Season 4, Episode 21 | Aired: 16 May 2000 | Written by: David Fury | Directed by: James A. Contner
The season’s penultimate episode and its action climax. Willow, Xander, Giles, and Buffy perform a Sumerian joining spell that channels all four of them through Buffy — the combined essence of heart, mind, spirit, and hand. The resulting Buffy is able to defeat Adam by reaching into his chest and disassembling him from the inside. It’s a satisfying resolution to the season’s arc, and the spell’s components map neatly onto the show’s understanding of why this group works.
What Happens
Spike’s manipulation is exposed. The group makes up, quickly and genuinely — the reconciliation isn’t dwelt on because the situation is too urgent. They infiltrate the Initiative’s lower levels, where Adam has activated a program to harvest demons and humans alike for further hybrid construction. The joining spell is performed. Buffy defeats Adam. The Initiative is shut down by the government. Colonel McNamara (Conor O’Farrell) is killed by a Polgara demon. Maggie Walsh’s project ends with the facility in ruins.
Key Moments
The joined-Buffy sequence — Gellar playing Buffy inhabited by something larger, speaking Sumerian, moving differently. The effect is achieved mostly through performance and staging. Adam disassembling from within is the visual payoff of the whole season.
Monster / Villain
Adam — defeated, finally, by the thing he couldn’t account for: connection.
Notable Quote
“We are forever.” — the joined Buffy/Willow/Xander/Giles, to Adam. He has no equivalent to offer.
Where It Fits
Primeval closes the Initiative arc. The season’s finale proper is Restless — which is about something else entirely. Primeval is competent and satisfying. Restless is great.