Cult Television

Wilcox and Lavery (2002) identify 9 defining characteristics of ‘quality TV’ – can you apply any of these to other television series that you have viewed recently? Are there any other characteristics that you could add to their list?

The fantasy/teen series titled 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' made its public break when it first aired back in 1997 and was created by Joss Whedon. The introduction text written by Wilcox and Lavery gives a greatly broad and sophisticated view on network television as well as delving into said TV show with specific detail. There is a numbered list of nine points which showcases the characteristics of quality TV and is mainly centred around Joss's ties with this particular medium. Joss has contributed to not only the world of television but also cinema in quite a vibrant way.  '..he has contributed, often as a highly paid-and sometimes uncredited-"script doctor" to a variety of films..' (Lavery & Wilcox, 2002, pg. xxi) Screenplay writing is clearly a strength and passion of his as it has paid off very positively with hit films of which he has been involved with.

Joss did have some rough patches when it came to developing Buffy and his ability to write up a decent script. This spans back very early in his career when Buffy was the project determining whether or not he had a place in this chosen field. Though he did not direct it, the film released back in 1992 received a very dismal response. This overall experience helped to perfect Joss's vision in which he then put towards further development in incorporating Buffy into a television series. The third point supports the idea of quality TV consisting of a large cast. Having a big family of characters with there own individual persona brings out conflict and therefore drama. Fourthly, memory - 'On Buffy, however, characters remember, and we remember with them.' (Lavery & Wilcox, 2002, pg. xxiii) Consistent continuity is very important as characters may make recollections from past episodes. The final point being realism sits firmly on top in my opinion. Joss's goal was to create a third dimensional character who is faced with challenges in her every day life. 'In the world of Buffy, by contrast, the problems that teenagers face become literal monsters.' (Lavery & Wilcox, 2002, pg. xix) The monsters Buffy battles against are meant to be a subtextual reflection of teenage issues.

Lavery, D. & Wilcox, R. (2002). Fighting the forces: what's at stake in Buffy the vampire slayer. (Introduction). Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield.