This ‘controversial' Buffy episode was replaced on TV with two hours' notice
The fantasy drama series began in 1997 on the US channel The WB and quickly became one of the most popular TV shows for teenagers and young adults. Its popularity has stood the test of time, too, with a reboot now in the works.
It followed high school student Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), a 'slayer' who was tasked with protecting the citizens of Sunnydale from dark supernatural forces while balancing her studies.
By the end of season 3, Buffy and her friends Xander (Nicholas Brendon) and Willow (Alyson Hannigan) had completed their final year of high school and were ready to graduate.
However, their plans for final year are disrupted by The Mayor (Harry Groener), Sunnydale's initially unassuming mayor who has secretly been enabling the town's evil supernatural phenomena all along.
Things come to a head when the Mayor plans to unveil his demon form—a giant serpent—and unleash evil on graduation day at Sunnydale High School during his keynote speech.
Part one of Graduation Day, the 22nd episode of season three, had already been broadcast on May 18 to more than five million people, with the exciting conclusion set for broadcast a week later on May 25.
The WB's plans started to change a month earlier, on April 20, 1999, when 17-year-old Dylan Klebold and 18-year-old Eric Harris perpetrated the Columbine High School massacre.
Using high-powered rifles and homemade explosives, Klebold and Harris killed 13 students at the Colorado school, injuring 23 others, before turning their guns on themselves.
The emotional, political, and cultural impact of Columbine was wide-reaching, with the United States in a state of shocked mourning for weeks afterwards.
Its impact is still felt today and is referred to as 'the Columbine effect'.
During Graduation Day Part Two, Buffy arms Sunnydale's students with weapons (including guns and flamethrowers) to defeat The Mayor, with the school eventually being blown up to destroy his demon form.
Naturally, The WB was nervous about broadcasting an episode that depicted a full-scale battle on school grounds so soon after Columbine and pulled the episode just two hours before its premiere.
An older episode of Buffy was broadcast instead—the decision was mocked by comedy skits on The Daily Show, with host Jon Stewart suggesting a new title for Buffy: The Vampire Inconveniencer.
Buffy actor Seth Green questioned the decision, saying: 'It would have seemed really callous and inappropriate. But the actual episode has nothing to do with school violence. It's a red herring in the story.
'The simple fact is, this is a topical issue. It's a growing problem, and Colorado isn't the only place it's happened. We just don't want to think these things happen, but they happen all the time.'
Heathers (2018) The Heathers reboot series, inspired by the 1988 film starring Winona Ryder, got off to a rocky start in 2018 when it was pulled off the air not once but twice as a result of a mass shooting. Two episodes were pulled from TV schedules after 11 people were killed in a shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA.
Mr Robot (2015) Rami Malek series Mr Robot had its season one finale, titled Zero Day, postponed for a week after news reporter Alison Parker and her camera operator Adam Ward were both shot dead in Moneta, VA. The Mr Robot episode featured a character taking their own life on live TV.
Friends (2001) Friends had to completely change Monica and Chandler's honeymoon after the 9/11 attacks in New York. Their story originally saw Chandler questioned by authorities after joking that he'd brought a bomb into an airport. This was replaced by the storyline in which Monica and Chandler find themselves falling foul of a lucky couple also on their honeymoon.
FBI (2022) Cop drama FBI had one of its major episodes urgently pulled from TV schedules after a school shooting in Texas. 21 people, many of whom were children aged between nine and 11, were killed in the small city of Uvalde. FBI was to feature a fictional school shooting in its season four finale, which was postponed.
Active Shooter (2017) An episode of the eight-part 2017 documentary series Active Shooter: America Under Fire was pulled from TV after the Route 91 Harvest shooting in Las Vegas. 60 people were killed, making it the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in US history. FBI episodes continued as normal a week later.
A WB spokesperson added: 'Although financially we'd have every reason to run the episode, we think the timing is bad. We want everyone who'll be out wearing caps and gowns to remain safe.'
Graduation Day Part 2 was eventually broadcast on this weekend in July 1999, two months later, and is regarded as one of the strongest episodes of the entire Buffy series. More Trending
The season 3 finale wasn't the first Buffy episode to be affected by Columbine, however, with season 3's Earshot only broadcast in September 1999 after originally being slated for an April release.
In Earshot, Buffy—briefly given the gift and curse of telepathy—begins hearing the thoughts of others and has to track down somebody who is planning to kill students at Sunnydale.
Eventually, the prospective killer is found while assembling a rifle in a clock tower, although it is later revealed that he was only intending to shoot himself rather than any students.
