Buffy and Spike, from day one, have always had something. He's been infatuated with her for sure, and there's been that similar vibe from Buffy, protesting that she's only distracted by him because of his evilness. At the same time, Spike has shown (even pre-chip) a fondness for her. Remember their team-up in the season two finale? It's a relationship that feels wrong and dirty, yet feels right at the same time. One of the most interesting elements this episode is Spike's belief that Buffy, as a slayer, is fascinated by death. It's something in her nature, and it folds into her love for Angel, her sacred duty, and her chemistry with Spike. This season so far has been all about death, and the everyday violence Buffy is part of and how it affects her on a psychological level.In a lot of ways, Spike has always been defined by the women he's in love with. As a simpering poet, he was infatuated with a woman who was clearly out of his league. As a result, he ended up heartbroken and devastated by her honesty. Then he met Drusilla, spending the next hundred plus years constantly trying to please her and impress her with his vampire skills and his blood thirst. Finally, there's Buffy. He wants to ignite what he believes is the flame between them, but she's only repulsed by the idea of it. When he's rejected, he wants her dead. But it's only when he sees her vulnerability that he changes and recognizes the good within him. It's almost implied that he's always been the same person, even before he was a vampire. Always trying to impress and receive favor from the women he's in love with.
Fool for Love is a rich, epic hour that works not only as a showcase for James Marsters, but also for the Buffyverse mythology. Paired with Darla, the two episodes explore the elaborate history of several of the protagonists on both shows, and each character depicted is ridiculously awesome. It's a testament to how talented these writers are that potentially throwaway guest stars are blessed with such convoluted and fascinating back-stories.
It's an episode that is also incredibly well directed. The 1970's subway fight is particularly great, with the Shaft music playing, the black slayer ridiculously badass. I also loved the decision to have Spike talking to Buffy through the flashback. Such an inventive little detail. There's also so many striking pieces of imagery, from Buffy tossing the bills at Spike, to that final closing shot of the two of them on her back porch.
This is another series classic, one of the most engaging and intriguing episodes in all of Joss Whedon's series. Beautifully performed, visually gorgeous, and with enough metaphor and character work to fill a whole bunch of psychology textbooks. A+
Credits
Guest stars David Boreanaz (Angel); Mercedes McNab (Harmony Kendall); Julie Benz (Darla); Juliet Landau (Drusilla); Kristine Sutherland (Joyce Summers)
Writer Douglas Petrie Director Nick Marck
I think I might be the only Buffy fan in history who doesn't like this episode. It actually BORES me to tears believe it or not. I guess it's because I never liked Spike and so to have an hour dedicated to him just does not intrigue me. Yes it's a well produced hour of television but I always used to dread watching it while re-watching season 5. Yes you can pick your jaw up from the floor now Max!
ReplyDeleteI get that entirely. It's pretty easy to find things that are insanely loved by people and entirely hated by others. For example, I love The Gift, but some people regularly describe it as one of the greatest ever Buffy episodes, and I never really got that. I think, as great as it is, it's probably one of the weaker finales...
ReplyDeleteFascinating. I wonder why. Don't spoil the reasons as I will await you review :) I am one of those people btw! It might be one of my favorites ever!
ReplyDeleteI don't actually discuss any negatives in that review (I'm wildly complimentary, in fact); but I never really got a 'rush' from it in the way that I got a rush from things like Hush or Doppelgangland or Who Are You.
ReplyDeleteIt was actually a lot better in my re-watch than I remembered it being. I think I remembered it as an episode with a whole lot of talking at the start, before a huge fight scene, and then that final scene on the tower.
Being older, I actually appreciated it a ton more this time around. But it's still not exactly one of my favorites.
Highly engaging, I wasn't expecting a history on Spike and even though I really like Spike as a character (though I have to say I still find it hard to forgive him for slaying Harmony and his general cruelty towards her) I didn't realise I was interested in it till this episode, and I really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI find the vampires mentalities one of the most intriguing things to puzzle together with each episode, because sometimes their feelings and manner are so heartfelt. (Wasn't Spike crying horrible to watch!) They haven't got souls, yet they feel love. Maybe that dark selfish streak is what sets them apart? (erm other than the blood and joy and killing). I suppose it's also something to with having a lawless lack of time limit on anything. It's also interesting to hold the idea that they are echoes of who they used to be as humans.. it's all a bit of a conundrum!