You Can Really Understand Why James Was Asked To Return!

[debris4spike]

When I originally watch Buffy I saw season 7 first - and as my profile says I fell in love with a vampire!

This time through, after a gap, I am re-watching the series in order.  So I have just started Season 2 .. and have now watched episode 3 ... School Hard.

When you see that episode, after a gap, you realise again all the great things that Spike is ... and what James brought to that role. 

In the first scene you see the arrogant, boastful vampire who loved telling he was "The Slayer of Slayers", but one who had also had fun in the 60's ... then as he turns, the make-up fades and you see a vampire in love.  One who loves and cares for his girl ... so much so that at the first mention that she feels cold ... off comes his beloved duster.  Then he accepts giving Dru some blood - both as to his Sire, but of love to Dru.  The whole scene shows the range of Spike ... but also some amazing acting from both James and Juliet Landau ... their partnership in these early episodes is beautiful.

Then on to the Bronze ... and who can say that Spikes stalking wasn't just that - watching The Slayer ... yes ... Watching the girl - Oh, yes.  Their first scene together is reminiscent of Buffy and Angel's first meeting.

Watching the rest of the Scoobies supporting Buffy through her school preparation is great - lovely to see what that group is all about ... and Willow taking Joyce on the full tour, is super (wish I could have managed that when I was at school)

Then Spike "arrives" ... his joy of being a vampire is so evident here.  His frustration at his minions ... his quips to his victim and to Angel are very similar to those of Buffy ... And then - the Fight.

I love how they both walk around each other, testing each other ... with Spike's hesitation finally causing him to be the loser as Joyce hits him.  I did wonder why he then just ran - 100 years would mean that he could have tried something else ... Still he "lives" to fight another day.

The final scene with The Annointed One is great ... Spike at his best ... James at his amazing; being able to change from apologetic to joyful within the space of one word ... and then with an arm round Dru, just walking off to watch the TV.

Yes - I love that episode - and seeing it again after a gap, reminded me how much!

But it also proved my point - without amazing actors we wouldn't still be fans - and this episode shows how adaptable and varied James can be - No wonder they asked him to return.

So - if you haven't watched it recently, I urge you to did out the DVDs ... sit back and enjoy!

 

Comments

[deborahw37.livejournal.com]

I fell madly when he turned to look at Dru and morphed into that beautiful human face * sighs*

[debris4spike]

That morph in face and character ... swoons ... fans myself ... hyperventilates!!!!

[jamalov29.livejournal.com]

Count me in the club. ;-)

[debris4spike]

Oh yes - always room for more members to lie in a heap!

[winsomeone.livejournal.com]

I've been rewatching the series- I'm up to S5 now. There's so much range in his acting in this season, too.

I loved

School Hard

. James and Juliette were together for a panel at DragonCon last year and you can see the affection he has for her when they're together on stage. It's amazing.

[debris4spike]

It is ages since I have done this - being a Spuffy fan, I had forgotton how great Spike n Dru are at this stage - of course it is what moulds Spike ... But they are 2 amazing actors

[colored-leaves.livejournal.com]

I totally and completely agree! :)

School hard was a great episode and one of my faves! Glad to hear you are watching the dvd's thru...

I need to do that again - maybe next week when I don't feel like doing to much! :)

[debris4spike]

Yes - its great to see it all again ... I am really enjoying myself ... Hope you get to see some next week as well

[jamalov29.livejournal.com]

What a lovely review ! And I think a re-watching of the whole season 2 is in order. :D

[debris4spike]

Yes - do! I can't say how much I enjoyed seeing Spike explode into our lives!

[kudagirl.livejournal.com]

Spike is a wonderfully fleshed out character due to beautiful writing and the talent of James. Words on a page come alive by the choices of the director and the actor who uses his complete self to breath live into the character. Joss said James was an actor who could switch from comedy to drama in a heart beat. Spike is not a black and white character. He has many shades of grey. Surviving over a hundred years takes planning and brains. Pick your battles and adapt to the world around you.

James and Juliet enjoyed their roles and each other. They clicked. It was a delight to watch. William was a loving, kind hearted human. Spike tried to play down that part of himself as a vampire. It came out in his relationship to Dru. He was a cold blooded killer who was tender and loving at the same time.

Yes, the first scene in the Bronze was stalking of a prey. It was also the beginning of him seeing more than the slayer.

The doing away with the Anointed one was about not letting anyone make him a follower anymore. It was about taking charge. He lived in the shadows of others as a human and then took second place to Angelus. That was the whole point of becoming Spike. He changed to prove himself. Killing slayers was part of this. He would be the biggest bad there ever was so he could prove himself to himself and everyone else.

[debris4spike]

Joss said James was an actor who could switch from comedy to drama in a heart beat. ... That was (and is) so true - He is an ammazing actor ... so much depth is what he brought to Spike ... and therefore we see so more that just the vampire.

Yes, Spike and Dru's relationship shows this switch - but also shows great chemistry between the 2 vampires (and the 2 actors!)