[Transcript of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" episode Dead Man's Party at buffyology.com.]
BUFFY takes the last of her things out of her bag, walks over to her closet and dumps them in. She turns around and looks at the room that she's missed so much for the last few months. It all seems so familiar and yet not. Certainly it's too neat and clean. She reaches into her closet for a sweater and heads over to her mother's room.
JOYCE is hammering a nail into the wall by the window as Buffy steps into the room.
Mom...
Joyce is very startled and jumps, accidentally slamming the hammer through the drywall.
Oh! Buffy.
Buffy cringes at the sight of the hole in the wall. Her mother pulls the hammer out and turns to face her, smiling while still holding the hammer in one hand and an ancient tribal mask in the other.
Sorry.
No, no! Don't worry about it. I guess I just got used to all the quiet while you were gone. (smiles) But it's no problem.
She looks down at the mask in her hand, and turns around to hang it on the wall over the hole. It is carved from a reddish wood with cutouts for eyes, which are slanted inward to appear very evil. There are a series of long, pointed teeth with extra long fangs for incisors set into the upper lip. The lower jaw is missing.
Look! It's Nigerian. We got a very exciting shipment in at the gallery. I thought I'd hang a few pieces in here. It cheers up the room.
It's angry at the room, Mom. It wants the room to suffer.
You have no appreciation of primitive art. (re: Buffy's sweater) You going out?
Oh... well, if it's okay. I... I'd like to find Willow and Xander.
Will you be slaying?
She smiles weakly.
Only if they give me lip.
Can I make you a sandwich or something before you go? You must be starving.
I was until that four-course snack you served me after dinner.
Joyce takes her car keys off the dresser.
Well, then... you know, why don't I drive you? I mean, they could be anywhere.
Mom... if you don't want me to go, just say so.
No, no. I just want to put this whole thing behind us, get back to normal. (beat) You go. Have a good time.
Okay.
She smiles and gives her mom a little wave, then leaves the room.
A truck drives by. Behind it, Buffy walks, looking around. She hears something fall to the ground and break and stops, looking in the direction of the sound. Slowly she moves to investigate.
Buffy turns the corner and looks down the adjoining way. There she sees a man dressed in black, walking suspiciously, as though looking for something. She begins to follow silently but doesn't notice an empty aluminum can on the pavement and steps on it. The man reacts instantly to the noise, spins around and swings at her with a stake. Buffy throws up her arms and blocks the swing, then deftly takes the stake from the man's hands and raises it to counter attack. He steps back and the white cross hanging from his neck swings around, standing out in marked contrast to the rest of his attire. Buffy realizes that the man is XANDER and breaks off her attack. Xander is taken completely by surprise and just stares back at her, slack-jawed.
Didn't anyone ever warn you about playing with pointy sticks? It's all fun and games until somebody loses an eye.
You shouldn't sneak up on people like that!
He breathes hard, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He looks at her, trying to convince himself that it's really her, and finally manages a weak smile.
Jeez, Buff!
Suddenly a vampire smashes his way out of a crate leaning against the wall. He lunges at Xander and Buffy, knocking them and himself to the pavement. As they struggle to their feet, Buffy easily knocks the vampire off Xander and into a pile of trash.
CORDELIA's voice crackles over Xander's radio.
Come in, Nighthawk! Everything okay?
Nighthawk?
The vampire is back on his feet and charges them. It tackles Xander and sends him reeling backward into a chain link fence. Buffy tries to stake him, but he sidesteps her and shoves her into the fence as well. The vampire swings out with a fist to Xander's face, knocking him to the ground. Buffy and the creature grapple with each other, fighting furiously.
WILLOW, Cordelia and OZ run into the alley and the two girls take the vampire by the arms and drag him off of Buffy and across the alley, slamming him hard into a steel roll-up door. Buffy catches her breath as she looks on in astonishment. The vampire growls at the girls as Oz tries to move in with a stake, but the vamp kicks Oz, sending him crashing to the pavement next to Xander. He then shoves Cordelia away and Buffy quickly moves to catch her so she won't get hurt. The vampire then pushes Willow aside as well and she falls onto Xander and Oz.
Oh hey, Buffy.
Buffy pushes her aside and she falls to the pavement next to Willow as the vampire charges them once again. She plunges her stake cleanly through his chest and as he bursts into ashes, she looks over at her panting friends who are all staring back at her in shock and amazement. Buffy gives them a little wave and a weak smile.
Hey, guys.
Opening credit sequence.
The group is gathered before Giles' front door.
You know, maybe it's too late. Maybe we should just come back tomorrow.
They're not buying it. Buffy looks at the door, then back at the others.
What if he's mad?
Mad? Just because you ran away and abandoned your post and your friends and your mom and made him lay awake every night worrying about you? (to Oz and Willow) Maybe we should wait out here.
Resigned, Buffy turns to the door, reaches for the knocker and taps it a few times.
GILES opens the door to find Buffy flanked by her friends. His expression remains neutral for a long beat.
Check it out. The Watcher is back on the clock. And just when you were thinking career change, maybe becoming a... looker or a... seer.
Thank you, Xander.
Giles regards his Slayer.
Welcome home, Buffy.
A huge smile breaks across Buffy's face as he pulls the door open wide and steps back so they can all enter.
Oz, Willow, Cordelia, Giles and Xander are all gathered listening to Buffy recount her tale.
I got in a few hours ago but I wanted to go see my mom first.
Yes. Yes, of course. How, how did you find her?
Well, I pretty much remembered the address.
I mean... how are things between you?
The teakettle in the kitchen begins to whistle. He excuses himself and retreats to the kitchen.
