A Buffy observation (spoilers for the season premiere, but probably won’t spoil second episode): Joss Whedon had said in many interviews that when they brought Buffy back from the dead, it wouldn’t be easy; they would really have to earn it. So I was taken aback when they merely raised her from the dead. Yes, there were difficulties and some up-front cost, but it wasn’t the Big Deal I was expecting and I was left feeling emotionally unfulfilled. Was Joss losing the touch? Well, after the second episode of the season, I am beginning to see that “earning it” has nothing to do with the price to get her back physically from the dead. It has everything to do with getting Buffy back emotionally. And perhaps her friends too. That concentration on the people is what has always made the show what it is. There’s more to come and I can still trust Joss. “Numfar, do the dance of joy!“