Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The First Evil’s Powers & Origin Explained – Screen Rant

Buffy the Vampire Slayers First Evil is by far the most dangerous villain that Buffy faces due to its eternal nature and vast abilities.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer features some fantastic villains over the course of its run, and the First Evil is by far the most powerful Big Bad with a very intimidating backstory and array of abilities at its disposal.

Many different forms of media tell unique vampire stories, but the work done with Joss Whedons Buffy the Vampire Slayer was transformative not just for the bloodthirsty undead, but for televisions ability to explore the horror genre and supernatural serialized storytelling. Buffy ran for seven seasons, launched a very successful spin-off, and has continued to see a healthy life in comic books. Buffy has covered a lot of territory, but the series villains are still incredibly memorable antagonists.

Related: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Why There Are No Male Slayers

Buffy built a reputation with how each of its seasons would showcase a new Big Bad of increasing intensity. Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been able to tackle everything from ancient vampires, to government super soldiers, and even literal Gods, but Buffy season 7goes even bigger for its swan song. Thefinal season features the First Evil as its main antagonist, which tests Buffy and her gang more than ever before.

The First Evil is said to be the embodiment of all of the wickedness in the universe; its an ancient malevolent force thats existed before the birth of the universe and will likely exist even after humanity has ended, since its impossible to just erase evil. The First Evils rise for power in Buffy the Vampire Slayerseason 7is triggered by Buffys second resurrection, which created an imbalance not only in the Slayer line, but also with the grander forces of good and evil. The First Evil seizes this opportunity to completely eliminate the concept of Slayers and, as a result, gain corporeal form or the ability to inhabit any living entity. The First Evil attacks in full force in season 7, but it first launched its plan back in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 3, episode 10, "Amends". The First Evil takes the form of many of Angelus past victims, including Jenny Calendar, as a way to taunt Angel into killing Buffy or take his own life. The plan isnt successful, but sets the precedent for the First Evils powers and scope when it returns.

The First Evils major strength is that it can take the form of anyone whos died, which includes not only vampires, but also Buffy herself. The First Evil also gains the memories of those it mimics, which it allows it to masterfully manipulate and psychologically attack its prey. The First Evil can even plant brainwashing triggers in peoples minds, like what it temporarily does to Spike. Since the First Evil is non-corporeal, its biggest disadvantage is that it needs the help of others to do its bidding. This is seen with the Harbingers of Death, humans who the First Evil has corrupted and forced to commit rituals of self-mutilation. The First Evil also has control over the Turok-Han, a race of ancient vampires who are instrumental in the Battle at the Hellmouth. The First Evil uses Caleb, a murderous and deranged preacher, to lead these minions in their mission to eliminate the Slayers.

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Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The First Evil's Powers & Origin Explained - Screen Rant