This isn't a matter of either/or or what makes one vamp better than the other. It's a matter of writers needing to build a character over a long period time in a serialized story. They each started in one place and the writing needed to provide contrast, internal conflict, and an elusive goal. Spike's development isn't following the path of Angel's. Spike's path isn't a result of Angel's. In many -- if not most -- ways Spike is completely opposite Angel... which is why the two characters actually function quite nicely together.
On a reasonable day, I agree completely with you.
When I don't feel reasonable, I wanna tell (particularly BtVS season 1 and 2) Angel to move back to Forks. Bella might trip or something.
As far as the Spike diminishing Angel thing goes, I feel that Spike fans are always rooting for the underdog. It was Angel's show, and maybe if that Spike spin-off (mentioned in passing occasionally, at least I think there was one?) ever got off the ground, we'd get to see a show focused on him as the hero. As it is, Spike fans have to be more vocal about our vamp's heroic qualities because he never got the on-high affirmation Angel fans did. So, as it is, it sounds like we're diminishing Angel's heroism by shifting the spotlight.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2009-12-15 10:39 am (UTC)On a reasonable day, I agree completely with you.
When I don't feel reasonable, I wanna tell (particularly BtVS season 1 and 2) Angel to move back to Forks. Bella might trip or something.
As far as the Spike diminishing Angel thing goes, I feel that Spike fans are always rooting for the underdog. It was Angel's show, and maybe if that Spike spin-off (mentioned in passing occasionally, at least I think there was one?) ever got off the ground, we'd get to see a show focused on him as the hero. As it is, Spike fans have to be more vocal about our vamp's heroic qualities because he never got the on-high affirmation Angel fans did. So, as it is, it sounds like we're diminishing Angel's heroism by shifting the spotlight.
That being said, Angel never did anything for me.