You Have the Potential! [Blog #2 - BtVS]

Season 7, Episode 12 - "Potential"

Gender is a ubiquitous subject. Television shows (from any genre) contain countless images that discuss gender representation. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a firm example that furthers gender discussion; this television series endlessly discusses gender dynamics in every single episode and season. Specifically, "Potential" (S07E12) elevates the conversation of woman potential, a topic eloquently discussed. I am so excited to take y'all on this discussion with me. I hope y'all are prepared for a (literal) kicka$$ episode.

Figure #1: Dawn and Amanda entering
the classroom that Amanda
trapped the vampire in.

Aired on January 21st, 2003, "Potential" is rich in conversations about gender. To provide brief and concise summary: Buffy and the four Potential Slayers are fighting and training to elevate their abilities (as Potential Slayers). As the episode progresses, Dawn (Buffy's younger sister) is accidentally predicted as a new Potential Slayer. It is later revealed that Amanda (pictured in Figure #1 in a long white sleeve) is the actual new Potential Slayer.

Throughout the episode, Buffy accentuates the importance (to the Potential Slayers) that despite Buffy being the current Slayer, each one of them has the potential to be the 
Slayer after her. And they do. They each have the potential to be the Slayer. They each have the potential to be great, potential to not be helpless; all these women have potential. They must harness their potential for any possible future. Amanda recently discovers she is a Potential Slayer. Despite her having the Slayer potential, she only accepts this during a desperate moment in her life. While being chased by Bringers and a vampire inside Sunnydale High School, Dawn and Amanda are forced to fight for their lives. Amanda is never shown actively seeking combat. Prior to returning to Sunnydale with Dawn, Amanda has a quick first

Figure #2: Dawn telling Amanda
that she is special and with potential
to fight their enemies.

encounter with the vampire. Originally, 

Amanda planned to sew a broken article of clothing for her swing choir group. Quickly, she is attacked by a vampire. Not knowing she has the potential to fight the creature, she quickly locks him in a classroom and runs away. Amanda could not convince herself that she is able to fight something trying to kill her. Amanda (at first) even refuses the stake-like flag pole from Dawn to further fight their enemies, once they return to the school. Only through heavy reinforcement from Dawn does Amanda see her own potential. And guess what? Amanda can kick some a$$! She fights the Bringers and kills the vampire; she single-handedly kills the vampire. As a woman, Amanda is quick to dismiss her own capabilities. She is unreceptive to her own potential. Only when she basically 'snaps out of it' does she use her possessed potential.

Figure #3: Dawn handing off the
broken flag pole to Amanda
to fight the Bringers
and kill the vampire.

    From a superficial glance, Amanda is not readily accepted as a Potential Slayer. Her exterior image quickly detaches this expectation. Amanda's character juxtaposes a stereotypical idea of gender performance: she cannot be helpful, great, or substantial (a Potential Slayer) because of her outer appearance and  initial attitude. Amanda convinces herself that she is incapable of doing something outside of her realm of awareness, i.e. fighting the vampire and Bringers. The screenwriting of the show reinforces this for Amanda by her constant mentioning of the swing choir group. A swing choir is a performance group combining choral and dancing (and theatrical) elements. Do you imagine a Potential Slayer participating in a swing choir? I for sure did not. But Amanda proves me wrong. Amanda proves society wrong. Amanda proves Amanda wrong. Amanda has always owned her a$$-kicking potential. Prior to Amanda being discovered as a new Potential Slayer, Buffy literally vocalizes (to the other Potential Slayers): "You're right. You don't have slayer strength but that doesn't mean you're not not strong... You have the potential." Everyone will always have the potential. Amanda always owned the potential.

Figure #4: Amanda being readily welcomed
by Buffy's four other Potential Slayers.

Gender performance is a layered idea. Amanda performs (and conforms) to what she believes she can do: nothing and be helpless. However, this is invalid. Once she truly believes herself, once Dawn assists her in trusting herself, Amanda begins to perform her fullest capabilities. This lesson of untapped potential is vocal for our modern society. Everyone and anyone will always have the potential. No matter if you are scrawny and meek; no matter if you are afraid of failing; no matter if you think you cannot; no matter if you are a woman, everyone owns potential. Potential to be great, a powerful woman, and to never be helpless. Amanda is living proof of this potential. 


Source:

"Potential." Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 7. episode 12, UPN, 21st Jan. 2003. Hulu, https://www.hulu.com/watch/f8e05f71-cc33-44d8-a0b7-709e6214c138.

Figure #1 - https://www.tor.com/2014/01/20/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-rewatch-wouldnt-you-like-to-be-a-slayer-too/
Figure #2 - https://gfycat.com/gifs/tag/plmeme%5B1%5D
Figure #3 - https://www.tor.com/2014/01/20/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-rewatch-wouldnt-you-like-to-be-a-slayer-too/
Figure #4 - https://www.tor.com/2014/01/20/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-rewatch-wouldnt-you-like-to-be-a-slayer-too/