Randomness and Coupling Comments

[dlgood]

First off, a hearty L'Shana Tovah, happy new year, to all my Jewish friends out there.

Inspired by Masqthephlsphr, I'd been thinking more and more about themes of power in BtVS S7, in terms of Realist political theory. Because one could certainly analyze S7 along those lines - the group's behavior and Buffy's leadership style is like unto a D-grade reading on Hobbes' The Leviathan.

However, I've recently returned to thinking of a different parallel for Buffy Summers. Namely, the career of one Michael Jeffrey Jordan, basketball star extroardinaire. If you don't follow basketball, or don't know much about MJ, I suspect it would take too long for me to explain, and maybe I'll go more in depth with it later, but it's eerily accurate. So, if there's a sports fan reading my LJ, please feel free to comment and I'll actually draw something more up.

Also, watched the NBC broadcast of the "American" version of "Coupling". Had I never seen the BBC episodes, it might have been okay for me. Not that it was particularly great or anything. But this version is just...poor. It's like seeing a Junior High production of my favorite play. First of all, NBC's basically done a shot-for-shot remake. And the acting seems too focused on hitting all the same marks as the original - instead of developing an interpretation of their own. (Although I really do like Rena Sofer as Susan.) As a result it seems like the characters are reading lines of dialogue instead of engaging in conversation. The cast doesn't seem to have the same chemistry, the "Sally" has no personality, and this "Jeff" has nothing on Richard Coyle.

Good thing I have the original episodes on my Hard Drive.

Comments

Re: Does this man not rock?

[masqthephlsphr.livejournal.com]

Sometimes, I think I got into this fandom specifically because I miss the intellectual debates I had in college.

Well then, dig in and have fun. Being in intellectual debates gives me the hives, which is why I run a philosophical discussion board rather than teach philosophy. I'm much better at being a spectator.

I agree with your assessment of Buffy's alleged "feelings" towards Spike. I never saw it. I saw lust, I saw shame, I saw the acting out of inner hatreds, I never saw love.

Re: Does this man not rock?

[dlgood.livejournal.com]

I'm much better at being a spectator.

Which, so far as I can tell, you do fairly well. It's an important role. Kids like me can't play in the sandbox without you...

I agree with your assessment of Buffy's alleged "feelings" towards Spike.

Yup. But in S6, for various reasons Spike was incapable of understanding that Buffy did not love him, especially since he believed that he loved her so much and she was having relations with him. Soullessness, obstinancy, narcisissm. Take your pick.

And many of those fans who love Spike so much, can't seem to understand how Buffy might not love him either. Like Spike in S6, they want to believe so badly that it's simply inconceivable that she might not. And many of those fans seem to be rather angry at the character of Buffy about it too. It's kind of fascinating, in an unnerving way.

Re: Does this man not rock?

[masqthephlsphr.livejournal.com]

Which, so far as I can tell, you do fairly well. It's an important role. Kids like me can't play in the sandbox without you...

Thanks. It's like, "those who can, do, and those who can't do the janitorial work for those who can do." I believe very passionately in reasoned discussion about the complex issues of the day, but in graduate school, I would have anxiety attacks in the middle of debates and choke. A brilliant career in philosophy cut down because of a debilitating handicap. I still love doing philosophy, thinking about it, presenting both sides, but I leave the debating to other people.

It's a workable arrangment.

And many of those fans who love Spike so much, can't seem to understand how Buffy might not love him either. Like Spike in S6, they want to believe so badly that it's simply inconceivable that she might not. And many of those fans seem to be rather angry at the character of Buffy about it too. It's kind of fascinating, in an unnerving way.

Oh, the Buffy bashing was rampant during season 6. She was the queen of all bitches, especially when she spent most of her time beating him and calling him bad names. Sublimated love? In whose twisted mind was that sublimated love? Don't answer that, i think we both know.

And Spike didn't help, "You only hurt the one you love, pet."

Re: Does this man not rock?

[dlgood.livejournal.com]

As you know M, a critical analysis of the characters sublimate motivations is valid, but only when it supports your thesis that Spike is the most wonderful woobie that ever was.

Re: Does this man not rock?

[masqthephlsphr.livejournal.com]

Arghhhhh!!!!!

These Spike arguments are based on emotional assessments on both sides. The text is ambiguous enough that both sides (Buffy lurvs Spike/Buffy doesn't lurv Spike) make their assessment by viewing the show through a lens of their own experience (my lens is, "I'm bored of Spike, can we move on now?). I actually think arguing about it gets pointless, because although reasoned debate on this issue is possible, most people won't be capable of it. The evidence both sides could use to weigh the choices is tainted by the lens of their viewing experience.

And most of us have moved on, both Spike fans and non-Spike fans. But there are some fans for which this is their raison detre, and they won't let go of the chew-bone. I admire your continued insistence on asking Claudia to back up her statements, but I'm telling you, she ain't gonna, because to her the evidence is clear on face value.

Re: Does this man not rock?

[dlgood.livejournal.com]

Yeah. You're right on that. As long as the Claudia's of the world won't accept the ambivalence, I am wasting time.

It reminds me quite a bit of Florida 2000. It's the "Megadittoes, Rush!" type deal that turns so many folks off from politics. But, as someone who used to do this in College, before I sold out and took a paying job, it's still quite a bit of fun. It didn't always endear me to the College Republicans or Democrats, but it did make me really good at canvassing neighborhoods during the primaries when I worked election campaigns.

The more I get the sense that people read the "Claudia's" with a critical eye, the less and less I'll feel the need to react.