BTVS fandom gripe

[timepiececlock]

I have to stop reading other people's episode summaries.

I just have to... stop.

I was happy. Really, really, happy. And other people's comments are making me feel depressed, and what's more making me bad for liking the show.

Unlike a lot of you, I like this show, I like this season, and I liked the last episode.

And I don't want to be made to feel bad for actually liking my favorite show on tv.

So I'm just going to skip all the episode summaries for the next 2 weeks until it ends. Or, most of them. I'll probably break and read a few. I'm weak.

But instead I'll be commenting on icons and fic and random stuff, rather than ep response/discussion.

ETA: This is not meant to pinpoint one specific person. And see previous post where I said I :heart: you all and want to read your fic. Just not ep summaries, for another 14 or so days.

Comments

[wickedprincess3.livejournal.com]

oh sweetie, I'm sorry. I felt the same way last season cause I lurrved it but everyone else didn't and I felt like I was stupid for liking it. There are people who like this season. Plus it's then end and everyone is bitter about that.

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

oh sweetie, I'm sorry.

It's ok. I've just decided that it's easier to be happy in my own bubble than to try and defend my happiness in other people's bubbles.

I felt the same way last season cause I lurrved it but everyone else didn't and I felt like I was stupid for liking it.

I vascilatted last year. I loved the show but hates some of the things the characters did. I only hated one episode, and loved most of the rest. Season 6 gave me some all-time favorites: Tabula Rasa, OMwF.

But honestly, I only started last year. I'm not ready to give up the fandom and I'm not jaded enough to claim I don't love every minute that it's on screen.

Plus it's then end and everyone is bitter about that.

Yeah, I can kind of see that coming out in places when people write.

Plus, I think everyone's going to be disapponted in some way, because the only way for it to disappoint no one is for it to not end.

[crossouttheeyes.livejournal.com]

I love your icon!

I like this show, I like this season, and I liked the last episode.


*does the "Yah! I'm not the only one!" happy dance*
I'm with you on that. I've liked loved this entire season. I liked last season too. DMP wasn't my most favorite episode ever but it still had it's likable moments.

I was thinking that maybe I'm just too easy to please, that's why I really don't have any gripes about the seasons. Actually, I have one gripe with this season, it's the last one. *sob* I don't want it to end!

Episode reviews should have warnings. A nice little note saying, " I am pleased/neutral/dissatisfied with *insert episode title here*. "

[xanphibian.livejournal.com]

*runs and puts warning on post*

*joins happy dance*

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

DMP wasn't my most favorite episode ever but it still had it's likable moments.

The DMP episode consisted of two solid minutes in which Spike entered the fast food place, said the words "Service me", and left. Shortest episode of Buffy I've ever seen. Wonderful, of course. ;)

*sob* I don't want it to end!

That's one thing I think even disgruntled viewers will admit too. I know I don't either-- It's only my second year! They can't end my show in season 2! I deserve more!

Episode reviews should have warnings. A nice little note saying, " I am pleased/neutral/dissatisfied with *insert episode title here*. "

But not for spoilers.

[sassangel.livejournal.com]

I loved it Shaka, just said so in my LJ.

You're not alone.

Sass

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

I'm not alone?

I want to belive.

The truth is out there.

The end is near.

::sob::

[xanphibian.livejournal.com]

*wince* I'm sorry. Was it me? I'm sorry. *apologizes some more* I'm having end of series issues, I think. MAJOR issues. I think maybe I expect the unattainable. I'm up and down. One minute, I love it all, the next minute I hate it all. It's a rollercoaster ride of grief. This is the best show EVER and I'm bitter that it's almost over. And I don't mean to be bitter. I want to just cry. I just... I'm so emotionally invested. In Spike, in Spuffy... I can't handle it. I'm having a fannish meltdown.

(((((hugs)))))

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

*wince* I'm sorry. Was it me? I'm sorry.

It was like 50 people over the last few weeks. Don't feel bad. This is about me and my opinions and what I choose, not about judging other people's thoughts. ::huggles::

... I'm so emotionally invested. In Spike, in Spuffy... I can't handle it. I'm having a fannish meltdown.

I'm emotionally invested in both of those, as well. I haven't hit melt-down stage. I'm still in denial.

[saussy.livejournal.com]

Just want you to know, I love Touched and I love Season 7. So there!

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

So there!

