Considering how Buffy Summers has burned down the school gym, run off to Vegas, and filled her diary with tales of vampires and demons, her parents see no other choice than to have her committed to a mental institution for a nice long rest. During her stay, Buffy finds that she rather likes not having to slay vampires and demons night after night. But there's something sinister going on here as some of the doctors may not be what they appear. Meanwhile, in England, Rupert Giles' use of black magic has stopped a corrupt Watcher from destroying the Council, but now, to prove himself worthy of the title Watcher, he must face the consequences of dabbling in the forbidden arts. Dark Horse recounts this turning point in Buffy's history before she got to Sunnydale, in a story we only saw a glimpse of in the television show.