Excuse me.
Hey, so you're not wanted for murder anymore.
Good. That was such a drag.
So where were you? Did you go to Belgium?
Why would I go to Belgium?
I think the relevant question is why wouldn't you? (laughs) Bel- gium!
Giles is taking teacups out of his cupboard and he smiles as he listens to the conversation in the living room, pleased that they are getting along so well again.
What about you, Xander? What's up with you?
Oh, you know... same old, same old.
Giles stands off to the side watching the conversation unfold. He's obviously quietly relieved and immensely pleased to have Buffy back after so long.
Hardly.
Okay, I lied. A whole lot is new.
Well, that's good, isn't it? New is good.
Oh, yeah, absolutely, except for the obvious.
Yeah, 'cause you weren't at the hotel.
Giles brings the serving tray into the living room.
Cordelia's parents dragged her onto a luxury vacation.
I feel for you.
Here we are then. Cheer us up.
They grab cookies as Giles pours the tea.
So were you like living in a box or what?
Well, it's a long story.
So skip the heartwarming stuff about kindly old people and saving the farm and get right to the dirt.
Perhaps Buffy could use a little time to adjust before we grill her on her summer activities.
What he said.
Fair enough. In fact, you can leave the slaying to us while you settle in. We got you covered.
I noticed. You guys seem down with the slayage, all tricked out with your walkies and everything.
Yeah, but the outfits suck. This whole Rambo thing is so over. I'm thinking more sporty, like Hilfiger maybe.
Still, we were getting good. We dusted nine out of ten.
Six out of ten.
Six out of ten.
Whatever... we were kicking a little undead booty.
Well, thank you for the offer but I think I just want to get back to my normal routine. You know, school, slaying... kid's stuff. In fact, I'm jonesing for a little brainless fun. (to Xander) What are you doing tomorrow?
Oh, I would, but... I'm kind of tied up.
He slides his arm around Cordelia and smiles. She makes a face and pushes him away.
You wish.
Will?
Tomorrow I--
Oh, come on. Friends don't let friends browse alone.
Okay. I had some schoolwork, but... I can change my plans.
As for school, Buffy... you know you'll have to talk to Principal Snyder before--
On it. Mom is making an appointment with His Ugliness. I know she can break him.
Giles doesn't look nearly so confident.
Principal SNYDER stares intently at Joyce and Buffy from behind his desk.
Absolutely not. Under no circumstances.
But you can't keep her out of school. You don't have the right.
I have not only the right but also a nearly physical sensation of pleasure at the thought of keeping her out of school. I'd describe myself as tingly.
Buffy was cleared of all those charges.
Yes. And while she may live up to the not-a-murderer requirement for enrollment, she is a troublemaker: destructive to school property and the occasional student. And her grade point average is enough to... (his eyes glaze over for an instant) I'm sorry. Another tingle moment.
I don't see how you can be so cavalier about a young girl's entire future!
I'm quite sure that a girl with the talents and abilities of Buffy will land on her feet. (to Buffy) In fact, I noticed as I came in this morning that Hot Dog on a Stick is hiring. You will look so cute in that hat.
Let's go, Mom.
Buffy stands up and walks toward the door. Her mother stands up as well then rounds on Snyder.
This isn't over. If I have to, I'll go all the way to the Mayor.
She follows Buffy out the door.
Wouldn't that be interesting.
Buffy and Joyce pull up to the curb opposite the Espresso Pump in their Jeep.
Don't worry about school, honey. If we can't get you back into Sunnydale, maybe we can swing private school.
Private school? You mean, like jackets and kilts? You want me to get field hockey knees?
It's not that bad.
What about home schooling? You know, it's not just for scary religious people anymore.
We'll work something out. Okay?
They lean toward each other and kiss goodbye.
Say hi to Willow?
Buffy nods as she releases her seatbelt and gets out of the car.
Later. Buffy is waiting for Willow in front of the cafČ. She checks her watch then looks away, disappointed. She sits down on a bench to watch and wait for her friend, but Willow never shows.
Much later. Buffy walks up the sidewalk toward the house. The front door opens and Buffy a woman leaves, pulling the door closed behind her. Buffy doesn't recognize her and stares at her, confused. The woman sees her and smiles.
Oh, my word! Oh, you must be Buffy! Look at you. Aren't you a picture?
Thank you.
PAT offers Buffy her hand.
Oh, I'm Pat, from your mom's book club. I'm sure she mentioned me.
Actually...
I sort of took it upon myself to look after her while you were, you know, off and away or what have you and...
Buffy can't believe she's having this conversation.
Well, between your situation and reading Deep End of the Ocean, she was just a wreck. You can imagine.
Buffy gives her a thin smile and a weak nod.
Anyway, I'm off. We're making empaŅadas in my Spanish class tonight. (giggles) You go be with your mom. You two need to re- bond.
She smiles and heads off.
Buffy enters and sets her purse on the island. Joyce is taking some notes from a book.
Pat wishes us quality time.
Oh. I met her in a--
Book club.
Buffy takes a glass from the cupboard.
Yeah.
Got it.
Oh, before I forget-- Willow just called.
Where was she?
She got held up but she said she tried to call.
Buffy takes a pitcher from the fridge and pours herself a drink.
Was there a message?
No, but I had a thought. What if I invited Willow and Mr. Giles and everybody over for dinner tomorrow night? (smiles) Don't you think that would be nice?
No response.
Since I sort of already did, I was hoping for a yes.
Buffy looks up at her mom and gives her a little smile and a nod. The smile barely lasts a second.
It'll be fun.
