Follow the Leader

In addition to watching the first three episodes of Season 1 this weekend, I went ahead and watched the whole first season. While I can definitely see some of the patterns that were mentioned in the article on the female hero (Buffy's in the "Virgin" stage, obviously), I think it is significant that unlike the stories mentioned in the article, Buffy (the character/tv show) was created by a man. Yes, Buffy is physically powerful. She is resourceful and clever, but ultimately, she needs a man (Giles) in order to fulfill her destiny. Though creator, Joss Whedon, says he wants a strong female character, he still creates a girl who is often ruled by her passions and must be led by a man. As we learn from the first episode on, her slaying duties at her old school did not end well for her, and no specific mention of a previous watcher is made. Giles quickly becomes the "brains" of the operation. Even Willow, the only female character so far who is betrayed as really intelligent, is mostly taking orders from Giles. Of course, they are still kids, and Giles is an adult. It would be beyond unrealistic to create teenage characters who exist completely in their own realm with no adult supervision/interaction (not that this show is reality based), but it seemed to me that, at least in the first three episodes, Buffy is ruled mostly by her emotions, and Giles must use his intellect and vast knowledge of vampire lore to rein her in time and again. This seemed to be particularly true of episode three, "The Witch," where Buffy's desire to fit in and be a popular cheerleader led her into trouble and almost cost her her life.

Joss Whedon's possible slip into patriarchy aside, he does create a strong, clever character who uses witty banter and sarcasm as much as she uses her fists. She and her friends, Willow and Xander, often communicate in a quick, almost telegraphic style of language that is full of humor and historical and cultural references. I did find it funny, however, that while they completely understood Cordelia's comment about hyperbole in "The Witch," they were unable to decipher the meaning of the words "mythological entomology" in the following episode, "Teacher's Pet." Overall, though, Whedon has created a character that is an interesting juxtaposition between street smart tough and innocent lamb.