Great review, Moscow - and I'd completely forgotten about the controversy over DeKnight and the death of Tara. As I recall, he went on the Kitten board and managed to insult a bunch of already very upset people.

Maybe this story is his way of saying sorry?

I find dubious the idea of demonic possession manifested in the desire to wear national clothes and have children

Yes, that's very odd.

Also, like you, I'm glad Allie's clarified that we are in fact supposed to find Buffy's behaviour 'off' and worrying. It doesn't say much for my trust in Joss etc, that I ever wondered if we were in fact supposed to think her perfectly justified in everything she did, but I did.