WillowTaraHolic
Novice Witch
We all have our ships and ideas about who Buffy should end up with. But does anyone besides me think that Buffy would be stronger if she was alone and had no one else to worry about?
Was Buffy Destined to be Alone Forever?
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thetopher
Member of the Church Of Faith
I think Buffy is strongest when she's fighting for somebody else.
She dies when she faced the Master alone, but she beat Angelus and saved Giles, she beat Faith to save Angel, beat Adam to save Riley (sort of) and beat Glory to save Dawn. (although thanks to Doc she was too late)
It might be a little simplistic but Buffy, like any other slayer, forges strength for pain, whether that pain is from love or her loved ones being in danger, it makes Buffy a stronger fighter.
But it has to be balanced though, otherwise the emotions can weaken her in a fight ('Freshman', 'Bring On The Night', most of S6) and all that pain and worry and doubt can overwhelm her.
Buffy is better off with people in her life. Period. 🙂
She dies when she faced the Master alone, but she beat Angelus and saved Giles, she beat Faith to save Angel, beat Adam to save Riley (sort of) and beat Glory to save Dawn. (although thanks to Doc she was too late)
It might be a little simplistic but Buffy, like any other slayer, forges strength for pain, whether that pain is from love or her loved ones being in danger, it makes Buffy a stronger fighter.
But it has to be balanced though, otherwise the emotions can weaken her in a fight ('Freshman', 'Bring On The Night', most of S6) and all that pain and worry and doubt can overwhelm her.
Buffy is better off with people in her life. Period. 🙂
Blaze
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WillowTaraHolic
Novice Witch
I don't think I made my post as clear as I thought it was. 😛 *facepalm*
I'm mostly talking about love interests. (Sisterly bonds are WAY different than romantic bonds) And I think that the fact Buffy died against the Master was because she was naive and inexperienced when it came to slaying. (She had only been doing so for about maybe a year? I haven't seen the movie, so I'm not sure)
I also think a big motivator for her is that she's fighting for the world, not just for the people she loves. (Hence seasons 2, 5, 6, and 7, though for season 5, I think Dawn played a bigger part in it too) The biggest example for me is season 2. Just because Angel went evil doesn't mean she didn't stop fighting for her friends and for the world, she even went as far as killing him.
But I'm not trying to change any opinions. Just making mine more clear. 🙂
I'm mostly talking about love interests. (Sisterly bonds are WAY different than romantic bonds) And I think that the fact Buffy died against the Master was because she was naive and inexperienced when it came to slaying. (She had only been doing so for about maybe a year? I haven't seen the movie, so I'm not sure)
I also think a big motivator for her is that she's fighting for the world, not just for the people she loves. (Hence seasons 2, 5, 6, and 7, though for season 5, I think Dawn played a bigger part in it too) The biggest example for me is season 2. Just because Angel went evil doesn't mean she didn't stop fighting for her friends and for the world, she even went as far as killing him.
But I'm not trying to change any opinions. Just making mine more clear. 🙂
EVIL UU
Scooby
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Alone as in not in a romantic relationship, I assume?
Yes, I think so. Buffy is very ravenous - she wants everything life has to offer but her duality ( human/demon ) makes it extremely challenging. On one hand she wants to be a normal girl, on the other hand she wants to be the slayer. Those two needs are mutually exclusive. Eat the cake, have the cake. She refuses to accept compromises. Look at how much time and energy Buffy spends partaking in the whole boyfriend drama. She could spend it on training, hunting, learning magic or reading Giles' books. I'm sure that it would make her much, much more powerful. Imagine a slayer with the knowledge of a watcher and the skills of a witch. Unstoppable.
Alone as in completely alone?
I don't know. It's a can a person live without love? type of question. I don't think that Buffy we see in the series has enough dedication and strength to live like this. Take away the love and the only thing that's left is slaying. A job, hobby, favorite pastime activity, drug and obsession. Could Buffy learn to love it that much?
