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Family Values

© Ellen Ross

Raise your hand if you're beginning to find that all the evil fathers in Joss Whedon's universe are getting just a little tedious. You too?

For those who have not yet seen the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" episode "Family," aired in the U.S. on November 7, 2000, I will refrain from discussing Tara's secret in detail, except to mention that it involves yet another malevolent and deceptive father. Of course, the episode would not have been complete without a slam at the absent Hank Summers as well.

Then, in the next hour, the "Angel" episode "Guise Will Be Guise," featured a new damsel in distress, and wouldn't you know that her troubles would also involve a father with a dark secret of his own?

Joss, this is getting old.

Didn't we just see a survivor of father-daughter incest on the "Angel" episode "Untouched," and haven't we already heard hints (in last season's "Angel" episode "I've Got You Under My Skin") that Wesley was terrorized by his father? Last season's "Angel" episode "The Prodigal" centered around Angel and Kate's 'father issues.' Recently on "Buffy," we have seen (and heard) more of the long-hinted abuse that has been going on for years in the Harris household. It seems that just about every major character on "Buffy" and "Angel," and many of the guest and recurring characters as well, must be a victim of an abusive or neglectful father.

There's nothing wrong with the concept of a family of choice, and nothing wrong with pointing out that sometimes friends can be more protective and supportive than biological families. But the audience doesn't need to be hit over the head any more with the concept that families of origin (and especially fathers) are the root of all evil. We've been there, we've done that, and it's time to move on.

So, excuse me, while I turn off the show to play my DVD of "Frequency." I'll let Dennis Quaid remind me that fathers aren't always the problem. Sometimes they can even be part of the solution. Joss, are you watching?