Revelations (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
"Revelations" is the seventh episode of the third season of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Written by Douglas Petrie and directed by James A. Contner, it originally aired on November 3, 1998.
The episode focuses on Buffy's struggles with the Watchers Council's authority after being reinstated as the Slayer, Faith's increasing isolation and recklessness, and the arrival of a new, more powerful demon which forces the Scooby Gang to question their trust in each other.
Synopsis:
The episode opens with Buffy receiving a warning from Angel, who briefly returns to Sunnydale, about a powerful demon. Buffy's attempts to keep Angel's return secret from her friends create tension. Meanwhile, Faith displays increasingly erratic behavior, leading to a confrontation with Buffy. Wesley Wyndham-Price, Buffy's new Watcher, informs the Scooby Gang of a prophecy related to a demon known as the Bringer of Truth, but reveals little about the specifics. A series of attacks lead the Scooby Gang to suspect Buffy of withholding information and potentially working against them. Giles, questioning Buffy's judgment after Angel's visit, sides with Wesley and the others. The episode culminates in a showdown with the demon, during which Faith's secret alliance with the Bringer of Truth is revealed. The team must work together, despite their fractured trust, to defeat the demon.
Key Themes:
- Trust and Betrayal: The episode explores the breakdown of trust within the Scooby Gang, fueled by secrets, misinformation, and differing loyalties.
- Authority and Rebellion: Buffy's struggle with the Watchers Council highlights the tension between obeying established authority and making independent decisions.
- Moral Ambiguity: Faith's actions and her alliance with the demon introduce a layer of moral complexity, blurring the lines between good and evil.
- Consequences of Actions: Faith's recklessness and deception lead to a loss of trust and ultimately sets her on a darker path.
Continuity:
- Angel's return from hell (as seen at the end of Season 2) is addressed.
- Wesley Wyndham-Price's arrival as Buffy's Watcher is formalized.
- The episode foreshadows Faith's increasing turn to the dark side and her eventual alliance with the Mayor in later episodes.
Reception:
The episode received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the exploration of character dynamics and the tension created by the fractured trust within the Scooby Gang. Others criticized the plot as being somewhat convoluted and the demon itself as being underdeveloped. However, the episode is generally considered a pivotal point in Season 3, marking a turning point in the relationships between the characters and setting the stage for future conflicts.