Vampires & Reflections: A Theory

[fitri]

I read this in the unofficial Buffy guidebook, Dusted. They have a theory on why sometimes we can see reflections of vampires. I'll quote that section from the book.

"Chiefly remembered for revamping Giles' character and introducing Ethan Rayne, Halloween more subtly weighs in on the when you can/can't see a vampire's reflection debate. Here, a vampire shows up on videocamera (the teaser in which Spike watches Buffy slays vampire) even though mirrors are used inside video cameras.

Now, although this is often cited as a goof, the Angel series establishes that vampires don't cast reflections because the demon inside can't bear to face itself. Ergo, the process might be a deliberate - if subconscious - "blanking" of the host-body's reflection rather than a built-in law of physics. That suggests that if the demon inside doesn't percieve a video camera as being reflective, the camera will function properly.

Which begs the question: Do vampires cast reflection in mirrors if nobody's watching (or if they do not notice the mirror)? If so, it explains why we can occasionally glimpse Angel's reflection in smooth surfaces through-out the series' run. Ditto Spike."

What do you think? Post your opinions here.

[vampmogs]

I actually think that's a fantastic idea really. Great 'fanwank' and a very interesting theory. I'd be happy to be on board with that one anyday.

[Charles]

I think I'll stick with dramatic/artistic license as it causes me fewer headaches.

[Weredog]

I think it's kinda cute that someone has made the effort to theorize as to why we sometimes see their reflections. I just accept the fact that the hardworking crew on "Buffy" make unintentional mistakes. Also, didn't Jane Espenson bring up the topic of the video camera in "Storyteller"?

[Nina]

I really like the idea behind the theory ... but the theory doesn't fit.

We saw a photograph in Ats where Cordelia, Wesley and Angel are smiling at the camera, Angel knows about the camera and he is still on the photo.

In Pylea Angel can see himself in the mirror, if the demon was scared to show himself, it would do that everywhere ... or it is a psychological thing, but if that is the case; Angel should've seen himself in the mirror when he lost his memories in Spin the Bottle. But he didn't.


I'm afraid that we are stuck with the 'the crew made mistakes' reason.

[Retrograde]

We saw a photograph in Ats where Cordelia, Wesley and Angel are smiling at the camera, Angel knows about the camera and he is still on the photo.

Yes but would Angel perceive the camera as a mirror? If not, then that is perfectly plausible.

In Pylea Angel can see himself in the mirror, if the demon was scared to show himself, it would do that everywhere ... or it is a psychological thing, but if that is the case; Angel should've seen himself in the mirror when he lost his memories in Spin the Bottle. But he didn't.

Both very true. I was ready to fight the point because I think it's an excellent theory! But these are pretty undeniable. In general theory though I agree with the idea.

[Revan]

Have to say it. Sounds like a good theory but what should've happened IMO is that they stuck with the normal explanation. That a reflection reflects your soul and a vampire has none therefore no reflection. That is traditional vampiric legend.

It's a good explanation that we'll have to go with to spare the Cameramen of Buffy and Angel their Blushes.

[fitri]

Wait, I've just discovered something that will blow this case wide open!

...

How the hell did all those vampires appear on our TV screens if they shouldn't've appeared in a camera at all?!?!?!




!!!

Oh but then again, you could've used that "they don't perceive a mirror in it" card...

Ok, wer'e back to square one.

[ThePoet's<3]

I liked the Moonlight explanation of camaras and VCR/DVR - since the invention of digital carmaras and the like Vampires could be caught in the occasional picture of video.

Otherwise I'll go with the - "it's hard to track down every shadow and reflection".

[Gibbs505]

I am in the middle of reading the origional "Dracla"! He did not have a reflection and could not stand mirrors! Hated them in fact! Smashed Jonothan Harkers mirror when he found it.

[kassyopeia]

Have to say it. Sounds like a good theory but what should've happened IMO is that they stuck with the normal explanation. That a reflection reflects your soul and a vampire has none therefore no reflection. That is traditional vampiric legend.

Clearly doesn't work for the Buffyverse though. Vampires with souls do not reflect, non-vampiric soulless demons do reflect (here's hoping someone can think of an example to back this up, I'm drawing a blank at the moment).

[Nina]

Angel has sometimes a reflection (City of ..., in the water or on a photograph -I don't buy that Angel doesn't know about the mirrors in a camera-) and sometimes he hasn't (Out of Mind, Out of Sight ... Spin the Bottle.) This is enough prove that it's not a soul/soulless matter I guess ...

I think that there is no theory or fanwank that can cover this.

[AlienEeeter]

A lot of vampire stories will disregard one thing or another when it comes to traditional vampires. Anne Rice did it (coffins and sunlight are the only thing she kept). The Lost Boys did it ("Garlic don't work, boys"). It's very common. I mean, buffy vampires can't turn into bats or wolves (except Dracula of course). It probably would have been wise to eliminate reflections from the get-go and not have to worry about it.

It can be added that Dracula set the precedent for modern vampires. There's lots of vampire folklore that a lot of writers never use. A big one is that vampires are obsessive compulsive, so if you sleep with newspaper all over the floor the vampire would have to read every word before he could attack you, or if you scattered seed behind you when you walked a vampire would have to pick them all up first. The X-files used this in one ep--the vampire had to untie his victims shoes before he could attack them.

[kassyopeia]

It probably would have been wise to eliminate reflections from the get-go and not have to worry about it.

I dunno. Personally, I find that the no-reflection gimmick adds a lot more to the story universe than the occasional production goof in this respect takes away from it.

[Retrograde]

A big one is that vampires are obsessive compulsive, so if you sleep with newspaper all over the floor the vampire would have to read every word before he could attack you, or if you scattered seed behind you when you walked a vampire would have to pick them all up first. The X-files used this in one ep--the vampire had to untie his victims shoes before he could attack them.

I never knew this - fascinating! I wonder where this came from, possibly something about the whole 'ritual' feel of drinking blood, that everything has to be perfect?

[kassyopeia]

I wonder where this came from

Really good question, I googled for half an hour but couldn't find anything on the origins of that part of the mythology. It seems to be rooted deeply in generic folklore, at any rate, any may well be linked with the superstitions of throwing salt over ones shoulder and rice at newlyweds to ward off bad luck.