Season 9 news (Comic Con, etc.)

[Kean]

. I saw many a commentary on Whedonesque stating that it should not matter to a woman whose child she is pregnant with to be able to insta-love it on the basis of inbred maternal instinct. I disagree with this approach, at least on the case to case basis. To a young person, whose life is all on the balance, this should be of particular importance.

I don't think Buffy (or any woman) should feel that "insta-love" but I also think that Buffy does actually feel it. I think in choosing the abortion Buffy is doing something she doesn't want to do but feels she has to do.

 

[Moscow Watcher]

I'm a little bummed to hear that Buffy knows about Connor and the writers felt it wasn't important enough to share with us. I wonder if Willow and Spike know about it; seems clear that Dawn (and prob.) Xander don't know about it.

If the writers care about continuity it means that it was Spike who told Buffy about Connor. Or told Willow during her guest-star turn in "Spike" comics, and then Willow told Buffy. Because Willow's memories of Connor from AtS season 4 were deleted by Vail's spell. But, frankly, I'm not sure writers find it important. Looks like it's a non-issue for them.

[MENTION=10582]brinkster130[/MENTION] - could you edit the Connor bit in my post? I tried to add color to mark the most interesting part of the interview, but it hasn't worked. And my 15min. window has already expired.

Kean
Ultimately, I don't believe this story will end with abortion. Either Buffy will change her mind or she won't physically be able to abort the child.

Or maybe it's just faerie eggs in her ear canal, changing her hormonal balance.

 

[white avenger]

This is where I am at too. And it really really bugs me that no one but Wood is saying that maybe she could raise a child. And I honestly am not comfortable with the fact Buffy is in an undesirable position as being reason enough to have an abortion. I don't believe it is. Of course, that is my own personal belief, on this matter, everyone will have an opinion that is right for them.

Ultimately, I don't believe this story will end with abortion. Either Buffy will change her mind or she won't physically be able to abort the child. Whedon made clear in the EW interview that the importance was on Buffy's decision to have an abortion. Not to mention that the first 7 issues of the season become almost pointless if this is how it ends.

Yeah, it makes no sense whatsoever for Buffy to have an abortion, especially when giving the issue no more actual consideration that she apparently has. Nikki Wood's case was totally different, in that her obligation to "the mission" was much greater than Buffy's is, whatever she might think.

Nikki was THE Slayer, and she managed to carry Robin to term and live long enough to spend at least several years with him. Buffy, as important to the series as she might be, is only A Slayer, and there are literally dozens, if not hundreds of others perfectly capable of filling in for her either temporarily, if she just can't leave the action permanently or permanently, or even full time, if she wants to at least try and retire.

Also, Nikki, even above and beyond being the only Slayer, is apparently alone, except for her Watcher. Even though the Scoobies are disbanded and pretty much scattered, Dawn and Xander are at least close enough that they can visit conveniently, and would certainly be willing to help raise Buffy's baby, even up to filling in full time as the baby's parents in every way possible, while allowing Buffy all the time that she could manage to spend time with him or her. Also, Xander apparently has secure employment, so finances wouldn't be an issue.

Even the fact that Buffy is for all intents and purposes homeless would present no real problem, because I'm more than convinced that she has a very close friend who would be more than happy to let her share his space ship with him, no strings attached, and, let's face it, compared to what Buffy faces every night just in the process of fulfilling her Slayer duties, a crew of friendly sentient bugs would be downright mundane.

Buffy will decide, either on her own, or at the urging of Spike and her family, to either not have the abortion at all, or to at least think about it awhile longer. If the baby isn't carried to term, is a boy, and shows phenomenal similarities to Giles (as in, his reincarnation, I'm in no way implying paternity here. That is beyond disgusting) Joss is missing out on a fantastic plot device, especially if Spike helps in raising it.

And, just as an aside, I think that there is a definite significance to the fact that neither Nikki nor Buffy know who their babies' fathers are. Exactly what that significance is probably won't be revealed anytime soon, but Joss is known for his long term hints as to what happens in the Buffyverse, and this is just too good to be a coincidence.

(And, just for the record, I think that it would indeed be the ultimate irony if, and I in no way believe it to be the fact, Angel were to actually be the father of Buffy's baby. Just imagine little William growing up calling Spike "Daddy," and Angel "Peaches." That would be absolutely priceless)

 

[ladydorotea]

Allie actually said that paternity will b e revealed 'soon'. Which probably means that baby either won't happen or we will know the father well before its fate is decided. Seeing that he also made himself an avatar on twitter from Buffy's belly snapshot - it is unlikely the abortion will happen (or I misjudge the man completely). So, if it is born the father will be known for better or worse.

