The Game-Changing Episode that Altered the Course of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

Article Summary

"Prophecy Girl" is the first truly great episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, establishing higher stakes and foreshadowing the show's later seasons.

In the first season, the emotional impact of Buffy facing her impending death and her ongoing battle with her predetermined destiny stands out. The noteworthy events of this episode, including Buffy's ultimate demise and subsequent resurrection, leave a lasting impact on the show's storyline and the future development of its characters.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, although its first season may not immediately showcase this. With its broad fusion of genres including drama, action, romance, comedy, horror, and fantasy, the show spans seven seasons and nearly 150 episodes. The story revolves around the titular character, Buffy Summers, a teenage girl who attends a seemingly peaceful school in the town of Sunnydale. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Sunnydale is far from peaceful as it is infested with vampires and demons due to its Hellmouth, a literal gateway to alternate dimensions. While Season 1 may have its shortcomings, it effectively introduces the show's setting, unique blend of genres, and a lovable ensemble cast. It finishes on a high note with the season finale, "Prophecy Girl."

"Prophecy Girl," the twelfth episode of the series, is widely considered to be the first truly exceptional hour of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While subsequent seasons also deliver impactful storylines, this episode deserves special recognition for being the one that set the bar high. It not only wraps up important narrative arcs established throughout Season 1 but also offers the most emotionally powerful episode of the season. Additionally, it introduces higher stakes than ever before and hints at the exciting developments that await in future seasons. "Prophecy Girl" not only improves Buffy's overall trajectory but also elevates the perception of the show, solidifying it as a vampire-centered series that stands toe-to-toe with the best vampire literature, films, and other shows ever created.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

A young woman, destined to slay vampires, demons and other infernal creatures, deals with her life fighting evil, with the help of her friends.

Release Date: March 10, 1997

Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, Nicholas Brendon, Michelle Trachtenberg, Emma Caulfield, James Marsters

Main Genre: Action

Seasons: 7

Creator: Joss Whedon

"Prophecy Girl" Concludes Season 1 of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' With a Bang

Season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, consisting of only 12 episodes and a modest budget, does not fully showcase the show's potential. Surprisingly, it is highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes, but fans would argue that it does not surpass the later seasons' highlights. However, Season 1 does have some strong points, such as featuring the Master as the overarching villain. Throughout the first dozen episodes, the Master lurks in the shadows, gradually growing in power and executing his master plan. This concept of having a prominent antagonist per season originated here, paving the way for the compelling villains in subsequent seasons.

"Prophecy Girl" revolves around the climactic showdown between Buffy and the Master, which has been building up over the course of 12 episodes. As hinted earlier in the season, both characters are tied together by a dreadful prophecy, which Buffy discovers in a particularly impactful scene. She overhears her mentor, Giles, confiding in a pre-Angel Angel about the prophecy, revealing that Buffy is destined to confront the Master and perish in the process. This revelation evokes a strong emotional reaction from Buffy, as she contemplates giving up her destiny as the Slayer. This poignant moment marks the most powerful scene of the entire first season, as the harsh reality of her impending death sinks in. Previously, battling supernatural enemies in Sunnydale had seemed relatively effortless, without a genuine sense of danger for the main characters. However, "Prophecy Girl" changes this narrative by declaring that the show's hero must face mortality. Subsequently, a few scenes later, Buffy's fate is sealed as she meets her demise.

"Prophecy Girl" Is an Emotional Peak in 'Buffy's Early Years

While it is true that this is a work of fiction and there are still six more seasons to follow, making the death of the main character merely a temporary setback in the grand scheme of things, it is not the death itself that proves to be the most impactful. Rather, it is the way in which Buffy processes this reality that is truly poignant and unexpected, especially considering the tone set by Season 1, with "Angel" being the closest episode in terms of quality. At this point in the story, Buffy's mother, Joyce (played by Kristine Sutherland), remains unaware of her daughter's role as the Slayer and believes that Buffy's emotional struggles are connected to an upcoming school prom. In an attempt to comfort Buffy, Joyce shares her own experiences of going to prom and how the night started off poorly but ended up being enjoyable. After listening to her mother's story, Buffy, unable to reveal her impending death, responds with the words, "And you had your whole life ahead of you. Must be nice."

