I love the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It’s not enough to call me a fan; I think that is an understatement. But I’m also not a delusional fanatic that believes the actors are their characters and these things happened in real life (or have mad crushes on any of the stars) either. For me, Buffy is more than entertainment, it is a message, an experience… I often joke that it is my religion. For me Buffy is about empowerment, connections and overcoming the end of the world (or real life translation, any crisis that feels like the end). And that’s a good thing right?
So, of course I get off on sharing Buffy and all of her wonder with other people. I’m not knocking on doors, asking people to convert, but if friends are even the least bit curious – I am so there. And for one person in particular (my husband) I’m not sure if it was actually his question, or suggestion, or if I just decided: “You’re going to watch this.” I have never put a boyfriend or past love through even a single season of the show, but none of them were keepers! 😉 And a few days ago, we finally came to the end of my husband’s education in all things Buffy the Vampire Slayer. (I kind of wish there was a class, or if there is that I could teach it, because I would kick some serious butt at doing so. But when I say education in terms of my husband, I just mean watching all of the season of Buffy and the first four seasons of its spinoff Angel.)
Part of me is like, “Yes, we did it!” And another part of me is sad that it’s over, but after nearly four years together, my husband has been schooled in all things Slayer-related. (Of course, by next week he’ll forget nearly everything, but what can you do?) My husband would sometimes joke while watching the show, making fun or mocking until I gave him that look. And I know every woman, gay man and married person of any gender or orientation, know exactly what I mean by that look.
But in all seriousness, I loved watching Buffy with my husband. I get such a rush out of watching the show with someone who hasn’t seen it before. It’s like sharing a wonderful secret, or some kind of profound answer to an equally profound question or concept such as: “What is the meaning of life?” or “What is the key to true happiness?” Alone Buffy is healing, solidarity, empowerment, entertainment, therapy – but with someone else, it is this wonderful and shared bonding experience. At least it is for me.
It is hard to describe, and I am sure if I was able to everyone reading this would think two things: A) This person is a little crazy and B) This person is most certainly crazy. I think it is rooted in my love for the show, and the connection I have to it, and its titular character, none other than Buffy of course. 😉 But that is another blog post, and in fact one that I have already written. See: My Top Six Reasons Why Buffy The Vampire Slayer Was The Best Show Ever Created Link.
So, now that it is over, and I have no one at the moment, to “educate” I think I can start posting blogs about the show – like my favorite episodes, etc. and not worry about spoilers. 🙂 I guess that is something – I may not get to share the show with someone in person, but now I don’t have to worry about spoiling it for my husband, and I can let loose any Buffy related post I like. Talk about a silver lining! 😉
-DMW
