Where the hell do I begin with my "Restless" love? I am quite shocked by some of the "Restless" hate. "Hush" is a brilliant episode, even though it "failed me", but in any case, I don't see how people can hate "Restless". Some people have pointed out that it foreshadows season 5. It does more than that. It told the story of where the characters were, and where they're going. It actually foreshadowed the rest of the series, if you look closely. I could write a BIBLE length book about the virtues, the hidden symbolism, the psychology, and the insight of that episode, so I can't possibly explain my love in one post. It's THE reason why I love Buffy. Number uno. People say it's boring, or it's out of structure. Joss was never the guy to go to for structure. (The Zeppo anyone?) Giles summed up the most important thing to take out of not only the episode, but the series as well: "It's all about the journey, isn't it?" Buffy was never about super fantastic plot lines (although she does excel in that category too), but about these wonderful characters, and the journey we've taken with them. And "Restless" was a immense tribute to that fact.
Totally with you on this! The main reason I love Buffy and Angel so much is because the characters in both shows are so great. They are imo the best I've seen in a tv show, as far as the cast is concerned. 🙂