Updates from one week later: new developments, what the buffyverse means to us and how to be smart about the new series

Hey, guys. Hope you had a great weekend. So let’s talk all things buffyverse. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past week, you should know by now there are plans to resurrect BTVS. In my past article, I had some trepidations about it but that was really before we got some clarification on this new series and, now that we have, I’d like to formally retract some of the statements I may have made.

The problem is they provided us with a red herring. When they first announced this new series, they officially referred to it as a reboot. However, recent developments have led them to clarify it will not, in fact, be a reboot but rather a sequel series (or revival, if you prefer). As such, the showrunner, Monica owusu-breen, has all but outright stated none of the original characters will be recast for the revival and, with that small piece of information, a passionate fanbase breathes a brobdingnagian sigh of relief. Of course, we still don’t know much about the series apart from that but, nevertheless, it’s just reassuring to know they won’t be trying to replace SMG, ASH or any of the original cast members.

That being said, however, there is still quite a big margin for error so, if they’re going to do this series, they might as well do it correctly. First off, it helps to have a good setting and, since the original series resonated so well with fans, I think it just makes sense to have the new one return to that swirling vortex of entropy that is sunnydale. I mean how cool would it be to see the whole town looking new and improved over twenty years after its tragic demise? As a bonus, assuming the new slayer will be a high school student, they could even have d.b. woodside return as the principal of the new sunnydale high to provie some connectivity between the two series. He could even be her new watcher, although that might be easier said than done given his commitments on Lucifer but this brings me to my next point.

While it’s not technically required, it is typically traditional and customary that they have at least one of the original cast members return as a series regular. Of course, the obvious choice would be SMG but, honestly, I’d be fine with any one of the four main characters who stuck with the show throughout the entirety of its run, be it Buffy, Willow, Xander or everyone’s favorite watcher (sorry, Wes. We love you too but G will always be number one in our books). Theoretically, I would be fine if it were someone else but, seeing as every other main cast member is either dead in the buffyverse or a vampire (well, except oz and Riley), having one of the main four return seems like the logical choice here. All things considered, I’m a bit less apprehensive about this new series than before knowing what I know now.

In fact, I know it might sound blasphemous but I’m even starting to feel a little giddy about it. I mean the buffyverse is such a masterpiece as well as one of the greatest feats ever accomplished on the small screen and it means the world to me but, before we get into that, let’s discuss one last thing about the new series. It’s paramount that this series not just be a rehash of the original because, if it is, then what’s the point? Why would anyone watch it when they can just go back and watch the original? So what the series will need is fresh, new ideas, storylines, characters, etc. That’s not to say they can’t emulate the original series. I’d be fine with them doing another musical episode (although I doubt they’d be able to top the original) or a silent episode but it has to be done with tact and precision to ensure it’s not just a blatant ripoff of the original series.

So, getting back to the buffyverse, it’s such an amazing universe they’ve created and the important thing to remember is, no matter what direction they go in with this new series, it can’t and won’t detract from the perfection that is the original BTVS series (and, of course, angel which is equally awesome). Honestly, I could go through a list of everything that makes the buffyverse the epitome of perfection but we’d be here all night so let me close by saying this: it’s ok to watch (and, dare I say, even enjoy) the new series just as long as you understand that, even if the new series does suck, it doesn’t make the original series less perfect and, more importantly, it doesn’t detract from our enjoyment of the buffyverse. So I would urge you to at least give it a chance. In any case, we’re still a long way off from the series premiere of this new series so, in the meantime, just relax, binge watch the buffyverse again if you so desire and just remember the two main lessons these shows taught us: everything is going to be alright, and if nothing we do matters, then all that matters is what we do.