Enemies

Writer: Douglas Petrie Director : David Grossman

Cast : Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers, Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris, Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg, Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase, Seth Green as Oz, Anthony Stewart Head as Rupert Giles, David Boreanaz as Angel.

Main guest stars : Kristine Sutherland as Joyce Summers, Eliza Dushku as Faith, Harry Groener as Mayor Richard Wilkins III, Alexis Denisof as Wesley Wyndham-Pryce.

Original broadcast date : March 16, 1999

Buffy and Angel are just leaving the Sun cinema, where they saw a movie which was more arousing than the title suggested. Buffy¹s worried that they¹ll lose control ­ especially Angel, but he proves her wrong by contenting himself with kissing her. Faith shows up for patrol, interrupting the moment.

As Faith and Buffy discuss her “close but no cigar” relationship with Angel, they come across a demon who is looking to sell the Books of Ascension, for 5 000 bucks. Buffy¹s not interested in the least, but Faith, after putting up an act of threatening to beat up the demon, goes back alone to City Hall and fills in the Mayor. He orders her to kill the demon and take the Books.

At the library, the Gang are trying to figure out what the Ascension is. They find out that they don¹t know much ­ according to one book, it caused a whole city to disappear.

In a run-down hotel, Faith finds the demon packing his things, intent on getting out of town before the Ascension, and she stops him ­ permanently. Then, looking at the blood on her hands, she looks confused. She goes to Angel and admits to him that she¹s freaking out and is upset over what she¹s become. Angel takes her in his arms, and she tries to kiss him. He draws back, but not before she manages to give him a kiss on the cheek, which Buffy sees as she walks in.

At City Hall, Faith reports to the Mayor that her attempt to make Angel happy in order for him to lose his soul was unsuccessful. The Mayor decides to resort to another means of attaining the same goal ­ a painful one.

At the library, Wesley and Giles have finally decided they want the Books of Ascension, and ask Buffy to go find the demon with Faith. Xander conveniently supplies an address, which he bribed form Willy the Snitch. Buffy reluctantly accepts to go check it out with Faith. Of course, when they get there, the demon is dead and the Books are gone ­ Faith puts on a good show of convincing Buffy that there¹s nothing left to find there, but Buffy seems perplexed by the brutality of the murderŠ

While the Mayor cuts a deal with a strange cloaked warlock to take Angel¹s soul away by magical means, Buffy confides to Willow about Angel and Faith. Not believing that Angel would betray Buffy, Willow convinces her friend to talk to him about it.

Faith goes to Angel¹s mansion and apologizes for coming on to him. Then, she splashes blood from a vial onto his shirt. The warlock finds Angel first at the mansion and apologizes for her behavior the night before, and then she pours blood onto his shirt. The warlock appears and chants a spell; Angel, caught in a column of light, screams and falls to the floor. When he gets back up, in full vamp face, he draws Faith to him and kisses her intensely before beating her up. Faith to him and they kiss before Angel starts beating her up. Then they make up and kiss again, and againŠ

At the library, Willow reports that her attempt to hack into the Mayor¹s files has failed. The Scoobies, minus Xander and Buffy, leave for the Hall of Records, hoping to find some information on the Mayor there.

In the Mayor¹s office, Angelus is being introduced to Wilkins by Faith. The Mayor praises the vampire, but Angelus only seems interested in playing with a letter opener. Noticing it, Wilkins invites Angelus to try and stab him with it. Angelus obliges, but the Mayor stops the object with his hand, which promptly heals. Having demonstrated his invulnerability, he asks Angelus what his plans are. The vampire answers that he plans on torturing and killing Buffy.

Angelus and Faith leave for Buffy¹s house, and encounter Xander on the way there. Angelus just punches the nuisance out of the way, which, of course, freaks Xander out. When they arrive at the Summers home, Angelus compliments Joyce on her hair, and he and Faith climb upstairs to Buffy¹s room. They inform her that she has to come with them to the mansion; once there, Angelus knocks Buffy out and chains her up to the wall.

Buffy wakes up and sees Faith and Angelus kissing and preparing the torture instruments. When Buffy asks Faith why she¹s doing this, the younger Slayer ragingly tells Buffy how tired she is of hearing how better Buffy is. When Buffy admits that yes, she is better, Faith hits her. Buffy taunts her, telling her that she had to tie her up to hit her, and finally promising that she¹ll stop the Mayor¹s Ascension. All worked up, an unsuspecting Faith spills the beans about the fact that the Ascension is to take place on Graduation Day.

Buffy marvels at the amount of hate Faith has in her, and the rogue Slayer jokes that she¹s the world¹s best actor. “Second best”, Angel corrects, revealing his reverting back to evil was all an act, as Buffy shrugs off her chains, asking Angel if he thinks they got all the information.

Furious at having been had, Faith attacks Buffy until they end up with knives at each other¹s throats. But Faith suddenly decides Buffy isn¹t ready to kill her, and instead kisses her on the forehead and runs off.

