Jonathan Levinson
Encyclopedia
Jonathan Levinson is a fictional character
created by Joss Whedon
for the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The character is portrayed by Danny Strong
.
, California
. He attended Sunnydale High School where he was often bullied, ridiculed, and ignored by his more popular peers, thereby developing low self-esteem
.
shows up and, feeling uncomfortable because of Xander's attitude towards Ampata, Jonathan leaves them alone. A week later, Jonathan is picked by Cordelia Chase
to accompany her to The Bronze
after she has a bad date. The relationship does not last though, and Cordelia soon moves on to Xander. Soon after, he is used momentarily as a hostage by a member of the Order of Turaka, but is quickly let go.
The following year, like many others in the school, Jonathan becomes possessed by a Bezoar that has been given to the class by Mr. Whitmore. As soon as Buffy Summers
kills the mother Bezoar, he is freed from the Bezoar's control, believing himself to have been caught in a gas leak, as did Buffy's mother, Giles, Willow, Cordelia and others. Jonathan's self-esteem is dealt another crushing blow later that year when he tries out for the school's swim team and does not make it only to be picked on by Dodd McAlvy, who repeatedly dunks his head in a bucket of ice cold water to see how long he is able to hold his breath. Buffy saves him, but she also further bashes his esteem, and he goes on to urinate in the swimming pool, which he later confesses to Willow Rosenberg
under duress.
at her house. Zombies raised by Ovu Mobani crash the party and Jonathan is one of the few guests who make it out alive. Prior to the Homecoming Dance, both Cordelia
and Buffy are campaigning to become Homecoming Queen, allowing Jonathan to show his mercenary side by trying to get as much out of both of them as he can in exchange for his vote. Towards the end of that year, while minding his own business, he is singled out by socialite Harmony Kendall
and the Cordettes as a possible boyfriend for Cordelia, who has just broken up with Xander
. The incident is humiliating for Jonathan and is yet another incident that contributes to his ever-decreasing confidence.
Having had enough, Jonathan takes steps to commit suicide
atop a bell tower at the high school, leaving a suicide note for Freddy Iverson to publish in the Sunnydale High Sentinel, the school newspaper. Buffy soon tracks Jonathan down, mistakenly believing that he plans to kill other students with his rifle, and informing him that everyone in the school is dealing with just as much pain as he is, but then discovers he was actually going to kill himself. For bringing a gun into the school, Jonathan is suspended for a couple of weeks and ordered to attend counseling.
Upon returning to the school, Jonathan's confidence has marginally increased and at the senior prom, he has a date with a girl much taller than he is. At the prom, he also finds the confidence to present Buffy with a Class Protector award. On graduation day, Jonathan joins the rest of the Class of 1999 in fighting against Mayor Richard Wilkins III who has completed his Ascension to become the demon Olvikan. During the battle, he aggressively pounces on many vampires and survives to see the school be blown up and catch a jumpy Cordelia in his arms.
) and a swim suit calendar, in addition to having pulled off numerous feats that Buffy herself has done (including the destruction of the Master's skeleton
, receiving the Class Protector Award
, and blowing up Sunnydale High). The spell creates a monster (metaphorically and literally) as though to contrast with the ideal image that Jonathan has created for himself. He is also believed to have starred in The Matrix
despite never having left Sunnydale
, which is one of a few things that tips off Buffy
, whom he has supposedly led in fighting vampires, to discover the spell he has cast. Jonathan reluctantly assists Buffy in killing the monster and thus breaking the illusion; he apologizes to Buffy the following day after the Swedish twins Ilsa and Inga leave him at his mansion and he loses his job as tactical consultant at the Initiative.
and Andrew Wells
, and they agree to take over Sunnydale
, with Jonathan using his expertise in magic to help them; within the Trio
, Jonathan often suggests non-violent plans and is the most reluctant to hurt anyone or kill Buffy, whom he has a soft spot for due to his past history with her. A month later, Andrew summons a M'Fashnik Demon to cause a distraction in the Sunnydale Securities Bank while they rob it. Buffy
interferes and almost ruins the plan. Over Jonathan's objections, Warren steers the demon into a fight with Buffy, who kills it. Soon afterward, the Trio spend some time harassing Buffy with mystical and technological tests of her abilities, making it a competition among themselves for ingenuity; Jonathan uses a magic bone to put Buffy in a time loop which can only be broken if she performs a seemingly impossible task for a customer at the Magic Box
. On escaping the loop, Buffy suspects that she was being tested and nearly succeeds in tracking down the Trio; to shake her, Jonathan uses magic to impersonate a horned demon. It doesn't give Jonathan any increased abilities and he is forced to take a blow from the Slayer, a difficult thing to do.
