Buffy the Vampire Slayer Is Making a Comeback: How to Avoid Controversial Romances in the Revival

The revival of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is generating excitement among fans, but not all aspects of its storied past need to be revived. Recently, Variety confirmed that Hulu is moving forward with a sequel series. Speculation suggests that Sarah Michelle Gellar might reprise her iconic role, and elements from the original show as well as its comic book continuation will likely influence the new iteration.

However, as excitement builds, **longtime fans may feel hesitancy** regarding the potential rekindling of the romance between Xander Harris and Dawn Summers. Their unexpected relationship is highlighted in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight #28, crafted by writers and artists including Jane Espenson and Georges Jenty, showcasing their first kiss.

Dawn Summers and Xander Harris kiss, her sister and Andrew walk in on them in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight #28

Notably, these comics gain additional significance as they are “executive produced”by Joss Whedon, placing them firmly within the official cannon of the Buffyverse. Should the new series choose to revisit Xander and Dawn’s relationship, the continuity that this entails may not resonate positively with the entire fanbase.

Why Is the Xander and Dawn Pairing Controversial?

A Complex Beginning and Conclusion

Dawn pouts to Xander after arguing with her sister and Willow in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight #33

In the original television series, viewers recognized Xander as a protective, brotherly figure to Dawn. In her debut episode, “Real Me, ” which is the second episode of Season 5, Xander takes on the role of babysitter. Throughout the earlier issues of the comics, this brother-sister bond is maintained, with Xander often comforting Dawn during her more tumultuous times, such as when she undergoes transformative experiences. However, what no one anticipated was a romantic twist emerging between them.

The awkwardness is compounded when the comics introduce Buffy as developing romantic feelings for Xander. This revelation escalates dramatically when Buffy stumbles upon Xander sharing a kiss with Dawn during a retreat in Tibet. While Xander attempts to downplay their age difference—remarking on Dawn’s maturity—fans remain unsettled, as Xander’s prior role was to care for and support her since childhood.

Might the Buffy Revival Sidestep the Xander and Dawn Romance?

Navigating a Delicate Situation

The intricate dynamics surrounding Xander and Dawn’s relationship make it hard to overlook. Any direct sequel must either carry forward or at least acknowledge the established canon from the original series and its comic adaptations. This love story plays a crucial role in wrapping up the storyline in the comics, where it concludes with Dawn and Xander marrying and welcoming a child named Joyce.

If Michelle Trachtenberg is indeed part of the new Buffy the Vampire Slayer sequel cast—while the return of Nicholas Brendon remains unlikely—ignoring the history of Xander and Dawn’s union would undoubtedly create an undeniable tension within the narrative.

For those interested, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight is currently available from Dark Horse Comics.

Source: Variety

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