At the library, Giles thanks the warlock for putting on a good light show, pretending to take Angel¹s soul away. Even if Wesley is upset that Giles planned this behind his back, the Scoobies are relieved of at least knowing that Faith has crossed to the bad side. Meanwhile, the Mayor comforts Faith, telling her that he¹s the only friend she needs, and that Buffy and her friends will be dead come Ascension day.

Shaken by the extremely convincing Angelus act Angel put up, Buffy goes to see him and tells him that she needs some time away from him. Angel, horrified at what he had to do to Buffy in order for their plan to work, doesn¹t argue. He just asks her, as she walks away, if she¹s still his girl. “Always”, she answers.

Summary by OttsFiveByFive.

Episode Ratings

Mac -

“Everyone learns Faith’s with Wilkins. And who said Vamps aren’t good actors?”

DJ Angelus -

“Physche - like Angel is really  going to go evil again.”

Quotes

Key: B=Buffy, G=Giles, X=Xander, W=Willow, C=Cordelia, O=Oz, A=Angel, J=Joyce, PS=Principal Snyder, WP=Wesley, F=Faith, M=Mayor Wilkins

B: Well. A: Well. B: That was very artistic. A: Yeah. B: It wasn’t what I expected. I’ve never actually seen… Well, from the title, I thought it was about food. A: Well, there was food… B: Right, the scene with the… food. So, feel like getting some hot chocolate? Or some cold shower?

A: It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the movies. They’ve changed. B: A little scary. And a little not, which is also scary.

B: We can’t actually do any of those things. You’d lose your soul, and besides, I don’t even own a kimono.

B: I just don’t like to rub your nose in it. Suddenly wondering where that expression comes from.

A: I don’t need to see movies to get worked up. Just being around you does that just fine.

A: It feels nice just to feel.

F: Check out the lust bunnies.

F: The willpower thing? Nice job. B: Thanks. What?

F: I don’t know if I could handle, you know, the way you’re not handling it. B: Faith, when it comes to Angel, do me a favor… duck!

Demon: What are you, nuts? Going around punching people? B: People? Demon: So what, I’m a demon, that makes it okay?

Demon: Think about it. Demon seeks Slayers - highly unusual?

B: Not really looking to trade with a demon. Demon: And if this were still a barter economy, that would be a problem. I want cash, princess. Five large for the whole set. F: So you can buy - I’m guessing here - some skin care products?

F: I think “die, fiend” sums it up, wouldn’t you say?

B: I don’t think he falls into the deadly threat to humanity category.

MW: And what exactly did this demon look like? F: Demonic.

MW: Now, first you load up on calcium, then find this demon, kill the heck out of him, and bring the books to me. F: And if Buffy gets to him first? MW: Well, frankly I don’t like to think about that. I like good, positive, “up” thoughts.

G: Demons after money. Whatever happened to the still-beating heart of a virgin? No one has any standards any more.

B: Well, we have a winner. X: And more importantly, two losers. G: Where did you find that volume? W: In the top of your book cabinet. With the stuff you try to keep hidden. X: Hidden? Are there any engravings I should know about? Frolicking nymphs of some kind?

G: “Tomorrow is the ascension. God help us all.” It was the last anyone heard. WP: Of Kane? G: Of Sharpesville.

B: So, ascension not a love-in.

C: What are you doing Friday night? WP: Uh, uh… As always, my sacred duty as a Watcher prevents me from… why? C: I have a paper to write for English, and you’re English, so I thought… What? Is it so wrong to be getting an insiders perspective?

X: And on the day the words “flimsy excuse” were redefined, we stood in awe and watched. WP: Right. Books of Ascension, Mayor, slaughter…

F: You got the books? Demon: That depends - you got my money? F: //wham!// Demon: You’re tough in negotiations, and I respect that.

F: Books of Ascension… Demon: Mm-hmm, original editions and everything. Great condition. Okay, it’s a little worn on one spine, some slight foxing, but otherwise perfect.

F: Look, I hate asking for help, but I’m asking ’cause I’m in trouble, like the real bad kind. A: It’s okay. F: No, it’s a couple county lines over from okay, believe me.

A: Start from the beginning. F: Mind if I skip past the “Mom never loved me” part and get right to it?

MW: I just don’t understand what that boy could be thinking. F: Try Buffy Summers, like in a big, fat, one-track way.

MW: So you couldn’t give him that one moment of true happiness. F: I was thinking more along the lines of a long weekend, but okay.

MW: There’s more than one way to skin a cat. And I happen to know that’s factually true.

MW: We wanna take Angel’s soul away. If we can’t do it by giving him happiness, well, by golly, we’ll just have to do it in the most painful way imaginable.

WP: Did you find anything? G: A six-course banquet of nothing, with a scoop of sod-all as a palate cleanser.

WP: The Council isn’t entirely aware that I’m letting you work for me. Uh, with me. I don’t think they’d be very happy at the idea of the two of us collaborating. G: I wasn’t about to burst into glorious song about it myself.

WP: Wait for Faith. B: That could be hours. The girl makes Godot look punctual.

