This episode is centred on three couples; Buffy is getting closer to Parker Abrams; Anya wants Xander to sleep with her to help her get over the feelings she has for him and Harmony, who is now a vampire is in love with Spike... who is back in town and more interested in finding the 'Gem of Amara'. This is a vampire Holy Grail; possibly mythical but if it is real it makes the wearer immune to the usual ways of killing vampires. Since Harmony isn't the brightest of vampires she tells Buffy about Spikes search for the gem.
This was a solid episode; the obvious highlight being the return of Spike; the best antagonist in the series to date; James Marsters is great in the role. It did seem a surprise to see him with somebody as vacuous as Harmony but that led to some laughs and surprisingly sympathy for Harmony. Anya's seduction of Xander was as amusing as it was unsubtle; it will be interesting to see if it leads anywhere. Buffy's relationship with Parker appears to be the most likely to succeed but after spending the night together he seems to lose interest in her One couldn't help feeling sorry for her; at least Angel's betrayal was due to a curse, Parker is just a cad. The 'Gem of Amara' was an interesting concept that was handled well and lead to a good confrontation between Buffy and Spike... even if it was strange that there was nobody to witness the fight. Highlights of the episode, for me, were Harmony's meeting with Willow, where it is revealed she is a vampire; and Spike and Harmony bumping into Buffy and Parker at a party. Overall a good mix of emotional material, humour and action.