Marti Noxon and Howard Gordon use the two-episode format to unravel their tale at a leisurely pace, allowing this episode to gradually build to an intriguing cliffhanger.

It also affords them the opportunity for some very nice character development. Drusilla - if you'll forgive an inappropriate metaphor - really comes to life this episode, adding a cruel streak that nicely counterpoints the series' occasional drift into syrupy Mills and Boon-style romance, (this episode's scenes at the deserted ice rink, for example).

Spike's dedication to finding a cure for Drusilla is rather touching and endearing, a good indicator that the characters have become well established.

The career fair theme is used to nicely focus the episode's wider discussion of fate and destiny. There are some nice parallels between Drusilla's tarot interpretations and the career fair's prediction that Buffy - seemingly doomed to a career in law enforcement - and Xander have bleak futures ahead of them.

Buffy, however, is doubtful that she will ever have a career other than being the Slayer, a nicely played scene that reminds viewers of Buffy's unhappiness: "A whole week of 'What's My Line?' only I don't get to play."