some thoughts on the BtVS "Halloween"

[dragonyphoenix]

I was thinking about the BtVS Halloween episode where they become their costumes. It reads, particularly for Willow, as a rite of initiation. Before becoming her costume, Willow is hiding behind that ghost costume. Not that it’s a particularly childish ghost costume. It looks much more like a costume a kid, rather than an adult would wear. After, she’s comfortable in the hyper-sexualized costume that Buffy had put her in. WIllow has accepted her sexuality / adulthood.

Buffy defines herself by identifying something she’s not, which is a perfectly valid part of defining whom you are. She’s not the damsel in distress.

Xander doesn’t seem to have been transformed by the experience. He does gain soldier knowledge, but even after having been a soldier, he’s still seen as the Zeppo.

Comments

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

Hmmm... those are very interesting observations.


Gabrielle

[thisficklemob.livejournal.com]

Interesting. I still think Buffy's take on Hallowe'en as a chance to be "sexy and wild with no consequences" is unfortunate -- what about dressing up as something scary, or funny, or a favorite character, or a clever reference?

Then again, my annoyance may be partly due to the proliferation of "sexy nurse/gymnast/devil/neurologist" costumes since the '90s. Listen, if you want to wear your undies in public, just own it; don't debase yourself by being a sexy coal miner.

[rebcake.livejournal.com]

I would argue that Xander gets a temporary "bump" to his maturity, not unlike Willow. Because of this, he is able to attract a girl like Cordy. When he offers his coat, it's the first time she shows the least bit of interest in him, and that carries over for a few weeks/months. Alas, it wears off.

[snogged.livejournal.com]

Ooh! Very interesting thoughts.