Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Great Buffy Rewatch: Dale Koontz

WHY BUFFY MATTERS
(with apologies to Rhonda Wilcox for nicking the title of her book!)

It’s not going too far to say that Buffy changed my life. Really, it did – and no one was more surprised at that development than I was. Through a show that I at first resisted watching due to the silly title and ridiculous premise (I was a heathen back then), entire worlds have opened up to me. I’ve written blog posts, articles, chapters, and a book devoted to the creations of Joss Whedon and that all started with Buffy. I’ve talked about Whedon’s work in locations ranging from map-dot-small university towns to the metropolis of Istanbul. I’ve signed books and asked for autographs. I’ve met people whose intellect, kindness, and creativity could power the space station if you could figure out a way to harness it. Moreover, I met my husband through Buffy and for that alone, I should send Whedon a fruit basket.

In addition, through Buffy I’ve learned a few things. Among the lessons:

• Darkness can be fought, but there’s no guarantee that you’ll win. That’s why you fight in the first place.
• Family matters – and that family extends far beyond the one we’re born into.
• Courage is found on battlefields, but it can also be found in high school hallways.
• Libraries matter.
• We’re better off not knowing what other people think.
• Love is stronger than death.
• Souls are pesky things, but life without one isn’t really life.
• Humans can be worse than demons and better than angels.
• Everyone – always – is dealing with their own pain and that’s why sometimes they don’t notice yours.
• Sometimes, no matter how hard you try and how skilled you are, you lose.
• And sometimes, despite the odds and the prophecies, you win.

7 comments:

Christina B said...

And yet again, TEARS! Bah! :P

Dale, I'm printing that list out and I'm going to frame it and hang it on my wall.

We all need to be reminded of those things OFTEN, and they couldn't have been said more perfectly.

Thank you!!

Lisa(until further notice) said...

Ok, Dale, I've had a glass of wine with dinner...but I'm crying here. It can't just be the wine. Your list of lessons learned is better than any poster I've seen on the matter (i.e. everything I learned I learned in Kindergarten.)

It's a treasure.

Thank you (bows down).

Cynthea said...

Yes, like Christina B. and Lisa, your list of Buffy lessons made me cry! Thank you, Dale!

Suzanne said...

Dale, I just finished writing a comment about the fact that I rarely cry when watching fantasy television, and now you caused the tears to flow with your lovely list. Like others have said, I am printing this list out and hanging it. It is wonderful and perfectly encapsulates why this show is so important to me. Thank you!

Marebabe said...

I agree with Christina, Lisa, Cynthea, and Suzanne. Really, your 11-point list should be set down in calligraphy on parchment and FRAMED!

You’re a mild-mannered writer by day. But I’ve discovered your secret identity. You’re a poet!

Dale Guffey said...

Thanks for the kind words, everyone! I've really enjoyed being part of this Rewatch and distilling down what BUFFY has meant to me - well, that was hard. I'm glad you enjoyed what I came up with - but I'm sorry I made you cry. I blame Joss.

Anonymous said...

This is such an amazing, concise list,but it's so touching, too.

This gets printed out and saved.
Thank you.