Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Ranking The Songs In Once More With Feeling

For my money, this is the crowning achievement of the episode. Everyone gets a chance to shine and the song gives us a sense of hopefulness about how things may progress for the group. Mostly, though, the whole number is a pleasant and welcome reminder that the Scooby Gang are a family who will do anything for Buffy in the face in adversity. Giles' realisation that he must stay by Buffy's side after all she's been through is both inspiring and emotional.

The song's writing is phenomenal and epic. As it plays and cuts between Buffy to Giles to Spike to Tara to Sweet, the tempo gets faster and darker and builds to an epic conclusion. Watching our heroes face their feelings for each other and their duties is great fun, and the image of Giles and the gang marching to join Buffy, a fire engine blaring past them, is inspired.

Buffy's verses contrast her opening number, too, with startling precision, showing that although she is lost and displaced, she knows what she must do in the face of darkness.

The message of friendship, loyalty and hope not only sums up the episode or the Scooby Gang, but the nature and themes of the entire series. Buffy and the gang are always going to fight the fight, regardless of what gets in the way, and boy, are we grateful for it.