Mommy Dearest

In class Dr. Rose asked us to think about the role of mothers in the show. A reflection on the episodes viewed so far reveal what appears to be a lack of maternal influence in the lives of the character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The initial person we think of in relation to mothers is Buffy's own mother, Joyce. Joyce has played a minor role throughout most of the series with only a few highlighting moments and seems even more removed from the show since Buffy has gone to college. The second hope for maternal influence was Faith's watcher who obviously had no intent on fulfilling the motherly role. The latest attempt at a mother that the show has given the audience is Proffessor Maggie Walsh. Prof. Walsh has played a more influential role in the lives of a few of the characters than the other two matriarchs. Buffy often quotes her, she thinks of Riley as one of her sons, but she also 'gave birth to' Adam. Adam was the creation that led to her downfall. Though Adam called her mother, he treated her more like she was the experiment and he, the creator. Maggie Walsh was just another dissapointment in terms of a mother figure.

There are fraternal influences on Buffy's life and the life of the gang which is presented through Giles' character. So, where is the maternal influence that completes the family circle of the show? It could be stated that Buffy, herself, is the maternal figure in many instances throughout the series. In all of the shows she is a protector of the human race. She cares for her friends and family. She provides them with security and often a certain depth of knowledge that she is beginning to obtain.