Xander and Anya's wedding episode is finally upon us and in true BtVS style, it was one hell of an episode.

Summary:

It opens to reveal Willow and Buffy looking at themselves in bridesmaids costumes with utter disgust and who can blame them . Bright green and described as being 'radioactive' by Buffy herself, you can only cringe. However, it is not just Buffy and Willow having trouble, it is quite obvious from the initial scenes that there is going to be a fairly big fight between Xander's and Anya's various human and demon relatives. Xander's permanently drunk father being the main antagonistic influence.

There is a cute little scene when Tara and Willow join forces to help Anya into her dress. Lots of shy glances and giggling, awww. Anya meanwhile is practising her vows and contemplating whether to put the term 'sex poodle' in there, although that was quickly quashed by Willow and Tara. Anya then goes on to say that she will protect Xander's heart 'like a little mangy stray that needs a home'.

Meanwhile, Buffy is helping Xander into his tuxedo and appears to be getting somewhat emotional, commenting that he is 'glowing'. Although she shrugs it off saying that it gives her hope, 'you two have proved that there is light at the end of the long, lonmg, long, nasty tunnel'. Buffy finally manages to squeeze his cummerbund on and Xander comments that 'nothing can stop the wedding now'. It cuts to a scene outside with the heavens opening, obviously suggesting the ill-fatedness of what is about to happen, maybe.

This is later strengthened by the appearance of a crazy old man, claiming to be Xander from the future. He scares Xander by giving him a taste of what the future will be like. It portrays somewhat of a nightmare for Xander, always arguing with Anya and we are left with the possibility of Xander having finally murdered Anya after many years of pain.

Spike as per usual makes an appearance and he's got someone on the side, described by Dawn as a 'total skank'. Buffy just describes her as 'a very good attempt [to make her jealous]', it turns out that it is working a little. Spike leaves as it seems to be the best thing, with the 'skank' and it would appear slightly annoyed.

Xander, in true style, disappears, spooked out by the old guy and Buffy gets up on the stage and tries to entertain everyone. She seems quite adept at juggling. However, Buffy's attempts to keep everyone occupied fail when Dawn lets slip that Xander has gone missing. A huge fight erupts between the two sets of relatives. It is during this that the old man reveals his true colours as a demon seeking vengeance against Anyanka, life it would seem is not without a sense of irony. However, Xander returns just in time and finishes off the demon with a piece of masonry, although Buffy did have a part in its demise. Willow then suggsts quite innocently that maybe they should cover it with flowers. Tara by her side after Willow pulled her out of the fray earlier, definitely a 'watch this space!'.

Anya finally puts an end to the fighting and gets ready for the marriage ceremony, but Xander has had serious second thoughts and heads of out of town - our rumours of a departure satisfied, maybe. The episode ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, the 'head demon' suggests that Anya should get back to what she does best.


Comments:

I certainly enjoyed the episode, certainly one of the best of Season 6. I was amybe slightly disappointed that the Willow/Tara relationship was not completely restored, although it seems very likley now. Xander's departure did seem somewhat shocking, although I think it makes sense. The character does need to find his reason for being part of the scooby gang and a little time out might leave him a changed and somewaht more powerful character. The shocking revelation that Anya will be back in her origial form is also extremely exciting, will she go after Xander? or could she be the big bad for the end of the series? Only time will tell.