Am I The Only One Who Hated Season 6?

[Lou]

With Spike and Buffy it's much more of the latter. However I don't think Buffy needed to go through what she went through. A lot of people talk about Spike and Buffy as the 'adult' relationship but I personally feel it's one way an adult relationship can go. We don't need to be abused and to be an abuser to learn how to grow up. In fact I think that's a naive, narrow assumption in itself.

That isn't why I think Buffy and Spike is more of an "adult" relationship. I see the actual violence part as a product as the "super power" game, not as a real part of the relationship. Heck, Buffy and Angel duked it out a bit too.

The part that makes it more adult in my head is 1.) Buffy let herself be actually vulnerable with Spike. She lets him in on her fears and hopes in a way that is a LOT more open than she lets herself be with Angel. She was mad at herself for it, but people often get scared when they let themselves be that open. They want to take it back.
2.) We are allowed to see more "REASONS" for these feelings. Buffy and Angel came across as very superficial. Other than the Halloween episode where Angel tells her that he didn't like women from "his time" because they were boring, there is no real talk about WHY they like each other. It comes across as very high school and "Angel is dreamy and slightly mysterious". Which is fine for high school, but not really an adult love type thing.

Spike does more chatting about why he likes her. And, in her own way, even in Season 6, Buffy gives clues for why she likes him. For one thing, by not seeing him as perfect she doesn't have to be perfect for him. She knows he's safe, she knows he's loyal, and she can be sad and scared and not the all powerful slayer for him. Which even as much as she tries to deny it, still comes through quite clearly through most of the season. Even just all the times she gives Spike another chance or tries to get him "back on the path" in those last two seasons. Things she gave up on with Angel in Season 2. Just...oh he's bad, let's kill him. Some is that she's older, but Spike also gave MORE of himself to her than Angel did. Angel kept himself oddly closed off even in S1.

That's what says it's more mature in MY eyes. Sure, she's older. But, it's more in the way she reacts to Spike and him to her. It's that feeling of being strong and tough on the outside, but having one special person that you can be vulnerable to and NEED. A person you can lash our at on a bad day and 5 minutes later fall in their arms and know they'll catch you.

It's touching. I've had some superficial relationships and I've had some real ones. Buffy and Angel remind me of me and MY highschool boyfriend. We're still GREAT friends. We even have daughters born 4 hours apart. And I love him dearly. But, he makes a MUCH better "brother" figure than boyfriend. We're a great team, we hang out and play darts well. And I know he will have my back if things get bad. But, our relationship is and always has been very "idealized". We don't see each other for how we ARE, just how we want things to be. We've SEEN each other at our worst, but there was no "being vulnerable" it was being vulnerable but keeping up a facade where we were trying to pretend we had everything under control. It's a friendship I would NEVER give up, but it's a far cry from what I have with my husband!

 

[Lorne]

That's definitely an interesting way to put it, Buffy/Angel was the high school way relationship of the girly-girl go get them routine, and the Buffy/Spike deal was us seeing them growing up in the status quo as adults... well Spike was already an adult, albeit more childish in his ways, but he had some growing up to do and not just from the chip implanted in his brain by Riley and his gang who I despise with a passion. Spike had feelings for Buffy back when the two first met, they weren't as open and all lovey-dovey obviously but eventually, even Drusilla began to see that Spike had those kind of feelings towards Buffy, the mortal Slayer. I find it very ironic in a sense.

I myself feel completely positive that even without the chip in his head, Spike would have become the obsessed maniac and still gone for the soul routine for the chance to be with Buffy... if anything else to piss Angel off. Those are my feelings on that topic. I guess the Buffy/Spike relationship was alright just the way it came to an abrupt stop towards the middle when Spike began to push her a little too much into pressure about their 'secret' relationship from her friends which already seemed to get an idea that Buffy was seeing Spike, or at least Tara and Willow knew.

