Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Bad Girls on AllMovie

Episode 48 finds Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) falling under the negative influence of maverick slayer Faith (Eliza Dushka). The episode is also noteworthy for the introduction of Buffy's new Watcher, Wesley (Alexis Denisof), a young and unwelcome administrative type who views Giles' training techniques as outmoded. At the start of the episode, Buffy dusts a vampire armed with two swords, which are then stolen by Mr. Trick (K. Todd Freeman), apparently playing some part in the mayor's ascension. Later, Buffy is introduced to the uptight and overconfident Wesley, whom she immediately dislikes. Nonetheless, Wesley informs her that the vampire with the swords belonged to the 15th century duelist cult El Eliminati -- worshippers of the demon Balthazar. They are now searching for a lost amulet, which is in all likelihood harmless. After finding the amulet and discovering where Balthazar is hiding, Faith persuades Buffy -- against her better judgment -- to break into a sporting goods store for weapons. They are arrested and -- again through Faith's persuasion -- cause the squad car to crash so they can escape. Giles and a terrified Wesley are captured by the El Eliminati; during the capture, Faith mistakenly kills Deputy Mayor Finch (Jack Plotnick), an act that will drive her insane and make her evil. Buffy and Angel (David Boreanaz) come to save Giles, who then shows up Wesley by deftly beheading Balthazar with some top-notch swordplay. Meanwhile, the Mayor (Harry Groener) performs a ceremony, after which he pronounces himself invincible for the next 100 days until the Ascension. Buffy confronts Faith about killing Finch -- killing a human is against slayer policy -- but Faith just doesn't care.