Watchers' Council (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

In the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Watchers' Council is the governing body of the Watchers of vampire Slayers such as Buffy.

Related Topics:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Watchers - Slayers - Buffy

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It is headquartered in England where it trains Watchers, keeps historical records of the deeds of previous slayers, and performs research on vampires and other demons. However, it is often depicted as an ineffective bureaucratic organization that sometimes does more harm than good. It is known to seek reprisal against Slayers who defy its authority and typically shows little concern for any individual Slayer's well-being.

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In the episode "Helpless" the Watchers' Council subjects Buffy to a traditional test known as the "Cruciamentum" (Latin for "torment") in which she is deprived of her Slayer abilities and made to fight a vampire using only the strength of a normal girl. At other times, the Council withholds vital assistance as a way of asserting its authority and trying to force rebellious Slayers to comply with its directives.

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By the end of season seven it appears that the Council may have been a rather hollow, self-serving organization all along. This impression is created in part by Buffy's exceptional growth and independence--she does not see herself as an "instrument" of the Council, but (in the fifth season episode "Checkpoint") faces down their leadership in dramatic fashion ("You?re Watchers. Without a Slayer, you?re pretty much just watchin? Masterpiece Theater") and negotiates a new relationship in which they are to support her. Serious backsliding on their part is evident by season seven, however, since they know who is killing the Potentials around the world, but they do not let Buffy in on the secret.

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The head of the Watchers' Council during Buffy's time as a Slayer is Quentin Travers, a somewhat pompous individual, who was killed in an explosion along with much of the Council leadership by Caleb under orders from the First Evil. The Watcher's Council is shown to be rebuilding itself in the final season of the Buffy spin-off Angel, though the nature and structure of this new council is not explored. It is hinted that Giles serves as its new head, and it is known that he is training Andrew Wells as a Watcher.

Related Topics:
Quentin Travers - The First Evil - Angel - Giles - Andrew Wells

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In the comic Fray, set hundreds of years in the future, it is revealed that an unnamed Slayer succeeded in driving most, if not all, of the demons from the world, sacrificing herself in the process. When the demons and vampires return to Earth, a new Slayer (Melaka Fray) is called.

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The Watcher's Council in this era apparently retains the resources to locate Slayers. Melaka Fray is approached by her assigned Watcher, but rather than assist or train her, he immolates himself in front of her. Melaka is instead trained by a demon with an unspecified agenda, who advises her that the remaining Council consists of fanatics and fools.

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