'Shindig'
Is it better the second time around? Or the third? Or tenth? This is the place to come when you have a burning desire to talk about an old episode that was just re-run.
I think I agree with Sail's interpretation. Riley was Buffy's last ditch attempt to be a normal girl with a normal boyfriend.
I think her relationshipo with Spike was more complicated, but ultimately deeper. I do think she loved him - I think she meant it when she said it, even though maybe Spike thought she didn't.
"why does everyone think I'm still in love with Spike?" (And don't tell me it was a mispeak on SMG's part, I don't care, it's canon now.)
I about fell off the couch when I heard that line back then, Sail. I'm with you.
I never heard that it was a misspeak by SMG. Neat that the writers let it ride. What was the line supposed to have been?
"why does everyone still think I'm in love with Spike?" (I think.)
oooh, I see. The placement of that one word makes all the difference.
And, like a lot of things, launched a thousand fanfic attempts...
Riley got laid after Buffy. Spike? Not so much.
Buffy?
The Immortal.
Buffy wins.
Spike actually had at least partial sex with Harmony, before she went nuts, in the ep with the toner replacement guy.
Partial sex with Harmony ...
Wait. I can't get past 'partial sex'. That is an exceedingly strange phrase.
Everyone who had whole sex after the initial relationship wins.
All you partial sex proponents are welcome to a partial win.
I bet Riley would have liked, in theory, to have had as intense sex with Buffy as Spike did.
Not that his grain-fed self could handle it, but still. Neither of the relationships (NONE of her relationships) were good healthy ones, but Riley could have benefitted from a bit of the old S&M with her. Vulnerability, et al.