|
||||
|
I doubt there will be
a film, or an offspring series. As a story, Buffy has ended
succinctly and with a device of complete genius. Throughout
this final season, and throughout the series, the questions
have always been posed: "What is evil?", "Where
does it come from?" and "Can we get rid of it?".
Season 7 answered second question; evil is everywhere. While
the First was a manifestation of evil, it wasn't the cause
of evil. It couldn't, in the end, be got rid of. The First was
intangible, incorporeal. It was a psychological being, as much
a metaphor as a creature. It couldn't be eradicated. Rather,
it could only be put in a position where it no longer had the
upper hand. A balance is restored in the world. But the season, nor the show, has never been really about 'Evil'. What this season, and the show, has been about is the process of becoming an adult, of the 'growing up' Joss is always talking about. The show has followed one character, Buffy, through the irresponsibility and selfishness of adolescence, to self-sacrifice, and finally to humility and cooperation. When Buffy returned from the grave after having sacrificed herself in 'The Gift', she hadn't finished her journey. She still set herself apart from others, and she still considered herself to be 'special' and, therefore, in a sense 'better'. In doubting her own right to lead, and in putting her trust totally in her friends (Willow and Spike in particular), Buffy had truly grown up. In sharing her power over all the other potentials she saves the world by co-operation, co-existence. She's no longer the special Chosen One, she's just One of many. In giving strength to so many women in the world, the show ties up its feminist strand; no longer is the world to be saved by a girl chosen by men from thousands of years ago, but instead it's to be saved by women, with power given to them by women. It's literal empowerment. There's no doubt
that the series really has ended. Not because the fight
has been won. The ending of the show makes it clear that this
is not a fight that can be won, but rather an ongoing battle
where the odds can be tipped, or at least evened. The series
has ended because Buffy's growth has, in a way, come full circle;
she's passed through the period of turbulence in her life. She's
now a grown woman.
|