A few weeks later, Jonathan aids the other two in stealing a large diamond from a local museum. A security guard is hit with their freeze ray during the incident. The three are later confronted by Spike
, who wants Warren to examine his defective behavior modification chip that forbids him from harming humans. Warren agrees only after Spike threatens to break their Boba Fett
action figure.
In 2002, after accidentally making Buffy invisible with another of Warren's gadgets, Jonathan agrees with Andrew that they should return her to normal before she disintegrates. A confrontation between the two sides leads to the Trio's identities being discovered. With the Scooby Gang now knowing who the Trio are and where they are based, the Trio flee Warren's booby-trapped basement.
Jonathan suggests turning themselves in to the police when Warren accidentally kills his ex-girlfriend Katrina Silber. Warren decides to frame Buffy for the murder. Although Warren's plan fails, Katrina's death is ruled as a suicide
. As neither Warren nor Andrew show remorse, Jonathan feels increasingly alienated from them, and soon finds that they are keeping some of Warren's plans from him. He finally betrays Warren by telling Buffy how to defeat an altered, magically enhanced Warren. Ultimately, Warren escapes, betraying the other two.
In jail, Jonathan makes sure that Andrew knows Warren will not be coming to save them, insisting they will be forced to spend time in prison. To make matters worse, while the pair have been in jail, Warren has killed Tara Maclay
in an attempt to kill Buffy, causing Willow
to go on a homicidal rampage. With Warren dead, Jonathan and Andrew are her next targets. Anya
teleports to warn them and Buffy helps them escape, driving them to the Magic Box for protection. Willow eventually tracks them down and the pair accompany Xander
and Dawn
to safety as Buffy fights Willow. Andrew becomes nervous though and threatens Xander with a sword. Jonathan draws a sword on Andrew, telling him that after Willow is defeated, they will be going back to jail.
On the way to another hiding spot, an attack by Willow leaves the two able to flee. They hitch a ride with a trucker and head for Mexico.
While in Mexico
, both Jonathan and Andrew
begin having dreams that lead them back to Sunnydale
where they know a great power is rising. This is the First Evil
. The two return on November 12, with Jonathan having the intention of finding the Seal of Danzalthar and alerting Buffy
to it so she can stop the coming evil and allow Jonathan to join the Scooby Gang. As they make their way into the newly rebuilt high school basement to uncover the seal, it is revealed that Andrew is being guided by an ethereal image of Warren
. While digging, the two engage in a conversation and Jonathan reveals that he has achieved redemption of a sort: all the pain and hurt associated with his high school years, the pain that shaped his life, has faded away. He wishes the people he spent six years with well, even if they don't care about him (echoing back to "Earshot
"). Andrew is not impressed and with a glance at Warren, stabs Jonathan, letting his blood flow on the seal. Jonathan dies, but his blood isn't sufficient to open the seal due to anemia
. Robin Wood, the principal of the new Sunnydale High, discovers and subsequently buries Jonathan. In later episodes, Jonathan's form occasionally appears as an avatar of the First Evil.
. He described his character as the "Kenny
of Buffy. Except that he never dies." Strong had initially auditioned for the role of Xander, but lost out to Nicholas Brendon. He first appeared in the Unaired Buffy the Vampire Slayer pilot in a bit part simply named "Student", and subsequently appeared in a number of episodes. He said that often he appeared in scenes that could have been done by other characters but that "They'll have Jonathan do it, to keep the continuity of the world".