 

[LadyLavinia]

Yeah, it's a difficult one. It's neglible which relationship is worse and it also depends on why it's worse. The fact that consequentially there were defects does not ncessarily reflect on the nature of the persons involved, well not Buffy. She was innocent in his turning and no one exepcted Angel to lose his soul not even him. Though their relationship wasn't perfect, (show me a perfect relationship ) certainly this was the main issue and it wasn't really psychological but more metaphysical (well a little of the former but I would look at the the relationship between Angel and Angelus more closely for this)

The problem I had with Buffy and Angel's relationship was not its imperfection. I had trouble with it, because I don't think it allowed either Buffy or Angel to develop as characters. Perhaps you and others might think differently . . . but that's how I feel.

 

[Kana]

The problem I had with Buffy and Angel's relationship was not its imperfection. I had trouble with it, because I don't think it allowed either Buffy or Angel to develop as characters. Perhaps you and others might think differently . . . but that's how I feel.

Lol, well I do think differently. Mainly because, due to both Angel and Spike being involved with Buffy they became champions.

Also I don't know if Buffy needed to go through that period of self-loathing by using Spike. If anything that stopped Buffy's development in it's tracks. Well maybe not but Buffy's strength didn't come exclusively from Spike, Riley or Angel but a little from all of them and all of the caused her pain.

To me Buffy's development has been relatively continual no matter who she's been with. Certainly Angel learnt a lot from Buffy and so did Spike.

 

[Lorne]

I think Angel and Spike helped Buffy the most when it came to development, but for a 'natural' no vamp relationship Riley did help her wake up some as an adult, to help Buffy through the college days of finding someone to trust, then learning that even if you think you really know someone, sometimes there are things that are hidden deeper like Riley's betrayal and why he betrayed Buffy. You know what I mean, lol.

 

[VisionGuy]

Season six is my favorite season after season three. The growing up, Buffy's relationship with Spike, Willow's addiction to magic, the Tara goodness, almost everything in this season is flawless. Not to mention it's the only season without any Bangel crap. :hehe:

 

[Lorne]

I liked how they added Willow's magic addiction to the season, it showed what 'addictions' can do to people and sends messages out to the fans of all ages to not get addicted to things, especially things like drugs or computer role playing games (software games not just message board RPGs) etc.

 

[palabravampiress]

Well, I was the one who theorized that what happened in season 6 was a necessary part of maturation. Maybe it was a little narrow minded. I mean, I guess there are other ways to mature. I haven't seen them, but I guess they do exist. I'm not saying you have to have an exact copy of the Buffy/Spike dynamic, but I do think that most people do treat those they love (or like, or maybe even loathe) in a deplorable manner at some point and that, by regretting that choice, they learn something about themselves. I'm not saying that I think everyone has to be in a mutually abusive Buffy/Spike relationship in order to mature; instead, I'm saying that everyone has to test and know their own limits and face their own personal demons in order to mature. That relationship wasn't so much about sexual abuse as it was about those two facing the worst parts of themselves. Spike the man faced Spike the monster. Buffy faced the part of her that was dead. Not every person has a monster inside or feels dead. Other people face other problems. Buffy and Spike, however, had those problems. Facing those problems was, I think, necessary for their development as characters.

So even though I think I may have been a little hasty in employing the universal you, I still think people go down the facing their inner demons and their own limits route more often than most of us really feel comfortable admitting. I also think the people who are near and dear to us get caught in the line of fire more often than we'd like to admit, too. Maybe it doesn't happen to everyone. I do, however, think that most people do go through something similar in some way. That's why I love season 6 so very much. Most shows aren't brave enough to tackle that. Season 6 of Buffy tackled it with every character.

 

[Lorne]

That's what I was thinking too, I've been rewatching various episodes from my DVD collections and I've been seeing that a little more throughout the show. Season 6 has its qualities, its ups and downs and it has a few episodes of Season 6. It does seem to revolve around each character throughout the season. I think tha'ts one of the reasons why I liked it for season 6, that it was a little darker, and showed the sides of some characters we haven't really accepted or understood before.