View More »
Watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Disney Plus.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Ghost legend Patrick Swayze was 'the 10th choice' for iconic 90s movie
MORE: Amazon Prime fans beat the heat and binge 'best sci-fi series in years'
MORE: WWE fans raging over icon's 'disgraceful' retirement speech after 28-year career
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
3 hours ago
- Time Out
Lollapalooza streets closures have kicked off for next week's fest—what Chicago drivers should know
The Windy City's biggest and arguably most fun summer music festival is nearly here, which means that street closures are already underway. Whether you're partaking in the fun at Lollapalooza's four-day festival, or you're just trying to get to work in the most efficient and quick way possible, here's what you need to know for the coming weeks. From Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, August 3, Grant Park will be the hub for all-things music…and crowds. Headliners, drawing loads of concertgoers, include Tyler, the Creator, Rüfüs Du Sol, Luke Combs, and Olivia Rodrigo. (And, yes, we're excited!) Of course, what this also means is that many downtown streets will close well ahead of the festival, making it difficult to get around if you don't plan ahead. The first thing you should know is that some streets have already began their closures to vehicular and pedestrian traffic—Balbo Drive from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive closed on July 16. More street closures are planned for the following dates and locales: July 22—August 9: Jackson, from Columbus to Dusable Lake Shore Drive July 28—August 4: Balbo, from Michigan to Columbus July 28—August 4: Jackson, from Michigan to Columbus July 28—August 4: Columbus, from Monroe to Roosevelt July 28—August 4: Columbus (Northbound), from 13 th Street to Roosevelt July 28—August 4: Congress Plaza Dr, from Michigan to Columbus July 30—August 4: Monroe, from Michigan to Dusable Lake Shore Drive Street closures are expected as well, including the following: July 29—August 3: Michigan, from Jackson to 11 th St. Bridge July 16—August 10: Balbo (both sides), from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive July 16—August 8: Columbus (Northbound side), from Roosevelt to Ida B Wells July 21—August 9: Columbus (Southbound side), from 9 th St. Yard to S. Ida B. Wells July 21—August 9: Jackson (both sides), from Coumbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive July 23: DuSable Lake Shore Drive (Northbound side), from Monroe to Roosevelt July 19 and July 21—August 9: Monroe (Eastbound side), from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive July 26—August 9: DuSable Lake Shore Drive (Southbound side), from Monroe to Roosevelt July 28—August 4: Balbo (both sides), from Michigan to Columbus July 28—August 4: Jackson (both sides), from Michigan to Columbus July 28—August: Congress Plaza Dr, from Michigan to Columbus July 26—July 27: Congress Plaza Dr. (Westbound & Eastbound side), from Michigan to Columbus July 28—August 5: Columbus (both sides), from Monroe to Roosevelt Additional closures to know about: The Grant Park Dog Park will be closed from now through August 9. However, a temporary dog park will be available for your furry friends southeast of the skate park. The park's tennis and pickle ball courts will also close from July 27—August 5.
Metro
5 hours ago
- Metro
Classic film considered 'coolest of all time' is now streaming for free
Fans who are lovers of the best classic movies are in for a treat as a film considered one of the coolest ever made is now streaming for free. Starring iconic Hollywood actors Paul Newman and Robert Redford, 1969 flick Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is currently available to watch at no cost on BBC iPlayer. The top-grossing film of its year, the Western buddy movie went on to be nominated for seven Oscars, including best picture and director, winning four. There is literally a Reddit thread titled 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – coolest film ever?' where fans discussed its appeal, so don't take it just from me. Helmed by George Roy Hill (who also directed Newman and Redford in 1973's The Sting) and written by Academy Award winner William Goldman, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid follows the titular members of the outlaw Hole-in-the-Wall gang in 1899 Wyoming. They flee to Bolivia after a train robbery gone wrong with Sundance (Redford)'s lover Etta Place (Katharine Ross), attempting to go straight for the first time after struggling to rob banks in Spanish – but a posse is in hot pursuit. 'It's a classic, and I don't use that term lightly,' shared John W in an audience review on Rotten Tomatoes, while Jamie X posted: 'A beautiful film in every way. The cinematography, characters, story and soundtrack, are all on another level. I simply can't recommend enough.' 'This western movie had it all. Fast action, comedy, whimsical, intense [sic.] intrigue and fast gun play with two of the most dynamic male actors of their time,' added Edward B. Redford, 88, largely retired from acting in 2018, having also appeared in the likes of The Great Gatsby, All the President's Men and Out of Africa, as well as a stint in Marvel Cinematic Universe as Alexander Pierce. He was nominated for best actor and best director twice each at the Academy Awards, winning for his filmmaking in 1980 for Ordinary People, his directorial debut. Newman died in September 2008 aged 83 after a career that saw him nominated for 10 acting Oscars, winning best actor for The Colour of Money in 1987. He also starred in movies including Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Road to Perdition. 