A Noteworthy Binge: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Though the vampire phase is ending and teen books are moving towards post-apocalyptic stories, nostalgia for creepy creatures of the night continues to linger.

If you are one who misses the days of a good vampire story, a good queue item would be “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” With seven seasons of vampires, demons, love and serious girl power there is something for everyone.

During the ’90s, Joss Whedon developed Buffy as a not-so-typical hero. Secretly and without payment, Buffy fought the good fight to save the world and humanity, all while completely clothed, a teen and struggling to stay afloat in her life.

Buffy is the vampire slayer chosen by fate to fight for the entire world and make sure the creatures of Hell stay put. There is only one slayer at a time, and  the only way another is called is when the current one dies.

She is never alone, though. Along the way Buffy gains the help and guidance of Rupert Giles, Willow, Xander and countless other secondary characters whose abilities make fighting easier for Buffy.

This show is interesting because the main character is female with supporting male characters. Buffy is the strong, secretive lead while friends are the brains behind the operation. Giles and Willow have the knowledge of the world of creatures and Xander is the comic relief. Each character is explicitly explained and developed over the show’s three seasons.

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” does lack in cultural diversity, but is one of the first shows to prominently display the growth and development of a lesbian character in this genre. Additionally, none of the characters are of a wealthy background. Each struggles through mediocre jobs and parental economic instability.

Traditional heroes are often lacking two things: parents and relatable financial situations. But, Buffy is neither. She has living parents and isn’t wealthy.

Creatures in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” are also mostly based on real-world legend and myth. Viewers meet werewolves, vampires, gods, robots, many types of zombies and other mythical creatures.

Fun fact: vampires in the series aren’t beautiful. All of them grow frightening features when they are going to feed – a nice break from the stereotype of vampire norm.

It’s a wonder that “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” was ever picked up as a series after the movie of the same name was created and flopped, let alone continued when the first season also didn’t perform well. But once the show got off the ground, it became a cult classic.

If you enjoy “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” make sure to check out its spin-off “Angel,” which is based on a vampire from the original show that moves to Los Angeles and fights for the good of the world there.

You may enjoy “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” if you like shows such as “The X-Files,” “Firefly“ and “Supernatural.”

Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, Nicholas Brendon, Anthony Stewar Head and James Marsters.

Awards