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Arbitrar of Quality being insightful.
It's always interesting to see the show through a newbie's eyes, and AOQ can be very insightful. A couple of quotes that stood out for me.
First, since I'm discussing B/A a lot at the moment, a snippet from AOQ's review of IWRY:
De-souling Angel gave Season Two of BTVS some of its best moments, but it's also been used as a device to make a Forbidden Love story out of the whole thing. All Troo Wuv, except for that nasty curse (and Angel as an immortal in general). IWRY removes those obstacles, and still has Angel walk away at the end. It's interesting to consider the way the two of them not being equals affects his thinking. As established before, Angel thinks Buffy's in danger because of her lack of judgment where he's concerned, and takes steps to prevent it. It could be called a true hero's sacrifice, or patronizing martyr-complex stuff.
And of course, see the way he does it: once again it's a unilateral decision, making choices "for their own good" without consulting his better half, and ultimately cutting Buffy out of the loop entirely. The early scenes of the episode serve to not-so-subtly suggest that she wouldn't like that, if she could remember it happening. Beyond the plot-based reasons that our lovers can't be lovers, this hits at a character-based obstacle, a fundamental difference in attitudes. For my money, it makes for a much more satisfying breakup episode than anything else non-"Becoming." As much as I eventually grew to like this particular romantic pairing, IWRY made me believe that going their separate ways on their separate TV shows is better for both of them, in a way I hadn't before.
And second, since he's just finished S6, there's been a lot of discussion of the Buffy/Spike dynamic:
A lot of what you're saying is true, but I'd use different language when talking about "control." The fact that Spike is controlled doesn't necessarily mean that Buffy is in control. Most of the B/S story - and I tend to focus on "Dead Things," which is really the central episode - only works if neither of them are ever sure quite what they're doing or whose game it is. Spike thinks he has buffy in a Dracula-like thrall until she doesn't stop by the next day. Buffy's mind, as shown by her dreams, paints her as an abuser but not in charge of things at all. It doesn't fall neatly into a dominance/submission dichotomy.
I didn't know it was possible, but I think I'm all Season 6 worn out! I'm looking forward to S7 immensely now and I might even do a re-watch myself if I can find the time. Maybe while I sort out papers - we have like a gazillion piles in the office... *sigh* Why does housework take so long?
Anyway, must run again. Was very sad to hear of the demise of BAPS and even sadder to hear about Steve Irwin. Such is life I guess.
First, since I'm discussing B/A a lot at the moment, a snippet from AOQ's review of IWRY:
De-souling Angel gave Season Two of BTVS some of its best moments, but it's also been used as a device to make a Forbidden Love story out of the whole thing. All Troo Wuv, except for that nasty curse (and Angel as an immortal in general). IWRY removes those obstacles, and still has Angel walk away at the end. It's interesting to consider the way the two of them not being equals affects his thinking. As established before, Angel thinks Buffy's in danger because of her lack of judgment where he's concerned, and takes steps to prevent it. It could be called a true hero's sacrifice, or patronizing martyr-complex stuff.
And of course, see the way he does it: once again it's a unilateral decision, making choices "for their own good" without consulting his better half, and ultimately cutting Buffy out of the loop entirely. The early scenes of the episode serve to not-so-subtly suggest that she wouldn't like that, if she could remember it happening. Beyond the plot-based reasons that our lovers can't be lovers, this hits at a character-based obstacle, a fundamental difference in attitudes. For my money, it makes for a much more satisfying breakup episode than anything else non-"Becoming." As much as I eventually grew to like this particular romantic pairing, IWRY made me believe that going their separate ways on their separate TV shows is better for both of them, in a way I hadn't before.
And second, since he's just finished S6, there's been a lot of discussion of the Buffy/Spike dynamic:
A lot of what you're saying is true, but I'd use different language when talking about "control." The fact that Spike is controlled doesn't necessarily mean that Buffy is in control. Most of the B/S story - and I tend to focus on "Dead Things," which is really the central episode - only works if neither of them are ever sure quite what they're doing or whose game it is. Spike thinks he has buffy in a Dracula-like thrall until she doesn't stop by the next day. Buffy's mind, as shown by her dreams, paints her as an abuser but not in charge of things at all. It doesn't fall neatly into a dominance/submission dichotomy.
I didn't know it was possible, but I think I'm all Season 6 worn out! I'm looking forward to S7 immensely now and I might even do a re-watch myself if I can find the time. Maybe while I sort out papers - we have like a gazillion piles in the office... *sigh* Why does housework take so long?
Anyway, must run again. Was very sad to hear of the demise of BAPS and even sadder to hear about Steve Irwin. Such is life I guess.