Spoiler Slayer

Because I was trying to cram so much into today's update, I didn't stress some points as much as I would have liked.

In regards to the old spoilage I posted, I was in no way stating that all of it was true or even 'likely'. I wanted to show that the spoilers about both Willow/Tara and Spike/Anya have been repeated in multiple places. While the 'core' rumors are the same in every case (Warren kills Tara and Willow turns to magic - Spike and Anya wind up in bed), I have grave doubts about the accuracy of the details. There is a great deal of variation, which could very well be elaboration on the part of those who have access to the source.

As to the source of these spoilers, I don't have any solid information as to what it is exactly. My guess would be script pages from the actual shoots. From comments made on some message boards, I can presume that people were beginning to hear this information on Thursday. I've only been hearing rumblings for the past few days, but was expecting that one of the spoiler sites would announce the information over the weekend. While I don't doubt anything that Angel X has posted (as she has never been one to elaborate or speculate in her spoilers), I would point out that the Spike/Anya spoiler is not something which she posted. That is one of the reasons why that spoiler is only ranked as 'possible', the other is that it could be a very deceptive spoiler. Much like the Season Five Spoiler, 'Riley stakes Spike', it might look like one thing and actually be something completely different.

I do not feel that this is a disinformation campaign or false spoilers being leaked by the writers. If only for the reason that it would be unnecessary, because the 'Tara' rumor has been on shaky ground since Sweeps ended. Why leak something to confirm that spoiler? The best thing the writers have done this season was introducing almost too many 'variables' or 'characters' to the mix. We've got Rack, Amy, Halfrek, D'Hoffryn and Clem just to name a few, not to mention all the gadgets, demons, and magic that the Troika can bring to the party. Almost anything could happen at this point, and the current spoilers make it seem like even the 'First Slayer' or Buffy's origins could be an option (and Giles is still slated to return for two episodes). Let's not forget the comments made by both Mercedes and Juliet, which could point to their return to the show this season as well. There was no need to leak false spoilers, even I've been having a hard time dealing with the shifting nature of the storylines. Things were much simpler when we only had an insane hellgod to worry about.

I've updated the Spoiler Slayer page, but I did make a change from the earlier update. As I've mentioned, there were some seemingly 'real' spoilers mixed in with 'false' ones that had been posted earlier. I had moved the spoiler 'The Troika try to kill Buffy, but it could backfire' up in the rankings to 'Likely'. I did this because it fits the entire 'Warren tries to kill Buffy, but Tara dies instead'. However, upon looking back at the original spoiler, it was supposed to backfire on the Troika. So I've amended the spoiler and dropped it back to 'unlikely'. During the break between new episodes, I'm also going to be reviewing several spoiler sources on the boards. For example, if you look at the false spoilers for 'Older and Far Away', there are several spoilers which could fit the latest batch.

Confirmed False Spoilers for 'Older and Far Away

- Buffy reveals her relationship with Spike to the gang
- Spike tries to split up Xander and Anya
- Anya is offered her powers again
- Willow returns to Rack with Amy

While not entirely accurate, they are closer to the mark than I would expect. Could it be that 'Normal Again' wasn't the only episode or story arc that was shifted this season? Again, it could be like the 'Troika' spoiler, and upon further investigation it will be revealed that they are tied with obviously false spoilage. If I remember correctly, the 'splitting up' rumor was tied to Spike throwing Xander a bachelor party. Just like the rumor of Riley's return was originally tied to a showdown between Spike and Riley, with Buffy finally deciding that Angel was the only one for her. At the least, it'll help pass the time between new episodes.