Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ Season 5, Episode 11

This is part of a bi-weekly series concerning the characterization of Buffyverse characters. 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 direct relation to either show in this bi-weekly series. Although this series does reference things that have no direct relation to the show in order to examine things such as metaphors and literary analogues.

This week: Anya (Emma Caulfield Ford) and Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) bicker over Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon). Later, Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) gets a new weapon.

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

Joyce Summers (Kristine Sutherland) and Dawn Summers (Michelle Trachtenberg) have stock characterization in this episode. The most relevant parts of their scenes occurs when they exposit and discover things about recent events.

Abigail (Ranjani Brow) is a young nun Buffy saves from a nameless vampire (actor unknown). Her existence gives Buffy some to ramble at, which allows viewers to see Buffy being emotionally insecure.

In fact, she behaves like a maturing adult might act with their parent during her discussion with Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) about her break-up with Riley Finn (Marc Blucas). She confides in him only so much yet not so little that one can argue it is unhealthy. As for the break-up, Buffy is experiencing emotional insecurity because of it and her prior ex-love interests. Although she is placing unnecessary amounts of blame on herself instead of the proper amount on all parties, respectively. When fighting Olaf (Abraham Benrubi), Buffy uses their final confrontation as an emotional outlet. Of course, that is only a temporary release for her inner turmoil.

Spike (James Marsters) comes across as both sensitive and insecure in his actual interactions. Unfortunately, his preparations to admit his feelings expose the fact that, while he is trying to adjust his behavior, it is still toxic.

Xander blaming Buffy and missing Riley during the opening scene sets up one of the premises. This also illustrates him as a bad friend since he seems to value Riley over Buffy despite supposedly being one of her best buds. His inability to communicate his feelings about Anya and Willow placing him in the middle of their quarrel suggests a few things. One: he feels loyalty to both women which he displays by not choosing between the two. Another: Xander may be avoidant of emotional confrontations because of his upbringing (Season 4, Episode 22, “Restless”) even if he is unwilling to be brave in physical confrontations.

Giles’s history with various contacts throughout the world (Season 3, Episode 17, “Enemies”) seems to not exist in this episode. Yes, his council contacts might be reluctant to discuss matters, but he seems to have no one else to consult with here. Additionally, he thinks the United States government could have information about Glory that his books lack. So not only does he appear to have lost an aspect to his characterization, but he suffers a moment of being out of character. Also he, Buffy, and Joyce seem rather foolish for openly discussing Dawn’s true nature so openly, and where Dawn can eavesdrop. Finally, he could possibly resolve his hesitations about putting Anya in charge of the Magic Box by giving her a list of social tips beforehand.

Anya has some lost characterization since she does not know how to drive in this episode, yet she talks about driving in a previous appearance (Season 3, Episode 21, “Graduation Day, Part One”). Also, her knowledge of magic and its consequences should make her extremely wary of disrupting spell casters in mid-cast. The origin of her demon days is interesting, but it does nothing at this point to really add to who she is. Her past makes blaming Buffy for the break-up seem out-of-character until one realizes that she and Xander do not know the reasons for it.

Willow comes off manic in terms of the enthusiasm she exhibits when prepping the spell. She also makes heavy references to a book by author Theodor Seuss Geisel, alias Dr. Seuss (Cat in the Hat [1957]). It is definitely mean to Anya since the other woman has no connection to it. Although, it does give an in-universe analogy for how reckless Willow is acting, especially by not paying for what she is using. This all foreshadows the start of her overuse of magic that will be a factor all of next season. It also calls to how she and the others will mismanage Buffy’s funds and freeload at her place. There is even some bi-erasure with how hard she insists her attraction only being to women now. Lastly, it is worth mentioning that Willow displays the majority of antagonistic behavior between her than Anya.

Olaf sure acts like a generic lout for a former human who is now a troll god. His presence in this episode is really only necessary to give Buffy someone to fight and provide the new weapon. Admittedly, he assists with providing levity and physical danger in his scenes. He also offers some exposition about Anya, but it is nothing she could not do herself. And while Anya and Willow’s quarrel with each other results in him appearing, his presence only contributes to forcing them to work together. Thus, one can say Anya and Willow don’t really learn to get along. All of this means that he could see substitution with any other threat, and method of providing the item, without a true loss to the episode.

Tara McClay (Amber Benson) seems to fall into a significant other role, if not an outsider to the group despite they refer to her as a Sccob earlier in the season (Season 5, Episode 6, “Family”). Viewers also get to see her take on the role of carer when Buffy breaks down on her after a college class.

This episode tries to grow the characters, but spins in a circle and does not really achieve that goal. Instead, Buffy gets a magical weapon that will act like a last minute saving grace. Meanwhile, Xander and Anya will only get the illusion of solidarity as a couple along with pronouncements that they are “miraculous” together and “will not last.” There are a few bits of foreshadowing for the rest of the season, including the upcoming confession from Spike (Season 5, Episode 14, “Crush”). Overall, though, this episode makes Riley Finn out to be more important to the franchise than he really is.