Rob

Could one of the most critically acclaimed shows on Americian television possibly live up to the hype surrounding its finale? Could Joss Whedon write and direct one final killer story to send the Slayer on her way with dignity and style. The answer to both questions is a resounding "Yes!"

Unusully for a Whedon script, there's surprisingly little room for pop culture references and in-jokes. That said, the Dungeons and Dragons moment is a perfect little moment of calm in an otherwise bustling episode.

Long-time fans like myself probably felt a little lump in their throats as the key Slayerettes discussed the next day's shopping plans, as Giles echoes the show's early days with his "The Earth is definitely doomed" quip.

As for the final battle, Lord of the Rings on a TV budget is a brave thing to attempt, but was stunningly successful in this case. Such a shame that some earlier episodes seemed starved of budget to make it possible.

I sat down to watch this expecting to be slightly disappointed, but came away delighted that Buffy still had the power to thrill and delight me. Now, when can we have a big shiny movie please?

Daniel

Gosh, the last episode, but what an episode. Not only has money been spent on the special effects, time has actually been spent on the script, with everyone given something to do.

It's time to open up the Hellmouth and for the Scooby's, Andrew, Faith and Wood to pair up and fight evil.

As with every great battle there are fatalities with both Anya and Spike dying heroically (although I felt more could have been made of Anya's demise)

Ann

Oh Buffy, why must you leave us now? Just when it's all getting so good again.

Chosen's a fantastic swan song, a brilliant exit that destroys the whole premise of Buffy by changing it into something strange, wonderful and new. After all, Joss could hardly kill off his main character again, could he?

So many fantastic little scenes in this reward us for staying with the show for seven seasons, some superb, some great, some... rather depressing. One of the most exciting teasers ever! Crowds of turok-han! Spike exploding! Willow with white hair!

Was it the best show finale ever? It's a close call, but no, not quite. Farscape's was better, but only because it didn't feature any winsome American girls playing baseball.

Now to sit down and catch up with what Angel's been up to...

James

There's only one chocolate left in the box, and it's a nice one. The problem with saving the best till last is that first you have to get through with all the fatty, unsatisfying ones and the really bitter soft centres.

What have we learned? Bad Buffy is exhausting, leaves a bad taste in the mouth and goes straight to the hips. Good Buffy is sweet, invigorating, and over before you've really had a chance to digest it.

And we're going to miss it.

PS: Running over buildings? In those shoes?