Buffy: The Wish

Hold onto your stakes, fellow Scoobies, because The Wish is nothing short of a masterclass in what-the-hell-just-happened TV, and it’s impossible not to rave about it, even if we’re left screaming at our screens because NO ONE but Anya remembers any of it! Ugh, the injustice! Let's dive into the bombshell moments, shall we?

1. Memorable But Completely Forgotten!?

Okay, we need to talk about the pure torment of The Wish. It’s stunning, it’s intense, and it leaves us breathless… but why, WHY do none of the characters remember this cataclysmic alternate universe except for Anya?! It’s criminal, honestly. We, the loyal audience, are left holding all that juicy knowledge—seeing a world without Buffy that alters EVERYTHING. New sides to every character emerge, but nope, the Scoobies go about their merry way like nothing happened. Thanks, Anya, for carrying the weight of it all. Talk about emotional whiplash!

2. Cordelia’s Emotional U-Turn

Oh, Cordelia, girl. After her relationship with Xander goes down in flames, she instantly reverts back to old-school Queen C, undoing all that hard-earned character growth from the past season. And guess what? She blames Buffy for ALL of it! Like, seriously? As if Buffy is the reason Xander couldn’t keep it in his pants? Cordelia’s heartbreak leads to her overcorrecting, spiraling right back into her shallow, pre-Scooby self. We feel for her, but come on, blaming Buffy? Someone’s gotta call out that misplaced aggression!

3. Anya Makes Her EPIC Entrance

Welcome to the Buffyverse, Anya! The moment she steps on the scene as a vengeance demon, we know she’s going to be a fan-favorite. That terrifying Vengeance Demon makeup alone is enough to make us shiver, but what’s even scarier? Her power. Manipulating Cordelia into making a wish that changes the entire world? Iconic. This is just the beginning for Anya, and we already get a taste of her quirky, vengeful spirit. Watch out, Scoobies—this demon’s got some seriously layered depth to uncover!

4. Vampire Willow and Xander: HOT AF

HELLO, alternate universe Xander and Willow! Forget about their regular human insecurities—vampire Willow and Xander are all about confidence, leather, and SEX APPEAL. Seriously, they are way hotter as vampires, and their twisted dynamic is something we can’t tear our eyes from. Willow’s sadism is on full display, a chilling foreshadowing of Dark Willow in Season 6. It just goes to show how much their personalities are dialed up to eleven as vampires. Lesson learned: confidence + leather = ultimate hotness.

5. Buffy’s Absence DESTROYS Sunnydale

Let’s talk about the apocalyptic hellhole that is Sunnydale without Buffy. Yikes. The vampires are running the show, Giles is left trying to clean up the mess with his ragtag “White Hats” team, and the town is stuck in a constant state of mourning with MONTHLY MEMORIALS. Yeah, it’s that bad. The once-lively Bronze? Now a vampire playhouse of terror. It’s the ultimate proof that Buffy is the glue holding this town together—and her absence leaves everything in shambles. This world is bleak, grim, and utterly horrifying. Bravo to the writers for constructing such a terrifying alternate reality!

6. Harmony’s Ultimate Betrayal

And then there’s Harmony. Oh, she’s the WORST! Cordelia’s former bestie completely ditches her when she’s at her lowest. Like, seriously, could she be more of a sheep? Cordelia’s earlier smackdown of Harmony from Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered totally comes back to bite her, and now Cordelia is left standing on shaky ground. It’s a brutal reminder of how quickly high school dynamics shift—and how cruel friends can be when your social status crumbles.

7. Oz’s Chilling Honesty

And now, for one of the most satisfying moments ever: Oz, in all his stoic, emotionally intelligent glory, SHUTTING DOWN Willow’s attempts to weasel her way back into his heart. He doesn’t need to be mean—he just delivers that cold truth like a pro. “I can’t help feeling like the reason you want to talk is so you can feel better about yourself. That’s not my problem.” BOOM. It’s a mic-drop moment that shows just how mature Oz is compared to everyone else. Sorry, Willow, but you deserved that one.

8. “Bored Now” – Willow’s Dark Future

Let’s just take a moment to bask in the iconic-ness that is vampire Willow delivering the line “Bored now.” This isn’t just a throwaway—this phrase later reappears when Dark Willow kills Warren in Season 6. It’s such a perfect breadcrumb for what’s to come. Even in her vampire form, Willow’s true personality shines through, making it clear that her dark side is always lurking beneath the surface. Joss Whedon, you sly genius, planting seeds that will haunt us seasons later!

