In the season premiere, the famous vampire Count Dracula makes an appearance in Sunnydale in search of Buffy.

Xander's girlfriend Anya Jenkins begins to experience deeper human emotions, both negative and positive, such as a love for money.

Glory takes the form of a beautiful young woman, with some of her powers still intact as long as she maintains her strength through draining people of their sanity.

When Joyce suffers from unexplained headaches, Buffy suspects Dawn may be harming her, but they discover that they were caused by a brain tumor.

Riley leaves Buffy in the middle of the season after concluding that she does not love him, joining a military demon-hunting operation.

This greatly angers Buffy, but she soon softens after Spike is tortured by Glory yet refuses to reveal that Dawn is the Key.

Despite the defeat, this event results in Willow becoming significantly more powerful, but her dependency on magic increases and her personality starts to change in a sinister way.

At the time of the ritual, Glory uses Dawn's blood to open the portal between dimensions, but she is distracted by the Scoobies' intervention.

She realizes the meaning of the First Slayer's message — "Death is your gift" — and sacrifices her own life to save Dawn's and close the portal.

Series creator Joss Whedon served as executive producer and showrunner, and wrote and directed three episodes including the season finale.

Both episodes feature multiple flashbacks to the history of Spike (James Marsters) and Darla (Julie Benz), shown from their respective viewpoints.

Buffy recurring character Harmony Kendall (Mercedes McNab) visits L.A. in the Angel episode "Disharmony".

[26] David Bianculli in the New York Daily News commended the performances of Gellar, Trachtenberg, Hannigan, and Benson.

"[27] Television critic Alesia Redding and editor Joe Vince of the South Bend Tribune wrote, "I was riveted by this show ...

Redding added, "If you watch this incredible episode and don't recognize it as great TV, you're hopeless ... A 'fantasy' show delivers the most stark and realistic take on death I've ever seen, deftly depicting how a loved one who dies suddenly becomes 'the body'.

"[28] Gareth McLean in The Guardian rejected the notion that Buffy is similar to other "schmaltzy American teen show(s)" like Dawson's Creek: "This episode was a brave, honest and wrenching portrayal of death and loss.

McLean especially appreciated the small details of Buffy protecting Joyce's dignity and the confusion shown by the characters.

Even if Buffy gets stiffed in every other Emmy category this year, 'The Body' should convince the nominating committee that Gellar is for real ...

Featurettes include, "Buffy Abroad", which details the international popularity of the show; "Demonology: A Slayer's Guide", a featurette presented by Danny Strong showcasing the various demons on the show; "Casting Buffy", which details the casting process of all the main actors; "Action Heroes!

Also included are series outtakes, Buffy video game trailer, photo galleries, and DVD-ROM content.