Episode 97 - It's the Bench! (Tough Love) — The Sunnydale Diaries - A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcast

Things are getting very real in Sunnydale, as we cover Buffy S5 E19 "Tough Love".

Buffy is forced into a new role as Dawn's caregiver, while Willow and Tara have a fight that starts with some questionable communication and ends with devastating consequences. Glory is closing in on the Key, Willow taps into some seriously dark magic, and Spike once again finds himself being the voice of reason.

This week, we talk about conflict in our own relationships (including Sean's extremely dramatic attempt to pack a suitcase), debate whether Willow and Tara's argument escalated way too quickly, revisit one of our favorite HellmouthCon photo ops, and have a lot to say about Sunnydale Hospital's decision to send Tara home.

Plus: Glory finally gets the information she's been looking for, Melanie rates “Tough Love” an impressive 4½ staks, and she makes a pretty major prediction about Ben and Glory as we head closers toward the Season 5 finale.

And don't forget: our “I Was Made to HUD You” Season 5 contest is underway! Create your own BuffyBot-style HUD for a Season 5 character (or Sean or Melanie) and send it our way (thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com) by November 15, 2026.