Buffy faces one of her most satisfying power shifts yet in Season 5 Episode 12, “Checkpoint,” as the Watchers Council rolls into Sunnydale with their usual blend of tweed, judgment, and wildly undeserved authority. Sean and Melanie talk about adult “tests”; from hospital in-services and job interview assessments to driving tests and performance reviews, before diving into an episode where Buffy is tested from every direction.

This week, we cover the Council’s return, Anya’s deeply questionable cover story (including a daschund) Willow and Tara’s “gay-type lovers” clarification, Spike’s continued inability to handle feelings like a grown vampire, and Glory’s little drop-in to 1630 Revelo Drive (break out the Enternmann's cake!). Plus, Melanie makes her predictions for “Blood Ties,” and Buffy finally realizes who really has the power.

Sean and Melanie are back from HellmouthCon, and they have a lot to report from their trip to Torrance High School (the real-life Sunnydale High!!)

In this special recap episode, they talk about the travel adventure to California, seeing iconic Buffy filming locations in person, exploring the school campus, meeting fellow Buffy fans and podcasters, and connecting with cast members including Amber Benson, Claire Kramer, Larry Bagby, and James C. Leary. They also break down their Jenny Calendar and Giles cosplay, the amazing fan-made props and costumes they spotted, the immersive Sunnydale surprises around campus, and the very real challenge of keeping Melanie spoiler-free at a Buffy convention.

Plus: Vietnamese coffee, In-N-Out Burger, accidental brunch-crashing, a missing clock tower, Buffy location hunting around Los Angeles, and the joy of being surrounded by people who love this show just as much as they do.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime Sunnydale field trip and we’re taking you with us.

This week on The Sunnydale Diaries, Sean and Melanie discuss Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 5, Episode 11: “Triangle.”

Giles leaves the Magic Box in Anya’s very enthusiastic hands, Willow gets a little too casual with the merchandise, and Xander finds himself trapped between his girlfriend and his best friend as their bickering accidentally unleashes a giant troll with a hammer, an appetite for babies, and a complicated romantic history. Meanwhile, Buffy is still dealing with Riley’s departure, Spike is rehearsing the expression of his feelings with a very unfortunate mannequin, and Joyce is recovering at home while everyone tries very hard not to hover.

Sean and Melanie also talk love triangles, troll dolls, the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, Buffy’s post-breakup growth, Anya being completely right about inventory, Willow acting wildly out of pocket, and whether Buffy the Vampire Slayer should maybe be called Buffy the Demon Slayer at this point.

We also to on the upcoming Hellmouth Con, a Buffy fan encounter in the wild, the return of Amy the rat, and The Bronze’s questionable crowd reactions.

While getting ready to publish this episode, we learned the unfortunate news of Anthony Steward Head's passing. His family is in our thoughts. We'll discuss his role in Buffy and the impact Rupert Giles had in the future.