 

[Anca]

Or maybe it's just faerie eggs in her ear canal, changing her hormonal balance.

The faerie did say she came to plant dreams/nightmares on Buffy. Who's to say she didn't managed to before discovering her way to talk to Buffy? Because, seriously, getting drunk at a party, having sex, getting pregnant and not remembering your partner is a real life actual nightmare

 

[Icarium]

I'm still not crazy about the whole abortion story line; but I suppose that could change as the arc continues.

One problem I'm having with this story is the notion that Buffy can't take care of a child. What happened to the Buffy that stepped up and loved and cared for Dawn even knowing that she wasn't her real sister? The Buffy that took over as Dawns guardian after Joyce died? The Buffy we saw as a guidance counseled showing concern for high schoolers? Buffy has faced difficult task time and time again and has proven she is strong and capable; I really don't see why Joss and Scott believe that Buffy couldn't take care of a child if she wanted too.

That's partly of result of once again writing the story as a series of "shocking" twists. Most of the 9.06. is full of "yeah, Buffy will be a good mother" hints, so that the abortion cliffhanger would seem all the more dramatic. Also, I choose to believe that Joss means "Buffy shouldn't have to feel obliged to raise a baby now just because she happens to be pregnant" not that she would most certainly fail if had no other choice but to do so. She has done so many tough things because she had no other choice, from where I am standing it would be nice if for a change she decided that this time she won't go down the hardest road just out of sense of obligation. Of course, it would have been better if they hadn't shown Buffy (and Dawn) getting all excited about the baby, only to have that twist at the end of the issue...

And it really really bugs me that no one but Wood is saying that maybe she could raise a child.

To be fair no one has said that she couldn't raise an child either. Of course, this may be yet another twist - "Oh, you thought Buffy couldn't do it! You were wrong!" 🙂

 

[janas]

If the writers care about continuity it means that it was Spike who told Buffy about Connor. Or told Willow during her guest-star turn in "Spike" comics, and then Willow told Buffy. Because Willow's memories of Connor from AtS season 4 were deleted by Vail's spell. But, frankly, I'm not sure writers find it important. Looks like it's a non-issue for them.

..or else ..maybe it was just Angel who was spoke of his son with Buffy (in chosen)

 

[white avenger]

[MENTION=6758]white avenger[/MENTION] said: Aside from any Spike/Angel issues here, Angel fathering a baby is been there/done that. Joss tends to re-use certain plot devices, but I just can't see him using one this obvious.

The Whedonverse does nothing but regurgitate the same stories. Regardless of that I don't believe this would be a retelling but rather a continuation. We were given so little of Angel actually getting to be a father in his own show. I think there is a real story tell there. And I certainly think the comic is doing nothing to suggest it couldn't be Angel's child. A&F's new arc is entitled Daddy Issues...that is no accident.

/fanwank 😛

Don't get your hopes up too high, Miss K. Despite his regurgitation tendencies, I just can't see Joss recycling this one, if for no other reason than that it would be both too obvious and that so many fans want it to be. The pseudonym for Angel ain't gonna be "Daddy" any time again soon, if ever. And, given his luck in the parenting department, I'm thinking that everyone involved will be much better if it isn't his.

I'm not definitely saying that Spike is going to be the father, although that possibility does exist, and might certainly explain part of his reaction when Buffy told him about the baby, but I definitely believe that, if there really is one, he will take over the duties of Daddy, with Buffy's approval. The image of Spike rescuing the baby in "Not Fade Away," and the line, "The grubs love him," keep repeating in my mind. We both know that Joss seldom does anything by accident , and combine those with the incidences of Spike's reflection showing up in mirrors this season just MIGHT be leading up to something ... interesting ... for him and his fans.

 

[ladydorotea]

Jeanty have admitted to drawing the reflection by mistake already.

 

[Amyrat151]

I such mixed, mostly bad, feelings about this pregnancy affair. For one thing I'm more pro-life than I am pro-choice. I am empathetic and think that because of Buffy's life, bring a little kid into it is not a very good idea. Then I got to thinking what would an abortion bring to the comics? It would make Buffy all kinds of angsty and add more to her self pity. None of that please. If there is an abortion it feel too much like drama for the hell of it. Now if there's a baby we come to "who's the father?" My one wish is that it not be Xander. "Oh my god, the father of my baby is my sister's boyfriend!" Yeah...sounds like a soap or a country song. Whatever, again I say "none of that please." I don't think it's Spike. I know that there's the whole destroyed the seed deal but we had no indication of the vampires being different yet. The seed didn't stop the magic inside of the vampires, so we can assume that magic is still the same. So I'll go with (hope for) random sperm donor. But as said, Spike could still act as the father of the kid. That I have no real issue with outside of the usual shipper bullcrap. (Buffy and Angel forever!) But I see that ending badly too. A happy little family cannot exist in these stories, so some horrible and crushing end has to come.
Yeah, this storyline sucks.

