? for fans of both Buffy AND Highlander
 

So I sat down and started watching the first season of Buffy.

Having never seen an show, I was quite pleased with the first 4 episodes.

My questions revolve around the watcher (Nigel?) in the show.

Are there a bunch of watchers for Buffy, or just 1?
Is Buffy the only vampire slayer in all the world?
Is the watcher idea and idea from highlander?
Does Buffy and Highlander reside in the same universe (because of the watcher angle)?

Thanks,

-Steve

'Giles', and I'll only answer the last couple questions since the others could be considered minor spoilers. The watcher idea is different; in Highlander, they only kept tabs on the immortals and didn't interfere (usually), while Giles is Buffy's mentor and trainer. I guess it's possible that the name was inspired by Highlander, but since it's not the most original of names it could easily be a coincidence, too.

First let me get a term out of the way, The Powers That Be apply to the "gods" of the Buffy universe. They're basically the ones that oversee and help humanity. Nothing much is known about them.. though we'll learn stuff as the seasons go on.

I strongy suggest you don't read spoilers.

Just one, though there are many watchers watching other girls.

In England there is a council of Watchers which deal with training young girls to become vampire slayers.

However, there is only one REAL Slayer. The Slayer with the powers given to her by The Powers That Be (TPTB) .The Powers That Be will turn a girl into a slayer everytime a past slayer dies (more on that later.)

The watchers will use supernatural meathods to find potential girls to be slayers, there are watchers ALL OVER the world training many many girls to be slayers... even though the chances of their girl becoming the offical slayer is very low.

That is how important the slayer is. It is assumed that the girls in training can still fight vampires and stuff, but they are not the slayer. They don't have any of the slayers powers, they are just girls. The watchers are a pretty big organization.

There has been a slayer for years and years, assumingly since, or around the time, that vampires first showed up on the earth...

The exact time of this happening is unknown. All we know is that earth used to be a place for demons, but eventually humans became the dominate species.

It is specutlated that The Powers That Be then turned one girl into The Slayer (giving her powers of strength, staminia, and even some limtied prophecy, as you saw from Buffy's dreams in the first episode.) They did this to help protect the other humans from vampires and other demons.

The deal is that whenever a Slayer dies, a new girl gets the powers and then she is the slayer. As I explained in the Watcher question, no one knows who the girl is going to be. They can guess, even use supernatural means (psyhics and the like) to find a potential slayer, but they aren't going to get it right 100% of the time.

Buffy was a Slayer that no one had trained before she became the Slayer. The slayer before her died, and then Buffy became the slayer and so the watchers went out for her and trained her then. Basically she wasn't preparied for it. Some slayers have been trained since a VERY young age. But Buffy they didn't know would be a slayer until she became one.

So, to answer your question. TPTB made it so there is only one slayer, and when she dies, another is created.

I don't think so.

No.

Any more questions? Ask away, I do a webpage on this kind of thing so I've done a lot of research.

Again, DON'T READ SPOILERS!

They will ruin the show for you.... espically this early one.

I will not do that, but I will tell you about the organisations of the show, and clear up any things you don't understand.

:thumbsup:

A big thanks! Cleared some things up. BizRodian, you went all out! I appreciate your input as well, Aghama! :)

My only gripe is (although nobodys fault) I already know something is up with Angel. I don't know what exactly, but I know he's a or something. That's kind of frustrating because in the first couple episodes he's a mystery. I do look forward to finding out what he is and how he got to where he is.

I will add though, I wish I had watched this show early on. The writing is fresh and original. The praying mantis episode was not as good as the other 3, but Ms. French was indeed a hottie so it was worth watching. :D

Now off to disc 2.... :)

Thanks again!

-Steve

Resist the temptaion to look at spoilers. If you don't look, by the end of the second season you'll be very happy. Angel will be explained a bit more this season, and almost fully explained by the end of the second season. It's great to watch if you don't know what's going to happen.

Yeah, that one wasn't a great episode, but it had some good character interaction for sure. My favorite for this season are nearer the end.

