Count Dracula is a well-known cultural phenomenon, has been that way for a good chunk of time now. And that is how this episode handles the famous villain. The power he has is both physical and mental, which makes him, of course, a tough nut to crack for the famous vampire slayer by the name of Buffy. And even though it is just a little over forty minutes long, "Buffy vs. Dracula" is rich on plot. Some of the elements may directly and nicely remind you of the original novel by Bram Stoker. I have read it and reread it several times now. It is an impressive piece of work, no doubt, and I loved it.
But I also loved this take on the old material. This isn't a horror story. It does not take itself that seriously. It is more fun. Not that dealing with something as lethal as the most famous bloodsucking demon is a laughing matter, but Buffy herself is part of why this episode is fun. Because it is clear she has, by now, grown to gain a certain level of enjoyment out of her unofficial work. Hunting vampires and killing them. She may not want to admit it, but destroying these demons has grown on her, and she does enjoy it now. She's filled with energy and can't wait to go deal with them. She has fun doing that job, that's just how good she has become at it. But that is just the titular heroine, and there is another reason this episode is fun. A bigger reason than just one character on the show, and that reason is the show itself. The way it tends to put certain things into question. Some things are not as serious as they may appear, and questioning them, or having fun questioning them, can be good for critical thinking. Like the unaired pilot episode questions why vampires keep dressing in a certain way that makes them easier to spot, or how an episode from season one and an episode from season four question why vampires are so afraid of crosses and holy symbols. Here, with Dracula, this way of thinking can also be found. And again, just because someone tries to laugh at something does not mean they aren't headed for some real trouble.
Also, though clearly an introduction to the season and a stand-alone story within the season, this episode has ways to introduce some highly important elements that could be crucial later. Only such things aren't done openly here. They are done in a smarter way. Can't help but appreciate this work.
But I also loved this take on the old material. This isn't a horror story. It does not take itself that seriously. It is more fun. Not that dealing with something as lethal as the most famous bloodsucking demon is a laughing matter, but Buffy herself is part of why this episode is fun. Because it is clear she has, by now, grown to gain a certain level of enjoyment out of her unofficial work. Hunting vampires and killing them. She may not want to admit it, but destroying these demons has grown on her, and she does enjoy it now. She's filled with energy and can't wait to go deal with them. She has fun doing that job, that's just how good she has become at it. But that is just the titular heroine, and there is another reason this episode is fun. A bigger reason than just one character on the show, and that reason is the show itself. The way it tends to put certain things into question. Some things are not as serious as they may appear, and questioning them, or having fun questioning them, can be good for critical thinking. Like the unaired pilot episode questions why vampires keep dressing in a certain way that makes them easier to spot, or how an episode from season one and an episode from season four question why vampires are so afraid of crosses and holy symbols. Here, with Dracula, this way of thinking can also be found. And again, just because someone tries to laugh at something does not mean they aren't headed for some real trouble.
Also, though clearly an introduction to the season and a stand-alone story within the season, this episode has ways to introduce some highly important elements that could be crucial later. Only such things aren't done openly here. They are done in a smarter way. Can't help but appreciate this work.