In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sarah Michelle Gellar, renowned for her role as Buffy in the hit TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” shared her children’s opinions on the show’s romantic storylines and her personal decision to shield them from the controversial Season 6. Gellar, who watched the series with her kids during the pandemic, expressed her daughter’s fondness for broody Angel and her son’s preference for the punk-rock villain-turned-hero Spike.
The Kids’ Take on Buffy’s Love Interests
Gellar disclosed that she and her children watched the first five seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” together. During these seasons, her daughter became a fan of Angel, the tormented vampire character, while her son developed a liking for Spike, the rebellious antagonist who later turns into a hero.
Gellar affectionately revealed her son’s inclination towards Spike, saying, “We skipped around a lot on those last two [seasons]. I have trouble with six. It wasn’t appropriate for them at the time, and I just don’t want to rewatch it.”
A Controversial Season
Season 6 of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” has always been a topic of debate among fans and critics alike. This season, marked by the network switch from The WB to UPN in 2002, delves into darker and more complex storylines. Buffy is resurrected from the dead, experiences deep trauma, and battles depression throughout the season. In an unexpected turn, she engages in a toxic sexual relationship with her former enemy, Spike.
The Unsettling Scene and Fan Reaction
One particular episode in Season 6, titled “Seeing Red,” features a deeply disturbing scene in which Spike attempts to rape Buffy. This shocking turn of events left many viewers feeling betrayed, as the character had shown signs of redemption and growth. Critics have condemned the episode, deeming it an example of irresponsible and harmful storytelling. CNN, Salon, and Vulture all criticized the handling of the scene and its aftermath.
James Marsters’ Reflections
James Marsters, the actor who portrayed Spike, opened up about the impact of that scene in a 2017 interview with Vice.
Marsters revealed that “the experience prompted him to seek therapy, which proved beneficial for his personal well-being. While he initially considered the scene a “worthy risk,” he acknowledged why fans perceive it as a significant misstep.” Marsters stated that he now declines roles involving rape scenes, having learned from the intense reaction to that particular episode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” did Sarah Michelle Gellar watch with her kids?
A: Gellar and her children watched seasons one through five of the show together.
Q: What were Gellar’s children’s preferences when it came to Buffy’s love interests?
A: Gellar’s daughter favored Angel, while her son leaned towards Spike.
Q: Why did Gellar choose to skip Season 6 when watching the show with her kids?
A: Gellar believed that Season 6 was inappropriate for her children at the time and wanted to avoid revisiting it personally.
Q: What was the controversial scene in Season 6 of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”?
A: The scene in question involved Spike attempting to rape Buffy in the episode “Seeing Red.”
Q: How did fans and critics react to the scene?
A: Many fans felt betrayed by the show’s handling of the scene, and critics condemned it as irresponsible and harmful storytelling.
Q: How did James Marsters, who played Spike, respond to the controversial scene?
A: Marsters acknowledged the impact the scene had on him, revealing that it led him to seek therapy. He also expressed understanding for the fans’ negative reaction and vowed to avoid similar roles in the future.
Source: HuffPost
