the fantasy TV shows from the 1990s that still holds up. As a result, the revival, to be directed by Chloé Zhao, was met with widespread excitement from established fans.
Across 144 episodes, Buffy the Vampire Slayer covers a lot of story ground. Just as much is covered in Buffy the Vampire Slayer's most iconic episodes. For starters, the vampire and slayer romance has been done, first with Angel (David Boreanaz) and then with Spike (James Marsters). As such, there's no need to retread that with Buffy or any new slayer that she mentors. That's only the beginning of the changes the revival should make, however...
5 Lean Even Deeper Into The Horror On Occasion
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Needs To Play To The Maturity Of Its Original Audience
Some of the best installments were the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes that were actually scary. That should remain true of the revival. Furthermore, the show should sink its proverbial teeth even deeper into that genre. After all, those who watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer during its initial run are now older and more discerning. It'll take a lot more to send shivers down the spines of even a younger audience in this day and age. Not every episode needs to fit this mold, but some that really lean into the spooks would go a long way.
5 Buffy The Vampire Slayer Villains Who Should Return In The Revival
Buffy the Vampire Slayer features many iconic Big Bads and one-off villains of the week, several of which should return for the revival.
TV can push the envelope a lot more these days, and the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival would be remiss to not make use of that. One of the ways it could do so would be to make vampires more threatening again. As Buffy's power grew, so did the villains she faced. As a result, vampires were relegated to minions and swiftly defeated villains of the week. Introducing a new vampire nemesis that's actually dangerous and even terrifying would be a good way to take the show back to its roots and update things beyond its recent successors.
4 A More Nomadic Slayer
The Revival Can Borrow from Supernatural To Explore Buffy's Freedom
At the end of Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 7, the town of Sunnydale was destroyed and the Hellmouth beneath was buried for good. As a result, Buffy was free to travel the world at her leisure while fighting the forces of evil. That is paid off in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic books, with Buffy stationed in various US cities and as far afield as Tibet. The revival, therefore, has the perfect chance to translate that. Buffy's adventure in each episode can take place in a different part of the country, or the world, making things distinct.
3 No More Mister Nice Guys
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Can Finally Be Free Of Toxic Masculinity
One of the ways Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a product of its time was it falling into the nice guy trope. The most notable example was Riley Finn (Marc Blucas), who was always threatened by Buffy's strength and emotionally manipulative until the end. Equally, even Xander Harris was occasionally problematic on Buffy, in how he continuously sexualized his friends and advocated for people like Riley. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival can fix all of that by eschewing toxic masculinity in favor of more mature, more evolved male characters, or otherwise make such figures the monsters and villains that they are.
2 Better Representation
The Buffy The Vampire Slayer Revival Can Better Reflect The Modern World
Another way that Buffy the Vampire Slayer hasn't aged well is its representation. As great as The Scooby Gang are, it was notable how little diversity there was among them, throughout all seven seasons. And when more diverse characters came, they were caricatures, villains, swiftly killed off, or a combination of the above. With the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival bringing the action into the modern day, they can better reflect the world at large — especially if they do have Buffy travelling around as part of her slayer duties. And not just in of race, but also by introducing characters of different sexualities and genders.
1 Willow's Sexuality
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Can Finally Go With The Original Plan For Willow
Speaking of such things, Willow (Alyson Hannigan) has always served as a beacon of Buffy the Vampire Slayer representation, especially through her beloved relationship with Tara (Amber Benson). Throughout said relationship, Willow described herself as gay. That wasn't the original intention, however. In an interview with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot's episodes.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Seasons |
Rotten Tomatoes Score |
Buffy Season 1 |
97% (Certified) |
Buffy Season 2 |
92% |
Buffy Season 3 |
100% |
Buffy Season 4 |
78% |
Buffy Season 5 |
83% |
Buffy Season 6 |
67% |
Buffy Season 7 |
82% (Certified) |
It's a complex issue, so it would make sense if the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival maintained the status quo. Still, it would be a positive mark on the show and enriches the rewatching experience. After all, Willow was attracted to Xander (Nicholas Brendon) and had a long-term relationship with Oz (Seth Green). It would give those two dynamics added weight and make them seem not like a phase, all without diminishing Tara's place as her great love. It wouldn't even necessitate Willow dating a man, but would be an interesting way to bring Buffy the Vampire Slayer into the 21st century.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
- Release Date
- 1997 - 2003
- Network
- The WB
- Showrunner
- Joss Whedon
Cast
Buffy Summers
Alexander Harris
WHERE TO WATCH
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a television series created by Joss Whedon, focusing on Buffy Summers, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, a young woman chosen to battle against vampires, demons, and other supernatural forces while navigating the complexities of teenage life.
- Seasons
- 7
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