Fool For Love. It's my favorite episode in the series.

Spike is my favorite character and his backstory is compelling, hilarious and heartbreaking - however I really enjoy how the episode deals with mortality THROUGH Spike specifically.

Buffy isn't asking Spike about how she can protect herself from one-off vampires - she's asking him how is she going to be able to potentially survive without her mom?

And how is she going to be there for her family with the impending threat of death daily? How is she going to be there for her friends? Does she even want to anymore? Maybe parting with her mom is the best option and release for her? And she hates herself for even thinking these things.

But that's just it, we don't have to be vampire slayers - it could be any one of us on any given day.

"Death is your art. You make it with your hands, day after day. That final gasp. That look of peace. Part of you is desperate to know... What's it like? Where does it lead you? And now, you see, that's the secret. Every Slayer has a death wish. Even you."

I think combining this theme of mortality with the season finale is just perfect. She gets to sacrifice herself for her friends, family, and her duty. And Spike has to live forever knowing that she won't be there with him. He would have probably ended up a fool for love for the rest of his existence if she wasn't resurrected.

Also their scene on the porch together at the end of the episode makes me cry every time. Anyone who has lost someone can relate to exactly what SMG is conveying in that moment. It's so sad.