The first story arc for “Buffy: Season 8” was somewhat typical of the Buffyverse seasonal pattern: loads of new information and setup. The plot-driven structure was sufficient to set the tone for the series (establishing that the mythology is still viable in the new format), but conceptually, a number of ideas were left untouched. One gets the feeling that “Season 8” will still barely scratch the surface, despite spinning out a full story arc in the classic “Buffy” mold.
This single-issue tale is a perfect example. It’s a glimpse of the Slayer state of play, but this could have easily been expanded into a mini-series all its own. It’s a story that never could have been told on the original television series, because the usual suspects are hardly seen. It’s about approaching the new Slayer legacy from a completely new and philosophically challenging point of view.
In the very first issue, Whedon resolved a minor continuity issue by introducing the idea of new Slayers posing as Buffy around the world. Logically speaking, this would serve many purposes. It would throw off enemies who might want to take advantage of Buffy’s new status quo by giving them a decoy. It would spread the legend of Buffy Summers by placing her “everywhere”, leading the charge with the new Slayer army. It would give the new Slayers more confidence, knowing that they were fighting beside the most experienced Slayer out there.
This story explores that concept from an interesting perspective: what is it like to be one of the “decoys”? What does it mean to take on the mantle of a living legend, knowing that it might mean dying in her place? Why would someone willingly accept such a role? The result is a tale that demands repeated readings and thoughtful consideration, not unlike the classic “Firefly” episode “Objects in Space”.
One aspect of the story that I found particularly intriguing, in keeping with the central idea behind Critical Myth and the exploration of popular culture icons, is how the Slayer experiences the moment of connection to the Chosen line. The Slayer within the story comes to see herself as a part of a greater whole, less an individual than the extension of something else and more important.
This strikes at the heart of “Buffy” as a whole. One of the ongoing questions on the show pertained to identity. What part of Buffy was the human individual, and what part of her was the Chosen legacy? Where did the person end and the Slayer begin? This story reveals, once again, the deep philosophical undercurrents of Whedon’s work. I only wish it had been a little longer, so the ideas could have more space to breathe.
Rating: 8/10
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