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Spike Essay
It seemed like a few people would like to read this, so I've dug it out, blown off the cobwebs and polished it off! I hope you find it interesting:
Essay: Why Spike stayed in LA and what role he filled in Angel's life
Most people I think see Spike on AtS as a replacement for Cordy - the one who tells Angel where to get off. Which is true to some extent, but I don’t think that’s how it feels to Angel.
So this is my theory as to how Spike replaced Connor in Angel’s world.
To start with Connor, I think that Angel (subconsciously at least) wanted Connor to become a Champion (that dream all fathers have of their son saying “I want to be just like you dad!”). From Deep Down:
Angel: "Nothing in the world is the way it ought to be. - It's harsh, and cruel. - But that's why there's us. Champions. It doesn't matter where we come from, what we've done or suffered, or even if we make a difference. We live as though the world was what it should be, to show it what it can be. - You're not a part of that yet. - I hope you will be."
And of course in Awakening it's part of the 'Perfect Day':
Connor: “... Is this what it feels like, being a champion?”
Angel: “Pretty much.”
Angel continually tries to reach out to Connor and explain to him the meaning of being a champion, but I think Connor is too damaged to go down that path. He has been so messed around (by Holtz and Evil!Cordy/Jasmine) that he cannot recognise real love, and does not understand that Angel loves him. From Home:
Angel: “Ok, look, let me say this. I love you, son.”
Connor: “It's a lie.”
Angel: “It's not.”
Connor: “It's always a lie.”
Post-mindwipe-Connor does however understand love. And, after getting his memories back, is able to look at what happened and see Angel’s love. But, understanding what Angel did for him, he chooses to take his new life and live. From Origin:
Connor: “Hey, can we... get outta here? I'd like to go back... see my parents. (puts down the axe) This whole fighting thing, I'm not... I'm not really sure it's for me.”
Of course in Not Fade Away, he comes back to help his father with Hamilton, but Angel sends him away to live the life that he gave him:
Angel: “Go home...now.”
Connor: “They'll destroy you.”
Angel: “As long as you're OK, they can't... Go!”
--------------------------------------------
Spike on the other hand is not a damaged child, and he has always understood love. He might blame Angel(us) for making him what he became. From Destiny:
Spike: “Drusilla sired me... but you... you made me a monster.”
But he doesn’t need Angel to fix him. Spike had no prophecies, no higher powers telling him what to do - he chose his own destiny. And (as I’ve come to see it) during the course of AtS s5 - he chose to be a champion! That was of course not the original intention when getting the soul. That was an extraordinary venture, but I don't think he ever had time to think about what it meant. First he was crazy, and then he had to help Buffy fight The First Evil. What the soul made him, was not something he contemplated. And then Buffy chose him as her Champion - he found a greater purpose!
But then he came back - as a ghost - and had many months to observe and ponder. He could see Angel struggle with his decision to take over W&H and he heard about the Shashu prophecy. He probably found out a great deal about what Angel Investigations did prior to taking on the lawfirm.
So when he chooses not to go to Buffy after he is re-corporealised, he is trying to find out who he is. He saved the world and died as a champion, but is that really who he is? Is it what he wants to be? From Harm's Way:
Spike: “I was on my way. Had a boat ticket and all. Then I put a little thinking into it. A man can't go out in a bloody blaze of glory, savin' the world, and then show up 3 months later, tumbling off a cruise ship in the south of France. I mean, I'd love to, don't get me wrong, but, uh, it's hard to top an exit like that.”
And I don't think it's really about Buffy - I think it's about him. Can you be a Champion and Love's Bitch? I don't think so - it's a matter of focus, and where your heart lies. Of course these two meshed for Spike in 'Chosen', but do they still? What does it mean to be a souled vampire?
So when ‘Doyle’ comes, Spike goes along with him, since he has nothing better to do, but he never trusts him completely.
In ‘Soul Purpose’ Angel has the magically-induced nightmares of Spike usurping him. And he wakes up to find the dream coming true - Spike is the Peoples Champion, he helps the helpless. (I’ve seen Spike described as ‘Spike, the Vampire Slayer’ at this point.)
Now looking at this from a story-arch point of view, at the exact time ‘Doyle’ gets taken away, Spike gets something much more important - Angel’s respect! From You're Welcome:
Cordelia: “And you called this guy the big hero?”
Spike (to Angel): “You called me a hero?”
Angel: “I didn't know you were eating people.”
