teenagers and vampires

I just finished reading Twilight. Yes, that new book about a teenager in love with a vampire. Its not a bad book, in fact, for a light, quick read, its fairly entertaining. My problem is twofold. I read it waayy too slowly, and had time to think about it way too much. The other problem? Well, seasons of Buffy are down to $16 at Walmart. We're on season 3 already. Yep, Buffy and Angel have found each other. They did a whole lot of kissing in one of the episodes we watched tonight.

Twilight. This is probably the perfect book for a teenage escapist fantasy. It would have probably captured me as a teen in ways it just doesn't now. As I read it now, the teenagers seem insipid and shallow. Wait. So do most of the real teenagers I see every day at school. (not bad people, just... you know, inexperienced) Hmmm that may not be "bad" writing. The teens in Buffy are also insipid and shallow at times, but they are also witty and funny and they actually interact with grown-ups in a meaningful way from time to time.

Then there is the "chemestry" between the two couples. (We'll bet to the age difference thing in the next paragraph) In Twilight, Bella describes her vampire love in all manner of stoney and cold ways. This is supposed to be appealing? The vampires are just the most beau-ti-ful things around... not to mention rich and smart. But no one really pays attention to them??? How does that work? Only Bella can see their real beauty? There are no sycophants at that small high school? What is it about this nobody-from-a-big-town-that-moves-to-a-small-town that facinates the vampire? I find more and more that SAYING someone is attracted or irresistable to another just isn't doing it for me. Show me HOW and WHY they are sooo wonderful. In Buffy, we can at least see the attraction of power and power. The powerful vampire, able to easily slay most mortals if he chooses finds someone who would be more of a challenge. More of a "peer" at least in some way.

Then, there is the age issue. I get the whole We're-playing-to-the-market thing, and romance builds audience, so we will put the pedophile-ist issues of sex to the side here. Both of our contestants tonight are generally G-rated. What activities are the vampires and the mortals going to share together? At least Buffy and Angel could go on patrol together... solve the mystery and save the day. Poor Bella, she can watch the vampires be graceful, quick and clever. She can amuse them with her wit and her reactions... but how long can that last? forever? not.

SO. If you know a teenage girl, buy her Twilight. The whole series maybe. Then watch Buffy with her. THAT will be more fun. (For you, if not her.)