Great. Do me a favor? Run down and get the company plates.
Mom, Willow and everybody aren't company-plate people. They're normal-plate people.
We never have guests for dinner. Indulge your mother?
Buffy sighs and heads for the basement door.
Buffy sets a stepstool down in front of an old bookcase full of odds and ends. She steps up on it, noticing a picture on an upper shelf. She takes it down and we see it's a photo of her with Willow and Xander. They are on the lawn and she is sitting with Willow behind her and Xander laying his head on her legs with his eyes turned up at her. She looks at it for a long moment, remembering when it was taken. She places it back on the shelf and reaches up for the box of good china. As she slides the box off the shelf, a dead and rotting cat suddenly falls off onto the floor.
Oh!
She looks down at it squeamishly.
Eww.
Buffy grunts as she digs a shallow grave for the cat.
Next time, I get to pick the mother-daughter bonding activity.
Joyce lifts a cat-filled garbage bag over the hole and drops it in.
Do you want to say something?
Like what? Thanks for stopping by and dying?
How about... good-bye, stray cat who lost its way. We hope you find it.
Buffy accepts that and starts to fill the hole back in.
Buffy reaches over to the lamp on her nightstand and turns it off, then lies back in bed and hugs the covers to herself. She looks around the dark, lonely room and waits to fall asleep.
Joyce is sound asleep. Pan from her over to the Nigerian tribal mask on the wall. Its eyes begin to glow a deep red.
The dirt covering the dead cat begins to move. A moment later, the cat pokes its head through the soil, growls menacingly and claws its way out. Once out, it continues hissing and growling as it staggers off down the street.
Buffy enters the hall from outside. The door closes behind her with an echoing clang, startling her. She looks back at it but then continues walking. The school is deserted. She walks past the empty lounge toward the library. The doors are wide open, and she looks in for a moment. It's just as deserted as the rest of the school.
The sun shines brightly down on the quad. Buffy slowly walks down the outside stairs, all the while looking around for any indication that anyone else is there. When she reaches the bottom of the stairs she turns out into the quad. She stops when she sees ANGEL walking toward her. He falls in and walks with her across the quad.
I thought they'd be here.
They are. They're waiting for you.
Am I dreaming?
I'm probably the wrong person to ask. You'd better go.
I'm afraid.
You should be.
He stops walking and watches her go. The school bell rings.
The school bell blends into the sound of her alarm buzzer going off. Buffy wakes from her dream and turns over to look at her alarm clock: 7:00 AM. She reaches over and turns it off.
Buffy stares into the refrigerator while she listens to her mother talking.
I've been on the phone with the Superintendent of Schools. At least he seems more reasonable than that nasty little horrid bigoted rodent-man.
Mom...
Anyway, I'm going in to speak with him this afternoon. As for private schools, Miss Porter's accepts late admissions.
Buffy closes the fridge and turns to give her mom a sour look.
I wrote the information down for you.
Buffy reads the slip of paper.
A girls' school? So now it's jackets, kilts and no boys? Care to throw in a little foot-binding?
Joyce sets down her coffee mug and steps over to her daughter.
Buffy, you made some bad choices. You just might have to live with some consequences.
Buffy looks away, realizing that her mother is right.
Nothing's settled yet. I just wish you didn't have to be so secretive about things. I mean, it's not your fault you have a special circumstance. They should make allowances for you.
Mom, I'm a Slayer. It's not like I need to ride a little bus to school.
Couldn't you just tell a few people... like Principal Snyder and maybe the police?
Buffy looks at her like she's got to be kidding.
I mean, I would think they would be happy to have a... superhero.
Buffy can't believe her ears.
Is that the right term? I mean, it's not offensive, is it?
Joyce opens the door to take out the trash and gasps in fright when the dead cat runs in. It stops short and yowls at them menacingly.
Later, at the front door. Buffy opens it to admit Giles holding a cage.
Welcome to the Hellmouth Petting Zoo.
She motions upstairs and Giles heads up with Buffy in tow.
The cat is hiding under the bed. Giles grabs it by the scruff of its neck and pulls it out.
Oh, my god, what a stench!
He takes the cat over to the cage, puts it in and closes the latch.
You know, I wanted Forest Pine or April Fresh but Mom wanted Dead Cat.
Joyce looks at the cat, completely revolted. Even Giles struggles to keep from being overcome by the stench.
Ugh! I'll get it back to the library, see if we can determine its exact origins.
He lifts the cage and turns to face Joyce, noticing the mask on the wall behind her.
It's... striking and... Nigerian.
Oh, yes. I have this wonderful dealer who specializes in ancient artifacts, I don't know if you--
You know, I love art talk as much as the next very dull person, but we have work to do. Giles. Research mode.
Shouldn't you stay with your mother, perhaps, Buffy? I mean, you must have--
Please, no. It's fine. She can go with you.
Actually, she can't. (to Buffy) You're not allowed on school property.
Oh.
I'm sorry. I'll call as soon as I know something.
He reaches for the doorknob and the cat growls and hisses.
Oh, we'll see you tonight?
Tonight, then. Yes.
He opens the door and leaves.
The caged cat is on the table. Oz is inspecting it closely, apparently not bothered by its stench. Xander shares Oz's fascination, but from a distance. Willow, Giles and Cordelia are researching.
It looks dead. It smells dead. Yet it's moving around. That's interesting.
Nice pet, Giles. Don't you like anything regular? Golf, USA Today or anything?
I'm trying to find out how and why it rose from the grave. It's not as if I'm going to take it home and offer it a saucer of warm milk.
Well, I like it. I think you should call it Patches.
What about Buffy's welcome home dinner tonight? I had told her mom we'd help out. Bring stuff.
I'm the dip.
Everyone looks over at her but she is apparently oblivious of her double entendre.
You gotta admire the purity of it.
What? Onion dip. Stirring, not cooking. It's what I bring.
We should figure out what kinda deal this is. I mean, is it a gathering, a shindig or a hootenanny?
What's the difference?
Well, a gathering is brie, mellow song stylings; shindig, (re: Cordelia) dip, less mellow song stylings, perhaps a large amount of malt beverage; and hootenanny, well, it's chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny.
Well, I hate brie.
I know. It smells like Giles' cat.
It's not my--
And what'll we talk about at a gathering anyway? 'So, Buffy, did you meet any nice pimps on your travels? And oh, by the by, thanks for ruining our lives for the past three months.'
Xander...
You know what I mean. She doesn't want to talk about it, we don't want to talk about it, so why don't we just shut up and dance?
Well, Buffy said she did want to loosen up, you know, have some kid time. (to Oz) Aren't you guys rehearsing tonight? Why don't you play at the party?
Yeah, I think I could supply some Dingo action.
I'm not sure that a shindig...
Hootenanny.
Hootenanny is really the order of the day. It should... maybe something a little more intimate. I mean, Buffy has just got home. I'm sure she's still feeling a little disoriented.
All the more reason to make her feel welcome and a big party says, 'Welcome, Buffy.'
Xander slaps Giles on the back and Giles gives him a withering look.
Okay, so one vote from the old guy for a Smelly Cheese Night and how many votes for actual fun, huh?
Everyone but Giles raises their hand and smiles.
All right, all right. Have it your way. I'm just glad to have her home.
The cat yowls again and Giles goes back to his book.
Now things can get back to normal.
He flips a page but is paying more attention to the cat than the book and he fails to notice a picture of Joyce's tribal mask before flipping past it to another chapter.
Establishing.
The table is beautifully set with Joyce's best china, crystal and silverware. Buffy is dressed for the occasion and is putting the last setting into place when the doorbell rings. She looks over the table one last time and then goes to the door. Through the window she sees Pat waiting, holding a large plastic food container. Buffy opens the door and Pat walks in.
Hey, there you are! Not thinking about any more flights of fancy, I hope.
Buffy ignores her comment and closes the door.
Joyce said there was room for one more, so I said forget facial night and let's party! (smiles) I bet you like empaŅadas.
She holds out the container to Buffy who takes it and gives her an insincere smile.
Do you want to see my mom?
Please.
Mom!
Joyce appears at the head of the stairs.
Oh, Pat! Good. Buffy, I hope you don't mind.
The two women embrace.
Hi! You look great!
The doorbell rings again and, taking the empaŅadas under one arm, Buffy turns around to answer it. It's DEVON with Oz's band.
Hey, Buffy. So where do you want the band to set up?
He walks into the living room and looks around for a good spot.
Wh-- the band?
Two girls follow him in carrying parts of the drum set.
Later. The house is full of people and the party is in full swing. Dingoes Ate My Baby is set up in the corner of the living room and they are in mid-song. Pan from the drummer, past Oz on the guitar and Devon at vocals, then over the crowd. Half of Sunnydale High must be in attendance, the place is so densely packed with people. Settles on Willow listening to Oz while moving to the beat of the music.
Track on Buffy who looks around at all of the people, not sure who half of them are, trying to find Willow. Buffy finally spots her and heads over to her.
Hey!
Hey!
This is large!
You like?
Yeah. It's great. I was just sort of hoping it would be... us.
Sorry. What?
She indicates that the music is too loud to hear.
This is amazing but I was sort of hoping we could just hang together, the gang.
Willow points to the band and makes like she totally can't hear Buffy. But it's obvious her attention is elsewhere as she turns back to Oz and smiles at him while
he plays. Buffy senses that Willow isn't up for conversation at the moment and decides to leave her alone.
She walks off, then changes her mind. She wants to talk to Willow now. She touches Willow on the arm and indicates they should go someplace to talk. Willow lets Buffy lead her away through the crowd.
They find a relatively quiet spot in the dining room where they can talk.
Is everything okay? You... you seem to be avoiding me, in the one-on-one sense.
What? This isn't avoiding. See? Here you are, here I am.
So we're cool?
Way! That's why, with the party, 'cause we're all glad you're back.
She's not very convincing but Buffy decides to accept it for now.
Okay.
Okay. Good.
Willow goes back to watching the band again, leaving Buffy alone and further reinforcing her suspicions that things are not good.
The tribal mask's eyes begin to glow a deep red again.
Multiple vehicular accident. A Sunnydale squad car, red and blue lights flashing, is parked next to the body of a victim. An officer walks past while another interviews witnesses. Pan down to the dead man lying in the street. The EMT tending to him stands up and goes to get a gurney. CU on the dead man's face: his forehead is severely lacerated. Suddenly his eyes open in a vacant stare. One of his eyes is filled with blood and is a sickening reddish color. The man sits up.
The Dingoes are still playing.
Xander and Cordelia are heatedly making out by the stairs. Wandering alone through the crowd, Buffy notices them but doesn't want to interrupt. However, Xander sees her and calls out. Cordelia never stops kissing him on the face and neck while he talks to Buffy.
Hey, Buff, what are you doing?
I was just taking a break from all this wacky fun.
Some kind of party, huh? I guess a lot of people are glad to have you back.
She looks around at the crowd.
It seems like people I didn't even know missed me. Did Giles say he was going to be late?