9. Cordelia’s Brutal Death Twist

Just when you think Cordelia might get her redemption arc and undo the hell she’s unleashed… BOOM. She’s killed by the very vampires that broke her heart. That’s right, Xander and Willow—her former lovers-turned-vampires—are the ones to end her in the most twisted, poetic way possible. The sheer brutality of this moment had us all gasping, completely flipping the script on what we thought the episode would be. It’s a gut punch of epic proportions, and it cements The Wish as one of the darkest episodes in Buffy history.

10. Buffy’s Cold, Lonely Slayer Life

When Buffy finally shows up in this alternate reality, she’s not the Buffy we know and love. She’s cold, distant, and completely detached from her emotions. Without her Scooby Gang, Buffy has become a version of herself that fights alone and dies alone—exactly as the First Slayer warned in Season 5. Her detachment mirrors Kendra’s methodical, emotionless approach, proving just how vital her friends are to keeping her grounded. It’s a harsh look at what Buffy could have become without love, humor, and connection to fuel her fight.

Bonus:

Angel was waiting for Buffy in The Wish because, in the original timeline, his destiny was intertwined with hers. He was told by Whistler, a demon sent by the Powers That Be, to help Buffy when she was called as the Slayer. Angel’s mission was to guide and support her in her battle against the forces of evil. In this alternate reality, where Buffy never came to Sunnydale, Angel still felt that connection to her, believing that she would arrive to set things right. He waited for her, hoping that together they could defeat the Master and stop the spread of darkness in Sunnydale.

However, without Buffy’s arrival, Angel’s waiting turned into a tragic, unfulfilled hope. Instead of becoming the ally and protector he was meant to be, Angel was captured by the Master’s forces and tortured, reduced to a shell of his former self. This twisted version of Angel, still longing for the moment when he could help Buffy, highlights how deeply intertwined their fates were, even across alternate realities. Angel’s waiting represents his belief in Buffy’s role as the key to saving Sunnydale and, ultimately, the world.

Prologue

1. The Park and the Battle:
   The episode opens in a large park with lush greenery. Buffy is fighting a monster, whose scaly green appearance and tentacle-like features create a grotesque visual. Buffy is pinned to a tree, struggling for breath as her friends Xander and Willow scramble to help. Willow searches their demon-slaying kit frantically and throws a knife to Buffy, who catches it mid-air and kills the demon. The tension breaks, and the three share a moment of relief. Buffy reflects on how close the fight was, while they joke about the conveniences of fighting vampires who vanish after death, unlike this demon they now need to bury.
2. Discussion About Faith:
   As they sit down to rest, the group discusses Faith's recent absence from their patrols, highlighting Buffy's growing concern for her. Faith’s detachment is noted as a warning about the isolating nature of slaying, adding depth to Buffy's emotional state. The conversation then shifts to Xander's issues with Cordelia and Willow’s guilt over her situation with Oz.
3. Cordelia's Pain:
   We cut to Cordelia in her dimly lit room. She holds a picture of her and the group, cutting it into pieces, with the final piece—Xander's face—getting the most brutal cut. She burns the remnants in a bowl, symbolizing her anger and heartbreak. As the answering machine plays Xander's desperate messages, Cordelia's silent tears reveal her torment.