Writer/directors David Greenwalt
and Marti Noxon
both stated in the DVD commentaries for "Reptile Boy" and "What's My Line
", respectively, that Danny Strong was the actor that they would call on whenever they needed a good victim, both citing his good "victim face". Eventually the character grew out of this frequent use.
Explaining the potential appeal of the character, he said, "I think everyone is sort of like Jonathan. Either they're like Jonathan or they're trying to cover up their Jonathan qualities. Either they're awkward and shy, or they're doing everything they can not to appear awkward and shy. I'm not really very shy, but I certainly can be awkward at times."
"), time loops and glamours (cf. "Life Serial").
Jonathan also appears in Buffy expanded universe. He appears notably in the Buffy comic: Jonathan
.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
created by Joss Whedon
Joss Whedon
Joseph Hill "Joss" Whedon is an American screenwriter, executive producer, director, comic book writer, occasional composer and actor, founder of Mutant Enemy Productions and co-creator of Bellwether Pictures...
for the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The character is portrayed by Danny Strong
Danny Strong
Daniel W. Strong is an American actor and writer in film and television.-Early life:Strong was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, California. where he would rent videos from Video Archives, becoming friends with Quentin Tarantino who was then a clerk there...
.
Character history
Jonathan was born in 1981 and raised in SunnydaleSunnydale
Sunnydale, California is the fictional setting for the U.S. television drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Series creator Joss Whedon conceived the town as a representation of a generic California city, as well as a narrative parody of the all-too-serene towns typical in traditional horror...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. He attended Sunnydale High School where he was often bullied, ridiculed, and ignored by his more popular peers, thereby developing low self-esteem
Self-esteem
Self-esteem is a term in psychology to reflect a person's overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs and emotions such as triumph, despair, pride and shame: some would distinguish how 'the self-concept is what we think about the self; self-esteem, the...
.
Season 2
In 1997, while attending the World Culture Dance, Jonathan is singled out by Ampata Gutierrez, a resurrected Incan princess, who wants to kiss him and transfer his life-force to her own. Not knowing her true nature, he does not resist, believing his luck in love has changed; he is only saved when Xander HarrisXander Harris
Alexander LaVelle "Xander" Harris is a fictional character in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as in numerous items in the series Expanded Universe, such as comic books, tie-in novels and video games...
shows up and, feeling uncomfortable because of Xander's attitude towards Ampata, Jonathan leaves them alone. A week later, Jonathan is picked by Cordelia Chase
Cordelia Chase
Cordelia Chase is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer; she also appeared on Buffy's spin-off series Angel...
to accompany her to The Bronze
The Bronze
The Bronze is a fictional nightclub in Sunnydale, the fictional setting for the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Of 144 episodes of the series, 66 have at least one scene at the Bronze, not including its appearance in the unaired pilot....
after she has a bad date. The relationship does not last though, and Cordelia soon moves on to Xander. Soon after, he is used momentarily as a hostage by a member of the Order of Turaka, but is quickly let go.
The following year, like many others in the school, Jonathan becomes possessed by a Bezoar that has been given to the class by Mr. Whitmore. As soon as Buffy Summers
Buffy Summers
Buffy Summers is a fictional character from Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise. She first appeared in the 1992 film Buffy the Vampire Slayer before going on to appear in the television series and subsequent comic book of the same name...
kills the mother Bezoar, he is freed from the Bezoar's control, believing himself to have been caught in a gas leak, as did Buffy's mother, Giles, Willow, Cordelia and others. Jonathan's self-esteem is dealt another crushing blow later that year when he tries out for the school's swim team and does not make it only to be picked on by Dodd McAlvy, who repeatedly dunks his head in a bucket of ice cold water to see how long he is able to hold his breath. Buffy saves him, but she also further bashes his esteem, and he goes on to urinate in the swimming pool, which he later confesses to Willow Rosenberg
Willow Rosenberg
Willow Rosenberg is a fictional character created for the fantasy television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer . She was developed by Joss Whedon and portrayed throughout the TV series by Alyson Hannigan...
under duress.