Spike: “It was a taste test, you git.”
He obviously gets a bit unsettled by the fact that he has been played by Lindsey, but from then on, he helps people anyway - no more sitting around in stripjoints. And a lot of that probably has to do with Angel calling him a hero, since this was one of the disputed points in Destiny:
Spike: “Here we are, then. Two vampire heroes... competing to wet our whistle with a drink of light, refreshing torment.”
Angel: “Is that what you think you are—a hero?”
So I think, that Spike slowly comes to understand, that what he wants to be - what he is - is a champion. And this is made clear, IMHO, after Fred dies, and he stays in LA (rather than become a 'rouge demonhunter'), and starts working with Angel (more or less).
SPIKE: This is what she would have wanted. It's what *I* want. I don't really like you. Suppose I never will. But this is important, what's happening here. Fred gave her life for it. The least I can do is give what's left of mine. The fight's comin', Angel. We both feel it... and it's gonna be a hell of a lot bigger than Illyria. Things are gonna get ugly. That's where I live.
ETA: And Angel at this point sees him as an equal. From A Hole In The World:
Drogyn: "The power to draw back Illyria lies in there. It requires a champion who has traveled from where it lies to where it belongs."
Angel: "You got two of those right here."
-----------
Now Angel sold out. He gave up the world (and his redemption?) to save Connor. But I think this in the end makes it easier for Angel. When Cordy gives him the visions (or vision, as it turns out), he understands that he can’t concern himself with the small stuff anymore. He has too much power.
But Spike doesn’t. Spike never really becomes a part of W&H. He intuitively rejects it when Wesley and Gunn ask him to join (behind Angel’s back). And I think this is important to Angel. On some level Spike becomes the champion-child that Connor could never be. Because Spike wants to be a champion. He beats Angel to the Cup of Torment. He has always wanted things, and his ties to the world are much stronger than Angel’s. Even as a ghost, he is at times closer to the group than Angel.
And yes, I think Angel signs away the Shanshu. (Or at least he believes he does, which is what matters). Partly because it's part of the ruse, partly because this will re-stabilise the universe (the Senior Partners only fixed it temporarily), but maybe also because this way he gives Spike the chance for a normal life, that he gave Connor. And it's possible that he thinks that Spike deserves it more (although he’ll never admit it). Spike after all sought out a soul, rather than being cursed. Spike automatically started fighting the good fight, rather than sit around for a century brooding. And Spike is family - more younger brother than son, maybe - but the one who knows Angel best. And probably the only one who really understands him. They have so much in common, that it pulls them together. There might be a bit of the same vibe that Buffy-Spike had. Angel knows he can trust Spike, and that he doesn’t have to hold back with him. (And family is clearly a very important thing for Angel - he even goes back to Darla, Dru and Spike after the soul, so the ties must be very strong. And he was ready to die to give Darla another shot at life). And Angel has also had part of the Shanshu - he has a child!
So I think, that in the end Angel sees Spike as a successor, and not a usurper.
Also, just to finish, Spike gave Buffy the normal life she always wanted ('Death is your gift') and maybe he doesn't want to interfere. Because the reasons for the breakup with Angel also apply to Spike - he can't give her children. She will age, he won't. I think he might have his eyes on that Shanshu, and if he gets it, he can be 'the longhaul guy'!
ETA: Another factor for staying might be that for the first time in his life, Spike has actual friends. Angel's team accept him as he is and treat him as an equal, and I think that must be very important to him!
Essay: Why Spike stayed in LA and what role he filled in Angel's life
Most people I think see Spike on AtS as a replacement for Cordy - the one who tells Angel where to get off. Which is true to some extent, but I don’t think that’s how it feels to Angel.
So this is my theory as to how Spike replaced Connor in Angel’s world.
To start with Connor, I think that Angel (subconsciously at least) wanted Connor to become a Champion (that dream all fathers have of their son saying “I want to be just like you dad!”). From Deep Down:
Angel: "Nothing in the world is the way it ought to be. - It's harsh, and cruel. - But that's why there's us. Champions. It doesn't matter where we come from, what we've done or suffered, or even if we make a difference. We live as though the world was what it should be, to show it what it can be. - You're not a part of that yet. - I hope you will be."
And of course in Awakening it's part of the 'Perfect Day':
Connor: “... Is this what it feels like, being a champion?”
Angel: “Pretty much.”