 

[Moscow Watcher]

[MENTION=10582]brinkster130[/MENTION] - thank you for editing my post!

Anca
The faerie did say she came to plant dreams/nightmares on Buffy. Who's to say she didn't managed to before discovering her way to talk to Buffy? Because, seriously, getting drunk at a party, having sex, getting pregnant and not remembering your partner is a real life actual nightmare.

Agree. But still, the fairy had to do something physical to Buffy -- to provide the positive pregnancy test.

Of course, it's a next-to-zero possibility, but still, Joss has hinted that the fairy was at the party, so there can be a reason for that.

Janas
maybe it was just Angel who was spoke of his son with Buffy (in chosen)

I don't think so. Because he'd have to uncover too many skeletons in his closet. He'd have to explain why Buffy can't mention Connor to anybody. He'd have to explain that he has rewritten the memories of all his team. Quite a touchy subject, given that he has rewritten Buffy's memories in IWRY.

(BTW, love your banner. You managed to marry Chen's and Isaaks' art flawlessly).

 

[Moscow Watcher]

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=36956

BEHIND BUFFY SEASON 9: Andrew Chambliss Discusses Buffy's Choice

by Shaun Manning, Staff Writer

This interview contains major spoilers for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 9" #6, on sale now.

Andrew Chambliss returns for BEHIND BUFFY SEASON 9 to discuss controversy and conversation over issue #6

Joss Whedon and the team behind "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 9" don't do anything by half measures. Following the surprising last-page reveal in issue #5 that Buffy is pregnant -- and further courting controversy by indicating that the father's identity is unknown, due to the Slayer's drunken blackout in issue #1 -- last week's "Buffy Season 9" #6 saw the indomitable heroine dealing with the fallout. After crying on Dawn's shoulder and consulting Robin Wood -- Season 7 ally and son of previous Slayer Nikki Wood, whom Spike killed -- Buffy makes a fateful decision about her future. She decides to have an abortion.

And with that, Comic Book Resources takes you once again BEHIND BUFFY SEASON 9 for another chat with series writer Andrew Chambliss, who spoke with us about what this issue is, what it isn't and what fans on both sides of the abortion debate can take away from the story.


CBR News: After the revelation of Buffy's pregnancy last issue, fans expected the issue of abortion to come up. But there are a lot of ways this could have gone down -- what was the thought behind sending the story down this avenue?

Andrew Chambliss: When Joss and I were talking about how to handle Buffy's pregnancy, we knew Buffy -- given the unstable nature of her present life -- would have to seriously consider abortion as an option. But we didn't want it to be an easy answer. We really wanted to have a story that was about Buffy making the decision. Weighing all the options. Both on a practical level and on an emotional level. To say that this isn't something anyone decides easily or on a whim. It requires some deep soul searching and introspection. The idea was to try and take readers along with Buffy on that journey -- have them be with her while she asked the tough questions -- and, at the very least, understand why she made the decision she did.

You have to know, of course, that you're stepping into a cultural-political whirlwind by having Buffy make this decision, whether or not she ultimately follows through. Is there a risk of permanently alienating fans with a strong anti-abortion belief?

Sure, there's always a risk. But Joss and I really talked about approaching this story in a way that dealt with Buffy's decision on a personal level, something that was organic to her character's journey this season. It's not meant to be a polemic, but rather a story that can put readers inside Buffy's head as she makes the decision.

However it plays out (and yeah, I'm going to play this close to the vest) -- Buffy has been forced to examine her life under a microscope. She may be a Slayer who has saved the world countless times. She may be a total badass when it comes to slaying zompires. But she's now got to face the fact that there are some fundamental areas of her life that she's ignored for too long. Her decision has really highlighted the fact that she can barely support herself, that she's never really thought about building a future for herself that doesn't involve slaying, and that she really has no idea what she wants out of life. All these thoughts are kind of inescapable for Buffy at the moment, and going forward, they're definitely going to be a major driving force in the series.

