“Hush”

We begin this classic – yes, classic – episode with Buffy in Professor Walsh's class; she's soon called to the front for a demonstration; at this point we realize something kinda funky is going on. It's a dream and not just any dream, it's another of her prophetic dreams.

"Can't even shout, can't even cry -
The Gentlemen are coming by -
Looking in windows, knocking on doors -
They need to take seven and they might take yours -
Can't call to mom, can't say a word -
You're gonna die screaming but you won't be heard."

This sequence sits up the episode perfectly. Buffy then wakes and she is indeed in class, only she's slept through it.

Meanwhile at Giles: Spike wants food (human food), Anya's after Xander (again) for more than just sex, and the biggie: Giles wants Xander to take Spike off his hands for a few days so he can be alone with his orgasm friend (Olivia). Xander reluctantly agrees, which sets Anya off again about how their plans are going to be ruined. Willow meets Tara: the only good thing about her new Wicca group.

That night the Gentlemen hit town – and I just want to say that they were some really scary looking bad guys, maybe the most scary EVER on Buffy – and steal everyone's voices while they're sleeping. The next morning Riley and the Commandos are ordered out in civies (because a military presence would create more panic) to keep peace and order in Sunnydale.

The next day everyone struggles to deal with not being able to speak, and they learn that a murder was committed on campus and a boy's heart was removed. That night things really begin to heat up. The Gentlemen are out again collecting hearts and Olivia happens to look out Giles' window and catch a glimpse of one. In the morning she will make a sketch which will help Giles put everything together.

The Scooby gang beat the Initiative in figuring out what's happening. The Gentlemen are part of a fairy tale and only the scream of the princess will kill them – but considering no one has their voices, this is a problem.

Meanwhile Tara's searching for Willow – we don't know why at the time, but later learn that she wanted to work a spell in an effort to restore everyone's voices. She does find Willow, while being chased by the Gentlemen, which puts them both on the run. They end up in a snack room and by combining their magic they manage to block the entrance and save themselves. Lots of great Willow/Tara subtext here.

Buffy and Riley accidently cross paths and join forces to stop the Gentlemen, thus revealing that they've both been less than honest with each other.

The episode ends with Buffy and Riley saying they need to talk then setting in silence until the credits roll.

In my opinion the best part about this episode is the scene where Xander arrives at Giles and sees Anya sleeping and Spike standing over her with blood on his mouth and thinks Spike has attacked her – he rushes over and starts beating him, only to find Anya's okay. After a cute hand gesture from Anya they are off to have some nookie. However, in this great episode that is not the only thing to love, seriously. This episode, even if you believe Buffy should have ended after season three, is a MUST SEE episode. Stop reading – go – watch it NOW!