Even though Sarah Michelle Geller is turning 38 next month, the show that she is best known for, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, came of age itself earlier this month. We’d like to wish a happy birthday to one of Joss Whedon’s most iconic creations, and hope that it can now enjoy adulthood with the older cult classics like Star Trek, Doctor Who and The X Files. In celebration of this, here’s the reasons you should watch the show, or a bit of nostalgia for those of you who have already enjoyed it.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a cult classic that is rightfully beloved by many; starting off with an unassuming sixteen year old girl in a town rife with hidden supernatural phenomena, Buffy the Vampire Slayer evolved over the following series’ into gripping entertainment with dark and humorous twists. One of the reasons this show was and still is so popular is down to the fact that it incorporates many different aspects: the whole “starting adulthood is hard and high school is Hell” aspect appeals to the teenage audience, there’s the convoluted romances that aren’t quite love stories (and the one that is, but I won’t spoil it), the supernatural and demonic elements are favoured by the Sci-Fi and Fantasy fans, as well as the fact that there’s enough dramatic fight scenes to keep you entertained for hours. Buffy however isn’t as shallow as it may first appear, and on multiple occasions has explored complex relationships, emotions and situations. Personally, I’d recommend this show to anyone on the basis that is equally light-hearted and cheesy as it is intelligent and twisted – a perfect combination that one would expect of Joss Whedon.
Words by Charlie Ginger Jones.
If there’s one show that proves the validity of the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, it’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Though its name and premise – a teenage girl who spends her nights battling the undead – may bring on some scoffs, Joss Whedon’s cult phenomenon features some of the most brilliant TV you’ll ever see.
Not only did Buffy deal with incredibly mature themes and issues on top of its supernatural elements, it also wasn’t afraid to take risks and have some fun with episode formats, from the iconic musical episode to one that actually sees over half the episode played out in complete silence.
Buffy isn’t just a show about killing monsters: it’s a show about friends, family and the joys and pains that come with navigating the grown up world, managing to be both hilarious and deeply emotional. Don’t let the campy set-up put you off; this is not a show to be missed.
Words by Samantha King.
If I could remember what my first episode was, I’d be able to tell you the moment I was hooked on this show. What I can say is why I was hooked. Here was a show with a lead I could relate to – someone who didn’t have a lot of friends in school spending a fair bit of free time in the world of vampires, magic and the supernatural.
Of course, I wasn’t a slayer, just a fan. But I thought I could be as strong as one of the Chosen and even if I wasn’t, I could be okay just as I was. Also that, although High School may be literally hell at times, I would get through it. I even stole a bit of dialogue from the show while raising a glass with my friends at our Senior Prom (which was gladly hell hound free).
As time has gone on, the show’s look in the early years may now be a bit dated but it doesn’t really matter to me. The heart is still there. If anyone is unsure as to whether to watch or not, I’d simply say try it – there’s nothing to lose and a wealth of story, complex characters and everything from heart-warming love to heart-breaking agony. Everything good about TV now can be found in Buffy in one way or another.
Favourite episodes: “School Hard”, “The Dark Age”, “Band Candy”, “Something Blue”, “Graduation Day”, “Hush”,”Tabula Rasa” “Once More, With Feeling” “Lies My Parents Told Me” & “Chosen”
Words by Megan Roxburgh.