Buffy – “The Zeppo” and “A New Man”
I’m a huge fan of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003). Although the show is highly regarded for a variety of reasons it is, and will be, pigeonholed in the teen supernatural/drama category with the likes of “Charmed” (1998-2006) and Kristen Stwewart’s “Twilight” film series (2008-2012) and be easily dismissed by many “serious” watchers. That’s a shame and in my twenties I was fairly obsessed with convincing others of the show’s genuine quality in just about every department and felt bummed they wouldn’t even give it a go. Just the name Buffy the Vampire Slayer was enough to dismiss it as pure nonsense. But thankfully those that did give it a go recognize how good a show it was. This had exceptionally good and layered writing and creative world building, a terrific ensemble cast and top notch production values, particularly after Seasons 1 and 2 had displayed the quality at work.
Sadly now three actors from the series have passed on. Michelle Trachtenberg played Buffy’s sister, Dawn Summers, and was introduced in Season 5. She was only 39 years old. In 2026 series regulars from the beginning, Nicolas Brendon and Anthony Stewart Head, passed on ages 54 and 72. This prompted me to re-visit two particular episodes that spotlighted the characters Brendon (Xander Harris) and Head (Rupert Giles) played as they were both huge fan favourites.