Part 1

4. Willow’s Hope for Oz:
   The scene shifts to Sunnydale High. Willow nervously waits for Oz at his locker, hoping for reconciliation. Buffy joins her, and they discuss Cordelia's whereabouts. The conversation indicates that Cordelia has been avoiding Xander, and Willow remains anxious about her own situation with Oz.
5. Cordelia’s Return:
   Cordelia arrives at school in her stylish leather ensemble, determined to reclaim her social standing. Her confidence falters as she sees Harmony and her clique, but a phony reunion lifts her spirits. Harmony introduces Anya, a new girl at school, who compliments Cordelia’s taste in fashion. The moment is cut short by a cruel joke where Harmony suggests that Cordelia should date someone beneath her, exposing Cordelia's new status as an outcast.
6. Willow's Plea to Oz:
   Willow awkwardly tries to reconcile with Oz at his locker, but he is distant, still hurt by her betrayal. Their conversation is painful, with Oz making it clear that he needs time to heal, leaving Willow devastated.
7. Cordelia’s Desperation:
   Cordelia tries to fake a romantic interaction with an old acquaintance to make Xander jealous, but it backfires when he turns the tables, revealing that her social clout is dwindling. Cordelia's spiral continues as she bumps into Anya, who seems sympathetic and offers her a 'good luck' charm.
8. Anya’s Influence:
   Anya starts befriending Cordelia by sympathizing with her, and the two bond over their disdain for men. Anya subtly pushes Cordelia to vent her frustrations, setting the stage for the pivotal wish that will change everything.
9. The Bronze:
   At The Bronze, Cordelia flaunts herself in front of Xander, while Buffy, Xander, and Willow attempt to distract themselves from their ongoing relationship issues. Despite Xander's forced laughter and Buffy's attempts at being supportive, the night feels heavy with unresolved tension.
10. Cordelia’s Wish:
    Outside, Buffy approaches Cordelia to check on her, expressing empathy over being hurt by someone they cared about. Their conversation is interrupted by a vampire attack. In the ensuing chaos, Cordelia is knocked into a pile of garbage, and Buffy saves her from the vampire. Humiliated further by Harmony’s mockery, Cordelia reaches her breaking point and blames Buffy for her misfortune.

Part 2

11. The Wish:
    The next day, Cordelia, still reeling from her humiliation, blames Buffy for all of her troubles. Anya, eager to fulfill her role as a vengeance demon, listens intently as Cordelia rants about how much better her life would have been if Buffy never came to Sunnydale. Cordelia unknowingly makes the fateful wish, and Anya, revealing her true demonic form, grants it with a single word: "Done."
12. The New Reality:
    The world shifts. Cordelia finds herself in a grimmer version of Sunnydale, where the school is in disarray and there are far fewer students around. Harmony and her group still act deferential toward her, but when Cordelia asks about Xander and Willow, Harmony offhandedly reveals that they're dead. Cordelia's confusion and disbelief grow as she realizes the true weight of her wish.
13. Sunnydale’s Dystopia:
    In this new reality, Cordelia’s life seems perfect at first, but the illusion quickly shatters. She stumbles upon Xander and Willow—now vampires—who delight in the darker world. Cordelia begins to panic and seeks out Giles, the one person she believes can fix everything.
14. Giles and The White Hats:
    Giles leads a ragtag group of survivors, including Oz and Larry, who are fighting back against the vampires. They rescue Cordelia, but before she can explain the situation, Xander and Willow find them, killing Cordelia before she can tell Giles about the wish.

Part 3

15. The Reality's Stakes:
    Giles begins piecing together the clues about Cordelia's death and the new world order. After discovering Anyanka’s pendant, he realizes the truth—Cordelia’s wish has altered reality. He sets out to summon Anyanka and undo the wish.
16. The Factory and the Master’s Return:
    The Master, who was never defeated by Buffy in this alternate reality, is in control of Sunnydale. He’s planning to open a blood factory to mass-produce blood for vampires. The survivors stage a last-ditch attempt to stop him, but Buffy, who in this reality never met her friends, is colder and more jaded.
17. Buffy vs. The Master:
    The final showdown between Buffy and the Master plays out similarly to the Season 1 finale. However, in this version, Buffy is killed, and the Master continues his reign. Just as all hope seems lost, Giles smashes Anyanka's pendant, reverting reality to the way it was before Cordelia made her wish.

Part 4

18. The Reset:
    The episode ends with Cordelia attempting to make another wish, unaware that her power over reality has been revoked. The world returns to normal, and Cordelia's life, though still filled with pain, is back in the original reality.

This episode powerfully explores the consequences of wishful thinking and the importance of Buffy's presence in Sunnydale, showcasing a dystopian world that emphasizes the necessity of the Slayer and her friends.

