I’ve been thinking a lot about how to begin this post. It’s
no secret to those who know me that I’m a major sci-fi/fantasy/supernatural
drama fan, and that Doctor Who and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BTVS) are amongst
my favourite TV shows in existence. But the decision to start this blog got me
thinking: why do I love Buffy so much?
I mean, I’m 18 years old. I have left high school, I’m now
an adult and I wasn’t even born when BTVS first aired in 1997! Why is it that
when I came across the show aged 16, I felt a connection with the series and
its characters almost immediately- and I’m still in love with it today? Of
course, I know that Buffy herself grows up throughout the series; we watch her
graduate high school, move on to university and even lose her Mother. But the
general consensus about BTVS, at least where I am from, is that it’s a nerdy
show aimed at high school kids. Some people my age would cringe upon hearing of
my obsession with it.
BTVS is the typical example of a show that uses the monster
skin as a metaphor for the ‘high school nightmares’ that every kid experiences.
And, later on, the inner demons that we must challenge in the transition to
adulthood. The literal demons, vampires and supernatural occurrences that Buffy
tackles all come with an underlying message about the types of people you will
experience and the challenges you will face whilst growing up. Whether it be
bullying (S1, Ep6 “The Pack”), death (S5, Ep16 “The Body”) or redemption (S7,
Ep22 “Chosen”); Buffy has a story arc with a lesson in just about every one of
life’s universal struggles. We as humans love that; we like to be reminded that
we’re not alone in what we’re going through. Buffy reminds us that somebody
else has experienced this before, somebody you know can empathise or offer
advice.
This is a huge factor contributing to our love of Buffy, but
it’s not the only one. Sure, most writers can throw out basic metaphors about a
life problem. It is the fact that Joss Whedon and his writing team did so
whilst offering so many other elements of a great show. Convincing characters
are a vital part of what makes a show great, and Whedon provides this.
Take Spike, for example, his significant character arc spans
from season 2 all the way to the end of season 7. Spike (James Marsters) was
written as a textbook British villain. Spike and his partner in crime, Drusilla
(Juliet Landau), were inspired by the relationship between British punk star
Sid Vicious (of the Sex Pistols) and Nancy Spungen; portrayed in 1986 biopic ‘Sid
and Nancy’. Spike was going to be killed off at the end of season 2, but Whedon
and the crew loved James Marsters’ acting so much, he became a regular member
of the cast. As the series progresses, we see Spike develop from classic villain
to romantic hero. We watch as his past life, as a nervous failure of a man, is
revealed. How he was sired by Drusilla, ironically, so that he could feel alive
for the first time in his life. What happened with his Mother. How he falls in
love with Buffy and saves the world. Spike’s character transforms and he proves
his worth as a man.
Additionally, the quirks of Whedon’s writing are a huge part
of what makes BTVS so entertaining. The comedy episodes, the witty pop culture references
and the distinctive style of language (now commonly known as “Buffy speak”)
that the writers use. All of these things affect the success of the show, in my
eyes. And we mustn’t forget some of the great acting, fun stunt coordination
and inclusion of a wide range of genres, such as action, comedy, drama and even
a musical.
What makes this show so appealing to young girls in
particular is the inclusion of a strong, female protagonist who is not afraid
to be at the centre of the action. Joss Whedon has spoken out about how this
was rare in his day. Whedon is a self-identified horror fan and also a
feminist. He has said in interviews that he aimed to subvert the stereotype of
the squealing blonde girl who gets stalked and attacked. He wanted to create
the image of this young, feminine girl who can fearlessly fight a muscly man twice
her size and still care about stereotypical ‘girly stuff’. Buffy can inspire
young girls to be strong-willed, fearless and resilient in the face of
challenges. She reminds us that our gender is not a constraint; that you can be
a girl and be feminine and still kick ass! As the famous quote goes “I’m not
exactly quaking in my stylish, yet affordable boots...”
In short, Buffy is great and if you haven’t already seen it
yet, you should.
Sorry for the spoilers and thanks for reading!
