Buffy always walks a fine line when down-to-earth matters impinge on the show�s fantasy elements. There is a risk that the carefully nurtured suspension-of-belief bubble will burst completely if exposed to too much reality.

This episode, which, as the title suggests, deals with the fallout from the events of Bad Girls, is weighed down with numerous dialogue-laden scenes. There are dizzying changes of location, no doubt designed to introduce a sense of pace. The choppiness is unnecessarily distracting for Buffy fans, who must realise by now that every so often there�s a need to clear the air if things are not to stagnate.

Petrie�s script deals with some serious issues, especially the underlying thread about Faith�s brief fling with 'boy toy' Xander, and how it will affect his relationships with Buffy and Willow, but is terribly preachy in parts. Xander shows remarkable maturity here, but risks being sidelined in future episodes if he�s no longer the group�s buffoon.

Faith teaming up with the Mayor is a very welcome - if predictable - development. Unfortunately it only emphasises that his partnership with the late, unlamented Mr Trick wasn�t working. The new relationship seems rather more potent, and laced with delightfully unwholesome undertones. Combining Faith and the Mayor means that, for the first time this season, Buffy and the gang have some serious opposition