10 Disturbing Truths About Spike's Character In Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Summary

Spike's past behavior and actions on

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

should make him less revered, as he committed heinous acts and had a history of being a despicable vampire.

Spike's relationship with Drusilla took a disturbing turn, as it indulged his twisted fantasies of incest and was fueled by inappropriate desires.

However, Spike's sacrifice during the series finale proved to be pointless, as he was later brought back to life.

Angel

season 5 premiere, rendering his act of selflessness and redemption hollow.

Spike, a character from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was widely adored, but his true nature was far from admirable. Despite his transformation from a villain to a hero over the course of six seasons, Spike's past actions were reprehensible. Despite his entertaining qualities, the perception of Spike should be drastically reconsidered.

10. Spike's Accent Started Terribly

9. Spike Did Some Seriously Despicable Things

James Marsters was greatly praised for his British accent, managing to deceive many, including Brits themselves, with his performance as Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However, the truth is that it didn't start off too well. In the early episodes, like his first appearance in season 2's "School Hard," Spike's accent was excessively exaggerated and seemed like a cheesy parody. Although it improved over time and may have been convincing to the average American, most British viewers are well aware of the harsh reality.

Spike openly discussed his dark past, which included committing heinous acts such as killing children and exploiting victims of disaster. While these actions were never depicted on screen, it is nonetheless perplexing that he remains beloved considering some of the troubling things he has done on the show. For example, there's the matter of the Buffybot. Spike had a robot created solely for his own sexual pleasure, designed to look exactly like Buffy. This is undeniably repulsive, but it pales in comparison to his attempted rape of the actual Buffy in the sixth season episode "Seeing Red." Although he ultimately redeemed himself by acquiring a soul and becoming disgusted with his past actions, it cannot erase the fact that this terrible incident occurred.

8. Spike's Relationship With Drusilla Was Hideous

Many fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer believe that Spike and Drusilla formed a stronger and more captivating couple compared to Spike and Buffy. Referred to as "Sprusilla," their love had its ups and downs since 1880, when Drusilla transformed the aspiring poet into a vampire. Their twisted affection for one another was evident, but there was one aspect of their relationship that was disturbing. Upon turning his own mother into a vampire, Spike's mother crudely insinuated that he had always found her sexually attractive. Additionally, Drusilla, who claimed to have given "birth to your son," saw herself as a maternal figure to Spike. Ultimately, Spike's bond with Drusilla appears to fulfill his disturbing fantasies of incest.

7. A Chip Isn't A Soul And Should Never Have Changed Spike's Personality

Starting from the episode "The Initiative" in season 4 and lasting until "First Date" in season 7, Spike had a chip implanted in his head. This chip contained circuitry for modifying his behavior and was inserted by the Initiative. Any attempt by Spike to harm a human would result in excruciating pain for him. Surprisingly, this chip compelled Spike to assist Buffy, effectively resembling having a soul. However, this scenario should never have occurred. Spike is a soulless monster, and the idea of him displaying anything other than extreme anger towards the chip is one of the most implausible aspects in a series that embodies vampires, ghosts, aliens, werewolves, and demons.

6. Spike Was Proven Considerably Weaker Than Buffy

Throughout Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Spike and Buffy are portrayed as equals in terms of their physical capabilities. Their fights often go back and forth, highlighting their similar levels of strength and combat skills. However, there is one specific moment that highlights Buffy's significant superiority in strength, which has been often overlooked. In season 5's "The Gift," Anya suggests that Buffy should use Olaf's hammer to confront Glory. Spike dismisses the idea, claiming that the hammer is too heavy. However, Buffy effortlessly lifts the hammer and wields it against Glory with ease. This suggests that Spike lacks the strength to lift the hammer, unlike Buffy.

5. Spike Allowed Buffy To Treat Him Terribly

Spike is often portrayed as an embodiment of masculinity, although some may argue that it falls into the toxic category. He is depicted as someone who does not tolerate any nonsense from others. However, his behavior towards Buffy is seen as pitiful. Ever since Spike's infatuation with Buffy was revealed in season 4's "Out of My Mind," particularly after their first intimate encounter in season 5's "Smashed," Spike became submissive to Buffy's desires. She used him for her sexual satisfaction and repeatedly rejected him, and he allowed it. This portrayal made him seem weak and pathetic.

4. Spike's Slayer Kills Were Unimpressive

Spike takes pride in his infamous killings of two slayers: Xin Rong, who met her demise during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, and Nikki Wood, whom he encountered in New York in 1977. However, these kills lacked true grandeur or merit, as they were more opportunistic than anything else. Nikki had Spike cornered on a subway train, but the sudden entry of the train into a dark tunnel provided Spike with an opportunity to reverse the situation and snap her neck. Similarly, in a Buddhist temple, Xin Rong had the upper hand over Spike until an explosion diverted her attention. Seizing the moment, Spike disarmed her and sank his fangs into her neck.

3. Angel Is More Interesting Than Spike

The rivalry between Spike and Angel in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer canon spans over a century, and it carries over into the real world. Fans are constantly debating over who is the superior character, who would come out on top in a fight, and which one is a better match for Buffy. The truth, however, is that Angel is a much more captivating character than Spike, which is probably why he was given his own series. Angel possesses complexity and depth that sets him apart, particularly in the stark contrast between his two personas: Angel and Angelus. He is haunted by his dark past and has dedicated a hundred years to atone for it. On the other hand, Spike simply enjoys violence and combat.

2. Buffy Never Loved Spike

There's no easy way to say it, but Buffy's feelings for Spike were not love. Despite professing her love for him as he sacrificed himself to save the world in the series finale of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Chosen," Spike's response of "No you don't, but thanks for saying it" was accurate. Buffy was giving Spike the admiration he had desired in his final moments, showing kindness and acknowledging his selflessness. It provided a fitting farewell for him and appeased fans. However, while Buffy may have had affection for Spike, she did not truly love him.

1. Spike's Death Meant Nothing

Spike's sacrifice in "Chosen" provided a stunning conclusion to his character arc. Formerly one of the most notorious vampires in history, he had gradually transformed into a better person. Despite encountering obstacles along the way, his arrival in Sunnydale had a softening effect on him, leading him to align himself with Buffy and her fight for righteousness. Eventually, he became a true champion. Understanding that he needed to atone for his past actions, he made the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good. However, in the Angel season 5 premiere episode "Conviction," Spike was miraculously resurrected, just days after his noble death. This undermined the significance of his sacrifice in the finale of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.