A conflicted narrator, Watchers and Slayers that feel like they have no place in the new world, and a plan coming together that no one is sure of the successful outcome. It’s an interesting glimpse into the changing world of Sunnydale in this new issue of the Buffy comic.
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
As we start, we have narration from what we believe is Willow. She is ruminating and pondering her existence, not knowing where she belongs. Even though she cares about Buffy and the others, she doesn’t know if that’s her true purpose. Instead, she wants to escape this life, jump forward to when things are better and make sense again. There are even glimpses of Xander, pulling Willow forward into places she does not need to go. The lure is strong and the conflicts are great. However, we soon learn that the narrator isn’t Willow. Instead, it’s Buffy’s predecessor Morgan Palmer. Intriguing that the same words could apply to both characters. Morgan is unsure of her path, but she trusts to follow along with Anya’s plan. Will that be enough to ensure her success and peace when it’s all done?
Meanwhile, the current rotation of Slayers are in the graveyard taking out a vampire. Faith’s learning the trade very well, even if it’s a bit overwhelming. However, when Faith discovers a demon hiding out, it soon becomes clear that the three of them have different ways of approaching problems. Buffy wants to take the demon back to Giles’ place to question him more, since he gave hints that he knows where Xander is. Faith, however, wants to take him back to Wesley’s, since she’s still learning the ins and outs of being a Slayer. They come to an agreement that Faith and Kendra will take the demon to Wesley’s, while Buffy will go retrieve Giles and meet them there.
While the Slayers are having disagreements about procedure, the Watchers are as well. Giles meets with Wesley and Robin to go over their situation. He spoke to the Council and is to take Wesley’s lead on where they go from here. That’s all well and good in theory, but they shouldn’t discount Giles’ contribution when things get tough. He urges Wesley to use his years of experience since the Council’s way of doing things aren’t applicable in the field. Unfortunately, Wesley isn’t open to listening to that and leaves instead, with Robin going after him to try and talk Wesley into being more open.
In the end, our beloved Slayer and Watcher are together and seeking console from each other. Giles can tell something’s up with Buffy and she finally admits she doesn’t know her place anymore since Kendra and now Faith are there. Giles feels the same way with all the Watchers around. He tries to explain that she has nothing to worry about, that the other Slayers aren’t her, but Buffy is still down on herself. Good old Giles resorts to comfort food to ease the situation and breaks out the ice cream for emotional support. It’s a lovely gesture.
Morgan has been watching them in non-corporeal form and is overcome with how good the Watcher/Slayer relationship is between Giles and Buffy. This was the type of relationship she needed, but never got. If all Watchers were like this, perhaps she wouldn’t be pushed to take out the entire Council. But it seems that Anya’s plan is moving forward regardless and we’ll have to see if Morgan can be persuaded that some good can come out of the Watcher/Slayer bond. Otherwise, there may be no more Watchers around to lead the Slayers in their times of need.
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
