I'm not entirely sure the fannish opinion of Spike is the majority of fannish opinion these days. I'd say that the opinion is very much in flux as people go back and rewatch episodes back-to-back. I've been somewhat surprised to see more people warm up to Xander, for example, as they re-watch the series. It's also interesting to see that fewer people like Willow, just by contrast.
I think the problem with Spike (with all of the characters to an extent) is they stopped having a solid identity and started to become whatever the writers needed them to be for that episode.
I mean, seriously look at Xander. In one episode he can barely tie his shoes. In the next episode, he's an Olympic-level archer who's not only not surpirsed when when he hits his target on the wrist from across a crowded room, but that no one else is surprised he can do it either?
I think as far as expressing unpopular fannish opinion, the key is to not attack the fans and just understand that people like what they like and that they really shouldn't have to defend it.
I know my dislike of Spike has gone from burning hate to simple dislike, a lot of it because of the wonky characterization that character. In many ways, Spike was the character that got it insane characterization problem the worst because it seems like the writers couldn't quite agree on what kind of character he was. No wonder why fan opinion was split so sharply.
[I also think JM's performance was part of the problem. I know it's not a popular opinion, but I just don't think he's a good actor. He's a good character actor. Give him a character where he's allowed to chew the scenery ala Spike S2, and he can be fun to watch. I don't think he can pull off a romantic lead where chewing the scenery shouldn't be part of the program ala Spike S7, and I don't think he can really pull off serious drama. But again: my opinion. It shouldn't take away someone else's enjoyment of JM's performance, nor should it. What I don't like is when someone turns around and decides that I suck or that I'm ignorant because I don't happen to share their opinion.]
As for the fannon view of Spike, there are plenty of Spike fans who actually agree with you about it. A hell of a lot more than you think, that's for sure. It's the same for every character.
The thing is: "Unpopular" fannish opinions are often not that unpopular at all, I find. I think this fandom is big enough that you'll find plenty of people who will at least partially agree with you.
*shrug*
But then again, I find the whole debate itself interesting, provided no one gets personal about agreeing to disagree.
no subject
I think the problem with Spike (with all of the characters to an extent) is they stopped having a solid identity and started to become whatever the writers needed them to be for that episode.
I mean, seriously look at Xander. In one episode he can barely tie his shoes. In the next episode, he's an Olympic-level archer who's not only not surpirsed when when he hits his target on the wrist from across a crowded room, but that no one else is surprised he can do it either?
I think as far as expressing unpopular fannish opinion, the key is to not attack the fans and just understand that people like what they like and that they really shouldn't have to defend it.
I know my dislike of Spike has gone from burning hate to simple dislike, a lot of it because of the wonky characterization that character. In many ways, Spike was the character that got it insane characterization problem the worst because it seems like the writers couldn't quite agree on what kind of character he was. No wonder why fan opinion was split so sharply.
[I also think JM's performance was part of the problem. I know it's not a popular opinion, but I just don't think he's a good actor. He's a good character actor. Give him a character where he's allowed to chew the scenery ala Spike S2, and he can be fun to watch. I don't think he can pull off a romantic lead where chewing the scenery shouldn't be part of the program ala Spike S7, and I don't think he can really pull off serious drama. But again: my opinion. It shouldn't take away someone else's enjoyment of JM's performance, nor should it. What I don't like is when someone turns around and decides that I suck or that I'm ignorant because I don't happen to share their opinion.]
As for the fannon view of Spike, there are plenty of Spike fans who actually agree with you about it. A hell of a lot more than you think, that's for sure. It's the same for every character.
The thing is: "Unpopular" fannish opinions are often not that unpopular at all, I find. I think this fandom is big enough that you'll find plenty of people who will at least partially agree with you.
*shrug*
But then again, I find the whole debate itself interesting, provided no one gets personal about agreeing to disagree.