Season 7, Episode 13 | Aired: 4 February 2003 | Written by: Drew Z. Greenberg | Directed by: David Solomon
Willow kisses Kennedy; her face becomes Warren’s. A guilt-spell from Amy has activated, triggered by Willow’s happiness — punishing her for moving on. The episode manages the Willow/Kennedy relationship’s beginning while also giving Willow a conversation with Warren’s face that is explicitly about her guilt over Tara. Also: Giles might be the First, so the Potentials tackle him to the ground.
What Happens
Willow’s guilt manifests as Warren — wearing his face, his voice. Willow seeks out his mother, then the real Warren’s location. Kennedy, who understands what’s happening, helps Willow find the source and break the spell. They kiss. Willow becomes Willow again. Meanwhile: the Scoobies notice Giles hasn’t been touched physically since arriving in Sunnydale and begin to suspect he’s the First. They grab him. He is, it turns out, solid. The Potentials release him. He is not pleased.
Key Moments
Willow’s conversation with “Warren” in a diner — which is really Willow talking to her own guilt, out loud, in public, with Amy’s magic making it visible. Hannigan plays both the magic transformation and the grief underneath it with real specificity.
Monster / Villain
Amy’s guilt spell — petty revenge that becomes something larger than she intended. And Willow’s own grief, wearing Warren’s face.
Notable Quote
“You were the one who was with her at the end, not me.” — Willow-as-Warren, to Willow. It’s accurate and that’s the point.
Where It Fits
The Killer in Me is the episode that advances Willow/Kennedy and processes Willow’s guilt simultaneously. It’s more tonally nimble than most mid-season episodes and Hannigan carries it well.