There is a big difference between an attempted action and a completed action. Spike attempted to engage in the type of sexcapades they hade been having for months, during which time, Buffy repeatedly said 'No", when she actually meant "Convince me". When SOULLESS Spike realized that this time, she really meant "No", he immediately stopped and felt shame and guilt - rather unprecedented for an unsouled vampire, wouldn't you think?
That was beautifully said.
The fact that some people see only the attack on Buffy, and not how it was just another (far more horrible, but logical) step in a relationship laced with S&M puzzles me. For heaven's sake, Buffy only initiated sexual relations with Spike after he regained his ability to hurt her! The foreplay for their first time was a fistfight! It was not, in any way, shape, or form, an ordinary relationship. And after Spike attacked her--after realization set in--he took steps to ensure he'd never do something like again, by earning a soul. Not being cursed with one because he was so unrepentently evil. Seeking one, because he wanted to be better.
Wanting to be good even when he was soulless? Spike really was unique in that regard.
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That was beautifully said.
The fact that some people see only the attack on Buffy, and not how it was just another (far more horrible, but logical) step in a relationship laced with S&M puzzles me. For heaven's sake, Buffy only initiated sexual relations with Spike after he regained his ability to hurt her! The foreplay for their first time was a fistfight! It was not, in any way, shape, or form, an ordinary relationship. And after Spike attacked her--after realization set in--he took steps to ensure he'd never do something like again, by earning a soul. Not being cursed with one because he was so unrepentently evil. Seeking one, because he wanted to be better.
Wanting to be good even when he was soulless? Spike really was unique in that regard.