Russ and I are midway through the finale of Buffy’s Season 3, Graduation Day. Much afoot! And I am sure I will be able to discuss this issue much more intelligently once I have gotten all the way through Graduation Day, and even more intelligently when I have gotten through the series, but from this unique perspective, I want to address a question Russ brought up last night. Can there…or should there….be only one Slayer?
Russ is wondering what might happen when/if Faith is eliminated as the “second Slayer.” (I say “wondering” facetiously, because of course he knows exactly what happens and how it impacts the rest of the storyline.) From my point of view, tho, not knowing what happens, a lot of questions and possiblities are open.
Russ seems to be assuming that if Faith dies and a new Slayer is sent to replace her, this will be a bad thing. That we want to get back to the point where there is only one Slayer, so that Buffy will be “special.” I’m not sure I agree. First, Buffy already is special, no matter how many other Slayers there might be. And I enjoy the interaction between the Slayers, and seeing how different they can be and still get the job done.
Look at Kendra. Very different than Buffy, but I liked her, she was so dedicated. And Faith has a strength that Buffy doesn’t have. Granted, she’s kind of got that power turned in the wrong direction at the moment, but you can’t deny there is strength and power in her personality. And the fight scene between Faith and Buffy (black leather pants vs. red leather pants) was so intense, so hot! (not in a sexual way, in a storytelling kind of way). The reason why this scene works so well is exactly because they are from the same stock, both Slayers, both equally trained, equally focused.
I like when there are two Slayers. I don’t necessarily want to see only one Slayer. Now, as for whether or not there will be one Slayer or two Slayers and how this might be accomplished, I have no idea. And I don’t think I’m even going to hazard a guess. I have complete faith in Mr. Whedon to take this story to the best place possible. I’m just along for the ride. One Slayer, two Slayers, whatever. This show rocks!
I’m surprised Russ asked that question…::muses::
Anyway, what makes you/Russ think that if Faith died a new Slayer wouldn’t just pop up? When Kendra died, Faith got called, so wouldn’t a new one just get called?
Yes! That’s exactly the point! If Faith dies, a new Slayer WILL be sent. Russ seems to think it’s necessary/better that there only be one Slayer. I say two works for me. Which you you prefer? “There can be only One,” or “Double your pleasure”?
And btw, now that I’ve seen the end of Graduation Day, I see that Faith will apparently be in a coma, so neither dead or alive, we are now back down to Buffy being the only Slayer. Of course, Faith could return at any moment. Oh, the suspense!!
Shhhhhh…. I don’t want the hobbit lady to figure out what happens next…
Russ
That’s right! Don’t tell me! I don’t want to know, at least not yet, not like this, don’t want to be spoiled! I’ll get there soon enough.
You can’t imagine how crazy it’s making me having the Buffy CD of the musical episode here in my house and not being able to listen to it! What an exercise in self-control!!!