Prologue

1. The Park and the Battle:
   • Visual Metaphor: The monster's grotesque, tentacle-filled appearance mirrors the inner turmoil of Buffy's responsibilities as a Slayer, emphasizing how suffocating her role can feel (literally being choked).
   • Motif: Buffy's physical struggle against the demon foreshadows the emotional and psychological battles throughout the episode, particularly the weight of being the Chosen One.
2. Discussion About Faith:
   • Motif: Faith’s isolation mirrors Cordelia’s later emotional detachment. Both are struggling with feelings of being alone in their responsibilities or heartbreak.
   • Parallel Scene: Buffy's concern for Faith, who distances herself due to slaying, parallels Cordelia’s growing alienation from the group due to her breakup with Xander.
3. Cordelia's Pain:
   • Visual Metaphor: The act of cutting up the picture of her friends, followed by burning Xander’s image, represents Cordelia severing her emotional ties to the group. The destruction of the picture symbolizes her internal emotional destruction.

Part 1

1. Willow’s Hope for Oz:
   • Motif: Repeated mentions of "forgiveness" and "healing" are tied to both Willow's situation with Oz and Cordelia's journey. They all seek forgiveness or closure, whether with their relationships or personal hardships.
2. Cordelia’s Return:
   • Parallel Narrative: Cordelia’s attempt to regain her status mirrors her wish to undo the pain caused by Buffy’s arrival. Both actions seek to restore an imagined "better" world where she is unaffected by outside forces.
   • Visual Metaphor: Cordelia’s bright outfit contrasts with the grim reality she's stepping into—her outward appearance of confidence hides the deeper emotional turmoil beneath.
3. Willow's Plea to Oz:
   • Parallel Scene: Willow's plea for forgiveness and reconnection with Oz mirrors Cordelia’s internal struggle to move on from Xander and regain her footing.
4. Cordelia’s Desperation:
   • Parallel Scene: Cordelia’s attempt to use an old fling to make Xander jealous mirrors her future wish, where she tries to undo all the hurt by removing Buffy from the equation. Both attempts backfire, leaving her worse off.
5. Anya’s Influence:
   • Visual Metaphor: Anya’s necklace, which holds her power as a vengeance demon, becomes the physical representation of Cordelia’s wish, mirroring the idea that small, seemingly insignificant actions (like a wish) can have enormous consequences.
6. The Bronze:
   • Parallel Narrative: Cordelia flaunting herself at the Bronze is a mirror to how she wishes to rewrite the narrative in her life—confident on the outside, but deeply wounded and unsure inside.
7. Cordelia’s Wish:
   • Motif: Wishing vs. reality—the theme of wanting an ideal world and the harsh consequences of getting what one wishes for begins here, as Cordelia’s wish is the crux of the entire episode.

Part 2

1. The Wish:

• Parallel Narrative: The dark, twisted version of Sunnydale Cordelia finds herself in mirrors her inner despair. The world without Buffy reflects how much Buffy’s presence grounds the people around her, just as Cordelia’s own life spirals without her connection to others.

1. The New Reality:

• Parallel Scene: Cordelia’s rise to social power in the "real" world is mirrored by her rapid fall in the alternate reality. Without Buffy, her ascension seems meaningless as the world around her crumbles.
• Visual Metaphor: The bleak, deserted halls of Sunnydale High School in the new reality symbolize the emotional desolation Cordelia feels after her breakup.

1. Sunnydale’s Dystopia:

• Motif: The emptiness and darkness of Sunnydale are symbolic of a world without hope, highlighting how Buffy's presence—though burdened with darkness—brings a crucial balance of light.

1. Giles and The White Hats:

• Parallel Narrative: Giles leads a resistance group, paralleling his role in the real world as the protector of Sunnydale, always seeking to restore balance and fight against the forces of darkness. His efforts here reflect his relentless pursuit of fixing what’s been broken by Cordelia’s wish.

Part 3

1. The Reality's Stakes:

• Motif: The theme of small actions having large consequences is further emphasized as Giles learns about Cordelia’s wish. The fact that one person’s emotional hurt can change the entire world reflects the ongoing motif of personal pain impacting the greater world.

1. The Factory and the Master’s Return:

• Parallel Scene: The return of the Master parallels the resurrection of past emotional traumas for Cordelia, Willow, Xander, and Buffy. The idea that without Buffy, these traumas resurface, shows how important her presence is in healing the world around her.
• Visual Metaphor: The blood factory symbolizes the vampires’ hunger for control, reflecting the destructive potential of unchecked emotional desires—whether it’s vengeance (Anya), heartbreak (Cordelia), or guilt (Willow).

