Counting Down the Magic: "Family" Quiz

Answer: The fact that until recently, Buffy had no sister.

One of this episode's earliest moments shows Buffy and Giles speaking in hushed whispers about Dawn, and the revelation that she is a very new addition to the world. She has of course been sent to Buffy in the form of a sister, so that she can be protected from this season's "big bad", who seems intent on finding her. Though Dawn is a new addition, to Buffy it feels like she has always been in her life, as her memories have been manipulated so that it seems as if Dawn really has always been there. Giles is completely shocked by this news, so it is Buffy who takes control of the conversation, telling him not to tell anyone else, before adding "it's safer for them if they don't know".

As for the pictorial clue, fans of the series will be familiar with hearing Dawn being referred to as "the key", both prior to and during this episode.

Answer: Latin

As the Scoobies band together to help Buffy pack up her dorm room, there are several moments which highlight the familial-like bond that exists between them. Giles is (of course) the father figure, who sees himself "in a patriarchal sort of role" involving "a lot of pointing and scowling". Meanwhile Riley and Xander are clowning around, much like quarreling siblings, until Buffy (who is in this instance the authoritative, maternal figure) puts an end to their high jinks by threatening to "break something". Even former vengeance demon, Anya, is a close-knit member of this group, and despite grumbling aloud, "But we just helped her move this stuff in a few days ago!", upon catching sight of Buffy, she soon changes her tune by adding, "And it was fun!"

As for the pictorial clue, the Latin inscription reads "hinc erit urgenti quod levet ora siti", which [very roughly] translates to "from this place will spring something that will take our minds from mere physical thirst". Thanks go to Dando for translating this for me, via the AskFT board.

Answer: No

While Tara is momentarily out of the room, Willow reminds her friends that everyone needs to be at the Bronze the following night, by 8pm. However none of the gang remembers that the reason they are meeting is because it is Tara's birthday. On the contrary, they look rather puzzled by Willow's reminder, until she specifically mentions that it is her girlfriend's birthday.

It is clear at this point, which is still early on in the episode, that Tara is not yet a proper part of the Scooby gang.

Answer: Congeniality

Buffy's "Miss Congeniality" comment is of course a reference to her new enemy's pageant-like looks and behaviour. Unlike her previous foes, her new opponent is always impeccably turned out, and though certainly violent, is equally charming and sometimes, deceptively friendly. Buffy, understandably, does not know what to make of her, and at this moment in time [i.e., during this particular episode] very little is known about this new threat to the Slayer and her friends.

Answer: An old Initiative buddy of his

When Buffy prevents Dawn from having dinner at a friend's house, Riley tries to relieve the former's anxiety, by offering to contact his friend Graham, and therefore enlist the government's help in identifying Sunnydale's new villain. Not being privy to the same information as Buffy and Giles [that Dawn is being hunted by their new foe], Riley initially believes his girlfriend when she tells him "We all have to be careful...she's exciting and new. Don't really know what I'm up against." However he soon realises that there's more going on than that which Buffy is telling him, and becomes frustrated when she refuses to let him in on any of it.

As for the pictorial clue, during season four the Initiative [as fans will know] were known for wearing camouflage when out hunting demons.

Answer: Witchcraft

Having earlier received a surprise visit from three members of her family, Tara is later taken aback to find her father waiting for her in her dorm room. Their earlier reunion was stiff and formal and it is clear that her family do not approve of Tara's interest in witchcraft. Around her family, Tara begins to stutter, and is more introverted than viewers have ever seen her before.

Answer: Monk

Midway through this particular episode "demon chick" does indeed kidnap a Lei-Ach demon, whom she discovers at Sunnydale hospital. Moreover it is during her interrogation of him that she discovers Buffy is the Slayer. Upon hearing this she exclaims, "A Slayer? Oh God please don't tell me I was fighting a vampire slayer. How unbelievably common," before ordering the demon to attack Buffy. Urging him on she tells him, "Get your friends. Find the girl. Kill the girl. Yummy marrow for everyone".

Answer: Tara

It is indeed Tara who is to blame for the Lei-Ach demons' invisibility, as she cast a concealment spell, so that Buffy and her friends cannot see the demon part of her. This is the reason her family have come to collect her, as, in her father's own words, she has "evil inside", in the form of a demon. However Tara is desperate to stay in Sunnydale, and believing her father's words, cast the spell to hide her demon side. Unfortunately, this gives the Lei-Ach demons a considerable advantage, putting the gang in serious danger.

As for the pictorial clue, it is of course a generic picture of a woman, and there's only one in the answers.

Answer: "gotta go through me"

As many die-hard "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fans will know, this little exchange between Buffy and Tara's father is an important moment, for it is at this point that Tara is fully accepted into the fold by the Scoobies. Following Buffy's declaration, Dawn promptly adds "And me", before Giles also pledges his support. Following this, Xander then spells things out for the flabbergasted Mr. Maclay, by adding "You're dealing with all of us".

It is a truly heart-warming moment, and is one of the main reasons that this particular episode has made my top ten list.

Answer: Spike

It is of course Spike who makes this statement to Mr. Maclay, after punching Tara in the nose, hurting himself, while also simultaneously proving to everyone that there is no demon to be found in her at all. Due to the chip in his brain, Spike is unable to harm humans without experiencing excruciating pain himself, yet is able to attack demons without activating the chip. He also quickly discerns that the claim that Maclay women have demon in them is nothing more than a "family legend" used "to keep the ladies in line". It is this realisation that prompts the quotation outlined in the question.

As for the pictorial clue, Spike was once confined to a wheelchair after sustaining devastating injuries during season two. Angelus gave him the nickname Sit and Spin for that very reason.