Geekshow

Buffy: In Reference to Rape

In the recent Buffcast Season 6 part 1 episode, the subject of rape has came up. It’s a shame that we did not have time to discuss this issue further in the episode, because I believe that there is more to the issue than can be brought up in such a short period. In our defense, the actual rape has not occured in the series at this point in the discussion, so we haven’t got a fair chance to discuss the actual occurence yet. But, in the meantime, please let me further elaborate…

First, to anyone who may have been insulted in our criticism of Buffy, I apologize. That was never our(My) intention. In fact, I was quite upset with the episode in question(Smashed) myself. But my comments were perhaps a bit mixed in with my thoughts. It’s not always easy to get your thoughts on a subject as clear to others as they are to yourself. So, if there are any rape victims in our listener base, or just anyone out there that disliked my comments about Buffy, again, I apologize.

Before I explain this further, let’s get one thing straight. Rape is not a Female vs Male issue. The sooner you can come to understand that, the better. It is also not a Black/White issue. There are grey areas. Those grey areas are where my problems with the Buffy rape episode comes into play. Another point I want to stress, is that these are /NOT/ real characters. We let ourselves believe this quite often, but they just are not real people.

Now, with all that out of the way, let me describe my problems with the rape issue in better detail. The key issue I have with the whole thing lies with the writers of the episodes, NOT the characters themselves. I’ve heard it said, “No, means No”. However, Buffy made it perfectly clear that “Smashed” was a “No” episode. And yet she and the writers “rewarded” Spike with perhaps one of the most grotesque and twisted sex scenes I have ever seen. That, ladies and gentlemen, Was Rape. And Spike got away with it while wearing a big old smile.

Act two, will occur a little later on, when Spike again tries to make a move on Buffy. Only this time, Buffy isn’t turned on by the constant pushing. And so it’s Rape. Now, one of my points come into play here. These characters are NOT real. If this was a real situation, then I would be the first to say, “No matter what Buffy ended up allowing the first time, this is still rape. It was wrong the first time, it’s wrong now”. However, these are not real people. This is not a real situation. So I have to say, “The writers messed this one up. Instead of Me feeling sorry for the Buffy Character, and angry at the Spike character, I am just disgusted at both of them”. This is not meant to be inconsiderate toward the Person involved, or the act of rape. I am simply saying that They glorified rape in one moment, and then they expect to pull that string later on. It’s not right, and should not have been done.

For me, if you exclude “Smashed” from the continuity of the Buffy Rape storyline, and the whole situation fits. The rape means something. You feel sorry for Buffy, and are disgusted at Spike. The character is a soul-less monster, afterall, it’s ok to make fans hate him. Besides, he will soon go on a soul quest anyway, so why not make him out to be the villain. As I said, Rape isn’t Black/White, it has a grey area. However, grey areas don’t make for good stories, lessons, and character developement.

“Smashed” is a disgusting episode of BtVS, one of the low-lights, in my opinion. I am generally against the “Lesson of the Day” in Buffy episodes. However, if you are going to do that, at least do it right. Make the message clear. Buffy was raped. Twice, if you ask me. However, there is this whole situation where after beating each other to a bloody pulp they make love. What lesson does this teach?

In the end, I’ve probably ticked more people off by talking about the subject than if I had just let the one of two emails I’ve recieved on the subject slide. I rarely take the oppertunity to put down an episode of Buffy so much. I’m sure the fandom will make it known that such disapproval is not welcome. And I’m certain this is still not what someone upset over our comments wanted to hear. But it is how I feel about this particular piece of fiction. I’m not going to hide my feelings just because of a sensitive subject. Again, for those that were insulted, I truely and sincerely apologize.

Remember, real life sucks sometimes. Rape is not a form of entertainment.