Once upon a job a long time ago I had a coworker who scheduled her whole week around episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While episodes could always be taped, my coworker wasn't guaranteed to be successful. Then when the show switched networks, it became even more difficult for my coworker to watch the show. In the absence of cable, her TV couldn't be reliably expected to get a good signal without much finagling of bunny ear antennas and aluminum foil.
And I found all this amusing. While I was still a regular watcher of primetime television, I didn't live or die by the broadcast schedule. I certainly didn't understand how a twenty-something scientist could be obsessed with some hokey show about teenagers and vampires. Really, I mean, really? So, I tended to tease her about it. Not maliciously, but certainly with a note of incredulity. Clearly, her need to watch such a show represented some sort of mild, but comical weakness.
Then, several years ago I was introduced to Firefly and to Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog and all that was wise and wonderful about Joss Whedon. Shows were funny, clever, and there were no simpering lady characters. By this time I had also watched every single episode of The Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars and could see the appeal of watching shows with teenaged leads who were smart and funny. However, I still was leery of Buffy. I was still mocking those who spoke fondly of Buffy. One day I had posted about Nathan Fillion dressing as Malcolm Reynolds in Castle. Something that tickled the very core of my funny bone. A Facebook friend mentioned I should also be looking for Buffy references in Castle. "Meh" was my thoughtful and unwritten response.
So, after rewatching all the recent episodes of Doctor Who (Doctors 9, 10, and 11), for the umpteenth time, my husband and I started to watch Buffy. After all, it was from Joss Whedon. There were likely things that would explode satisfying Jon's primary criteria for show-choosing. One episode. We wouldn't like it and it wouldn't be a big issue.
That, of course, was 130 episodes ago. I'm completely hooked. I absolutely understand why my coworker of all those years aga HAD to watch every week. Why she was heartbroken at the end of season five. Why women and men all over are so fond of the show. It's filled with smart, strong, funny characters - just the sort of people I would want in my world.
So, I just want to say: N, I'm sorry. I had no idea what I was missing. I sorry I forfeited a the potential for bonding and friendship. My bad,
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