Buffy’s Scrapped Spinoff Would Have Perfectly Blended Sherlock And Supernatural

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Around the early 2000s, fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer were intensely buzzing with rumors about potential new shows. After Angel became a hit in 1999, discussions about spinoffs filled online forums and entertainment news. Many ideas were considered, ranging from developed concepts to simple rumors, but one idea, in particular, seemed especially promising, even though it never became a reality.

Looking back at ideas for spinoffs of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, one concept stands out as particularly brilliant. It would have combined the dark, monster-hunting style of Supernatural with the complex, morally ambiguous themes of s. While both of those shows eventually became huge hits, this Buffy spinoff envisioned a similar blend years ahead of its time.

A planned spin-off series called Ripper would have focused on Rupert Giles (Anthony Head), Buffy’s Watcher, and revealed details about his difficult and enigmatic youth – the experiences that continued to affect him throughout Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Although Ripper never made it to air, the timing might have been off. With a Buffy reboot in development, now could be the perfect time to revisit the idea.

Ripper Was A Planned Buffy Spinoff About Young Giles

Buffy’s Most Mysterious Character Almost Got His Own Supernatural Detective Show

Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, first imagined Ripper in the early 2000s as a more realistic and gritty addition to the Buffyverse. The series would have followed Rupert Giles, the calm and knowledgeable Watcher who mentored Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) in her battles against evil.

A spin-off series focusing on a younger Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer would have shown a very different side of his character, revealing the troubled and complex man he used to be. While Buffy offered only brief hints about his past, a spin-off could have explored it fully. For example, the episode “The Dark Age” revealed that he was once known as “Ripper,” hinting at a wilder, more rebellious youth.

During this period, Giles wasn’t the calm, gentle librarian viewers grew to love. He was impulsive, defiant, and deeply involved with dangerous magical practices. Fans were captivated by this side of him, as it suggested a hidden world of British occult mysteries, a stark contrast to the everyday life of Sunnydale High.

Characters like Ethan Rayne on Buffy revealed more about Rupert Giles’s adventurous youth, portraying him as someone who once enjoyed taking risks and experimenting with dark magic. Episodes, such as “Band Candy” in season 3, demonstrated that despite his serious demeanor and scholarly appearance, Giles still possessed a playful, rebellious side.

It’s clear why Joss Whedon was excited about exploring his past with this story. The idea behind Ripper was to show a younger Giles, likely during or after college, when his interest in the occult started to become risky. Early descriptions painted it as a mix of supernatural mystery and psychological horror, leaning more towards the style of classic Hammer Horror films than the teen-focused tone of Buffy.

The show, Ripper, was designed to feel uniquely British, exploring themes of folklore, curses, and hidden magic within London’s streets. Set in the 1970s, it would have also had the style of a period drama, differentiating it from other shows within the Buffy universe.

Despite several efforts, the character of Ripper never actually appeared on screen. However, even the idea of Ripper demonstrated how complex and interesting Giles’s past was. He had the potential to be a fascinating antihero – a flawed man haunted by his past, possessing both knowledge and power – making Ripper a memorable missed opportunity in television history.

A Show About Young Giles Would Be Like Sherlock Meets Supernatural

Ripper Could Have Combined British Mystery With Supernatural Monster-Hunting Brilliance

Credit: MovieStillsDB

If it had been produced, Ripper could have come before popular shows like Sherlock and Supernatural, and even combined the strengths of both. The show was planned as a series where each episode featured a new supernatural case, but with a distinctly British feel. It would have been set in London and followed a young, troubled Giles as he investigated the occult, exploring mysteries rooted in folklore and mythology.

This show feels very similar to Supernatural, with two main characters tackling a new spooky case each week, all while a bigger, more personal story unfolds. However, Ripper would have approached things differently – through the eyes of a thoughtful, complex character who fully understood the power and consequences of magic.

The planned style and atmosphere of Ripper are very similar to Sherlock. Like the famous detective, the Ripper protagonist would be a brilliant but troubled investigator working in London to solve baffling cases. The character of Giles – intelligent, haunted by the past, and emotionally closed off – echoes Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, and his journey toward forgiveness and facing consequences would have added significant emotional depth to the story.

A series based on the ‘Ripper’ legend could have embraced the dark, atmospheric side of British folklore—full of ghost stories, haunted objects, and forgotten magic. Instead of taking place in typical American towns like Buffy, it could have been set in foggy streets, mysterious bookstores, and during secretive ceremonies. Imagine the thrilling tension of Supernatural, but with a uniquely British feel and the thoughtful, observant style of Sherlock.

Considering how popular shows like Supernatural and Sherlock eventually became worldwide, the potential of Ripper feels like a lost chance. It could have been a truly groundbreaking series, blending mystery, horror, and in-depth character development into something that would have lasted. Looking back, Ripper was simply ahead of its time.

It’s Not Too Late For The Ripper Spinoff

The Buffy Revival Could Finally Give Ripper The Resurrection It Deserves

Now that a new Buffy the Vampire Slayer series is in the works, fans are hoping to see the Buffyverse grow and reach a new audience. If the revival does well, it could lead to more shows, similar to how Angel started as a spin-off from Buffy back in 1999. Studio executives will likely be looking for other spin-off possibilities, and the character Ripper seems like a natural fit.

Since Ripper takes place before the original series, it wouldn’t be a problem to find a new actor to play Giles. A younger actor could show how Giles changed from a wild magic user into the dependable Watcher we know. With so many reboots and prequel shows doing well on streaming services now, Ripper might finally have the chance to be made the way it should have been twenty years ago.

Interest in shows that combine mystery and monster hunting is higher than ever. With popular series like Supernatural and Sherlock concluding, there’s a clear demand for intelligent, character-focused supernatural stories. A series based on the Ripper legends could fill this void, offering a clever, atmospheric, and historically rich supernatural mystery set in 1970s Britain.

It’s strange, but the fact that the Ripper series was put on hold in the early 2000s could actually be a good thing. The concept was ahead of its time, but now, with how stories are told today, larger streaming budgets, and fans wanting more from the Buffyverse, the timing is perfect. What once seemed like a lost chance might now become the most thrilling new chapter in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer story.

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2025-10-26 22:04