Bangel in S6.

[PrincessBuffy16]

In season 6, Buffy saw Angel only once, long time before her relathionship with Spike started. We never saw that conversation, we don't even know what was happening there. So, I was thinking, as I think her actions were wrong in season 6, most of them, especially the things she did with Spike. She was enjoying herself with him, she was careless, but when she saw Riley, she fell down to Earth. And that evening, when Riley cought her with Spike, she told Spike that she's using him and that their thing can't go on. So, if Riley had that effect on her, how would Angel effect on her? Would his presence change the things, and what his reaction would be, if he cought them in the act? Would Buffy even sleep with Spike with Angel in town? I think she wouldn't do it even if Riley was free. Thoughts?

 

[white avenger]

It would be hard to substitute Angel for Riley in that episode unless Angel came back to Sunnydale with a new wife or Significant Other. The main reason that Riley's return was able to convince Buffy that her relationship with Spike as it stood at that time was both wrong and self destructive was the fact that he was involved in a more or less normal relationship with someone who he loved and who loved him in return. Angel, popping up at the counter of the Double Meat Palace, alone and unattached, would have only been yet another example of a relationship that couldn't work. Ironically, the one of the major issues to keep her from making a full commitment to either vampire was the same thing: a soul. In Angel's case, they could never be completely together without the risk of him losing his, and in Spike's case, it was the fact that he had no soul to begin with.

(And now I just KNOW that the Bangels are out there just sharpening their claws in preparation of ripping my post, and probably me as well, apart, so...)

 

[GrrArghx]

It would be hard to substitute Angel for Riley in that episode unless Angel came back to Sunnydale with a new wife or Significant Other. The main reason that Riley's return was able to convince Buffy that her relationship with Spike as it stood at that time was both wrong and self destructive was the fact that he was involved in a more or less normal relationship with someone who he loved and who loved him in return. Angel, popping up at the counter of the Double Meat Palace, alone and unattached, would have only been yet another example of a relationship that couldn't work. Ironically, the one of the major issues to keep her from making a full commitment to either vampire was the same thing: a soul. In Angel's case, they could never be completely together without the risk of him losing his, and in Spike's case, it was the fact that he had no soul to begin with.

(And now I just KNOW that the Bangels are out there just sharpening their claws in preparation of ripping my post, and probably me as well, apart, so...)

I actually agree with all of this, lol.

I don't think Angel showing up would have made a lick of a difference. In fact, there's a good chance it would have made things worse. Him showing up, stirring up their feelings, then leaving again would've probably just furthered her depression and caused her to turn to Spike even more than she already had been.

 

[PrincessBuffy16]

Well, I partly agree with you. But I don't think that Riley having a wife helpped Buffy about Spike. I think seeing Riley himself did that. Riley wasn't a love of her life, but he was a big part of it. I belive that she loved him, probably not as much as she loved Angel, but she did. When Riley saw two of them, he didn't freaked out, because Buffy wasn't his love anymore, but if he was free and open for a new start, I think he would freak. Angel knew Buffy was in Heaven, and he knew that coming back from some other dimension can leave you confused, and I just think he would react differently, so Buffys actions would be different too.

 

[Kelsey]

Well, I partly agree with you. But I don't think that Riley having a wife helpped Buffy about Spike. I think seeing Riley himself did that. Riley wasn't a love of her life, but he was a big part of it. I belive that she loved him, probably not as much as she loved Angel, but she did. When Riley saw two of them, he didn't freaked out, because Buffy wasn't his love anymore, but if he was free and open for a new start, I think he would freak. Angel knew Buffy was in Heaven, and he knew that coming back from some other dimension can leave you confused, and I just think he would react differently, so Buffys actions would be different too.

Well, for one, I disagree about why Riley affected Buffy. I think it was definitely about him being in a loving, kind relationship; that's what showed her the flaws in her own destructive relationship.

I think Angel could have theoretically helped Buffy, but he couldn't have done a fly-bye like Riley did. He had been to a hell dimension and he did have an idea of what it was like and what you bring back with you (even though she, of course, was in heaven). However, it was just a, "Hey, Buff! Need your help on something. By the way, I kinda have this thing for Cordelia," it wouldn't have helped her at all. Even without the Cordy stuff, it still wouldn't help her, because like a post above said, it would just remind her of why their relationship failed. That would just fuel her depression and self-loathing.

 

[PrincessBuffy16]

He wouldn't have to tell her about Cordy. They've met in the end of season 7, he didn't told her anything, and still there it was.. love!

 

[Black Eye Guy]

I think it would have been disastrous if Angel came back, I think it may have actually pushed her to Spike even more.

I totally agree that it was seeing a normal relationship that kicked Buffy's Spike habit, but I think if Angel had come back he would have tried to make her realize what she needed to realize by herself. So I think if Angel said the stuff to her she would have had a bit of a Screw you reaction and went deeper with what she was doing, I think she would have kicked him out of Sunnydale and then come to the realization herself.