Death Becomes (Temporarily) Real in "Prophecy Girl"

It's truly heart-wrenching, as is the aforementioned scene in which Buffy resists the notion of destiny, collapsing in tears in the library after overhearing Giles and Angel. Sarah Michelle Gellar had shown promise in the earlier episodes of Buffy, but "Prophecy Girl" is the first episode that truly showcases her exceptional acting skills. In this episode, she pleads with Giles, proclaiming, "I'm only 16. I don't want to die." Her words are powerful and sharply contrast the comedic undertone that prevails in much of Season 1. Before embarking on her solo mission to fulfill the prophecy, Buffy seeks solace in the company of her friends and family, exhibiting an unprecedented level of strength and bravery.

Image via Mutant Enemy Productions

Love it or hate it, Buffy the Vampire Slayer eventually gained a reputation for its willingness to tragically and suddenly kill off main characters, especially in the controversial sixth season. Though it may not have been as brutal as shows like The Walking Dead or Game of Thrones, anyone outside of Buffy's inner circle always felt at risk of meeting their demise in any given episode. Even the core cast wasn't safe, especially during those particularly intense and heartbreaking moments. Some appreciate the added drama that this brings to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, while others criticize the show for dabbling in instances of fridging. Regardless, the precedent for Buffy being this kind of show was set in "Prophecy Girl," when the main character herself met death... even if only for a few minutes.

Viewers may possess knowledge, but the characters lack it, and the central character's confrontation with her unavoidable death is undeniably impactful. Moreover, Angel and Xander (Nicholas Brendon) must face the possibility that she may remain deceased indefinitely, until the latter successfully utilizes CPR to revive her, displaying an unexpected level of power even after the Master had attempted to claim her life (although, evidently, he had not succeeded entirely). As Buffy returns to life, a wave of emotions oscillates, transforming what was once the most distressing episode of Season 1 into its most triumphant. Accompanied by the resounding theme music, Buffy strides purposefully towards the Master once again, resolute in her mission to thwart his fleeting plans of global domination. The intensity of emotional highs is most pronounced when they follow emotional lows, and "Prophecy Girl" becomes the first episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer to soar in this regard.

"Prophecy Girl" Was Prophetic for 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

"Prophecy Girl" not only maintains its status as one of the greatest episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but it also sets the standard for what a remarkable episode of the show should encompass. Its emotionally charged storyline surpasses any previous installment, foreshadowing the exceptional quality that future episodes would deliver. Moreover, the episode holds a prophetic nature, as Buffy's demise has a lasting impact on the narrative progression. Without her death, the introduction of Kendra, the second Slayer portrayed by Bianca Lawson, in Season 2 would not have occurred. Furthermore, the absence of Kendra's untimely death would have prevented the introduction of Faith, portrayed by Eliza Dushku, who emerges as one of the show's most compelling and formidable characters.

The impact of "Prophecy Girl" is undeniable, as it transforms the entire show for the better. This episode stands out as the most dramatic and powerful of Season 1, setting a new level of emotional intensity that would be explored in later seasons. It effectively concludes Season 1 in a satisfying manner while also paving the way for more suspenseful and emotionally moving storylines in subsequent seasons, particularly regarding character deaths. Additionally, certain plot elements greatly influence the character arcs and narratives of future seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Although Season 1 may not be extraordinary on its own, the finale episode, "Prophecy Girl," is truly outstanding and crucial in shaping the show's trajectory and perception, garnering newfound appreciation from those who were initially hesitant. In the U.S., you can stream Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Hulu.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have a few thoughts and feelings about the article.

Firstly, I agree that "Prophecy Girl" is a game-changing episode in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It raises the stakes, introduces higher stakes, and foreshadows the show's later seasons. The emotional impact of Buffy facing her impending death and her ongoing battle with her predetermined destiny is particularly noteworthy. The episode also features some of the best performances of the season, particularly from Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy.

Secondly, I think the article does a good job of highlighting the importance of "Prophecy Girl" in the context of the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The episode is a turning point in the season, and it sets the stage for the show's future success. It also introduces some of the key themes of the show, such as the importance of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. Overall, I think the article provides a thoughtful and insightful analysis of "Prophecy Girl" and its importance in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe.