7 Buffy Characters Who Should Stay Dead in the Reboot!

Summary

Some characters, like Tara and Wesley, have reached finality in their stories.
Returning characters like Oz may not fit due to their dangerous nature.
Buffy’s beloved characters, like Giles and Xander, don’t necessarily need to be revived.

Initially an obscure film, Buffy the Vampire Slayer transformed into a cultural phenomenon when it was turned into a TV series. This show introduced viewers to a universe filled with monstrous creatures, and presented the audience with the solitary figure of every generation’s chosen one – the only individual capable of thwarting them. Straddling a portal to the underworld in her everyday life, the protagonist, Buffy herself, had to balance school and slaying duties simultaneously.

In the aftermath of its finale, countless viewers found solace in spin-off series “Angel” and the comics, but now, the much-anticipated Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival is upon us! This new chapter introduces a fresh slayer, yet promises a return for some familiar faces from our beloved franchise. However, not every character’s tale will continue or can be revisited in this exciting new era.

7. Riley Finn

The Initiative Was Not a Fan-Favorite Arc

First Appearance: Season 4, Episode 1: “The Freshman”
Status: Alive

In the series, the storyline of the Initiative unfolds when Buffy and her companions move on to college after finishing high school. It’s during this time at university that she encounters Riley Finn, who eventually becomes a significant romantic interest for her. However, there was a significant revelation about him – he concealed his association with an organization called the Initiative, a fact that would later prove to be crucial in the plot.

Riley and the storyline involving him weren’t well-received by many viewers because they felt it didn’t fit well within the show’s narrative and diverted attention from the main group of characters. Some also found Riley himself to be somewhat uninteresting as a character. Despite this, the arc was significant in the series, culminating in Riley leaving Sunnydale in the emotional episode “Into the Woods”. Given that his storyline and relationship with Buffy have concluded, it might seem strange if he were to reappear in the revival.

6. Drusilla

Though an Amazing Antagonist, the Revival Needs Some Fresh Blood

First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 3: “School Hard”
Status: Alive

It’s often remembered that Buffy had Spike or Angel as her primary vampire adversaries, but Drusilla shouldn’t be overlooked. As a lover and maker to Spike, she leaves an imposing impression on the series from her debut in Season 2. Throughout this season, she served as one of the main villains.

Intriguingly complex, Drusilla’s character was irresistible, leaving fans yearning for more. Fortunately, she resurfaced in Angel, maintaining her role as an antagonist. However, this doesn’t automatically warrant her return for the revival. Given that the upcoming Buffy series is introducing a new slayer, it might be beneficial to introduce some fresh villains instead, to keep the narrative engaging and dynamic.

5. Wesley Wyndam-Price

After Departing for the Show Angel and Dying in LA, There is No Room for His Return

First Appearance: Season 3, Episode 14: “Bad Girls”
Status: Dead

In the series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Wesley was appointed as a guide for Buffy and Faith but failed to gain any respect from other characters due to his pompous, cowardly, and unproductive nature at work. The group known as the Scooby gang persistently looked up to Giles instead, which infuriated Wesley. Initially planned to be killed off in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” fans surprisingly took a liking to his character, keeping him alive, although he eventually left Buffy and moved to LA for the spin-off show, “Angel.

His character has been absent from Buffy for a considerable time and met his end in the last season of Angel. Given these circumstances, it’s unlikely his character would reappear, as his narrative seems to have reached a conclusive end. The emotional intensity of his death scene makes resurrecting his character seem almost disrespectful or cheap.

4. Rupert Giles

Even if Giles is Revived, He Deserves to Retire

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1: “Welcome to the Hellmouth”
Status: Dead

As a movie buff, I’d say it like this: I was like a mentor to the Scooby crew, particularly Buffy, who didn’t have a dad around. As a Watcher, my duty was to prepare and guide Buffy for her slayer life, but over time, something deeper developed between us – a bond that felt more like family. But as she grew up and gained independence, I started to feel that maybe my guidance wasn’t needed anymore, and perhaps there wasn’t a spot for me by her side any longer. This poignant emotion was beautifully captured in the heartfelt tune “Once More with Feeling.

In summary, Giles’ death at the end of the series seemed like the grand finale, implying he might not return. However, the subsequent comic series Angel and Faith leaves a door open for a comeback. Yet, considering the Scooby gang has split up, a new slayer would probably necessitate a new Watcher, not Giles. If he were to reappear, it would be more fitting for him to live out his remaining years in peace instead of being drawn into another apocalyptic crisis.

3. Tara Maclay

Tara’s Fate was Ultimately Final

First Appearance: Season 4, Episode 10: “Hush”
Status: Dead

In the fourth season, Tara joined the group and proved to be an essential member, also being a wicca and the one who eventually captured Willow’s affection. She quickly became a favorite among viewers due to her kind nature, making her instantly appealing. Regrettably, she was fatally wounded by a rogue bullet fired by Warren in “Seeing Red”, leading to Willow transforming into Dark Willow in pursuit of vengeance against the killer.

Although the show has previously defied death in some instances, it’s sad to say that Tara didn’t escape her fate and remains deceased. With the passage of time, it seems unlikely that she can return to the series. However, if fans are craving more Tara, they could revisit all the episodes where this beloved character shone brightly.

2. Xander Harris

There Doesn’t Seem Much Justification or Demand for his Character’s Return

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1: “The Harvest”
Status: Alive

In other words, despite being an ordinary member of the Scooby gang, Xander consistently tried to aid Buffy and her companions when necessary, showing he had courage. However, his combat abilities weren’t as strong as Buffy’s, and his research skills didn’t match those of Willow or Giles, which sometimes gave the impression that Xander was not fully involved in their efforts.

Xander’s portrayal sometimes receives mixed reactions from viewers, given his behavior towards other characters, particularly women, was questionable at times. However, his intriguing dynamic with Anya was captivating, even though it ended tragically. Consequently, Xander’s narrative appears to have reached a poignant finale. Although he’s still alive and could potentially reappear, there seems to be little motivation for his character to resurface within the series.

1. Daniel “Oz” Osbourne

His Lupine Nature Makes Him a Danger to Others Around Him

First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 4: “Inca Mummy Girl”
Status: Alive

In simpler terms, the well-liked figure, often referred to as Oz by his companions, had a brief stint in Buffy, ending after season 3 because his character left Sunnydale. Given that he was a werewolf, it became unsafe for him to be around due to the chaos and destruction he could unleash during transformations, as both the viewers and Willow had witnessed.

In essence, Oz was generally adored by viewers due to his dry wit and snarky comments, but some actions tarnished this affection somewhat. However, given the significant lapse of time since then, it seems unlikely that Oz would reappear because he’d have little connection with any of the original characters. Additionally, considering the incurable nature of lycanthropy, his continued presence could pose a threat to everyone around him.

2025-04-15 23:44