Buffy The Vampire Slayer was that rare TV show that was both
scary and funny at the same time. It quickly became one of those hip series that
people either "got it" or they didn't. For the die hard fans who "got it", they
were rewarded with rich characterizations, sly commentary on present day issues
and stories that were just plain vastly entertaining. Created by Joss Whedon,
and based on the movie of the same name (that Whedon also wrote), Buffy Summers
(perfectly played by Sara Michelle Gellar) is a 16-year-old Slayer, which is a super powered
champion who keeps the world safe by battling vampires and other supernatural menaces. Only one Slayer
shall arise apon the death of her predecessor, and they are always female. Buffy is the chosen
one for the dark days leading to the turn of the millennium.
Taking place after the events of the movie, the series starts with Buffy moving
to Sunnydale, California with her mother. She attends the local high school, and
meets up with some new friends: the meek, and lovably bookish Willow (winsomely
played by Alyson Hannigon) and the equally mild but affable Xander (Nicholas
Brendon). Buffy also meets a new Watcher--which is traditionally a guardian and
mentor to the Slayer--in the form of Rupert Giles (Anthony Steward Head), a
transplanted Brit who serves as the school librarian. Giles informs Buffy that
it was no coincidence that she wound up living in Sunnydale, since it is the
location of the Hellmouth. Being the gateway to hell that it is, many vampires
and other supernatural beings are drawn to the Hellmouth, thanks to its darkly
mystical powers. Therefore, what better place for a Slayer to reside than "creep
central" itself?
One of the evil beings who is an unwanted neighbor of Buffy's is The
Master, an ancient vampire who had tried to open the Hellmouth many years ago,
only to wind up being trapped beneath the earth under Sunnydale. The Master
would become the very first of the main villains who dominated the seasonal
story arcs on Buffy. She would face various other threats throughout the year,
but the Master would always be there, lurking forebodingly in his underground
lair, waiting for the day when he and the Slayer would have their final
confrontation. Along the way, Buffy would deal with witchcraft ("Witch"); battle
a giant Preying Mantis ("Teacher's Pet"); tangle with a computerized demon ("I,
Robot, You Jane"); puzzle out a strange case of a possessed puppet ("The Puppet
Show"), and fall in love with a vampire named Angel. Whedon and his writing
staff, who worked out new twists on old horror movie staples, handled all of
Buffy's trails and tribulations with great wit and care, making the show a
"must see" when it aired on Tuesday nights.
All 12 episodes of the first season are collected in this DVD set, along with
such special features as a commentary by Joss Whedon on "Welcome To The Hellmouth",
the very first episode of Buffy. There are also interviews with Whedon and Angel
actor David Boreanaz, the original pilot script, a photo gallery and cast bios. Now,
thanks to this set, Buffy is a "must see" whenever you want to watch it.
Main Review Page | TV Reviews |Email Me |Buy This DVD Right Here!
