Buffy Revival Hints at Returning The First Evil as the Ultimate Villain

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In the upcoming sequel of the popular series, scheduled to stream on Hulu, enthusiasts can hardly wait for any updates about the show’s successor. It’s been confirmed that Ryan Keira Armstrong will play the lead role as a new slayer, but fans are curious to know who will take on the role of the main antagonist. Given the structure of its predecessor, this series might last for numerous seasons, each focusing on a different major villain. For now, it seems that the First Evil could be an ideal choice as the primary adversary at least for the first season.

In the Buffy series, the First was the most formidable antagonist, being the embodiment of evil itself. It wasn’t just powerful; it was indestructible in a sense, as it couldn’t be killed. The series finale left its fate ambiguous, so there’s room for speculation that the First Evil might reappear, perhaps with heightened awareness of the threat posed by a Slayer to its schemes. With a new Slayer emerging, the stage is set for the First Evil to potentially return, ready for another confrontation.

The Embodiment of Evil Exists in the World of Buffy

If you’re new to the series, the First Evil is an old and powerful entity in the Buffyverse that existed before humans, even older than demons and other ancient beings. As per Beljoxa’s Eye, a strong psychic source, the First Evil is so ancient it predates the universe itself. It’s often seen as both the originator of evil and the very idea of malevolence, inspiring countless beings to act evilly. What makes it chilling is that it doesn’t seek power or destruction; instead, its aim is to let evil spread more freely across the world. It triumphs when people commit more wicked acts, as it thrives on evil for its own sake. Essentially, the First Evil embodies evil without a specific purpose.

In simpler terms, the First began to dislike and strategize against Buffy Summers, who as the Slayer, consistently thwarted the First’s plans for evil to prevail. By the final season, the First aimed not only to destroy Buffy but also to go beyond that. When Buffy died and was resurrected in 2001, the magic guarding the Slayer line was slightly weakened, allowing the First to set a plan in motion to eliminate not just Buffy, but all potential slayers on Earth. This would permanently tilt the balance towards evil and give the First the power to manifest physically.

Initially, the Primordial Menace subtly influenced situations to dishearten Buffy and her companions while simultaneously growing its own forces with the aim of annihilating them definitively. However, thanks to Willow’s sorcery, Buffy conceived a brilliant plan: awakening numerous slayers at once, which enabled them to confront the menace’s army and destroy the Sunnydale Hellmouth. Although this action led to the town’s demise, it thwarted the Primordial Evil’s plans for world domination—temporarily, since such an ancient entity is not vanquished by merely raising an army of slayers. Instead, it possesses far greater power than that.

The First Evil in Buffy The Vampire Slayer Is Both Overwhelming & Subtle

Delving deeper into the essence of the First Evil strengthens the argument for its return as a future adversary in the upcoming series. As an ancient primordial force, the First Evil is one of Buffy’s oldest known foes and will remain so even after her time has passed. It represents not just a physical embodiment, but the very essence of evil itself. As long as there exists sin within humanity, demons, monsters, or anything malevolent, the First Evil will persist in some form. In fact, Beljoxa’s Eye foretold that the First Evil would outlive the universe itself.

Essentially, an idea can never truly perish; it may fade with those who know of it, but it persists and can resurface when someone else discovers it. However, the First Evil, being omniscient, is not without restrictions. It lacks a unique, physical form and instead relies on its followers to carry out its wishes. This makes sense because its existence and ultimate success depend on others propagating its wickedness. Consequently, the First Evil can bestow powers upon its adherents and even temporarily take control of them to accomplish its goals through them.

The First Evil had an unsettling ability to transform into various beings, whether human or not. It frequently employed this power to deceive Buffy and her companions, going so far as to persuade one of them to end their own life. This cunning manipulation was part of a broader strategy to psychologically undermine the Slayer and her allies in preparation for the final conflict, enhancing its chances against her. In essence, while it might resort to grandiose villainy for major tasks, the First Evil embodies all facets of malevolence, using deceit and subtlety to defeat its enemies.

The main issue lies in the delicate equilibrium between goodness and wickedness that has prevented it from manifesting physically for ages. Good and evil were in sync, making it impossible for one to overpower the other. Buffy’s revival altered the rules, allowing it a chance to disrupt this balance. However, as we saw with the closure of the Sunnydale portal to Hell, the First Evil can be wounded, albeit not permanently. Its loss of an army and the hellmouth caused it to become inactive for a while. But since it’s a fundamental part of existence itself, it can’t be eradicated; it will eventually reawaken.

How The First Evil Could Reappear in the Buffy Sequel

The exact duration is unclear, but if the upcoming storyline adheres to the real-time passage since the initial defeat of the First Evil, it has been given approximately twenty-two years to regain its strength and amass followers once more. This extended period would be sufficient for a powerful, ancient entity to rejuvenate its abilities and make another attempt on the slayer bloodline. Considering the narrative will revolve around a novice slayer with less power and skill than Buffy, the First Evil may have learned from past failures and opted for a different strategy – perhaps targeting associates before confronting the main threat directly. This could involve eliminating Buffy’s friends and students gradually until it can strike at her effectively.

Over time, it’s uncertain how its strategy for attack may have adapted. In the past two decades since its initial defeat, the world has undergone significant transformations, which could provide the First Evil with new sources of power, enabling it to manifest evil and corruption in innovative ways that were previously unattainable. However, one thing is certain: the First Evil does not shy away from inflicting pain. It relentlessly tormented Buffy and her allies, presenting them with formidable challenges and compelling them to make difficult decisions and sacrifices in order to momentarily contain it.

Bringing it back in the series will definitely increase the tension, causing both old and new fans to tremble with fear. For those who recall its past actions, the thought of its return is chilling. Fresh viewers will have the thrill of witnessing a real embodiment of evil living up to its reputation on Hulu. Even if it doesn’t initially play a direct role in the new series, The First Evil serves as the main antagonist across the entire franchise. If it doesn’t act as the primary antagonist for the first season, it should undeniably manipulate the obstacles faced by the new slayer from behind the scenes.

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2025-06-02 04:51