28 Years Ago, Buffy Revealed a Main Character Was Secretly a Monster (But It Made Sense)

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As a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I always thought the show did a fantastic job of letting each actor really shine. And I’ll never forget the moment, 28 years ago, when one of our favorite characters revealed a secret to the Scooby Gang! It was a risky move – it could have destroyed him – but it actually made so much sense and brought him closer to the group. It’s heartbreaking that he didn’t stick around for long after that, but that reveal was such a powerful moment. It’s why he’s still so loved by fans today, and honestly, the fact that he didn’t die makes me hopeful we might see him again someday! Leaving Sunnydale doesn’t mean he’s gone forever.

In a second-season episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer that aired on January 27, 1998, the character Oz revealed he was a werewolf.

Oz Revealed He Was a Werewolf 28 Years Ago

Twenty-eight years ago, the fifteenth episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s second season, titled “Phases,” aired. At the time, Willow and Oz were dating, and Xander was with Cordelia. The episode begins with a werewolf attacking Xander and Cordelia, and Giles points out that other attacks have happened, with animals being killed. Recently, two students were bitten: Oz, by his cousin, and another student named Larry, by a dog.

The Scooby Gang discovers the next full moon will trigger a transformation the following night, and realize the creature only turns into a werewolf for three nights each month. They agree killing it wouldn’t be right, but a werewolf hunter arrives in town with other ideas. Meanwhile, Willow learns that Oz is the werewolf – his cousin, who bit him, was also a werewolf. The gang manages to save Oz from the hunter, but they’re still unsure what to do after that.

The reveal of Oz being a werewolf was surprising, but it actually fit his character perfectly. He was already set up as Willow’s boyfriend and a rebellious musician, but he needed a defining trait to make him truly memorable. Becoming a werewolf gave him that, turning Oz into a fan-favorite member of the Scooby Gang who was greatly missed when the actor left the show.

What Happened to Oz on Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

After Oz’s secret was revealed on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, he didn’t stay much longer. He left in the episode “Wild at Heart” after fighting and killing Veruca, and nearly hurting Willow before Buffy intervened. Feeling he was a danger to those around him, he decided to leave and find a way to manage his werewolf condition. He briefly returned in “New Moon Rising” having learned control techniques in Tibet, but when he realized Willow had moved on with Tara, he permanently left Sunnydale.

It’s currently unknown if Seth Green will reprise his role as Oz in the new Buffy the Vampire Slayer series. While Sarah Michelle Gellar is returning as Buffy Summers, she’ll be guiding a new slayer, Nova, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. As of now, no other original cast members are confirmed to appear, but Gellar has hinted that anything is possible.

Seth Green has expressed interest in reprising his role if the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot includes him. He shared his fondness for the character and stated he’d be eager to contribute if there’s more story to explore. Green also voiced excitement about learning more about Buffy Summers’ journey and her continued world-saving efforts, believing she’s needed now more than ever.

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2026-01-27 23:12