Pop Culture Digest
By Matt Goldberg
Buffy signs off: After seven seasons, the Slayers time in Sunnydale
comes to a close
How did a sub-par vampire film become such a beloved weekly drama? How did
the writer of films like Alien: Resurrection and Titan: A.E. show he could give some of the most
instantly-quotable dialogue ever to grace television screens? And how did that Maybelline girl,
the flute-chick from American Pie and a whole host of others manage to become one of televisions
most charming and likeable cast in years? Honestly, I dont know, but sometimes the pieces
just fall into place and you get a great show like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
After facing the evils of a giant snake, alternate dimensions, high school and an endless array
of vamps and demons, Buffy the Vampire Slayer will finally come to close on May 20. Creator Joss
Whedon gave his comments on the shows ending saying:
Its hard to believe its over. Well, its hard to think at all, or stand,
or form vowel sounds, so maybe its time to take a break. Im just glad I can say we
did our best on every single episode. We didnt always succeed, but we never slacked, and
Im immensely proud of my writers, actors and crew for that. And Im proud of what this
show means (except for that whole weird Feminist thing people attached to it. What
was that all about? Girls are stupid.) I truly believe that in years to come, people will look
back and say that was a show that was on TV. Yessir. I truly do.
Buffy developed into a cult and critical favorite with its combination of cheesy horror, pop culture
references, quick dialogue and melodramatic relationships. At the lead, there was the determined
and spirited Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), the chosen one who can fight the vampires,
demons and any other evil that may come her way. She had her two closest friends, the wise-cracking
Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon) and the adorable lesbian witch, Willow (Alyson Hannigan). Along
the way, we met the brooding vampire Angel (David Boreanaz) who eventually got his own show (which
may also be ending this year; there will be an announcement in May), a wry Brit vampire named Spike
(James Marsters) the blunt yet perky vengeance demon Anya (Emma Caulfield), father figure Rupert
Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) and so forth. Yet no character on Buffy went undeveloped. No monster
came in as window dressing and no desired turnout was easily forthcoming.
The show managed to tackle some weighty issues and yet writers always found a way to add a sly
quip or reference pop culture. But what made Buffy a real standout was the shows defiance
to cave into pat, happy endings. Its not as if the show refused to have joy, but Whedon and
Co. consistently delivered the exact opposite of a desired turnout.
The very premise of the show is taking the girl who would normally be in distress and making her
the asskicking superhero instead. And on Buffy, no one is safe from death. Even Buffy has died.
Twice.
My love affair with the show started this past winter term. Although I watched the first season
a year before, I still couldnt understand the ardent devotion of the shows fans. It
mostly seemed like monster-of-the-week zaniness with some clever lines thrown in for good measure.
No one told me that seasons two and three are when the show really hit its stride.
Thanks to a borrowed copy of season two and the good folk of Matrix Games letting me rent season
three, I had a Buffy-on-DVD marathon. The show works so well on DVD because these are story arcs.
Theres a reason why people love shows like The Sopranos or Six Feet Under: because its
like watching one long movie. Buffys no exception. Villains with *gasp* personality remain
a threat throughout the season. Romantic relationships blossom and fall apart. This was television
that was frustrating, yet charming enough to always keep viewers coming back for more.
After season three, fans of the show began to cite a downfall. They didnt like the introduction
of Buffys younger sister, Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg). They didnt like the darker
attitudes of the characters. They didnt like the villains. But apparently the fans have continued
to watch in order to note these changes.
Personally, I find it wise for Whedon to put an end to Buffy before the show turns into something
really wretched. With only six episodes remaining, Buffy will have to fight the First Evil. If
you dont watch the show already, I would recommend going down to Matrix, renting the DVDs,
and checking out this show for yourself, because I suspect that when people look back and talk
about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, theyll have a little more to say than that was a show
that was on TV.
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