30 Day's of Buffy: Day 11
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30 DAY'S OF BUFFY
DAY 11: LEAST FAVOURITE ROMANCE
BUFFY/SPIKE
Before i can explain fully why this ship is my least favourite first i think you need a little background info. I only ever watched the first three seasons on this show's original run. I stopped watching after the first episode of season 4, and it wasn't until late 2007/early 2008 that i saw seasons 4 to 7.
I watched the entire 7 seasons over the course of 4 months.
That, i think has given me a different perspective on this pairing then i would have had if i watched it in real time. I didn't have years to get used to the idea. It was literally two weeks between seasons, that kind of time frame, coupled with the jump in emotional ties was different for me then it would have been for those who watched it over the course of a few years.
I have no way of knowing if, had i watched it over years instead of months if i would have liked the idea of Buffy/Spike. Maybe i would have.
For me, the issues i have with this pairing have less to do with the actual characters and more to do with the circumstances ( and resulting actions) in which this happens. There is no denying that Buffy and Spike have a connection, a camaraderie, and in differenent circumstances i think they could have worked as a couple. They certainly had the chemistry for a relationship.
But, i have a horrible time in thinking that a relationship starting (and ending) in the emotional and physical abuse of the other can end in anything but heartbreak and anger. I don't see how anyone can really ship Buffy/Spike in a relationship after the events of 'Seeing Red'. Nobody, who is a fan of this show, of Buffy, of strong women can see her going back to Spike, having a relationship with him after he tried to rape her. That for me goes against everything this show taught us about being strong, about being a Slayer, and hell about being female in a male dominated world.
I also think it goes against everything Buffy is as a person.
I can appreciate Spike getting his soul for her. I can appreciate Buffy forgiving him, not only for herself, but also for him. We have seen over the course of the series that Buffy is a compassionate person, and takes it upon herself to help others. I truly think she would try and forgive him for that.
BUT. I do not think she would forget. I do not see her trusting him ever again. Nor, in my humble opinion should she.