Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Admitting it is the first step. Gulp. Hello, I’m Marijke and I am hopelessly, hopelessly, hopelessly addicted to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." I tape. I rewatch. I own the DVDs. I will not admit to more.

So when series star Sarah Michelle Gellar announced recently that she, and the show, were calling it quits, well, a stake went through my heart.

I knew the end was coming; rumors had been churning even before the start of this season — No. 7 for those who need to count. The show, which also stars Modesto native and Davis High graduate James Marsters, has transcended its humble beginnings.

A quick primer for those who think watching a show with "Buffy" in the title is akin to intellectual suicide. Series creator Joss Whedon wrote the movie by the same name in 1992. It was, in a word, bad. But he didn’t give up on the idea. He went to the fledgling WB network and the TV show was born. It became the network’s first hit and garnered a rabid, I mean devoted, following.

What’s it all about? Into each generation, a Slayer is born. One girl in all the world, a Chosen One, one born with the strength and skill to hunt the vampires. Not to mention assorted demons, hell gods, werewolves and ex-boyfriends. Buffy is that girl.

The show is called "Buffy" on purpose. The name is a juxtaposition; it’s subversive. You scoff that a blond, lip gloss-wearing valley girl with such an absurd name could ever be strong or smart enough to save the world. But then she does — again and again and again.

Beyond the outrageous story lines lies a simple truth. Good TV is good writing and good characters. "Buffy" has both to spare. It revels in its pathos and delights in its humor. It’s hip — it dropped pop-culture references before "Will & Grace" were even friends. And it’s never been afraid to grow.

Marsters is a perfect example. His character, the vampire Spike, started evil. Really evil. Torturing people with railroad spikes evil. Now, he’s a vampire with a soul, a demon in search of redemption and a complicated love interest for Buffy.

The show has evolved — characters have gone from high school to college to losing loved ones — without losing its humor.

Last week’s announcement is more than just the loss of a show. It’s the loss of a hero.

For all the fanciful things Buffy fights, she always fights for us. She’s a strong, funny, complex, fully realized female character. TV could use a lot more of her.

Elsewhere around the Scene:

Start flexing those index and pinky fingers, ’cause hard rock is coming to Modesto on

March 30. The Rock 96.7 FM Rock Expo will feature Trapt, Project 86, The Blank Theory and Wurkt. Rock 96.7 FM Music Director Jack Paper said the all-ages event will be part concert, part trade show. Local businesses will have information tables out and bands will play throughout the day, culminating with Trapt’s set. The Los Gatos-based band’s song "Headstrong" is on the Billboard modern-rock charts.

"We’re ecstatic we got the lineup," Paper said. "Trapt is already doing great. The others are new bands coming up quickly."

Gates open at 11 a.m. at the Red Lion Hotel, and bands play from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Get them at http://www.rock967.com or Gold’s Gym, 4120 Dale Road in Modesto. ...

In more concert news, Modesto’s State Theatre announced another big show coming May 31. Alternative rockers Edwin McCain and Sister Hazel will play at 8 p.m. McCain is known for his songs "I’ll Be," and "I Could Not Ask for More." The Florida-based quintet Sister Hazel had a hit with "All for You." Tickets are $20 and on sale at the theater box office at 1307 J St., or call 527-4697. ...

But wait, there’s more. The State has yet another rock show up its sleeve on April 4. Hughson favorites Flying Blind, Modesto-based Transport and Los Angeles band Virgil will play the B93.1 FM event starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 and on sale now. ...

Grandaddy’s show at Merced’s Mainzer Theater Saturday was a sellout. A crowd of more than 500 came — from as far away as Los Angeles and Oregon — to hear the indie rock group play its first live show in 18 months. After a few technical gaffes and some forgotten lyrics, the band played a mix of old and new songs from their upcoming album, "Sumday." The planned 45-minute set turned into a 90-minute jam. "We had an incredibly supportive audience," said guitarist Jim Fairchild. "There was a really nice feeling in the air."