OT; a theory regarding Buffy's current state

[Jim_D_Means@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Well, like they say, opinions are like belly buttons; everybody has one, and too many people meditate on them. Well, here's my opinion. Spoilers for season six, especially "Bargaining".

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Still here?

Okay. Reading all the opinions, theories, diatribes and Spike-bashing that I've been reading lately, I noticed something that almost no one has mentioned to any degree.

The spell that brought Buffy back wasn't completed. Remember, the biker demons broke the urn that was such an integral component of the spell before Willow could complete it. I believe that, as a result, part of Buffy's soul is missing. She still has her emotional capacity, her memories(of both sides of the Veil), but the emotional connections she feels for her friends aren't there.

I say that a portion of her soul is missing, but unlike a vampire, a demon hasn't replaced the missing portion of her soul. She simply has a hollow place inside of her, and I believe this is what is affecting her so much. This is why she's shunning her friends, in favor of Spike's company; she doesn't feel fully human, fully alive. She's with Spike not out of love, but because she thinks he's the best she deserves.

Now, I make the following predictions, without benefit of any future spoilers, for the remainder of the season;

1) Sometime in February, during the annual Buffy's birthday ep, Buffy will undergo an ordeal, either physical or spiritual, which will guide her to reclaim her missing soul fragments. When she returns, she will be able to face whatever danger waits for her at the end of the season, as well as reuniting with her friends.

2) In February, if not before, Willow, who's been on a power high since "Bargaining", will attempt something real foolish, like sealing the Hellmouth. Unable to complete the task, she will crash and burn, and in all likelyhood allow something big and nasty to cross over into our world. This will be our Big Bad at the end of the season, and Willow will hold herself responsible for it. She's due to be knocked down a few pegs, and I fear that it'll end up hurting the others as well.

As you may have guessed, I subscribe to the addiction theory of Willow's current condition. Somehow makes more sense than simply 'Willow's gone evil', and fits with Joss's love for using supernatural storylines as metaphors for real human issues. Plus, it gives Willow a better chance for recovery toward the end of the season. She'll be changed, but she'll be better for it in the long run.

Kirayoshi




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