A wicked virus hit me last night, so I spent the day huddled in bed moaning and trying to find distraction. So the Duchess rented Season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We were always hearing about the complexity of it at Slate and Salon back when it was popular. Academic symposia were actually organized to discuss the philosophical ramifications of the show.
Maybe that comes in Season 2? Or are there deep, hidden levels that eluded me in my feeble state?
One thing you can say though, there aren't many shows where this bit of dialogue would be contextually apropos:
Willow: Malcolm, Moloch... whatever he's called. The one boy that's really liked me, and he's a demon robot. What does that say about me?Posted by Discoshaman at juin 11, 2005 05:54 AM | TrackBackBuffy: It doesn't say anything about you.
Willow: I mean, I thought I was really falling...
Buffy: (interrupts) Hey, did you forget? The one boy I've had the hots for since I've moved here turned out to be a vampire.
Xander: Right, and the teacher I had a crush on? Giant praying mantis?
Willow: That's true.
I think it was the skill with which exactly such bits of off-the-cuff integration of truly weird and truly commonplace elements in dialogue was achieved that led so many to think it was great.
For at least the first several seasons (and I think it picks up steam somewhere in seasons 2-3) there was some great situational humor mixed in with a seriousness about having a duty which came from being called, not from one's own passions, and how that integrated with a modern life.
Lots of Christian folks I know found it possible to perform intriguing allegoresis on the Buffy stories . . .
Cheers,
PGE
Golly Moses Batman !! :)
Posted by: Paul at juin 11, 2005 04:51 PMBuffy is one of my guilty pleasures - up until season 4, which I don't tend to watch. That season and thereafter, they pushed the envelope too far for me, so I really only enjoy seasons 1-3.
Those seasons, though, incorporate some of the best written humor with - what PGE said - normal life mixed with the surreal life.
Keep going through season 2. I think you'll begin to enjoy it more (especially when the vampires stop lisping - the budget obviously went up after season one ;) )
I have to say that Buffy is one of my favorite shows starting in Season Two. It gets a great deal more complex and serious... and seriously funny as well. My husband, who absolutely hates everything I watch, has actually sat down and watched with me. There's a big shocker midway season two that still affects me. But remember, I was just out of high school when this was popular ten years ago... have fun!
Posted by: Jennifer at juin 13, 2005 04:41 AMpgepps, Ainsley and Jennifer -
Thanks for the tip. We stuck with it, and Season 2 is much more satisfying. They kept the camp and wittiness thing going, but mixed in a healthy bit more angst. Much like Le Sabot, it's a perfect blend of fear and whimsy.
Posted by: Discoshaman at juin 14, 2005 05:24 AM
Its so true isn't it! Have you reached all the stuff with Angel yet? Broke my Angel-loving heart!! There's an episode in season 6 that's a complete musical. And another one, I think in season 4 that is completely silent- no dialogue at all. I guess I just like it because, along with the wit and campiness, there are actually moments of real heart and depth. It was a better show then it ever got credit for. I've rediscovered it on FX, so now I'm a Buffy junkie :-) Glad to hear you stuck with it.
Posted by: Jennifer at juin 15, 2005 05:18 AM