He was Library Man last time I saw him. But he'll be here. He wants to celebrate your homecoming. We all do. I mean, it's great to have the Buffster back. (to Cordelia) Isn't it?
Totally! (to Xander) Except you were kinda turning me on with that whole Boy Slayer look.
Was I now?
You bet, Nighthawk.
They smile and giggle at each other, then resume kissing. Buffy definitely feels like a fifth wheel.
Well, I'll just be... (gives up) Oh, yeah.
She makes her way off through the crowd.
The mask's eyes glow brighter.
A trauma team is trying to revive a burn victim. A nurse holds a pair of defibrillation pads ready while the DOCTOR pumps his chest and another nurse bags him.
Breathe. Breathe.
The man is flat-lining. The heart monitor beeps insistently but the cursor cuts a straight line across the screen.
All right, look. These burns are too extensive. It's 7:43. Let's call it.
The doctor walks off while the nurses put away the equipment. CU on the dead man. He has severe second- and third-degree burns all along the right side of his face and body. His eyes suddenly snap open and he sits up on the bed, leaving a puddle of blood on the pillow.
Oh, my god!
The dead man walks out of the ER, throwing people out of his way as he goes.
Buffy is at the snack table gathering up empty cups. A guy past her and grabs a handful of party mix, leans his head back and dumps it into his mouth. Most of it spills onto the floor. Buffy shrugs, picks up a few more cups and goes to throw them out. She passes two guys talking and overhears their conversation.
Hey, what's the deal with this party anyway?
His STONER buddy takes a long drag from his joint.
This party? Heard it was for some chick that just got out of rehab.
Buffy continues forlornly toward the kitchen.
Joyce and Pat are having a little fiesta of their own and pour some schnapps into two glasses. They raise their glasses, clink them together and each take a good swig.
Whew!
Pat smiles and nods at Joyce.
Now, how you holding up, Joyce, hmm? Really.
Really? I'm... I don't know. While Buffy was gone, all I could think about was getting her home. I just knew that if I could put my arms around her and tell her how much I loved her, everything would be okay.
But?
Unnoticed by the two women, Buffy listens from the kitchen doorway.
Having Buffy home, I thought it was going to make it all better but in some ways it's almost worse.
Buffy is shocked and saddened by her mother's words. They pierce her heart and she turns away, heading upstairs.
Buffy walks in and swings the door closed behind her. She looks sadly at her bed and cries quietly. Then she bends down, pulls her bag out from beneath the bed, slams it onto the mattress and opens it up. She goes to her closet, takes out a pile of folded clothes, goes back to her bed and stuffs them into the bag.
The mask's eyes glow with a sick, throbbing red light.
Several zombies are making their way through the park across the street toward the house.
The cat meows acridly in its cage. Giles is looking through his books yet again. He reads the entry with mounting alarm.
Oh, Lord!
Giles sets the book down on his desk. He turns the page and this time sees the picture of the mask that he missed before.
He picks up the phone and quickly dials Buffy's number, impatiently listening to it ringing.
The Dingoes are well into their next song. The phone can barely be heard ringing above the noise. No one thinks to pick up.
Giles waits anxiously for an answer.
The stoner picks up the phone and holds it tightly to his ear, plugging his free ear with a finger.
Party Villa, can I rock you?
I need to speak with Buffy, immediately! I have some information that is extremely important.
Someone breaks a glass and the stoner looks across the room.
Yeah! Fiesta foul! You gotta do a shot!
I need to speak to Buffy! Now!
Bunny?
See? That guy's gotta do a shot.
Buffy!
The stoner holds the phone out to the crowd.
Hey! I need to talk to a Buddy! Is there a Buddy here? (into phone) Sorry. He's not here. You got the wrong casa, Mr. Belvedere.
The stoner drops the phone back onto the hook and staggers off.
Hello? Hello?!
He slams the phone down and quickly gathers up his things. The cat snarls and hisses in the background.
Buffy is gathering clothes from her closet and dumping them on her bed. While she stuffs her things into her bag, Willow appears at her door and sees her packing.
You're leaving again?
Buffy gives her a quick glance and goes back to packing.
What? You just stopped by for your lint brush and now you're ready to go?
It's not like anyone will mind.
Oh, no. Have a good time. Oh, and don't forget to not write.
Buffy turns to face Willow, sobbing.
Why are you attacking me? I'm trying.
Wow, and it looks so much like giving up!
I'm just trying to make things easier.
For who?
You guys were doing just fine without me.
We were doing the best we could! It's not like we had a lot of choice in the matter.
Sorry that I had to leave but you don't know what I was going through.
Well, I'd like to.
You wouldn't understand.
Well, maybe I don't need to understand. Maybe I... I just need you to talk to me.
How could I talk to you when you were avoiding me?
This isn't easy, Buffy! I know you're going through stuff but... so am I.
I know that you were worried about me but--
Now Willow is in tears as well.
No! I don't just mean that. I mean my life! You know? I... I'm having all sorts of... I'm dating, I'm having serious dating with a werewolf and I'm studying witchcraft and killing vampires and I didn't have anyone to talk to about all this scary life stuff. (beat) And you were my best friend.
Giles is speeding to Buffy's house as best he can in his decrepit car. He looks left and right in anger and fear.
Unbelievable. (mocks Joyce) 'Do you like my mask? Isn't it pretty? It raises the dead!' Americans.
He looks up in time to see that he's about to hit someone.
Jesus!
He slams on the brakes and begins to skid but hits the man, who falls onto the hood of the car, bounces off of the windshield and slides to the pavement as the car comes to a stop. The man rolls a few times before coming to rest. Giles stares in shock at the man lying in the road.
