For her upcoming 18th birthday, Buffy declines the scooby gang's offer of a big party, hoping to celebrate with quiet reflection and a traditional trip to the ice show with her father. But unbeknownst to Buffy, preparations are being made by the Watcher's Council for a life-threatening rite of passage that drains the slayer of her powers and then entraps her with a powerful vampire foe that she must defeat in a defenseless state in order to pass the test.
Giles must participate in the test by drugging Buffy so she loses her strength and skill, and then has to lead her into the trap. When he sees how Buffy is being torn apart by what is happening he reveals the details of the test, but she is appalled by his actions and storms out.
The test goes awry however, when the vampire escapes and kidnaps Buffy's mom. Buffy uses a bit of trickery to defeat the vampire and passes the test. Unfortunately Giles does not, and is fired by the Council for his fatherly love towards Buffy. Original airdate: January 19th 1999
