Ep 20. Touched

In the Buffy The Vampire Slayer season 7 episode 20, titled Touched, the gang is faced with the daunting task of preparing for the final battle against the First Evil and its army of Ubervamps. As tensions run high and morale is low, Buffy struggles to keep the group together and focused.

The episode opens with the gang gathered at the abandoned Sunnydale High School, which is serving as their headquarters for the impending battle. Buffy assigns everyone tasks, from fortifying the building to setting up weapons and supplies. As they work, tensions rise between the various members of the group, with resentments and old grudges coming to the surface.

Meanwhile, Buffy is struggling with her own doubts and fears. She's haunted by the ghostly image of Caleb, the rogue priest who brutally attacked her and put her in the hospital earlier in the season. Despite her bravado and her reputation as a fierce warrior, Buffy wonders if she's really up to the task of leading her friends into battle.

As the day wears on, the group takes a break to regroup and recharge. They share stories, memories, and jokes, trying to hold onto their humanity in the face of the impending apocalypse. Xander and Anya flirt and bicker, while Willow and Kennedy share a tender moment. Dawn tries to help out but is told to stay out of danger by Buffy and Giles.

In a quietly moving scene, Buffy has a heart-to-heart talk with Spike, who's been slowly gaining her trust and affection over the course of the season. They talk about their past, their fears, and their feelings for each other, and share a kiss that's both tender and passionate.

As night falls, the group finishes their preparations and settles in for a long night of waiting. Buffy patrols the perimeter, knowing that the First Evil will be coming for them soon. She's joined by Spike, who proves himself a valuable ally as they fight off a swarm of Ubervamps.

The tension builds as the group waits for Xander and Anya, who have gone out to find some extra supplies. When they return, battered and bruised, they bring with them a surprise guest - a young Potential named Amanda who's been hiding out in an abandoned house nearby.

Amanda is scared and alone, but Buffy takes her under her wing and tries to reassure her. She tells Amanda that she's not alone, and that they're all in this fight together. It's a powerful moment of solidarity and unity that sets the stage for the showdown to come.

As the episode comes to a close, the gang braces themselves for the final battle. They know that they're outnumbered, outmatched, and facing impossible odds, but they're ready to fight anyway. With their weapons at the ready and their spirits united, they step out into the darkness to face their destiny.