That girl who wrote that fic.

I think "The Wish" is ... well I hesitate to say *the* most important episode of the series because I'm sure many people will come up with episodes that are at least equally important and I'd have to concede. Still, it's got to be in the top ten. It's past, present and future really. As you pointed out, it highlights some of the primary themes of the show. As you continue to watch the series and come back to "The Wish" the episode will just seem to become more and more pivotal. It did for me anyway.