Season 3
The following academic year, Jonathan becomes a senior and he is invited to a "welcome back" party for BuffyBuffy Summers
Buffy Summers is a fictional character from Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise. She first appeared in the 1992 film Buffy the Vampire Slayer before going on to appear in the television series and subsequent comic book of the same name...
at her house. Zombies raised by Ovu Mobani crash the party and Jonathan is one of the few guests who make it out alive. Prior to the Homecoming Dance, both Cordelia
Cordelia Chase
Cordelia Chase is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer; she also appeared on Buffy's spin-off series Angel...
and Buffy are campaigning to become Homecoming Queen, allowing Jonathan to show his mercenary side by trying to get as much out of both of them as he can in exchange for his vote. Towards the end of that year, while minding his own business, he is singled out by socialite Harmony Kendall
Harmony Kendall
Harmony Kendall is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel. The character is portrayed by Mercedes McNab...
and the Cordettes as a possible boyfriend for Cordelia, who has just broken up with Xander
Xander Harris
Alexander LaVelle "Xander" Harris is a fictional character in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as in numerous items in the series Expanded Universe, such as comic books, tie-in novels and video games...
. The incident is humiliating for Jonathan and is yet another incident that contributes to his ever-decreasing confidence.
Having had enough, Jonathan takes steps to commit suicide
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
atop a bell tower at the high school, leaving a suicide note for Freddy Iverson to publish in the Sunnydale High Sentinel, the school newspaper. Buffy soon tracks Jonathan down, mistakenly believing that he plans to kill other students with his rifle, and informing him that everyone in the school is dealing with just as much pain as he is, but then discovers he was actually going to kill himself. For bringing a gun into the school, Jonathan is suspended for a couple of weeks and ordered to attend counseling.
Upon returning to the school, Jonathan's confidence has marginally increased and at the senior prom, he has a date with a girl much taller than he is. At the prom, he also finds the confidence to present Buffy with a Class Protector award. On graduation day, Jonathan joins the rest of the Class of 1999 in fighting against Mayor Richard Wilkins III who has completed his Ascension to become the demon Olvikan. During the battle, he aggressively pounces on many vampires and survives to see the school be blown up and catch a jumpy Cordelia in his arms.
Season 4
After trying to kill himself, Jonathan enters into counseling where he meets another suicidal person who teaches him an augmentation spell. As a result of the spell, Jonathan becomes everyone’s ideal and has several pieces of merchandising created in his honor, such as posters, an autobiography Oh, Jonathan (in which he claims to have created the InternetInternet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
) and a swim suit calendar, in addition to having pulled off numerous feats that Buffy herself has done (including the destruction of the Master's skeleton
When She Was Bad
"When She Was Bad" is the first episode in the second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The episode was written and directed by series creator and executive producer Joss Whedon...
, receiving the Class Protector Award
The Prom (Buffy episode)
"The Prom" is episode 20 in season three of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.-Plot synopsis:Buffy wakes up in Angel's bed at the mansion after the two fell asleep after patrol. Buffy talks a bit about bringing some of her stuff over so every once in a while she could spend the night and...
, and blowing up Sunnydale High). The spell creates a monster (metaphorically and literally) as though to contrast with the ideal image that Jonathan has created for himself. He is also believed to have starred in The Matrix
The Matrix
The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction-action film written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, and Hugo Weaving...
despite never having left Sunnydale
Sunnydale
Sunnydale, California is the fictional setting for the U.S. television drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Series creator Joss Whedon conceived the town as a representation of a generic California city, as well as a narrative parody of the all-too-serene towns typical in traditional horror...
, which is one of a few things that tips off Buffy
Buffy Summers
Buffy Summers is a fictional character from Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise. She first appeared in the 1992 film Buffy the Vampire Slayer before going on to appear in the television series and subsequent comic book of the same name...
, whom he has supposedly led in fighting vampires, to discover the spell he has cast. Jonathan reluctantly assists Buffy in killing the monster and thus breaking the illusion; he apologizes to Buffy the following day after the Swedish twins Ilsa and Inga leave him at his mansion and he loses his job as tactical consultant at the Initiative.
