Reason No. &#@! for why I love Spike

[snick_backup]

I love Spike because his fabulous/amazing/heartbreaking redemption arc over the course of six (or seven, if we're counting Ats) seasons was unintentional. We know what Joss and co. thought a vampire in search of redemption looked like: he looked like Angel. Tortured, brooding, self-obsessed.

(Although, it occurs to me that Giles has a background structurally similar to Angel's - was bad, is now atoning - and he lives his atonement with much more simplicity, maturity, and self-effacement than Angel is ever going to manage.)

But Spike wasn't a vamp in search of redemption. He was a half-season villain, joyously murderous and laugh-in-your-face unrepentant. He was just bad, no holds barred. What ambiguity the writers gave him wasn't meant as an excuse or an opening towards his eventual u-turn; they didn't even expect him to survive the season. I can't help but think that that unapologetically evil portrayal is one of the arc's major strengths. I just finished rewatching S2, and the contrast between "What happens on Saturday?" "I kill you" and, say, "Time for something heroic" (Spiral) just about gives me shivers.

Folks, that is a redemption arc.

Comments

[gabrielleabelle.livejournal.com]

Big bunch of word. It really does amaze me how everything just falls into place with Spike. When they gave him his backstory in FFL, it just makes sense. It's just a fantastic example of on-the-fly characterization that becomes something truly spectacular.

[snickfic]

Yep. Exactly.

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

Oh, you are so, so right. I kind of hate the way fans sometimes try to excuse him or whitewash his past--"Oh, he was never really all that evil," etc.--because the very fact that he was straight-up, no apologies evil and ended up being such a good man who would sacrifice himself for the good of the world...it makes it so much more powerful and beautiful.

Also, I've taken to just ignoring everything the writers say and enjoying the show the way it appeals to me, because I never get out of something what they're clearly hoping I will. It makes for a much more enjoyable experience.

(Although, it occurs to me that Giles has a background structurally similar to Angel's - was bad, is now atoning - and he lives his atonement with much more simplicity, maturity, and self-effacement than Angel is ever going to manage.) Great point, and not one I would have thought of on my own.

[snickfic]

Word to that entire first paragraph. Why would you weaken the arc that way? It's the complications that make it so gorgeous.

Hah, this show has seriously challenged my default beliefs about authorial intent. I still think there's a lot of value to it in literature, especially in places where the meaning of an event or a symbol might be ambiguous. But a TV show is so much bigger and messier, with so many more authors. I mean, Whedon's intentions for Spike/Buffy in S6 have to weighed against JM's interpretation of the role, and Jane Espenson's sweeter romantic spin on her episodes, and... It all gets much more complicated.

You must be very good for the brain - I always end up writing such long comments to you!

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

I think one of Joss' major strengths, as a showrunner, was adapting the story to his actors. Of course, Spike is the most striking example of Joss' ability to find hidden potential in an actor.

[snickfic]

Totally agree. I adore the way he plays to the strengths of his actors.