A brief review of the season so far reminds us that Spike got his soul back so Buffy would love him, but with that soul came the voices of the Hellmouth. Willow has been in England studying with Giles on how to control her powers. Though Anya regained her vengeance demon status, it hasn't been a comfortable fit. She and Xander at least work hard at maintaining the appropriate level of spite and resentment that bitter exes should have.

In perhaps the most surprising development, Dawn and Buffy have bonded while Buffy teaches her sister how to defend herself. Good thing, because Buffy left the Doublemeat Palace (due to sponsor complaints) to become a counselor at the new Sunnydale High.

This week brings us Willow's anticipated return from England. Both Willow and the old gang are nervous about being reunited, wondering if anything will be like it was. As Buffy, Dawn and Xander debate Willow's trustworthiness, they realize she didn't disembark with the other passengers. Meanwhile, Willow walks into the airport wondering where her true blue friends are.

How can this be? These alternate reality episodes really mess with viewers' heads.

Feeling abandoned by her friends, Willow does find Anya and apologizes for that whole "almost destroyed the world" thing. The reluctant demon updates Willow on the Scooby gossip and points her towards the new school to find Buffy. There Willow, Buffy and Xander all discover a skinned body but not each other. (Buffy and Xander can't see Willow and Willow can't see Buffy or Xander. Really, I'm just keeping it straight for myself.)

Logically, only one man could have the answers: Spike. Of course, Spike can see all three, but quickly realizes that they're blind to each other. Unfortunately, Spike has also established his newfound craziness, so neither invisible believes the other is there.

The way it's SUPPOSED to be...

Eventually everyone gets drawn into the investigation and finds the culprit. In an interesting reversal, Willow ends up being the one physically hunting the demon, called Gnarl, while Buffy sits behind the computer doing the research. Subtly, we get a reminder that now Buffy isn't as powerful as Willow. You might gasp at such heresy, but you'll notice that the writing team has begun quietly setting up plenty of possibilities to take demon buttkicking centerstage if SMG opts out of an eighth season. Of course, it's all in the service of good storytelling. Of course.

Eventually Buffy takes out the bad guy herself, because for now the show is still Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Contributions from Anya, Spike and Dawn make it possible for Xander, Willow and Buffy to be safe and visible together in the end. On the surface, we have the Scooby Gang back together, but it's still rocky.

A few notable moments: