After the suspenseful commercial break, Spike nods a greeting to Buffy, who is still staring at him, jaw dropped. Maybe she's wondering if he's wearing Superman Underoos that match his super-tight blue shirt. Or perhaps she's thinking, as I was, that no man who isn't a ballet dancer has any excuse wearing a shirt with three-quarter length sleeves. Buffy gets up quickly and Nancy, sensing the sudden tension in the room, asks about the new arrival. Xander and Dawn stutter about for an explanation, which Xander finally finds in the succinct word, "ex." As in Buffy's ex-lust-puppy. Buffy says Spike has changed: new clothes and hair, and "not so much with the crazy." She approves of that, but remains curtly curious as to what he wants. Spike points out that he's not too happy to be there "surrounded by people who don't particularly like" him, but he wants to speak to her about something. Xander blusters about pointy weapons, which freaks Nancy out a little, but Spike pretty much ignores him. I get why Xander is protective of Buffy, but I think generally he can step back and let her handle the threatening with violence. She much more capable and believable. Spike admits he was a mess the last time Buffy saw him, and it comes as a surprise to Dawn and Xander that Spike is referring to last week and not, say, last season. Dawn's pretty pissed that Buffy didn't spill the beans on that and dings Buffy a good one about only letting her and Xander in on stuff when it's convenient. At least Dawn's snotty teen moments are much more on-target and justified this season. Buffy and Spike step out into the foyer to talk. She tells him not to apologize; he says he's there to help, not to "atone." However, the only information he has is that "something's coming." Something big. That's all he's got? And that justified breaking (okay, walking) into her house uninvited? "Am I wrong?" he asks. "Everything about you is wrong, Spike," snits Buffy, perhaps thinking again about his incredibly silly blue leotard top. Spike makes to leave, but turns back when Buffy admits that something is coming. He again offers to help. Buffy is skeptical about him playing the "champion of the people," but accepts his offer. Oh, God. Not the "c" word. Please, not the "c" word. I vote that in all future Buffy and Angel scripts the "c" word should be replaced with "chimp." Just think of the comedy potential!