 

[bob6666]

why does so many people hate xander for the way he treated spike

spike was never nice to him called him wheep and bricklayer and made fun of him

so when xander said the same type of thinks back he is a asshole

just for the record. when buffy was with spike he still
still tried to kill a women when he thought his chip did not work
sold deamon eggs that would of kill a lot of people
and tried to rape buffy.
he did some good but was not a good person then

xander went after him when he found his girlfriend with him. (nomal guy stuff) not sure if he tried to kill him just her him. (yes i know they broke up but xander tried to get back together. if he was a friend should not have spelt with her)

xander did not attack buffy when he found out he walk a way broken

when buffy came to his apartment he said
spike is evil (when a vimpire are, with out souls)
if the chip break he would kill us( his a good point)
spike cant love no soul no love( cannon vampire can love with out a soul they have werid obbsion but that not love)
and he said "it hurt that you did not tell me"

buffy said "you left anya at the alter"

xander came to her house to say he was sorry and he loved her. and spent the who sommer with her and dawn helping any way he can

xander is not perfect, but to make him the monster some act like he is wrong.

 

[UlaGan]

Wow, reading all those point did took a while, and it's hard to add much to discussion.
I just think Spike or William the Bloody was never the winner in love realm. Remember, how miserable he was trying to win Cecily's attention, or how often he was hurt by Dru who was also flirting with Angelus infront of him, and eventually dumped him for some demon, so, no wonder, he ended up being all messed up with Buffy. Soulless/Chipped/ChiplesswithSoul he's still but just the same looser in love matters. That man's so in need of personal pscychologist.

Buffy, Willow, everyone in S6 are just messed up as all of us get sometimes. Nothing but various shades of grey.

I liked Season 6 in general, yet with some exceptions, of course.
What I didn't like in S6 is Amy-gone-bad thing (it's just an emotion, I do know all the aspects, I just like sweet Amy of s1) and I didn't like the Trio - all those 'slippery weasels', nay, not my types of villains - more like mosquitos with Warren like killer-bee among them.
I adored watching Wrecked at lot.

 

[Lou]

Everytime this title shows up in my CP I have 1 and only 1 urge.....

"Yep, you're the only one who hated season 6" YEA! I DID IT!

Sure, maybe not the only one EVER...but I consulted the dogs, the cat, the snake, the frogs, the kids, even Hubby and we've decided you're the only one....at least here. :lmao:

 

[SMGfan17]

I absolutely loved Season 6. It was defiantely my favorite.

 

[Fake Shemp]

Frakin' LOVE season 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

my black and white cat willow agrees with me... *miow*

 

[The Ferg]

Yes, I think you are...

Season 6 was my very first whole season that I bought, and it's still my favorite.
Anyway, I just think you're totally missing the point. It seems like your only looking at Spike's feelings, and no one elses. Xander was really the only person that truly hated Spike, and Buffy and Spike had mixed feelings towards eachother. See: Once More, With Feeling (Through the Fire)
Spike - "I hope she fries
"I'm free if that bitch dies"
"I better help her out"

I don't wanna make a huge reply, so I think I got my point across. 🙂 (HEY! I just joined! Can't wait to get into things!)

 

[TheHeartist]

Everytime this title shows up in my CP I have 1 and only 1 urge.....

"Yep, you're the only one who hated season 6" YEA! I DID IT!

Sure, maybe not the only one EVER...but I consulted the dogs, the cat, the snake, the frogs, the kids, even Hubby and we've decided you're the only one....at least here. :lmao:

Actually...I disliked it. Too depressing for my tastes.

 

[Legate Damar]

It was neither my favorite nor my least favorite, it was somewhere in the middle. I didn't hate it, but it is very hard to watch over a short period of time. It's a little too darkity dark dark. Fine, SOME characters can have their lives in the crapper, but need ALL of them to be at the same time?

That said, there was some of the best storytelling going on during that season. Right up there with S2.

