I would have to ask why they are bothering to fake perfection. Riley didn't show up in Sunnydale with Sam to show Buffy up. He showed up because that's where those demons were, and the military most likely sent them both. He was nothing if not confident but completely accommodating and cordial. That would be like saying that Buffy's intentions going to Spike's crypt to have sex were to show up Riley when she couldn't have known that he would be walking it. And really, what did Riley and Sam do to show that they were so "perfect?" They got along, they smile, they have stories of how they met and got married, and Riley's not a complete sobbing belligerent mess over Buffy because he found someone who is more compatible with him and returns his affections. I think that the episode is written to make the audience hate Sam, hate that Riley is okay without Buffy, and to make us have sympathy for Buffy herself. Kind of like while the episode is going on Willow is all smiles, but as soon as the couple is out of earshot it's "That bitch." Why? Because it's for Buffy's benefit. Poor, poor Buffy, all alone and Riley came down here to flaunt his wife. I bet his sent those demons down here just to do that!
no subject
Date: Jul. 23rd, 2011 05:23 pm (UTC)