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by Jennifer Alpeche Published: January 29, 2003
Although we did not advance very much as far as plot in this episode, “Potential” (7.12) did have its moments, with the best being the end conversation between Xander and Dawn. Two who know what it’s like to not have powers, to not be “special,” but who have shown time and again how important they are. It was sad and poignant and will surely play into the future of both characters. Much of the episode was dedicated to Buffy and Spike’s boot camp for the Potentials: Vi, Kennedy, Rona, and Molly (but where was Chloe?). The girls were thankfully less whiney this time around, although they still had some doubts. But for the most part, Buffy’s Thunderdome fight with the Turok-han in “Showtime” (7.11) must have convinced them. (Or was that Chaka-khan?) So the girls continued with their lessons, culminating with their first vampire kill -- taking place after Buffy and Spike locked them alone in a crypt. But the title of the episode referred to more than the existing Potentials. We learned early on that another had been located, and that she actually lived in Sunnydale. Close to home, yet how close? The idea of Dawn being a Potential made perfect sense, given that she was made from Buffy. But when Willow’s spell seemed to pin her as the next Potential, the possibility was too much for her to take. She ran away, needing time to process it all. What would this mean for Buffy? Would she be happy? What will be next for Dawn? While walking, she meets up with Amanda, who we had met earlier in “Help” (7.4) and who had talked with Buffy earlier that day at school. It seems Amanda had encountered a vampire at Sunnydale and locked him in a classroom. Confused, not knowing what to do, she tells Dawn, who makes a decision to help, coming to terms with her fate. But when they return to the high school and the Bringers arrive, it becomes clear to Dawn that she wasn’t the Potential afterall. It was Amanda, who we learn was standing on the other side of the door when the energy passed through Dawn. And when this happens, Dawn shows another form of bravery, passing her power onto Amanda, giving her the strength to fight the vamp herself. She reassures her that she would be there for her, but that the fight was Amanda’s to face. Xander was the only one to witness this moment, which leads to his conversation with Dawn in the last scene. A conversation that was as much about Xander as it was about Dawn -- what does it mean for both? Hopefully his talk with her will help her realize that she doesn’t have to have super powers to be special. What did he say? You’re not special. You’re extraordinary. Look at Xander. Even though he may not believe it himself, he hasn’t needed super powers to help. He’s saved all of the Scoobies at one time or another and yes, he fixes windows, but his role goes beyond that. Just like Dawn, he is crucial to the gang and in this season, where unity is a running theme, the Scoobies will need everyone to be there to fight against this evil, this First Evil. The last shot was of Dawn, steeling tears from falling from her eyes, turning back to her research. Alone yes, but still part of the team. Important, and hopefully her role will become more defined so that she will know what her purpose is. When she thought she was the Potential, she found the strength to fight and did what she could to protect Amanda. Knowing that she isn’t a Potential now shouldn’t change what she can do, whether it be researching books or fighting demons. Kinda like Xander's episode in “The Replacment” (5.3), Dawn should realize that she has strong qualities within her and that it may not manifest like a slayer or a witch, a werewolf or a vampire, but it is powerful and can be used for good. I know there’s still a lot more in store for Dawn and Xander, but this was a character-development episode so fingers crossed we move forward, not backwards. Where was Giles? In China, picking up another Potential who we should meet next week. Maybe Chloe will return by then too (her absence never explained in this episode). Another subplot was of course the healing relationship between Buffy and Spike. Having rescued him in the last episode, Buffy is clearly ready to forgive him, seeing him as a different man. She defended him to Andrew, had fond memories of his crypt, and talked out loud about her confusion over what she feels for him: her mortal enemy. I really do like how the writers are progressing them. Taking time. I keep going back to “Help” when Cassie told Spike, “She’ll tell you. Someday, she’ll tell you.” Was that about Buffy? I like to think so. As said, this episode didn’t have a whole lot going on as far as plot development. No First Evil. No ubervamp. But the Potentials didn’t complain very much. They killed two vamps so that will bolster their confidence, hopefully not their egos. Buffy and Spike worked together and there was definite sparkage. Dawn and Xander talked and it was sad and moving, and needed to be said. So now we’re set for the next new episode, which I have a feeling will start things moving on the fast track. Overall Rating: B- Next episode: “The Killer in Me” |
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