Loaded with continuity references, Becoming part one is a treat for long-term viewers. It also presents on screen for the first time events mentioned in previous episodes: Darla turning Angel into a vampire in 1753 Galway (Angel), Angel's mental torture of Drusilla (Lie To Me), and Angel being cursed by the gypsies (Angel, Surprise and Innocence).

We get to witness Buffy's tentative first staking, an episode highlight, and meet Buffy's original Watcher for the first time in the series (see Trivia). There's also a real sense of déjà vu about this episode, as elements of Innocence and When She Was Bad are brazenly recycled. It must all be rather for confusing for the casual viewer!

Buffy's fellow Slayer, Kendra, and Darla return, but sadly, neither is given much to do. Bringing Kendra back only to have her killed off seems rather a waste, particularly as the death of a Slayer could have been the theme of a whole episode.

There's also Whistler, another character to complicate things. He's a meddlesome demon with unclear motivations for becoming involved. This is perhaps intentional - after all, he does say "Nobody understands me, that's my curse!" - but it remains rather perplexing. Still, maybe next week will clear everything up.