A First Glimpse of Dawn by Ellen Ross

From Suite101.com - July 11th, 2000

Faith hinted cryptically about "little sister" in one of Buffy's dreams. Tara told the Scooby gang, during the extended dream sequence in "Restless," to be "back before dawn."

"Little sister" is finally on her way.

The rumor that a new and much younger character will be added to the regular cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer has now been confirmed. Fourteen-year-old Michelle Trachtenberg (Harriet the Spy, Inspector Gadget) will join the fifth season regulars this fall as Dawn, who will have some mysterious abilities yet to be disclosed.

The gang all graduated from high school last year, and Buffy and Willow have now finished their first year of college. Do you think someone feared the main characters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer may be aging out of the early-teen demographic target zone?

The viewing audience of BtVS and Angel seems to be maturing, as are the heroes of these shows. Perhaps some might not consider that altogether a good thing. In fact, now that a number of first and second season BtVS episodes are available on videotape, it is easier than ever for the attentive viewer to see how much these characters have grown and changed, as people in real life tend to do.

So, enter Dawn.

If some of us are reminded painfully of the "de-aging" of the X-Men's Kitty Pryde, perhaps we should at least be grateful that none of the major cast members have been subjected to a permanent regression, a la "Band Candy." At least Joss Whedon is introducing a new character for the preteens to call their own, while allowing Buffy, Willow and Xander to continue living more or less adult lives.

Using a new character to appeal to the younger segment of the audience avoids reversing the growth of the established characters.

Dawn can bring us back to those earlier days of parental units who just don't understand when you've got to stay out late to save the world. As Xander might say, when he has a moment to talk in between his various menial jobs, "This is a good thing, right?"

But, ah.... what exactly is in those donuts, anyway?