This article contains references to sexual assault and discussions of mental health issues
Created by Joss Whedon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of the most important supernatural drama series from the '90s — but some viewers rewatching it today might be surprised that it's not entirely as they remember. The fact is that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a product of its time, when mainstream sensibilities were much more forgiving. When Buffy the Vampire Slayer aired from 1997 to 2003, audiences and television networks alike had a much looser interpretation of what was deemed appropriate for airing.
As a result, from the standpoint of viewers today, certain aspects of Buffy the Vampire Slayer could be considered questionable. For those who want to rewatch the series today, it can be helpful to know what to expect from one of the biggest shows from the '90s, if only to cushion the blow of certain realizations. Here are the nine harshest realities about the show that even the most loyal Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans can't ignore.
9 Angel Was Creepy
Not only did it turn out that Angel had more than a checkered past, but his actions in the present were also deeply questionable. He stalked Buffy before ever introducing himself — stating it was under the ruse of protecting her. His relationship with Buffy has also made for uncomfortable viewing considering it started when she was 16, and he was a vampire who was nearly 300 years old (so there was quite a clear power imbalance present). Buffy the Vampire Slayer definitely could have handled the relationship between Angel and Buffy much better. Even the premise is questionable, although Buffy is far from the only story about a teenager falling in love with an immortal.
8 The Scooby Gang Treated Buffy Horribly
Even if disagreeing was a natural part of growing friendships, there was a clear disdain Buffy's former best friends seemed to feel for her in the later seasons. They ignored the fact that she was in financial trouble (which they helped cause) and ignored the fact that she was struggling with her mental health. They idolized her to the point that one mistake meant severe backlash for Buffy. Throughout all seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it seemed like no one took the time to understand the burden she had to carry as one of humanity's most important saviors or what she sacrificed in the process.
7 The Show's Ignorance Of Mental Health
The characters on the show all went through a variety of trauma but were never seen to deal with the effects or impact. The show did a good job of portraying Buffy's depression after her brutal return from heaven. However, she gets zero support from her friends — now immortalized in Buffy the Vampire Slayer memes. With all the death and tragedy, none of the gang actually seeks out professional help. They could have all benefited from it, but unfortunately, the Watcher Council didn't predict the need for a mental health professional, just like they did not predict the slayer would also need a salary.
6 Xander Was A Jerk Towards Buffy For Not Being As Interested In Him
In the beginning, Xander was a dumb but endearing character that everybody seemed to love. However, Buffy the Vampire Slayer's writers were not generous with the character development of Xander, and he often made petty comments that were beneath him. The comments often seemed to have something to do with Buffy's choice of men. The fact was that even though Xander seemed to be in a happy relationship with someone else, he never seemed to get over the rejection from Buffy. He idolized her to the point where she could never live up to his expectations and then acted disappointed when she didn't.
5 Faith's Problematic Scenes The Show Never Addressed
Faith was one of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's most problematic characters for several reasons. After Faith took over Buffy's body, she slept with someone without Buffy's consent. There were also two plots where the writers brushed over the fact that Riley and Xander had been sexually assaulted by Faith as well. What has made fans particularly feel uncomfortable about these storylines was that Faith was never punished for these crimes. Instead, she was even given a redemption arc. The writers should have certainly addressed how Buffy, Riley, and Xander felt in the aftermath rather than just ignoring them entirely.
4 Angel Was A Dull Character; Angelus Was Better
Teenagers everywhere were obsessed with Angel's broody nature. However, the harsh reality about coming back to the show years later is that Angel wasn't as exciting as he seemed back then. Throughout his appearances in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel barely ever talked, and he seemed to sulk most of the time. Considering the entertainment factor, Angelus was far more successful in that department. He was funny, and even though he was pure evil, Angelus' plans were entertaining to watch. While Angel's actions were creepy in hindsight, Angelus is remembered for being one of the best villains in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
3 Giles Leaving Buffy For Her Own Good Was Horrible
Giles, the Watcher, was Buffy's father figure and dear friend almost from the very beginning of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. For a couple of seasons, he always seemed to be there for her when she needed him. However, after Buffy was forcibly pulled out of heaven and brought back from the dead, she struggled with everything, and that's when Giles abandoned her. She was depressed, had financial issues, a sister to take care of, and her mother was gone. Giles decided to leave for her own good because she'd become too dependent on him. Giles' timing could not have been any worse, and it's ultimately inconsistent with his character.
2 Spike Was Better As A Villain
Whether Spike's redemption arc was any good remains hotly contested among Buffy the Vampire Slayer viewers. While some believe he was fully redeemed, others think he had selfish reasons for doing every single good deed. However, what both sides easily agree upon is that Spike was a much better villain than hero. Spike brought incredible humor to the show's dark atmosphere, and the reality is that he was most effective in this role when he was simply evil. As a villain, Spike had the best introduction in all the show, and he was never truly the same after he switched sides.
1 Buffy Is Better Off On Her Own
Buffy the Vampire Slayer viewers once debated about which centuries-old vampire was a better romantic fit for the 16-year-old Slayer. Today, it's clear that Buffy is better off with neither Angel nor Spike weighing her down. It's bad enough that a foundational supernatural drama series got people to root for a teenage girl to get with ancient men. Throw in the fact that both of those men were terrible partners, and it's painfully clear that neither "Bangel" nor "Spuffy" was worth shipping. On a positive note, Buffy ending up on her own — with a promise of a new tomorrow — really was a perfect ending for everyone's favorite Slayer.