As we wrap up this latest storyline, we find the Scooby gang weathered and battered, but in no way beaten for good. They are once again saviors of our world, and we’re all safer because of it. Until the next big incident, they can rest and think about the good they do for those around them.
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
Picking up where we left off, the dragon’s being drained and Press Secretary Wise is getting powered up. It’s left to Buffy and Spike to turn the tide, as others can just sit by and watch. Spike takes on Wise while Buffy smashes the machine, but it’s not a quick in and out for either of them.
Wise threatens to kill Spike, but instead of cowering in fear, Spike just urges her to do it. Maybe not the wisest decision to poke at the scary, powered-up enemy, but it’s not like Spike to back down quietly. When Wise unleashes her power toward him, Buffy tries to deflect as much as possible, but Spike still gets very burned and looks on the brink of death.
Faith takes care of Spike while Buffy unleashes her rage on Wise. No one fries her boyfriend and gets away with it! She’s soon joined by Willow in the fight, but even two against one it’s good odds considering how amped up Wise is. What they need is some outside help and Buffy’s got an idea of who to call. She reminds Willow that when their power got drained, they knew something was missing and all they wanted was to get it back. That sends Willow to retrieve the dragon in hopes he will be thinking the same thing.
As with Spike before her, Buffy gets burned pretty badly as well, trying to stave off the attacks from Wise. But finally Willow returns with the dragon, who swallows Wise whole. And thankfully he’s not looking for a second meal. Instead, he turns back and returns through the portal, leaving everyone else safe and alive. And now they can get back to the business of recovery.
Back at the apartment, they watch as Riley and Samantha get credit for exposing Wise. Xander’s peeved that they won’t be getting any acknowledgment, but Dawn points out that they’re not in prison, so that’s a plus. It’s just another day in the life of the Scooby gang. They do the work, others get the credit, but as long as the world’s safe they carry on.
Spike and Buffy are recovering from their burns, but both look to be doing well in that. Willow is with her witches in training and they’re set for some more guidance from Willow in the near future. Even the old Slayer guards, who show up soon after, eventually get their power back thanks to Buffy — that is, with the stipulation that they have to use it right or else they’ll have to answer to her.
And as the issue closes, we check in on everyone a few nights later. The group is hanging out on the roof having a cookout and it all ends happy. Is this luring us into a false sense of security for dangers lurking around the next corner? Maybe, but for now everyone can relax and enjoy a brief rest from constantly saving the world time and again. They definitely deserve it.
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
