Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ Season 4, Episode 19

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) sees a supernatural ally return. However, this friend’s reappearance quickly turns unpleasant.

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

(Trigger warning for talk of torture)

Buffy displays a phobic reaction to Willow (Alyson Hannigan) coming out. She also parallels her past relationship with Angel (David Boreanaz) to Willow’s previous relationship with Oz (Seth Green). Both these actions are in relation to this episode’s social message against bigotry. An action that seemingly has no real connection to the message is her sleeping next to Riley Finn (Marc Blucas) after their initial argument. This just seems out of character and illogical, at least to this writer. As for positive growth: she opens up by trying to trust Riley with her past and heart.

Riley, meanwhile, displays his prejudicial views of supernatural beings. Although, some of this characterization is an attempt at a metaphor. Nevertheless, it is unclear to this writer what that metaphor is since Oz  is the initial subject of these views in this episode. What is clear: these views will feature in several future episodes where he appears. Also clear is that Riley thinks of himself as a hero and this causes him to act in stupid ways. His attempt to rescue Oz solo is in apparent effort to do the heroic thing.

Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon) is rather non-existent in both personality and presence here.

Anya (Emma Caulfield Ford) expressing how she finds certain Scooby meetings pointless appears to be set-up for meta-commentary on what might have been a real world criticism. Yet, any such criticism during this show’s release is unknown to this writer. Anya gets zero positive growth in this episode. Nevertheless, she gets some development in the form of her poor social interaction with the high-five. Although, after attending high school in the 1990s and living so long one, would think she would know how to suggest the gesture.

Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) provides the meta-commentary that Anya’s exclamation of boredom sets-up. Other than moment, his characterization in this episode is on the same level as Xander’s.

Oz (Seth Green), essentially, is the problematic ex-significant other who expresses growth, but has not really grown. It is also worth mentioning that he might talk more in this episode than in any single past episode.

Adam’s (George Hertzberg) recruitment of Spike and other demons suggests that he has a desire or program to lead. However, Adam is really just a plot device in this episode to help Buffy and the Scoobies rescue Riley and Oz.

Spike (James Marsters) is rather trusting of Adam. This seems mostly a way to enact and set-up plot points than a logical action since he should be mistrustful of anything that has a relation to The Initiative.

Willow makes a speech in which she expresses her struggle with finding her truth as if it is a choice. This speech is something of a phobic take on the matter. Willow also shows poor communication skills with various characters in this episode. This poor use of skills is a part of who she is, but also leads the main love triangle plot into the rescue subplot. Arguably, her decision to assist with the rescue is less a character action and more a plot point to make Adam’s hacking work.

Tara Maclay (Amber Benson) is the new love interest for Willow who has to wait and see who Willow will choose. Yes, she is also a bit of a victim due to Oz chasing her, but this is a matter of plot more than anything else.

Forrest Gates (Leonard Roberts) displays poor communication skills with Tara by assuming rather than listening. During Riley’s capture, Forrest seems to be angry and emotionally through with Riley’s actions.

Graham (Bailey Chase) seems to be against Riley in this episode. But it is hard to read the character due to his lack of lines and overall stoic nature.

Colonel McNamara (Connor O’Farrell) has questionable mental health, specifically because he views military service as being above everything. He also seems to be very prejudicial toward supernatural people and demons, and probably women.

Scientist #1 (James Michael Connor), Scientist #2 (Mark Daneri), and Commando #1 (Dorron Keeman) are the extraneous characters for this episode. Despite the scientists coming across like Dr. Josef Rudolf Mengele in their treatment of Oz, both they and the commandos have stock characterization.

This episode has a focus on relationships and how they are affecting the characters. For example, Riley’s relationship with the military/Initiative and how it affects his views. Although the episode succeeds on this focus, it is to the detriment of allowing certain characters to have purpose or personality. Still, this is not entirely the fault of the focus, but due to shoving in over-arching plot points. Lastly, it also fails be clear when it comes to metaphors, such as Oz’s werewolf problem becoming a metaphor for being a bad boyfriend.