Xander is a problematic character who really doesn't age well, but is at the same time a complex commentary not to mention subversion of a problematic and popular 20th Century trope - the nerdy guy who feels he should be paired with the hot cheerleader. Buffy does an excellent job of showing how toxic that trope truly is from various angles.
I think that's a good point. I don't know that I think Joss was trying to show how problematic the trope was, but I DO think we're meant to see Xander as more flawed at certain points, and ultimately, he doesn't get with Buffy. He gets with Cordelia, but just like "nice guys" aren't all that nice, he screws that one up.
I think the trio storyline in S6 is a VERY compelling depiction, before deconstructing Nice Guys was a thing.
Completely agree with you about Spike and Dru!
Old Movie - The Four Seasons by Alan Alda, staring Alda, Carol Burnett, Jack Weston, Rita Moreno, Sandy Dennis, Bess Armstrong, and Len Cariou. 1981.
I might try it! I tried the Tina Fey version but couldn't really get into it.
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I think that's a good point. I don't know that I think Joss was trying to show how problematic the trope was, but I DO think we're meant to see Xander as more flawed at certain points, and ultimately, he doesn't get with Buffy. He gets with Cordelia, but just like "nice guys" aren't all that nice, he screws that one up.
I think the trio storyline in S6 is a VERY compelling depiction, before deconstructing Nice Guys was a thing.
Completely agree with you about Spike and Dru!
Old Movie - The Four Seasons by Alan Alda, staring Alda, Carol Burnett, Jack Weston, Rita Moreno, Sandy Dennis, Bess Armstrong, and Len Cariou. 1981.
I might try it! I tried the Tina Fey version but couldn't really get into it.