Part of why fans reacted so strongly to the pregnancy itself was the character's relatability, that we have a sense that Buffy, for all her Slayer-ness, is "like us" -- and some fans thought she should not have got herself into this situation, where she doesn't know who the father is. Is there an opportunity here, though, to humanize and personalize the decision for those who see it as a black-and-white issue?

I think it's understandable that people who relate to Buffy would, at first blush, say she would never have gotten herself into her current situation. But I think that's the point. I don't think Buffy ever thought she'd be facing what she is right now. I don't think anyone expects to find themselves pregnant, not sure who the father is -- but life happens, and we have to face unexpected challenges. Buffy was just as shocked and surprised at the positive pregnancy test as a lot of the fans were, and I think it can humanize her situation in a way that makes it seem less black-and-white.

The first person that Buffy tells about her pregnancy -- at least that we see -- is Dawn. This would be a natural choice, of course, but what sort of perspective is Buffy looking for from her sister?

I don't think Buffy's going to Dawn expecting to get an answer from her -- or any advice at all. After all, Dawn hasn't faced anything like this before. She's going to her sister some non-judgmental comfort and to be able to say out loud all the things that would be too scary and lonely to think about by herself.

Buffy spends a lot of time in this issue speaking with Robin Wood, and we see some flashbacks about his mother, the Slayer Nikki Wood, and the decisions she made. How does their discussion ultimately lead Buffy to her choice?

NIkki's story serves as a good counterpoint to Buffy's situation. She's the only Slayer Buffy knows who has tried to raise a child and slay at the same time, and Buffy sees how she could fix the mistakes that Nikki made as a mother. But ultimately Nikki's story really only tells Buffy how to handle the Slayer part of being a mom. The genre stuff. The answers Buffy doesn't get from her talk with Robin is how to handle everything else -- all the practical, real world things that haven't even entered Buffy's head yet -- all things that ultimately lead Buffy to make her decision.

Spike's reaction to the news and Buffy's decision is both shocking and touching -- it's very subdued. It's a great scene. Take us inside Spike's head for a minute. Given what Buffy means to him, that she's trusting him with this, and the one-two punch of what she's saying, what's going through Spike's mind?

Spike enters the scene prepared to tell Buffy he's harboring feelings for her so he's completely blindsided by the mere fact that Buffy's pregnant. What I like about Spike in this scene is that he just listens -- he doesn't try to tell Buffy what to do, what's best for her, or even ask who the father is. He knows this can't be a decision that Buffy came to easily so he's just there for her. And that's exactly what Buffy needs at the moment.

Given this comic's ability to stoke conversation, what do you hope people take away from this issue?

Well, first off -- conversation! The more people think, the better. There's been a tremendous amount of debate on the message boards, and that kind of back-and-forth is a good thing to see all sorts of perspectives. But, secondly, I hope people spend some time trying to put themselves in Buffy's shoes and think about what it must be like to be her age, facing an unexpected pregnancy, all alone, and simply ask themselves -- what would I do?

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9" #6 is in stores now.

 

[VisionGirl]

Only in the Buffyverse + not going to be normal + wait until we have all the facts of the party = I am as certain as I can be that there will not be an abortion of a normal pregnancy. All the clues here are pointing to something "abnormal" and likely only possible in the Buffyverse...I'm voting for some mystical and/or demonic influence involved...

I agree- I am completely convinced that there is something mystical going on with this pregnancy or around the pregnancy storyline. So while I can see it going either way (terminate or carry to term), part of me thinks that she won't (or won't be able to or allowed to) terminate. Remember Darla in AtS? She tried to terminate but was unable due to forces protecting the fetus.

I don't think Buffy (or any woman) should feel that "insta-love" but I also think that Buffy does actually feel it. I think in choosing the abortion Buffy is doing something she doesn't want to do but feels she has to do.

It's possible, but I don't think we have enough evidence yet. It's also extremely common for women in these situations to have mixed feelings.

---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:12 AM ----------

And the interviews don't help me in predicting what will happen: first we have Joss saying that he doesn't want Buffy to have a baby then we have that preview pic of Buffy lovingly stroking her abdomen. It's damn confusing!!

 

[Joan the Vampire Slayer]

I'm still not crazy about the whole abortion story line; but I suppose that could change as the arc continues.

One problem I'm having with this story is the notion that Buffy can't take care of a child. What happened to the Buffy that stepped up and loved and cared for Dawn even knowing that she wasn't her real sister? The Buffy that took over as Dawns guardian after Joyce died? The Buffy we saw as a guidance counseled showing concern for high schoolers? Buffy has faced difficult task time and time again and has proven she is strong and capable; I really don't see why Joss and Scott believe that Buffy couldn't take care of a child if she wanted too.

