Spoiler Country - YOU'VE BEEN WARNED

[obcooke]

I don't know much about the geography of England, but according to reports, scenes for the new season were shot in Timsbury, Anthony's home, which may be near or a part of Bath.

In fact, when bad weather forced the crew to scale back outdoor production, Tony invited them to film in his garden.

For the those who might like to see a more dashing, active Giles you can look forward to scenes of Tony on horseback in the English woods.

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Now, back to the episodes:

7.02 Beneath You

Some reports have referred to Ronnie, the sometimes worm, as a shape-shifter. Rather this refers to his ability to change into a worm and return to human OR if it means that he is the "Big Bad" that impersonates the previous bads is unclear.

It may just be a poor choice of words or it may be a tip-off that he is the Big Bad. And what about the Anya connnection? Could it be that Anya changed a shape-shifter into a worm?

Now might be a good time to remind everyone that while I don't report every rumor, even spoilers that look good can be misinterpreted or just plain wrong.

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7.03 Same Time, Same Place

A sometime reliable source reports that Dawn is frozen while in mid-air. She tries to talk through her teeth when Xander worries that she may suffocate if she throws-up. She struggles to tell him to shut up.

There is supposed to be a scene with Dawn awkwardly propped up on the couch.

[DreamTraveler: Either way, why does the demon want her?]

One report is that the demon mistakenly thinks that Willow is a sacrifice left for him by her friends. The Scoobies may be unaware that Willow is even home from England. They are concentrating on finding the demon to help Dawn.

[Highlander II]

quick question --

I've noticed in the spoilers/speculations that Dawn is supposed to have a group of friends - but none of these ppl mentioned are her friend Janice. What happened to Janice? She's been Dawn's (almost unseen) friend for 2 seasons, and she doesn't even get a mention for S7? Thought Janice was Dawn's best friend. So, unless they're going to explain Janice away in some kind of 'falling out' or Janice moves away story, they're gonna miss a piece of canon that, on the surface, might not appear important, but could be...

It just seems odd that this friend of Dawn's who has been around for awhile and even has gotten Dawn in trouble (no big thing there - there's always someone getting ppl into trouble), would have no place in the new season - or none that we know of as yet...

thoughts or ideas??

[obcooke]

I don't know about Janice, H2, but Joss seems to often hire actors for very short runs and changes his mind, only if they stand out. Spike, Anya, Dru and Faith - great characters all - were all supposed to have short-runs, but Joss was genius enough to spot their potential. I guess as an actor if you want more than a couple of guest-shots you have to really make an impression, like Clem.


#7.01 Lessons

According to a nearly 100% reliable source, David Greenberg has revealed that if Joss & Co. have their way, EVERY BIG BAD EVER WILL APPEAR BRIEFLY AT THE END OF EPISODE ONE. Here's hoping that they are able to pull it off.

Some sources are confirming a shape-shifter that may only appear to Spike at first, who, due to his mental turmoil, is not the most reliable witness.

It may be in this episode that Spike reveals to Buffy that he intended the trip to Africa to get his soul back all along. The scene was played to fool the viewer, not Spike.

#7.02 Beneath You

The intensity of Spike's discomfort over his new soul is being talked about in vague, spoilery tones, but one indication may be him hugging a large cross and holding on, while it burns him.

#7.03 Same Time, Same Place

When Willow returns to Sunnydale, for some reason her human friends can't see her. That is why they are unaware that she has returned, as mentioned in an earlier post. The cause may be Willow retaining her magical nature and not really ready to be seen by the Scoobies.

Although when some bodies turn up in Sunnydale missing their skin, ala Warren, her friends worry that she is involved.

By the end of the episode Buffy and Willow reconcile.

#7.04 Help - written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner

In Buffy's new job at Sunnydale High, a female student thinks that within the week she (the student) will be dead. Is she suicidal or does it have something to do with a new cult at the school?

Xander and Willow visit Tara's grave.

[Mysterious Stranger]

On the whole Faith returning issue. It's been long rumored and hoped for but until now no one knew for sure. Well kiddies, hold on to your butts. This'll make all you(us) fanboys drool!

