The first couple of episodes of this season were mainly concerned with tidying up after Buffy and Angel's climactic battle, a lot of time was spent getting things back to normal. Faith, Hope and Trick injects new energy into the show, restores the status quo and then spins things off in an entirely new direction.

David Greenwalt's script perfectly balances the elements jostling for space: it advances the relationships of the key characters, introduces two important new characters, (mercenary vampire Mister Trick and the deliciously kinky Faith), and manages to throw in a couple of thrilling action scenes for good measure.

Even though we're told very little about Trick at this stage, there's a lot of information to absorb about "the new slayer in town". Even at this stage it's clear that Faith is a very volatile presence, something that's sorely needed to add zest to a show beginning to exhibit signs of running out of steam. It's a busy episode for Buffy, who restores her relationship with Giles (by admitting that Angel had been cured when she slew him); admits to her mother that she died during her confrontation with The Master (in Prophecy Girl); and has finally let go of Angel� or so she thinks!