I'm never above a good 'Ha! So there!' moment, myself. Very good for tension relief. ;)

Staying positive

[tiashome.livejournal.com]

There are others, chica.
You know, I love this show, love the season, and loved Touched. If watching this show didn't make me happy, I wouldn't bother. But it does, so I'll be excitedly watching the last 2 eps. Don't feel bad for liking something that makes you happy.
::hugs Rashaka::

Re: Staying positive

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

::loves hugs::

I love Season 7 as well...

[selenak.livejournal.com]

...and I liked "Touched". And the previous episodes. And I'm a fan from season 1 onwards. Who, incidentally, happens to love the later seasons best and thinks the series finishes on top of its game.

Re: I love Season 7 as well...

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

I can't get into every bit of season 4, myself. And I'm afraid to admit that there's still about 4 episodes I haven't seen of sason 3.

[buffyx.livejournal.com]

Dude, I totally get you.

I've learned by now to hole up in a select few "comfort zones" where I know I won't have to deal with reading that kind of stuff. Not that people aren't entitled to their thoughts, or that I can't handle anyone else's opinions, it's just, so often it turns into excessive character bashing. Unfortunately, I am one of those easily-influenced people, and when I constantly read/see/hear depressing things about a show I desperately want to like, and have that take away from my initial happiness over an episode and even replace that happiness with guilt, I realize that I can't deal with that. I've stopped lurking at certain boards, distance myself from others, and stick to the places I know that won't drive me out of my mind. I'm keeping myself tightly insulated until after the finale airs, at least.

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

I've learned by now to hole up in a select few "comfort zones" where I know I won't have to deal with reading that kind of stuff.

My problem is that I read so many people's journals that I can never remember who's happy from week to week and who's not.

, I am one of those easily-influenced people, and when I constantly read/see/hear depressing things about a show I desperately want to like, and have that take away from my initial happiness over an episode and even replace that happiness with guilt,

That's the only problem I can find in being in a fandom full of really smart people. I'm always getting re-convinced of something, and it doesn't always increase my enjoyment of the show. Sometimes it really does make it better, though, so it's hard to decide. After the finale I'll have a short recovery period (to pout, whine, and deal with my loss), and then go into discussion.

[callherblondie.livejournal.com]

I feel your pain. But one thing I've always loved about BtVS fans is how much they care and how intelligent they are. We're not ashamed to say we adore this show and yet we're not so blinded that we can't criticize what we love. I love how people care enough about this show to vocalize what they're not happy with as well as what they are. I love Spike and I love Buffy and Spike together. I don't always love what the writers do with them but dammit, I care. I care enough to hate certain things and to be enamoured with certain things. I'm really proud of this fandom because the fans still care and aren't willing to just take what the writers dish out. I have friends that aren't really into BtVS and don't understand how I sometimes complain about a show that I profess to love. When they ask me why I don't just stop watching if stuff pisses me off, my reply is always, because I care. So yeah, it sucks when other BtVS fans don't love S6 like I do or love B/A and not B/S but I console myself with the thought that at least we all care enough about this show that we tune in. I'm really going to miss this fandom ::sniff::

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

But one thing I've always loved about BtVS fans is how much they care and how intelligent they are.

Oh, totally. That's why LJ is so cool, and forums are so cool.

You're definitely right, and after the show ends I plan to talk about and analyze endlessly. Without pulling any punches. But one of the problems is that when I read what some people say, their arguments are so intelligent and convincing that I begin to change my opinion to suit theirs, often in a more negative way of viewing. And I don't like that feeling, so I'm just going to tone down my fan-consumption of it all for a the next two weeks.

[jidabug.livejournal.com]

I'll just join in on the S7 lovefest, 'kay? I loved "Touched" and the B/S snuggling, in particular. Loved. It. Don't get down if everyone doesn't agree, though. Just think that you're getting more enjoyment out of it than those who are disgruntled. But I find that reading the dissenting opinions can be educational, even if I don't necessarily grok why they don't love it as much as I do. Ya know?

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

Just think that you're getting more enjoyment out of it than those who are disgruntled.

Hn...Yes.

But I find that reading the dissenting opinions can be educational, even if I don't necessarily grok why they don't love it as much as I do.

Is "grok" a type-o? If it's not, I don't know the term. If it is, my brain is too fizzled to guess. I'm curious though.

[gwynnega]

I've been feeling the same way - loved "Touched," and then it's a bringdown to hear people picking it apart. Actually it's been interesting too, because people have such diametrically different opinions on almost every aspect of the ep, i.e., people saying "Oh good, Buffy's finally opening up!" and also, "This is the last straw, Buffy's just using Spike!" about the exact same scene.

