Ep 6. Family

In the season 5 episode 6 of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, titled "Family," viewers see Buffy and Dawn dealing with the consequences of their mother's passing. While dealing with their grief, they also have to face the arrival of their cousin, who they haven’t seen in years.

After Buffy and Dawn's mother died, their aunt sends their cousin, a troubled teenager named Celia, to stay with them for a few days. Celia's presence disrupts the routine of the Summers’ house as she makes it clear that she isn't comfortable being around everyone. Buffy and Dawn try to provide Celia with some comfort, but their efforts are met with indifference.

Meanwhile, in the supernatural world, the demon Dagon has overheard Spike's plan to protect Buffy and Dawn from the Hellgod, Glory, and has come to Sunnydale to stop him. Spike is forced to hide from Dagon while trying to figure out a way to get the information he needs to defeat Glory.

As the episode progresses, Celia's secret is uncovered. She ran away from her father, who's abusive and always drunk, and decides to stay in Sunnydale forever instead of returning home. Buffy, understanding what Celia is going through, shares her own personal story of loss with her, connecting in a way that she hasn't been able to with anyone else.

The episode provides a glimpse of Buffy's personal life, as well as highlights the importance of family and individual struggle. Each character has a unique challenge to face, and they all deal with them in different ways. Buffy is trying to keep it together for Dawn, even as she is struggling with her own pain. Dawn, who is still processing the loss of her mother, is searching for someone to relate to. Spike tries to balance protecting Buffy and Dawn while also dealing with his own inner turmoil.

Overall, "Family" is a poignant episode that showcases the human and supernatural challenges that the characters face on a daily basis. While the supernatural element is still present, the episode focuses more on the family dynamics and the emotional struggles everyone is facing. It's a reminder that even heroes still have to deal with their personal struggles, and sometimes, family is the best support system they have.