Cal's Journal

I first posted this in 2008, but felt the time was right to post a much needed reminder of why I love Spike and Buffy and the Spuffy relationship as much as I do.

Thanks For The Memory
Original music and lyrics by Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin
All additional lyrics written by me

Contains images not suitable for minors.

( Thanks For The Memory )

Do you know what amuses me most about the latest spoiler from the BtVS S8 comics?

So many people (and I include myself in this) keep on saying that they 'really don't care what happens', that they're 'not interested' and that they 'don't count what happens in the comics as canon', and yet...when something happens that they really don't like (or really do like - it works both ways!)? They can't help but post about it, expressing their displeasure (or amusement *g*) at the latest development!

So it strikes me that they care about what happens so much more than they like to admit!

And that's understandable.

( Spoilers for S8 )

But putting the comics to one side for a moment...

I've been thinking about fandom lately, and how other people see those of us who are involved in one. Without naming any names, I've been dabbling in a few other fandoms lately (but mainly on the outside looking in)...and I haven't really liked what I've seen. There are some seriously weird people out there! And I have to wonder - is that how other people see us? Do we come across like that to them?

*ponders*

*looks up*

*reads own post*

I guess that answers that one then! *g*

There have been some fascinating discussions about Spike taking place on LJ over the last couple of days. People seem to interpret the show (and Spike) in so many different ways. It's almost as if some people were watching a completely different show to the one I saw! As I said - fascinating. ETA: A discussion is also only a discussion if people are allowed to express opposing viewpoints. That's what makes fandom discussions so fascinating in the first place!

But one thing remains consistent throughout these discussions - and that's our interest and fascination in Spike. That's some accomplishment, when you think about it. It's been more than a decade since Spike first burst on to our screens, knocking down the 'Welcome to Sunnydale' sign...and stealing many of our hearts in the process. Our opinions may differ, but that's okay. Fandom would be a boring place if we always agreed on everything - and Spike would never have held our attention for so long if he was Mr Perfect.

( Read more... )

Yes, Spike is definitely a complex and interesting character, and I suspect he will continue to be the focus of many fandom discussions for a long time to come.

And after more than a decade, that truly is a remarkable accomplishment. :)

A completely gratuitous post. *g*




Spike in S4 episode Harsh Light of Day
Picture courtesy of Screencap Paradise




Eric in S2 episode Time Bomb
Picture courtesy of the True Blood Capture Blog

Is it any wonder I'm a completely lost cause?

*sigh*

Thanks to elisi, I've just seen one of the best Jack vids I've ever seen. A must-see for any Jack Harkness fan! :)

With all the JM and Cap'n John squeeing I've been doing, you might be forgiven for not realising that I'm also a fan of JB, Cap'n Jack, and indeed of Torchwood itself (although the first series was a bit hit and miss for me). This video reminded me of exactly why I love the character so much:

Behind Blue Eyes by obfreak

I've always associated the song Behind Blue Eyes with Spike (how could you not?) and didn't think that it would work for me in a Jack vid, but it really, really does!

Enjoy! :)

( A few thoughts about Spike, John Hart and JM )

I've still got the flu - so I decided to look at some Spike pictures to cheer myself up! :)

Note: All pictures are courtesy of Screencap Paradise. Dialogue courtesy of the Buffyverse Dialogue Database

Enjoy!

( The story continues... )

Only one episode this time, but it's a fun one! :D

More to come over the next few days.

Past instalments can be found through my tags. :)

This is pure indulgence, but Something Blue gets its own post. :)

Note: All pictures are courtesy of Screencap Paradise. Dialogue is courtesy of the Buffyverse Dialogue Database

Enjoy!

( On with the show... )

I had way too much fun doing this one!

Spike through the years - Part One
Spike through the years - Part Two
Spike through the years - Part Three (A)

On with the show...

As we only get one episode of Spike in S3, this one gets a post all of its own. Enjoy! :)

Note: All pictures courtesy of Screencap Paradise. Dialogue courtesy of the Buffyverse Dialogue Database

Spike through the years - Part Two:

( Lover's Walk )

There have been so many posts that have already said what I want to say about Spike, only they've said it so much better than I can. People like jamalov29, whose Spike is so very much like my Spike.

But here, to the best of my ability, is my Spike:

( My Spike )

And that's just a fraction of what I could say. :)

My love of Spike is still as strong as it ever was. I can't see that ever changing.

*raises glass to Spike - the best fictional character ever*

I have so much to thank Spike for. Without him, I would never have known who James Marsters was. I would never have met so many wonderful people. Spike opened up a whole new world for me, that I would never have known if I hadn't fallen in love with him. Because of him, I found all of you. I became a fan of James Marsters, and a part of a fandom that I love, even if it is a little crazy at times. ;) James brought Spike to life. Without him, Spike wouldn't have been even half the character he was. At one time, I thought that I would always think of Spike when I looked at James. But I now think of the two as completely seperate entities. Spike lives on in my head, and in the many stories I read about him. James...well, James continues to bring me happineess through new acting roles, through his music and personal appearances, and through the people I continue to meet who admire him as much as I do.

Without James there would never have been Spike. Without Spike I would never have found James. Without either of them I would never have found all of you. So I think I have a lot to thank them for. :)

Happy 10th Birthday, Spike. I'll never forget the day you crashed into my life!

To finish this post I've uploaded a song by John Barrowman that means a lot to me on a personal level, but that also makes me think of Spike every time I hear it. I hope you enjoy. :)

John Barrowman - Dreamers

I can start talking about other things. *g*

The last ever issue of the Buffy and Angel magazine dropped through my letterbox yesterday morning. I have to admit that it made me a bit teary eyed when I saw it. It felt like losing the Buffyverse all over again. Like it really was the end of an era. I'm going to miss it. *sigh*

Still...at least we have the Buffy S8 and Angel S6 comics to look forward to. Nah, I can't say I'm convinced either. It's great to have new Buffyverse stuff to discuss, but they're a poor substitute for the real thing.

I miss my shows.

I miss Angel and his hair that sticks straight up.

I miss Buffy...and her stylish yet affordable boots.

I miss the scooby gang...and yes, that even includes Andrew.

I miss Spike. Oh, how I miss Spike.

I'm always reading about how the Buffyverse fandom is slowly dying. With the demise of the Buffy and Angel magazine, you'd be forgiven for thinking that's true. And yet...

Every day there are new people discovering the Buffyverse for the first time.

There are new writers offering fabulous fic.

Seasoned writers continue to entertain us with their stories.

I see meta, icons and graphics on my flist every day.

All of this? Tells me that the Buffyverse isn't even close to dying. It's full of vibrant, talented people who are as near to being done with the Buffyverse as I am. And I'm far, far from being done with it yet.

So...yeah.

I'm off to read fic. :)