 The episodes Earshot and Graduation Day (Part 2) were delayed by the network because of the events at Columbine High School, in which two students shot and killed several of their fellow students. It was felt that the events of the Buffy episodes (which contained violence at school) might have upset some viewers so close to the tragedy. Some Buffy fans were mad at the decision, as they felt the show held a good message for unpopular kids, but the decision was mostly supported by the Buffy crew. |
| Suggested by: | › Jess |
| Added: | › 28th September 2004 |
| Updated: | › 3rd October, 2005 |
| Hits: | › 841 |
March 1st, 2006 at 2:36 pm
I’ve been sort of conflicted about the postponement of this episode for a long time. On one hand I can see how this episode could of been upsetting to some people at the time. On the other hand, however, this episode is should be in no way offensive or anything like that. While it was incredibly frustrating when it was postponed, it was probably the right decision at the time. However, I can’t understand why they waited until September to air the episode.
March 1st, 2006 at 9:43 pm
I think when something traumatic happens, people have a tendency to overreact because it’s hard to put something in perspective when you are living in that moment. Only time can do that. Although the Buffy episodes are not considered offensive now, I think there would have been some backlash if they had been shown when they were supposed to. Columbine happened in April (I think), so 5 months doesn’t seem all that unreasonable now. But then I wasn’t a fan then and that’s just my opinion.
March 1st, 2006 at 11:47 pm
In my opinion, while the WB’s decision to postpone the episode was frustrating, the decision to put the season three finale on hold until July (on the day of the MLB All Star Game no less) seemed to be the real problem here. That episode seemingly could not have been found to be offensive, or at least I don’t think that it could. Of course, in retrospect it doesn’t seem to be a big deal, but it was so very upsetting at the time.
March 5th, 2006 at 1:39 pm
The only part that I could see upsetting anyone was the Xander line:
“Yeah, I mean, who hasn’t just idly thought about taking out the whole place with a semi-automatic?”
But I have no issue with them postponing the ep, especially since it’s a stand-alone type episode.
I don’t understand the need to postpone the season finale- Columbine wasn’t attacked by a giant snake and blown up by the librarian. I’m not being a smart-ass but I don’t see how Columbine and the finale could be equated.
March 6th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
The line of, “Yeah because that kind of thing never happens in American high schools, right?,” and the respone of, “It’s bordering on trendy at this point,” would have to be the biggest problem in the eyes of the network (or so I would imagine, at least). But it really was just hit by awful timing, which wasn’t totally bad. It did provide a great deal of attention to the show after all.