More of My Favorite Stories
by Lilly

After much procrastination, I finally let a determined friend gently prod me into giving Watchers: Restoration a try. And I am certainly glad that I did. This is an excellent and very different series, which is actually a spin-off of Watchers: The Virtual Series. Restoration is exactly what an open minded Buffyverse fan who is looking for an intelligent and new kind of fan fiction will enjoy.

First a few words about the source series Watchers: The Virtual Series, which debuted in September 2003. An incredibly talented group of people, many of whom you probably know from their stories on other fanfic sites, decided that they were going to continue the Buffyverse where the last episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer left off. And so they created this "virtual spin-off" series to "air" episodes on Tuesdays which would follow the TV season format. It includes pictures and sound clips to compliment the stories. Each episode has a "teaser" and four acts. Here you will find many of your favorite characters [and meet many new ones] as they go to Cleveland, home of the current Hellmouth, to rebuild a better Watchers Council. I have concentrated on Restoration but hope to soon get caught up with the original virtual series, which is in its third season.

Now on to Watchers: Restoration which is based on a first season episode of Watchers called "Restoration" which takes place in the future [2130]. That episode and this new series center on the characters of Jocasta Rosenberg, Katherine Allison, and Sebastian Giles as they [along with Livia Hansen, Lexington Harris, James Wells, and others] attempt to return the Watchers Council to the excellent status to which Giles and Willow had brought it after they moved to Cleveland.

Jocasta and Katherine are reincarnates of Willow and Tara. [Remember that once when Tara said that she had gotten so lost, Willow replied that she would find her, that she would always find her]. Sebastian is a descendent of Rupert Giles. As you may recall, being a Watcher is often a family business. And there may be other surprises.

The new Watchers Council, which Giles and Willow founded in the early 21st century, has been corrupted by its power and become very militaristic and bureaucratic. It no longer treats slayers and witches as Giles and Willow intended. There is also much internal dissention. The Council no longer works in secrecy [and neither do the slayers]. In fact, it is a major part of the society and actually has a contract for the "Human Defense Treaty". [Maybe something like a demon Homeland Security?]. Working in the open brings a whole new set of problems – public relations, politics [including dealing with Congress], competition for the contract, dealing with the Council’s past, etc.

It is fascinating as we meet the cast of characters, see their personal stories, and learn how the Council has gotten to its current state. The stories are totally involving. As long as you read the "Restoration" episode in Watchers you will have no problem enjoying Restoration without first reading the entire Watchers series.

In one episode of Restoration, Jo and Katie actually go to the international space station to clean out a nest of vampires. In another, one of the primary slayers finds herself pitted against the "champion" of another major corporation trying to steal the Human Defense Treaty contract from the Council. Another episode deals with the slayers losing their strength. Yet another deals with whether or not outside forces have turned one of our heroes. And there are many more.

Restoration debuted in September 2004 and aired one episode per month in its initial year. Each episode is a teaser and four acts. The new format this year will have Restoration airing four "TV movies". Each episode will consist of a teaser and seven acts. Many of the same extremely gifted staff of Watchers have been joined by some new talented writers in Restoration. Like Watchers, Restoration has other really cool extras besides its wonderful episodes. On the website, it is easy to find previous episodes, episode recaps, backstory, character bios, FAQs, "fun stuff", staff listing, forums, e-groups, and links. These bonuses, as well as the picture and sound clips, add to the experience of this series. Another item that is really special is the casting. Besides the character bios of the regulars, each episode has a cast listing of the guest stars and special guest stars at the beginning of its first act. I truly enjoy imagining both the faces and the voices of the guests as well as the regulars in each episode.

I strongly recommend that you give Restoration a try. I did, and I’m totally captivated by it. I can’t wait for the new season.