Season 6
Over a year later, Jonathan, in a moment of boredom, joins Warren MearsWarren Mears
Warren Mears is a fictional character portrayed by Adam Busch in the American television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as its canonical comic book series continuation.-Television:...
and Andrew Wells
Andrew Wells
Andrew Wells is a fictional character in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, played by Tom Lenk. The character also appears in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight, the canonical continuation of the series....
, and they agree to take over Sunnydale
Sunnydale
Sunnydale, California is the fictional setting for the U.S. television drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Series creator Joss Whedon conceived the town as a representation of a generic California city, as well as a narrative parody of the all-too-serene towns typical in traditional horror...
, with Jonathan using his expertise in magic to help them; within the Trio
Trio (Buffyverse)
The Trio is the name of three fictional characters in the sixth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, who serve as the villains of the season. They continually strive to neutralize Buffy, the Slayer, and thus the primary obstacle to their ultimate goal of taking over Sunnydale...
, Jonathan often suggests non-violent plans and is the most reluctant to hurt anyone or kill Buffy, whom he has a soft spot for due to his past history with her. A month later, Andrew summons a M'Fashnik Demon to cause a distraction in the Sunnydale Securities Bank while they rob it. Buffy
Buffy Summers
Buffy Summers is a fictional character from Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise. She first appeared in the 1992 film Buffy the Vampire Slayer before going on to appear in the television series and subsequent comic book of the same name...
interferes and almost ruins the plan. Over Jonathan's objections, Warren steers the demon into a fight with Buffy, who kills it. Soon afterward, the Trio spend some time harassing Buffy with mystical and technological tests of her abilities, making it a competition among themselves for ingenuity; Jonathan uses a magic bone to put Buffy in a time loop which can only be broken if she performs a seemingly impossible task for a customer at the Magic Box
The Magic Box
The Magic Box is a fictional magic shop in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, created by Joss Whedon. It is located in Sunnydale and was last owned and operated by Rupert Giles, and served as the primary headquarters of the Scooby Gang for seasons five and six.-Ownership history:The shop went...
. On escaping the loop, Buffy suspects that she was being tested and nearly succeeds in tracking down the Trio; to shake her, Jonathan uses magic to impersonate a horned demon. It doesn't give Jonathan any increased abilities and he is forced to take a blow from the Slayer, a difficult thing to do.
A few weeks later, Jonathan aids the other two in stealing a large diamond from a local museum. A security guard is hit with their freeze ray during the incident. The three are later confronted by Spike
Spike (Buffyverse)
Spike, played by James Marsters, is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Spike is a vampire and played various roles on the shows, ranging from villain to anti-hero. For Marsters, the role as Spike began a career in science...
, who wants Warren to examine his defective behavior modification chip that forbids him from harming humans. Warren agrees only after Spike threatens to break their Boba Fett
Boba Fett
Boba Fett is a character in Star Wars. A bounty hunter hired by Darth Vader to find the Millennium Falcon, he is a minor villain in both Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi....
action figure.
Jonathan suggests turning themselves in to the police when Warren accidentally kills his ex-girlfriend Katrina Silber. Warren decides to frame Buffy for the murder. Although Warren's plan fails, Katrina's death is ruled as a suicide
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
. As neither Warren nor Andrew show remorse, Jonathan feels increasingly alienated from them, and soon finds that they are keeping some of Warren's plans from him. He finally betrays Warren by telling Buffy how to defeat an altered, magically enhanced Warren. Ultimately, Warren escapes, betraying the other two.
In jail, Jonathan makes sure that Andrew knows Warren will not be coming to save them, insisting they will be forced to spend time in prison. To make matters worse, while the pair have been in jail, Warren has killed Tara Maclay
Tara Maclay
Tara Maclay is a fictional character created for the fantasy television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer . She was developed by Joss Whedon and portrayed by Amber Benson from the fourth to the sixth season until the character's death. Tara is a shy young woman with magical talents who falls in love...
in an attempt to kill Buffy, causing Willow
Willow Rosenberg
Willow Rosenberg is a fictional character created for the fantasy television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer . She was developed by Joss Whedon and portrayed throughout the TV series by Alyson Hannigan...
