The Buffy Reboot: Correcting a Monumental Misstep

Summary

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot has a chance to fix major mistakes from the original series, specifically the mishandling of LGBTQIA+ characters.

The confirmation of Willow and Tara's romantic relationship was a thrilling milestone in the original series, yet Tara's unexpected and purposeless demise remains a tragic setback. In the reboot, not only should Tara be reintroduced, but it is imperative to incorporate additional LGBTQIA+ representation within the main characters.

While the reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer may face challenges in winning over viewers, it presents an opportunity to correct a major mistake from the original series. The news of the upcoming reboot generated mixed reactions among the show's extensive fan base. The widely publicized downfall of the original showrunner, Joss Whedon, caused many viewers to reevaluate the original series. Nevertheless, Buffy the Vampire Slayer still holds a special place in the hearts of '90s pop culture enthusiasts, and the reboot could rectify the shortcomings of the original show.

Although the reboot will need to navigate Buffy the Vampire Slayer's intricate legacy, a new series set in the Buffyverse offers a chance to address the show's past issues. One of the foremost problems was the mishandling of LGBTQIA+ characters in the original series. While the inclusion of queer characters in Buffy the Vampire Slayer was commendable at the time, the show's portrayal of these characters and its reliance on outdated tropes have rightfully received criticism. Particularly noteworthy is the unfortunate demise of Willow's significant love interest, an underutilized supporting character.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Tara Maclay Should Return In The Buffy Reboot

In "New Moon Rising," episode 19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's fourth season, the show definitively revealed that Willow and Tara Maclay were in a romantic relationship, despite the network's initial reluctance to acknowledge this fact. Prior to this point, the budding connection between Tara and Willow had been metaphorically represented, with Willow using magic to help Tara overcome her shyness and embrace her true self. The confirmation of their relationship was a significant and thrilling moment for the series, as Buffy the Vampire Slayer solidified the presence of an LGBTQIA+ couple who defied stereotypes and were not just minor characters. Unfortunately, shortly after this pivotal moment, the show took a disappointing step backwards.

As much as Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s LGBTQIA+ representation garnered praise in seasons 4 and 5, the show faced significant criticism for utilizing the unfortunately common "Bury Your Gays" trope in season 6. In episode 19 of season 6, titled "Seeing Red," Tara, one of the most prominent LGBTQIA+ characters on television at the time, was tragically shot and killed without warning by Warren. This development served as a catalyst for Willow's transformation into Dark Willow and set the stage for the main villain of the season. However, this decision was met with frustration as Tara's death seemed to lack any meaningful purpose, despite the frequent occurrence of abrupt character deaths throughout the series.

Why Tara's Death Was Buffy's Worst Moment

Tara’s death marked a significant turning point in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While Joss Whedon's storytelling often included tragic moments of brutality, from Wash's death in Serenity to the devastating loss of Buffy's mother, the impact of Tara's death was particularly profound. What made it problematic was how it set up one of the show's most formidable villains, without fully considering the impact on the diverse cast of characters. As the series focused on Dark Willow's ascent, it overlooked the poignant love story between Tara and Willow. The time and effort Willow had spent helping Tara discover her true self felt futile when her life was abruptly and purposelessly cut short.

Any Buffy Reboot NEEDS More LGBTQ+ Representation

Tara's death could have been more impactful in a different type of TV series, but it didn't suit the tone of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The show avoided permanently killing off beloved characters like Willow, Xander, and Buffy herself, which made Tara's death come off as dismissive towards LGBTQIA+ representation. The fact that Tara had recently escaped from an unsupportive family and was finally embracing her true self made her death even more heart-wrenching. During a time when LGBTQIA+ stories were typically trivialized or only touched upon in special episodes, Buffy the Vampire Slayer's handling of Tara's death was highly discouraging.

In light of this, the reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer should prioritize increased LGBTQIA+ representation to rectify this significant oversight. Reviving Tara should be a priority, considering the number of major characters who experienced temporary deaths and subsequent resurrections throughout the original series, such as Buffy, Angel, and Spike. However, the reboot should go beyond just bringing Tara back. To make amends for the flaws of its predecessor, the reboot should include more prominent LGBTQIA+ characters as part of the main cast. These new stars in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot could help fulfill the untapped potential that was undermined by Tara's disappointing character development.