Angel continually tries to reach out to Connor and explain to him the meaning of being a champion, but I think Connor is too damaged to go down that path. He has been so messed around (by Holtz and Evil!Cordy/Jasmine) that he cannot recognise real love, and does not understand that Angel loves him. From Home:
Angel: “Ok, look, let me say this. I love you, son.”
Connor: “It's a lie.”
Angel: “It's not.”
Connor: “It's always a lie.”
Post-mindwipe-Connor does however understand love. And, after getting his memories back, is able to look at what happened and see Angel’s love. But, understanding what Angel did for him, he chooses to take his new life and live. From Origin:
Connor: “Hey, can we... get outta here? I'd like to go back... see my parents. (puts down the axe) This whole fighting thing, I'm not... I'm not really sure it's for me.”
Of course in Not Fade Away, he comes back to help his father with Hamilton, but Angel sends him away to live the life that he gave him:
Angel: “Go home...now.”
Connor: “They'll destroy you.”
Angel: “As long as you're OK, they can't... Go!”
--------------------------------------------
Spike on the other hand is not a damaged child, and he has always understood love. He might blame Angel(us) for making him what he became. From Destiny:
Spike: “Drusilla sired me... but you... you made me a monster.”
But he doesn’t need Angel to fix him. Spike had no prophecies, no higher powers telling him what to do - he chose his own destiny. And (as I’ve come to see it) during the course of AtS s5 - he chose to be a champion! That was of course not the original intention when getting the soul. That was an extraordinary venture, but I don't think he ever had time to think about what it meant. First he was crazy, and then he had to help Buffy fight The First Evil. What the soul made him, was not something he contemplated. And then Buffy chose him as her Champion - he found a greater purpose!
But then he came back - as a ghost - and had many months to observe and ponder. He could see Angel struggle with his decision to take over W&H and he heard about the Shashu prophecy. He probably found out a great deal about what Angel Investigations did prior to taking on the lawfirm.
So when he chooses not to go to Buffy after he is re-corporealised, he is trying to find out who he is. He saved the world and died as a champion, but is that really who he is? Is it what he wants to be? From Harm's Way:
Spike: “I was on my way. Had a boat ticket and all. Then I put a little thinking into it. A man can't go out in a bloody blaze of glory, savin' the world, and then show up 3 months later, tumbling off a cruise ship in the south of France. I mean, I'd love to, don't get me wrong, but, uh, it's hard to top an exit like that.”
And I don't think it's really about Buffy - I think it's about him. Can you be a Champion and Love's Bitch? I don't think so - it's a matter of focus, and where your heart lies. Of course these two meshed for Spike in 'Chosen', but do they still? What does it mean to be a souled vampire?
So when ‘Doyle’ comes, Spike goes along with him, since he has nothing better to do, but he never trusts him completely.
In ‘Soul Purpose’ Angel has the magically-induced nightmares of Spike usurping him. And he wakes up to find the dream coming true - Spike is the Peoples Champion, he helps the helpless. (I’ve seen Spike described as ‘Spike, the Vampire Slayer’ at this point.)
Now looking at this from a story-arch point of view, at the exact time ‘Doyle’ gets taken away, Spike gets something much more important - Angel’s respect! From You're Welcome:
Cordelia: “And you called this guy the big hero?”
Spike (to Angel): “You called me a hero?”
Angel: “I didn't know you were eating people.”
Spike: “It was a taste test, you git.”
He obviously gets a bit unsettled by the fact that he has been played by Lindsey, but from then on, he helps people anyway - no more sitting around in stripjoints. And a lot of that probably has to do with Angel calling him a hero, since this was one of the disputed points in Destiny:
Spike: “Here we are, then. Two vampire heroes... competing to wet our whistle with a drink of light, refreshing torment.”
Angel: “Is that what you think you are—a hero?”
So I think, that Spike slowly comes to understand, that what he wants to be - what he is - is a champion. And this is made clear, IMHO, after Fred dies, and he stays in LA (rather than become a 'rouge demonhunter'), and starts working with Angel (more or less).
SPIKE: This is what she would have wanted. It's what *I* want. I don't really like you. Suppose I never will. But this is important, what's happening here. Fred gave her life for it. The least I can do is give what's left of mine. The fight's comin', Angel. We both feel it... and it's gonna be a hell of a lot bigger than Illyria. Things are gonna get ugly. That's where I live.
ETA: And Angel at this point sees him as an equal. From A Hole In The World:
Drogyn: "The power to draw back Illyria lies in there. It requires a champion who has traveled from where it lies to where it belongs."
