Re: Murder, morality, etc.

[JDMeans@xxxxxxx]

Kirayoshi here. I just got my computer back from the shop. My operating 
system was giving me grief, so I splurged and got a WindowsXP, so we'll see 
how that goes. So I'm catching up on five busy days of email.

A lot of talk about morality on BtVS lately. Allow me my two cents(some 
minor spoilage, so space ahead);


















In my view, and this has been backed up by the character of Angel in the 
first three season, forgiveness for sins requires contrition. The sinner 
must be genuinely sorry for his/her crimes, and must actively seek 
forgiveness. The process is never easy, it is painful, and cannot happen 
overnight, or over the course of a single year, or it is worthless.

Okay, keeping the spoilers to a minimun, and hopefully to the end of season 
six, let's look at the two examples of sinners seeking redemption this 
season;

Willow, in one night of madness fueled by the death of her lover, killed two 
people, assaulted her friends, considered ending the world, and did some 
property damage. 

Spike, over the course of a century, has killed tens of thousands for food 
(and unlike humans slaughtering animals, he took an almost sexual pleasure in 
killing), sided with three people who tried to conquer/destroy the world(the 
Master, Angelus, Adam), and at various times attempted to kill, torture, 
and/or rape most of the main cast.

>From what I have heard, Willow will find the road to redemption difficult. 
Spike, hopefully, will find the road even harder. And I don't know if Spike 
is up to it. The evidence from past seasons doesn't suggest it.

If Joss, in his infinite wisdom (spoken sarcastically), hands Spike 
redemption, along with a willing, naked Buffy, on a silver platter, that will 
be the final signal to me that he has betrayed his entire fanbase for a vocal 
minority. Should that time come, I will boycott any project that bears the 
name Joss Whedon, and loudly attempt to convince everyone I know to do the 
same. 

Soul or no soul, it all comes down to contrition and atonement. For Spike's 
century of murder and mayhem, one season is not even close to being long 
enough to do the job. The rest of Buffy's natural lifespan isn't long 
enough. Angel knows that, that's why he left Sunnydale. 

>From a logical standpoint, it would make more sense for Spike to make a 
half-hearted attempt, then fall back to his old Big Bad self, which IMO was a 
lot more fun. This would be more true to character, and probably a much more 
interesting story than what I fear Joss has in mind.

Okay, that's it for now. We now return you to your regular fics, feedback, 
and general comiseration on the state of Buffy.

Kirayoshi