I’m not your sidekick!

Fear Itself (David Fury)

A fine episode which is an excellent example of the BtVS mix of comedy, drama and creepiness.

All the Scooby fears are dealt with and it doesn’t feel heavy-handed. In fact, for the Willow fan here, there is joy to be had in dissecting any of Willow related remarks and in nodding knowingly that indeed she should be worried about “power you can’t control”. And this was interesting: “Then again, what is college for if not experimenting? You know, maybe I can handle it. I’ll know when I’ve reached my limit.”

Anya is very amusing in her lack of concern for anybody but Xander and Emma Caulfield’s line delivery is spot on. Half the humour in the following is solely down to the way she says it: “Xander is in trouble. We’ve got to do something, right now!” “Anya.” “Are you listening? Xander is trapped!” “Uh, ah, where is Buffy and the others?” “They’re trapped, too, but we’ve got to save Xander!”

Both Living Conditions and this have great endings: “Actual size”.

Funniest moments include Giles in a sombrero, Anya in a bunny costume and Giles wielding a chainsaw.

Cleverest exchange: “I’m Joan of Arc. I figured we had a lot in common, seeing as how I was almost burned at the stake, and plus she had that close relationship with God.” “And you are?” (Oz opens his jacket to reveal the name tag “God”) “Of course. I wish I’d thought of that before I put down my deposit. I could have been God.” “Blasphemer”