National Nielsen Viewership (May 12–18)". The Los Angeles Times. May 21, 1997 . Retrieved April 15, 2021– via Newspapers.com.

Principal Robin Wood, portrayed by D. B. Woodside (season 7): The son of a past Slayer, Nikki Wood (killed by Spike), who becomes a Buffy ally in the final season. He becomes the love interest of Faith. Jamie Gerber (1 August 2018). "Why I'm Excited for Kiersten White's Buffy the Vampire Slayer Novel". themarysue.com . Retrieved 9 July 2022.

National Nielsen Viewership (Feb. 4-10)". The Los Angeles Times. February 13, 2002 . Retrieved May 15, 2021– via Newspapers.com.

National Nielsen Viewership (Oct. 15-21)". The Los Angeles Times. October 24, 2001 . Retrieved May 12, 2021– via Newspapers.com. National Nielsen Viewership (May 15-21)". The Los Angeles Times. May 24, 2000 . Retrieved May 6, 2021– via Newspapers.com. During season five, a younger sister, Dawn, suddenly appears in Buffy's life; although she is new to the series, to the characters it is as if she has always been there. Buffy is confronted by Glory, an exiled Hell God who is searching for a "Key" that will allow her to return to her Hell dimension and in the process blur the lines between dimensions and unleash Hell on Earth. It is later discovered that the Key's protectors have used Buffy's blood to turn the Key into human form–Dawn–concurrently implanting everybody with lifelong memories of her. The Watchers' Council aids in Buffy's research on Glory, and she and Giles are both reinstated on their own terms. Riley leaves early in the season after realizing that Buffy does not love him and joins a military demon-hunting operation. Spike, still implanted with his chip from The Initiative, realizes he is in love with Buffy and increasingly helps the Scoobies in their fight. Buffy's mother Joyce dies of a brain aneurysm, while at the end of the season, Xander proposes to Anya. Glory finally discovers that Dawn is the key and kidnaps her, using Dawn's blood to open a portal to the Hell dimension. To save Dawn, Buffy sacrifices her own life by diving into the portal, thus closing it with her death.National Nielsen Viewership (Jan. 25-31)". The Los Angeles Times. February 3, 1999 . Retrieved April 29, 2021– via Newspapers.com.

National Nielsen Viewership (Feb. 14-20)". The Los Angeles Times. February 24, 2000 . Retrieved May 5, 2021– via Newspapers.com. Nikki Roddy (2011). How To Fight, Lie, and Cry Your Way to Popularity and a Prom Date. Lerner Publishing Group. p.48. ISBN 9780547687308. National Nielsen Viewership (Oct. 13–19)". The Los Angeles Times. October 22, 1997 . Retrieved April 16, 2021– via Newspapers.com. a b "National Nielsen Viewership (Oct. 1-7)". The Los Angeles Times. October 10, 2001 . Retrieved May 12, 2021– via Newspapers.com. National Nielsen Viewership (April 14–20)". The Los Angeles Times. April 23, 2003 . Retrieved May 21, 2021– via Newspapers.com.

National Nielsen Viewership (Nov. 12-18)". The Los Angeles Times. November 21, 2001 . Retrieved May 13, 2021– via Newspapers.com. National Nielsen Viewership (April 30-May 6)". The Los Angeles Times. May 9, 2001 . Retrieved May 10, 2021– via Newspapers.com.