Spoiler Slayer

Since it's a slow spoiler day (and mail day too, since I didn't get my issue of Entertainment Weekly yet), I thought I would take a moment to answer an e-mail question that I've gotten more than a few times in the past week. That question being...

Do you think Buffy and Spike will happen this season?

My take is that B/S is going to happen this season, whether we like it or not. Although Joss did say those things, I think it was also in reference to the old Buffy. Other writers have hinted at it happening, and aside from Spike, who else could Buffy hook up with this season? Buffy is going to be changed, and somehow I think she will find herself more attracted to Spike. Of course, it might be similar to the attraction between Dr. Lecter and Agent Starling. It's just too hard to tell at this point. The musical episode is interesting, with everyone telling the truth, I can imagine that a kiss will probably happen. It's not the first time they've kissed, I doubt it will be the last. Spells are quirky things, so one could alway blame their actions on the effects of the spell (which happens quite a bit in the Buffyverse.)

The trick is that you really have to look at the show's relationships, not by who would be a good couple, but which pair is going to give the writers great opportunities for banter, bickering, and heat. Buffy and Spike certainly have that going for them, just like Xander and Anya (or Xander and Cordelia for that matter). I understand that a lot of fans would like to see Buffy and Xander getting together, the problem is that it wouldn't be interesting. I think that's part of the reason why Anya had to be brought into the show, because without Angel and Cordelia, Xander didn't have anyone to really bicker with. When Angel and Cordelia were around, Xander had a target for his quips and digs. Anya kind of served that purpose in Season Four, then Spike once he came onboard. Xander and Buffy would be a very happy relationship (at least from Xander's point of view). Spike and Buffy will equal ratings, and it gives the writers lots of ground to explore. In some ways, Willow and Tara make a great couple, but they are a very quiet couple. In the fourth season, there was all the hinting about the relationship and Willow finally coming out. This season, their relationship was the exact opposite of Xander and Anya. Xander and Anya can have a dialogue, and you'll laugh out loud. Tara and Willow make you go 'awwww'. Buffy and Angel or Riley, well basically it was a lot of brooding and intense emotions. We've had two seasons of Xander and Anya, one and a half of Willow and Tara, it's time for something new. Which I can only speculate will be Buffy and Spike. But you never know with the writers, and my speculation isn't based on any facts at this point. We're just going to have to wait and see what happens.