My god!
He quickly gets out of his car.
Are you all right?
He feels the man's neck for a pulse.
Are you hurt?
The man rolls over and we see that he's in an advanced state of decomposition: an animated corpse.
Good god!
The zombie seizes Giles by the coat and lifts him to his feet. Other zombies shuffle out of a nearby alley.
Buffy and Willow are still arguing.
You have no idea how much I missed you. Everyone. I wanted to call every day.
That doesn't matter, Buffy. It doesn't make it okay that you didn't.
Joyce walks past the doorway and sees the bag on Buffy's bed.
What is this? Is this some sort of a joke?
Mom, please, could you just--
No, I can't just! Buffy, what is this?
She was running away again.
No, I wasn't. (beat, confused) I'm not sure.
Well, you better get sure and explain yourself right away! If you think you can just take off any time you feel like--
Stop it! Please! I don't know. I don't know what I'm doing.
She bolts from her room and runs downstairs. Joyce and Willow follow right on her heels.
Buffy stops at the front door and turns into the living room when she finds Xander and Cordelia locked in a passionate embrace, blocking her way out.
Don't you leave this house, young lady!
Buffy pays her no mind.
You know what? That's it.
She takes Buffy by the arm and spins her around to face her.
You and I are going to have a talk.
The band stops playing and crowd quiets. Suddenly the level of noise in the room is reduced to just a few voices. Buffy looks around to find everyone staring at them.
Mom, please--
Xander and Cordelia walk into the living room to see what the fuss is about.
You know what? I don't care. I don't care what your friends think of me-- or you, for that matter-- because you put me through the wringer, Buffy. I mean it. And I've had schnapps. Do you have any idea what it's been like?
Mom, this isn't the time...
Willow looks around, worried. Oz moves over to her.
You can't imagine months of not knowing. Not knowing whether you're lying dead in a ditch somewhere or, I don't know, living it up--
But you told me! You're the one who said I should go. You said if I leave this house, don't come back. You found out who I really was and you couldn't deal. Don't you remember?
People are beginning to think this is a drag and leave.
Buffy, you didn't give me time. You just dumped this thing on me and you expected me to get it. Well, guess what? Mom's not perfect, okay? I handled it badly. But that doesn't give you the right to punish me by running away.
Punish you? I didn't do this to punish you!
Well, you did. You should've seen what you put her through.
Great. Thanks. Anybody else want to weigh in here? (to Jonathan) How about you by the dip?
JONATHAN freezes with a dip-laden chip halfway to his mouth and looks around nervously at everyone suddenly staring at him.
No, thanks. I'm good.
You know, maybe you don't want to hear it, Buffy, but taking off like you did was incredibly selfish and stupid.
Okay! Okay. I screwed up. I know this. But you have no idea! You have no idea what happened to me or what I was feeling!
Did you even try talking to anybody?
There was nothing that anybody could do. Okay? I just had to deal with this on my own.
Yeah, and you see how well that one worked out. You can't just bury stuff, Buffy. It'll come right back up to get you.
The zombie has Giles bent back on the hood of his car. Giles gets his foot underneath him and kicks him off. Giles rolls off of the hood and scrambles back into the car, locking the door. The zombies start pounding on the car as Giles reaches for the ignition and discovers the keys missing. He searches his pockets. Nothing. He looks out onto the street and there they are.
Oh, good show, Giles.
He pauses for a moment, pondering his options, then reaches underneath the dash and yanks out some wires. Quickly he unravels and strips the appropriate ones. A zombie punches through the window and reaches in for him as Giles touches the wires together. They spark and the engine revs.
Like riding a bloody bicycle!
He jams the car into gear and drives off, leaving the zombies behind.
As if I even could've gone to you, Xander. You made your feelings about Angel and I perfectly clear.
Look. I'm sorry that your honey was a demon but most girls don't hop a Greyhound over boy troubles.
Cordelia intercedes on Buffy's behalf in typical Cordelia fashion.
Time out, Xander. Put yourself in Buffy's shoes for just a minute, okay? I'm Buffy, freak of nature, right? Naturally I pick a freak for a boyfriend and then he turns into Mr. Killing Spree, which is pretty much my fault--
Cordy! Get out of my shoes!
I'm just trying to help, Buffy.
Buffy, you never--
Buffy is near the breaking point.
Willow, please. I can't take this from you, too.
Let her finish! You at least owe her that.
God, Xander! Do you think you could at least stick to annoying me on your own behalf?
Fine! You stop acting like an idiot, I'll stop annoying you!
Oh, you want to talk acting like an idiot? Nighthawk?
Oz moves between them.
Okay. I'm gonna step in now, being Referee Guy.
No, let them go, Oz. Talking about it isn't helping. We might as well try some violence.
At that precise moment, a zombie smashes though the living room window and lurches in with others right behind.
I was being sarcastic!
A zombie seizes Xander and they start to wrestle. Another one grabs the Stoner's head and twists it violently, breaking his neck. Xander gets the upper hand on the slow-moving zombie and throws him back out the window. Willow and Oz rush to help and a zombie dives through the kitchen door behind them. The remaining party guests mobilize and try to drive the zombies out but aren't very successful. Xander breaks away from the crowd.
Xander, kitchen!
I got your back!
She tosses him an andiron from the fireplace and he runs into the kitchen with Cordelia close behind. A zombie attacks Buffy and she kicks him in the gut. She rains punches down on him but he isn't fazed. Joyce watches Buffy fight, cringing with every blow. The zombie lunges for Buffy but staggers as Joyce comes up behind him with a vase and smashes it over his head. The party guests are having limited success keeping the zombies out of the house. Buffy sweeps the zombie's legs from under him, knocking him to the floor.
