To many people, Buffy Summers looks like an ordinary teenager, who has just arrived at her new high school, after being kicked out of the last one for burning down the gymnasium. But in reality, Buffy is more than just an ordinary teenager, she is the Slayer, the chosen one appointed in her generation, to fight the creatures that come out at night. And it just so happens that the town that she has just moved to, is the epicentre of all things spooky!
First released in 1997, and created by Joss Whedon; Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an American supernatural comedy drama series, which tells the story of Buffy Summers, and the life she leads being the saviour of the world, whilst trying to live a normal teenage life. The series stars Sarah Michelle Gellar as the titular hero, with Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, Charisma Carpenter, David Boreanaz, Kristine Sutherland, Mark Metcalf, and Robia LaMorte Scott in supporting roles. The series is based on an earlier project from 1992 written by Whedon under the same name, but starring Kristy Swanson, and Donald Sutherland.
I can actually remember when this show first aired in the UK. I saw it advertised on BBC, and knew of it being shown. At that time in my life however, I didn’t fancy watching it. I was still in primary school, and it sounded a bit too scary for me. I saw the occassional clip, and one or two episodes, but for most of it’s initial run, it didn’t grab my interest. And then that started to change in my late teenage years.
When I was studying at college, it was common for Sky One to re-broadcast episodes during the daytime. So, on the days that I was home from college, with no lessons to attend, I would watch the occassional episode. And then i would later get hooked in further by the stories in later series. And then, by 2011(ish), I absolutely loved it, and wanted to see more of it. That’s my Buffy joureny in a nut shell.
Rewatching the first season of the last 2-3 weeks, one word comes to mind that perfectly sums up the entire season: Fun! It is a very fun show! At heart it’s a drama series, but it finds this clever and unique balance between drama, supernatural horror, and comedy, and it does this so well.
The supernatural, shock horror elements are used as a foundation to the build each episode on. It’s not dark horror, or creepy horror, it’s more shock horror, used to surprise you, and awaken you, so you don’t get too bored too easily. Yes it does have it’s creepier stories, involving weird creatures of the night; like a doll/puppet, people’s nightmares turning into reality, hypnotic Hyena‘s, and of course the giant Praying Mantis.
The drama side meanwhile, provides the opportunity to explore more dark themes, as well as highlight the struggles that a chosen one might face, as they would much rather have a normal life. So there’s moments surrounding the struggles of fitting in with the scene at a new high school (as well as trying not to get expelled), the difficulties of home life (especially when your mother doesn’t know about your secret life as a vampire slayer), and the importance of looking out for your friends as they may be easily end up joining cults (including an early example of the potential dangers of internet dating).
These two elements make the series very simillar to The Outer Limits. Buffy’s first season is more anthological, with a new and different threat each day, with no two being simillar. Yes, there is an arching story, but it’s not the be all and end all. Buffy though does have one thing that The Outer Limits usually avoided; Comedy!
Buff the Vampire Slayer is a very light hearted show, as it tries to appeal to several audiences, rather than just one group, and to this end it uses comedy to tone down some of it’s more scarier content. This comedy comes mostly in the form of friendly quips and banter between the lead characters, no matter the situation. Plus there are other oddities, such as when Buffy sings Macho Man by the Village People. But there’s one character who stands above all others when it comes to comedy.
Willow (Hannigan) is a really cool character. She sort of holds the group together by being the more down to earth member of the three main characters. But she is also a master at comic timing. Willow comes out with things that can turn a very serious situation, into a very light hearted one, with sudden quips that bring a smile to your face. She can ramble on about something in a positive way, only then to flip the coin in the opposite direction. But best of all, are her sudden one liners, such as stating that she needs to sit down, when she already is, or suddenly asking if it’s ok to pass out.
The first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer acts as a perfect introduction to the show. It sets up the world, story, and characters with incredible ease, whilst still allowing room for intensity, and a good giggle. It features freaky stories, and creepy monsters, whilst also highlighting the human side of this world, and it’s many personal struggles. All this together creates a thrilling, but also incredibly fun show to watch over and over again. Buffy The Vampire Slayer has arrived, what could possibly go wrong (not the show as whole obviously, it’s one of the greatest TV shows in history for a reason, it wouldn’t carry that title if it suddenly went bad very quickly. I meant more what could go wrong for the characters, because again, this show is one of the Greatest TV Shows ever made)?!
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