We go right back to the true beginning as we review Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s short debut season…



Synopsis: Ordinary 16 year old Buffy Summer moves to quiet Californian town Sunnydale and attends her boring new high school. At least, that’s what it seems. Actually, Buffy is the Slayer – the chosen one whose calling is to save the world from vampires, demons and the forces of darkness. And Sunnydale just happens to have an ancient evil living underneath it. Waiting to rise to the surface…

Episode breakdown:

1. Welcome to the Hellmouth

Strong pilot that effectively and effortlessly introduces the mythos, the tone and the lead characters. The expectation-subverting opening scene just sums up the whole show. 8.5/10

2. The Harvest

More classic Buffyisms are established, like vamps attacking the Bronze, the first averted apocalypse and the first time the Scooby gang properly bonds: “the earth is doomed.” 8/10

3. Witch

Amy is introduced as the Scoobies deal with a witch who is eliminating the cheerleading competition. It’s also the first ‘supernatural thing that’s a metaphor for teen life’ plot. 7.5/10

4. Teacher’s Pet

Xander gets his first taste of being a demon magnet as the new substitute teacher takes an unhealthy interest in him. Very goofy, but enjoyable Xander-centric one. 7/10