This is a great point. Despite the danger the baby would be in, if Buffy really wanted it she'd find a way.

Personally, I think Joss is going for the highest pain potential here. Maybe Buffy will have the abortion and regret it.

Regardless, this is the Buffyverse, and nothing never ends well, lol.

I'm a little bummed to hear that Buffy knows about Connor and the writers felt it wasn't important enough to share with us. I wonder if Willow and Spike know about it; seems clear that Dawn (and prob.) Xander don't know about it.

I agree. I would have loved to see Angel tell Buffy about Conner. How do you think she found out? I bet Spike casually mentioned it without thinking.

---------- Post added at 07:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:24 PM ----------

It would make Buffy all kinds of angsty and add more to her self pity.

Something about this discussion is bothering me; why do so many find it so hard to believe that Buffy would get an abortion? And more importantly, why it would adversely affect her? Yes, some women do regret their abortions - but many don't, and go on to live happy, satisfying lives.

For those of who don't believe that Buffy will go through with her abortion; would you think less of Buffy is she did? do you think it would reflect poorly on her character? Or, do you think it's out-of-character for her to consider one at all?

 

[white avenger]

I agree. I would have loved to see Angel tell Buffy about Conner. How do you think she found out? I bet Spike casually mentioned it without thinking.

More likely, Buffy found out about Connor the same way that she learned that Spike was back, or at least as a result of her searching for him. It was shown in the "After The Fall," arc that there were a team of Slayers stationed in LA, almost certainly assigned there at some point after the final battle in Season 7, by either Giles or Buffy, to keep an eye on things, and no doubt to report back as to the goings on concerning Angel and his association with Wolfram & Hart. Buffy probably knew about Connor from the time that he had to fight Sahjahn.

 

[Amyrat151]

Something about this discussion is bothering me; why do so many find it so hard to believe that Buffy would get an abortion? And more importantly, why it would adversely affect her? Yes, some women do regret their abortions - but many don't, and go on to live happy, satisfying lives.

For those of who don't believe that Buffy will go through with her abortion; would you think less of Buffy is she did? do you think it would reflect poorly on her character? Or, do you think it's out-of-character for her to consider one at all?

I would not think less of Buffy nor would I think this would make her a bad person. I don't think it's out of character either. But it's a tough situation and it's a very emotionally charged issue. But as I said, because of Buffy's life I think that getting rid of it, by either aborting it or giving it up for adoption, is the best choice for her. Why I said she'd be self-pitying about it is not because I want her to feel that way. It's because I would like the storyline to have more of a point then "Buffy got knocked up then had an abortion." Like it was just done for drama or to be political or some crap like that. So if it had the emotional impact of self-pity I'd feel like it'd have more of a point.

 

[Anca]

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=36956

Spike's reaction to the news and Buffy's decision is both shocking and touching -- it's very subdued. It's a great scene. Take us inside Spike's head for a minute. Given what Buffy means to him, that she's trusting him with this, and the one-two punch of what she's saying, what's going through Spike's mind?

Spike enters the scene prepared to tell Buffy he's harboring feelings for her so he's completely blindsided by the mere fact that Buffy's pregnant. What I like about Spike in this scene is that he just listens -- he doesn't try to tell Buffy what to do, what's best for her, or even ask who the father is. He knows this can't be a decision that Buffy came to easily so he's just there for her. And that's exactly what Buffy needs at the moment.

Thanks for spelling that out Mr Chambliss, because for me it wasn't clear just reading it in the issue (Spike's intent)

 

[The Scourge]

I just hope the writers keep Angel out of this. Angel always does so well on his own that when he is suddenly used in Buffy's stories (whether in Chosen, TGIQ, or season 8) they always get the character wrong and his character suffers a huge setback.

 

[cordangel]

I just hope the writers keep Angel out of this. Angel always does so well on his own that when he is suddenly used in Buffy's stories (whether in Chosen, TGIQ, or season 8) they always get the character wrong and his character suffers a huge setback.

Totally agree.

Angel's character has suffered too much in previous Buffy's episodes... DH writers, keep him away from this mess!

And if they want another reunion, why not ruin Buffy in an Angel's story, for a change?

 

[ladydorotea]

I most certainly think that Angel is the baby's father - where would be the drama factor in the whole separation routine otherwise ? Purely Jossean and twisted route, is what I am expecting.