I read that the Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Eliza has signed this season to do the last 5 eps of "Buffy" and 3 eps of "Angel". This is a confirmation of a report from Scifi.com that she was going to make some kind of announcement on the "Late Show with David Letterman" on her Tuesday night appearance. Apparently they were going to make some decisions on Tuesday and that was when she was scheduled to appear. Didn't see the interview but I have a feeling this is correct and reliable information. Only time will tell for certain on any of these.

Now discuss...

[obcooke]

[Mysterious Stranger: On the whole Faith returning issue... she was going to make some kind of announcement on the "Late Show with David Letterman" on her Tuesday night appearance.]

Sadly there was no new news from Eliza during her Letterman appearance. Despite her stated intention to make an announcement, they only discussed her new movie - "City by the Sea", the new Robert De Niro film.

Letterman wasted too much time with that worthless hack, Chris Elliott, to give Eliza much time and her priority was to get people into the theaters.

But thanks for the Hollywood Reporter article. That is good news!

------

A couple of quick new spoiler notes:


Episode #7.01 "Lessons"

[OB-Wan: Mutant Enemy has put out a casting call for: Slayers-in-training, non-speaking roles. ( from 7-22-02)]

[DreamTraveler: I would assume that this plot would fall under the catagory of an evil scheme by a sinister villain. Think about it. If you're a vampire, and your arch rival is the slayer, wouldn't you want to kill the girl before she got the powers of the slayer?]

You may have won the no-prize, DT. Some are speculating that there is a Big Bad after potential Slayers. Combined with this spoiler, things could get interesting.

"Buffy begins to have visions in her dreams of a young woman in Istanbul being shadowed by people in hooded robes."

---

Episode 7.03 "Same Time, Same Place"

Anya is punished by her boss for taking the curse off of Ronnie in 7.02 "Beneath You", by losing her ability to transport. So she is pretty much stuck in Sunnydale unless she travels the old-fashioned human way - how convenient for us.

[I realized later that Ronnie cannot be our shapeshifter demon, because if he was a demon that assumed human form, Spike could still attack him without the chip reacting. I'm betting that Anya made Ronnie into the worm demon and then changed him back just in time to ruin Spike's day.]

---

Episode 7.05

Is supposed to be an Anya show, including flashbacks to "Once More, With Feeling" and yes, she sings again.

---

[Highlander II]

You mentioned the possibility of 'a big bad after potential slayers' -

umm -- isn't that a LOT like the Christopher Golden book - "Pretty Maids All in a Row"?

And I only noticed b/c I happen to be reading it - and that is sort of Spike's 'task' for obtaining a 'prize' - he's to kill the current Slayer and hunt the 'potential' slayers (it's on the back of the book) --

And, of course, it could be speculation - but if it's not -- man - more plot-recycling ----

[RogueFaith]

dude where did mutant enemy release that casting call? Like the page cause i've only seen second hand info...(yes i act and if its not to late i wanna see if i can do it)

[obcooke]

[RogueFaith: dude where did mutant enemy release that casting call?]

Sorry for not replying sooner, but I have been unable to find any primary sources, although I would assume that the industry has standard ways of doing business for open casting calls, like an ad in "Variety" magazine or some other trade journal.

I get most of my info third or fourth hand. Speaking of which -

There's a new source in town that has a road map to 7.01 Lessons - Schroeder. In fact, he claims to have read the script and seen a video of the first episode. Either this is the real thing or someone has pulled off a great foiler [false spoiler]. But so far, everything said meshes with the info that has already been posted.

The main story about the Monsters of the Week has already been covered by previous posts in this thread. Nothing I have seen changes any of that, so I will only note the new info.

Here's the scoop, but remember, this is a new source, so we can't really be sure it's true.

---------------

The season opens in Istanbul where a young woman (Slayer-in-training?) is chased by hooded figures and apparently done in by a long, curved knife.

Buffy is training Dawn how to slay in a graveyard. She sounds very Watcher-ish as she lets Dawn take on a newly-risen vamp. Buffy only jumps in when Dawn gets into trouble.

The school is still a construction-work-in-progress as it opens. The Hellmouth is under the Principal's office. One of the undead says that the basement is like a maze and you can get lost in it. Spike tells Buffy that he is living there.

The undead number three (2 students & a janitor) that blame Buffy for not saving them.

