mandolin | Adding to the innumerable Buffy reaction posts...

Well, that's it, folks. It's over. I'm not going over my thoughts because everyone else has, so I'll just say that "Chosen" started out slow (cookie dough? Angel with soul-envy? gah?) and then took the show out with a bang. (And I'm really mad that certain people died.)

So what else can I say? Well, there IS something I'd like to throw out...

A single thought. A really twisted creativity demon.

Remember back in "To Shanshu in L.A." when Angel and company dug up that prophecy?

Wesley read from the scroll that the vampire with a soul will "shanshu" - once he completes his destiny, he will become human. That is his reward. Wes added that Angel's becoming human isn't going to happen soon. He has to survive numerous challenges in the forms of plagues, the apocalyptic battles, and several evils that will be let loose upon the world.

Let's see here. Vampire with a soul. Champion. A battle that seems to me to be pretty damn apocalyptic. Coming after at least one apocalyptic battle before that (Glory). Said vampire plays a PIVOTAL role in winning the battle for good and evil.

You know... maybe there's a chance Spike will plausibly come back for "Angel."

And damn, I wouldn't want to be in the same room with Angel when he finds out why.

Honestly, the theory's sloppy, but it would explain a lot. Or serve as a red herring.

While the opening act and teaser left something to be desired, the ending did not. To quote Willow, "That was nifty."

And I liked the open-ended finale. They defeated the First, DEFINITELY shut down the Sunnydale Hellmouth (and probably had a ball destroying sets) ... but really. You think that Buffy would just sit down and do nothing?

Besides, it changed a pivotal theme that's been running through the series (and we've been pounded over the head with it the last few seasons).

For once, the Slayer is no longer alone

And now I say goodbye to first-run episodes of Buffy. It was a fun and nerve-wracking ride; even the worst episodes were better than a good chunk of network TV out there.

So long, Scooby Gang. See you in reruns.