 FSF James Marsters 'Spike' Convention |
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James was queried on the relationship amoungst the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer - if there are any tensions between any members. James responded honestly with an adamant "no", everyone gets along brilliantly. However he did mention one 'arsehole' that was only on the show for approximately one episode. The actor, who he didn't name had said some things about Sarah Michelle Gellar and believed that no one had heard him. Apparently James and David [Boreanaz] were contemplating "beating him up". He joked about it, mentioning who was going to hold the guy down - him or David? Many questions directed at James regarded his character Spike and what lay install for him. Speaking about the future of Spike in general, he doesn't know for sure, he prefers not to know because Spike doesn't know. He does like the direction his character has taken over the past 2 seasons. It would be great to get the chip out, but at the same time it would most likely mean the end of Spike. There are only so many times a villain can lose. "I can't figure out why I'm in the show. Spike's evil! She should kill him! Structurally, it doesn't make sense to me. But don't tell that to Joss." About Spike's newfound love of Buffy, "It's much more interesting if Spike has to pay for that love" Does he think Buffy and Spike will ever be together? "It would be cool, but dammit I'm evil!" On the show in general James explains that "It's art. It addresses the formative years in life - adolescence. All the demons are metaphors for all the problems young people face… We can talk about stuff that really hurts, and then we can back away and say, hey guys, it's just a joke, it's just vampires. So we use the vampires as a metaphor." On Spike's role in the metaphor, "He does not fit into it. He should present a problem for Buffy to overcome. Joss said in an interview once that the show was teaching him that even really evil characters are complex. I think Spike is showing shades of grey that were not there in earlier seasons." If James had the chance to write a script for Buffy, what would Spike do in it? "Kill people and bag babes!" He added that, in his opinion it would probably be one of the most boring episodes.
Are there any similarities between James and Spike? Yes, in his words, he is also 'love's bitch.' He's a true romantic, "perhaps that's why I love Goth… the heart tends to lead … I love being in love." You speak of Spike in the first person, is he a part of you? James explained that perhaps he is to a certain extent, "I give my part of it, but it's more about the writers than the actors." After a very entertaining discussion on stage about Vegemite, I overhear some people discussing their intention of presenting James with a jar of the black sandwich spread during the autograph signing, as a gift. I can just imagine that … "Hi James, welcome to our country, here, have some Vegemite…" At least the girl with the tim tams gave him something resembling an edible substance, a chocolaty goodness substance at that. Two to three times during his time on stage James asked that the camera that was recording the event for prosperity be turned off. This was so he could divulge information about the show that he probably shouldn't be talking about. This is just before I spoke up and told him that there were around 5-10 journalists in the room that would probably print what he had just told us… he just smiled and waved to us. It was quite amusing. Shortly before he left the stage, James turned to the few journalists in the room and said "Am I really offending the press here?" (Referring to him neglecting us, which he actually wasn't) Of course I jokingly yelled out "yep!" He then made a few jokes about what we would write about him - "He was a bastard!!!" I don't think anyone could have written that about him, it's not even remotely true. During the two-day convention, James appeared to enjoy provoking the female members of the audience, with his flirtatious behaviour. Lifting his shirt up as high as he could without actually taking it off was just one of these things… other 'things' he did can not be discussed here, this is a G rating methinks. When asked the important question "boxers or briefs?" he replied "neither" with an evil grin, which caused a very amusing response from the audience, as I'm sure you can imagine.
Another amusing question, "If you could be a kitchen appliance, what would you be?", "a spoon, anything that is going to go into a pretty girls mouth" He took questions from the audience for about 1 1/2 hours. The majority of the questions were very well thought out and James gave great answers. And now, it was time for the very, very long autograph signing… I wouldn't be surprised if James set a record that day for the amount of time spent signing and the volume of energy drinks ingested. James must be commended, jetlag and all he spent over 6 hours on day one of the convention signing autographs. He was only meant to be signing for 3 hours. He had no problem meeting his fans and signing whatever they wanted. I don't think I have ever met anyone as sincere as James Marsters. If you ever have even the remotest opportunity to meet him, I urge you to do so.
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A girl stated that "I think I speak for everyone here when I say that you are a very sexy man" following the screams and cheers, plus blushes from James, he said "thank you, speaking as an ex-freak, thank you."