Buffy, this dark episode was banned from TV: too dangerous for young people

Tragic events prevented the broadcast of the infamous episode

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In 1999, an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer was withdrawn from American television programming because of its sensitive subject matter. Considered too close to tragic events, it was decided to suspend its broadcast, raising a heated debate on its content and its impact on young viewers. The tragic Columbine shooting, which on April 20 of that year cost the lives of 13 people and injured 21 others, led to the suspension of two episodes that dealt with themes of school violence. In particular, Metaphysical Powers (the 18th of the third season) was postponed for four months, due to a subject that became particularly sensitive after the tragedy.

In this episode, Buffy acquires the power to read minds after being infected by mouthless demons. Initially excited about being able to connect better with others, she soon finds that the voices in her head are isolating her even more. The episode culminates with Jonathan being discovered in a clock tower with a rifle, where Buffy stops him from committing suicide, revealing that he had no intention of harming others. The episode was originally scheduled to air on April 27, 1999, but the Columbine tragedy led to its immediate cancellation. The Powers of the Metaphysical was not aired until September 28 of the same year.

The delay was motivated by the fact that some dialogue, such as a line from Xander about killing everyone with a semi-automatic, was deemed inappropriate. Jane Espenson, one of the show's writers, commented that the episode contained positive messages, but some lines were no longer appropriate for the current situation. Joss Whedon agreed with the decision to delay the airing, stating that it was the right thing to do. The season finale, The Challenge, was also delayed by seven weeks, much to the disappointment of fans. While the finale aired in Canada as scheduled, frustrated American fans attempted to circulate the episode online. 

The delay was linked to school violence and concerns that episodes like the one in which Buffy and friends blow up the school to stop a demon could inspire violence, given that it coincided with high school graduation. The delays were not an isolated case. Other television shows have had to adapt to similar tragedies, postponing or changing their episodes following school shootings, such as the 2018 Parkland shooting and the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting. The WB's reaction, while understandable in context, drew criticism, especially from some cast members such as Seth Green, who pointed out that the public debate about the perpetrators was shallow, while other causes, such as easy access to guns, were ignored.

Finally, the episodes Metaphysical Powers and The Challenge are linked by a common theme: both deal with the theme of loneliness and isolation. If the first explores Jonathan's inner pain and his desire to commit suicide, the second celebrates unity and the collective fight against evil, symbolizing the passage from loneliness to shared action. Joss Whedon has in fact explained that, despite dealing with painful themes, both episodes convey positive messages about the importance of mutual support.

Source: CBR