(Review) BtVS 9.14 'Billy the Vampire Slayer' Part I

[stormwreath]

'Billy the Vampire Slayer' is a two-part stand-alone part of Season 9, written by Jane Espenson and Drew Z Greenberg. As such, it's this season's equivalent of 'The Chain' or 'The Thrill' - at least so far, Buffy herself doesn't appear in it (though she's mentioned a couple of times); Part 1 has only original characters. I idea, I take it, is to

Comments

[erimthar]

I had the exact same theory about Devon being a vampire. (Though I thought he was imitating Spike rather than Angel... his hair is blonde, and his coat is a regular leather jacket rather than a trenchcoat). But the theory fell apart when I realized all regular vampires pre-date the breaking of the Seed, and it would have been impossible for Devon to pose as a high school student for all that time in broad daylight

[stormwreath]

Devon can't help being blond instead of black-haired - but he's not a peroxide blonde! And Spike's hair is shorter than Angel's, whereas Devon's is long at the front

[norwie2010]

I think "Devon" is a deliberate call back to "Angel" in season 1 for the purpose of paralleling "Billy" and "Buffy" even more.

[stormwreath]

Interesting thought - though I admit that at one point he actually reminded me a little of Pike from the 'Buffy' movie.

There is a big difference, though, in that Buffy initially resented being Chosen, and only came to accept it as her duty reluctantly. Billy seems less hesitant.

[norwie2010]

Well, they only have 22 pages to develop "Billy" and his "calling" - not 44 minutes x 22 episodes x 7 seasons on TV. ;)

(And now i'm going back to my hiatus - i read this comic because hey! Espenson! Must read, kinda. But that's over now.)

[erimthar]

16-year-olds can have flashy sports cars if their parents are rich... I believe Cordelia had one. I think he must be a student, since a) he hangs around the high school, and b) if he's over 18, the relationship Billy fantasizes about with him would be illegal.

There's a good chance Devon is on the level. I hope he knows what he's doing, though... there's really no place in the world for amateurish Watchers.

I meant this was the first comic in the direct TV show continuity to have no characters from the show. (The numbered season 8 and 9 comics.)

[stormwreath]

I'm pretty sure Devon doesn't really know what he's doing, though. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if he dies next issue, propelling Billy to leave town and get in touch with Buffy.

The Devon who was lead singer for 'Dingoes Ate My Baby' would be about 27 by this stage, so it's probably not him. :)