Season 6, Episode 21 | Aired: 21 May 2002 | Written by: Douglas Petrie | Directed by: Bill Norton
Willow pursues Andrew and Jonathan, who are in a police cell. The Scoobies try to protect them. Willow is more powerful than anyone can manage — she’s drained the entire Magic Box. She’s stopped, briefly, each time, but not stopped. Giles arrives at the episode’s final seconds with the power borrowed from the Devon coven and a look on his face that says he’s prepared to do what’s necessary. The episode is effective escalation toward Grave’s resolution.
What Happens
Jonathan and Andrew are extracted from the cell by Buffy and Xander. Willow follows, methodically. She destroys the police station. She strips Rack of his power supply (and his life). She attacks a truck on a highway. Giles contains her with the coven’s power — an unexpected reversal that leaves her briefly staggered. The episode ends on a cliff. Xander and Jonathan are arguing at the bottom of it.
Key Moments
Giles’s entrance — the doors to the Magic Box blowing open, the light around him, the show’s clearest statement that an adult has finally arrived to manage the crisis. And Willow’s response to Giles: she loves him, the magic notwithstanding, and the episode is careful to show that.
Monster / Villain
Willow — entirely. She is not reachable through argument or love at this point. Only power will stop her, temporarily.
Notable Quote
“There’s no one in the world with the power to stop me now.” — Willow. Then the doors open. Then Giles.
Where It Fits
Two to Go is functional penultimate-episode work — it keeps Willow credibly dangerous while setting up the Grave resolution that requires Xander rather than power. The episode doesn’t try to do too much on its own terms.