Jenny Calendar

Lore & Background

During the second season her true identity is revealed: she is Janna of the Kalderash, a member of the Romani group that cursed Angel. In response to an elder's visions that Angel is suffering less due to his growing romance with Buffy, Jenny is instructed to impede their relationship. As a result of events during the second season storyline (specifically in Season 2, Episode 14, "Innocence") Angel loses his soul and reverts to Angelus, his evil alter ego, eventually making Jenny his victim.

Among the main cast, she is the series' first recurring character to die, and the manner of her death is noted for its disturbing effect on audiences. Jenny refers to herself as a techno-pagan, not a witch. She says she does not have the necessary power to be a witch, but is adept at researching demons and other occult topics to assist Giles and Buffy. Jenny introduces viewers to the series' expression of magic.

In contrast to the more clichéd portrayals of magic in the media as an evil force akin to Satan-worshiping tinged with sexploitation, magic in Buffy instead represents a more earth-bound force that can be harnessed for a physical price. Jenny tells Giles that email and bone-casting are equally valid forms of receiving information.

Reader's Guide

Jenny Calendar is the computer teacher at Sunnydale High School. She is a recurring character in the first two seasons. Her key role is as Rupert Giles' primary romantic interest and as a counter to his technophobia. She is a rare adult female role model for the young women in Buffy's circle. Jenny is a techno-pagan, not a witch, and uses her access to and knowledge of technology to help the Scoobies. She is adept at researching demons and occult topics. Her true identity is Janna of the Kalderash, a member of the Romani group that cursed Angel. She is sent to Sunnydale to keep an eye on Angel and later instructed to impede his relationship with Buffy. Her death occurs in Season 2, Episode 17, "Passion", when Angelus kills her by snapping her neck and leaves her body in Giles' apartment. She is the series' first recurring character to die.

Did You Know?

• Jenny Calendar was originally not intended to be a recurring character, but the chemistry between Robia LaMorte and Anthony Head encouraged the writers to make her a regular member of the cast.
• Robia LaMorte was originally trained as a dancer who toured and appeared in music videos with Prince.
• In 'The Dark Age', the make-up requirement for LaMorte's appearance as the demon Eyghon nearly gave her an anxiety attack, though she considered it the most fun episode she filmed.
• Jenny's true name is Janna (pronounced Yannah) of the Kalderash, a member of the Romani group that cursed Angel.