Spike wanted his soul back, did he?

[EffyStonem]

I've always said Spike fully intended to get his soul back when he entered that cave (even if the swerve from the writing team was kind of dumb). However, I do think his motives for doing so tend to get a little...romanticized, if that's the right word.

I agree with this. I believe that often Spike seeking his soul is seen as a beautiful gesture, an indication that he wanted to be a better man and make amends. In truth, Spike sought his soul because he realised that Buffy would never love him without one. He sought his soul for selfish reasons, not knowing what exactly he was getting himself into.

I believe that it was always Spike's intent to regain his soul, not to be a better man, but to be a man that Buffy would love. It's a little manipulative when you think about it, especially coming off the tail-end of the AR. It's almost along the same lines as the boyfriend who beats his partner and then buys her flowers or jewellery to make up for it.