"Buffy" At 18

While perusing my friend Gary's The Federalist blog, I noticed he posted a story of the 18th anniversary of the start of Buffy, The Vampire Slayer television show starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.

The show premiered in 1997 on the WB Network. 18 years ago.

18 years?! Wow! I used to watch Buffy faithfully every week (also, its spin-off, Angel) as did most of my co-workers. The writing was fantastic with hilarious tongue-in-cheek humor. I also have an autographed photo of Sarah Michelle Gellar on my wall.

The Federalist posted an article on the show's anniversary from The Atlantic. To read The Atlantic's article, go here.

It lost some of its steam (in my opinion) when it switched networks following a dispute over money (of course) with the WB. It lasted to 2003.

Since Buffy and Angel went off the air, television for me has been dull until recently. I have begun following three new shows: Gotham, Sleepy Hollow and The Flash. Although enjoyable, none of these shows have captured my interest (and kept it) as Buffy did. I like Gotham the best.

So, I raise a glass to toast Buffy, The Vampire Slayer's 18th anniversary!

"The Flash"

Above, Grant Gustin as The Flash.

Well, I just finished watching the premiere of The Flash on the CW television network.

For beginners, I found it entertaining with good special effects (computer-generated, of course). But the origin of The Flash was fairly faithful to the DC Comics version upon which the series is based.

Grant Gustin did a good job portraying Barry Allen/Flash. It is interesting that the producers decided to make Iris West (Barry's wife in the comics) black. She is portrayed by the very attractive Candice Patton.

In this episode, Barry Allen obtains his powers of super-speed by an explosion of an experimental particle accelerator that causes a lightning bolt to strike Barry Allen and some surrounding chemicals. Unfortunately, the explosion also created a super-villain who is able to control the weather. He isn't called such (as yet), but this villain seems to be based on one of Flash's arch-enemies, the Weather Wizard.

One nice touch, Allen pays a visit to Oliver Queen, also known as the Green Arrow (from the sister series, Arrow).

The episode went by in a flash (pun intended) and I think it warrants a look at next week's episode.

My main beef is the costume. It is too dark and looks too much like Daredevil's. I much prefer the costume (which was much more faithful to the comic book version) worn by the 1990s Flash, John Wesley Shipp. By the way, Shipp plays Barry Allen's father. He is to have a recurring role in this series, I've read. Nothing against Grant Gustin on this point, but couldn't the producers get a blonde actor to play Barry Allen (or dye Gustin's hair)? Barry Allen of the comics is blonde.

Above, John Wesley Shipp as the 1990s Flash.

My other beef is that too many people (mainly the techies at Star Laboratories) know that Allen has these powers. What's the point in having a secret identity these days?

Anyway, aside from the awful costume, this was an entertaining show. I liked last night's Gotham better.

My grade for The Flash: B+.

"Gotham"

Finally, I watched the new Fox television series Gotham last night. It came on before Sleepy Hollow.

Gotham is an interesting concept. It is about Gotham City, Jim Gordon (Benjamin McKenzie), Bruce Wayne and the city's criminal underworld many years before Wayne becomes Batman.

At this point, Bruce Wayne's parents were just murdered and detective Jim Gordon promised Bruce to find their killer and bring him to justice.

The show introduces different characters who will later become foes of Batman. The Penguin and Catwoman were two that were featured last night. The Penguin character is quite obvious as those of us familiar with Batman lore know that Oswald Cobblepot is The Penguin's real name. In last night's episode, there was a young girl who managed to escape out of Gordon's handcuffs. Her name was Selena. Again, those familiar with Batman lore know that Catwoman's real name is Selena Kyle.

Series regular Oswald Cobblepot was played by Robin Taylor. David Mazouz, formerly of the television series Touch, plays the young Bruce Wayne.

In last night's episode, crooked police officials were sent skyward to their doom (in the stratosphere) by being attached to weather balloons. It was up to Gordon to figure out who the culprit is. The show has some gallows humor, most evident when one of the victims came back down (right on top of an old lady walking her dog).

I think I will keep on watching Gotham. My grade: A.