Joss Whedon's series finale, is mediocre when compared to shows from other seasons that he has written that did not have the importance that this final episode should have had, with a couple of exceptions. I did think that Whedon found a clever way to set Buffy free to live a normal life without her having to abandon her duties. I also liked the scene the day of the final battle with Buffy, Willow, and Xander, the original scoobies, having a conversation reminiscent of the closing scene of "The Harvest", which was the second part of the two-part premiere from season one. As they carry on their superficial banter about shopping, Giles repeats the same line that he said in this same situation in "The Harvest" - "The world is doomed." This was a real treat for long-time viewers and did indeed bring us "back to the beginning" - which was the theme of season seven.
What I really REALLY did not like? The fact that Anya shows bravery she probably never even knew she had, paid the ultimate price, and Xander - who at one time only recently claimed he loved her and wanted to marry her - just seemed to shrug the whole thing off having been distracted by the idea of going to the mall. Not a nice epitaph or a very loving tribute from any of the Scoobies for the poor girl.
What I really REALLY did not like? The fact that Anya shows bravery she probably never even knew she had, paid the ultimate price, and Xander - who at one time only recently claimed he loved her and wanted to marry her - just seemed to shrug the whole thing off having been distracted by the idea of going to the mall. Not a nice epitaph or a very loving tribute from any of the Scoobies for the poor girl.