Are these vampires?
I don't think so.
Buffy, heads up!
Willow tosses Buffy a piece of the broken window frame. Buffy snatches it out of the air and tries staking the zombie. It looks up at her as though she's crazy.
No, not vampires.
The zombie starts to get back up.
Xander swings the andiron at a zombie, staggering him. Cordelia looks around and finds a stake on the counter. She jams it into the zombie's gut.
Drawn by the commotion, Pat looks into the kitchen as a zombie comes up behind her and drags her off screaming by the head. The zombie in the kitchen comes at Xander again as another tries to crawl in through the window over the sink.
Man, this sucker wobbles, but he won't fall down!
He swings the andiron at the zombie's legs and knocks him to he floor.
Joyce slams the zombie repeatedly over the head with a broken piece of wood. Jonathan is brandishing a guitar, holding the creature at bay.
We got to get 'em back outside!
On three!
Devon grabs the zombie by the back. Oz and Joyce each grab an arm.
One... two... three!
Together they drag him to the front door where Buffy is waiting to slam it shut. The three of them throw the ghoul out and barricade themselves against the door. The zombie slams himself against the other side, trying to get back in.
Okay! We're going to have to barricade this door!
Xander and Cordelia have their zombie pinned face down to the floor with his arms behind him.
We need some help out here!
I got him. Go help Buffy.
Cordelia rushes into the living room to help while Xander ties up the zombie.
The group is desperately trying to keep the front door closed.
Grab that table!
Devon takes Oz's place at the door as Oz drags the table back and positions it against the door. He leans into it while Devon goes off to get another one. Xander shows up to help, too. Suddenly the zombie punches through the door and makes a grab for Oz's shoulder.
Upstairs!
She runs up the stairs and into her mother's room. Willow, Xander and Joyce follow her.
At the top of the stairs Joyce notices Pat lying unconscious on the floor further down the hall.
Oh, Pat!
She rushes over to Pat and Willow and Buffy run over to help also.
Oh, god...
Pat wakes and Willow and Joyce help her up, each getting under one arm.
Careful!
Oh...
Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry.
I got you. Okay.
They drag her toward the bedroom. Xander ushers them in and follows.
The stand at the door has to be abandoned. Devon runs out the back and Cordelia helps Oz escape from the zombie outside the door. They try to make it up the stairs but another zombie grabs Oz from behind and pulls him down to the floor.
Oz!
She runs back down the stairs, reaching out for Oz, but he waves her off.
Go! Go!
She starts to run toward the back and Oz scrambles out of the zombie's reach, running right behind her.
Joyce and Willow have to drag Pat the rest of the way in and set her down on a large padded wicker chair while Buffy and Xander barricade the door against a zombie. Willow feels for a pulse on Pat's neck.
She's...
Oh, god! Pat! She's dead!
The zombie gives the door a good bump, knocking Xander back and into the far wall. The impact vibration knocks the mask from its hook. Buffy manages to shove the zombie back and Willow and Joyce run to help. The eyes of the mask begin to glow red again. Xander stands back up and now all four of them are pushing against the bedroom door.
What do we do if they get in?
I kind of think we die.
The mask's eyes glow brighter. CU on Pat. Her eyes open wide.
It's pitch dark in the closet shared by Oz and Cordelia.
I don't hear anything. Should we check?
Let's go for it.
He opens the door and looks out. No zombies. He checks the other way. The coast appears to be clear. They can, however, hear noises coming from upstairs. Cordelia spots a pair of ski poles in the closet and hands one of them to Oz.
Here.
Thanks.
Together they start down the hall toward the stairs. When they reach the kitchen door, Cordelia peeks in and starts when Giles suddenly appears, having come in through the back door. She holds her ski pole up to his neck. Oz points his at Giles' gut.
Cordelia, it's me! It's me!
How do we know it's really you and not Zombie Giles?
Cordelia, do stop being tiresome.
It's him.
She and Oz pull back their weapons. The noises upstairs become louder. They resume their journey toward the stairs.
I think the Dead Man's Party has moved upstairs.
That makes sense. It's the mask in Joyce's bedroom they're after.
Mask?
The mask holds the power of a zombie demon called Ovu Mobani-- the Evil Eye. I don't think we can get past them.
They crouch by the foot of the stairs and peer up.
Well, what happens if they get the mask?
If one of them puts it on, they become the demon incarnate.
Worse than a zombie?
Yes, worse.
The zombie at the door overpowers Buffy and the others, pushing the door violently inward. Joyce and Xander fall to the floor as the zombie backhands Buffy, sending her crashing into the wall.
Pat's rapt attention is drawn to the mask lying on the floor. Its eyes glow a bright red now.
Xander tries to grab the zombie from behind but it throws a staggering blow to his jaw, sending him flying onto the bed and onto the floor.
Pat stands up, her gaze riveted on the mask, and moves toward it. Joyce sees her stand up and looks on in shock. She rushes over to Pat.
Oh, god! We thought you were--
She tries to hug Pat but Pat grabs her outstretched arms and pushes her hard onto the bed. Joyce rolls off next to Xander as Pat bends down to pick up the mask. She holds it to her face as she stands back up. The eyes suddenly glow bright as the mask melts into Pat's face. The other zombie immediately stops fighting Willow and falls to its knees, screaming and cowering before Ovu Mobani incarnate.
Generally speaking, when scary things get scared: not good.
Willow looks at Mobani, transfixed by its stare.
I live, you die.
