23 Years Later, Spike’s Best ‘Buffy’ Quote Is Still One of the Best Lines in TV History

In a present filled with intelligent one-liners, Buffy‘s writers saved a few of the greatest for Marsters — who can neglect the timeless “Out. For. A. Stroll. Bitch.”? — however Spike’s greatest quote is from the collection finale, “Chosen.” It marks the pure endpoint for a personality who’s been tugged between heroism and selfishness all through his complete run. It’s additionally the definitive Buffy and Spike second, with Spike rejecting Buffy’s supply of consolation for the reality.

Spike’s redemption

As Buffy and her allies struggle the demons pouring out of the Hellmouth, the cavern begins to break down. Her allies begin to run, hoping to flee Sunnydale earlier than it’s swallowed by the earth. Spike decides to remain behind, stopping the demons from escaping with the assistance of a magical amulet. He ignores Buffy’s request to go away along with her, embracing his sacrifice. Buffy reaches out to carry his hand. “I really like you,” she says.

It’s a second Spike has been ready for the previous two seasons, possibly even earlier than that. Nonetheless, he is aware of higher. “No, you don’t. However thanks for saying it,” he replies. Spike’s subsequent sacrifice closes the Hellmouth definitively and saves the world. It’s the collection finale’s most emotional and consequential beat in an episode filled with them.

It’s additionally the redeeming second Spike had been working towards all alongside. He was launched within the second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a enjoyable villain, with a punk angle and a doomed romance together with his fellow vampire Drusilla, earlier than turning into a collection common and one among Buffy’s reluctant allies. Regardless of how acquainted he turns into to viewers and Buffy herself, Spike at all times retains an fringe of unpredictability. For a lot of the collection, he would not have a soul (in contrast to Buffy’s different vampire boyfriend, Angel). It’s one of many the reason why he stays so attention-grabbing and in contrast to different romantic heroes throughout the vampire style. He’s not tortured – he’s largely simply having a very good time.

Picture: twentieth Century Fox

Spike’s redemption arc begins in season 7. After hitting an all-time low in season 6 when he tries to assault Buffy, determined to have her in any manner he can, he takes their relationship to an virtually irretrievable place. That all-time low pushes him to go away Sunnydale, solely to return together with his soul restored. Buffy is the one member of the Scoobies to supply him safety. She chooses to belief him although he doesn’t deserve it. Watching Spike evolve from a soulless vampire right into a hero with complicated layers stays one of many present’s most rewarding arcs. The truth that the writers saved that last redeeming beat for his final scene makes it even higher. We go away Spike in his greatest second, immortalized, earlier than his story might morph into one thing else. (Technically, he exhibits up later as a ghost within the spinoff collection Angel, however no person is forcing you to observe that in the event you do not need to.)

Spike’s reply to Buffy is a mirrored image of how a lot he’s modified. An older model of him would have taken any type of affection Buffy supplied, having already manipulated and coerced his manner into her life. This model of Spike will get Buffy’s love and sees it for what it’s.

Regardless of all of the ache and turmoil that Spike induced, he dies with Buffy’s recognition and respect. His ending turns into one of many nice character send-offs on TV, and the second when their relationship is lastly aligned. Spike chooses the actual model of their dynamic as a substitute of the fantasy.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is streaming on Hulu.