Definitely an improvement over the previous episode. While a lot of fans have complained at the character Spike's hijacking of the final season, this remains one of his best performances in the series. In it, we get a little insight as to what has been going on in Spike's head since receiving his soul back and it ain't pretty.
There is a basic plot about a jealous guy getting turned into a burrowing worm-like creature and trying to get back at his ex-girlfriend but, the phrase from beneath it devours becomes a central theme now and it ain't the poor worm guy. Anya gets some good scenes with Xander (surprise, Anya can reverse a vengeance wish!)
But Marster's final moments, shirtless (and gorgeous) and weeping as he begs to be understood by the woman he loves are what drives this episode. His speech is bloody wonderful as is the revelation that Spike indeed wanted his soul back so that Buffy would love him but, that in retrieving his soul he has also retrieved all the pain and suffering he has inflicted on others throughout his undead life.
One of the best episodes of the season.
There is a basic plot about a jealous guy getting turned into a burrowing worm-like creature and trying to get back at his ex-girlfriend but, the phrase from beneath it devours becomes a central theme now and it ain't the poor worm guy. Anya gets some good scenes with Xander (surprise, Anya can reverse a vengeance wish!)
But Marster's final moments, shirtless (and gorgeous) and weeping as he begs to be understood by the woman he loves are what drives this episode. His speech is bloody wonderful as is the revelation that Spike indeed wanted his soul back so that Buffy would love him but, that in retrieving his soul he has also retrieved all the pain and suffering he has inflicted on others throughout his undead life.
One of the best episodes of the season.
