Season 3, Episode 19 | Aired: 4 May 1999 | Written by: David Fury | Directed by: James A. Contner
Buffy has been accepted to Northwestern. She and Angel have a conversation about the future — their future, specifically — that neither of them quite finishes. Meanwhile, she steals the Box of Gavrock from the Mayor’s office (it’s needed for the Ascension) and the Scoobies attempt to use it as leverage. The exchange goes badly. Willow, captured, uses the time to read the Mayor’s books and gains intelligence. The episode is about staying or going, and the show gives both options real weight.
What Happens
The Scoobies’ plan — steal the box, trade it for Faith — fails because Willow refuses to be traded. The Mayor gets his box back. Willow gets information. The intelligence gained about the Ascension will prove valuable. Faith and Buffy fight and end up in a standoff. The box goes back, and the Mayor is one step closer to his day.
Buffy and Angel’s conversation: she could go to Northwestern. She won’t. She’s needed here. They’re both pretending this is about the mission.
Key Moments
The Mayor visiting Willow in captivity — warm, paternal, offering her a doughnut and telling her that she’s going to die at Graduation. He’s not cruel about it. That’s the thing about the Mayor. He’s genuinely fond of these children even as he plans to eat them.
Monster / Villain
The Mayor at the negotiating table — polished, reasonable, completely in control.
Notable Quote
“Well. I think you should go.” — Angel, to Buffy, about Northwestern. He means the opposite.
Where It Fits
Choices is the episode that acknowledges what Angel and Buffy already know: this can’t last, and they’re both choosing not to say so out loud yet. The Season 3 ending will force the conversation they’ve been avoiding.