Blog

Favourite Buffy Episodes – Primeval (S4, ep21)

Action packed is probably the best way to describe “Primeval”. Although it isn’t the season 4 finale all the trials and tribulations of the season arc come to a head in this episode, as Buffy finally manages to get the better of Adam and reunite with her friends in the process.

This episode has a blend of drama, kick ass fight scenes, the ability to make you emotional and it also makes you laugh in true Buffy fashion. It is that combination of qualities which makes the episode such a joy to watch.

With Adam planning to create a new race to take over the world the seriousness of the episode is clear yet with characters like Spike and Anya, ‘Primeval’ still maintains that originality which makes Buffy different to any other show. Quotes like “Christ that’s all I need, running into that goon” from Spike and Anya’s bewilderment when Xander still remains upset after arguing with Buffy and Willow, are two instances which you appreciate just as much as the episode’s dramatic conclusion.

Key to the show’s success is how the characters interact and the scoobies reunion is thus extremely satisfying. The tender moment where Buffy and Willow have a heart to heart coming down the elevator shaft is pleasing, as is when Xander joins them and the three of them share a group hug. That is then followed with a typical Xander quote “Oh god, we’re going to die aren’t we” and then “Giles, hurry up, you definitely want to get down here for this.” Suddenly all is right in the Buffy world, the core four are friends again and now you are ready to witness them do their thing, basically avert an apocalypse, or in this case kill an immensely powerful part machine, part demon, part man, called Adam.

Firstly though they have to get past the irritating Colonel who fiercely maintains he knows everything that goes on in the initiative facility. Buffy telling him “I’m the slayer, you’re playing on my turf” is extremely gratifying. The Colonel continues to be incredibly annoying, placing the scoobies under arrest yet Buffy quickly breaks free unleashing some punishment in the process. Locating Adam is next on the horizon.

Meanwhile chaos is breaking out in the initiative as Adam has set free all of the demons. A mega fight scene erupts between humans and demons. A particular slow motion shot of Spike beating the hell out of some vampires brings a notable smile to the face. Incidentally Spike failed in luring Buffy alone to the initiative meaning Adam now wants him dead, so that’s why Spike has essentially swapped teams. It is classic Spike, beating the crap out of something and having a bloody good time doing just that.

In order to reach Adam the scoobies have to pass through all of the carnage where bodies are now flying all over the place. It is absorbing stuff yet the friendship of Buffy and Willow adds to the scene as Buffy saves Willow telling her; “down” as she proceeds in beating everything up in sight. Even in a scene where violence is the main focus, Joss is smart enough to balance that off with a lovely moment which makes you happy inside. Typical Joss, typical Buffy.

The gang then set up to perform the enjoining spell as Buffy sets off after Adam. Riley is stuck to a chair controlled by Adam as Buffy fights the now part machine, part demon, part man Forest. Along with the help of the dead professor Walsh it seems like Buffy is in danger only for Riley to pull a piece of glass out of his chest removing the hold Adam had on him. Riley enters the fight leaving Buffy to go after Adam. Riley isn’t that well liked by many fans but in this instance it is hard not to like the guy.

Buffy catches up with Adam yet the look on her face when she sees Adam’s machine gun tells its own story. Elsewhere Willow, Giles and Xander are invoking the powers of the slayer lineage. Willow’s magic, Giles’s knowledge and Xander’s heart are brought together into the vessel which is Buffy. Suddenly Buffy rises up and starts spouting off some random language. Adam doesn’t have a clue what’s going on.

Very much ex friends Riley and Forrest have an exciting tussle which ends in Riley blowing up Forrest. Adam then struggles to comprehend why Buffy is stronger than him and quickly dies after Buffy rips out his uranium powered heart, compelling stuff.

Spike then bursts in to save Willow, Giles and Xander from a demon and looks for some gratitude. Giles responds by sarcastically thanking Spike and comically refers to how Spike’s heroism is slightly muted by him starting a war with Adam that would kill us all. Xander suggests Spike did it only to make sure they didn’t stake him, Spike honestly says “well yeh, did it work?” The scoobies say nothing leaving Spike with a massive grin on his face and thus ends another hilarious conversation involving the genius character that is Spike.

Buffy and Riley return, there’s a quick embrace before everyone including Spike proceeds to go and help the initiative soldiers. There’s a quick shot of the Colonel being mauled by a werewolf and information of a forty per cent casualty rate but other then that it is a relatively happy ending.

Overall “Primeval” is very enjoyable. There’s no lull in the episode at all. Personally I always look upon the episode as the true finale to season 4 and although it doesn’t measure up to the fantastic Becoming and Graduation day finales, it is still great viewing.

See the Buffy season 4 climax tonight at 7pm on Syfy.

Written by Daniel Kellard

I'm currently studying Journalism and Contemporary History at university. I'm hoping to work in journalism after i finish my course. Huge Buffy fan, also enjoy other shows like Angel, Stargate and Journeyman. Like to watch sport in my free time, support Manchester United.