by Lesley Fuller

Created on: June 05, 2007

One of the most imaginative and influential shows of the 90s wasn't the most popular or the most critically acclaimed of its time. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was smart, funny, and full of characters you could relate to. If it were a person, I would have married it.

I know you're thinking, "The show with the girl who killed vampires?" How can this show possibly be better than "Friends" or "Seinfeld"? I'm telling you it is and I'll explain why.

1. It's deeper than you think it is. The show may have ostensibly been about a girl who kills vampires, but it was a razor sharp satire of high school. Think about it, when you were in high school, didn't you ever think that the popular kids were blood suckers who wanted to tear you apart? From your first love, to the prom, this show hit all the high points and hit them perfectly.

2. It gives girls a positive role model. Buffy was just like any other girl: she liked clothes and boys. She wanted to fit in and have everyone like her. But she could take of herself. Buffy was strong, independent and smart but she knew she couldn't do it alone. The Scooby gang was always with her and loyal to her no matter what. What parent wouldn't want a daughter like that?

3. It's hugely influential. The dialogue, the jokes, the characters have all seeped into the pop culture. Have you seen "The O.C." or "Veronica Mars" or any of the MTV shows like "The Hills"? They have all but ripped off creator Joss Whedon's style even if they aren't able to match him. Any time a show has a character whose sole knowledge is based on pop culture, that's Joss Whedon.

4. It's completely unpredictable. Joss Whedon is not afraid to kill off a main character or two, to introduce jaw-dropping plot points, to turn villains into heroes and heroes into villains. He trusts his audience and his characters.

5. It's just good. The jokes are fall on the floor funny. The characters, even down the villains, are likable and relatable. When Spike, one of the villains, falls for Buffy and gets his heart broken, it's like getting your own heart ripped out.

Watch it. You will not be disappointed.

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