The season starts out in a pleasantly shocking way, with the introduction of Buffy's "sister" Dawn, a young cutesy version of Buffy (played by Michelle Trachtenberg). Her never before mentioned appearance certainly is not the most traditional way to start off a season. And I could see how the more fervent fans would be put off by not finding out the truth until much later in the season. But things soon fall into place and it's a fine fit for dawn to be part of the Gang. She's not just another stupid kid, instead bringing some smarts as well as a natural predilection for getting into trouble.

The fifth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a much more emotional season than most of the previous ones, for the exception of perhaps the second season. And you know what? It's a great change. On its way toward the series finale, the show hit us with more mature storylines and the feeling of real, palpable danger for the Scooby gang. Granted, most of the gang has been in some of life and death predicament at some time or the other, but the fifth showed that even the Slayer couldn't always avoid mortal danger.

There's also an improvement over last season with the maturing of Buffy and Riley's relationship. Perhaps from fan reaction, or what was just an obvious lack of chemistry between the two, they kill the relationship and at least make the first hints at a relationship between Spike and Buffy. It's nothing you'd expect, but Buffy has always been a show about crafting wickedly interesting turns in story and character, perhaps despite what the fans think. This season isn't any exception.

TV Grade: A-

Video: 4 out of 5
It mostly looks good, with just a few scenes over the course of the season that are perhaps a little too grainy. Otherwise, the original presentation is here and intact.
Full Screen 1.33:1