Angel: "You got two of those right here."
-----------
Now Angel sold out. He gave up the world (and his redemption?) to save Connor. But I think this in the end makes it easier for Angel. When Cordy gives him the visions (or vision, as it turns out), he understands that he can’t concern himself with the small stuff anymore. He has too much power.
But Spike doesn’t. Spike never really becomes a part of W&H. He intuitively rejects it when Wesley and Gunn ask him to join (behind Angel’s back). And I think this is important to Angel. On some level Spike becomes the champion-child that Connor could never be. Because Spike wants to be a champion. He beats Angel to the Cup of Torment. He has always wanted things, and his ties to the world are much stronger than Angel’s. Even as a ghost, he is at times closer to the group than Angel.
And yes, I think Angel signs away the Shanshu. (Or at least he believes he does, which is what matters). Partly because it's part of the ruse, partly because this will re-stabilise the universe (the Senior Partners only fixed it temporarily), but maybe also because this way he gives Spike the chance for a normal life, that he gave Connor. And it's possible that he thinks that Spike deserves it more (although he’ll never admit it). Spike after all sought out a soul, rather than being cursed. Spike automatically started fighting the good fight, rather than sit around for a century brooding. And Spike is family - more younger brother than son, maybe - but the one who knows Angel best. And probably the only one who really understands him. They have so much in common, that it pulls them together. There might be a bit of the same vibe that Buffy-Spike had. Angel knows he can trust Spike, and that he doesn’t have to hold back with him. (And family is clearly a very important thing for Angel - he even goes back to Darla, Dru and Spike after the soul, so the ties must be very strong. And he was ready to die to give Darla another shot at life). And Angel has also had part of the Shanshu - he has a child!
So I think, that in the end Angel sees Spike as a successor, and not a usurper.
Also, just to finish, Spike gave Buffy the normal life she always wanted ('Death is your gift') and maybe he doesn't want to interfere. Because the reasons for the breakup with Angel also apply to Spike - he can't give her children. She will age, he won't. I think he might have his eyes on that Shanshu, and if he gets it, he can be 'the longhaul guy'!
ETA: Another factor for staying might be that for the first time in his life, Spike has actual friends. Angel's team accept him as he is and treat him as an equal, and I think that must be very important to him!
no subject
It's provocative, I think, the way you analyze Spike's role in Season 5. Like most of the viewers I've always made the "Spike is like Cordy" thing. And, for me, is still works on a narrative level (Spike is sort a comic relief in many episodes, like Cordy in the first seasons. Makes smile the audience, while Angel is still brooding)
But your comparison between Connor and Spike is interesting and works!
Spike is a "childe", a granchilde however, for Angel/us, is a son for the patriarch. (Yes, I think that Angelus is sort of the patriarch for the fanged four, even with Darla-matriarch. I express a similar point of view in your other essay about School Hard, if I remember right)
Angel/us has this sort of patriarchy-style. He wants to shape the others in the ways he thinks right.
Spike is an example and he still blames him for that, consider him the maker of William The Bloody, while Dru was his real sire.
So, it's really for this that I hope that this:
but maybe also because this way he gives Spike the chance for a normal life
Is not true. :)
I explain myself.
Considering Spike as equal, not teaching him anything but learning from him, gives him the chance to stand by his side ... all this things, for me, leads to a direct consequence: Angel realize that he can choose anything for Spike, not even a "good thing". And this because Spike isn't a childe, a son, but he's an equal a partner. So, maybe, he still wants the best for him, but doesn't think anymore that he can gives him some kind of life or destiny.
Except that, you know, if he asks Spike to marry him. ù_ù
no subject
:)
And, for me, is still works on a narrative level (Spike is sort a comic relief in many episodes, like Cordy in the first seasons. Makes smile the audience, while Angel is still brooding)
But your comparison between Connor and Spike is interesting and works!
Oh but both readings are definitely valid and true. Spike fulfills many roles. (This is one of the things I love about the show - there are so many different layers to filter everything through.)
Angel/us has this sort of patriarchy-style. He wants to shape the others in the ways he thinks right.
Oh absolutely. It's what attracted Darla to him, I think - that big Alpha-male thing.
Spike is an example and he still blames him for that, consider him the maker of William The Bloody, while Dru was his real sire.
Oh yes. Dru made a play-mate. Angelus made a legend. (Go read Shanshu Blue, omg. One of the best fics EVER!)
