Two to Go

Plot

While Spike undergoes challenges in Africa, Buffy, Xander, and Anya chase after Willow, who already killed Warren for murdering Tara and intends to kill his two imprisoned friends next. Willow sabotages Xander's car to slow them down, forcing Buffy to run after her. Anya magically appears inside Jonathan and Andrew's jail cell just before Willow gets there. Buffy and Anya dodge Willow's assault and escape with the two men.

Xander steals a police car to drive them away, but Willow hurls a truck at them using magic. However, her powers weaken from overuse, and they get away. Dawn and Clem head to the hideout of dark wizard Rack, guessing Willow will visit him to restore her strength. At the Magic Box, Buffy, Xander, and Anya discuss what to do next.

Buffy thinks she can talk Willow down, but the others doubt it. She goes to Rack's alone. Xander confesses to Anya that he might have stopped Warren before he shot Buffy and Tara, but he was too scared to act without a weapon. Willow meets Rack, who tries to seduce her.

She refuses, steals his power, and kills him as Dawn arrives. Dawn tries to calm the now far stronger Willow, but fails and only irritates her. Buffy shows up before Willow can hurt Dawn. Buffy attempts to reason with Willow, who says nothing matters anymore because Tara is dead.

Willow teleports everyone to the Magic Box, where Buffy and Dawn collapse. As Willow attacks, Anya casts a spell to protect Jonathan and Andrew. Buffy fights physically, letting the others escape except Anya. Willow overpowers Buffy, then knocks out Anya and cancels her spells. Just as Willow claims victory, Giles appears and strikes her down with a bolt of energy.

Reception

In 2023, Rolling Stone placed this episode 114th out of 144 for the show's 20th anniversary. Screen Rant highlighted its final minute as among the best 60 seconds of the entire series. That scene shows Willow overpowering Buffy and arrogantly claiming no one can stop her, only to be knocked down by a mystical blast. Giles, absent most of the season, has returned and challenges her boast, saying he would like to test that theory.