"Because, I'm A Lady"

In the episodes "Surprise" and "Innocence" Buffy is turning 17 and these episodes are based around her surprise 17th birthday party. These two episodes show a lot of scenes where the viewer knows that Buffy is growing up and becoming a woman who is capable of overcoming trials as she chooses the path that will benefit humankind. In the beginning of the episode, Buffy asks her mom about getting her licence. She lists reasons as to why she is more mature and responsible. Throughout the season, the viewers have seen Buffy take on more responsibility for her actions and therefore, the viewers have a better realization of Buffy's becoming a woman than her own mother does.
During, "Innocence" we truly see Buffy taking responsibility for her actions. She has not only "become a woman" in the physical and sexual sense, but emotionally she is dealing with a traumatic experience the way any grown woman would. This is one of the better portrayals of her being a feminine hero. We see her reaction to the realization that she has turned Angel back into Angelous bring about a flurry of emotions that are difficult for her to control as a woman, but as a hero she must make a firm and sound decision that will change her life: the decision to kill Angelous. By the end of the season, we can see that Buffy's decision is solidified. She has taken the time to deal with her feelings and has made, what she knows to be, the best decision. Buffy is no longer a girl who is trying to deal with the fact that her fate is sealed. She is a woman, making decisions that determine her destiny, and she is understanding and dealing with the consequences.