26 Years Ago, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Officially Launched Its Most Controversial Couple

“Out of My Mind”, the fourth episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s fifth season, ended with a dream in which Buffy kissed Spike and he confessed his love for her. The moment brought their long-running tension into the open and foreshadowed a relationship that would become one of the show’s most contentious storylines.

Most of the episode follows Buffy trying to help her boyfriend Riley, whose heart is at risk because of drugs used by The Initiative to enhance his strength. Riley’s insecurity strains their relationship, while Spike’s failed attempt to remove his brain chip and kill Buffy helps set up his gradual shift towards becoming her ally. The episode also plants other season threads, including Joyce’s unexplained collapse and Willow’s growing reliance on magic.