This is an odd episode, but I really like it. It shows that the Scoobies are pretty capable even when the Slayer is out of commission. And it has a really cool twist with Ben and Glory. It's not the most exciting episode, but I highly recommend that you see it before "The Gift" since it sets up a lot of the conflicts that the gang will face in the season finale.
"Weight of the World" picks up right where "Spiral" left off. Dawn has been captured by Glory, the knights of Byzanthium are dead and Buffy is catatonic. Her failure to protect Dawn is just the final straw. No one can reach her. Willow takes control of the Scoobies. Commedeering Ben's car, they head back to Sunnydale. Sending Xander and Giles to the hospital, Willow uses magic to enter Buffy's mind and find out how to get the Slayer out of her trance. Once inside Buffy's dreams she sees that guilt has paralyzed the Slayer and works to revive her. Meanwhile Spike and Xander go to Doc's, where he tries to kill them. It seems that Doc's been working for Glory. After stabbing him, they steal his scrolls and head back to the Magic Box.
Dawn is trying to escape Glory. When Ben resurfaces, he tries to help Dawn, but the wall between Glory and Ben is fading. They can talk to each other now. Glory convinces Ben to help her. If he'll let her kill Dawn, she'll make him immortal. Ben agrees. Buffy finally come to and meets up with the others at the Magic Box. Once there, though, Giles tells her that according to the scrolls the only way to stop Glory is to kill Dawn.
There's a lot to like about this episode. It's the first time that Willow really takes control of the Scoobies. Even Spike follows her orders, which is an indication of things to come. When Buffy's not around the Scoobies carry on with out her, but Willow is always determined to get her back. I love Willow inside Buffy's head on that endless recycled dream. "I think we already Deja-ed this Vu." And Spike, Giles and Xander scene at the hospital is great. Spike might be on an epic quest of heroic importance, but he's still gonna steal pints of blood and lit cigarettes right in front of the no smoking sign. Also, Ben and Glory's argument is really cool. The two of the switching back and forth as they shout and fight for control. I was really shocked when Ben finally gave in at the end. Finally, I like Spike's repeated attempts to explain Ben and Glory's connection. He doesn't understand why he's the only one who can remember seeing them switch. "Is everyone here very stoned?"
I think that this episode is about contrasting Ben with Spike. Ben's not really a bad guy. He's tried to help Buffy and stop Glory all season. But when it come down to the line, he wants to live. Even if it means the rest of the world, and Dawn, have to die. He's too weak to take his own life, he won't kill Dawn himself, so he's just going to sit back and let Glory tear down the walls of reality. Then we have Spike, who's a soulless vampire. He has no real reason to fight this battle, since Glory opening all the hell dimensions won't kill him. He's already dead. And evil. And pretty much immortal. So, the loss of Manchester United and dog racing aside, Spike will be fine whether or not Glory carries out her plan. But, he's willing to die to protect Dawn and the rest of world because he loves Buffy. So we have a "human" helping a hell god destroy the would out of weakness. And a "demon" helping a Slayer to save the world out of love. Ben's become a villain and Spike is on his way to becoming a champion. BTVS likes to turn good guys bad and bad guys good, but I think that this is one of the most effective contrasts that the show ever gives us.
On the downside, didn't Willow tell Spike NOT to be seen at Glory's house? It looks to me like he just walked right in the front door. Did he know it was empty or was he just ignoring her?
My favorite part of the episode: Anya and Willow's intense speech right before Willow enters Buffy's mind. After listing all the possible problems and things that could go wrong, Willow mutters, "Well wish me luck." "Okay." Anya agrees, gravely. Then she plasters an incredibly fake smile on her face, slaps a friendly hand on Willow shoulder and chirps. "Good luck!" Really funny stuff.
"Weight of the World" picks up right where "Spiral" left off. Dawn has been captured by Glory, the knights of Byzanthium are dead and Buffy is catatonic. Her failure to protect Dawn is just the final straw. No one can reach her. Willow takes control of the Scoobies. Commedeering Ben's car, they head back to Sunnydale. Sending Xander and Giles to the hospital, Willow uses magic to enter Buffy's mind and find out how to get the Slayer out of her trance. Once inside Buffy's dreams she sees that guilt has paralyzed the Slayer and works to revive her. Meanwhile Spike and Xander go to Doc's, where he tries to kill them. It seems that Doc's been working for Glory. After stabbing him, they steal his scrolls and head back to the Magic Box.
Dawn is trying to escape Glory. When Ben resurfaces, he tries to help Dawn, but the wall between Glory and Ben is fading. They can talk to each other now. Glory convinces Ben to help her. If he'll let her kill Dawn, she'll make him immortal. Ben agrees. Buffy finally come to and meets up with the others at the Magic Box. Once there, though, Giles tells her that according to the scrolls the only way to stop Glory is to kill Dawn.
There's a lot to like about this episode. It's the first time that Willow really takes control of the Scoobies. Even Spike follows her orders, which is an indication of things to come. When Buffy's not around the Scoobies carry on with out her, but Willow is always determined to get her back. I love Willow inside Buffy's head on that endless recycled dream. "I think we already Deja-ed this Vu." And Spike, Giles and Xander scene at the hospital is great. Spike might be on an epic quest of heroic importance, but he's still gonna steal pints of blood and lit cigarettes right in front of the no smoking sign. Also, Ben and Glory's argument is really cool. The two of the switching back and forth as they shout and fight for control. I was really shocked when Ben finally gave in at the end. Finally, I like Spike's repeated attempts to explain Ben and Glory's connection. He doesn't understand why he's the only one who can remember seeing them switch. "Is everyone here very stoned?"
I think that this episode is about contrasting Ben with Spike. Ben's not really a bad guy. He's tried to help Buffy and stop Glory all season. But when it come down to the line, he wants to live. Even if it means the rest of the world, and Dawn, have to die. He's too weak to take his own life, he won't kill Dawn himself, so he's just going to sit back and let Glory tear down the walls of reality. Then we have Spike, who's a soulless vampire. He has no real reason to fight this battle, since Glory opening all the hell dimensions won't kill him. He's already dead. And evil. And pretty much immortal. So, the loss of Manchester United and dog racing aside, Spike will be fine whether or not Glory carries out her plan. But, he's willing to die to protect Dawn and the rest of world because he loves Buffy. So we have a "human" helping a hell god destroy the would out of weakness. And a "demon" helping a Slayer to save the world out of love. Ben's become a villain and Spike is on his way to becoming a champion. BTVS likes to turn good guys bad and bad guys good, but I think that this is one of the most effective contrasts that the show ever gives us.
On the downside, didn't Willow tell Spike NOT to be seen at Glory's house? It looks to me like he just walked right in the front door. Did he know it was empty or was he just ignoring her?
My favorite part of the episode: Anya and Willow's intense speech right before Willow enters Buffy's mind. After listing all the possible problems and things that could go wrong, Willow mutters, "Well wish me luck." "Okay." Anya agrees, gravely. Then she plasters an incredibly fake smile on her face, slaps a friendly hand on Willow shoulder and chirps. "Good luck!" Really funny stuff.
