BtVS is a very relatable show on many levels--whether it be a character (s) or sitation(s). I have identified with many of the characters and situations at some point or another in my life, but there are two characters that I always seem to relate to the most: Buffy and Willow.The Willow of It:
I guess I was very much Willow in middle school through most high school and part of college (still am like her in some ways I think--i'm still shy and very nerdy). I wore some pretty bad outfits. I could (and sometimes still can!) relate to the whole having trouble talking to guys thing. Plus I was (still am) a nerd. And I was naive too. I'm also the best friend. I'm the one that people seem to trust with secrets. I try to be loyal. I have never gone evil and tried to destroy the world nor have I dated a guitarist. But I do know what it's like to be "old reliable" (see "Dopplegangland," season 3). And I've always liked school.
The Buffy bit:
Like Buffy, I feel like I bear a lot of responsibility. Being the oldest, I often have to (or am told to) "set the good example" and "do the right thing" etc. Also...I have a tendency to attract/fall for the jerk/player/bad guys. I won't go into detail here...but I have a pretty sad track record--something else Buffy and I have in common. Right now I feel sort of like Buffy in season 6--that awkward in-between adult stage of life with very little income and trying to figure things out. Unfortunately, I am NOT being courted by Spike (wishful thinking haha). And I'm not as depressed. And I haven't been dead (a good thing).
I consider it a GREAT strength of the show to create such relatable characters. I can't name any other show where I could so closely identify with a character or characters. As a writer, even though I mainly write poetry that doesn't usually involve characters, that's something I aim for: relatability--whether it's a character or a theme or a situation. I hope that I can do it even a quarter as well as Joss...ok maybe like a teaspoon as well as he does. But you get the idea. So bravo Joss for such rich and interesting characters, and thank you for helping me to know that I'm not alone.
