AtS 5.4

[rusty_halo]

Hey, look, I'm actually not bitching and complaining for once. This episode looks to be quite good.

(Warning: I'm a unapologetic Spike fan. My reaction is therefore filtered through a Spike-centric lense. If that bothers you, don't read it.)

The ghost stuff is very, very creepy, and if it's filmed as well as it's written it should be amazing.

I am, of course, happy that this episode is Spike-centric. I'm also happy because much of it seems to be from Spike's POV; we have scenes where Spike is alone and so the viewer is encouraged on some level to identify with him. We very rarely got that in seasons six and seven, when Spike was mostly just an appendage to Buffy and was seen solely through her eyes. (I remember lots of unhappiness in season six, when we didn't get anything major from Spike's POV until the crypt scene with Clem in Seeing Red; especially compared with season five when we got great stuff from his POV like much of Intervention).

I liked the part about Spike being a vampire ghost, or something to that effect. It doesn't really make much sense, but then it's not like ME's soul canon ever did. I'm just glad he's still got some demon in him and he's not pure soul.

Also, I love the Spike/Fred stuff. I don't know if they're setting them up romantically or just as friends, and I really don't care either way. I just love that Spike has a woman to dote on; it's always brought out his best and most interesting qualities. And I love that Fred genuinely seems to care about Spike; she has some line about how he's worth saving. This may be the first time since his mother that anyone has actually valued Spike as an individual regardless of whether he is useful to them. (I once thought that Dawn did, but then season seven happened.) So, that made me happy; maybe the "respect Spike" postcard campaign is working. ;)

Comments

[diva-stardust.livejournal.com]

Yay, I'm so glad someone else is excited about this! I was *really* hoping for some type of Spred interaction ever since I heard Spike might be on the show but since I'd lost faith in ME when they never resolved the Spike/Dawn friendship; I decided not to get my hopes up about Spike/Fred interaction.

But now they've exceeded everything I wanted all just within the fourth episode! I hope this is only the beginning of what's to come.

[jaydk.livejournal.com]

I'm interested to see what happens re: Spike and Fred too -- whatever their relationship is, it's just nice that Spike has some kind of relationship with someone new! And really, it does make sense that of all the characters, Fred is the one Spike bonds with -- he's always been extremely female-centric in his relationships. Guys are just not on Spike's radar to the degree that women are.

[villagechick.livejournal.com]

*Sigh* Maybe I should go back to being a spoiler ho. This sounds *gasp* almost promising for Spike fans. I remember reading some great Spike/Fred fanfic which was never finished which made me interested in the pairing. I could get into a S/F pairing friendship or romance, I don't care, as long as someone seems to give a damn about him.

[pepperlandgirl4.livejournal.com]

It is hard to gauge where they're going with Spike/Fred. You mean someone might actually like Spike because he's Spike and not because they want to use him/beat him/fuck him? Woah...I don't know if I can handle that. *rolleyes*

It's it October yet? I miss Spike so much. :(

[marguerite-26.livejournal.com]

I just read the spoilers and I agree, it sounds like a great ep. Creepy and suspenseful. I love eps where we spend half the time trying to figure out what is going on.

I hope Fred/Spike turns into friendship only. It makes sense that they are drawn to each other with Spike’s soft spot for chicks and Fred’s sympathetic attitude towards anyone who doesn’t try to kill her. I just hope it doesn’t turn romantic. She’s already stolen Wes and Gunn’s heart. I think Spike’s respect and possibly a big brother affection for her would be a nice change for both characters. They have been doting/doted on a bit too much :)

[chase820.livejournal.com]

TWO Spike-centric stories in the first FOUR episodes? So, so happy about this. I don't even have any objections to Spike/Fred. I also don't have any problem with Spike/Angel, Spike/Wesley, hell, even Spike/Lorne, as long as there is NO more Spike/Buffy.

[laurashalo.livejournal.com]

I'm pleased that Spike seems to be seen as someone worth saving and someone worth caring about. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the characters on AtS are more willing to give Spike the benefit of the doubt than those on Buffy, considering they all work for a souled vampire. I do like the Spike/Fred friendship they are developing. I just hope they keep moving slowly so Spike can have time to heal from the whole Buffy thing before he moves on.

[evemac.livejournal.com]

Your icon is SO. DAMN. HILARIOUS. I love it. They should film it and play it on TV every Christmas.

And to the subject of 5.4, I too am really looking forward to it. From what I read, it looks wonderful for the Spike-development, eerie factor, and Spike/Fred friendship. Plus, Spike wears a dress. I can only imagine all of the icons. ;)

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

ROFLMAO! I love your icon!

[buffyx.livejournal.com]

ITA. This episode sounds like it's going to be one of my favorites-- sounds as creepy as Hush, probably even more so. And yes, I definitely noticed the "vampire soul" mention-- I think that ups the odds of him being a soulled vamp again, which makes me giddy since that's what I wanted in the first place.

I was pretty wary about them making Spike a ghost, but now I'm relieved and glad to see that it seems to be working. He's more than just a wacky neighbor type.

And I think it goes without saying that the Spike/Fred scenes have me very, very giddy. ;-)

[shapinglight]

I am happy with the Spike/Fred stuff too. I don't care if they 'ship them or not (I'm shipping Spike/Anyone Who Will Be Nice To Him, by the way), it's just nice to see someone seem to value him. It's also nice to see that Angel can exchange a half-civil word with him. I don't want to see the two of them fight all season.

What I'm not so happy with is the sneaking feeling I get that we may be stuck with Ghost Spike for a long time, maybe even a whole season. It's okay for a few episodes, but I really, really hate the thought of it being permanent. Spike's such a physical presence.

Still, plenty of good things, including JM in a dress.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

I'm actually more or less okay with it all as well. I may roll my eyes at it being Spike Torture... AGAIN. But all in all, I'm okay with it all.

And I'm where you are with Spred. I'm far from convinced they'll turn it into a ship but I'm happy with friends or ship. I just want someone to give a damn about Spike and Spike have someone to care about as well, so I'm glad they're developing a relationship of some sort. I can be happy with friendship and I wouldn't mind seeing it if the show decided to try for more.

[kitanotjames.livejournal.com]

Ok. but clearly you missed the most important part of the spoilers.

S/A shmoop. Good god. Joss loves me. Yea, yea, they SAY he's fucking Fred. But WE all know better. WOOT! *G*