Ever wondered why the 'chosen one' never actually gets to choose their destiny? It’s a question that lingered in my mind as I finally sat down to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer as an adult—a show I somehow missed during its heyday, despite being a die-hard fan of Sarah Michelle Gellar (hello, Cruel Intentions and Scooby-Doo!) and the 1992 Buffy movie starring Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, and Luke Perry. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the movie was a fun one-off, the TV series? I never fully committed—until now. Sure, I caught a few episodes here and there, and Reddit spoiled a few plot points, but a proper binge of Joss Whedon’s iconic series? That was uncharted territory.
Before we dive into my 27 thoughts, let’s set the stage with Hulu’s description: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a comedy-action series following Buffy Summers, a teenage girl gifted with the strength and skill to hunt vampires. Sounds straightforward, right? Wrong. This show is anything but.
1. Holy plot twist! The series kicks off with two students sneaking into Sunnydale High after hours. You’d think it’s a classic ‘guy takes advantage of naive girl’ scenario, but nope—it’s the blonde girl who’s the vampire, and she’s looking for a private snack. Talk about subverting expectations!
2. Wait, what did Buffy do at her last school to get expelled? The mystery deepens.
3. I’m low-key obsessed with the fact that Buffy carries a stake in her backpack. Practical? Yes. Iconic? Absolutely.
4. Cordelia is supposed to be the resident mean girl, but she’s also hilariously witty. Love her or hate her, she’s unforgettable.
5. Random observation: Sunnydale High has an insanely impressive library. Who funded this? And why does it feel like the heart of the show?
6. Speaking of the library, how did the librarian, Giles, know Buffy was the Slayer? Is he clairvoyant? Or just really good at his job?
7. This show loves its jump scares. Like, a lot. Keep your snacks secure, folks.
8. Buffy’s first day at Sunnydale gives major Bella Swan ‘first day at Forks High’ vibes. New school, new drama, same supernatural undercurrents.
9. Valid point, Buffy. Valid.
10. Double valid. She’s not wrong.
11. Here’s the part most people miss: Why is the ‘chosen one’ never someone who’d willingly choose this life? It’s a question that sticks with you.
12. Buffy’s got a point. Being the Slayer isn’t exactly a dream job.
13. Giles, you’re her Watcher, not her public ally. Maybe tone down the dramatic whispers in the hallway?
14. And while we’re at it, Giles, maybe be more discreet about those vampire-slayer conversations in the library. Just a thought.
15. But Giles was right—something is coming. And of course, it’s headed straight for Sunnydale. Because why not?
16. Plot twist alert: Enter the mysterious stranger. Who is he, and why does he feel so important?
17. The irony of Sunnydale being built on the Hellmouth is not lost on me. Sunnydale? More like Doomsdale.
18. Can we talk about Angel for a second? He’s brooding, mysterious, and I’m here for it. He can be my friend, too.
19. Giles takes his Watcher duties very seriously. Like, borderline overprotective dad vibes.
20. Meanwhile, Willow and her unnamed friend (seriously, who is this guy?) are being lured by vampires. Classic.
21. Remember when I said something was coming? Well, it’s here. And it’s not friendly.
22. Men will say, ‘I know a spot,’ and it’s always the worst possible place. Like, literally the entrance to Hell. Classic.
23. SLAYYYYYY. In every sense of the word. Buffy’s got this.
24. But here’s the mistake: Talking trash before taking out the enemy? Rookie move. It gave the other vampire the perfect opening.
25. What are the Slayer’s powers, though? Because Buffy is getting her butt handed to her right now.
26. That ending, though. Ominous doesn’t even begin to cover it.
27. If I’d watched this in the 90s and had to wait a week for the next episode, I’d have lost my mind. Thank goodness for Hulu’s ‘Play Next Episode’ button.
Controversial Question: Is Buffy truly a hero, or is she just a pawn in a game she never asked to play? And does the ‘chosen one’ trope hold up in modern storytelling? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’m ready for a debate!
