Off the back of Lee's interview to commemorate the finale of
Slayer Academy, us staff members decided to do a little bit extra for the fans. What follows is a short interview/quick fire quiz about three staff member's time on the show and you can find out their honest opinion about the show, it's characters and their experience. We thought this might give the fans an insight into the minds of the writers and provide some little trivia and fun.
Up first is
Chris Haigh, writer of "Pull the Trigger" and "Will & Testament" as well as many others...
What episode that you wrote/co-wrote are you most proud of and why?
Erm... probably "Pull The Trigger". I'll admit when I joined the show, I preferred Sofia and Alita to Skye but I ended up having a larger hand in the Skye/Erika/Maria storyline in S3 to the final episodes and personally loved writing it so naturally I formed a deeper attachment to these characters.
But "Pull The Trigger", as well as being the last episode I was physically involved with in terms of writing, has a special place in my heart because I was absolutely terrified about screwing it up, but I had such a blast weaving action into the emotion and making it heartbreaking and sacrificial and ultimately what Slayer Academy is all about - ordinary girls with extraordinary powers saving the world no matter what.
Is there any episode you wish you could have had the chance to write?
Personally, I'd have loved a role in the past couple of finales - "Bad Blood" was fantastic for the end of the biggest Cabal arc we encountered (seeing as Season Three's Big Bad was the Cabal) and "Vertigo" was fantastic for the sheer amount of bonkers brilliance which Lee had planned out for the finale. Admittedly, we've all had a hand in shaping the series finale but yeah, those two are ones I'd have loved to have help write.
Which season was your favourite and why?
Hmm... probably Season Four and Five together, personally. I have a great fondness for Season Two (as it's the season I ended up watching week-by-week when I first found the show) and Season One is pretty solid too, but the last two seasons have this greater sense of cohesiveness and serialised storytelling compared to the more 'standalones' of the earlier seasons which sometimes hampered it a bit.
Which episode was your favourite and why?
My favourite episode is probably a fantastic Aaron Driscol episode called "Gold Watch" which concerned one of my favourite characters, Frankie, and the culmination of her Depowerment arc. I adore Frankie and to see her graduate from a Slayer and move on with such a great maturity. The dream sequences are wonderful (the last one with the Shadow Man being a scene that I think is one of my personal favourites of the entire series) and Aaron did an amazing job there. Very close second comes to "Magna Cum Laude" and third for "Into Each Generation".
What character is your favourite and why?
VERY hard one here - I love all the original A Squad girls and Alita's appearance in the 100th episode made me cry for all the right reasons, but I think simply because I had a large part in shaping her, it has to be Reiko - maybe more because she's the character I relate most to; because although she's insecure and talkative and self-doubting, her optimism, her effervescent attitude towards life and what she was born to do is pretty damn inspirational, so I love her joie de vivre and her strength.
Delaney and Rachel as well - I loved writing centric-episodes for both of them and their relationship is fantastic to read.
Erm... apart from them, I always liked Tsula, Erika and some of the minor characters like Tia, Claire, Gabriela...
Are there any characters or plotlines you wish we could have explored more?
I would have loved to have given certain characters larger plots in certain seasons - Frankie, for example, doesn't have a large starring role in S5 (although she does have her fantastic moments as usual).
Ultimately, I think the one that sticks with me is the Tsula storyline in S4 - unfortunately, her storyline had drifted for a while and the way we ended it was a bit short. Fortunately Lee remedied this in a 'OYL' webisode, so it's not all bad. 
Who was your least favourite character and why?
Apart from the bad guys? Darcie always bugged me as a bad girl from the very start so her betrayal wasn't really that much of a shock - in terms of characters who I just disliked, Juanita never really made that big of an impact on me, but she was only there for a handful of episodes so that was to be expected.
Are there any characters that are no longer part of the show that you wished made it to the finale?
