Why Does Spike Face Unfair Treatment While Angel Earns Trust?

In the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series, the dynamics between Spike and Angel are a frequent topic of discussion among fans, particularly in relation to trust and redemption. Why does Spike, who often shows signs of redemption, receive less trust from the characters compared to Angel, despite his concerted efforts to prove himself?

The Trust Factor

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe operates under a complex system of trust and distrust. Both Spike and Angel go through significant character arcs, but the way their trustworthiness is perceived varies greatly. While most characters eventually come to trust Angel, Spike’s journey to gaining their trust is far more arduous. This disparity raises several questions and nuanced observations.

Factors Influencing Trust

Recurrent Behavior and Recency Effect:

There are two primary reasons why Spike’s trust has been more challenging to earn.

Recency Effect: People tend to remember and favor more recent experiences over older ones. Angel’s noble actions, sacrifice, and overall demeanor over the years, especially during Season 7, often overshadow Spike’s earlier misdeeds. Sexual Assault: Spike’s attempt to assault Buffy in Season 6 is a crucial event that contributes to his trust issues. The recency effect means this recent, negative action has left a lasting impression.

Spike’s Perceived Threat: Spike’s history and his attempts to prove his worth serve to underscore the challenges he faces. Even after gaining a soul, the chip remains a potential threat. The appearance of the trigger and the fear of losing control of Spike add to this concern.

Character Arcs and Redemption

Angel’s character arc is marked by clear transformation and growth, which makes it easier for the characters to recognize his changed state. The distinct nature of Angel and Angelus, as well as Angel’s noble acts and withdrawals, contribute to a noticeable difference in their behavior and perception.

Conversely, Spike’s redemption, though compelling, is more subtle and closely tied to his soul. His actions, while commendable, lack the same dramatic shift in behavior as Angel’s. Spike’s soul and conscience, though important, do not completely alter his traits, making it harder for the characters to fully trust him.

The Influence of Emotional History

Anger and Distrust: Characters like Xander and Giles, who initially held strong negative feelings towards vampires, have more complex relationships with Spike. Xander’s hatred of vampires is tempered by the uniqueness of Spike’s dual personality. Spike’s behavior, though erratic, often demonstrates a desire to fulfill his loyalty to the Scoobies. This nuanced view allows for a more balanced relationship.

Sexual Tensions and Sexual Release: The sexual tension between Buffy and the two men introduces another layer of complexity. Angel’s situation with Buffy is different; the sexual tension remains, but the danger of releasing Angelus is ever-present. With Spike, the sexual tension is also present, but it is less dangerous, further complicating the dynamics. Buffy’s feelings for Angel are legendary, but the risks associated with Spike are more restrained.

Character Decision and Loyalty: Giles’ actions during Season 7 highlight a significant contrast. While he considers Spike a liability and teams up with Wood to kill him, he never targets Angel in the same manner. Angel’s status as a more constant threat, both as Angel and Angelus, makes him more of a liability than Spike, who has already demonstrated a willingness to protect Dawn and other Scoobies.

The Scope of Relationships

The longevity of Spike’s membership in the Scooby Gang is another point worth noting. Spike is with the gang for four years, whereas Angel is for three. Even in Los Angeles, despite Angel’s clean soul, Spike’s actions during his soulless period were dogged and selfless. Spike’s self-preservation and affection for Buffy often motivated his actions, even when he was evil.

This perspective challenges the notion that Angel is the unequivocally better man. Spike’s efforts to prove himself, despite his flaws, are noteworthy. His willingness to protect Dawn, survive Glory’s torture, and even rescue her from the tower, reflect his character’s growth.

Conclusion:

The treatment of Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a testament to the complexity of redemption and trust. While Angel’s journey is more dramatic and straightforward, Spike’s journey, marked by challenges and self-sacrifice, is equally compelling. It is a reflection of the show’s exploration of human nature, where vulnerability and redemption are equally powerful forces.