On Grief and Growing Up in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The following essay is adapted from a keynote address given at the Association for the Study of Buffy+’s 11th Biennial Slayage Conference on July 10, 2026. In case it needs to be said, this essay contains many, many spoilers for,
This essay, adapted from a keynote address at the Association for the Study of Buffy+'s 11th Biennial Slayage Conference on July 10, 2026, explores the deep connection between grief and the beloved series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The author, not a nostalgia case, discovered the show as an adult and has since been captivated by its language, metaphors, and rich world.
They note that many writers seem particularly drawn to Buffy and Angel, and attribute this to the show's exploration of grief, which is central to the experience of being a teenager and navigating the complexities of growing up. The author reflects on the recent passing of Anthony Stewart Head, discussing how the online mourning of Giles, Head's character, highlights the power of the character and the show itself.
Despite the grief, the author emphasizes that Giles remains present whenever the show is viewed, demonstrating the enduring impact of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
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