In this episode, we’re talking all about The Dark Age, and it really does change the way you see him. We finally get a proper glimpse into Giles’ past, and honestly… Ripper was a lot. This one feels much more personal than some of the other episodes, because it’s not just about a demon causing chaos, it’s about Giles having to face a part of himself he’s clearly spent years trying to bury.

We end up chatting a lot about how strong the father-daughter dynamic is between Giles and Buffy in this episode, which is exactly why it hurts so much when he shuts her out. We also loved seeing Willow step up again, because every time she takes charge you get another little glimpse of who she’s becoming. And the whole episode just has this darker, heavier feeling that makes it stand out, especially once you realise it’s really about guilt, regret, and your past catching up with you.

Let us know in the comments — did this episode change how you see Giles?