Jesse McNally

[Highlander II]

Jesse McNally - played by Eric Balfour - Xander's best friend - who was initially supposed to be a member of the 'standard' cast - but was shifted to 'guest star' b/c Joss and co didn't have enough money for 2 opening credit sequences, b/c Jesse dies in the 1st episode (well, the 2nd hour of the 1st episode, so it's kinda the 2nd episode) -- (that's per Joss' commentary on the S1 DVDs) -

So, we're introduced to Jesse, then he's snagged by Darla and friends, and turned - OH NO! - and used as bait to draw Buffy to the Master's lair - worked too - b/c where did Buffy go? Yep, you got it ---

of course, at the time, Buffy didn't know Jesse had been turned -

he was a nice kid - and he was supposed to be part of the 'Scooby Gang' that we meet in the first episode - and he sort of was - kind of an 'honorary' member -

anyone want to add to?

 

[Dru]

I liked Jessy he was cute. But am I the only one bugged by the fact that Jessy was Xander and Willows Best friend yet they never speek of him after he dies????

What's with that?!?!? *grumbles* some friends they are.

 

[Highlander II]

ya know - I noticed that too -

They never talk about him again - never. I don't think he's been mentioned since the 1st 2 episodes.

And someone once told me that Jesse's being turned and subsequently killed was why Xander hated vamps - including Angel.

Very odd -----

 

[Dru]

It was so unreal. I've never had a close friend die but from wat i understand people tend to greive. To talk about the person.

They should have at least had in one or two eps a sene were Xander or Willow started to talk like Jessy was still alive then remember that he wasn't or something for God's sake! But they didn't do anything at all it was like he never even was alive!

 

[Highlander II]

Yeah and I'm not sure that was the effect Joss was shooting for. I don't think he wanted 'hey, let's kill Xander's best friend then forget he exists.' ---

But, Jesse's never been mentioned again. I mean, come on - Marcie (the invisible girl) was mentioned in S6 - but Jesse - killed by a vamp and never heard of again? Very strange.

 

[DarkCity545]

Your right considering it was xanders only male friend.

 

[Highlander II]

Yes. Xander is quite lacking in male companionship - considering nearly every guy who comes on the show is immediately infatuated or obsessed with Buffy. Kind of limits the ones who could be Xander's friends.

Jesse was a nice character -- too bad we don't know much more about him.