Riley Finn, Buffy’s college boyfriend, returns in Season Six, adding a surprising and emotionally charged chapter to her post-resurrection life. His reappearance in the episode “As You Were” forces Buffy to confront her insecurities and evolving understanding of relationships.
Riley’s Unexpected Return: A Closer Look at “As You Were”
“As You Were,” the 15th episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s sixth season, marks Riley Finn’s unexpected return to Sunnydale. His presence throws Buffy into a state of turmoil, forcing her to grapple with the profound changes she’s undergone since her death and resurrection. This episode isn’t just about a former flame’s reappearance; it’s a critical juncture in Buffy’s emotional journey as she navigates the complexities of her identity and her relationships in the aftermath of trauma.
The episode starts with a seemingly routine demon patrol for Buffy and the Scooby Gang. However, things quickly escalate when they encounter a genetically engineered demon created and weaponized by the Initiative – Riley’s former employer. This encounter leads to a reunion between Buffy and Riley, who is now working for a covert, specialized military unit hunting similar bio-engineered threats.
Riley isn’t alone; he’s accompanied by his wife, Sam, who is equally capable and confident. This dynamic immediately highlights the differences between Riley’s past relationship with Buffy and his current life. Buffy witnesses Riley’s evolution and his secure relationship, which starkly contrasts with her own struggles and the tumultuous dynamics within the Scooby Gang.
The episode then unfolds as Buffy and Riley collaborate to track down the remaining bio-engineered demons. Throughout the investigation, unresolved feelings and unspoken resentments resurface. Buffy questions her self-worth and insecurities, feeling inadequate in comparison to Sam. Riley, in turn, confronts his own idealized memories of Buffy and the challenges they faced during their relationship.
“As You Were” doesn’t offer a simple resolution. Instead, it provides a nuanced exploration of change, growth, and the enduring impact of past relationships. Both Buffy and Riley gain a new understanding of themselves and each other, acknowledging the distance that has grown between them and ultimately accepting the paths they have chosen. The episode is emotionally resonant because it deals with realistic feelings of regret, inadequacy, and the bittersweet acceptance of moving on.
Understanding Riley’s Character Arc
Riley’s presence on Buffy was divisive for many fans, and his return in Season Six offers a valuable opportunity to re-evaluate his character arc and his role in Buffy’s life.
From Idealistic Soldier to Confident Operative
When Riley first appeared in Season Four, he represented a sense of stability and normalcy in Buffy’s increasingly chaotic life. He was a dedicated soldier, committed to fighting evil in a structured and predictable manner. However, as their relationship progressed, Riley struggled with Buffy’s extraordinary power and the unique demands of her Slayer duties.
His departure in Season Five stemmed from his feelings of inadequacy and his need to feel valued and needed. By Season Six, Riley has transformed into a seasoned operative, working for a specialized unit and possessing a newfound confidence and self-assuredness. This evolution is crucial to understanding his return in “As You Were.” He’s no longer the insecure young man who couldn’t reconcile Buffy’s strength with his own limitations. He’s found his place and his purpose, and his relationship with Sam reflects this newfound stability.
Riley as a Foil to Buffy’s Journey
Riley’s return also serves as a foil to Buffy’s own journey of self-discovery. While Riley has found stability and purpose outside of Sunnydale, Buffy is grappling with the existential crisis of being resurrected and the challenges of providing for Dawn. Seeing Riley’s success highlights Buffy’s own perceived failures and insecurities. It forces her to confront the fact that her life hasn’t followed the conventional path and that she’s still struggling to find her place in the world.
FAQs About Riley’s Return
Here are some frequently asked questions that address common uncertainties surrounding Riley Finn’s reappearance in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
1. Why did Riley leave Buffy in the first place?
Riley left Buffy because he felt insecure and inadequate in their relationship. He struggled with Buffy’s power and the unique demands of her Slayer duties. He also sought validation and a sense of purpose, which he felt he wasn’t receiving from their relationship. He ultimately felt he needed to find a place where he was valued for his own abilities.
2. Is Riley still in the military when he returns in Season Six?
Yes, Riley is still working for a specialized military unit that hunts bio-engineered threats. He’s no longer with the Initiative, which was shut down at the end of Season Four. He’s now part of a more covert and sophisticated operation.
3. Who is Sam, Riley’s wife?
Sam is Riley’s wife, and she is a strong, capable, and intelligent woman who is also part of his military unit. She is portrayed as confident and secure, which contrasts with Buffy’s insecurities during this period.
4. How does Buffy react to seeing Riley with Sam?
Buffy is initially shocked and insecure when she sees Riley with Sam. She feels inadequate and questions her own self-worth, comparing herself to Sam’s apparent strength and confidence. This encounter triggers a period of self-reflection for Buffy.
5. What is the significance of the bio-engineered demons in the episode?
The bio-engineered demons serve as a plot device to bring Buffy and Riley back together. They are also a reminder of Riley’s past involvement with the Initiative and the ethical implications of their experiments. The hunt for these demons forces Buffy and Riley to confront their unresolved feelings and work together one last time.
6. Does Buffy rekindle her relationship with Riley during his visit?
No, Buffy does not rekindle her relationship with Riley. The episode serves as a closure for their past relationship. Both Buffy and Riley realize that they have grown and moved on in different directions. They accept the distance that has grown between them and acknowledge the paths they have chosen.
7. Does Spike show any reaction to Riley’s return?
Yes, Spike is visibly jealous and possessive when Riley returns. Spike’s intense feelings for Buffy are evident, and he sees Riley as a threat to his chances with her. This jealousy is a recurring theme throughout Season Six as Spike struggles to control his possessiveness.
8. What is the overall message of the episode “As You Were”?
The overall message of “As You Were” is about change, growth, and the enduring impact of past relationships. It explores the themes of insecurity, self-worth, and the bittersweet acceptance of moving on. The episode suggests that people can grow and evolve, and that past relationships can shape who they become, even if they don’t last.
9. Is Riley ever mentioned again after this episode?
Riley is mentioned briefly in later episodes, but he does not make another physical appearance in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series. His character’s story is effectively concluded in “As You Were.” He appears in the Buffy comics, offering further insights into his post-Sunnydale life.
10. How did the show’s writers decide to bring Riley back for this episode?
The writers likely brought Riley back to provide closure for Buffy’s relationship with him and to explore her emotional state after her resurrection. Riley’s return serves as a catalyst for Buffy to confront her insecurities and re-evaluate her life choices. It also allows the writers to highlight the changes she has undergone since their relationship ended.
11. Was Marc Blucas, the actor who played Riley, happy with his character’s return?
While Marc Blucas hasn’t made explicit statements regarding his happiness with the storyline, interviews suggest he understood the purpose of Riley’s return and appreciated the opportunity to provide closure to the character’s arc. He has acknowledged the mixed reactions Riley received from fans, recognizing the character’s complexities.
12. How does Riley’s reappearance affect Buffy’s relationship with Spike moving forward?
Riley’s reappearance intensifies the dynamic between Buffy and Spike. It forces Buffy to confront her feelings for Spike, which are complicated by her ambivalence towards him. Spike’s jealousy and possessiveness become more pronounced, further complicating their relationship. Ultimately, Riley’s presence pushes Buffy to acknowledge the undeniable connection she has with Spike, despite her reservations.