Buffy 6.12 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Doublemeat Palace.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to Jane Espenson, co-author of this season’s second-best episode, “Life Serial.”
What does TV Guide say?
“In one of the season's strongest episodes, Buffy thinks she smells something rotten after she takes a job at a fast-food restaurant that soon has her wondering about the ‘secret ingredient’ in the burgers. Hurting for cash, the Slayer (Sarah Michelle Gellar) takes a job at Doublemeat Palace, where her fellow employees don't respond well to her sense of humor. ‘Levity is a time thief that picks the pocket of the company,’ explains one co-worker. But it's Buffy's growing concern that something demonic might be going on that really turns her stomach. Also, Anya's old friend Halfrek pays an unexpected visit and questions whether Xander (Nicholas Brendon) is the right man for her; and Willow (Alyson Hannigan) tries her best to stay away from magic.”
The big news?
The Willow-Amy friendship ends this week. Oh, and? Spike and Buffy do it in the manager’s office.
Have we met Halfrek before?
Don’t think so. But actress Kali Rocha played Cecily Addams last season in “Fool For Love.”
Is the slayer reduced to wearing a paper “trainee” hat?
More of a baseball cap with 3D representations of a cow head and a rooster tail sticking out of it.
Cow head and rooster tail?
Doublemeat Palace claims to sell sandwiches containing both beef and chicken patties.
Claims? So – ah ha! I mean, um, why only “claims”?
It turns out there’s very little beef in the sandwiches!
Again: ah ha! Is there a Soylent Green moment?
There is. And though you can see it coming up Fifth Avenue, it still amuses greatly.
Is Sunnydale the only municipality with a Doublemeat Palace?
No. In the Buffyverse it’s a chain that operates throughout California.
Is Willow back on the pipe?
She is. But it’s not her fault. Amy kind of slips Willow a magic mickey. If you will.
Does a gift from Amy force Willow to make a big decision?
The mickey is her gift. And it forces Willow to cut off contact with her ex-rat enabler.
Any sign of Tara or Fantastico?
Both sadly absent again this week.
Does Anya receive a visit from a vengeance demon friend?
That would be Halfrek.
Do Xander and Anya re-evaluate their relationship?
Not Xander so much, though Hallie’s physical appearance certainly gives him pause. Anya does the real re-evaluating, after Hallie keeps asking all sorts of questions about the groom-to-be.
Any sign of the Legion of Dim?
Warren, Andrew and Jonathan remain at large but unseen. We do learn that Buffy, between this episode and the last, raided their HQ and confiscated all their villainy tools of evil.
Is the warlock Rack back at all?
Nope.
Is Dawnie healed up from her November “Wrecked” mishap?
She is sling-free. And seems far less pissed at Buffy and Willow this week.
Does anyone learn of all the Spike-Buffy sex?
Nope.
What’s great?
Will’s descriptions of Nerd Central. The expression on the chicken’s face in the training video. Buffy’s face watching the training video. The cat theory. The conversation with Spike that reminds us of the last talk Humbert has with the grown-up Lolita. Buffy’s reaction to getting a Doublemeat double shift. Anya’s giddiness at recognizing Hallie. The Soylent scene. Anya’s line after Dawn explains they’re doing chemistry. The paralysis. How much better Willow’s hair looks at the very end. More things I will remember when I’m better rested.
What’s not so great?
The grill guy’s tales of hygiene will precipitate bad dreams.
How does it end, spoiler-boy?
Buffy gets a glimpse of the future.
Herc’s rating for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” 6.12?
***1/2
The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
