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And now, 20 years later, the eponymous Slayer has a unique opportunity to save TV too.
The original series, which ran from 1997 to 2003, was an era-defining show.
In doing so, Buffy helped shape how fans see themselves too.
But with such devotion comes enough trepidation to fill an entire Hellmouth.
Because how can a revival ever hope to capture that same magic all these years later?
A fresh start
As ever, talent is key.
And now she doesn’t have to be.
To bring the franchise back without her would have been unthinkable, more soulless than Angelus at his worst.
That’s important, narratively speaking, because a continuation is far more appealing than a subpar reimagining.
But it’s also vital in a broader sense.
But centering a kick-ass heroine like Buffy is no longer groundbreaking like it once was.
The key now lies in who this new Slayer, Buffy’s protege, can be.
But the world is very different now compared to how it was in the late ’90s.
It’s worth pointing out that some progress has already been made in this regard.
But to do so in a franchise as beloved and sacred as Buffy?
Doctor Who aside, that’s still relatively rare.
Imagine a Slayer who’s pushing back against the societal restrictions that come with not being white?
Or one who learns to fight with a disability that others think would hold her back?
To argue that these ideas are forced or unnecessary would be missing the Mister Pointy of it all.
Didn’t the very last episode of Buffy’s original run establish that anyone can be a Slayer now?
That any woman of any background can harness that power and fight for what’s right?
And don’t get me started on the Xander of it all.
Slay another day
Is this too optimistic?
Legacy shows are hit and miss at the best of times.
Not even Angel could quite live up to Buffy’s legacy, let alone a new Buffy.
And that’s what this revival needs to do.
So yes, I have hope for the revival.
After all, Buffy has ended before “Hey, I died twice!”
and she always came back stronger.
Because Lord knows we need saving.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is streaming for free right now on Tubi.
For more, check out our list of thenew TV showscoming your way in 2025 and beyond.
