The Willow Files Volume 2

FROM THE ARCHIVES (Buffy book reviews)

The Willow Files, Vol. 2

Novelization by Yvonne Navarro (2001) based on teleplays “Gingerbread” by Jane Espenson, “Doppelgangland” by Joss Whedon, and “Choices” by David Fury

RATING: 3/5 Stakes

SETTING: Season Three

CAST APPEARANCES: Buffy, Joyce, Giles, Willow, Amy, Oz, Sheila Rosenberg, The Mayor, Michael, Cordelia, Principal Snyder, Angel, D’Hoffryn, Anya, Percy, Faith, Wesley, Vamp Willow, Devon

BACK-OF-THE-BOOK SUMMARY: “Since the self-proclaimed ‘science nerd’ had the odd luck to fall in with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Willow Rosenberg has come into her own. As a member of the Scooby Gang, Willow used her skills as savvy ‘Net girl to help save the world on more than one occasion. But as time passed, Willow’s powers evolved from Web surfing to the limitless realm of magic. And with that change came some difficult life lessons. Willow has always longed for more parental guidance, but when Sunnydale’s adults are swept up in a witch hunt, Willow finds that her mother’s judgment really burns. And who knew that her forays into the black arts would bring her literally face-to-face with an alter ego ‘Old Reliable’ never imagined existed? Ultimately, though, when it comes time to take charge of her future, Willow realizes that whether it be as a computer hacker or Wicca extraordinaire, she can go further than she had ever dreamed . . . by staying right were she has been all along.”

REVIEW

The second volume of The Willow Files contains three strong Season Three episodes, one of which centers on Willow (“Doppelgangland”) and two where she has an important role (“Gingerbread” and “Choices”). Tying the episodes together are original diary entries written in Willow’s voice. Unfortunately, the entries aren’t written as well as they were in Volume 1: Willow comes off a bit too flippant and slangy, sounding too much like Xander or Buffy.

“Gingerbread” is one of the best stand-alone episodes from Season Three. When two young children are found murdered, occultists are suspected and an angry community group forms to root out all forms of witchcraft—Wiccans included. The story says something about how easy it is for well-intentioned people to wreak great harm.

“Doppelgangland” is another classic episode. When Anya recruits Willow’s help in casting a spell, a sexy, sadistic Vampire Willow from another dimension crosses over. We get to see a whole other side of the character in an episode that foreshadows the end of Season Six.

The last episode adapted, “Choices”, probably features the least amount of Willow. When Mayor Wilkins obtains one of the last items needed to prepare the way for his Ascension, Willow sneaks into City Hall to try to get it back. It’s a fine episode, but more of an ensemble piece.

Yvonne Navarro’s adaptations are straightforward and never stray from the episodes as filmed, but she does a good job keeping the original humor and action in written form. I’m not sure if anybody bothers to read the novelizations anymore given the widespread availability of these episodes on DVD, but this is a decent example of what they’re like.