Why We Still Love Buffy The Vampire Slayer
On March 10th, 1997, we were introduced to Joss Whedon’s cult classic, Buffy the Vampire Slayer…and if you’re anything like me, you haven’t shut up about it since! It’s been over 20 years, and the show continues to keep it’s following and engross new viewers! But what is it about Buffy that makes us love it decades later?
Girl Power
Is it because Buffy was one of the first shows to really champion girl power in modern media? It’s hard to imagine a time when girls didn’t kick ass on tv and in film with the mass release of superhero and paranormal heroines of today’s time, but the Buffster really helped pioneer the idea that a girl could deal with both high school and the undead!
The Metaphors
Not only did Buffy handle all the creepy vampire and demon stuff, but many of the villains on the show were metaphors about growing up! What better way to navigate puberty than to kick a demon’s butt and learn a valuable lesson?
The Shipping
Be you Team Angel, Spike, Riley, or any of the mighty-blonde-one’s other romantic partners, Buffy was a show that hit the internet-connected world right at its peak, sprouting fan forums, websites, AIM chats, and Yahoo groups (not to mention, fanfiction and fan video sites!) devoted to pairing Buffy with her one true love. (Spuffy 5-ever!)
That Theme Song
Nerf Herder really knows how to write a catchy theme song! You know you imagined yourself dancing at the Bronze to the sweet sounds of that guitar! If you didn’t throw your hands in the air and jam out, you’re lying!
The Musical
Speaking of dancing, the Buffy Musical, Once More With Feeling was an epic feat that hadn’t really been done by many other tv shows at the time. How many of you had the CD, the script, and the VCR recorded version of this episode? Anyone else write down all the words in your own songbook before the official one came out?…No, just me? *shrugs*
The Magic
Let’s face it, Willow Rosenburg was bad-ass! Throw in Tara, Giles, Wesley, and a slew of other characters who eventually cast a few spells, and we were in awe! Don’t act like you never recited any bad Latin passages hoping to solve your problems. The most important thing we all learned is that magic comes at a cost and that abusing power can get you into some serious trouble…or yah know, flayed alive, depending on who you are. (Sorry, Warren…okay, maybe not actually sorry, but ouch!)
Bunnies…floppy, hoppy, bunnies!
Before Buffy, could the simple mention of these fluffy creatures bring a ginormous smile to your face? Bless Anya for bringing this one to us!
The Drama
No one was prepared for a teen show to tackle such serious issues as suicide, abusive relationships, queer sexual orientation, or losing a loved one. In what has to be one of the finest hours of television, The Body had us all in tears, greaving Joyce Summers and wanting to give Emma Caulfield an Emmy for that fruit punch speech.
The Puns and Humor
This show was filled with pun gold. The humor was smart and wasn’t dumbed down for the audience. It also gave us some seriously crazy/awesome insiders!
Am I the only one who does the Muhh Fashnick, Mmm Cookies line? No? I didn’t think so.
Or how about vowing to beep the slayer when anything goes wrong in our lives because it must be the apocalypse!
Ever described your mood as 5×5?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQDuKy4ZC5Y
The Hope
One thing Buffy always kept was the hope that with one more battle, or through the continued efforts of good people, that the world could be a better place. I think that sentiment is one that endears the show to our hearts forever. We take the characters with us, carry them in our hearts, and even emulate them when times are tough.
Did we miss anything?
Let us know your favorite Buffy moments and why you’re still a fan!
Are you excited for the new Buffy spin-off?
