Season synopsis
Contains spoilers for this season and earlier seasons.
After Buffy’s death, Willow, Xander, Anya and Tara use a powerful spell to bring her back, believing she was trapped in a hell dimension. Buffy had actually been in Heaven, and her return leaves her struggling with depression and the demands of ordinary life. She takes a fast-food job to support Dawn while Giles returns to England, hoping Buffy will learn to manage without him. At the same time, the trio of Warren, Jonathan and Andrew use technology, magic and hired monsters in increasingly dangerous schemes against Buffy. Willow’s use of magic also grows compulsive: Tara leaves after Willow alters her memory, then later reconciles with her. Buffy hides a painful sexual relationship with Spike, who discovers his chip no longer stops him from hurting her.
Xander calls off his wedding to Anya after being shown a false future, and Anya returns to vengeance demon work. Warren’s attack on Buffy ends with a stray bullet killing Tara. Willow turns to dark magic, kills Warren in revenge and nearly defeats Buffy; Giles returns with borrowed magic, but Willow defeats him and drains it. The power exposes her to the world’s suffering, and she decides to destroy it. Buffy and Dawn are trapped underground as Willow begins the final ritual. Xander walks to Willow without a weapon and reminds her of their lifelong friendship; she breaks down and the magic drains away. Buffy and Dawn climb out together, with Buffy promising to be there for her sister. After attempting to rape Buffy, Spike leaves Sunnydale remorseful and confused, travels to Africa, completes a series of trials, and has his soul restored.