On Friday the news broke the step of actor antonio head at age 72, best known for his portrayal of Watcher/father figure Ruperto Giles about supernatural drama Buffy the vampire slayer. Fans and former co-stars alike flooded social media with expressions of gratitude for his talent and grief over his death.
Head certainly had a prosperous career after Buffy: he played Uther Pendragon in the series. Merlin; the Prime Minister in Little Britain; a sinister director in the doctor who episode “School Reunion”; and of course, the rich man, titled Rupert Mannion in Ted Lasso. But Giles remains his defining role; There was even talk of a spin-off series, Ripperalthough it was never realized.
There are actually very few episodes focused on Giles, which contradicts the character’s central importance to the series. He definitely had some of the best and cleverest lines. But Head’s (and his character’s) true genius was in quietly filling in the gaps in each scene, working with his co-stars to weave a complete tapestry. Take it away and everything will diminish.
(Spoilers for Buffy the vampire slayer TV series below.)
What better time to spend a few hours watching Buffy In honor of Head? If you want some suggestions, here are 10 of our favorite Giles moments, in chronological order. Feel free to weigh in with your favorites in the comments.
lie to me (T2)
Credit: 20th Television/WB
Credit: 20th Television/WB
Ford (Billy Fordham), an old classmate of Buffy’s from Los Angeles, transfers to Sunnydale High for his senior year and reveals that he knows she is the Slayer. We soon learn that Ford has an ulterior motive for searching for her. He has joined a secret “Sunset Club” whose members have read too much Anne Rice and romanticized vampires, ignorant of their demonic and vicious nature. Ford isn’t fooled, but he still approaches Spike (James Marsters) with a deal: Ford will hand Buffy over to Spike, and Spike, in turn, will turn Ford into a vampire. All other club members will be killed.
