Spoiler Slayer

A nice quiet weekend, I can actually take a moment to relax. There was an article on the Musical in Entertainment Weekly, a nice quick read.

Then there is this tidbit, which showed up on the Cross and Stake board. I seriously doubt these spoilers, simply because if true, it means that the writers are really beating common plotpoints into the ground. Also, the fact that the echo the UK Rumors from a while back, casts further doubt on them. I think we might be looking at the first real batch of false spoilage to start hitting the net (much like the time-travel story really kicked things off last season).

Episode 11

The title will be “Amnesiac.”

-- Riley (Marc Blucas) returns from the jungle, remembering Sunnydale in a very different way – as it was when he left. When the death of his squad leaves him victim of post-traumatic stress, Riley returns to Sunnydale with no memories of anything but his love for Buffy.

-- Riley’s return will throw Buffy for a loop, and she will be forced to make the choice between Spike and Riley.

-- In a fit of rage, Spike will accidentally hit one of the Scoobies – and when he feels no pain, they realize something’s wrong with his chip.

-- Spike will attack Anya viciously, but she will be saved by Riley.

-- Just as Buffy is about to stake Spike, Willow will cast another forget spell, causing the Scoobies to forget Spike’s treachery. As repayment, she will force Spike to join her.

And this last bit is just hearsay, so take it with a grain of salt.

-- Willow forces Spike to quit smoking by having him visualize his grand-sire’s phallus every time he sees a cigarette. This last bit will lead to hilarious interludes as Spike walks the streets at night. This bit was added for James Marsters’ benefit, as he has quit smoking.

Just like last season, I'm going to provide analysis why these are likely false. First off, we have an obviously evil Willow, otherwise why would she make the Scoobies forget. Spike attacking Anya doesn't make sense either, why go for one of the weakest of the Scoob's. If you want to take them out, you would go for Willow, Buffy or Xander first. For that matter, why not get rid of Riley, he's the threat. The other problem, too much is happening in this episode. Even if Riley comes back in the teaser, you would think that the first act would be basically figuring out what is going on. Plus, if all Riley remembers is his love for Buffy, how do we know that he has post-traumatic stress, that his team was killed, etc. Riley remembers Sunnydale in a different way, but what has really changed. Spike's still in love with Buffy, she still has a sister, there's just one less hell-god on the planet and Buffy took an extended vacation to heaven. But other than that, not much has changed. The clincher is that absolutely ridiculous spoiler about how Spike will quit smoking. We're going to have an extremely traumatic episode, but mix it with toilet humor. I don't think so. So all of these are getting the big 'Highly Unlikely' ranking, right off the bat. Finally, lets not forget that it's been said and printed in multiple places, that Eliza and Marc will more than likely not be back anytime soon.

But wait, there's more...

The clincher for me. In a later post, the person who posted the above also said that this will open the door for a Xander story arc, where Anya will feel that he is choosing Buffy over her, and go all Vengeance Demon again. Same spoilage, different season.