Laura Nunn writes:
> Actually, wandering slightly from the point, there is a bit of dialogue
> in this episode ("At last a Dragon") which has never really made sense
> to me. It could be that I'm exceptionally stupid, but someone might be
> able to help me out here.
>
> It happens when Lynda tells Spike she really can't face the cocktail
> party and Spike finally relents and leaves with her. Then Lynda thanks
> Spike saying something like, "Good old Spike - it was you who got me out
> of there." Spike says, "I don't believe this! Gratitude! Now she does
> gratitude!"
>
> What is Spike so upset about? Or am I missing the point totally?
Laura, that is an excellent question. This line of dialogue always has
me scratching my head trying to understand why it upsets Spike so much.
I think it's because Spike realises (especially after Colin spells it
out for him earlier in the episode) that Lynda is headed for great things,
and chances are he won't be there with her when her career takes off.
By agreeing to let Lynda leave the party early, before she has a chance
to do some "career socialising", Spike is knowingly harming Lynda's
glittering future but at the same time ensuring that he and Lynda will
probably stay together. Lynda's gratitude cuts Spike to the quick because
the guilt he is already clearly feeling, for being so selfish, is intensified.
Imagine someone thanking you for doing something that is clearly not in
their best interest. That's what Spike gets upset about.
Every time I watch this episode I have to work this all out again. I think
it's an example of where Steven was writing for a very sophisticated audience.
I doubt many younger kids would have understood what was going on, not that
it really would have bothered them - you can still enjoy the scene without
understanding Spike's motivation.
-----------
Regards
Vince Deehan
Wembley
London
http://www.deehan.demon.co.uk
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