As a huge fan, I can tell you Buffy the Vampire Slayer wasn’t just a show – it was a cultural moment. Over seven seasons and more than 140 episodes, plus a fantastic spin-off, it delivered so many incredible stories that really changed what TV could be. Even now, people obsess over episodes like the musical one from Season 6, “Once More With Feeling,” or the surprisingly heartbreaking “The Body” from Season 5. And don’t even mention Season 4’s “Hush” – the one with almost no dialogue! What always struck me about Buffy was its willingness to take risks and push boundaries, all while keeping the focus on really challenging and developing its characters, no matter how self-contained the story was.
Today marks the 27th anniversary of a truly pivotal episode. Airing on December 8, 1998, Season 3’s “The Wish” had a huge impact on the entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer series and dramatically changed the course of the characters’ lives. It all stemmed from a single line of dialogue: “I wish Buffy Summers had never come to Sunnydale.”
“The Wish” Gives Buffy Its First Alternate Universe
The episode “The Wish” begins with everyone feeling pretty down. Xander and Willow shared a quick kiss, and both Cordelia and Oz saw it, upsetting all four of them – especially Cordelia. Her social status at school was threatened by rumors about her ex-boyfriend’s infidelity. Feeling defeated, Cordelia impulsively makes a wish while speaking to Anya, a new student who surprisingly reveals herself to be a demon and instantly grants it.
When Cordelia makes a wish, everything changes instantly. She finds herself in a world where Sunnydale High is nearly empty, and everyone speaks with a strange mix of respect and fear about their lives. It quickly becomes apparent that this is a reality where Buffy never came to town, and as a result, vampires have taken over. The Master wasn’t defeated and has turned many Sunnydale residents into vampires – including Xander and Willow, who now target Cordelia as she unknowingly walks through the dangerous streets.
Cordelia is rescued from danger by Giles, Oz, and other students who are still battling the vampires. She explains to Giles what happened, and is surprised he’s still in Sunnydale, assuming he’s Buffy’s Watcher. This revelation shocks Giles, as he’s kept his role as a Watcher a secret, and makes him believe Cordelia might be right about something being wrong with this world. When Xander and Willow reappear, seemingly to harm Cordelia, it pushes Giles to investigate her claims and try to find Buffy. He also focuses on the amulet Cordelia was wearing when she died – one Anya had previously given her.
The episode reveals this alternate universe has evil versions of Xander and Willow, and a shockingly different Buffy – one who’s lost her usual spark. The timeline culminates in a chaotic and deadly battle, with many events mirroring what happened in the original series. Xander attempts to kill Buffy, but Angel sacrifices himself to save her. Buffy then kills Xander, and Oz kills Willow. The Master ultimately kills Buffy as well. Remembering Cordelia’s warning, Giles destroys the necklace that caused the wish, stripping Anya of her powers and resetting everything.
“The Wish” Remains One of the Best Buffy Episodes For One Reason
It’s common for sci-fi and fantasy shows like Star Trek and Doctor Who to feature episodes set in alternate universes. Buffy the Vampire Slayer did this too, and like those other episodes, it presented a world that felt surprisingly different from the show fans knew. In this alternate reality, Buffy is hardened and cynical, bearing the physical and emotional scars of years spent fighting as the Slayer. This fresh take on the main character, along with reimagined versions of the supporting cast in the episode “The Wish,” offered a unique twist on familiar faces and prompted viewers to consider how even small changes could alter the show’s established relationships and world.
“The Wish” remains a standout episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer because it brilliantly plays with the “What if?” concept that fans love. The episode tells a complete, self-contained story while cleverly using established character dynamics. It quickly shocks viewers with its altered reality, subverting expectations by resurrecting villains, turning heroes into villains, and dramatically changing Buffy’s personality. The episode is so effective at establishing this new reality that it convincingly portrays the deaths of beloved characters, making it a true masterclass in storytelling.
What’s really impressive is how this episode’s alternate universe storyline wasn’t just a one-time event. It actually laid the groundwork for important plotlines throughout Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The character of Anya, initially appearing as a vengeance demon, could have easily been a single-episode guest star, but she became a recurring character in Seasons 3 and 4, eventually becoming a main cast member in Season 5 and staying with the show until the very end. The idea of Anya’s powers also came back later in the season when she tried to convince Willow to help her regain them. This led to the emergence of ‘Vampire Willow’ – giving actress Allyson Hannigan a chance to showcase her range – and hinted at Willow’s eventual acceptance of her sexuality, famously declared with the line, “I’m so evil and skanky. And I think I’m kinda gay!”
The ‘Wish’ episode of Buffy had the potential to be a misstep. As an alternate reality story, it could have felt unimportant to the overall series, and Sarah Michelle Gellar wasn’t in many scenes. However, it turned out to be one of the best episodes ever made. It’s so well-written that even someone who’s never seen Buffy could enjoy it, though the appearances of characters like Giles and Angel might be confusing for a first-time viewer.
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2025-12-08 23:11