The difference is that the original author or source author tends to be oblivious to our criticism of his/her work
Exactly. And I think that gives us much more rein to speak freely - we don't have to worry about the author being upset by our criticism, or offended that we view the story in a way that wasn't intended. I'm sure there are authors out there who don't mind hearing that kind of analysis of their work, but much like any constructive criticism, a few angry reactions makes people very hesitant to engage.
Angel - while I can see Angel doing that, at the same time, the speech doesn't quite play, due to the fact that Angel has lived this storyline.
I think the overall idea is in character for Angel - it certainly wouldn't be the first time he did something "for Buffy's own good" without consulting her, nor would it be OOC for him to sacrifice innocent lives for the greater good. But the way he tells Buffy "I didn't do this, it just happened" and "it could've been so much worse" just make him sound delusional. Perhaps it could've been worse - but it also could've been a LOT better, if Angel had tried harder to minimize casualties, or if he had actually talked to Buffy instead of trying to "push her." The Angel of the TV series, I think, might do the same things, but he wouldn't try to act like it completely wasn't his fault.
no subject
Exactly. And I think that gives us much more rein to speak freely - we don't have to worry about the author being upset by our criticism, or offended that we view the story in a way that wasn't intended. I'm sure there are authors out there who don't mind hearing that kind of analysis of their work, but much like any constructive criticism, a few angry reactions makes people very hesitant to engage.
Angel - while I can see Angel doing that, at the same time, the speech doesn't quite play, due to the fact that Angel has lived this storyline.
I think the overall idea is in character for Angel - it certainly wouldn't be the first time he did something "for Buffy's own good" without consulting her, nor would it be OOC for him to sacrifice innocent lives for the greater good. But the way he tells Buffy "I didn't do this, it just happened" and "it could've been so much worse" just make him sound delusional. Perhaps it could've been worse - but it also could've been a LOT better, if Angel had tried harder to minimize casualties, or if he had actually talked to Buffy instead of trying to "push her." The Angel of the TV series, I think, might do the same things, but he wouldn't try to act like it completely wasn't his fault.