to go on a homicidal rampage. With Warren dead, Jonathan and Andrew are her next targets. Anya
Anya Jenkins
Anya is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She also appears in the comic book series based on the television show. Portrayed by Emma Caulfield, the character appears as a guest star in the third and fourth seasons of the show before...
teleports to warn them and Buffy helps them escape, driving them to the Magic Box for protection. Willow eventually tracks them down and the pair accompany Xander
Xander Harris
Alexander LaVelle "Xander" Harris is a fictional character in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as in numerous items in the series Expanded Universe, such as comic books, tie-in novels and video games...
and Dawn
Dawn Summers
Dawn Summers is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon and introduced by Marti Noxon and David Fury on the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, portrayed by Michelle Trachtenberg. She made her debut in the premiere episode of the show's fifth season, and subsequently appeared in every...
to safety as Buffy fights Willow. Andrew becomes nervous though and threatens Xander with a sword. Jonathan draws a sword on Andrew, telling him that after Willow is defeated, they will be going back to jail.
On the way to another hiding spot, an attack by Willow leaves the two able to flee. They hitch a ride with a trucker and head for Mexico.
Season 7
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, both Jonathan and Andrew
Andrew Wells
Andrew Wells is a fictional character in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, played by Tom Lenk. The character also appears in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight, the canonical continuation of the series....
begin having dreams that lead them back to Sunnydale
Sunnydale
Sunnydale, California is the fictional setting for the U.S. television drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Series creator Joss Whedon conceived the town as a representation of a generic California city, as well as a narrative parody of the all-too-serene towns typical in traditional horror...
where they know a great power is rising. This is the First Evil
First Evil
The First Evil is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The First Evil first appeared in the third season episode "Amends", and became the main antagonist of the 7th and final season.A being manifested from all evil in existence, the First is an...
. The two return on November 12, with Jonathan having the intention of finding the Seal of Danzalthar and alerting Buffy
Buffy Summers
Buffy Summers is a fictional character from Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise. She first appeared in the 1992 film Buffy the Vampire Slayer before going on to appear in the television series and subsequent comic book of the same name...
to it so she can stop the coming evil and allow Jonathan to join the Scooby Gang. As they make their way into the newly rebuilt high school basement to uncover the seal, it is revealed that Andrew is being guided by an ethereal image of Warren
Warren Mears
Warren Mears is a fictional character portrayed by Adam Busch in the American television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as its canonical comic book series continuation.-Television:...
. While digging, the two engage in a conversation and Jonathan reveals that he has achieved redemption of a sort: all the pain and hurt associated with his high school years, the pain that shaped his life, has faded away. He wishes the people he spent six years with well, even if they don't care about him (echoing back to "Earshot
Earshot (Buffy episode)
"Earshot" is the 18th episode of season three of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.-Plot synopsis:On patrol, Buffy runs into two demons that she fights, and succeeds in killing one of them. While the other escapes, the blood from the demon she killed gets absorbed into the back of her...
"). Andrew is not impressed and with a glance at Warren, stabs Jonathan, letting his blood flow on the seal. Jonathan dies, but his blood isn't sufficient to open the seal due to anemia
Anemia
Anemia is a decrease in number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. However, it can include decreased oxygen-binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule due to deformity or lack in numerical development as in some other types of hemoglobin...
. Robin Wood, the principal of the new Sunnydale High, discovers and subsequently buries Jonathan. In later episodes, Jonathan's form occasionally appears as an avatar of the First Evil.
Writing and acting
Strong described the early development of his character in an interview with the U.K. Buffy the Vampire Slayer magazineBuffyverse Magazines (UK)
Two magazine titles have been published by Titan Magazines in the United Kingdom for fans of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Magazine commenced publication in 1999. Angel Magazine had a limited run of 24 issues and was published...
. He described his character as the "Kenny
Kenny McCormick
Kenneth "Kenny" McCormick is a fictional character in the animated television series South Park. He is one of the four central characters along with his friends Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, and Eric Cartman. His oft-muffled and indiscernible speech—the result of his parka hood covering his...
of Buffy. Except that he never dies." Strong had initially auditioned for the role of Xander, but lost out to Nicholas Brendon. He first appeared in the Unaired Buffy the Vampire Slayer pilot in a bit part simply named "Student", and subsequently appeared in a number of episodes. He said that often he appeared in scenes that could have been done by other characters but that "They'll have Jonathan do it, to keep the continuity of the world".
