What a HORRIBLE Ending

I just finished Buffy the Vampire Slayer for the first time. I started the show last month (ish) and have been binging it for a while. The first couple of seasons were amazing (big fan of season 2) and had great plots to them.

As the seasons went on, I feel like they became worse. So many random “plot twists” that were incredibly random and just felt unnecessary. Adding in a sister, Buffy dying, Buffy reviving, Willow becoming wicked witch, etc. Overall, I felt the last few seasons really took a turn for the worse. However, I still enjoyed certain character dynamics and I REALLY miss the OG Scooby Gang.

The thing I really want to talk about is how bad the show looks if you don’t watch Angel. I really dislike shows that create spinoffs that need to be watched to understand the main show. The fact that every character shows up in Buffy (especially season 7) when needed feels like bad writing. Like Faith randomly showing up to help (I get it, she has her story in Angel, but we don’t know that as only Buffy watchers). Or when Angel shows up in the final episode, gives the super special necklace to Buffy, and then Spike uses it to save the world.

Here are the things that really bothered me about the ending:

- There are now multiple slayers. Makes the whole point of Buffy’s character less interesting. But that’s whatever.

- Anya dying. I know not everything can end well but her death had no suspense and was pretty much overlooked. Her and Xander never got to really sort out their problems either.

- Spike dying. Again, I know not everything can always be grand for everyone, but his character was finally getting a redemption arc and then they just killed him. I know people are going to say how he redeemed himself by dying for everyone, but deep down I think we all know he did it for Buffy and her only. His death was also very rushed and no one really seemed to care.

OTHER THINGS (not necessarily the ending)

- Giles became a way less important character whose presence was unnecessary toward the end, which overall upset me because I really like him.

- Willow being gay. Before anyone calls me homophobic, that’s not the reason. I feel like it was very stereotypical to make the shy weird girl gay, and I really miss the old Willow’s awkwardness that seemed to fade after they made her gay. I also thought it was weird they didn’t make her Bi when she was literally sexually attracted to men, at least in the early seasons. Miss Oz btw

- Kennedy. She’s so annoying and I really dislike her character and personality. Tara was so much better.

- Dawn’s character up to season 7, where she got a little better

- The fact that I was rooting for Spike just for him to try to >!rape!< Buffy. Then he comes back and we are supposed to root for him again since he has a soul.

OVERALL I am happy I watched the show. As with any show, it had its highlights and eh moments. I do not regret watching at all. My main issue is the fact that certain aspects don’t make sense or seem like bad writing due to not watching Angel. I don’t think viewers should need to watch spinoffs in order to understand the main show. I also overall think the seasons started to decline after like season 4, especially season 7. That ending felt very rushed and no one seemed to mourn the losses of their friends. The early seasons were definitely the best.

Anyways, that’s my opinion and the end of my rant!