The road not taken

[gwyn]

Last night, I caught the tail end of Parting Gifts on TNT, where they've rescued Cordelia and then Wes gets his first real congratulatory comment, like, ever. Then the part where he keeps making like he's going off to continue on the path of the rogue demon hunter, hoping they'll invite him to stay. After Angel asks him if he wants breakfast, there's this little tableau just before it goes to black of the three of them at table, Angel standing and serving them food and Wes and Cordy sitting. I burst into tears. I managed to only weep a tiny bit during all the watchings of Not Fade Away, but this little set piece just hit me at exactly that sore spot, and I started to cry like a two-year-old who's just fallen down and cracked her head.

All I could think of was poor Wesley, poor Cordelia, and the choices they made after that, the paths that took them to such tragic places. All the torment as Wesley's life grew darker and lonelier, Cordelia's terrible gift and how it altered her life... waaaahhhh. What if Wes hadn't stayed right there at the end of Parting Gifts? What if he'd actually walked out that door? I mean, I know I wouldn't have had one of my favorite characters ever, but it hurts seeing him so innocent then -- the hint of the broken guy who failed at being a watcher already there, but not so important that it colors his existence -- and so willing to try to make amends, to want to be wanted. He's so desperate and alone, which is played with comic effect but which also becomes increasingly, operatically tragic. And then in a few short months he'll be tortured by Faith, and then he'll get fired by Angel, and then... arg. Poor sweet Wesley.

Okay, I really need to get back to work on that essay.

Comments

[reginaspina.livejournal.com]

Yes, please! I'm waiting for the Manifesto of Wes-Love :)

The other episode that really breaks my heart is "To Shanshu in LA" - knowing what we know now. ::sobs:: In fact, I'm not sure I'm ready to watch any Season 1 ATS yet, as it's all just so raw (this is the same reason that happy Frodo sitting under a tree in the Shire at the beginning of "Fellowship of the Ring" makes me weep like a baby - I know it'll never be like this again!)

[sdwolfpup.livejournal.com]

I haven't gone back to my Season 2 A:tS watching since 'Not Fade Away.' It feels weird. I have all of these episodes waiting for me, but I know I'll have to see a younger, happier Wes (and team in general) and it's tough knowing what happens to them. It's like after 'Chosen,' I saw an episode with Anya (I can't recall which one know) shortly after and it was incredibly painful because I knew she was going to die!

[zoniduck.livejournal.com]

Okay, and now *I'm* all weepy. But my eyes were feeling kinda dry, so thanks!

::sniffle::

[dkfeatherstone.livejournal.com]

Your post made me think about something: The characters that changed the most in the Buffyverse are Spike, Wesley, Cordelia, and Anya. These four had the biggest character arcs. (Particularly Spike.) It was the metamorphoses of these characters that made them so interesting and made us care for them. And every one of them was killed off. (Although Spike was brought back.)

The other characters in the Buffyverse are essentially the same as they were in the beginning. Yes they have grown up and been through life changing experiences, but they are much the same as when they started out. (Andrew is an exception.)

Anyway, what I am saying is I really miss Wesley. He had come so far. His death has hit me very hard.

[dkfeatherstone.livejournal.com]

I forgot to mention Fred. She had come a long way too and of course was killed off.

[minim_calibre]

Damn it. *NOW* I'm sad.

Poor, dear, broken boy.

[disgracelands.livejournal.com]

I'm going to go and watch Parting Gifts now, then cry myself to sleep and it's all your fault!