Writer/directors David Greenwalt
David Greenwalt
David Greenwalt is an American screenwriter, director and producer.He was the co-executive producer of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and co-creator of its spinoff, Angel. He is also co-creator of the short-lived cult television show Profit...
and Marti Noxon
Marti Noxon
Martha Mills "Marti" Noxon is an American television and film writer first known for writing and producing Buffy the Vampire Slayer.- Production :...
both stated in the DVD commentaries for "Reptile Boy" and "What's My Line
What's My Line (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
"What's My Line" is a two-episode story in season two of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.In Part One, Buffy endures Career Week at school while Spike hires assassins to kill her; a fierce fighter who identifies herself as "Kendra, the Vampire Slayer" shows up in Sunnydale...
", respectively, that Danny Strong was the actor that they would call on whenever they needed a good victim, both citing his good "victim face". Eventually the character grew out of this frequent use.
Explaining the potential appeal of the character, he said, "I think everyone is sort of like Jonathan. Either they're like Jonathan or they're trying to cover up their Jonathan qualities. Either they're awkward and shy, or they're doing everything they can not to appear awkward and shy. I'm not really very shy, but I certainly can be awkward at times."
Powers and abilities
Over the course of the series Jonathan becomes an accomplished sorcerer, capable of performing reality alterations (cf. "SuperstarSuperstar (Buffy episode)
"Superstar" is the 17th episode of season four of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.- Plot summary :When Buffy and the gang discover a nasty nest of vampires, they go to Jonathan for help. At Giles' place, Jonathan checks out weapons and practices hand-to-hand with Buffy...
"), time loops and glamours (cf. "Life Serial").
Canonical appearances
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Jonathan appeared as a guest in 28 episodes:- Season 2 (1997, 1998) - "Inca Mummy Girl"; "Reptile Boy"; "What's My Line, Part Two"; "Bad Eggs"; "PassionPassion (Buffy episode)"Passion" is episode 17 of season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.Learning that Angelus, with murderous intent, is circling closer to her friends and family, Buffy feverishly seeks ways to protect them...
"; "Go FishGo Fish (Buffy episode)"Go Fish" is episode 20 of season two of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.Xander goes undercover on the Sunnydale swim team after two members are seemingly eaten, leaving only their skins. Their coach has been giving them steroids combined with fish DNA, which turns them into sea...
" - Season 3 (1998, 1999) - "Dead Man's PartyDead Man's Party (Buffy episode)"Dead Man's Party" is episode 2 of season 3 of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.Buffy struggles with life back in Sunnydale. Her problems with Angel, combined with the anger and distance of her friends and mother, only make things more difficult...
"; "HomecomingHomecoming (Buffy episode)"Homecoming" is episode 5 of season 3 of the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.After Scott breaks up with her, Buffy runs for homecoming queen. This puts her against Cordelia and the two fall out. Meanwhile Willow and Xander kiss and feeling guilty help Cordelia's run for homecoming instead of Buffy...
"; "The WishThe Wish (Buffy episode)"The Wish" is the ninth episode of season 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.- Plot synopsis :Following Xander and Willow's kiss in "Lovers Walk", Oz has called a time-out on his relationship with Willow and Cordelia is decidedly avoiding any contact with Xander. Cordelia returns to school only to be...
"; "EarshotEarshot (Buffy episode)"Earshot" is the 18th episode of season three of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.-Plot synopsis:On patrol, Buffy runs into two demons that she fights, and succeeds in killing one of them. While the other escapes, the blood from the demon she killed gets absorbed into the back of her...
"; "The PromThe Prom (Buffy episode)"The Prom" is episode 20 in season three of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.-Plot synopsis:Buffy wakes up in Angel's bed at the mansion after the two fell asleep after patrol. Buffy talks a bit about bringing some of her stuff over so every once in a while she could spend the night and...