I disagree. Wishverse Buffy managed to outlive our Buffy by two years. I'd say that it worked pretty fine.
Yes, I think so. Buffy is very ravenous - she wants everything life has to offer but her duality ( human/demon ) makes it extremely challenging. On one hand she wants to be a normal girl, on the other hand she wants to be the slayer. Those two needs are mutually exclusive. Eat the cake, have the cake. She refuses to accept compromises. Look at how much time and energy Buffy spends partaking in the whole boyfriend drama. She could spend it on training, hunting, learning magic or reading Giles' books. I'm sure that it would make her much, much more powerful. Imagine a slayer with the knowledge of a watcher and the skills of a witch. Unstoppable.
Alone as in completely alone?
I don't know. It's a can a person live without love? type of question. I don't think that Buffy we see in the series has enough dedication and strength to live like this. Take away the love and the only thing that's left is slaying. A job, hobby, favorite pastime activity, drug and obsession. Could Buffy learn to love it that much?
I disagree. Wishverse Buffy managed to outlive our Buffy by two years. I'd say that it worked pretty fine.
thetopher
Member of the Church Of Faith
Well, you have a point about S1 Buffy- the Master was supposedly very strong even for a vamp and Buffy was fairly green for a slayer.
Again, all I'll say is that when Buffy is miserable/unsure she doesn't fight very well, it effects her emotions and her emotions effect her resolve/fighting ability.
Now that isn't all down to romance, its mainly about her life in general, but if Buffy was in a happy, stable, romantic, loving relationship (therefore defying dramatic narrative of the series but putting that aside for one moment) then I'm certain that she would be a better slayer, but its not the be-all and end-all of her life, there are other factors. 🙂
But, honestly, Buffy wants romance/somebody special, and people are usually happier pursuing what they want rather than denying themselves it.
Plus, romantic/emotional pain is deep well of pain for the slayer to draw strength from, and romantic love gives her another 'tie to the world' to fight off that pesky 'death wish' thing. 😉
Again, all I'll say is that when Buffy is miserable/unsure she doesn't fight very well, it effects her emotions and her emotions effect her resolve/fighting ability.
Now that isn't all down to romance, its mainly about her life in general, but if Buffy was in a happy, stable, romantic, loving relationship (therefore defying dramatic narrative of the series but putting that aside for one moment) then I'm certain that she would be a better slayer, but its not the be-all and end-all of her life, there are other factors. 🙂
But, honestly, Buffy wants romance/somebody special, and people are usually happier pursuing what they want rather than denying themselves it.
Plus, romantic/emotional pain is deep well of pain for the slayer to draw strength from, and romantic love gives her another 'tie to the world' to fight off that pesky 'death wish' thing. 😉
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Scooby
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I think that she died because Master knew the slayers' Achilles' heel - hypnosis. It's also how Kendra died.
Yeah, that'd work too. It'd be a breath of fresh air at this point.
EVIL UU
Scooby
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That's true but are Buffy's resurrections a testament to her strength or to her weakness?
I don't think anyone can live their whole life being alone (romantically), unless they choose so, or unless they are asexual and not looking for a partner.
As a slayer, do I think Buffy is meant to be alone, according to destiny? Yes, absolutely. As a person, Buffy isn't meant to be alone any more than anyone else trying to find someone in this crazy world.
As a slayer, do I think Buffy is meant to be alone, according to destiny? Yes, absolutely. As a person, Buffy isn't meant to be alone any more than anyone else trying to find someone in this crazy world.
WillowTaraHolic
Novice Witch
(This is what happens when I start something new but I'm never on. 😛 I'm just going to start at a random place)
@ Blaze: I completely agree. I think that, in the end, Buffy's never really going to be able to settle down with anyone, unless it's like the male version of the Slayer or something. (Well, Riley sort of was, but then the show killed it.) No one really understands what Buffy's going through, except maybe for Angel, but everyone KNOWS that they're never going to get back together. (Unless that happened in the comics...?)