Because the show's ending, I think some folks are being ultracritical. Then again, I loved season 6...

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

diametrically different opinions on almost every aspect of the ep, i.e., people saying "Oh good, Buffy's finally opening up!" and also, "This is the last straw, Buffy's just using Spike!" about the exact same scene.

That was weird; I noticed it too. Downer A hated the Spuffy but thought Wood/F was hot. Downer B loved Spuffy but hated Willow/Kennedy and thought the Spike/faith fihgt was gratuitous. Downer C hated all the sex but loved the Mayor (well... I think almost everyone loved the Mayor. He's just cool like that.)

( ^----those aren't specific people, just examples)

[onetwomany.livejournal.com]

Joining the season 7 love :).

I've enjoyed this season immensely. I'm liking everyone again (even Xander!). I think Spike's had a great showing, and I'm totally captivated by his story. I have faith in Spuffy. I'm totally in lust with Faith (mmm...Faith). I've got a few quibbles, yeah, but for the most part, I'm still all yay ME! If I wasn't, I wouldn't be watching.

I don't mind reading negative reviews. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, and some of the more negative folks are just so perceptive or funny I just can't stay away. But happy people who like the show completely make my day. And that includes you :)

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

I like Xander this year too. I went through phases where I really didn't like him much last year, so it's better now.

[sweet-ali.livejournal.com]

Oh sweetums, i actually whooped out a "yes!" when i saw this post! I've been feeling the same way, so you are very much not alone. I found myself rolling my eyes so many time reading my friends list after Touched aired that i did have skip several reviews. And had to remember why i friended some of these people in the first place.

And like i posted in my LJ today, i really despise that the same people who bitch about the show are constantly comparing this season's Angel. grr...

So, never you fear about my LJ. I shall not disappoint or cause you to roll your eyes or feel that inner grr.

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

i really despise that the same people who bitch about the show are constantly comparing this season's Angel.

Since I have only a passing interest in Angel, this irks me too. That show is like a fad for me. I sometimes tune in (like last night for the finale) or pay attention when its supposed to be really great, or when it connects to Buffy, but ultimately it hasn't captured my interest.

And people talked about how Angel has so mcuh "happening" when Buffy's all slow, but in reality nothing actually happened last night except for what occured in the last ten minutes. All the rest was character stuff. Sure, it was interesting, but it wasn't an all-explosive thrill ride either.

I dunno. I'll undoubtedly transfer my viewrship to Angel next season, just because.

[queenofthorns.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure whether you're reading my LJ or not, but I'm afraid I'm one of the negative people you're talking about - and the reason I'm kind of down on things these days is, in part, because the show is ending and so when episodes that I would have thought were good and solid in previous seasons air now, I can't shut the little clock in my head off that's saying "there are only three more episodes - I want them to rock my world with every one ..." And sad to say, I just think there was more verve and vivacity in the writing and in most of the actors' performances (with a few glowing exceptions) in earlier seasons!

But I'm also one of the people who thought that the first half of season 6 was superb and the last half was dreadful, so take that for what it's worth. I have been watching since Season 1, though, and "Buffy" is, even on a bad day, the only television show that I actually schedule time to watch.

And I completely agree with you about "Angel" - even when I sometimes objectively think that it's a better show (and adore the scruffy hotness of Wesley), it's just never made me fall in love with it the way that "Buffy" did. It's good TV, but it doesn't resonate with me on some deeper level as its parent show did, and so I just never care about it as much as I care about "Buffy." Which is, paradoxically, why I can forgive it for being not-spectacular more easily than I can forgive "Buffy."

That's not, of course, to say that you're in any way wrong for loving this season - that's your prerogative and I, for one, in no way want to make you feel bad for loving it ;) Just wanted to try and explain (though I'm not sure I have) why I've been less enthralled of late!

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure whether you're reading my LJ or not,

I have 100+ people I read. It's not just one person, so don't feel you have to apologize-- it's my self-censorship, not that I think everyone else should stop talking.

It's good TV, but it doesn't resonate with me on some deeper level as its parent show did, and so I just never care about it as much as I care about "Buffy."

