Buffy The Vampire Slayer

March 14 is the start date for shooting on the next-to-last episode of the adventures of the world’s favorite vampire slayer. And so, while we prepare to mourn the eventual loss we will feel around 8:58PM on May 20, allow us to give you a slight glimpse at a new character who will help Buffy on her quest to vanquish the ultimate Big Bad once and for all.

Her name is Dora Bates. She is an American caucasian in her fifties, and a well-preserved lady of stature. A ’Mrs. Havisham’ type who has been waiting in a secret crypt for some time for Buffy to show up in the currently-untitled Episode 21. Dora is there to explain the history of the scythe’s power, forged by women for The Slayer’s use.

In casting notices obtained by Filmjerk.com, Dora is described as "Anjelica Huston, Joan Allen or Fionula Flanagan, without the accent." We at Filmjerk ask why go for an Angelika Huston or Joan Allen type, when you can probably get Angelika Huston or Joan Allen themselves, especially since this character is only going to shooting on set for one day.

Update to this news story: We’ve gotten some e-mails concerning the production date, as they are currently filming Episode 19. We hurriedly called our scooper on this. In his reply, he said he’s not sure what the discrepancy is here, but since this is only one scene, he believes that it is conceivable they could shoot this scene separately before the episode, for scheduling purposes.

Episode 21 is scheduled to air on UPN May 13.

"Buffy Episode 7.21" Scorecard Director: Marita Grabiak Producer: Marc David Alpert Executive Producers: Marti Noxon, Joss Whedon Writer: Doug Petrie Casting Directors: Amy McIntyre Britt, Anya Colloff, Jennifer Fishman Pate Production Start Date: March 14, 2003 Network: UPN