TEXT: Prologue: In every generation there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer. Buffy's street at night. Willow and Xander are walking ahead of her on their way to her house. Xander: You don't know what you're talking about. Willow: Xander, he was obviously in charge. Xander: He was a puppet! She was using him! Willow: He didn't seem like the type of guy who would let himself be used. Xander: Well, that was her genius! He didn't even know he was playing second fiddle. (turns behind him) Buffy. Buffy: Huh? Xander: Who was the real power? The Captain, or Tennille? Buffy: Ummm... Who are these people? Xander: The Captain and Tennille? Boy, somebody was raised in a culture-free environment! Buffy: I'm sorry. I was just... Willow: Thinking? Buffy: No, not thinking. Having a lot of happy non-thoughts. I love it when things are quiet around here. Xander: Yeah, with Spike and Drusilla out of the way, we've really been ridin' the mellow, and I am really jinxing the hell out of us by saying that. Buffy: Yeah, but we'll let you off this time. They turn down the walk to Buffy's house. Willow: So, we're pretty sure that there're not more Tarakan assassins coming our way? Buffy: Angel's sources say the contract's off. Xander: How *is* Angel? Pretend I care. Buffy: (smiles) Getting better. Willow: And you're loving playing nursemaid? Buffy: Oh, yeah! Xander: So, is it better than playing naughty stewardess? Buffy: Xander... He chuckles as they climb the steps to the porch. Buffy gets out her key and reaches up to put it in the door lock. When she pushes on
SUMMARY:
Buffy returns home one evening to find her mother kissing a stranger in the kitchen. Joyce's date, Ted, turns abusive with Buffy, who accidentally kills him in self-defense. Believing herself guilty of manslaughter, the Slayer is heartily relieved to learn that Ted is a serial killer android targeting Joyce as his next wife/victim.