I think you are right, overall, in where he ends up, but I felt cheated that none of the pivotal moments were shown on the show. After Angel, I don't think a soul would mean much to Xander, but if it did it would have been nice to hear him react to it with anything other than scorn (Him). At the beginning of Season 7, he's still ranting about Spike attempting to rape Buffy (Beneath You), which is something he is guilty of, himself (The Pack). It's true that he doesn't grind on about Spike sleeping with Anya, though, which is a sign of some awareness on his part. He harangues Buffy about her involvement with Spike when Anya goes on the rampage (Selfless). He bitches about Spike moving in (Him) almost as much as he did in Season 4 (Hush).
And then, all of a sudden, he becomes a rational creature where Spike is concerned. He talks about him leaving wet towels lying around, like a normal roommate would kvetch, he stops with the (cruel) nicknames, they team up to ferret out the evil letterman jacket (Him). He calmly states his objections to having Spike around when the trigger comes to light (Sleeper), but accepts Buffy's decision, even when Anya goads him. "You've always been part of the 'Spike is evil' faction." "I've got a house to put back together." (Never Leave Me)
This is where the light went on for me, that Xander had changed. But where did it happen? Why? In the space of 2.5 episodes (one of which doesn't even have Xander in it) he's suddenly got a clue. After YEARS of hatred and resentment. The writers' expected us to make a huge leap here, with nothing to back it up. So, yes, I struggle. I seek out reasonable explanations in fanfic. One of which you have thoughtfully provided. Yay, you!
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carisma_sensei
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Date: Aug. 12th, 2008 07:14 pm (UTC)And then, all of a sudden, he becomes a rational creature where Spike is concerned. He talks about him leaving wet towels lying around, like a normal roommate would kvetch, he stops with the (cruel) nicknames, they team up to ferret out the evil letterman jacket (Him). He calmly states his objections to having Spike around when the trigger comes to light (Sleeper), but accepts Buffy's decision, even when Anya goads him. "You've always been part of the 'Spike is evil' faction." "I've got a house to put back together." (Never Leave Me)
This is where the light went on for me, that Xander had changed. But where did it happen? Why? In the space of 2.5 episodes (one of which doesn't even have Xander in it) he's suddenly got a clue. After YEARS of hatred and resentment. The writers' expected us to make a huge leap here, with nothing to back it up. So, yes, I struggle. I seek out reasonable explanations in fanfic. One of which you have thoughtfully provided. Yay, you!