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On Friday, news broke of the passing of actor Anthony Head at 72, best known for his portrayal of Watcher/father figure Rupert Giles on the supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Fans and former costars alike flooded social media with outpourings of appreciation for his talent and grief at his death.
Head certainly had a thriving career after Buffy: he played Uther Pendragon ins the series Merlin; the Prime Minister in Little Britain; a sinister headmaster in the Doctor Who episode “School Reunion”; and of course, the wealthy, entitled Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso. But Giles remains his definitive role; there was even talk of a spinoff series, Ripper, although it was never made.
There are actually very few Giles-centric episodes, which belies the central importance of the character in the series. He definitely had some of the best, most cleverly cutting lines. But Head’s true genius—and that of his character—lay in quietly filling in the gaps in every scene, working with his fellow castmates to weave a complete tapestry. Remove him, and it diminishes everything.
(Spoilers for Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series below.)
What better time to spend a few hours watching Buffy in Head’s honor? Should you want some suggestions, here are 10 of our favorite Giles moments, in chronological order. Feel free to weigh in with your own favorites in the comments.
Lie To Me (S2)
Credit:
20th Television/the WB
An old Los Angeles classmate of Buffy’s, Ford (Billy Fordham) transfers to Sunnydale High for his senior year, and reveals that he knows she is the Slayer. We soon learn Ford has an ulterior motive for seeking her out. He has joined a secret “Sunset Club” whose members have read too much Anne Rice and romanticized vampires, ignorant of the demonic vicious nature. Ford is not deluded, but he still approaches Spike (James Marsters) with a deal: Ford will deliver Buffy to Spike, and Spike in turn will turn Ford into a vampire. All the other club members will be killed.
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