I think that a relationship without the drama would be better for Buffy than no relationship, but no relationship is better than one filled with constant drama.
@ Blaze: I completely agree. I think that, in the end, Buffy's never really going to be able to settle down with anyone, unless it's like the male version of the Slayer or something. (Well, Riley sort of was, but then the show killed it.) No one really understands what Buffy's going through, except maybe for Angel, but everyone KNOWS that they're never going to get back together. (Unless that happened in the comics...?)
I think that a relationship without the drama would be better for Buffy than no relationship, but no relationship is better than one filled with constant drama.
thetopher
Member of the Church Of Faith
Yeah, if only there was somebody out there who had a serious thing for Buffy, and who knew exactly what it was like being the Slayer...😀
And no, Angel and Buffy in the comics aren't getting back together any time soon, the 'Twilight' crap killed the couple for a lot of people, (it was almost like the 'ship was intentionally assassinated by Joss...) and I personally don't know if the writers can ever do enough to repair it. 🙁
I'm such a bad Fuffy shipper, I totally thought you were talking about Satsu. Which eh, it's also a valid option 😛 But Faith is better.
thetopher
Yep, Fuffy is better!
Gum Gnome33
"Well, yeah..."
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I think that Buffy's romantic relationships have always given her a reason to fight, to go on. They've inspired her even. The thing about Buffy is that she was never able to shut off her personal affairs from her calling, and we've always seen that her ability to fight has been greatly affected by whatever is going on in her love life.
Part of that, of course, is done in order to highlight how much she is a "normal girl" with extraordinary problems and having her struggle in combat after a breakup just added to the whole "highschool/college is hell" metaphor. But as the years have gone by, it's remained clear that Buffy loves being in love, and she wants to be loved in return. So while she'll never really have the time to cultivate a relationship and ensure that the person she's with is right for her, (unless she retires that is), I think she'll forever be in search of love and will always feel less comfortable for the lack of it.
Part of that, of course, is done in order to highlight how much she is a "normal girl" with extraordinary problems and having her struggle in combat after a breakup just added to the whole "highschool/college is hell" metaphor. But as the years have gone by, it's remained clear that Buffy loves being in love, and she wants to be loved in return. So while she'll never really have the time to cultivate a relationship and ensure that the person she's with is right for her, (unless she retires that is), I think she'll forever be in search of love and will always feel less comfortable for the lack of it.
No, I don't think she would have been stronger by herself. For one, she would have stayed dead in the S1 finale. Also, she often drew her strength from her friends and/or lovers. I think her entourage was/is very important to Buffy.
Now, as far as romantic relationships are concerned, I could agree. I think she doesn't need a long-term partner. Actually, I am pretty certain that she will never have one.
Now, as far as romantic relationships are concerned, I could agree. I think she doesn't need a long-term partner. Actually, I am pretty certain that she will never have one.
thetopher
Member of the Church Of Faith
I think its fair to say that no other slayer other than Faith knows that sense of isolation that Buffy had to cope with. All the slayers we've seen come after have pretty much belonged to a big group of girls all doing the same thing and with the same purpose.
I'm also not entirely convinced that the 'Empowerment Spell' makes any of them exactly like Buffy and Faith, with the whole essence of demon inside them like the shadow men put there.
Satsu's okay, but I'd like to know what she thinks of Buffy now, after the whole 'god frack' thing happened and the consequences have been felt, but the writers don't seem interested in revisiting the character.
Shame. 🙁
Blaze
Agreed on everything you wrote
WillowTaraHolic
Novice Witch
white avenger
white avenger
The obvious answer here is, yes, Buffy will always be alone, or, at least, she will never get to the "baked cookie" stage in her life, simply because the character is more interesting when presented that way. Within the context of the show, I think that Buffy will be alone for the simple reason that she is the ultimate Champion in her universe, and, throughout