Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Every Season 2 Episode Ranked
7. School Hard
One of the biggest turning points in the entirety of Buffy's run is the arrival of Spike, who would go on to become an invaluable part of the series. He barrels into Sunnydale in the season's third episode, School Hard, and steals the show instantly.
Throughout the episode, we're given a clear picture of what kind of vampire Spike really is: he has a knack for hunting Slayers and killing them; he once knew Angel (just how well we don't know yet); and he's got Buffy in his sights.
The rest of the episode plays very well into the idea that Buffy won't be able to balance her personal life and her Slayer duties forever, as Spike attacks a parents' night at the high school and she has to race to save everyone. It makes for a thrilling hour, and one that sets a strong foundation for the drama to come.