A popular TV show on the WB network for many years (now cancelled) was “Buffy-The Vampire Slayer” based on a movie by the same name. “Angel” the tale of the “Vampire with a Soul” was “Buffy’s” successful spin off (though sold to UPN, a rival network). Both programs’ basic premise was of attractive teenagers fighting hordes of monsters each week in order to save the world. “Buffy was about a young, ditzie cheerleader type who discovers that she is the “Chosen One” destined to slay vampires. She lived in a picturesque California town that just happens to be sited over the “Hell Mouth;” the world trade center of demonic activity (a town which was totally destroyed in the final episode of the series). Angel, a vampire who had been given a soul and now works for the good guys, was Buffy’s love interest for several seasons before getting a time-slot of his own. And old theatrical friend of mine was recently a guest star on “Angel” which provoked me to write this special edition of High Ground Newsletter as a response.

“Buffy” and “Angel” are both attempts to capitalize on the crucial 16-25 year old market; so along with all the other trials and tribulations of being a teenager such as relationships, school work, popularity, etc., poor Buffy also had to contend with hordes of blood-sucking night-crawlers decimating the local teenage population! “Angel” on the other hand details the struggles of twenty-somethings trying to make a living in the world. In the first couple of seasons, their arch-enemies were a wicked law firm, which in the latest season, they ended up taking over. Eventually, the good hearted but poor heroes fighting ultimate evil get “co-opted” by the establishment.

“Buffy” and “Angel” are both satires on the gothic horror movies of previous generations. When the first film version of “Dracula” was released in the 1930’s starring Bela Lugosi, audiences were literally frightened so badly that some people had health problems. But we have moved on since then and vampires, werewolves, and demons are no longer taken seriously as objects of fear; they are now simply excuses for nubile teenage girls to demonstrate their karate skills (as one colleague says, “becoming a vampire today must require a course in martial arts before they give you your coffin”).

However, the underlying Christianity of earlier vampire movies is conspicuous by its absence in “Buffy” and “Angel.” Crosses are effectual only as a generic symbol of “good” and even then rarely used. Witchcraft, occultism and perversion are the preferred means to save the day. The ONLY times ANY traditional religious figures are present are as another form of “monster.” As the series progressed, Willow, the “good” girl originally a computer geek, progressed to apprentice witch. Not unsurprisingly, before the series ended, she became a lesbian.

Both series rely heavily on humor and do not take themselves seriously. No, what’s REALLY scary is what the producers think teenage audiences are interested in; violence, sex, perversion, rebellion (almost all authority figures are either deluded innocents or conspirators with the demons) and the occult.

Now look, I admit up front I have always enjoyed a good vampire flick. There is nothing quite so amusing as watching Peter Cushing chasing Christopher Lee around various “exotic” locations in Europe (all filmed on the same two sets at Hammersmith studios) with a cross and a stake. And yes, I always loved the part where the wicked, bloodsuckers get their just deserts (ever wonder why vampires never attack lawyers; professional courtesy). In the old films, where the remnant of Christianity was more potent in our culture, vampires were seen as the epitome of evil, and only godly, moral men could fight against them; and only weapons of a distinctly Christian nature were effective.

But with “Buffy” and “Angel” the world has changed. Not satisfied with one ‘good hearted” vampire, eventually another was added to the script. Vampires though clearly stated to be evil, are nevertheless often seen as sympathetic and attractive characters. And never mind that the scripts are often well written and hilarious or that the characters interesting and the dialogue often quite witty; “Buffy” and “Angel” theologically does not even aspire to the level of Manichaeism; the dualistic view of God wherein forces of light must battle the forces of darkness (as in Star Wars). Instead it is rampant paganism pure and simple.

Though there is much indeed the series details the mythology of the occult, demons, werewolves, vampires, etc., neither has anything to say about God. In “Angel” there is no God, only the “Powers that Be” which are not particularly involved in human affairs. Man it appears, through grit, magic, and a variety of ancient weapons, can solve the problem of evil all by himself. Interesting that while “Buffy” and “Angel” are proficient in a number of medieval weapons, they are not allowed to use guns; like say, a semi-automatic pistol with bullets made out of some hardwood. At least they would then be able to kill a vamp at a distance. No, they can decapitate, burn, or drive a stake through a vampire’s heart but they mustn’t ever shoot a gun!.

“Buffy” and “Angel” therefore are rather well done examples of post-Christian culture decaying into primitive occult paganism. When Christ is denied, the demons crawl out of the sewers to plague mankind. And all that stands between them and us is a few brave souls armed with stakes and magical symbols.

Both series are thus a paean to humanism enthralled with occultism. It is the old pagan nightmare born again, with wisecracking teenagers, replacing the old heroic myths of mighty men fighting evil. But in essence, there is very little difference in watching “Buffy” from our pagan European ancestors squatting outside their waddle and daub huts, gnawing on the femurs of captured enemies while watching virgins being burned alive in wicker cages as a sacrifice. It is another sign of our return to our pagan roots, and the loss of our Christian heritage.

Our ancestors of course knew first hand that earthly weapons were of no use against a spiritual foe. And that is why the ancient world was enslaved to shamans and witchdoctors, and lived their lives in wretched fear of spirits, demons and monsters. Only with the coming of Christ were the demons driven back, the night reclaimed and men freed from the demonic; the same demons we now invite into our homes to amuse us every week.