So I as get set to say farewell, I thought this would be a good time to take a look at the amazing actor that is James Marsters. I know, I bet you thought I was going to say Alexis Denisof, but don’t worry I will sometime. First time that I saw James on the show was on Lover’s Walk, I had missed School Hard. This was before the days of more efficient time management, less partying and of course, my learning how to set the VCR to tape shows. I watched and was immediately hooked on Spike. Not because of looks, but he seemed to have this ability to be a scene-stealer. Spike maybe in the room, but you know where he is in the room. After that, I enjoyed the dramatic storyteller that is James for years more. Not only was he a magnificent actor, but also as a celebrity, he is wonderful. He treats everyone with utmost respect and gives appreciation to the fans. He has never once made the fans to feel that Buffy or Angel meant nothing to him.

James is a con favorite. He used to get out more at the cons, interact more with the fans, which only went to further his reputation as a truly nice actor. However due to a couple of bad experiences on behalf of con participators, he had to stop that and increase security around him. This still doesn’t damper the excitement and amusement that is a James Marsters’ panel, especially if he is with the other actors. I don’t just say this based on con appearances only, but in his interviews and in his talk show appearances, he is always the same, very humble and very appreciative to the fans. He used to be a trekker, so he understands what shows like Angel and Buffy can be for the fans. I think it is his way of connecting with the fans and giving back to us. They are not required to give back to fans as James and a few others do, but they do recognize the fact that it is important.

Through Spike, I have learned many things. The Emmy’s are blind not to recognize this guy’s talent. This guy is very dedicated, bleaching his hair in a painful process every week, to name one of the ways. How to put yourself out there, even through the object of your affection, may end up rejecting you. Being able to take that chance to begin with. When I look at the character of Spike, I see what love can do to a person, from the good and the bad.

Just a few points: Spike did not stay in Sunnydale to watch Dawn because Buffy would be back. She was dead. He knew that. He counted the days! Spike made a promise to Buffy that he would watch Dawn for her and he kept that promise. Buffy would not have given him Dawn, if she did not trust him, which she did since Intervention. She knew that not only was Spike, the only one strong enough to protect her, but she trusted him to do it. The others had lives to lead, and Buffy knew that in the end, Spike would always be around, from either life issues or death, he would be there for Dawn. Spike could have easily left town, but he chose not too. Why not? Because he loved Buffy and he respected the promise he made to a lady. One thing we do know that is, in life, William was a good man. His vampire nature only magnifies the aspects of the basic human personality, so underneath it all, Spike was still a man that was true to his word. Thanks to Joss, we see that vampires can choose to do the right thing i.e.: Harmony choosing to live human-free and get a regular job. He stayed because to protect Dawn and he loved Buffy.

Another point, Spike could have chose not to try to be good, but instead he could have went evil and had minions to do all his work. Spike could have pulled a blood factory deal where they drained human blood into a glass for him to drink and did off with the Scoobies, or at least plot against them. Patience was not one of Spike’s strong traits. He was not a planner, when he did they often failed horribly. Mainly, Spike wanted to belong. He wanted to belong to the Scoobies, but was met with ridicule and rejection at various times. However, he did make a place for himself in the group at the end, but it was a long time coming. He had proved himself, to me, over the summer between seasons 5 and 6, but then digressed only to reclaim a place in season 7.

This is again seen at Wolfram and Hart with Angel and his crew. He happily comes in with his briefcase, tries to give Angel’s crew a nickname and plops down to drink a beer. He is happy to be part of something again, instead of on the outside looking in. It was not surprising to see him give up being corporeal to save Fred’s life in Hellbound; he is extremely loyal, especially to females. He is modest about being a Champion in the hellmouth, which Fred puts a new view on it for him. She thanked him for saving her life. I do believe it was the only thank you he got for closing it, after he got back. It gave him a connection on what his action did for people that he didn’t know at the time, something I don’t believe that he had until that moment.

The most heart-breaking image I hold of Spike is The Gift Spike. He is crouched down, bleeding, sobbing into his hands as he stares at Buffy’s body. That proved to me that Spike truly was different. He had always been empathic in life, and as a vampire, but to see him broken down, it was a strong visual. He didn’t save Dawn and he is haunted by it for every night after her death. How many of us are plagued with the questions of “if only”, imagine if she hadn’t come back. He would have been plagued by it till the day he is dust.

The Angel and Spike connection is one that I regret that we will not be able to explore further. It was really interesting having these two interacting with each other on other levels and issues, other than Buffy. I love her, but I much rather see these two talk about something else and working together, because of the simple fact that they make a great team. Another pairing I like to watch is now Illyria and Spike, not as potential lovers. Spike possibly sees Illyria as he used to be. On the outside looking in, having to deal with some many new things, and being forced to feel things that are not normal. It reminds me of what he said in the “The Crush” to Buffy about her being inside of him consuming everything until all that is left of him is an empty shell. Rather suiting to Illyria in some aspects. He fights with her and tries to get her out of Wolfram and Hart. He is befriending her now that she feels dumped by Wesley and trying to help her understand.

Determined. He will not give up trying to get drunk off of the airline liquor bottles or stop trying to be the hero. He was the first to raise his hand and probably one of the last to go down standing. We do know this about the future of our beloved BuffyVerse, if and when there is another story to be told, Spike will be there.