Buffy Fans Still Can’t Move On After 20 Years

Written by August Tales

The Undying Debate: Do Buffy fans Love or Hate Anya?

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” ended over 20 years ago. Despite a catalogue of monstrous and mortal characters traipsing through Sunnydale, fans remain split on one character: Anya. Emma Caufield’s portrayal of Anya, a former vengeance demon with an unpredictable personality, either appealed or repulsed viewers.

Troubling Romance in Buffy Season 4

Anya, originally a Swedish villager named Aud, turned her cheating Viking boyfriend into a troll. Consequently, she became a vengeance demon and migrated to Sunnydale High to punish Xander for cheating on Cordelia with Willow. Hence, her initial depiction as a baddie obstructing a potential love story soured some fans’ view of her. However, her vengeful tactics lead to an essential alternate universe storyline featuring vampire Willow.

A Jilted Bride Seeking Revenge

Far from ending her injurious streak against Xander, Anya became a vengeance demon again after her wedding was ruined by false forewarnings from a demon. Though she abstained from using her powers on Xander, she spitefully slept with Spike. These moments of hurt delivered to Xander stained Anya’s image among some fans, while others accepted them as necessities driving the show’s narrative. After all, Buffy had her fair share of protagonists wrestling with their darker side.

The Encumbrance of Immortality

Critics find her lack of social skills repetitive and tedious. Being over a millennium old though, it’s no surprise Anya occasionally clashed with the norms of 1990s teenage culture. Still, some found her fish-out-water innocence relatable, while others felt it was exasperating.

Overused Jokes Can Test Patience

The continued lampooning of Anya’s unfamiliarity with ordinary life irked some viewers. For instance, her fascination with money and capitalism, though amusing at first, gradually grew tiresome. Additionally, her irrational fear of rabbits, repeated across the series, gradually lost its comic appeal.

Deep Dive into A Late Arrival’s Story

Introduced halfway into season three, Anya quickly became a major character with a rich backstory. While some welcomed this addition, others found it hard to accept. Unsurprisingly, these same fans found it hard to stomach Anya-based subplots.

Anya’s Lifesaving Contributions

No matter her detractors’ feelings, everyone concedes Anya gradually becomes indispensable. Her advice helps the Scooby Gang outwit a host of supernatural adversaries, including season five’s seemingly invincible villain, Glory. Moreover, in the show’s final season, she risks her life battling the First Evil and its minions, heroically dying in the process.

The Case For Anya’s Appreciation

Plenty of flaws permeate Anya’s character. However, they exist in all of Buffy’s main characters. Admittedly, the overuse of her for comic relief became grating. Nonetheless, in embracing its campiness, the show ascends above other supernatural teen dramas. Over 20 years after “Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s” finale, fans remain divided in their final verdict on Anya. Whether reviled or admired, her character’s impact on the show’s narrative remains undeniable.