Season 1 of Buffy is comparible to season 1 of the X-Files. Still finding its feet, dealing with one shot episodes with a small self contained arc in the background. By season 2, the stories will be more spanned over episodes, and they will be grand. Season 3 is similar.

After that, I don't think the shw is all that great... I only watch it because I have been for so many years and it does still turn out a great episode now and then. Many people still do love it though.. so it depends on your tastes!

Don't read spoilers! most people I know who read spoilers for the second season were not thrilled with it at first...

I can't say that enough :P

Oh yeah, the supplemential material has spoilers in it... so don't look at any of them until I find out what they are! :D

Well, just finished disc 2 (episodes 5-8). I'm tempted to put in 3, but it's 3:30am and I need some sleep.

I now know the deal with Angel, but he is still somewhat of a mystery.

The "I Robot, You Jane" episode was pretty cool, but not because of the topic. I liked the introduction of the Computer Science teacher. I hope she stays as a frequent character. The tension between her and Niles is done very well. They way they play off each other is fantastic.

Buffy and Niles have a very good banter as well.

"Pack" was pretty good, although I wish they had developed the hyena-keeper's character more.

The Angel 2 parter was pretty good as well, but I'm not into a lot of the mushy crap.

I just hope they don't drag the Willow likes Xander likes Buffy likes Angel subplot into the ground. It's fun for now, but it might get old.

If I'm not mistaken, Scott from "Austin Powers" was or is in Buffy at some point. If so, I cannot wait for that.

All in all, so far I am very pleased with this purchase. I think I've already gotten my $25 worth out of it and I still have one more disc to go. :D

A very pleased

-Steve

Well, avoiding spoilers here, but I'll clear up what has been said so far.

Basically it works like this, Angel used to be a vampire who was like Darla, or Luke, or any of the others you've seen so far.

That's where souls come in. In the Buffy universe, a soul is what motivates your actions. Now, it works like this, every human has a human soul which tells them to do good (of course, they don't always listen... but that's what it does.) It's like if you hear about a murder on TV, it makes you FEEL BAD. Even if just for a second. That's what a human soul does. Now, vampires on the other hand have a soul that when they hear about a murder on TV, it makes them FEEL GOOD.

Then, one day, Angel killed a gypsy girl. The gyspys gave him back his human soul. What did this do? well, in a word, GUILT.

Imagine suddenly finding out that you killed hundreds of people? that you tortured them, killed your own family? and you can remmeber doing it?

This is what Angel lives with. As a vampire, he could do it and feel good. But now as a vampire with a human soul, he remembers and it makes him feel terrible.

Giles. It's his last name actually....

Yes, he and Jennny are quite good together. Very good chemistry.

Yeah, this is actually something that survives through the show for a long time.

True, he was a basic Sunnydale nut case, not much explaining. Basically it's the center of mystical demon energy so it's best to do rituals and such there, hence, he was there.

Most of the first three season's villians are better.

Which reminds me, what do you think of the main villians so far? The Master, Luke, Darla?

Two parter? Well, the Angel episode is actually my second favorite of the season. Guess I'm more of a romantic. But I go for the tragic romance, which is definitly what this is.

True, these kind of things can get old if they don't adapt and change.

Yes, Season 2...

The next three episodes aren't super. But probably on par with most of the stuff you've seen so far. Depends on your taste.

However, the final one is one of my favorites ever.

Let me know what you think...

I have to say that I love "Nightmares" just for one thing:



I know. I'm sick. I need help. :)

X

I personally enjoyed Xander telling off the clown.

Ok, I think I am now a fan. :D

I finally finished watching the 3rd disc tonight and I think they were the best episodes.

I don't have the discs in front of me, but I'm sure you will know which episodes I am talking about by the description.

Warning! I will not use spoiler tags and the rest of this post will be spoilers. Please move on if you are not interested. :)


The Puppet. Great episode. I think what made it great was the twist that was put in. I always hated puppets, (especially the pitter patter of little feet.) Pretty cool.

