First we see Willow continue down her dark magic path. She and Tara get into fight over Willow's magic use. Refusing to see that there might be a problem, Willow deflects and accuses Tara of fearing that Willow isn't really a lesbian. They were supposed to go on a date together but their fight causes Tara to go alone where she is attacked by Glory. This angers Willow and she seeks revenge. Yes, Tara is attacked. Yes, the revenge is against Glory. Yes, it is easily justified. But this is the beginning of Dark Willow. Unable to accept things not going the way she wants she lashes out at Tara then Glory. This, in turn, will lead to her trying to magically manipulate things into what she wants them to be in the future.
We also see Buffy and Spike grow closer. It is not the closer that Spike wishes for, but Buffy comes to accept that she can completely trust Spike. Giles and Xander are not happy about this but Willow accepts it and even uses magic to help Spike reach Dawn to try and save her.
We also see the difference in Buffy and Giles. Buffy has Glory utterly defeated. She is unable to kill her, as Glory is a god. When Glory turns into Ben (who can be killed) Buffy gives Ben an ultimatum that he and Glory are to leave or Buffy will end them. Ben agrees. Buffy leaves to go save Dawn and Giles comes along and kills Ben. As he does it he muses that Buffy knows Glory will one day return and exact revenge, but she still cannot bring herself to commit murder. Giles, however, has no qualms about this. Buffy might be the Slayer, the instrument of the council, but there are lines she will not cross no matter what. Giles, on the other hand, will cross those lines to save the world and his Slayer.
Lastly, we see Buffy's love for Dawn as she sacrifices herself so that Dawn might live.
Favorite episode? It is a touch choice between "Tough Love" and "The Gift," but I think "Tough Love" wins. Spike's hints that he would do anything to save the one he loves (Buffy), Dawn putting the attack on Tara into perspective - even Willow's awful accusations against Tara as she refuses to face her growing problem. Overall it is a very gut-wrenching episode.
The episodes:
Tough Love - Season 5, Episode 19
Synopsis - Glory deduces Tara is the key and attacks her, causing Willow to retaliate.
Spiral - Season 5, Episode 20
Synopsis - Buffy has everyone (including Spike) flee Sunnydale once Glory realizes Dawn is the key. Giles becomes injured so the group turns to Ben for help - but he turns into Glory and abducts Dawn.
The Weight of the World - Season 5, Episode 21
Synopsis - Willow must try to wake Buffy after she falls into a coma over the loss of Dawn. Glory prepares to go home.
The Gift - Season 5, Episode 22
Synopsis - Everyone shows up to stop Glory and Buffy realizes what her gift is.
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