I would have loved Alita to have made it to the finale - I was such a huge fan of hers before joining the cast so when I heard she was gonna die, I was mortified but now understand why she had to pass for a number of reasons (and her death now serves as the unofficial midpoint of the series). But, yeah, part of me still thinks that having Alita at the end of the show would have been great.
Favourite visual?
There is one towards the end of "Into Each Generation" which is absolutely gorgeous and one I mentioned previously in "Gold Watch" where a summer-dress wearing Frankie faces off against a Shadow Man in the desert. If not the latter, then all the visuals from "And All That Could Have Been" with the strange alternate world.
Favourite one-liner?
From "Pull The Trigger" - Tori's line of "Fine. But if you die, I'm telling." I had such a love for the Buffy finale and loved that line there, so I thought it'd be a great callback to the end of both shows.
Favourite friendship?
There's a lot - and I loves me a strong, female friendship that passes the Bechdel test (look it up if that reference makes no sense) - and they vary. I have a genuine love for the Delaney/Rachel friendship as Delaney thawed as a character, as well as the Reiko/Alita mentorship and the Sofia/Alita complicated relationship.
Favourite relationship?
Frankie/Dunstall is a very sweet one from my perspective and the dooming of it was brilliant, classic tragic romance. The army commando and the Slayer princess who could kick his arse helped Frankie blossom into someone better and miles away from the self-centered piece of glitzy fluff she was to begin with.
Favourite death?
Apart from the Skye and Erika deaths I cried writing, I loved the Alita death which broke my heart in it's beauty and tragedy. Same with Ellen's which was a perfect self-sacrifice and the perfect send-off for the character.
Do you have any messages for the other staff members?
I love you guys like strange cousins or close friends and think that we've done a spectacular job over the past few years creating this world where demons, vampires and apocalypses walk hand-in-hand with evil corporations, vengeful friends, witches and prophecies. All to be defeated by ordinary girls who are actually special and amazing feminist icons (something I'm particularly proud of).
Do you have any messages for the fans?
We love you all for your support, your praise, your criticism. For believing in us, believing in the characters, believing that one girl really can save the world with a little help from her friends and for being there. We hope that we haven't disappointed and that every page will be like a gift from us to you guys.
Up next is myself,
Tom East, writer of "Pressure" and "A Mother Knows", amongst others...
What episode that you wrote/co-wrote are you most proud of and why?
Most likely Pressure. I think that it really highlighted just how much Sofia's changed throughout the years, from the naive little girl in the pilot to mentoring a younger slayer six years on. Plus, the friendship between Sofia and Belle was fun to write and it was great to explore something that we didn't necessarily get to see at other points in the show, which was how the underclass worked and viewed the older, more experienced slayers. It's like a whole other layer of the show and it's fun to take a look.
Is there any episode you wish you could have had the chance to write?
I'd be tempted to say "Blood Stains" because when I first joined staff, me and Lee were going to co-write but I'm pretty glad I didn't. The episode made me cry which is a rare thing! Maybe "And All That Could Have Been", I think that would be a fun one to write.
Which season was your favourite and why?
Season One, closely followed by Season Two. I think both of them gave off a sense of freedom and the series was very fresh back then. There weren't any heavy arcs that made you pay attention, it was just mindless fun and each story of the week was creative and delved into characters individually. Not to say that the later seasons were bad, but when the main arc of the series kicked in towards the end of season two, I think the series was forced to leave behind a lot of the fun in order to focus on character development and the journey of the characters.
Which episode was your favourite and why?
It's a close call, there are so many great episodes, but I'd have to say "Blood Stains", purely because it affected me on an emotional level more than any other episode did. Delaney's speech about losing a friend sent me over the edge and I cried like a baby. The pain and the sadness was beautifully portrayed throughout and it's one of the most hard-hitting, stunning episodes the series has ever produced. Lee did an amazing job writing that episode.
What character is your favourite and why?