 

[Fireball]

Im half way though S6 at the moment, and although somewhat dark, is very good. I love Buffy's resurection and such, plus the light hearted episodes and of corse the musical. But one thing that gets me is Spike's charecter change from after Buffy returned. In late S5 he was very sweet too her and the gang to, especially in "The Gift". But in S6 he seems to return to his old ways all of a sudden, he seems to push Buffy too her darker place... why has he changed from, what seemed to me, in S5, he wanted to be treated normal and wanted Buffy to treat him as normal, but then all of a sudden wanted her too treat him as her dirty seceret. I just dont like the way Spike plays with her, insted of trying to help her, he uses her for his lust. Buffy obviusly needed someone, which of coarse is one of the main points of the Season, but what gets me is Spike could have helped her, but didnt, which tainted Spike (and Buffy in someways too) for me. Just my opinion.

 

[Blondie Bear]

^ I can answer that from an outside point of view. Spike is Buffy's shadow in an archetypal sense. In this season, he represents the dark, repressed, denied part of her. She spends the majority of the season integrating her shadow in order to become a more well-rounded human being. They rub off on each other; she learns that she has a dark side and how to deal with it, and he becomes a better person, the kind of person who would go seeking his soul.

From an actual in-character point of view, Spike has had to try to be good in order to stay around Buffy without being staked. He's tried to do whatever he can to be near her. When she turns to the Dark Side of the Force, he no longer needs to be good to have her; in fact, he has MORE of her when he's bad. He really just reverts to what he's been the whole time but has been hiding.

 

[Vampmogs2]

No season of Buffy is bad in comparison to other shows but season six isn't my favourite season. Like all the seasons it has its good and bad points, but I do feel the show lost some of the qualities that made it such a success in the first place. I don't feel as if the writers put as much effort into the show during this season. It sounds insignificant and a little silly, but even if you look at how each scene is broken down and how each scene transitions into the other, it all just becomes very 'mundane.' The scores are quite dull, lots of the scenes seem like 'filler' rather than vibrant and important and there's no fun transitions or little quirks to make the whole show more special. And in subject matter, I like seeing a dark Buffy, but the show was a success because it blended so many genres into one. It had action, humour, suspense, horror, drama and I feel season six didn't live up to Btvs potential in that regard. It was all very depressing most of the time, and became, dare I say it, a tad dull.

Scoobies like Xander were also very neglected this season, he had hardly any storyline.

As I said, I liked Buffy's journey this season but I think it became too messed up in the Buffy/Spike drama that it lost it's way. It began quite solid with Buffy's need to feel and feeling disconnected from the world, but throughout the middle of the season her fling with Spike took the attention to much away from her storyline. It became engrossed in how she was treating Spike, her arc lived and breathed through that relationship, and when they tried to pull it back in 'Grave' and make it about seeing in the beauty of the world and showing it through Buffy and not through her relationship with Spike, I think it becomes evident they lost their way a little in the middle of the season.

It's not a terrible season by any means, but not my favourite at all.

In regards to the initial post of the thread. I agree with others your dislike for the season seems to be projected through Spike a lot. I noticed you said Buffy and the Scoobies were being hypocritical for being mean to Spike. I disagree.

Spike wasn't just mean to people, as a soulless demon he murdered, maimed, tortured and raped people. He did so much more than just be mean to them. He did horrible things, and as stated in 'Angel' Season 5 was second only to Angelus in that department. He had a horrid history as a soulless vampire.

They treat Angel different because he had a soul and felt *remorse* for the things he had done as Angelus. Spike *never* felt remorse for the people he had hurt in his life time, not once. He didn't have a soul and was only restrained because of the chip. Remorse and the want to repent is essential here, it's why they treat Spike differently, because even though he fell for Buffy, he never once expressed that he was remorseful for all his horrible crimes.

So I don't think he deserved having any of the Scoobies being nice to him, and nor were they being hypocritical. Their actions just don't even compare to the things he had done.