Ep 12. A New Man

Ethan Rayne, an old friend and chaos magician, comes to visit Giles in Sunnydale. Ethan seems to have changed his ways and is seeking help from Giles to turn his life around. Despite Buffy's misgivings, Giles decides to give Ethan a second chance and invites him to his home. However, things take a turn when Giles wakes up the next morning to find himself transformed into a demon-like creature.

Ethan is revealed to be the culprit, having cast a spell on Giles as revenge for Giles' past actions against him. The rest of the Scooby Gang, including Buffy, are initially oblivious to Giles' predicament and dismiss his unusual behavior as a result of stress. Meanwhile, Giles is forced to navigate the town as a demon, struggling to come to terms with his newfound physicality and lack of verbal communication.

When the rest of the gang finally catch on, they race to find a reversal spell before the transformation becomes permanent. This leads to a showdown between Ethan and the Scooby Gang, with Buffy taking center stage in a stunning display of her fighting skills. The episode culminates in a heartwarming moment between Giles and Buffy, who reassure each other of their bond and loyalty in the face of such bizarre circumstances.

Overall, "A New Man" is a standout episode in the series, offering a rare and entertaining glimpse into the complexities of the adult relationships on the show. The theme of second chances and redemption is explored through Ethan's character arc, while Giles' transformation serves as a powerful reminder of the dangerous and unpredictable nature of magic in the Buffyverse. The episode also offers some standout comedic moments, with Tony Head delivering a particularly impressive physical performance as the transformed Giles.