Once again, a close call as there have been so many great characters, but I'd have to say Sofia. Her journey from the pilot to the finale has been a roller coaster and although sometimes her arc got a bit muddled during season three, I think overall it's been consistent and she remains an interesting, relatable character. In the first two seasons, she was really our 'eyes into the show' and although we lost that in later seasons, I think the series really benefits from focusing on her because she's a compelling, well thought-out character. Honorary mentions go out to Alita, Frankie and Heidi, who were all really creative, amusing and made a big impact on the show.
Are there any characters or plotlines you wish we could have explored more?
Emma and Heidi, definitely. Both of their deaths made the show that it is today, but I would have loved to have seen more of them. Emma's posthumous appearances are cherished by me because I love her friendship with Sofia and it's like there's a special event going on or something. I think it would have been great to see her fighting alongside the other four girls in the original A squad. I also loved Heidi and just wish that she had survived season two! She wasn't properly developed in season one but what we got to see in season two was amazing and I was heartbroken when she died. She never really got to make a posthumous appearance either, because she only ever appeared as the First, but I would have loved to see her make peace with Frankie, Skye and Debbie.
Who was your least favourite character and why?
Juanita, Tsula or Debbie. I don't think the first two really added anything to the show, they were just sort of stock characters, and I think that Debbie outstayed her welcome. Her appearance in Season Five was awesome, but I think that towards the end of Season Three, she was beginning to get a bit tiresome and being written out was probably for the best. However, I must say that she did have her moments and I really enjoyed her at times!
Are there any characters that are no longer part of the show that you wished made it to the finale?
Alita and Skye! I would have loved to see the original A Squad in the finale, but I think their deaths made sense with the overall arcs. Still, the idea of seeing the original four girls six years on and still fighting the good fight? It would have been sweet.
Favourite visual?
Heidi and Dana's fight in the season one finale, where they smash through all the rooms in the Academy. It was an amazing fight and it was great to see Heidi getting a major fight after she'd been sidelined for most of the year!
Favourite one-liner?
Skye's had so many, it's hard to choose one! However, this one has got to go to Heidi back in the season one finale - "You want to go at this old school, do you? I invented old school, you crazy bitch!"
Favourite friendship?
Sofia and Belle's friendship in Season Five is pretty adorable. Sofia's friendship with Reiko from Season Four onwards is awesome too!
Favourite relationship?
Delaney and Winstone. Not only are they hot to look at, but their witty dialogue and their general awesomeness means they're easily my favourite couple on the show!
Favourite death?
Well, it's hardly my 'favourite' death, but I've got to say that I think Skye had a brilliant send off. The video message was goddamn emotional!
Do you have any messages for the other staff members?
I really want to thank Lee for allowing me on staff even though I had no experience to my name and he hadn't even seen a simple! The faith he's had in me since then has really pushed me to do better and I think that through his guidance, I've certainly improved from when I first started on the show.
I want to thank Alden for being my first co-write and for helping me out when I needed something explaining to me! Also, our plotting for Jossverse 2.0 have gotten me very excited and I'm looking forward to working with you again!
Chris has been an absolute star and he's never been afraid to step in when I'm struggling with a script or how to write a character. He has so much commitment it's unreal and he's a big inspiration. I really look forward to seeing what you do next!
I want to thank Dan Loach and Li Robb for putting out some excellent episodes and being brilliant backstage, always committed to the show. This goes out to Aaron and everyone else who's worked on the show, you've all been absolutely amazing and if it hadn't been for you guys, I wouldn't have joined the staff!
Do you have any messages for the fans?
I want to thank every single one of you for reading even a single episode and especially those that have followed the series from it's very first episode. Thank you for always continuing through, even though we may have faltered a bit during season three and perhaps the show hasn't always lived up to it's reputation, but I cannot express how grateful I am that you've stuck with us and trusted the writers. I hope you enjoy future developments in the Jossverse and that you enjoy the finale!
And finally,
Alden C. Caele, executive producer and writer of "Breaking Point" and "Darkest Days", amongst many others!
