The Sunnydale Hellmouth is closed, but that doesn’t mean the troubles are over. With one friend gone permanently and another exploring the globe, Buffy is having a hard time adapting to the new reality of being one of two Slayers in town. Tough times ahead. I hope she’s ready!
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
Anyanka (Anya) is our ongoing narrator at the moment. She’s giving us a peek at what’s to come for Buffy and Kendra, post-Hellmouth opening. By closing the Sunnydale Hellmouth, they’ve opened the door to various other dimensions and hellscapes worldwide. They need to be on the lookout if they have any hopes of keeping everyone safe when the time comes.
Meanwhile, Buffy’s dealing with the massive changes in her life. She’s avoiding the subject of her own mental health, just wanting to forget and move on. But what is she moving on towards? She and Kendra aren’t exactly hitting it off, partially because of their different approaches to the Slayer role. Kendra is very disciplined and serious, whereas Buffy is not. But they both have to carry the burden of the Slayer destiny and, at times, that can be a very heavy load.
Thankfully, Buffy has Robin to rely on since her other two friends are gone. They seem chummy, despite their history. And even though they made it a point to clearly state they are platonic friends, I foresee a change in their relationship in the future. We already saw the beginnings of that in this issue, with Robin comforting Buffy after a nightmare and freak-out over abandonment, then kissing her. She has someone on her side and that’s what matters.
Giles is trying to teach both Buffy and Kendra, taking on the Watcher since Robin has been suspended indefinitely. He informs them about the multiple doors and hellscapes opening up, though what their game-plan might be at the moment is unknown. It’s a wait-and-see situation. But the ramifications of the Hellmouth closing has far-reaching effects close to home. Joyce is becoming more protective over Buffy, though her daughter is rejecting that increased monitoring. And Jenny’s concerned over the whole situation with Buffy and Kendra, carrying the burden of saving the world without the benefit of having their own lives. She and Giles cannot continue on with this hanging above them.
So, it seems that some reordering around Sunnydale is needed. Buffy has to deal with her losses, as well as try to work with Kendra in order to face this new threat that’s coming. Giles has to figure out how to help Buffy balance her destiny with her own happiness, and perhaps that will help bring Jenny back into his life. And Willow needs to reveal what she’s doing in a cornfield halfway around the world. But I guess that’s a story for another issue.
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
