27 Years Ago Today, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Premiered Its Only Christmas Episode (And Answered Major Franchise Questions)

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Though Buffy the Vampire Slayer ran for seven seasons, it only featured one Christmas episode. This was a significant episode, titled “Amends,” which aired in the third season on December 15, 1998. The show generally focused on shorter timeframes – only three Halloween episodes were made across its entire run – but this episode was special because it addressed major questions about Angel’s return from Hell and what it meant for Buffy and her friends.

This article examines the single Christmas episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and explores what it showed us about the connection between Angel and Buffy.

Angel’s Return From Hell Explained

In the second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a new vampire named Spike arrived in town and ultimately influenced Angel, causing him to lose his soul and become a demon again. The season culminated in a heartbreaking scene where Buffy was forced to kill Angel to protect Sunnydale and the world, sending him to Hell. Surprisingly, Angel returned in Season 3, and Buffy attempted to help him heal from his experiences in Hell.

In the third season finale, episode 10, titled “Amends,” the reason for Angel’s return was finally explained. The episode showed Angel haunted by disturbing nightmares and visions of those he’d killed. These visions led him to believe the only ways to end his suffering were to kill Buffy or take his own life. Buffy and Giles soon realized what was happening. It turned out the First Evil had resurrected Angel specifically to use him to destroy Buffy.

This episode finally explained why Angel was resurrected in Season 3 and hinted that a permanent relationship with Buffy was unlikely. Angel confessed that his human side, not his demonic nature, was the real problem – he felt he lacked the strength to overcome his inner darkness. However, a brief moment near the end suggested this might not be entirely true, despite what the First Evil claimed.

Before the First Evil truly emerged as the main villain, this episode showed it was the force manipulating events throughout the entire series. Though it was early in Season 3, the First Evil consistently posed a threat and ultimately became the final enemy Buffy and her friends defeated, even after Angel’s departure. This episode was crucial because it marked the First Evil’s very first appearance, and the only one before the show’s final season.

Joss Whedon Explains Christmas Miracle

Angel made the heartbreaking decision to end his own life to protect Buffy from his darker impulses. Though he hoped to spare her pain, he knew his death would still deeply hurt her. He climbed a hill and waited for sunrise, intending to sacrifice himself to prevent further suffering, believing he couldn’t control his dangerous side. However, his plan was thwarted by the overwhelming power of The First Evil, which he felt neither he nor Buffy could defeat, leaving him convinced that death was his only option.

Angel didn’t die, thanks to Buffy’s intervention, though he was determined to end his life. Instead of sunrise, a sudden snowstorm began, blocking out the sun and saving him. Creator Joss Whedon, who doesn’t believe in God, explained this wasn’t meant to be a divine rescue. He described it as a “Christmas miracle” rooted in the traditional mythology of the holiday, rather than religious belief.

The snowfall also made Angel realize it was a sign – a message that he was meant to live. He began to believe he had a reason for surviving and something left to do. This realization ultimately led to his departure from Sunnydale after Buffy’s prom and her final showdown with Mayor Wilkins in Season 3. The episode “Amends,” which aired during the Christmas season, started the process of him leaving town.

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2025-12-15 18:40