1. Buffy vs. The Master:

• Parallel Scene: The showdown between Buffy and the Master mirrors their original battle in Season 1, but with the twist that in this version, without her friends and their support, Buffy is weaker and ultimately defeated. This parallels the emotional toll that isolation and lack of support have on the characters.

Part 4

1. The Reset:

• Motif: The return to the original reality restores not only Sunnydale, but also the idea that connection—Buffy's link to her friends and their collective bond—is what keeps the darkness at bay.
• Parallel Narrative: Cordelia’s futile attempts to make further wishes at the end of the episode parallel her earlier frustrations with Xander. In both cases, she cannot simply wish away her problems; she must confront them in reality.
• Visual Metaphor: The broken amulet symbolizes the shattering of Cordelia’s illusion that she can control her fate through wishful thinking. It represents the lesson that actions, not wishes, define the world they live in.

Recurring Motifs and Visual Metaphors Throughout the Episode:

• Wishing vs. Reality: Cordelia’s wish encapsulates the danger of yearning for a perfect world without understanding the consequences of altering reality.
• Isolation vs. Connection: Cordelia's and Buffy’s struggles parallel each other in both realities, with their eventual realizations that isolation leads to defeat, while connection to others offers strength.
• Light vs. Dark: The dystopian world without Buffy is darker in both tone and visuals, representing a literal and emotional descent into chaos, while the restored world is filled with warmth and hope.

This episode expertly uses parallel narratives, visual metaphors, and motifs to weave together a story about the consequences of altering reality and the importance of connection, all while keeping the characters' internal struggles at the forefront.Prologue

1. The Park and the Battle:
   The episode begins with a battle in a large park. The camera pans through serene greenery before revealing Buffy pinned to a tree by a grotesque, scaly monster. Its tentacle-like face and slime-covered body create a disturbing visual. Buffy struggles to breathe as her friends Xander and Willow scramble to help. Willow, panicking, searches their bag of weapons and throws a knife to Buffy, who catches it mid-air and kills the monster. They then share a moment of relief, with Buffy acknowledging how close she came to losing the fight.
   • Visual Metaphor: The monster, with its suffocating grip on Buffy, symbolizes the weight and responsibility she constantly carries as the Slayer. The slime and grotesque features represent the ugliness of her burden.
   • Motif: Buffy's struggle with the demon echoes the ongoing motif of her internal battles—fighting both literal and emotional demons.
2. Discussion About Faith:
   As Buffy, Xander, and Willow sit down to rest, they discuss Faith’s absence and Buffy's concern for her. Buffy notes that slaying can be isolating and difficult, drawing a parallel to Faith’s recent emotional withdrawal. Buffy fears Faith's solitude is dangerous, leading to pent-up emotions that could explode.
   • Motif: Faith’s isolation mirrors Cordelia’s emotional detachment later in the episode, creating a recurring theme of loneliness and the consequences of shutting out others.
   • Parallel Scene: The concern for Faith’s absence and distance parallels Cordelia’s later alienation from the group, both characters struggling with being alone in different ways.
3. Cordelia’s Pain:
   The scene shifts to Cordelia’s bedroom, where she sits in low light, cutting up a picture of herself, Buffy, Xander, and Willow. She symbolically severs ties with the group, culminating in cutting Xander’s face from the photo and burning it in a bowl. As the answering machine plays Xander’s desperate messages, Cordelia’s silent tears and the image of the burning photo reveal her heartbreak and bitterness toward Xander and her former friends.
   • Visual Metaphor: The destruction of the photo and the burning of Xander’s image symbolize Cordelia’s emotional devastation and her desire to erase the pain caused by her connection to the group, particularly Xander.
   • Motif: This act of severing emotional ties reflects the theme of separation, isolation, and emotional damage that continues throughout the episode.