WP: This demon could be anywhere. If these books are as important as he says, he has good reason to hide. Finding him’s going to be extremely difficult. X: Found your demon. B: Fashion tip, Wes. Mouth looks better closed.

X: Got the address. I beat it out of Willie the snitch personally. B: You beat up Willie. X: Sure. Well, actually, let’s just say I applied some pressure. Or more accurately that I asked politely, and then - okay, I bribed him. B: How much? X: 28 bucks. Does the Council reimburse for that kind of stuff? G: Did you get a receipt? X: Damn.

B: It’s down by the bus station. Not the nicest part of town. G: Again, see? No standards. Any self-respecting demon should be living in a pit of filth, or a nice crypt. B: I’ll remember to mention that.

W: You seem a little on edge. Is there anything that’s wrong? B: It’s nothing. It’s nothing! All right, all right, stop with the third degree.

B: I went to Angel’s last night, and Faith was there. They looked sort of… intimate. W: No way. I know what you’re thinking, and no way. B: You’re right, Faith would never do that. W: Faith would totally do that. Faith was built to do that. She’s the “do that” girl. B: Comfort, remember? Comfort here? W: I mean, please. Does Angel come up to Faith’s standards for a guy? Let’s see. Is he breathing? B: Actually, no.

W: Buffy, I, too, know the love of a taciturn man, and you have to look at their actions. B: I was.

A: I wanna trust you. F: Chump.

A: It’s good to have the taste of a Slayer back in my mouth. It’s like cigarettes, you know? Just when I thought I’d quit… //kick// No, really, don’t get up.

A: Let me guess. You summoned back the true Angelus because… you need a new boy toy.

A: Funny thing about vampires, Faith… we don’t establish meaningful dialogue with Slayers. F: Not how Buffy tells it.

A: I should’ve known you’d like it on top. F: You wanna listen, or you wanna die? A: As long as you’re there, I mostly want you to wriggle.

B: I’ll go home and stock up on weapons. Slip into something a little more break-and-enterish.

C: I’m in Wesley’s group. G: There is just the one group. C: Yes, and I’m in it.

F: So, can I keep him?

MW: Now then, Angelus… may I call you Angel? A: Well, actually, I’m thinking more along the lines of you calling me Master.

MW: No trouble with the transition? No side effects? A: Had a soul. Now I’m free. MW: That’s terrific. Poetic too.

A: Can’t be killed. But you don’t like germs. MW: Ew! Awful things. Unsanitary.

MW: But my question is, now that Faith has brought you back, what are your intentions? A: Well, gee, sir, I thought I’d find that Slayer that’s giving you so much trouble, and torture, maim, and kill her. MW: Fine! It’s nice to see you’re not one of those slacker types running around town today.

X: “I love when you talk, Wesley. I love when you sing, Wesley.” Can you say the words “jail bait,” Wesley? Limey bastard.

A: That guy just bugs me.

A: You know, I never properly thanked you for sending me to hell. Yeah, and I’m just wondering, where do I start? Card? Fruit basket? Evisceration? B: No. A: Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. Maybe there’s still some good deep down inside me that remembers and loves you. If only you could reach me. Then again, we have reality.

A: One thing I learned about Buffy - she’s so cute when she’s sleeping.

C: Hey, I know a way to make investigating the Mayor even more boring. On second thought, no I don’t.

O: Oh, whoa. W: Whoa. Big “hey, whoa.”

W: Wow. Like father, like son. O: How about like exact same guy, like exact same guy?

X: I hate to spoil the mood, but this is so much worse than you think. W: Xander, what happened to you? X: You know how some people hate to say, “I told you so”? Not me. I told you so. Angel’s back, in the really bad sense, and, um, I told you so.

X: Good thinkin’. Let’s waste time with a lively debate. Leave Buffy alone, see how dead she gets.

A: You know what I just can’t believe? All of our time together, we never tried chains.

F: Bondage looks good on you, B. The outfit’s all wrong, but hey…

F: A dog’s all I wanted. Well, that and toys. But Mom was so busy, you know, enjoying the drinking and passing out parts of life that I never really got what I wanted.

F: Come graduation day, he’s getting paid. And I’ll be sitting at his right hand. Assuming he has hands after the transformation. I’m not too clear on that part.

B: I never knew you had so much rage in you. F: What can I say? I’m the world’s best actor. A: Second best.

B: May I say something? Psych.

W: His debt to you is repaid? What did you do? G: I introduced him to his wife.

WP: Well, I for one, protest. You’ve pitted Slayer against Slayer in a dangerous charade that could have gotten them both killed. Without informing me. I’m telling the Council!

W: Graduation day. There’s a big scary un-fun.

W: At least Angel’s not bad, though. That’s good, right? X: Yes, I feel so much better knowing that he broke my face in the “good” way. It’s a “good” bruise.

MW: Still unhappy? Okey-doke. I’ve got two words that are gonna make all the pain go away - miniature… golf.

A: You still my girl? B: Always Credit: The Sunnydale Slayers