Spike looks rough, with unkempt hair, dark roots showing and he's apparently been hurting himself. He tells Buffy, "I tried to cut it out." His newfound soul, perhaps?

Willow finds that she cannot remove all traces of magic from her being, so she must learn to control her abilities.

Giles finds Willow magically growing a flower that belongs in Brazil. Willow is impressed when Giles seems to recognize it. He comments that it doesn't belong in England. Willow allows it to shrivel and comments that all things are connected really through the spirit of Mother Earth. Willow looks low, like she's recovering from an ordeal. She thanks Giles for helping her find a coven that could aid her, but even they still regard her with caution.

Later Willow is knocked to the ground by her realization that there's a disturbance in the Force... I mean, that trouble is brewing in Sunnydale. She even sees a gaping mouth (anyone thinking Hellmouth?) with sharp teeth.

Anya is not working out to be a very good vengeance demon. Hallie complains that Anya hasn't committed any real mayhem and all the other demons, including her boss, D'Hoffryn, are disappointed in her. Anya asks why her other demon friends haven't said anything and Hallie tells her that she is Anya's only remaining friend.

In the final scene, Spike, huddled in his basement digs, sees a vision of the Big Bads in the following order: Warren - Glory - Adam - Mayor Wilkins - Drusilla - The Master and ???? The seventh villain is supposed to be such a surprise that even those in the know are withholding its identity. (Angelus, Faith, Tara?????)

The Bads impart wisdom to Spike:

When Spike complains to himself that he had a speech prepared for Buffy that he did not deliver, Warren appears to tell him that its better that he didn't.

Glory talks about herself and how great she is, or is she talking about someone else?

Adam has plans for Hostile 17 (Spike).

Mayor Wilkins tells Spike that his new soul will prove nothing.

Dru caresses his face and tells him that he is always with her... and always will be.

The Master says that the next few months will be interesting (duh, no kidding). And tells anyone who doesn't know that we're going back to the beginning... way, way back. It's not about winning...

The Mystery Bad then tells us what its all about, Alfie.

[obcooke]

An update -

Schroeder reports that the final image to appear to Spike is not a villian at all, but that of Buffy.

According to a series of hints by Schroeder, when she tells Spike "what it's all about", I think that the message is "it's about who has the power."

Early in the episode when Buffy is coaching Dawn, she is supposed to tell the wee one that being The Slayer is about having the power... the power to stop vampires... the power to fight evil... etc. Or something like that.

The last words of the episode are those of the faux-Buffy echoing comments the real Buffy made earlier. Based on that, that's my guess, but it's only a guess.

Two weeks from tomorrow, those of us in the US will find out what it's all about for sure.

[Highlander II]

Well, interesting info there ---

and one week from yesterday -- we will see how it all plays out --

I'm kind of having mixed feelings -- I'm looking forward to it, but I'm kind of afraid of what may come and that I won't like what Joss tosses us this time ---

But, I'll be watching and waiting ----

[angelle myst]

I cant remember what time Slayerette said the premier aired EST, and she didnt know if it was a double opener or just one ep, but if anybodys online thats just watched it can ya pls come tell me all about it cos i'm not staying spoiler-free this season, no way in hell

And thanks for all those lovely spoilers, got me all excited

xxx

[obcooke]

[Sammy O'Neill: I cant remember what time Slayerette said the premier aired EST, and she didnt know if it was a double opener or just one ep...]

It's on right now, 8pm EST and it's only one ep tonight.

I have already posted the thread for this one, under Sticky: 7.01: Lessons.

[Sammy O'Neill: ...but if anybodys online thats just watched it can ya pls come tell me all about it cos i'm not staying spoiler-free this season...]

Well, if you want the ultimate spoiler visit:

Leoff's Wildfeed

The wildfeed is the satellite transmission of the episode to the network affliliates. It usually occurs the day before the broadcast. If you have the right kind of equipment and knowledge you can intercept the signal and watch Buffy early. Fortunately, someone does it for us and provides us with a written summary of the episode.

In Buffy's case, the wildfeed is usually available each Monday morning or afternoon.

[Sammy O'Neill: And thanks for all those lovely spoilers]

You're very welcome. And stay tuned becuase I have some info pending on episode 5 and other things that I will be posting soon.