Part 1

4. Willow’s Hope for Oz:
   At Sunnydale High, Willow nervously waits for Oz at his locker, checking frequently if he’s arrived. Buffy approaches, and they talk about how Oz hasn’t shown up, with Willow worrying about their relationship and expressing guilt. They briefly mention Cordelia, who was spotted at the mall, looking “scary,” but the focus remains on Willow’s nervousness over Oz and how she plans to beg for his forgiveness.
   • Motif: Forgiveness and healing are central to both Willow’s and Cordelia’s stories. Willow's desire for forgiveness from Oz parallels Cordelia's internal struggle to move on from the pain caused by Xander.
5. Cordelia’s Return:
   Cordelia arrives at school, stylishly dressed in a leather skirt and jacket, with matching pumps and a Prada bag. She walks through the breezeway confidently, but her self-assuredness falters as she realizes that no one is paying attention to her. She regains her composure when Harmony and her friends approach, welcoming her back with fake enthusiasm. Harmony introduces Cordelia to Anya, who quickly bonds with her over fashion.
   • Parallel Narrative: Cordelia’s attempt to regain her social status mirrors her eventual wish to erase the hurt caused by Buffy’s arrival in Sunnydale. Both actions represent Cordelia’s desire to restore a world where she is unaffected by outside forces.
   • Visual Metaphor: Cordelia’s bright, stylish outfit stands in stark contrast to the emotional wreckage inside her, symbolizing how outward appearances can hide deeper pain and insecurities.
6. Willow's Plea to Oz:
   Willow awkwardly tries to reconcile with Oz, but he remains emotionally distant, still hurt by her betrayal. Willow pleads with him, offering to make things right, but Oz, needing time to process his pain, shuts her down, leaving her devastated and emotionally stranded.
   • Parallel Scene: Willow’s plea for reconciliation mirrors Cordelia’s internal desire for restoration after her breakup. Both Willow and Cordelia struggle to heal from the damage caused by broken relationships.
   • Motif: Willow’s emotional pain and desire to repair her relationship with Oz highlights the theme of emotional damage and the difficulty of moving on.
7. Cordelia’s Desperation:
   Cordelia, still smarting from her breakup with Xander, tries to fake a romantic moment by pulling an old boyfriend from the crowd, attempting to make Xander jealous. However, her attempt backfires when the boy, now indifferent to her status, turns the situation on her, further reinforcing her social downfall.
   • Parallel Scene: Cordelia’s failed attempt to manipulate the situation mirrors her future wish—both moments involve her trying to regain control, only to face worse outcomes.
   • Motif: Cordelia’s desperation to undo her emotional hurt mirrors the larger theme of wanting to rewrite reality to escape pain, which culminates in her wish to erase Buffy’s presence.
8. Anya’s Influence:
   Anya, sensing Cordelia’s vulnerability, starts to befriend her. They bond over shared disdain for men, and Anya subtly encourages Cordelia to vent her frustrations. Anya, now revealed as a vengeance demon, listens closely as Cordelia blames Buffy for all her problems.
   • Visual Metaphor: Anya’s necklace becomes a symbol of the dangerous power Cordelia is about to unleash. The pendant represents Cordelia’s wishful thinking—small in appearance but capable of changing the entire world.
9. The Bronze:
   At the Bronze, Cordelia, dressed provocatively in red, flaunts herself in front of Xander to make him jealous, while Buffy, Xander, and Willow sit nearby. Xander forces himself to laugh loudly, trying to appear unaffected. The scene is charged with unspoken tension as all the characters struggle with their unresolved emotions.
   • Parallel Narrative: Cordelia’s desperate attempt to flaunt her independence mirrors her wish to rewrite her reality. Both actions are attempts to prove she’s moved on, even though she’s still deeply affected by her heartbreak.
   • Visual Metaphor: The contrast between Cordelia’s outward confidence at the Bronze and her inner turmoil reflects the broader theme of appearance vs. reality—Cordelia seems to be in control, but underneath, she is falling apart.
10. Cordelia’s Wish:
    Outside, Buffy approaches Cordelia, trying to connect with her, offering sympathy over the emotional pain they both understand. As they talk, a vampire attacks, and Buffy’s attempt to protect Cordelia goes wrong, leaving Cordelia humiliated again. After being mocked by Harmony, Cordelia reaches her breaking point and wishes that Buffy had never come to Sunnydale. Unbeknownst to Cordelia, Anya’s vengeance demon powers make the wish a reality.

• Motif: Wishing as a motif becomes central here—Cordelia’s emotional pain drives her to make a seemingly harmless wish, but it ends up having catastrophic consequences. This motif of wanting to undo pain resonates throughout the episode.
• Visual Metaphor: Cordelia’s descent into the garbage pile during the vampire fight symbolizes her emotional low point—physically and emotionally humiliated, she projects all her pain onto Buffy, leading to the pivotal wish.