By Olivia Boyd, Staff Writer
The term “fight like a girl” strikes a different cord when watching the hit television series, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
I was lucky enough to watch Buffy, played by Sarah Gellar, from a very young age. Watching a rebellious teenage girl being the chosen one and battling against the forces of evil all while being feminine as a little middle schooler was awe-inspiring. I remember sitting on the floor of my parent’s bedroom watching the show over and over again. I would force all my friends to watch my favorite episodes – this was at a time when Glee was the top tv show, so you can probably guess I wasn’t too popular.
Recently, because I’ve been in quarantine, I’ve come back to watching the timeless show.
The one-liners are still just as good and, although the cinematography is very 1990s, I still have a sense of nostalgia. I still feel inspired by the vampire slayer, she would balance school, a social life and fighting those who wanted to end the world. It reminds me that I can balance school work and all of my extra-curricular activities.
To be fair, I will never have to kill a vampire or vanquish a demon, but I do have to deal with the world as a female and that alone can be a difficult task. I feel a sense of pride whenever Buffy slays a villainous creature and still goes to school the next day. She worked hard and that is something I always strive to do.
This show was the epitome of my neofeminist outlook. Buffy fought and survived, Willow, played by Alyson Hannigan, was a witch and smart as hell, Anya, played by Emma Caulfield, was a filterless demon turned human and there were countless other fiery women who were unapologetically feminine and kicked butt constantly. They truly ruled the show at the time all while wearing light nude lipgloss.
However, I can’t count out any of the men on this show. Not only did they accept that Buffy was the head honcho but accepted her for who she was and saw her as a leader worthy of being followed.
Spike, played by James Marsters, was loyal, hot and strong. Angel, played by David Boreanaz, was level-headed, hot and dedicated. Giles, played by Anthony Head, always knew Buffy was going to do great things and supported her in every way he could. And of course, Xander, played by Nicholas Brendon, was also always there to lend a helping hand and a witty comment.
In each adventure, every character marches into it with an open mind, always ready to lend a hand, kick some butt, or crack a sarcastic joke to aid in the solving of the problem at hand all in under an hour.
This show, which continued through comics, will always have a special place in my heart and I can not recommend it enough to anyone who needs a new old show to watch.
If you want a show that includes people from all walks of life, while being hilarious, serious and everything in between, I cannot endorse “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” enough. And if you’ve watched it, continue on with the spinoff “Angel” or any of the comics.
s boydok17@bonaventure.edu
