Last Week:
Buffy found the weapon of the Slayers and then used it on Caleb. Angel returned in time to rescue Buffy and then they shared a kiss. Spike played Peeping Tom and saw the whole thing only moments after he and Buffy admitted their feelings for each other.

Two Second Recap:
The good triumphed over evil and (most of them) lived happily ever after.

Chosen deserves two reviews. It was not just a Buffy episode but also the last Buffy episode which means there are two criteria by which it must be judged.

As "just another episode" of Buffy, Chosen was very good. We picked up right where we left off last week and immediately dealt with the ramifications of Angel's return and Spike's jealousy.

Both aspects were handled well. Buffy used a classic Buffy analogy to explain why she knew that she and Angel could not be together now, or more precisely, yet. Their exchange was not only damn funny but if you followed it closely, you can see how the series finale of Angel might one day end. (Not today, fella, for the WB renewed it.)

Spike confronted Buffy immediately about what he had seen, which was surprising. The previews last week implied that Spike's loyalty to Buffy would be in question and when the big climax came, Spike might not fight on the side of good. Nice swerve, but that's not the way it happened.

Instead, Buffy and Spike worked through the issue and strengthened their relationship in the process. It would have been typical Buffy storytelling for Spike to have held his jealousy inside for the sake of drama.

By having Spike and Buffy work out their problems, we are shown that the characters have evolved and learned from their past mistakes. There is also the fact that it's the last episode and they don't have time to drag things out, but I won't think about that if you don't.

Like in many other season finales of Buffy, a last minute plan is devised. Acting quickly, the Scooby Gang and various extras get the ball rolling. The story moves quickly but takes all the right little moments to remind us why we watch the show.

As Willow, Xander, Giles and Buffy stood alone in the halls of Sunnydale, you couldn't help but flash back to the beginning of their journey together. Rather than dwell on feelings of impending doom, the four have a humorous discussion about what they will do tomorrow.

At this point, you should have been laughing through your tears, but I will neither confirm nor deny that I was. (Place your bets in the Forum. -- editor)

Giles: "The Earth is definitely doomed," from both the pilot and the finale.

Then the big battle happened. The good guys won, the bad guys lost and all was right with the world.

I said weeks ago that I felt that Spike should sacrifice his life for the sake of good, because I felt that's where his character needed to go for redemption. Since this is the last official Buffy review and I don't care how egotistical you think I am, I'm going to take this moment to pat myself on the back.

...pats self on back...

However, I don't think we have seen the last of our seemingly dead beloved characters. I strongly suspect that both will make an appearance again in the Buffy-verse (or shall we say Angel-verse now?). Some sooner than others.

Chosen was not without its flaws. The uber-vamps that kicked Buffy's can all over Sunnydale turned out to not really be that big of a deal in the end. Angel's necklace came out of nowhere, much like Buffy's scythe, and seemed like a convenient last minute plot device.

UPN also really screwed the pooch by not showing End of Days and Chosen back to back in a 2 hour finale. But all of these can be overlooked for the sake of the show and the story.

As an episode, Chosen had it all. It delivered a finale worthy of Buffy and worthy of a full season's worth of build up.

But the measuring stick of Chosen is as the climax of several years worth of storytelling. Some viewers have been fans from the beginning, some joined during the journey and some started watching when F/X began showing reruns. I personally have seen every episode of Buffy so I feel qualified to say this:

Joss Whedon, the Buffy writers, the Buffy actors, the story and the finale never disappointed me and always entertained me. What more could I ask?

When I think of my favorite television shows of all time, Buffy stands at the very top. Joss wanted to tell the story of a modern day superhero and her real life issues. He wanted to create not only a loveable character but an icon and role model. He accomplished that with style, humor and entertainment.

For that, I thank him.

Line of the Week:
Xander: "Party in my eye socket and everyone's invited."

BUT WAIT! It's not over. Join me and the staff next week as we present the Buffy awards! Sure to cause both controversy and laughs. See you then. Same Buffy time, same Buffy webpage.

Michael Goodson