>>For good or ill, his entire storyline is now tied up with his intense, absorbing love for Buffy, and were it not for Spuffy, he'd very probably have no story at all (just look at the other Scoobs this season…). It may not be everything a Spike-fan could hope for, but Spike's role if that of 'romantic hero', and I want to see him triumph in it. I want to, for lack of a better word, to see him 'win'.<<
I get what you're saying, but I'm not sure I agree. It seems that, for the first time this season, Spike has a story that *isn't* intimately tied with Buffy's story. Spike dealing with his soul, the guilt, the chip, etc. has been a story about *Spike*, not Buffy. Buffy's involved, because it's her show, but it's not really about her. Compare this to season six when almost every scene Spike was in was really about Buffy.
I think for Spike, winning would involve regaining his self-respect and independence. I also think it demeans Buffy to view her as a prize for Spike to win. (Not that you meant it that way, but it's just an overall attitude that I'm uncomfortable with; the Ducks and B/X shippers often have similar perspectives and it creeps me out).
>>Buffy use to be such a vibrant, open, romantic person - someone I really, genuinely liked. I want to see that person again.<<
Yes, I know what you mean. It makes me so sad that her character has degenerated like this. I often can't even enjoy reruns of early seasons anymore because I just can't stand looking at her. Yet I really did like her (for the most part) back when I watched those early seasons the first time.
>>But I'm skeptical about holding out for something that may or may not happen. I want Spuffy now because, given the limited time we have left, it's probably the only ending Spike could be truly happy with.<<
But I think that if he got over her he *would* be happy, probably really happy for the first time in his (un)life. He's spent so much time basing his self-esteem on the view of others: Cecily, Drusilla, Buffy. Even if he does end up with Buffy, he'll still be beholden to her in an unhealthy, codependent way. It's not real character growth for Spike to end up with Buffy. It might make him (temporarily) happy, but it's not the best thing for him. If he could get over her, he would have a chance at *real* happiness; he could learn to value himself for all the wonderful things that make him who he is, instead of only feeling worthwhile because someone *else* values him.
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Date: 2003-03-17 09:39 am (UTC)I get what you're saying, but I'm not sure I agree. It seems that, for the first time this season, Spike has a story that *isn't* intimately tied with Buffy's story. Spike dealing with his soul, the guilt, the chip, etc. has been a story about *Spike*, not Buffy. Buffy's involved, because it's her show, but it's not really about her. Compare this to season six when almost every scene Spike was in was really about Buffy.
I think for Spike, winning would involve regaining his self-respect and independence. I also think it demeans Buffy to view her as a prize for Spike to win. (Not that you meant it that way, but it's just an overall attitude that I'm uncomfortable with; the Ducks and B/X shippers often have similar perspectives and it creeps me out).
>>Buffy use to be such a vibrant, open, romantic person - someone I really, genuinely liked. I want to see that person again.<<
Yes, I know what you mean. It makes me so sad that her character has degenerated like this. I often can't even enjoy reruns of early seasons anymore because I just can't stand looking at her. Yet I really did like her (for the most part) back when I watched those early seasons the first time.
>>But I'm skeptical about holding out for something that may or may not happen. I want Spuffy now because, given the limited time we have left, it's probably the only ending Spike could be truly happy with.<<
But I think that if he got over her he *would* be happy, probably really happy for the first time in his (un)life. He's spent so much time basing his self-esteem on the view of others: Cecily, Drusilla, Buffy. Even if he does end up with Buffy, he'll still be beholden to her in an unhealthy, codependent way. It's not real character growth for Spike to end up with Buffy. It might make him (temporarily) happy, but it's not the best thing for him. If he could get over her, he would have a chance at *real* happiness; he could learn to value himself for all the wonderful things that make him who he is, instead of only feeling worthwhile because someone *else* values him.