Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ Season 4, Episode 11

This is part of a bi-weekly series concerning the characterization of Buffyverse characters. The first installment in this series can be found here. Arguably the best place to begin reading this series is at the beginning, but that is up to each reader. As a reminder this column will cover major and some minor characters from the shows Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) and Angel (1999-2004). Other Buffyverse media, such as the graphic novel Spike: Into The Light (2014) are not pertinent to this series. Also there will be no referencing real world events that have a direct relation to either show in this bi-weekly series.

This week: Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) talks about slaying activities with Riley Finn (Marc Blucas). Also, Spike (James Marsters) learns more about the chip in his head.

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

(Trigger warning for mention of suicidal behavior.)

Buffy Summers projects her prior relationship with Angel (David Boreanaz) on Riley. She does so simply because he is a monster hunter, and the script requiring her to. There is also the fact that she displays anxiety after the earthquake. This is most apparent with her bouncing leg while trying to get Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) to do some research. Lastly, the music that occurs before the earthquake combines with their argument in the graveyard to characterize her relationship with Riley as epic. But they aren’t even in a romantic relationship yet and, therefore,  are victims of poor storytelling.

Riley displays negative traits of toxic masculinity by insulting Buffy and telling her how she views and feels things multiple times. He also comes off as an idiot when admitting the details Buffy guesses right about The Initiative. And he fails to recognize Spike is a vampire, which is especially idiotic since he has been searching for Spike. Riley also shows too much caution and casual behavior in the graveyard scene by talking to Buffy instead of helping her. Riley’s final dumb action in this episode: asking his buddies in The Initiative about The Slayer instead of actually researching the topic. While he helps out at the end, this is more the result of a need to fill what would otherwise be a plot-hole than an act of character.

Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) essentially just exposits, mopes, and shows some concern for Spike. Thus, she really only has the lattermost action as a sign of development.

Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon) berates Spike in an honest way. This illustrates Xander being perceptive of Spike’s current status due to the chip. The fact that he is also dismissive of Spike’s attempts to bully him shows this as well. Also, Xander shows some concern for Spike before he turns and laughs at him, and when trying to cheer Spike up from being suicidal. Thus begins Xander’s weird frenemy relationship with Spike.

Spike, meanwhile, tries to act tough and evil as a defense mechanism to maintain an idea of control. Once Xander berates him, Spike realizes he has no control. He then (seemingly halfheartedly) attempts to stake himself. But when Xander and Willow catch him, he acts scary in a goofy, mopey way. Yet, he finds a new reason to live — and a measure of control over his life — upon learning he can fight demons. Thus, this episode sees a little more development for him, especially as, by the end, he wants to actively fight alongside the Scoobies.

Rupert Giles provides exposition and possesses a McGuffin. Since he does nothing else of relevance in this episode, he arguably is unnecessary to it.

Forrest Gates (Leonard Roberts) reveals he views the demons the Initiative encounters as less sentient than humans. This is a development since it demonstrates he has a stereotypical mindset of black and white morality. In this case, he views himself and his fellow soldiers as heroes and the demons as unable to be more than enemies. He also shows irritation at Riley’s seemingly constant talk about Buffy. Both this irritation and his dismissal of the Slayer talk make him a puppet of the plot.

Graham (Bailey Chase) gets only a minuscule amount of development. This only occurs when he appears open and emotive at the party.

Percy (Ethan Erickson) makes his final appearance in this episode and insults Willow. While some could say that there is a slight as he overcomes his fear of Willow, it just results in him being a jerk jock again (Season 3, Episode 16, ‘Doppelgängland’).

Laurie (Anastasia Horne) and the unidentified party-goer (Anthony Anselmi) are the extraneous characters in this episode. They really serve only to fill out the college party. Laurie being Percy’s date gives her a reason for having a first name, but there is no real purpose to her. Well, other than to give Percy someone to tell an insult about Willow too. The party-gooer, meanwhile, is just a murder victim of one of the Vahrall Demons.

The trio of Vahrall Demons (cast unknown) are rather generic end-the-world types. There really is nothing else to them, other than being plot puppets, especially as they leave Giles alive.

This episode has a lot of character moments, particularly comparing the Initiative and the Scoobies. However, what characterization and developments exist goes more to the negative than the positive.