Buffy tries to put herself between them and Ovu Mobani turns to her. Its eyes flash, mesmerizing Buffy. It backhands her, sending her reeling against the closet door. However, Buffy is only slightly dazed and pushes herself up as Willow backs fearfully away from Mobani.
Willow, don't look!
Mobani's eyes flash at Willow again and she freezes. The demon strides over to her and seizes her by the head. Buffy tackles Mobani and their momentum sends them both crashing through the bedroom window.
They both roll off the roof and land in a heap in the backyard.
The other half of the group hears the window shatter.
Out back!
As they rush back down the stairs toward the back door, a zombie appears from the dining room and seizes Giles by the neck.
Buffy and Ovu Mobani get to their feet. Buffy looks away and quickly puts some distance between herself and the demon, shading her eyes as she goes.
Not looking.
Mobani pursues her.
Not looking!
With Ovu Mobani no longer present, the zombie has resumed its attack. Xander and Willow each have the zombie by an arm and Joyce cracks it across the spine with a baseball bat. The zombie screams and flails its arms, shaking Xander and Willow loose. It turns to face Joyce, who keeps swinging the bat.
Mobani tackles Buffy to the ground and turns her over but Buffy immediately covers her eyes and the demon's hypnotic powers have no effect on her. Buffy kicks Mobani off her, launching the demon across the yard where it lands hard on its back.
Oz and Giles try to use a ski pole to hold the zombie at bay with little success.
Tell Buffy Mobani's power lies in his eyes!
Oz hops over the stair railing and dashes for the door.
She has to go for the eyes to defeat him!
Buffy scrambles over to a shovel lying in the garden. Behind her, Mobani is runs at her again. Buffy turns around with the shovel raised but makes the mistake of
looking the demon in the eye and freezes in her tracks. Behind them, Oz runs out the kitchen door.
Buffy!
Ovu Mobani is distracted and Buffy snaps out of her trance. Mobani stares at Oz and he stops motionless on the porch. Buffy stands up and raises the shovel.
Hey, Pat!
Ovu Mobani snaps its head around to Buffy, who jams the shovel straight into the demon's eyes and deep into its head. Mobani grabs the shovel handle and tries to pull it out but can't.
Made you look.
In a flash of brilliant white light, Ovu Mobani disappears.
Joyce is still beating the zombie with the baseball bat. In a flash of light, he disappears. Joyce's next swing goes wild and she stops, confused but relieved.
Cordelia and Giles are holding a zombie back with ski poles. When the creature disappears in a flash of light, Cordelia topples forward but Giles reacts quickly and keeps her from falling.
Breathing hard, Buffy stares at the spot on the lawn where Mobani was. On the porch Oz shrugs.
Never mind.
Giles and Cordelia walk down the stairs. Behind them, a frantic Joyce runs down and into the living room, looking for Buffy. She sees her and Oz come in through the kitchen.
Honey!
She embraces her daughter tightly. Buffy hugs her mom back. As they release, Oz sees Willow come into the living room and heads over to her.
Are you all right?
Yeah.
So is this a typical day at the office?
No. This was nothing.
Willow and Oz hold hands and then turn to face Buffy. Xander enters into the living room by way of the kitchen and Cordelia hugs him with relief. Joyce looks around in despair at the mess in the house.
Nice moves.
You, too.
Willow gives Buffy a huge doe-eyed smile and hugs her best friend. They hold each other close for a long beat.
The next day. Snyder taking some files from the cabinet when there is a knock at the door. It opens and Giles walks in. Snyder glances up before sitting down at his desk.
Do we have an appointment?
I'd like to have a word with you.
Snyder drops the files on his desk and faces Giles.
If that word is Buffy, then I have two words for you: 'good' and 'riddance'. Now, if you don't mind, I have an appointment with the Mayor.
You can't keep her out of this school.
Snyder stands up and pulls on his jacket.
I think you'll find I can.
You had no grounds for expelling her.
I have grounds, I have precedent... and a tingly kind of feeling.
Buffy Summers is a minor and is entitled to a public education. Your personal dislike of the girl does not legally entitle you to--
Why don't you take it up with the City Council?
Snyder takes the files and his briefcase and heads for the door.
I thought I'd start with the State Supreme Court.
Giles finally has Snyder's full attention.
You're powerful in local circles but I believe I can make life very difficult for you, professionally speaking. (confidently) And Buffy will be allowed back in.
Sorry. I'm not convinced.
He brushes past Giles and the Watcher grabs him by the lapels and shoves him back into the filing cabinet.
Would you like me to convince you?
Snyder cowers and nervously shakes his head.
Pan across the interior and stop on Buffy and Willow sipping a couple of drinks.
I mean, I'm not a full-fledged witch. That takes years. I just did a couple pagan blessings and... a teeny glamour to hide a zit.
Does it scare you?
It has. I tried to communicate with the spirit world, and I so wasn't ready for that. It's like being pulled apart inside. Plus I blew the power for our whole block. Big scare.
I wish I could've been there with you.
Me, too. I really freaked out.
I am sorry.
It's okay. I understand you having to bail. I can forgive that. I have to make allowances for what you're going through and be a grownup about it.
She gives Buffy a slightly smug look.
You're really enjoying this whole moral superiority thing, aren't you?
It's like a drug!
Fine! Okay. I'm the bad. I can take my lumps... (pointed) for a while.
All right. I'll stop giving you a hard time. (beat) Runaway.
Will!
I'm sorry! (beat) Quitter.
Whiner.
Bailer.
Harpy.
Delinquent.
Tramp.
Bad seed.
Witch.
Freak.