Buffy and Giles
BuG
Another example of robbing the cradle? Perhaps, but the relationship that exists between the two could scarcely be described as common to begin with. I’m not going to go way in depth with a Watcher/Slayer analysis, except really to say that the closest other archetype that exists is that between a parent and daughter. This is especially compounded because of the fact that Buffy is far removed from her father – and in the few moments that we have seen them together, many problems have existed. "Nightmares" showed Buffy’s great insecurities concerning her parents’ divorce, and her fear of having caused it. In "When She Was Bad," Hank described Buffy’s summer visit as distant. "Becoming, part one" shows Hank and Joyce fighting over Buffy. And finally, "Helpless" focuses on the fact that Hank let Buffy down, and deeply hurt her by canceling on their traditional birthday plans. Buffy relies upon Giles so much because she essentially has no father; he does not serve as the guiding force in her life that Giles indeed does. All this being said, BuG have showed their love and devotion for each other countless times. On the other hand, both have let each other down – Buffy by running away and not telling Giles of Angel’s return, and Giles by not telling Buffy about her test in "Helpless." But the tremendous part of their relationship is that they don’t hold grudges, for they cannot afford to do so. An integral part of their relationship insists upon cooperation and partnership, regardless of the circumstances, and while this must be true, they do it naturally, not with a sense of duty. One of the most beautiful aspects of the show has been watching the relationship between BuG deepen and flourish. They are totally comfortable around each other, and Buffy has loosened up Giles a great deal. Compare his general character from "Welcome to the Hellmouth" with the very different man in "Helpless" and "Consequences," two recent, strong Giles episodes. BuG love each other unconditionally. Enough with the fucking flowery language. Blah. Some great BuG scenes which support my foundation for a romance between the two. . . "Passion:" One scene in particular strikes me as developing a strong relationship between the two. Now, I KNOW that this ep concerns the death of Giles’ love interest, Jenny Calendar. However, the fact remains that the bond between BuG must be stronger than that of Giles/Calendar. It must be for Giles to fulfill his duty as a watcher. After Giles is rescued by Buffy from the fiery factory, Giles resists her help and Buffy proceeds to punch him, telling him that she "can’t do this" without him. The two then embrace and cry together – a truly touching and amazing scene. The conclusion derived from this is that they not only depend upon each other for "professional" reasons, but for highly personal reasons also. Buffy doesn’t think that she can make it without Giles, a sign of her trust and dependency upon him. "Dead Man’s Party:" Another great, short BuG scene, or mostly, a Giles scene. When Buffy shows up a Giles’ door, the look on his face is that of thankfulness and acceptance. The best part of the scene is when Giles goes to fetch the tea, and while listening to Buffy joking with her friends, smiles so wonderfully it made me audibly exclaim "aaaaaaaaawwwwwwwhhhhhhhh." He even seems to brush away a smidge of a tear from his eye. Giles had been obsessed with finding Buffy after she ran away – it seems he spent most of his time tracking down leads and investigating. "Helpless:" This is far and away the greatest BuG episode to date. The depths explored here have been addressed before, but not nearly so much and with such intensity. Giles actually gets fired from his watcher position because Quentin found that Giles has a father like love for Buffy. Buffy is betrayed by Giles during this episode, when Giles secretly entrances her, injects her with drugs to make her weak and is going to let her go and take her "test." Buffy even goes so far as to say that she doesn’t know him. A major issue, to say the least. But the fact that Giles told Buffy about the test, and his part in it, show the guilt he feels lover the incident and his willingness to redeem himself in her eyes. After all, Buffy is his life. As soon as Quentin reveals that Buffy has begun the test, Giles rushes off to help her, without a second’s hesitation. Surely Giles knew what the ramifications of his actions could be – Giles isn’t so dense as to not expect such repercussions. After the whole test ordeal is over, and Giles has been relieved of his position, one of the most touching scenes in the series to date occurs. BuG, alone together, reach a wordless understanding. Quentin has just verbally stated that Giles loves Buffy as a daughter, something which probably embarrassed him. But he doesn’t run away, or attempt to explain. His lack of words confirms Quentin’s statement. Giles reaches toward Buffy and begins to wipe the blood off of her forehead, very carefully and softly. I go on about this scene at length because I believe that it is the most pure and perfect example of the relationship that BuG have. It’s not about teasing, jokes and fun, although these things are very present. It’s a deep love that transcends everything in each of their lives. So how does this all translate into a romantic relationship? Well, for me it’s pretty easy, because I wouldn’t be abject to them being a couple (which I also know will not happen.) The scene from "Helpless" which I described I found to be entirely erotic. Though not the part with Quentin Travers – ewww. Of course I speak of when Giles goes to tend to Buffy’s wounds. This might be because I’ve read way too much BuG fanfic, but I doubt it. Damn it, it WAS erotic. The way her touched her set my mind spinning. BuG would make an amazingly passionate couple. Part of Buffy’s attitude is carpe diem, and even when it has caused her problems, she can’t afford to live another way. Her fortune is very uncertain, and she makes every moment count. And I’m sure that every moment she spent in bed with Giles would just reinforce such an attitude.
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