Stephen: "New life"

The Initiative is what Season 4's needed for a while now. Buffy's melancholy period is apparently at an end. The new season's major plot strand is introduced here, and it is tremendously promising.

The Initiative, as Spike discovers, are capturing demons and experimenting on them. Who knows where this is going to lead, but it makes a refreshing change from the 'colossal force of evil threatens to destroy the Earth with demonic portal'.

This would have been stale a fourth time around. The Initiative breathes new life into the story arc. Are they benign or malign? What are they aiming to achieve? Did they borrow their underground base from Blofeld?

Outstanding performances, writing, and direction are delivered in spades. The action hits hard, the conspiracy is intriguing, and the funny is very funny. Buffy is finally back on form!

Kim: "Boom!"

In true Whedon style we�ve been teased by the mysterious commando guys, and now BOOM! - major disclosure, and a Really Big Set, just to make the point.

The revelation was seamless - Riley walking from the party into the hi-tech lift was so natural that you didn�t quite twig. My jaw was on the ground until Maggie Walsh walked in.

I knew the Professor had potential and it�s great that she�s going to be a key character - kind of an Anti-Giles. I love Buffy�s strong women characters - and the �Bitch Monster of Death� looks like she�s got some intriguing flaws...

James: "Coupling"

This wonderful episode makes interesting use of double acts. As Willow grieves over Oz and Riley realises his feelings for Buffy, the show neatly explores the way that different people form relationships.

It starts off with Giles and Xander, and their lovely post-modern awareness of how marginalised they've become ("once again, you and I will not be needed").

This is swiftly followed by the coupling of Willow and Riley, Spike and Harmony, Xander and Harmony, Willow and Spike(!), and, finally, the tentative pairing of Riley and Buffy.

Amanda: "Clumsy mortal"

As a clumsy mortal myself, my highlight came when Buffy joined our ranks! The cafeteria scene of Buffy totally messing up her lunch, intercut with Riley discussing her buffness, was classic.

Spike showed he is a serious contender for the mean and moody award (formerly held by Angel) by snarling and striding around in a long leather coat.

And who didn't scream "Yessss!" when Parker finally got his come-uppance?