Nightmares. AWESOME. Some of the nightmares were kind of lame (like the flying insects that Willow saw in the hospital...), but otherwise a great episode. Xander really shines in this episode. And, for some odd reason, Buffy is still hot as a vampire. :blush:
And that f'ing clown going after Xander. When it first appeared, it scared the hell out of me. I too loved what Xander said (and did) to that smiling freak.

Out of Mind/Out of Site. Another terrific episode. Cornelia(sp?) is hilarious in this episode. "You don't think I get lonely because I'm so pretty and popular?" :lol: And I've seen the girl who played the invisible girl somewhere, but I can't put my finger on it. The not-so-subtle message was a good one. The only problem I had with this ep. is the ending was kind of goofy. It seemed too X-Filesish. The ending really didn't belong in the Buffy universe.

The Prophecy Girl. I was really happy that this wasn't a cliffhanger. I would hate to have to wait until summer to find out what happened. I suppose they did not know if they were going to be renewed or not, so they played it safe. Good job. I am glad Xander told Buffy how he felt and I am glad Buffy did the same. Romances ruin tv shows. I am also glad that Willow turned Xander down. She did so for all the right reasons. The shot of Xander in his room listening to country had me rolling.

All in all I am very very happy with this purchase. I will definately buy season 2.

I am also very happy that the crushes on each other have been played down more.

Oh, I almost forgot. Giles and Angel working together sans Buffy. :thumbsup: Giles is a cool cat.

Oh and to answer you question BizRodian (if you're still reading this :) )

The Master is (was) by far my favorite. He reminds me of an uglier and meaner version of Jim Carrey's Grinch. It's too bad what happened to him. But I can see why it did. Having one main villan/threat around would probably get old. For some reason I suspect we haven't seen the last of him.

If you are still reading this, what is the webpage you run BizRodian? I'd like to take a look at it. I'll try not to read any spoilers. :D

-Steve

Uh oh ... you like it now? Brace yourself, cuz Seasons 2 and 3 will change your life. :)

das

:D

I feel like I'm cheating on The X-Files or something because I am enjoyed the 1st season of Buffy a little bit more than I enjoyed the 1st season of the X-Files.

Must be the outfits. :D

-Steve

Excuse me Snake, this thread is for season one spoilers ONLY. All the way through the thread I've been trying to say that.

I'm sure you didn't do that on purpose, so I understand...

The answer to your question by the way is no. Only one for every one. Whedon has said this in interviews.

Now PLEASE delete your post.

Alien Redrum, Prophecy Girl is one of my favorite episodes out of the whole show's run. It's very good.

The Master is very cool, I agree, he's one of my favorites.

I love his line in Prophecy Girl, he's cheering and going nuts about the end of days coming, and then he casually turns to The Anointed and ask him what he thought the quake would be on the rictor scale.

Giles and Angel happen to be one of my favorite team ups. Pretty cool guys both of them, they actually have more in common then they do with any others on the show at this point in time.

Since you're an X-Files fan, I'll tell you this season is similar to the X-File's first season. The acting isn't as good, nor or the SFX, and the stories are more one shot episodes dealing with a creature, and you don't have to worry about which order you watch them in except for a few. Plus there's a larger plot running in the background (Like The Master and Deep Throat.)

The seasons afterwords are more arc orientated because they aren't as worried about if they're going to be cancelled. However, unlike X-files, and I think to Buffy's credit, is there might be a bit of a cliff hanger, but once the season is over, the story for that season is over. Next season there's a new one, even if there's some wrap up. In other words, the main storylines DO end. I think X-Files had a problem in later years because it never tied up any loose ends...

My site is too spoilery for you to look at :P It deals with the rules behind the vampires on the show. I too often will referance spoilers, and so it's a no-no :P However, I'll anwser any questions you have.

But I agree with the monkey here, Seasons 2 and 3 are great. Season 1 is a soft spot in my heart because I love The Order of Aurelius (The Master's order), but on average the episodes are better in seasons 2 and 3...

