Buffy The Vampire Slayer was one of a few unexpected hits in the late 1990s that put the WB now the CW on the map. For a time, the then WB was popping out hits like Dawson's Creek and then Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
They then followed this success up with Angel. Sadly, in the first decade of the 21st century, the Whedonverse began to falter and suddenly dissipated with the emergence of DC superhero shows. Though, Cordelia Chase will always live in our hearts forever.
She Broke Up The Cordettes
The idea of being the most popular girl in high school appealed to Cordelia. It was who she was as an individual and to a certain extent, was what was expected of her. It is a goal everyone would strive for if given the opportunity.
After all, who doesn't want to be popular? So, in itself, it isn't exactly the selfish goal many would believe it to be. However, when Cordelia finally broke ties with the Cordettes it was a long time coming.
She Played The Perfect Spoiled Rich Girl
Has this same kind of character been presented in every other TV series or movie depicting young and impressionable teenagers in a high school setting? You bet your bottom dollar it has. Is it played out or does it still work?
Not only does it work but it excels even if it is a played-out story arc that fans have seen a million times before. Sometimes the old adage, if it isn't broke don't fix it, is a valuable piece of advice, especially when making TV series.
Making Others Feel Inferior Made Her Character Unique
It isn't always easy being the villain but sometimes for a specific story to work it is a necessary evil. Of course, whether this villain or antagonist is actually evil or just has a different view on life than the protagonist is up to the story.
As far as Buffy The Vampire Slayer goes, The Scooby Gang needed someone to remind them that even if they were heroes, they would always be losers in Cordelia's eyes. That's some sarcastic villainy that any TV series would benefit from.
Her Storyline As A Protagonist Was Boring
Some characters thrive being the villain. It is what makes them interesting. It is what makes them who they are. One thing it is rarely is boring. Protagonists need antagonists to help them grow and flourish as a character. Being the thorn in Buffy's side allowed Buffy to shine in her role as the star of the show.
Sadly, this role was slowly altered into Cordelia being a secret protagonist, then to an anti-hero, before eventually turning into another protagonist. This change in her character ultimately hurt the show.
She Got Into A Bad Habit Of Nearly Dying
As a stuck-up rich girl, Cordelia had a sense of strength that love her or hate her, couldn't be ignored by friend or foe. She was the alpha and would fight to the death if she had to, to remain in her position.
Any rivals were swiftly dismantled and shamed out of high school popularity existence. This was one of Cordelia's more enduring traits. Though, after becoming a protagonist, Cordelia soon became the typical damsel in distress almost every episode. Lessening her character's overall arc.
Peer Pressure Ruled Her Character Too Much
For a time, it appeared that Cordelia was turning the corner. Her secret relationship with Xander revealed a lighter side of her character that showed vulnerability as a means of progressing her character. Sadly, in her high school days, Cordelia struggled to think beyond her current popularity.
Everything had to be second to this desire, even her love for Xander. So, when she could no longer hide the relationship, she showed her true colors by dumping Xander as if he was garbage on trash day.
Failed To Present A Likable Outcast Role
Cordelia might have been a popular character on Buffy The Vampire Slayer but that didn't mean she was well-liked. Her snobby behavior on the show was unappealing and with time grew stale.
That possibly was one of the reasons her character was groomed to be an anti-hero. However, after her parents filed for bankruptcy, Cordelia found herself being a pariah in a school she once used to own. Unfortunately, Cordelia's character just wasn't set up to flourish in the outcast role and it showed.
From Princess To Prophet
Cordelia was always supposed to be the beautiful, popular girl that was the thorn in the side of the heroes. She was supposed to be the typical alpha-girl found in every school. This might have made her a little cliché but it also made her fun and interesting.
Her snappy comebacks to Willow and Xander were fun to watch but as Buffy The Vampire Slayer ended, Cordelia began to take on a new role as a role model, eventually leading her to be a prophet in Angel.
Her Hidden Rivalry With Buffy Summers Made Her an Anti-Hero
When Buffy Summers first arrived in Sunnydale, Cordelia sought to bring her into the fold. After all, she fit the profile that Cordelia sought in friends, she was beautiful, funny, and at first, uptight. Sadly for Cordelia, Buffy's prejudices towards those less rich or beautiful than she was waned over time, forcing her to become Cordelia's rival.
This, of course, made for great drama-filled television episodes. Unfortunately, as the show progressed, her character became more of an ally than an antagonist.
She Was A Terrible Fit For Xander
There are just some relationships on television programs that feel forced. Fans know it but oftentimes overlook it because of blind loyalty to the show or just because they haven't thought much about the relationship these two characters share.
As far as Xander and Cordelia's relationship, they were two polar opposites, who never seemed to fit well together, even as friends. For the first few seasons, Willow and Xander showed chemistry that Xander and Cordelia could never replicate no matter how hard they tried.