Whose Power Comes From Darkness? - A discussion of Episode 1: Buffy vs. Dracula

[season5btvs]

Episode RecapThe first episode begins with Buffy unable to sleep until she gets her slaying fix for the evening. From the beginning we know that she is going through something internally. Closer to her nature as the slayer, the act of slaying becomes more and more consuming. Reconciled to her fate as the slayer, Buffy is beginning to embrace it.

Comments

[pimpstresslana]

Buffy sees a bit of herself in Dracula, which makes her so drawn to him. To Dracula, Buffy would symbolize the ultimate prize, the Slayer as his trophy vamp, should he turn her. However, Buffy has always been drawn to the dark side, and even is a bit hungry for power. As much as she is plagued by her life as a Slayer which prohibits her from living a "normal" life, she realizes that the means in which she conducts her Slayer duties, along with a Watcher-As-Father-Figure and a circle of friends who are in on the slaying action, too, is a way in which she thwarts the power structure established eons ago by the Watcher's Council and she does things her way. Thus, she topples the system of established power to empower herself. She and Dracula share this drive for power and control

Bravo

[season5btvs]

A well done comparison between Buffy and Dracula. Dracula highlights how unique Buffy is, even in the Slayer world. In many ways her encounter with him highlights her own internal struggle for self realization - be it her struggle to be The Slayer in her own way, or sorting through her internal conflict between wanting a normal life/relationship/existence and accepting that she may "need" more. You brought this out well in discussing the Angel-Buffy-Riley triangle

Buffy v. Dracula

[trope]

First, I want to give props to pimpstresslana, who gives a great reading of Buffy out-powering Dracula

Re: Buffy v. Dracula

[season5btvs]

I'm glad you brought up the Feminine vs. Masculine contrast between the Scooby Gang and The Initiative. I think that theme does resound here some, particularly in how ineffective Riley is throughout the episode - and something that will certainly be expounded upon later in the narrative. As a foil? Well it certainly sets a new tone, although maybe not a foil.

But you make an excellent point in that Buffy's "hunting" indicates the danger of her becoming unbalanced. Though she is now powerful enough to face such an opponent (she would have been a total goner two seasons ago) she is also not sure where this path may lead her. So she returns to Giles for guidance - much to his pleasure in being useful again. It also speaks volumes about the importance of Buffy as a person in that the lives of the men in her life hinge on her will. In this case Gile's life has new meaning again, whil Riley is seemingly more irrelevant.

[trope]

***part two

The Thunderstorm

[season5btvs]

I believe that Willow's comment about "balancing the elements" is apropos of EVERYTHING in the episode, and is a theme to keep your eye on for the entire season. I also believe she did create that Thunderstorm. Much of this season will address Buffy being forced to face herself and her world, to decide whether she is ready to be an adult and take responsibility or not.

Re: Buffy's Sister

[season5btvs]

The writers are very concious of the buzz they will make by introducing Dawn at the end of the first episode. But there's not much more to say at this point than "who is she?! Where did she come from?!" This is the beginning of the thread that ties the season together.

To D'Hoffryn:

[trope]

She eventually resists but only after seeing how deep her slayer nature goes. This is a glimpse into what her "potential" is, and it spooks her. She defeats Dracula, but it was close.
In s7, the gang spends a lot of time using the word "potential". Have you seen that season and are you aware of the connection? Buffy did/does have that "potential," but how she uses it to support or subvert the Slayer tradition is a matter of much debate.

Re: To D'Hoffryn:

[season5btvs]

I have not seen Season 7. I wish to see it in sequence as I discuss each episode from this point. I look forward to the concept of Buffy's potential being explored further.

[noyj189]

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