'Everything I wanted in a movie is here,' enthused another fan, while Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was also praised as 'the ultimate buddy movie' and a 'classic Western that I just never get tired of watching'. 'Redford and Newman at it again. If you don't love Butch and Sundance, then you don't love cinema,' insisted another lover of the movie. Many cinema fans have intense nostalgia around the film as well, remembering first watching it upon its release decades ago. 'One of the best, a film from my childhood I've had the pleasure of discovering again as an adult,' shared Robin Sattahip on Google, while Ray Moore shared: 'I watched this wonderful movie the week it was released and fell in Love with K. Ross as well with R.R. and Paul whom [sic.] I was already a fan. I have seen it so many times.' Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid appears in multiple AFI lists, including ranking 73rd in the institute's 10th anniversary edition of their 100 Years… 100 Movies list of greatest American films. More Trending Based on real-life figures in the Old West, the film is famous too for its anachronistic use of the very 1960s Burt Bacharach and Hal David song Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head. It's also preserved by the Library of Congress in the United States National Film Registry by for its 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant' status. Other stone-cold classic films currently available to watch on iPlayer include The Shining, Don't Look Now and John Wayne classic Western The Searchers. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is streaming for free in the UK on BBC iPlayer now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: BBC denies editing Irish verse out of CMAT song after backlash MORE: Danny Dyer wants to play Doctor Who – here's why we should let him MORE: The Celebrity Traitors 'confirmed' cast salaries make me feel incredibly uneasy
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
BBC radio star to pursue very different career after quitting station and slamming bosses for ‘treating staff like pets'
He first spoke out about the BBC a year ago bbc-ya BBC radio star to pursue very different career after quitting station and slamming bosses for 'treating staff like pets' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A VETERAN BBC radio presenter is having a major career change after quitting and accusing the Corporation of "treating staff like pets". Nihal Arthanayake, 54, had worked at the BBC for 23 years and was known for interviewing some of the biggest names in the country from Billy Connolly to Elton John. 3 BBC radio presenter Nihal Arthanayake has quit the station after 23 years Credit: PA 3 Nihal slammed BBC bosses and will now pursue a career in stand-up comedy Credit: Instagram Now the radio presenter is swapping his broadcasting microphone for a stage one and, this weekend, will make his debut as a stand-up comedian. Nihal didn't leave the Beeb without causing a stir, sharing feedback from another employee who told him that BBC managers treat staff "like pets," he has fired more shots at the Beeb. 'I couldn't be happy there any more,' he told The Times in an interview. 'I do feel that the BBC is in an existential crisis, especially BBC News.' Nihal admitted he would "get myself into trouble" for airing his grievances about the BBC so publicly, but does not think the broadcaster's alleged issues "can be solved with the current leadership." "I don't think they're fit for purpose. BBC News is ultimately at the heart of the BBC's trust — no one's looking at impartiality with [The] Traitors or Strictly Come Dancing," he told the newspaper. "Its trust derives from its ability to communicate truth and hold power to account, and it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt when it comes to the BBC's coverage of Israel and Gaza it has failed to do that.' Nihal shared an image of the newspaper article to his Instagram account where he expanded on his thoughts about his former employer. "I want the BBC to be better. Under the current leadership... I cannot see that happening," his post caption began. "At the weekend someone at 5Live told me how monocultural it still is and how their concerns are either ignored or management call for another meeting, and nothing much happens." TV star slams BBC for treating staff 'like pets' saying 'I'm leaving in September' Nihal's bold claims come about a year after he publicly called out the BBC about the lack of diversity and, in June, declared nothing much had changed in the past 12 months. Nihal said: "So today I walked into the BBC building in Salford and I was struck yet again, not for the first time, just how few black and Asian people work in that building and one thing that people have to understand is that when you walk into an environment where you just don't see anybody that looks like you, that has an effect. "Since I called them out on it, well over a year ago, it seems like ain't a damn thing changed." He captioned it: "I remember calling out BBC North on the lack of diversity in the building I worked in. "I remember speaking to some of the black and Asian people who worked there and I kept hearing how isolating it was for them (not all obviously). "It just struck me again today. "It also reminded why I I'll be leaving in September. Have pondered whether to press 'share' on this, but as I am leaving anyway." A BBC spokesperson said at the time: 'We're sorry if anyone feels this way, as creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong is a big priority for us and we know we have further to go. "Whilst we're proud of the diversity of the BBC, we remain committed to continuing to build a workforce that fully reflects and represents the whole of the UK.'
