Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ Season 4, Episode 17

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) falls under a spell. Can Jonathan Levinson (Danny Strong) save her?

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

(Trigger warning for talk of non-consensual acts)

Jonathan Levinson and the monster (Zach Hudson) are mirrors of each other. Essentially, they are a variation on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with a mix of a Faustian bargain. The only difference to their literary counterparts: they have separate bodies. Well, that and the fact Jonathan isn’t a good guy in every respect like the spell’s explanation suggests. The monster is definitely an evil being, but does not seem to be doing as much evil as Jonathan does with his non-consensual actions. Finally, Jonathan is good at everything under the spell, but only truly grows as a character by learning magic for the spell.

Spike (James Marsters) may as well be the annoying neighbor in a sitcom. This change comes about because of Jonathan’s spell and the effects of the chip making him less of a threat. However, there is some noticeable sexual tension between him and Buffy in this episode … at least on his part. It could be down to his encounter with Faith (Season 4, Episode 16, “Who Are You?”). Then again, he is not mortal enemies with Buffy while under the popularity spell and that may allow them to see each other in a different way.

Buffy, Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon), Anya (Emma Caulfield Ford), Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), and Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) are all less capable versions of themselves thanks to Jonathan’s Spell. Also, Buffy experiences a demotion to Jonathan’s plucky sidekick. The rest of the characters their entourage in the spell’s paradigm and it’s apparent in the first few scenes. That said, Buffy’s mystical nature as a slayer allows her to combat the spell. Which is rather odd considering other spells have never had a problem affecting her. (Season 4, Episode 5, “Beer Bad” and Season 4, Episode 9, “Something Blue.”)

Adam (George Hertzberg) gets an unusual power to see reality as it should be when someone tries to alter it. Unfortunately, this power only has significance for this episode.

Tara Maclay (Amber Benson) and Riley Finn (Marc Blucas) are reduced to the significant others to members of Jonathan’s entourage. Thus, they only see a slight loss in their capabilities. At the same time, both display changes to their respective personalities while under the spell. In Riley’s case, he seems less assertive. Tara, meanwhile, seems to present a more fluid sexuality as she is seen creating a photo shrine to Jonathan with Willow. Throughout the series, Tara otherwise comes off as only having an interest in Willow. Thus, one would assume her sexual orientation is strictly lesbian.

Inga (Chanie Costello), Ilsa (Julie Costello) and Karen (Erica Lutrell) are all victims of Jonathan under the influence of his spell. Each also suffers under the effects of the spell. In Karen’s case, she dies thanks to the monster the spell creates and Jonathan’s inaction. Inga and Ilsa have non-consensual sex with Jonathan as the spell takes away their ability to consent. Finally, they — like rest of Sunnydale, if not the world — are rape victims of Jonathan via his spell.

Graham (Bailey Chase), Colonel Haviland (John Saint Ryan), Sergeant Anderson (Adam Clark) and Jape (Robert Patrick Benedict) are extraneous characters. All four characters only really serve to fill time.

This episode sees a subversion of the established characterizations in order to spoof the show. By doing this, any development of the characters’ comes to a stop. Also, by not realizing any repercussions for Jonathan’s actions in this episode, there is no chance to ever truly redeem the character. Another problem: Buffy and Riley don’t talk about their issues with each other. This highlights the show’s constant lack of proper communication, which is a flaw of the Buffyverse as a whole.