Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the series)

When thinking of Buffy the Vampire Slayer the show often the first thing that comes to mind would be friendships. While this show is about good vs evil, light side vs dark side, and about every other version of how you can say that in the end every episode is about the slayer and her friends. There were some times when I had seen part of an episode, or a full episode without knowing any of the characters and honestly wasn't that interested. It wasn't until I had a roommate that was crazy over the show and was admit that I should give at least season one a try.
I found the show to have a much stronger feminist view on it than I thought it would too. Over all 7 seasons we see the main characters grow from adolescent to responsible independent adults, still with that edge that keeps you interested.
Since this is my first TV review and I'm not sure what people would like in detail I'm going to give a quick break down of the seasons and the main characters.
Season one was only 12 episodes and not really the best of the series but it did do good character set up so you really liked the core group, and knew who everyone was.
Season two not as much character driven but more story driven while Buffy tries to balance being a teenager and a slayer, Willow gets a boyfriend, Xander gets an unexpected girlfriend, and one of my favourite episodes staring John Ritter.
Season three back to character driven as the balancing act for Buffy becomes much more difficult, and she has a bit of identity crisis. There is also a 2ND slayer much of this season, and everyone graduates from high school.
Season four personally my favourite of all with a huge change of everyone in college except for Xander, a lot more on the personal life of Giles, Buffy without Angel and gets a boyfriend that isn't a vampire, Willow gets a girlfriend.
Season five Buffy gets a little sister (that is in middle school), a loved one dies, Buffy's boyfriend leaves, and a shocking death at the end of this season.
Season six while I'm not really fond of this one at all there is a musical episode that is just about one of the best around for what it is. Buffy is a big sis and mom, Xander and marriage can't really say more, another loved one dies, and Willow goes to the dark side of Wicca.
Season seven a lot going on in this one yet my least favourite season. There are slayers galore that just quite aren't there, a new love story for Willow, and a lot less Giles then I would really like. I felt this finale was better then the rest of the season. Still there were some moments that were good, and this is where I was first introduced to Nathan Fillion.
Character breakdown
Buffy - The one and only slayer in the begining, and she really doesn't want to be. When the show starts she wants to be a girl left to her own devices. By the end she is a strong independent woman that still misunderstands many of the basics.
Giles - Buffy's watcher, father figure, friend, and teacher. When the show starts Giles is a bit full of him self and finds that when he loosens up things happen better and faster. While technically he is only suppose to be the watcher for Buffy, he really ends up being much more of a father figure to the entire group including some vampires that are older then him.
Willow - One of Buffy's best friends who starts off as an innocent geek, ends up being a witch that can end or save the world.
Xander - Buffy's other best friend that is always there to lend a helping hand anyway he can. He starts off misguided and troubled about some things and ends up misguided and troubled about other things in the end. Still he is always 100% supportive of his friends and you just love him for it.
Angel - Vampire and who could be the love of Buffy's life. He is not your every day vampire either this one has a soul.
Spike - A Vampire that starts with no soul and still falls for Buffy. Spike goes back and fourth between trying to kill Buffy and kill her.
OZ - Extremely smart, werewolf, Willow's first love. Oz starts off sensible, and caring only to end up sensible, and devoted.
Cordelia - Self centered as they come, well in the start anyway. As the show progresses we start to see another side to her while it still often isn't a good one.
Faith - A slayer that is a bad girl and loves that she is. While there is a time that she travels down the very dark side of things there is still something very needy about this character that makes you like her in some ways.
Tara - A completely innocent witch. When we first meet Tara she is quiet and someone willing to help Willow through a breakup. By the end she is a strong individual that has a strong love affair with Willow yet still is willing to stand up for her beliefs even when they differ from those of Willow's.
Riley - Army boy, demon fighter, and Buffy's bed mate. When we first get to meet Riley he is all about following the orders. In the end he is all about giving the orders.
Dawn - Buffy's little sister that is at times a real brat that just doesn't think, and other times stronger then Buffy.

The arch of the characters isn't always obvious but then you really start to break them down you can see why the show was such a hit.

Joss Whedon - Creator and god of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118276/
IMDB