Buffy’s Xander Chats You Up!
This week, Nicholas Brendon and Emma Caulfield gave us the lowdown on all things Sunnydale, as Buffy the Vampire Slayer finally comes to an end. They dished on everything from their best and worst moments to the possibility of guest spots and what lies ahead.
Hey everyone, Nicholas Brendon is here! Parting is such bitter, awful to the tip of our toes sorrow. But this should help.
From Diane: Hi, Nick! Was it a challenge to act one-eyed?
Nick: It wasn’t a challenge except for bumping into things. My depth perception was a tad off. The patch was easier than wearing the big turban, because I could take the eye patch off.
From Sarita: Who is the more high-maintenance partner, Cordy or Anya?
Nick: Probably in terms of love, it was Anya. But in terms of style, it was Cordy.
From Nina: Xander nabbed all the best Kleenex-worthy scenes this year. Any chance we’ll see him on Angel next year?
Nick: No. Zero chance. There’s no reason because Angel and Xander were never friends. I tried, but Joss said no. [Laughs.]
From Janet: Are you sorry that a romance between Xander and Buffy never took place?
Nick: No, because it just didn’t make sense. Buffy’s character seemed to gravitate toward things she didn’t have. I was ready and willing!
From Emily: I’m going to miss Xander so much, he was the “everyman.” Any possibility of seeing the Xander-Anya Comedy Hour anytime soon?
Nick: I don’t think so — no! No variety show in the works. Of course, unless I’m approached. Then everything changes.
From buffyfanforever: What will you miss most about your character and doing the show?
Nick: I guess I will miss his innocence and passion and grace. And I’ll miss working with everyone I worked with for seven years.
From scoobydooby: What has it been like to work with Sarah and Alyson for seven years?
Nick: It’s been great. Awesome. Fantastic.
From angelasg: Fox is auctioning off some great mementos. Did you keep anything from the set?
Nick: We all had each other sign our scripts and write messages, kind of like a yearbook. Everyone wrote something pretty magical. And I had the cast sign my eye patch, which is one of a kind!
From katefromatlanta: Is the Scooby Gang as tight-knit in real life as they are onscreen?
Nick: It’s a TV show and we’re all fantastic friends. I’m married, Alyson’s about to be married, Tony is married and lives in England. But in a sense, we’re closer because this is real life, and Scooby life is pretend life.
From rachelgibson: I’ve been a fan of the show from the beginning, and I was so pleased to see the characters evolve over the years. What do you think was Xander’s biggest change, and how did you tackle it as an actor?
Nick: I think he changed at a normal rate. His change was natural. It was kind of easy for me to play the changes. High school, moving out of the house, getting a job. The “Zeppo” episode was big for Xander — that was a defining moment, but everything else was very natural.
From jenlynnj: Now that you know the fate of your Fox sitcom, are there any plans for the future?
Nick: I would love to do a sitcom and play some different film characters. I think that I’m lucky because I haven’t quite been defined yet as an actor, which is nice. I would really love to do a sitcom!
From Trinity: How tough was it for you, and the rest of the cast and crew, to shoot the final episode?
Nick: It was hard. Sarah was wrapped first…the day before I was. There were a lot of tears. I was shooting a sitcom for Fox and doing the last Buffy episode, so I think that made it easier for me. I was so busy going back and forth, but it was sad, and it is still slowly hitting me that we’re not going back.
From joanne: What was your favorite Buffy moment?
Nick: “Hush” and the musical, “Once More, with Feeling.” I got to act in them and watch them as a fan. It’s been very unique to be an actor on the show and also a fan of the show.
From annalise: What was more fun — playing funny Xander or serious Xander?
Nick: Jeez. Isn’t the word “fun” in funny? So, I guess playing funny Xander was more fun.
From anonymous: I just wanted to say, it’s pretty beautiful and inspiring for us fans seeing how you guys talk about the show with such pride and love. Who’s funnier than you on the set? Tom Lenk?
Nick: Tom Lenk is much funnier than I am — and cuter, too.
From designhustler: Do you feel Xander should have developed a superpower just like Buffy and Willow?
Nick: No, I think Xander’s superpower was his wit. But it’s nice to have one character that didn’t have a superpower. It rounded out the group.
From Kristin: Okay, guys, Nicholas has to go. Be strong…
Nick: Want to let everyone know that my pilot isn’t on the fall schedule for Fox, but we’re waiting to hear if it’s going to be picked up midseason. Thanks for all the great support, and I’ll see you all again.