[angelle myst]

omg, thanks so much

xxx

[obcooke]

Some more news on upcoming episodes. I'll try not to repeat too much of what I've said before, except to put new news in context.

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7.02 Beneath You

Written by Doug Petrie

Buffy gets to work at her new job.

Xander talks Anya into removing Ronnie's curse. Spike spikes the restored-to-human Ronnie. The feedback burns out Spike's chip.

Buffy has a brief flashback to the bathroom scene.

Spike repeats something Buffy heard in a dream.

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7.03 Same Time, Same Place

Written by Jane Espenson

Willow returns!

It's a matter of perspective when Willow's friends are unable to see her, perhaps because of a subliminal desire on her part to postpone their reunion.

But those tuned into the other side, like Spike and Anya can see her.

Willow and Anya are also able to sense Spike's new soul.

Spike punches Anya to prevent her from telling Buffy, but he later reveals to Buffy that he sought out and recovered his soul.

Buffy and Willow bond again and Buffy lends Willow her strength in a meta-physical way.

Anya's ability to teleport is limited to on-the-job necessity only, as punishment for not being vicious enough for her boss.

Buffy, Xander, and Dawn go to Spike for help, but Buffy is deeply troubled by Spike's story of how he spent his summer vacation.

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7.04 Help

Written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner

Cassie, a student, thinks that she only has one week to live and confides in Buffy.

Cassie may be threatened by a new cult of students.

Buffy tries to get help from Spike. Spike is still into self-flagulation and Buffy has to restrain him.

When he refers to "hurting the girl", he means Buffy, but she is confused since she has Cassie on her mind.

She thinks that she is upsetting him so she leaves, despite his pleas for her to stay.

He yells after her "Don't hurt the girl!", but Buffy doesn't hear him. He repeats the line when he fights this episode's demon to save Buffy.

Cassie may have some prophetic powers. She tells Spike, "Someday she'll tell you."

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7.05 Selfless (title unconfirmed)

The Story of Anya - past, present and future.

Olaf (Abraham Benrubi) from #5.11 "Triangle" may appear.

Hallie and D'Hoffryn appear.

A village was built to film scenes of Anya's origin as a Vengence Demon.

Anya sings.

Xander tries to get back together with her.

Anya tries to undo a terribly bad wish.

Buffy and Anya tussle.

We find out why Anya fears bunnies!

It will take the life of a Vengence Demon to undo Anya's wish.

Spike thinks that he sees Buffy, but she comes later to get him out of the basement. She now thinks that that is causing his dysfunction.

Buffy gives Spike a clean slate.

Willow uses the talisman that D'Hoffryn gave her in #4.09 "Something Blue" to call upon him.

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7.06 Him (title unconfirmed)

A cheerleader gets more than sweets from a vending machine and in typical Sunnydale High fashion try-outs are scheduled to replace the unlucky girl.

A Cordelia-clone (not really, but you get the idea), Lori, is upset that Dawn seems to be getting too much attention from Skyler, the star quarterback.

Skyler is worried about competition from another player. Dawn tries to convince the competition to stand aside and, when he refuses, she shoves him down a flight of stairs.

Skyler even manages to enchant Buffy into behaving inappropriately. Buffy "counsels" the young man in private.

A suspicious Xander and Spike band together to find out what has gotten into the Summers women.

They question the student's older brother, Lance, who used to be the star at Sunnydale. They find him, an overweight delivery boy, with a grudge against his sibling for taking a mystical letterman's jacket from him.

It's up to the male Scoobies to save the day.

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Marti Noxon has dropped some spoilers in an interview.

Keep in mind that she may be trying to plant some false info to confuse the spoiler industry.

Some of these we have heard from other sources, and none are earth-shaking, but she says:

The parking ticket lady from OMWF (Marti, herself) will sing again one day.

She is writing Ep #7.10 & #7.20.

She will be directing #7.21, the next to the last episode of the season. (of the series????) "...this is my first big action one"

Willow's rehabilitation from evil-doing will take several episodes.

Anya will sing again.

Amber Benson will return, but not as Tara.

Xander may try to reconcile with Anya.

[obcooke]

TVGuide.com has an interview with Joss in which he says that sentiment has shifted towards NOT continuing the series past Season Seven that this season would be a good one to end on with a big finish.

It's not settled yet, but the needle has swung some.