Anyways, if you have ICQ, give me a shout sometime...

:thumbsup:

I didn't know that was coming. :grunt:

:lol:

The Master's sense of humor is very dry. There are times when he is a complete monster, then seconds later he cracks me up.

Their first meeting was very cool. Giles took it in stride. I think that first meeting added depth to both characters.

Also, Xander and Angel together are absolutely hilarious.

"Stop looking at my neck."
"I wasn't looking at your neck."
"Yes you were, I saw you looking at my neck. I told you to eat before we left." :lol:

That is very good to hear. The problem with the X-Files is it got so caught up in conspiracies, it tripped over itself. Some of my favorite X-Files episodes deal with the monster aspect of the X-Files as opposed to the conspiracies.

I am glad Buffy takes one main them per season. That is something to look forward to .

Maybe I'll be ready to check it out in a year or two. :D

Sounds good! Thanks for all the input. You are a wealth of Buffy knowledge. :D

-Steve

Sorry, <B>Alien Redrum</B>

I sent a note to the admins who could edit the post and add spoilers while <B>Snake</B> was away and before you saw the post, but they completely ignored me.

das

:thumbsup:

I used the report this link for spoiler tags as well since there may be others reading this. I guess the mods are on a hiatus today. :D

-Steve

Season 2 is definitely better than Season 1, although I like all of the seasons for one reason or another overall (there are some episodes I really can't stand, though). Definitely waiting for that in June.

If you liked the Master, he'll be reappearing in a couple Season 3 episodes (starting with "The Wish"). The actor who plays Luke shows up again as the invincible demon The Judge in Season 2. (btw I don't really think that's much of a spoiler, just something to keep an eye out for.)

Also be aware that whe someone says "He'll reappear in..." they could mean in a flashback (season 2 onwards has many episodes with lots of scenes set in the past, mostly having to do with what Angel was like when he was without a soul.)

Of course, there has also been episodes with dreams, alternate universes, ect.. ect..

Generally on Buffy, when someone dies, they stay dead. They do often bring the actor back in one way or another as a vision or dream though. Like on X-Files, think of the episodes set in the past, they always fit Deepthroat or some dead character in there...

Anyways, check your email..

Giving this old thread a bump since season 2 recently was released.

Holy Cow is this show getting better and better. The past 3 nights I have been up until 4am watching these damn_dvds.

Some minor spoilers below, so please don't read any further....




Oz rules. Seth Green is perfect in this role. The character is hilarious because he doesn't seem to be effected by much of anything. Can't wait to see how he develops. For some reason, I am glad the writers decided to make him part of the supernatural. I guess it's easier to get into the "gang" that way. :D

Xander and Cordy.... :lol: It was kind of sad for Willow though, but the writers apparently are taking care of the (I've only gotten up to the werewolf episode).

Some of the highlights for me so far are....

The Halloween episode when Xander beat the hell out of that monster and said something to the effect on how it felt strangly redeeming. :lol:

The "Ted" episode. John Ritter is the man. I really really liked Buffy beating his a$$ for striking her. Ritter was fantastic in that role.

Spike's entrance kicked mighty a$$. Oh man, this cat is too cool. Hope he sticks around for a little bit.

However, the whole season so far has been great. The video quality is lacking, but someone told me in another forum it's because of the film they used. Next season will be noticibly better.

Now, couple questions (still around BizRodian? :) ), again these questions might contain spoilers.

1. Is Dracula ever brought up in the Buffy universe?
2. So I am straight on this.... Spike's girlfriend (forgot her name) was the Gypsy girl whose family Angel killed. Jenny is either related or comes from the same tribe as Spike's girlfriend. It was Jenny's tribe who threw down the curse hundreds of years ago. Correct?
3. Angel sired both Spike and his girlfriend?
4. Since their are 2 slayers and their can be only one, does one of the slayers not have all the powers the slayer should have? If so, shouldn't Buffy (in theory) not have the powers since technically she is not the slayer? Or is this something that is taking care of later?

