Episode 650-656

After experiencing the perfect bliss of being reunited with Vodka Bottle, Angelus wrecks havoc on Sunnydale. Now a perky indefatigable blonde is the world's only hope. But will she reach him in time?

Roman offers to take Ingo. Jenny offers to take Lars. Lars offers to take drugs.

And here's our problem with this whole relapse plot. This could have been an incredibly powerful story of a man's ongoing struggle with alcoholism and the unhealthy dependency of those who love him. Steered by Tobias and Silvia, who turn in amazingly intense performances and leave us gobsmacked time and again, this could have been one of AWZ's most compelling storylines ever.

Instead, we're supposed to swallow the contrived vodka-in-the-milk scheme so we're reminded that Jenny Is Evil, while Stella - the cause of our own descent into alcoholism - is seen as some source of redemption.

We don't get it.

Prost.

Ewww, Nettchen slept with the wood worm. Is there room in that therapy group, Lars?

Also, if we all start a collection, would it be enough to buy Marian a plot?

Lars turns his back on booze, and Stella. We turn our backs on the Dark Years, and commandeer all of Lars' hidden bottles to celebrate CLOSING THE GAP!!! Thanks to all of you who came along for the ride of pain, eyerolling, and WTF-ing. We hope you at least had fun mocking.