Buffy The Vampire Slayer

With "Battlestar Galactica" on hiatus for months, "Heroes" and "Dexter" taking a break and "Rome" gone by the wayside, I have found myself delving into my DVD case for something to watch.

As has so often happened in the past, I’ve skimmed over the hundreds of DVDs I own, my fingers landing decisively on the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" series. There’s just something about it that has prompted me to revisit its seven seasons every so often.

Now on my fifth or so run through of the series, I’ve come to a few conclusions about the powers that be behind the effort. First off, they managed to create something unlike anything that had ever been or has been since. The multi-layered show had, and still has, an uncanny ability to draw people in from all walks of life. From teenyboppers to baby boomers and even some septuagenarians, "Buffy’s" faithful followers even reflect all age groups.

So, what is it exactly that has people so attached to this series, even years after its finale?

It’s the realism of it all.

Yes, of course, there are vampires, werewolves, a slayer or hundreds, witches and even evil robots and animated dolls. The horror aspect is fantastic, don’t get me wrong. But, it’s really just the icing on the cake, especially for a horror fan like me.

At the heart of "Buffy" was a group of folks who managed to make people care about their characters. Sure, it was her job to slay, but Buffy herself became almost real to the faithful. Xander with his insecurities and undying loyalty was the friend we all hoped to have. Willow’s charming intellect and naiveté made her feel like the girl next door.

Even beyond that, there was the fact anyone who has gone to high school could relate to the show. Most of us have felt invisible like Marcie in "Out of Sight, Out of Mind." Those who couldn’t relate to that character perhaps felt some compassion for Cordelia’s sense of being alone in a crowd. With its deep look under the surface of humanity, "Buffy" just managed to reach out and touch people no matter their personal reality past or present.

Add to all of that the action, the fun and the incredible quick-witted humor and the recipe for success was just undeniable. Much of this was mirrored in "Angel" and even "Firefly," but it was "Buffy" that started it all and had the universal appeal of high school hell.

The everyday battle of good vs. evil that embodies high school life and growing up in general struck a chord that’s still strumming for fans of the past and those who now pick up the series for the very first time.

It could have been a long summer without some of the shows that have managed to suck me in as of late, but thanks to DVDs, I’ll be spending part of my spare time visiting old friends.

With any luck, I’ll be able to fit "Angel" in before the leaves start changing colors.