"; "Graduation Day, Part Two" - Season 4 (1999, 2000) - "SuperstarSuperstar (Buffy episode)"Superstar" is the 17th episode of season four of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.- Plot summary :When Buffy and the gang discover a nasty nest of vampires, they go to Jonathan for help. At Giles' place, Jonathan checks out weapons and practices hand-to-hand with Buffy...
" - Season 6 (2001, 2002) - "FloodedFlooded (Buffy episode)"Flooded" is the fourth episode of season 6 of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.- Plot synopsis :Buffy attempts to repair a leaky pipe in her basement only to have it burst and flood the basement. At breakfast, the gang discusses the damage while Xander and a plumber examine the...
"; "Life SerialLife Serial (Buffy episode)"Life Serial" is the 5th episode of season 6 of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.-Plot synopsis:Buffy returns from her visit with Angel, but doesn't want to talk about it. Instead, the Scoobies discuss Buffy's future plans...
"; "SmashedSmashed (Buffy episode)"Smashed" is the 9th episode of season 6 of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.-Plot synopsis:Willow, sad and lonely without Tara, figures out a way to turn the metamorphosed Amy from a rat back into human. Feeling newly liberated, they decide to go out and have some fun. At The...
"; "GoneGone (Buffy episode)"Gone" is the 11th episode of season 6 of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.-Plot synopsis:Buffy feels life spinning out of control. In the previous episode, Willow got high on the magic and crashed a car, breaking Dawn's arm. Willow is still distraught. Dawn is ignoring Buffy...
"; "Dead Things"; "Normal Again"; "EntropyEntropy (Buffy episode)"Entropy" is the 18th episode of season 6 of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.- Plot synopsis :The Trio, riding ATVs, pursue two vampires through a cemetery; one of them throws a tree branch at Andrew, causing him to fall off and the others to crash. The vampires encounter Buffy and...
"; "Seeing RedSeeing Red (Buffy episode)"Seeing Red" is episode 19 of season 6 of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In North America, this episode was transmitted to UPN affiliates a week early by accident...
"; "VillainsVillains (Buffy episode)"Villains" is the 20th episode of season 6 of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.- Plot summary :An ambulance arrives at the Summers' house to treat the wounded Buffy. Upstairs, the distraught Willow calls upon Osiris to bring the murdered Tara back to life, but the god cannot, because...
"; "Two to Go"; "GraveGrave (Buffy episode)"Grave" is the sixth season finale of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This episode is the second highest rated Buffy episode ever to air in the U.K., Sky One aired the episode which reached 1.22 million viewers on its original airing....
" - Season 7 (2002, 2003) - "Conversations with Dead People"; "Never Leave Me" (as the First EvilFirst EvilThe First Evil is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The First Evil first appeared in the third season episode "Amends", and became the main antagonist of the 7th and final season.A being manifested from all evil in existence, the First is an...
); "First DateFirst Date (Buffy episode)"First Date" is the fourteenth episode of season 7 of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.-Plot synopsis:Buffy discusses the removal of Spike's chip with Giles; Giles doesn't believe that it was the right thing to do, while Buffy is convinced that it was.At work, Buffy tries to hunt for...
" (as the First EvilFirst EvilThe First Evil is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The First Evil first appeared in the third season episode "Amends", and became the main antagonist of the 7th and final season.A being manifested from all evil in existence, the First is an...
); "StorytellerStoryteller (Buffy episode)"Storyteller" is the sixteenth episode of season 7 of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Storyteller refers to Andrew Wells, who has become a pseudo-member of the Scooby Gang after being a villain in the previous season, and has been held hostage at Buffy's home since early in the...
" (flashbacks and dreams)
Non-canonical appearances
- Season 1 (1997) - "Unaired Pilot"
Jonathan also appears in Buffy expanded universe. He appears notably in the Buffy comic: Jonathan
Jonathan (Buffy comic)
Jonathan is a comic, a story based on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series.-Story description:Only one person can save Sunnydale from Russian vampire mobsters, surprisingly that is Jonathan Levinson. Jonathan gets help from the Slayer and her pals. It seems Jonathan is quite the legend,...
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