I agree that it's not unheard of, but I don't think it can be as common as you imply. The "Slayer with a family and friends" was presented as something new and unusual and bizarre in the world of demon-fighting, and the source of Buffy's unique strength. If the majority of Slayers live a normal life until they're called, Buffy would be barely a blip on the radar.
I think you're right about the Council having a network of unassigned Watchers who are basically there to gather information and establish contacts, but the main work goes on at HQ with all the research and experimentation and politicking. Serving a twelve-year stint in the field as a Potential's Watcher is an essential career move to give you experience, but it also takes you away from where the real action is - the Council boardroom and water cooler and squash club and the all-important information network.
That's why you see rising stars like Wesley being given Watcherships, as a stepping stone to greater things; but anyone past 45 (Giles) who's still a field Watcher is probably going to stay one forever.
I still think there should be more ninja women than the show actually gives us... unless they really do carry out the Cruciamentum on non-Slayer Potentials as well...
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I agree that it's not unheard of, but I don't think it can be as common as you imply. The "Slayer with a family and friends" was presented as something new and unusual and bizarre in the world of demon-fighting, and the source of Buffy's unique strength. If the majority of Slayers live a normal life until they're called, Buffy would be barely a blip on the radar.
I think you're right about the Council having a network of unassigned Watchers who are basically there to gather information and establish contacts, but the main work goes on at HQ with all the research and experimentation and politicking. Serving a twelve-year stint in the field as a Potential's Watcher is an essential career move to give you experience, but it also takes you away from where the real action is - the Council boardroom and water cooler and squash club and the all-important information network.
That's why you see rising stars like Wesley being given Watcherships, as a stepping stone to greater things; but anyone past 45 (Giles) who's still a field Watcher is probably going to stay one forever.
I still think there should be more ninja women than the show actually gives us... unless they really do carry out the Cruciamentum on non-Slayer Potentials as well...