We’re All at Risk Without the World’s Best Watcher

Remembering Anthony Head

WHAT HAPPENED

Anthony Head, or, as he is known to the many many Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans, Giles, passed away at the age of 72.

THE GREATEST WATCHER OF ALL

For those unfamiliar with the Buffyverse, watchers are those responsible for training vampire slayers, but what set Giles apart was the unparalleled compassion for his trainees.

MORE THAN YOUR AVERAGE LIBRARIAN

Giles, when not training vampire slayers, moonlighted as Sunnydale High’s librarian. The library is where Buffy first meets Giles, when he throws down the iconic slayer’s handbook: Vampyr.

As is tradition, Buffy initially refuses the call to adventure. She is young and immature and slaying vampires is a destiny she was not ready to shoulder. In fact, there comes a time when Buffy must die and be re-born to come into her true self to fulfill this duty. It is a tough transition for Buffy, and even tougher being estranged from an emotionally distant father who rarely makes an appearance on screen.

But Giles is there for her. During each of Buffy’s turning points and major moments of growth, Giles is the comforting force, a light in Buffy’s life while the world attempts to harden her heart.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE GILES GONE?

There’s a quote out there that goes: “The first flowers a man receives are at his funeral.” During one of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s biggest emotional moments, Buffy brings Giles flowers as a thanks for him being there in what is the most trying time in her life.

Now, it’s our time to thank Giles for showing us who a man deserving of flowers looked like.