Buffy 6.6 FAQ
What’s it called?
“All the Way.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to Steve DeKnight (who also authored “Spiral,” the one with Spike’s RV and the Knights Who Say “Key”!).
What did Herc say about the 10/30 "Buffy" in his infamous July 4 spoilers?
When Dawn lies to Buffy and spends Halloween night joyriding and partying with boys, Buffy finds herself having to assume the role of parent/disciplinarian.
Meanwhile, after Willow and Tara have a fight about Willow’s abuse of magic, Willow casts a spell on Tara to make her forget the fight.
What were Herc’s infamous Sept. 29 spoilers for 6.6?
6.6 “All The Way.” (Oct. 30) Written by Steve DeKnight (“Spiral”). Dawn proves herself a misbehaver, telling Buffy she’s attending a sleepover with friend Janice, but instead riding around in cars and kissing strange boys. Dawn learns she and her sister share similar taste in men. Tara and Willow fight about Willow using her powerful magic much too casually. Willow uses magic to make Tara forget the fight.
* Wondering about why Dawn stole Anya’s earrings late last season? A pattern emerges as Dawn steals a shiny coin in The Magic Box. She later confesses to Justin, an older boy she hooks up with, that she hasn’t paid for lipstick “in like forever.”
* Once the Magic Box completes its very profitable day of Halloween retailing, Xander finally announces his engagement to Anya.
* Now able to talk openly about her impending marriage, Anya speaks of weddings, babies and cars. Xander has difficulty catching his breath.
* Willow is magic-happy. She offers to use the dark arts to tidy the Magic Box, and impulsively makes decorations appear at an impromptu engagement party at Buffy’s house. When Dawn goes missing, she wants to conjure a spell to locate her. Willow invokes a spell that makes everyone in the Bronze quiet. Tara becomes very upset and they argue. “What do you want me to do? Keep my mouth shut?” asks Tara. “That’d be a good start!” retorts Will. “If I didn’t love you so much I would,” cries Tara, storming away.
* Dawn and her friends stumble upon a shady individual who likes butcher knifes and the song “Pop Goes the Weasel.”
* Giles ends up behaving very much as a parent towards Dawn. He also proves himself a hero for the jillionth time when Dawn’s pal Janice’s date won’t respect boundries.
Did Herc’s sources get it right?
They did.
What does TV Guide say?
“In a quirky and erudite episode, a sudden announcement sends the Scooby Gang into celebration mode on Halloween, but plenty of frights come to light when Dawn disappears. Anya (Emma Caulfield), who has been bugging Xander (Nicholas Brendon) to announce their engagement for months, finally gets her wish. After Xander drops his bombshell, Buffy and company throw a party for the couple. Only then do they realize that Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) has sneaked out with a friend (General Hospital's Amber Tamblyn). Out on the town, the younger Summers winds up meeting a teen (Kavan Reece) who craves more than just mischief.”
What is TV Guide not telling us?
You know, with Willow and Tara and the magic and the arguing. And other stuff not in Herc’s spoilers.
Any surprises?
Herc noticed no numbers on tops this week. (Though the Dawnster does spend a goodly portion of the episode with a giant "S" fixed upon her left breastal region.)
Odd thing Herc noticed recently?
When vampires are staked, their clothing – even Levis 501s purchased at Mervyn’s – turn to dust also.
Does Dawn steal the D'Hoffryn Talisman?
Um, I forget what it looks like. The coin Dawn steals is big and coppery with maybe a scorpion embossed on it.
What’s a D'Hoffryn Talisman?
When Willow visited D'Hoffryn in 'Something Blue', he gave her a talisman so she could contact him if she changed her mind about being a vengeance demon.
Any sign of the Nerds of Doom?
No. My understanding is they’ll be plotting offscreen until Giles flees Sunnydale for good.
What’s great?
The many fine quips. Xander’s commitment to piracy, and the general geniusy nature of Nicholas Brendan’s ongoing portrayal of Xander. Spike’s basement proposal to Buffy. Giles’ indisputably uber-heroic nature. Anya’s Dance of Capitalist Superiority (who wouldn’t marry that girl?). Tara’s ceaselessly adorable stammer. Buffy’s happiness for pal Xander. Dawn and Janice’s belly-shirted teen horniness. Dawn’s badgirliness. Dawn’s line following her first round of smoochage. Willow’s Wallow Toward Phoenixdom. The generally twisty nature of the entire enterprise!
What’s not so great?
Tonight’s episode is not the wonderous orgasm of comedy, drama, music and revelation that will almost certainly be next week’s Whedon-helmed “Buffy.” The presshah!
Herc’s rating for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” 6.6?
***1/2
The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
I warn you not to defy me!! Mmm!! Cookies!!
