I discovered this show on the cable as I was a teenager, as I was switching from a channel to another. I got caught in the middle of an episode of the first season and immediately got intreat with the fact that it was about teenagers in a dark ambiance. The fact that the main characters are called Buffy, Xander, Willow and Giles, althought I had no idea of what the show was about, brought my attention. Looking at the TV programme and finding out the title of the series, I thought it was a funny/strange one, as is the ambiance of the show. I therefore starting watching a few more episodes until I got hooked. I read a few critics who also admit that the title is rather unusual but it is the whole point. Joss Whedon, the creator, wanted to bring the attention on an unlikely situation of a young short blond girl who has the physical strength and the wit to survive in a violent world. Although using science fiction, the whole show is a metaphore of everyday challenges. Joss Whedon having now made his reputation, I don´t think I need to find further arguments to convince any teenager (although mature, it is not for adults) to jump on it.

For me, it was a fascinating discovery of supernatural. sure, "ad usum Delphini". but seductive and fascinating. and nice. a story about a teenager against the evil, in its so different forms, represents more than a good show. but answer to an expectation. and the manner to give to a horror subject the status of great show for young public is, certainly, a virtue.

I can't get over how bad season 1 is so far. How is this the same person who wrote firefly? This makes no sense. I can't even believe this was on TV. Every episode in season 1 so far is a poorly written mess. There are so many things that don't make sense. I'm not looking for problems, but they're so obvious it ruins everything. Why do people like this show? I'm trying very hard to get into it. Everyone says Season 2 gets better, we'll see. Season 1 is unbearably bad. I don't think I'm going to make it to season 2.

The only spoiler here is from an episode that has nothing to do with the main story - spoiler tagging just in case. So, I've never watched a vampire movie or show before. The only reason I began watching this show was 'cause of my love for Alyson Hannigan - and even though season 1 didn't impress me much, it was a good introduction season and I'm glad I actually got through it.The main characters in the show are Buffy, Willow, Xander and Giles the librarian, who call themselves "the Scoobies". Several other people join and leave the gang throughout the show, but these 4 are the main ones of the gang. The Scoobies' job is to stop the vampires around their beloved town Sunnydale. This show basically has it all - comedy on a really high level, heartbreaking moments, amazing character development, entertaining action scenes, really good acting, and of course; vampires, demons, witches, and all sorts of monsters. If those kinda things would drive you away from watching - don't fret. In each season there's a villain with some sort of evil plan. The story lines of the villains are really good, so that should make you be able to watch past the fact that they're "unhuman". For the monsters that does nothing to progress the "villain story line" - they're usually featured as metaphors for what the characters are going through. Case in point - Buffy feels like she's growing old so fast, so the featured monster has a portal to make people grow old instantly. What I love most about this show though, is the dialogues. They're so unpredictable and feels so real. Combined with the extraordinary acting (especially from SMG) is what truly hooked me. Sarah's delivery of her lines in the last episode of the first season absolutely slayed me (pun intended), and I was so excited to watch the second season. Some other stuff I love are Buffy's extremely cheesy catch phrases, Xander's witty lines, Xander and Cordelia spitting insults at each other, Willow in relationships, Willow being nerdy as hell, and last but not least - Spike. A character introduced in season 2. God, he just might be the funniest character ever seen on television. The reason(s) I gave it 9 instead of 10 is 'cause there are some really predictable moments and cuts throughout the show, and sometimes the story lines just throws me off. That's all personal dislike though - doesn't make the show any worse. Even though season 1 might throw you off, the show only gets better. I hate to feed a saying that's been said so many times about this show - but really. Do not judge a book by its cover.