A few pagans stateside were up in arms about the deer sacrifice. I had thought it was pretty clear from the episode that Willow understood the serious nature of what she was doing and the gravity and suddenness of that scene underscored the sometimes brutal narure of true magic; it ain't all crystals and spinning roses in the air.

It IS interesting to place this event in context with what Willow's character goes through later in the season however...and that's all I'll say.

This show just gets better and better. I never thought I'd even watch it..now I am hooked.