Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Is Supernatural as good as Buffy ?

Let me just preface this post and say that I will be writing with my head hung low, the burden of regret weighing heavily. Why? I don’t watch Supernatural.

When it premiered several seasons ago, I watched most of the first episode and thought it was pretty good, if not slightly hokey at the end. It didn’t move me enough to give it a second look. And to this day, I can’t figure out why, because I was still reeling from the void of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel both being off the air. What was I thinking?

Now, when I read Brett’s reviews of Supernatural, I find myself wishing I had stuck with the show for a little longer. Brett’s reviews are really well-written, but something tells me even Brett couldn’t spin it so a crappy show looked so damned good. Here are the things about Supernatural that tempt me, and have me wondering if Supernatural would have filled my Buffy void all this time:

1. It seems to have a really complex back story. I like the fact that there are characters that come and go throughout the seasons, playing an important role in developing the story of these two brothers. I wish I knew more about it.

2. Even if there isn’t much story arc involved in a particular episode, the show seems to be creative with plenty of twists to keep the viewer involved with the stand-alone characters and plot. Brett is never disappointed when this show tries something different.

3. An obvious point, perhaps, but there’s tons of supernatural stuff going on. Cool.

4. Some specifics that caught my eye and made me think of Buffy were some of the crazy, tongue-in-cheek baddies introduced: giant teddy bears, zombies, body-jumping souls, demons; aw, heck, I’m getting nostalgic just writing this one.

5. It seems to have a little bit of everything, exploring familial relationships with the brothers, romantic relationships, and even some characters that are hazy-gray when it comes to classifying them as good or evil. Again, cool.

6. Snappy lines and other comedic elements injected into the darker storylines is just what Buffy did to make a perfectly well-rounded 43-minute viewing experience.

7. Reminiscent of Buffy’s “Once More with Feeling” musical, which hit it out of the park, Supernatural tried an old-fashioned black and white monster movie episode this season. Can I say cool again?

8. Um, if I understand it correctly, one of the brothers went to Hell for a bit. Ah, the good old days, eh Angel?

9. With character names like Azazel and Castiel, I can’t help but want to know more about how these guys fit into the story. Are they demons? Incarnations of the Devil himself? Or maybe just nobodies with really jazzy names.

So, as much fun as it has been enjoying Supernatural vicariously through Brett’s reviews, I think it is about time I invest in the DVDs and start catching up; something tells me that I won’t regret it. But tell me, is Supernatural as good as Buffy?