After Passion, Buffy accepts that she must kill Angelus. She believes he will never turn back into the vampire she knew and loved and the rest of the season is something of a psyching-up for the main event. The fight, when it does come, is epic, as Angelus taunts our apparently defeated hero, only to have her rebound, stronger than ever. Now, if she had killed him in his evil, Angelus form, the season would end on a triumphant note. Big Bad killed. World saved. Buffy rules. Yay. Instead, Angel's soul is returned at the last minute, turning him back into Angel, the man she loves. He remembers nothing of his actions as Angelus and is immediately concerned and loving towards Buffy, through his confusion. It's a testament to David Boreanaz's acting skills that he is immediately recognisable as his old self, to the audience as well as to Buffy. However, it's too late. Buffy has to kill her lover to save the world...but not before kissing him one last time. If you didn't cry at that point, well, you're made of more stone than Acathla. The pure Shakespearean tragedy of the finale is enough to elevate season 2 to the top of the Buffy ranks. Here endeth the lesson.
Brydie is an Australian writer and performer living in London and she complains exactly the same amount about the weather as every other Australian living in London. Yes, that is her natural lip colour, no, she will not be taking any further questions at this time.
