But Buffy had just suffered the worst blow she has probably ever had, battle wise, Their confidence in her would have been shaken. Do you honestly believe that you would not have questioned Buffy in that situation, you would have signed up to head back to the vineyard after suffering a loss like that, on a hunch Buffy had, and you have to look at it from the point of view of the people at the time, not with the knowledge that Buffy was correct!
Yes the group had just suffered the worst defeat they ever had. That is why i can forgive the potentials, Wood, Faith and Anya(to an extent).
The potentials had neem under Buffy's rule for a few months, followed her and done as she had said. The first big battle they attempt, the lose.
Wood, again, doesn't really know Buffy, but knows what a Slayer is, so when Faith is presented to the group, a character he doesnt know, he has a right to question Buffy as leader.
Faith, she didn't want to oust Buffy, she just wanted the group to have a bit more thinking time.
Anya, is Anya.
Xander, Mr '"Let me tell you something about Buffy. In fact you all should listen to this. I've been through more battles with Buffy than you all can ever imagine. She's stopped everything that has ever come up against her. She's layed down her life litterally to protect the people around her. This girl has died two times and she's still standing. you're scared, that's smart. You got questions, you should. But you doubt her motives, you think Buffy's all about the kill, you take the little bus to battle. I've seen her heart, and this time not litterally, and I'm telling you right now she cares more about your lives than you will ever know. You've gotta trust her. She's earned it."" Harris gives this speech to the potentials. yet a few days later after the first time something really bad happens to him, he turns on her. Yes he is scared, we all would, be he is part of the team that ousts Buffy "She's stopped everything that has ever come up against her" Summers so that Faith "I've attacked each of you and even murdered people, just broke out of Jail" Lahane.
So, had i the full extent of Xander's thoughts and feelings, no I don't think i would question it, because Buffy, the leader, knows what she is doing.
Willow. Buffy and Xanders BEST Friend. Doesnt follow blindly, BUT knows the strength in Buffy. She knows the reason Buffy makes decisions, she knows she doesnt do it lightly, and she knows that when it comes to this stuff, she is the 'Slayer' she knows whats the what. Now, her other friend is injured, she isnt worried that Buffy is wrong, she is scared, yet Buffy has constantly been there, she has given herself to the Slayer, and Willow, with no justification other then a little bit of fear, helps to oust her in favour of Faith...want me to go on that rant again?
This is arguably the first time the gang have faced something thats scared them so much, but at the same time, 7 years of Buffy being the Slayer has taught them she knows what to do, she is the right person to be the Slayer.
Anya was wrong about Buffy being lucky, and all her friends show know that. Its because she is the powerful, intelligent and demon fighting Slayer she is, that gives her the right to be leader, its taken her 7 years to achieve this.
Giles the biggest hypocrite of them all.
He would have faced his fear more then once. His rationale wasn't because he was scared, it was because Buffy didn't need him anymore. She had the power to lead, she had been successful without him. He saw the dissention in the ranks, but instead of helping the proven Slayer do her duties, and help calm down the unrest, he attacks her forcing her out for....yadda yadda Faith Rant.
GILES
(pacing) Spike's a liability, Buffy. He refuses to see it, and so do you. Angel left here because he realized how harmful your relationship with him was. Spike, on the other hand, lacks such self-awareness.
BUFFY
(stops fighting, turns to Giles) Spike is here because I want him here. We need him. I'm in the fight of my life.
VAMPIRE
Really?
BUFFY
Not you, Richard. (punches him)
GILES
You want Spike here even after what he's done to you in the past?
BUFFY
It's different now. He has a soul.
GILES
And the First is exploiting that to his advantage.
BUFFY
Oh, my God. (stakes the vampire) You're stalling me. You're keeping me away"”
GILES
It's time to stop playing the role of general, and start being one. (Buffy runs off; Giles calls after her) This is the way wars are won.
He wants her to lead, to make the tough decisions, yet the second she does that, he knocks her down. NOT because he knows she is wrong.
So, i can honestly say, even though i would be scared, i know that i wouldn't turn on the one person who has continually proven herself, the one person i know doesnt make the decisions lightly, but does know what she is talking about.
