doing after high school, Oz grabs both sides of her head and kisses her passionately. "What're you doing?" inquires Willow, already a little calmer.

"Panicking," breathes Oz. They both sink back onto the bed.

Buffy is searching the professor's apartment when Angel arrives (Giles sent him as backup). Buffy tells him that the victim was a "volcano-ologist or something," and she found a stack of reports of his to bring to Giles. Out in the street, Angel offers to escort her back, but Buffy chafes at having a chauffeur; besides, just because they have to work together doesn't mean Buffy has to like it. Angel snaps that she's being a brat -- and is suddenly struck with an arrow. We see Faith on top of a building with a henchvamp, who notes her aim is off: she missed the heart

"Meant to."

Buffy carries the wounded Angel to safety. Wesley summarizes that Dr. Worth found a huge carcass under a lava bed in Hawaii. He speculated that the carcass was of a dinosaur, but the gang quickly deduces that it was actually an Old One, which means that the Mayor won't be invulnerable once he's ascended. Angel stands up, but he makes an oogy face and quickly collapses again. They realize that the arrow's poisoned. Giles decides that they need to move Angel to his mansion. Trying to make himself useful, Wes volunteers to phone the Watcher' Council for a solution.

In the Mayor's office, Faith reports on the shooting of Angel. She's eager for new orders, but the Mayor has a previous dinner engagement -- Gavrok bugs. Faith is antsy and begs Wilkins for something to kill or maim, and Wilkins chuckles at his "little firecracker." He assures Faith that there'll be plenty of work for her once he ascends.

The gang is doing research at school that night when Anya approaches Xander, asking him to leave Sunnydale with her. She tells him she will die if he stays, but he's committed to staying to help his friends, and declines. He refuses, which makes her tell him she hopes he dies. He walks off, leaving her to ask, "Aren't we gonna kiss?"

At the mansion, Wesley announces that the Council will not help them (it's not their policy to save vampires, under any circumstances), even though he tried to convince them. He blithers on about "orders," but at the mention of that word, Buffy gets stone-faced and resigns from the Council. See ya. Dumbfounded, Wesley tries to enlist Giles' help, but when none is forthcoming, he calls Buffy mutinous. On her way out, Buffy tells Wesley to get a job.

Willow has found out that the only cure for Angel's poison is to drain the blood of a Slayer. Sounds like a plan; Buffy says that she'll deliver one. Willow points out that Angel draining Faith's blood would kill her. "Not if she's already dead," monotones Buffy.

Willow hacks into the city's municipal funds to pinpoint where Wilkins stashed Faith. At Faith's pad, aggressive chick music plays as Faith lolls on the bed, chewing licorice and reading comic books. Suddenly the music stops. Faith turns around to find a leather-clad Buffy by her stereo.

"Is he dead yet?" Faith brightly asks.

Buffy informs her that there's a cure. "Your blood," to be precise. Faith, duly impressed, taunts that she's not going to be taken alive, and Buffy grimly says that's not going to pose any sort of problem. And they're off! The fight takes Buffy and Faith past the living room and through the giant half-moon window, landing them both on a balcony. While Faith is dazed, Buffy quickly handcuffs Faith's wrist to her own.

At the library, Giles has found a lead. He thumbs through the book, Xander at his side, until he finds a picture of the demon Olvikan. The book unfolds and unfolds as if Olvikan was the centerfold in the May issue of Playdemon.

"We're gonna need a bigger boat."

Wilkins chows down on one of the black bugs while a queasy henchvamp watches. He yaps about the feeling of power coursing through him and his organs shifting in preparation for the remodel. Plus, those babies are high in fiber. Another minion barges in, eyes wide with alarm. "We don't knock during dark rituals?" admonishes the Mayor, but minion tells him that there's trouble at Faith's. Quick! To the Misappropriated-City-Fundsmobile!

Faith manages to break free from the handcuffs. Buffy brings out the knife. "That's mine," snarls Faith in recognition. Buffy invites her to come and get it. The girls teeter on the edge of the balcony, and Buffy stabs Faith right in the gut. Faith gets off one more punch, sending Buffy to the ground. She's surprised that Buffy actually did it, but gloats her she still can't help Angel. Faith falls backwards, landing on a moving truck, and is carried away ... leaving Buffy mute with shock and despair.

Tropes:

  • All for Nothing: Percy spots Willow and hurries over to show her the B- he got on his History final. He thanks her for her help and patience, and rejoices that now he can "forget all this crap" after graduation. D'oh!
    • Oz consoles Willow that, on the bright side, Percy might die soon and won't have time to forget it all.
    • Buffy (presumably) killing Faith in cold blood -- but failing to procure said blood.
  • All Your Base Are Belong to Us: Wilkins taking a stroll around the library. Eek.
  • The Big Damn Kiss: Averted with Anya and Xander.

Anya: Fine! You know what? I hope you die.
[Xander storms off]
Anya: Aren't we gonna kiss??

  • Book Ends: The teacher prodding his students to play "Hangman" is the same guy from the season premiere urging everyone to "be somber" now they've returned to school.
  • Bow Ties Are Cool: Professor Worth.
  • Breaking the Bonds: Faith manages to snap her handcuffs in two.
  • Buffy-Speak: Anya asking Xander if he's free for "some entertaining...thing." Her sales pitch needs work.
    • Anya confessing that the thought of Xander dying makes her vomit. Xander replies that, "barfy feelings" notwithstanding, he's staying behind.
  • Call Back: Percy thanking Willow for not kicking his ass again. Willow is about to confess it wasn't her, but then approvingly tells him it was for his own good.

Giles: Gavrok.

    • When Joyce spots the open suitcase, she assumes that Buffy's running away again.
    • Once she slaps the cuffs on Faith, Buffy repeats Faith's quip from "Enemies": "Stick around." Only, she means literally.
  • Closeup on Head: Xander creeps into class late. The teacher snarks that it's good of him to join the class, then reminds everyone that -- graduation or no graduation -- "This is still a class and everyone will participate." The camera pulls back to show he's making the class play Hangman.

"Heh heh. They always go for the "E"."

  • Comically Missing the Point: While menacing the Scoobies, Wilkins picks a random book up off the table and intones, "The beast will walk upon the earth and darkness will follow. The several races of man will be as one in their terror and destruction." He coos that the theme of different races coming together is "sweet."
  • Counting to Three: Buffy cuing Angel that she's going to yank out the arrow on three. "One. {{[[[Blatant Lies]] SPLOTCH!}}]"

Angel: I knew you were going to that.

  • Deader Than Dead: "Killer of the Dead" (or Interfector Mortis in Latin) is a mystical poison which can kill a vampire.
  • Destination Defenestration: Buffy and Faith crashing through the terrace window.
  • Digging Yourself Deeper: A heartfelt Anya tells Xander that she doesn't want to lose him. Xander declnes her offer of escape because, as he puts it, he has "friends on the line." Anya's response is a belligerent "So?" She was doing great until the dismount.

Anya: Are you really going to be that much help to them? I mean, you'll probably just get in the way.
Xander: Your stock is PLUMMETING here, sweetheart!

  • Divide and Conquer: The poisoned arrow was Wilkins' idea, as he would prefer it if Buffy didn't interfere with the Ascention.
  • Duel to the Death: Buffy is prepared to take Faith alive, but that particular detail is negotiable.
  • Eat That: Mm mmm, Gavroks.
  • Excuse Me While I Multitask: Giles manages to both read his newspaper (the headline of which reads "PROFESSOR FOUND MURDERED") and, without looking, fend off Wesley's fencing feints.
  • Famous Last Words: Faith sneers that although Buffy is the victor, it still won't help Angel. Right before she jumps, she reflects on doing the deed "Shoulda been there, B. Quite a ride."
  • For Doom the Bell Tolls: Moments after Angel is struck by the arrow.
  • Gonna Need More Trope: Xander, on seeing a centerfold of the Mayor's eventual demon form.
  • Handy Cuffs: Buffy yanks Faith through her broken window, landing half a flight down onto a balcony. While Faith is dazed, Buffy quickly handcuffs Faith's wrist to her own.
  • He Knows Too Much: Poor Professor Worth. He never had a clue.
  • He Who Fights Monsters: Buffy's transformation from "I can't kill Faith," to "why, yes, thank you. I'd be more than happy to kill Faith."

Faith: Well, look at you. All dressed up in big sister's clothes.

Xander: I've been lucky too many times! My number's coming up! And I was short! One more rotation, and I'm shipping stateside! Know what I mean?
Cordelia: Seldom if ever.

  • Jumping Off the Slippery Slope: Angel feeding on a dead, or worse, alive Faith. Xander is scared for Buffy that this is what it has come down to.
  • If You Kill Him You Will Be Just Like Him: Xander tries to express this concern over Buffy's intention to feed Faith to Angel, dead or alive. She doesn't listen.
  • Improvised Weapon: As Wilkins is chowing down on a Gavrok, another is pinned to his desk with a letter opener.
    • Faith kicks a footstool at Buffy, then sends her flying into a big screen TV.
    • Once she's free of the handcuffs, Faith grabs a length of pipe.
  • Let's Fight Like Gentlemen: Buffy enters Faith's apartment to find Faith lying on the bed facing away from her, the stereo blaring. Rather than sneak up and cut her throat, Buffy turns off the stereo to let Faith know she's there, either out of respect for her former comrade-in-arms or because it's easier to justify killing Faith if Buffy is fighting for her life.
  • Linked-List Clue Methodology: Professor Worth's excavation of a Hawaiian lava bed.

Wesley: A-ha! By attempting to keep a valuable clue from us, the Mayor may have inadvertently led us right to it. [sword flourish]
Buffy: What page are you on, Wes? 'Cause we already got there.

    • Willow tracks down Faith's apartment by hacking into the city's municipal funds.
  • Mathematician's Answer: Buffy says she doesn't need Angel "crowding" her, then complains about him not contacting her since he came to prom. Angel needs a minute to process this.

Angel: Are you mad at me for being around too much or for not being around enough?
Buffy: Duh! Yes!

  • Mauve Shirt: Xander parodies the likelihood of his demise in next week's finale.
  • The Mutiny: Wesley cries this when Buffy elects to go solo.

Wesley: You can't turn your back on the Council.
Buffy: They're in England. I don't think they can tell which way my back is facing.

Lester: Put that away! I'll scream!
Faith: Who wouldn't?

Oz: Would it help if I panic?
Willow: Yes, it'd be swell! Panic is something people can share in times of crisis, and we could all die tomorrow so if you would just act like you care—-[he kisses her]—what are you doing?
Oz: Panicking.

  • Slippery Skid: Angel crashing through the doorway to Professor Worth's office, in a spoof of his frequent Stealth Hi Byes. He fumbles a lame excuse about the hall being wet.
    • Even more hilarious is the boom mic directly over his head. "Not my best entrance." Truer words...
    • Word of Joss says it's a kind of homage to David Boreanaz, who has "a big falling down problem."
  • Start of Darkness: Xander is legitimately scared that this is happening to Buffy when she intends to have Faith murdered, the idea of Angel feeding off her horror. He says he doesn't want to lose her in the fight, pointing out that it's not the possibility of Buffy dying that frightens him.
  • Stepford Smiler: Willow chides Oz for joking at such a serious time.
  • Stop Being Stereotypical: Anya leans over to Xander's desk, Anya suggests that they could go out, or "watch sports of some kind." Xander gripes about her stereotyping and marvels that after flaying men for a thousand years, Anya has absolutely no clue about them..

Anya: Men like sports. I'm sure of it.
Xander: Yes. Men like sports. Men watch the action move, they eat of the beef, and enjoy to look at the bosoms.

  • Tempting Fate: When told that Faith has an advantage over her, Buffy snarks, "'Cuz I'm not crazy, or 'cuz I don't kill people?" Giles allows that both are correct. Buffy concedes he's right; she could never kill Faith.
    • At Buffy's house, Joyce arrives home to find Buffy packing a suitcase for her. Joyce is adamantly against missing her daughter's graduation. Facetiously, Joyce asks, "Is some terrible demon going to attack the school?" and realizes from Buffy's expression that that's exactly what's going to happen.
  • Their First Time / You Don't Want to Die a Virgin, Do You?: In the heat of the moment, Willow loses her virginity to Oz.
  • Think of the Children: Wilkins, a rapier protruding from his heart, chiding Giles for being violent in front of the children.
  • To Be Continued / Two Part Episode
  • Too Much Information: As Anya is recounting an Ascension she witnessed 800 years ago, she merrily gets sidetracked. Again.

Anya: I was there cursing a shepherd who had been unfaithful. [giggles] His wife had wished that all his sheep would lie with--

Buffy: Can we get back to the chase?

    • Wilkins heartily giving a thumbs-up to his henchvamp after devouring his Gavrok meal, adding that they're high in fiber. "And what's the fun in becoming an immortal demon if you're not regular, Amirite?" Henchvamp just stands there, not especially concerned with regularity.
  • Trouble Entendre: "You don't want to miss my Commencement address. It's gonna be...one heckuva speech."
  • Violently Protective Girlfriend
  • Walk in Chime In: Wesley admonishes that Buffy shouldn't get distracted by Faith, and that their priority must be foiling the Mayor's Ascension. Coincidentally, this is Xander's clue to drag Anya into the library and explain that she's "the only living person who's ever been to one."
  • Waxing Lyrical: Faith's line "Look at you, trying on big sister's clothes" is a reference to the Elvis Costello song "Big Sister's Clothes" on the album Trust. The Season 4 episode in which Faith awakens from her coma, "This Year's Girl" is also an Elvis Costello song.
  • With My Hands Tied: Faith keeps fighting even when handcuffed to Buffy's wrist.
  • You Remind Me of X: Wilkins smilingly calling Faith his "little firecracker." Faith gets reflective, revealing that her mother used to call her that very thing because she was always running around.
  • You Will Be Spared: Wilkins gloating to the Scoobies. "Some of your deaths will be quick, if that means anything."
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