Uncovering the Underrated: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Spinoff

Uncovering the Underrated: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Spinoff

Exploring the potential for a spinoff series centered around the underrated villains in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with a focus on The First Evil.

The Untold Potential of Buffy's Underrated Villains

Buffy's underrated villain is fit for a spinoff. While a Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoff could bring back Sarah Michelle Gellar’s eponymous heroine, a new series could also be an opportunity to explore one of the most underrated villains in the original show.

Nathan Fillion's Caleb and Sarah Michelle Gellar's Buffy stand and talk in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Nathan Fillion's Caleb and Sarah Michelle Gellar's Buffy stand and talk in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer had a lot of great villains. However, many of them never lived up to their potential. As a monster-of-the-week series, the show often introduced antagonists who were interesting and scary but dropped them after only one appearance. For example, the infamous voice-stealing Gentlemen from season 4, episode 10, 'Hush,' would have been creepy enough to sustain an entire season of most other supernatural TV shows, yet they only made one appearance.

The First Evil inhabits Nathan Fillion's Caleb in Buffy The Vampire Slayer

The First Evil inhabits Nathan Fillion's Caleb in Buffy The Vampire Slayer

As such, it would make sense for Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s reboot to explore these monsters in more depth. After all, the show’s inventive villains were one of the main selling points of the series, and even the antagonists that had entire season-long arcs dedicated to them were often left under-explained.

Potentials Becoming Slayers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Potentials Becoming Slayers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

The First Evil: A Mysterious and Powerful Villain

A Buffy The Vampire Slayer Spinoff Could Answer Many Questions About The First Evil. The First Evil’s original series appearance didn’t explain much of its backstory. Introduced back in season 3, The First Evil was one of the most powerful Buffy the Vampire Slayer villains ever. The shape-shifting entity was a non-corporeal being that could take on the appearance of anyone, living or dead, and the monster used this ability to manipulate the show’s heroes.

Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer's

Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer's

The First Evil was the main villain of season 7, with the monster embodying everyone from Spike to Drusilla. However, viewers didn’t learn much about The First Evil itself during this outing, beyond the fact that its existence predates humanity, demons, and the universe itself. As an embodiment of all evil, The First Evil lived up to its name and had been around since time immemorial. However, as a result of this, viewers never received specific information on its backstory.

Uber-Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Primeval episode

Uber-Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Primeval episode

A First Evil Spinoff Could Take Place At Many Points Of Buffy's Timeline. This Buffy the Vampire Slayer villain has a lengthy history to explore. Since it is one of the only eternal villains in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe, a spinoff could pick up at any point in time and the powerful First Evil would be around. It is tough to work out whether this potential spinoff would focus on the perspective of the villain itself or its victims, as both approaches have their merits.

The Master and Buffy fighting in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 1 finale

The Master and Buffy fighting in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 1 finale

The Perfect Setup for a Compelling Spinoff

Why This Villain Sets Up The Perfect Buffy The Vampire Slayer Spinoff Story. Buffy’s reboot wouldn’t necessarily need to worry about returning stars. A spinoff centered around The First Evil would be promising because this could expand the lore and dig into a new part of the timeline. However, there is another selling point to this premise. Going back to the past wouldn't necessitate bringing the original cast back, something that could be an obstacle for many other spinoffs.

Spike and the Buffybot in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Spike and the Buffybot in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Most ideas for a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot would require the return of Sarah Michelle Gellar, if not the entire original cast, and this might not be feasible. As a result, a spinoff that focuses on a major villain would feel like part of the show’s universe without necessitating comebacks from cast members. This conceit could make for a compelling Buffy the Vampire Slayer follow-up that offers more than mere fan service to the show’s sizable following.