It's that exactly. And I realized this because for a while I was watching Buffy and downloading Angel (especially when Buffy was on rerun hiatus), and then i started watching Angel on tv. But if it was a week of new!Buffy, I completely forget that Angel is on at all. Several times I literally haven't even thought about it until two days later when I read about it on LJ. I only remembered to watch this week because cable tv guide said it was the last episode, and I wondered about how a Sunnydale crossover would be set up. In my mind that tells me I'm only an opportunist fan when it comes to Angel, not a particularly devoted one. But I'm sure I'll dive into it next year by default, since Alias isn't really resonating wiht me either, no matter how much i try.

::sob:: I miss Firefly! I was ready to give my heart and soul to that show.

And now I miss Buffy...

[riddering.livejournal.com]

Thank God for this post and for people agreeing with it! I too have been ghashing my teeth over the constant discontent with this season (especially the last few episodes) on LJ and the opinion that BtVS sucks compared to Angel.

I was very excited for Touched. Most of the reviews I read made me feel like I should hide in a dirty secluded alley and forage for rats because I still love my favorite show on tv. The few times I ran across a happy review I was elated, only to be put back down by five more bad commentaries. Anyway...

GO BUFFY! ::grin::

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

OOH... NICE ICON. But it has the Skirt of Bad Fashion Doom. Still.. pretty.

[leslina.livejournal.com]

My feelings are quite the opposite. Most everyone in the Buffy LJ community, aside for three authors (and you know that's very small number considering just how many Buffy-verse authors there are with LJ's) that I've friended or lurk around seem to fall under under one of two categories: optimista or severe pollyanista and it can be right lonesome and not to mention annoying let me tell you. I don't let it sway my opinions though. I know what I want to watch and if I don't get I'm not going to make excuses for Joss and the other creative geniuses over at ME Productions. I've taken to not reading summary posts for the very same reason you don't wish to read summary posts. I don't want to be made to see a light that's not there. But that's me. Aside from my own personal post and those three others, on average, the reaction of this week's eps has been the same as it has been the whole season really: Uberly Optimistic. So don't feel like you're in the minority. If you've been enjoying the shows this season than fuck what anybody else has to say and bask in the afterglow they bring you. And I'll continue to bitch and moan like a crotchety discontended cow ^^

Crotchety, perhaps, but I would not call you a cow... ;)

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

I've taken to not reading summary posts for the very same reason you don't wish to read summary posts.

Maybe everyone pays ntoo much attention to what everyone else says. We're a fandom of people who talk to much. :g:

[superplin.livejournal.com]

Sign me up for the Season 7 fan club!
I haven't been watching since the very beginning, but I have seen every single episode of every season, most more than once (God bless the Internet). What strikes me as odd about a lot of the people who complain about this season is that they are upset that their favorite characters haven't remained carved in stone since, say, Season 3. To me, one of the most compelling things about BtVS is that it does show character development over time, in what I find to be a very organic way as a result of growing up and the specific experiences they've had. So few other shows have the skill and courage to do that, and I think it's a big part of what elevates Buffy to a higher plane.

Honestly, I find this season to be fascinating on all kinds of levels, and I'm convinced that a lot of people will change their tune once a) the show is over, and they've adjusted to the loss, and b) they can view the episodes one after another, without long pauses in the middle. I think that's one of the biggest problems the show has suffered this year, those endless down times waiting for a new episode, which naturally interfere with the overall momentum.

I also loved Touched. My only negative reaction has to do with my own neurotic worry that there won't be any more development to the Spike/Buffy relationship, but that's because I'm overly invested in them and anxious that I'm going to get my heart ripped out. It's a defense mechanism. When I manage to relax and enjoy their scenes on their own merits, I'm blown away.

I've done the same thing you have, too: I just skip over the negative reviews entirely. I don't want anyone harshing my mellow about this show that I love, especially when there are only two episodes left! (Two! Sob.) I just don't have the time, energy, or desire to deal with people who think Buffy is an uncaring bitch, who think Spike is a weak and pathetic loser, or whatever. Bitterness is contagious (as is clearly evident on some forums), and the best vaccine is avoidance.

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

I'm overly invested in them and anxious that I'm going to get my heart ripped out

Aren't we all? ::deep sigh::

[harmonyfb.livejournal.com]

Don't worry; I'll stick all the happy stuff up top, and a break so you can stop reading when I start griping about the remaining episodes. :)

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

Don't worry; I'll stick all the happy stuff up top, and a break so you can stop reading when I start griping about the remaining episodes. :)

Thank you for participating in my delusion; please enjoy your stay. :)