I'm sure I'll have more questions, so any help on these is always appreciated.

Thanks. :D

-Steve

1. Dracula is brought up at the beginning of Season 5. He's not a major player though.
2. No, Spike's girlfriend is not related to the gypsies - she's just crazy. :) But yes, the curse was made by Jenny's ancestors.
3. There's some confusion in Seaosn 2 about who Spike's sire is. However, by Season 5 we find out that Spike was sired by his girlfriend, Drusilla, who was sired herself by Angel.
4. Both Slayers have full powers; Buffy just managed to find a loophole in the prophecy. Buffy is no longer technically THE SLAYER in the eyes of the Watchers' Council, as the line passes through Kendra and later, Faith; however, the council still looks over both Slayers.

Thanks for the response RolloTomasi! :thumbsup:

I came back because of the release of this, hoping you would be here!

I'm just going to answer the questions as well because I like to put my own spin on things, though Rollo did a good job...

Dracula is a vampire in the buffyverse. He shows up in season 5, but he's never a big plot point. Before this he's generally thought of by the gang as just a movie monster. They don't even know he's real.

Dru has no relation to the gypsy tribe. She is simply a girl who Angel decide would be fun to drive insane, and then turn into a vampire. This occured when Angel lived in London in around 1860.

The gypsy girl was a present from Darla (remember Angel's sire from the first season?) to Angelus, and he murdered her this occured at around 1898. She was well loved by her tribe, and so the gypsys decided the worst way to punish Angel was by making him care he killed her... and hundreds of other innocents. this was a far worse punishment then death, and Angel had spent the next hundreds of years generally feeling terrible and guilty. The curse could be broken only when he stopped having these feelings, when he started feeling he could move on from all that. And well... you saw what happened with that. Jenny was part of the tribe. She was sent to Sunnydale to keep an eye on Angel to make sure he never stopped feeling this way, because her tribe didn't want the punishment to be over.

Angel sired Dru (as I said above) and Dru sired Spike. However, since Angel sired Dru, Spike is also considered to have been sired by Angel through that way. It's just how the word is.

You'll find out more about their past as the series goes on.

Basically Darla and Angel were a couple who terrorised where ever they went. If you remember, Darla was part of The Master's order and she actually left The Master to be with Angel so they could terrorise people together.

They later sired Dru to join their group, and then later on Spike joined as well.

This lasted of course until Angel's curse, when the group broke up. Angel went away to feel sorry for himself, Darla went back to The Master (and stayed with him until Angel kills her in season 1) and Dru and Spike stayed together as a couple.

This is why Spike and Dru are such powerful vampires. They come from pure vampire blood, but they, at the same time, don't respect the ways of the old vampires like The Master (because they were sired and "raised" by two vampires who rejected the Master.

As to Angel and how he stopped feeling sorry for himself and started helping Buffy... you'll learn more as the season progresses.

The Powers That Be "activate" a girl, by giving her special slayer powers. They do this by activating this girl as soon as the other dies. Buffy died, so a new slayer was activated as soon as she was killed. Buffy was brought back to life, but she still has the powers because she just does... they're part of her now.

So basically, there are two slayers. To answer the invitable follow up question... if Buffy died again, another slayer wouldn't be activated, because a slayer was already activated at Buffy's death. There's a one slayer per death rule. However, no one really knows for sure about this rule at this point in time of the series, so some random vampire might think if he killed her another would come.... be he doesn't know what the hell he's talking about :P

Glad you like Spike, he's great. What did you think the the Surprise/Innocence two parter? Personally, I cried.

Season 2 is probably my favorite season, and my three favorites of the season you haven't even seen yet.

Okay, I just want to point out a couple of inconsistencies from what we see in the show.

1. In the first season it is pointed out that when a Vamp gets turned, embraced, whatever term you wish to use, they lose their soul. They no longer have one. It is established that the demon gets your body, but not your soul.

2. It was never established in the show that the slayer does not get her powers until she's activated. It did establish that only one slayer is activated at a time.