I don't know. That group of episodes can be interpreted more than one way. Another thing that I love about this series is it can be interpreted in multiple ways.
When I first saw the episodes or even as far back as 2010, I'd have agreed with you. But now that time has passed and I'm admittedly no longer obsessed with Spike or Spuffy for that matter - I'm starting to see things from another angle.
Now, I think Buffy was trying to persuade Angel to go but leave the amulet which could change the tide. Angel's incredibly stubborn. And if she told him that Spike was her champion and earned that right and it felt right to let him make this choice, Angel would have balked and refused. It was after all given to Angel and Angel clearly saw it as his last chance at redeeming himself - he needed to do something after his decision in Home.
Buffy craftily tells Angel that she can't risk him - that she "needs" him in LA. Smart move. She cleverly strokes his ego, and tells him she cares about him - which she does. Keep in mind Buffy is also looking at the big picture here. From her perspective everyone might die tomorrow - and the First could jump over to LA - and she needs someone who can come in and fight the First, should they lose. So, her statement to Angel is practical. Spike can't lead the second front, he has no connections in LA.
As for whether she knew it would kill him? She didn't know what it would do. And she also told him that it probably was not a great idea to wear it, but it could change the tide of the battle. And to give Buffy some credit - it does change the tide of the battle - it does save the day. And it doesn't actually kill him - he survives.
Also, again, keep in mind, from Buffy's perspective there was a 75% chance that everyone would die. Quite a few people actually did, permanently. And quite a few were injured. Spike actually came out of it fairly well all things considered.
So, no, I don't think she chose him knowing he would die. I see no evidence supporting that.
Watsonian - let's just say it leaves gaps to be filled (where stories are born). As a Spangel fan - and not just sex but who they were and who they are now - I am quite happy for everything thereafter
See - I prefer a Watsonian and Doylist interpretation - or one that combines both. But, I'm admittedly not really a fanfic writer, which makes a big difference. Fanfic writers fall into the trap of wanting the text to reflect their story, in their heads. The Watsonian often, not always, wants to see the story that is playing in their head. The Doylist, not always, but often, is trying to figure out the story in the author's head.
Interpreting text is difficult to do from an objective angle. You will bring to it your own prejudices, desires, wants, craziness, and well dreams. It's inevitable.
I think a combination of Doylist and Watsonian helps analyze the text on a more objective level, if such a thing is even possible. Also you really can't critique on a Watsonian level without considering the Doylist. (ie. it's a bit silly to critique Buffy for not being a dark enough universe like Angel is - it wasn't written to be, you knew that going in. Or to critique a superhero flick for being a superhero flick.)
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branchandroot
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Date: 2014-10-12 02:02 pm (UTC)Another thing that I love about this series is it can be interpreted in multiple ways.
When I first saw the episodes or even as far back as 2010, I'd have agreed with you. But now that time has passed and I'm admittedly no longer obsessed with Spike or Spuffy for that matter - I'm starting to see things from another angle.
Now, I think Buffy was trying to persuade Angel to go but leave the amulet which could change the tide. Angel's incredibly stubborn. And if she told him that Spike was her champion and earned that right and it felt right to let him make this choice, Angel would have balked and refused. It was after all given to Angel and Angel clearly saw it as his last chance at redeeming himself - he needed to do something after his decision in Home.
Buffy craftily tells Angel that she can't risk him - that she "needs" him in LA. Smart move. She cleverly strokes his ego, and tells him she cares about him - which she does. Keep in mind Buffy is also looking at the big picture here. From her perspective everyone might die tomorrow - and the First could jump over to LA - and she needs someone who can come in and fight the First, should they lose. So, her statement to Angel is practical. Spike can't lead the second front, he has no connections in LA.
As for whether she knew it would kill him? She didn't know what it would do. And she also told him that it probably was not a great idea to wear it, but it could change the tide of the battle. And to give Buffy some credit - it does change the tide of the battle - it does save the day. And it doesn't actually kill him - he survives.
Also, again, keep in mind, from Buffy's perspective there was a 75% chance that everyone would die. Quite a few people actually did, permanently.
And quite a few were injured. Spike actually came out of it fairly well all things considered.
So, no, I don't think she chose him knowing he would die. I see no evidence supporting that.
Watsonian - let's just say it leaves gaps to be filled (where stories are born). As a Spangel fan - and not just sex but who they were and who they are now - I am quite happy for everything thereafter
See - I prefer a Watsonian and Doylist interpretation - or one that combines both. But, I'm admittedly not really a fanfic writer, which makes a big difference. Fanfic writers fall into the trap of wanting the text to reflect their story, in their heads. The Watsonian often, not always, wants to see the story that is playing in their head. The Doylist, not always, but often, is trying to figure out the story in the author's head.
Interpreting text is difficult to do from an objective angle. You will bring to it your own prejudices, desires, wants, craziness, and well dreams. It's inevitable.
I think a combination of Doylist and Watsonian helps analyze the text on a more objective level, if such a thing is even possible. Also you really can't critique on a Watsonian level without considering the Doylist. (ie. it's a bit silly to critique Buffy for not being a dark enough universe like Angel is - it wasn't written to be, you knew that going in. Or to critique a superhero flick for being a superhero flick.)
I'm not really an either/or analyst, I'm afraid.