Season 7, Episode 14 | Aired: 11 February 2003 | Written by: Jane Espenson | Directed by: David Grossman
Buffy goes on a date with Principal Wood; Xander goes on a date with Lissa; both dates turn out to involve supernatural complications. Principal Wood is revealed to be Nikki Wood’s son — the New York Slayer Spike killed in 1977. He’s been training for years. He wants to kill Spike. The episode is lighter than the season’s mode but accomplishes significant character work in setting up the Spike/Wood conflict.
What Happens
Lissa is a demon who tries to use Xander as a vessel for the First’s power. Wood takes Buffy to a restaurant and then to his private office, where he reveals the crosses and weapons and his mother’s identity. Giles gets a call from the First wearing the face of Jenny Calendar. The First tells him about the Spike situation. The episode ends with Giles understanding that Wood knows about Spike, and Wood understanding that Buffy won’t let Spike be killed.
Key Moments
Wood’s reveal — his mother’s photograph, his collection, his calm explanation. D.B. Woodside plays it as someone who has been preparing for one specific moment for decades. And Giles receiving the call as Jenny — the show using Robia LaMorte one last time.
Monster / Villain
Lissa — incidental. The First, coordinating. Wood, whose intentions are more complicated than “villain.”
Notable Quote
“I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’m very careful.” — Wood, about his Slayer work. He is careful. He’s also going to make a significant error.
Where It Fits
First Date establishes the Spike/Wood conflict that Lies My Parents Told Me will resolve. It’s a plot-advancement episode dressed as a comedy of errors, which is functional Season 7 work.