What episode that you wrote/co-wrote are you most proud of and why?
The episode I'm most proud of is 5x04, 'Breaking Point'. Not only is it the best-reviewed ep I've written, but there are a lot of scenes and passages I'm really proud of. I love the intertwining character arcs within it, servicing every member of the cast I could reach without wrecking the story.
For co-writes, I am still in love with my very first (official) Slayer Academy co-write, 'Pieces'. I love writing character-centric beats, and I am really proud of a lot of the scenes I wrote for that one. Particularly the Delaney/Kira one, which was I think our first real glimpse at their personal enmity toward one another and set up the dynamic Lee envisioned.
Is there any episode you wish you could have had the chance to write?
Oh, yes. Many - basically, any ep where I was psyched to write it, but had to pull out because it just wasn't flowing for me creatively. The big ones are Okaasan (a lot of plot elements there I wish I'd fought to go in another direction, but Lee did a great job), What's Past is Prologue and the New Order / Finger in the Dam double-header that I ended up trading for Darkest Days. Of course, these all ended up being written by Lee, who did a stellar job with all of them.
Which season was your favourite and why?
I have to say... five. It took us three years to figure out how to balance our big cast, and season four got quite messy at the end, whereas I think we really figured out what the show wanted to be in season five. Every character had a purpose, we established the series' core themes, and many of the show's best episodes belong to this season. Plus, an awesome team devoid of the troublemakers and ghosts that haunted the first couple seasons.
Which episode was your favourite and why?
Either 'Trick Me Once', where Aaron Driscol turned Delaney from a monster into a painfully real human being, or 'Blood Stains', which was just a gorgeous character piece.
What character is your favourite and why?
God, I can't pick. Delaney is amazing, Skye awesome, Reiko adorable... I'll always have a warm spot in my heart for Fran, who became something really amazing in the show's last two seasons: a real, fully-fleshed part of the team. And I'm always shocked how Sofia went from meh, to my least favourite character, only to climb out of that pit as I slowly began to understand her over the course of seasons 4 and 5 to become one of my favourites.
Are there any characters or plotlines you wish we could have explored more?
Debbie. Debbie! DEBBIE! Also, I wish Dex hadn't been approximately 100% fumble. In fact, part of me just wanted to re-do season three entirely to fix the messes and accentuate the awesome.
Who was your least favourite character and why?
Aiden. A damp squib of a love interest whose final arc, the dual cores of mentoring Debbie and becoming a demon messiah, didn't get enough attention to sell both, making his saving Debbie more than a little random.
Are there any characters that are no longer part of the show that you wished made it to the finale?
Not really, if only because SA is so great at giving characters wonderful and fitting endings.
Favourite friendship?
Skye and Sofia, even though the Skye/Erika one gets more play. They were truly the Meredith Grey and Christina Yang of the show in the best possible way - the friendship that was the secret spine of the show, even when we weren't paying attention to it.
Favourite relationship?
Delaney/Winstone and Grace/Manu, because they were played with a light touch and, thus, didn't fall to the levels of suck that most prominent SA couplings did. (Greg/Aiden. Greg/Aiden. Greg/Aiden.)
Favourite death?
Again, almost impossible to say. I loved writing Debbie's. Braeden's was iconic for the show. Grace's, Skye's... and who can forget Ellen's?
Do you have any messages for the other staff members?
Love you guys. So many great memories... can't wait to work with you guys in Jossverse 2.0.
Do you have any messages for the fans?
I killed Debbie! ARE YOU HAPPY NOW!?!?!?
.... I mean, love you guys, thank you SO MUCH for reading all these years! So proud to have helped create a little SA community, and I hope you guys will stick around for the next adventure for our girls...
The finale will be coming out later tonight and from everyone on staff, we really hope you enjoy it as much as we do and that you agree that it's a fitting end to such an extraordinary journey. Until Ragnarok!