And this because Spike isn't a childe, a son, but he's an equal a partner. So, maybe, he still wants the best for him, but doesn't think anymore that he can gives him some kind of life or destiny.
Oooooh, I'm right there with you. (Remember, this essay was written a looong time ago!)
no subject
Absolutely!
Oh absolutely. It's what attracted Darla to him, I think - that big Alpha-male thing.
Yes. Darla constantly wants to be "daddy's girl" (or the "boss' wife", maybe). If you see, she spends her time with the Master (patriarchal figure), then with Angelus (another patriarchal figure, she even helps him find his "daughter" Drusilla) and again with the Master. Maybe I'm wrong, but I kinda see a pattern. I have to think about it.
Oooooh, I'm right there with you. (Remember, this essay was written a looong time ago!)
Sorry (expecially for my errors), I understand the evolution of your point of view, but your essays are still great :)
Ps: Gonna read Shanshu Blue.
Listen to me: you have to read "Angel & Faith" comic. Really. It's not about crappy season Eight, it's a different - better - story. And the images are great. And Angel cuddles a cat. :3 Soo cute!
no subject
Someone once wrote a BRILLIANT Darla-essay, and how a lot of her personality tied into her having been a prostitute etc. I'll see if anyone remembers it.
Sorry (expecially for my errors), I understand the evolution of your point of view, but your essays are still great :)
Oh don't apologise. And it's interesting for me to see how my thinking has evolved, and how sometimes it's stayed the same. :)
Listen to me: you have to read "Angel & Faith" comic. Really. It's not about crappy season Eight, it's a different - better - story. And the images are great. And Angel cuddles a cat. :3 Soo cute!
I read all of 'After the Fall' and loved it very much indeed. (As well as Brian Lynch's Spike comics). I honestly wouldn't know where to get hold of Angel & Faith, but I am nowhere near as hostile as I am to the Buffy stuff. I can definitely see the appeal. It's mostly that it has to build on the awfulness that was s8... Anyway, I appreciate you liking them, and I shall not say anything against them!
no subject
Thank you! You're very kind. ^__^
Darla is a great character, but I can't feel empathy for her. Unlike Dru, for example. Or Buffy. Really don't know why!
I read all of 'After the Fall' and loved it very much indeed. (As well as Brian Lynch's Spike comics). I honestly wouldn't know where to get hold of Angel & Faith, but I am nowhere near as hostile as I am to the Buffy stuff. I can definitely see the appeal. It's mostly that it has to build on the awfulness that was s8... Anyway, I appreciate you liking them, and I shall not say anything against them!
*I'm still trying to be positive about Season Nine. Wish me good luck, I can't take anymore pain!*
"Angel & Faith" deserves our attention as fandom. I love the relationship between the main characters, it's very balanced, and everything seems plausible. The last issue finally brings Drusilla back and I'm so excited about it. Dru is still the greatest sin of Angelus, we need to know moooooore! Gage and Isaacs are doing great.
Plus Angel with a kitty! You should see him! He's so cute *w*
no subject
Oh I ADORE Darla. Love, love, love. I think it's because (unlike Dru) she's not a victim. She makes her own damn choices, and she's Angel's equal in every way. :) I just... *waves hands around* She just rules.
*I'm still trying to be positive about Season Nine. Wish me good luck, I can't take anymore pain!*|
Good luck! (You're going to need it.) And yeah, Angel & Faith sounds lovely. <3
no subject
Maybe I find something in your lj that helps me understand my lack of empathy towards Darla. It's not that I don't appreciate her courage, but I don't feel love for her. Buffy, for example, is a strong female character and I love her very much, even when she makes mistake and, sometimes, expecially when she makes mistakes. On the other hand, Dru is peculiar, fascinating. Juliet is always wonderful acting like a mad woman and, even knowing that Dru is just a victim, I can't help but loving her. She's a "pure monster", innocent, hepless, and I feel pity towards her, not only fascination for her gothic beauty.
Darla, on the other hand, really makes her own choices, but they are always connected to a man (Angelus) and so she's not really indipendent as she seems. Maybe it's just my inner femminist that wants to kick Angelus' patriarchal ass and his partner in crime! XD
Sorry! I'm writing too much!
no subject
This essay should help:
Fanged Four Dynamics revisited
Also came across this one - it's very long (haven't read it all myself yet), but certainly interesting:
Darla, souls and emotional codependence .
ETA:
Sorry! I'm writing too much!
Not possible! :)