I think your issues are with the execution? Which was admittedly uneven and problematic. And examining this from a Watsonian perspective doesn't quite work - because again you are forgetting a key point - it's a tv show about Buffy. If the character doesn't relate directly to her - it won't have prominence. It's not the Xander show or a show about fighting demons. It's a show about Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Every character is examined in a way that relates directly to her arc. The story is from her point of view. Buffy could barely stand Anya. And did not respect her, any more than Willow did. It took them a while to warm to her. But taking guidance or information from Anya would have been akin to well taking it from Cordy. Neither trusted Anya. And Xander didn't want to be reminded that she was a thousand year old demon, any more than they did. Any more than Anya did. When they asked her for info, she reluctantly gave it - and wasn't always right. They asked Anya in somewhat the same way they asked Spike - as a last resort, and grudgingly.
Honestly, she was someone who killed thousands - not something you want to think about when she's your pal.
So I don't think from a story-telling perspective, considering we are not telling this from Anya's pov but Buffy's, it made no sense to do what you wanted. It doesn't fit the framework of the story.
And Spike does die, as well. It really diminishes his sacrifice if his resurrection in Angel is used to ameliorate that sacrifice.
Not really. It was painful, and he thought he died. Then he came back as an incoporeal ghost that no one but Fred appeared to care about - forever separated from Buffy.
So even though he lived, he sacrificed a great deal. Dying actually would have been a heck of lot easier. Spike himself admits that. Living is harder.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2014-10-13 02:54 am (UTC)And Xander didn't want to be reminded that she was a thousand year old demon, any more than they did. Any more than Anya did. When they asked her for info, she reluctantly gave it - and wasn't always right. They asked Anya in somewhat the same way they asked Spike - as a last resort, and grudgingly.
Honestly, she was someone who killed thousands - not something you want to think about when she's your pal.
So I don't think from a story-telling perspective, considering we are not telling this from Anya's pov but Buffy's, it made no sense to do what you wanted. It doesn't fit the framework of the story.
And Spike does die, as well. It really diminishes his sacrifice if his resurrection in Angel is used to ameliorate that sacrifice.
Not really. It was painful, and he thought he died. Then he came back as an incoporeal ghost that no one but Fred appeared to care about - forever separated from Buffy.
So even though he lived, he sacrificed a great deal. Dying actually would have been a heck of lot easier. Spike himself admits that. Living is harder.