Can Elena be the new Buffy?

by Debbie McDuffee

OK … wait a moment … I can’t quite type, what with being doubled over in laughter from that question. Of course The Vampire Diaries‘ Elena can’t be the new Buffy, I really can’t believe I asked that. Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s untouchable (though I think Needie from Jennifer’s Body could come close if there should be TV series) right? No more crazy talk.

I’ve been following The Vampire Diaries (embarrassingly enough, with rapt attention) since it premiered. Something about the blasted show has sucked me in uncontrollably. I suppose if Aryeh enjoys Make It or Break It and Ivey is digging Gossip Girl that it’s time for me to proudly shout my love for The Vampire Diaries from the rooftops (or at least when standing on a table), but instinct still has me hanging my head in shame as I admit that I watch it. Let’s look past the obvious therapy that I need and ponder the question: Can The Vampire Diaries‘ Elena fill the Buffy Summers void?

I’m wondering if — and hoping — Elena’s going to be a strong heroine, one who can kick some vampire ass if need be. And I’m also hoping there need be, and soon. Not Stefan’s or Damon’s asses necessarily, but perhaps she can join one of them in the good fight, take down her evil twin, Katherine, once she gets out of the tomb / dungeon. What do you think?

Elena for me can go either way. There’s a strength within her, but she could easily go down the Bella-from-Twilight-is-a-simpering-loser path if she doesn’t keep her shit together. But right now, she’s not looking for anyone to save her from her pathetic life, nor is she dependent on anyone but herself. She doesn’t pout often, though she’s a bit more angst-y than Buffy ever was. Still, I think she’s going down the path of girl power, if you will.

Now, I know the show’s premise isn’t the same as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and all they really have in common are characters that are vampires and witches that go to high school. I’m just hoping Elena can bring some strength and ass-kicking to this new teenage vampire drama. Not-so-young gals like me need a role model.

I have no knowledge of The Vampire Diaries‘ books, so please keep me unsoiled. All I have to say is that if Elena willingly becomes a vampire like someone else we all know and loathe, I’ll be sorely disappointed. I’m looking to her to fill my Buffy void.

What do you think — can she do it?