Overview of One Girl in All the World — S7E14: “First Date”
Ashley and her cohost recap Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 7, Episode 14, “First Date” (written by Jane Espenson, directed by David Grossman, originally aired February 11, 2003). The episode mixes romance, comedy, and major mythology reveals: Buffy goes on an unexpectedly complicated date with Principal Wood, Xander ends up on a deadly date of his own, Andrew is tested by the First, and the episode ends with a major reveal about Wood’s past and his connection to Spike.
Episode Recap
Giles Returns and Spike’s Chip Is Gone
- The episode opens with Giles explaining how he escaped the Bringers in England.
- He demonstrates his “ninja” skills to Buffy and the Potentials in the graveyard.
- Spike unexpectedly tackles Giles, revealing that his chip has been removed.
- Giles is furious that Buffy and Spike took the chip out instead of simply replacing it, and he strongly warns Buffy about trusting Spike.
Buffy and Giles Clash Over Spike
- At Buffy’s house, Giles tells Buffy that Spike is dangerous and that she relies on him too much.
- Buffy pushes back, insisting Spike deserves a chance to prove himself and that she trusts her instincts.
- Giles is clearly worried that Buffy’s feelings for Spike are clouding her judgment.
Xander Meets Lissa at the Hardware Store
- Xander attends a tool demo at a hardware store and meets Lissa (played by Ashanti) while she is shopping for rope.
- He awkwardly but confidently asks her out for coffee, and she agrees.
- This date becomes the episode’s second major “first date” storyline.
Buffy’s Suspicion of Principal Wood Pays Off
- Buffy snoops in Principal Wood’s office and is caught when he walks in.
- Instead of firing her or confronting her, Wood asks her to dinner.
- After Buffy leaves, he reveals hidden weapons behind a cabinet, showing that he is prepared for supernatural threats.
The Date with Wood Turns Dangerous
- Willow encourages Buffy to consider Wood as a possible move-on-from-Spike option.
- Buffy later learns that Wood is more than he seemed when he leads her down an alley to a restaurant and they are attacked by vampires.
- Wood fights well, proving he is trained and capable.
- He reveals the big truth: his mother was a Slayer who was killed by a vampire when he was four.
- He spent years trying to track down her killer, which explains his Slayer knowledge and his focus on evil.
Andrew’s “Redemption” Test
- Jonathan recruits Andrew to help harm the Potentials using Willow’s gun.
- Andrew initially seems tempted, but it becomes clear he is wearing a wire.
- Willow is listening in, and Andrew ultimately refuses to go through with it.
- The First is furious and reveals itself to the girls in the basement, warning that there will be “so many dead girls.”
Xander’s Date Becomes a Trap
- Xander’s date with Lissa turns sinister when she ties him to a device in the school basement.
- She is working to open the seal and free more Ubervamps.
- Buffy and Spike arrive, and the rescue turns into a full fight in the basement.
- Wood sees Spike as a vampire, which is a huge moment for him.
- Xander is saved, the seal closes before another Ubervamp can emerge, and Buffy beheads Lissa.
The First Targets Wood
- At the end, the First appears to Wood in the form of his mother, Nikki Wood.
- Wood immediately sees through the disguise and refuses to be manipulated.
- The First finally gets his attention by revealing that Spike was the vampire who killed Nikki Wood.
- Wood realizes Buffy’s ally is the man he has been looking for, and the episode ends on that cliffhanger.
Key Takeaways
Big Character Reveal: Principal Wood
- The episode finally explains why Wood is so suspicious, competent, and invested in Slayer business.
- His backstory adds emotional weight: he is a Slayer’s son, raised by her Watcher after her death.
- The reveal that Spike killed his mother sets up a major revenge conflict.
Buffy and Spike Are Still Not Resolved
- Buffy continues to defend Spike, but Giles sees how much he affects her judgment.
- Spike clearly still has feelings for Buffy, and Buffy’s line about not being ready for him to leave suggests the relationship is far from over.
- The episode keeps their dynamic in a delicate, unresolved place.
Andrew Shows a Small but Important Sign of Growth
- Andrew is manipulated, but he ultimately does not betray the group.
- The hosts read this as a meaningful sign that he may be redeemable.
The First Becomes More Active
- The First’s ability to manipulate people and appearances remains a major threat.
- Its use of Nikki’s image to reach Wood is one of the episode’s most chilling moments.
Favorite Moments and Quotes
Ashley’s Favorite Quote
- Spike to Giles: “Anya said you were the first. Said you were evil. You’re supposed to be all go-through-able.”
- Giles: “Then why the hell did you tackle me, you burk?”
- Spike: “I didn’t think of that.”
Other Fun Highlight
- Xander’s chaotic reaction to his date going wrong, including his “I’m going gay” joke, was one of the lighter comedic beats of the episode.
Ratings and Final Thoughts
- Ashley’s rating: 4.7/5 stakes
- Cohost’s rating: 4.5/5
Why they liked it
- The Wood reveal was a major standout and felt fresh for the series.
- The episode balanced humor, romance, and plot advancement well.
- Andrew’s scene added a nice character test.
- The Buffy/Spike and Wood/Buffy threads both moved the season forward in meaningful ways.
Next Episode Preview
- The hosts tease S7E15: “Get It Done”, which they say will dive into major Slayer lore, including the origin of the First Slayer.