10 Buffy The Vampire Slayer Fates Worse Than Death
3. Losing Your Identity And Becoming A Slave For The Rest Of Your Life (Season 3, Episode 1)
‘Anne’ is a terrific episode and the best season opener. But rather than focusing on Sunnydale, most of the story takes place in Los Angeles.
Whilst in the city, Buffy discovers a hidden dimension ruled by a demon called Ken. Inside this dimension, humans are forced to become slaves and repeat the mantra, ‘I am no one.’ Over time, the slaves lose their sense of identity, and when they’re no longer fit for purpose, they return to the normal world and are left to die.
Of course, Buffy takes down the slave owners and sets the workers free. But a number of workers died long before Buffy arrived. They spent their lives beneath the ground performing labour for evil demons without comfort or relief.
And to make matters worse, the slaves lose all sense of self. Eventually, they truly believe they’re ‘no one.’ They work until they die and their lives are nothing but misery.