Congratulations on creating such a wonderful Season Eight story - your timing and plot changes are so effective.  They add so much more to the story than the focus of the Buffy-Spike relationship that we have pre Season Eight.  With this new treatment of Reem and her religious side, the story becomes so much more interesting - I like how you jumped to the loss of Slayer powers without the background story.  I am now very interested in Reem's history and how she becomes involved with Angel/Angelus. 

Buffy's loss of power really brings emphasis to the conflict of her life - her duty and core of being the Slayer leader vs her life and duty as a parent.  The mothers in our current society have a tremendous burden with the conflict created by the economics of their lives.  For many women who follow their passions and ambitions for successful careers, and for all the millions more who have no choice but to work and leave the care of the children to others - it is a hard life choice.  For the wealthy at least they can buy competent care givers and tutors, etc. - but not so all the others.

Thanks Ever for keeping to your regular updates - all your readers appreciate not having those  long time gaps.

Well... that went well. Oh dear. Time for the cavalry to turn up...