Buffy The Vampire Slayer: 10 Great Moments In Mediocre Episodes
8. Xander Comforts Dawn (Season 7, Episode 12)
The Potential Slayers are one of the weakest aspects of Season 7. We never get to know any of them properly, and they don’t add much value until the final battle. Episode 12 is no exception. Despite spending some extra time with the Potentials, none of them are particularly likeable when compared with the old friends.
But this episode isn’t totally without merit. The final scene features a great exchange between Xander and Dawn. The two of them have a heartfelt conversation about their lack of supernatural abilities, and Xander delivers some deep words of wisdom:
“They’ll never know how tough it is, Dawnie. To be the one who isn’t chosen. To live so near to the spotlight and never step in it. But I know. I see more than anybody realises because nobody’s watching me… You’re not special. You’re extraordinary.”
Both Nicholas Brendon and Michelle Trachtenberg are fantastic in this scene, balancing stoic maturity with emotional vulnerability. It’s a shame the rest of the episode is so flat, but this final scene is one of the best moments in the final season.