Announcement

**Sosa lola** · 24-09-07, 11:30 PM

Sign me in. I love Xander. "DUH!" everyone who knows me inside and outside the Buffyverse screamed.

Sometimes I feel bad for the character, Xander has so much layers and issues and the writers just dropped them because of his lack of superpowers, it sucks that all they focused on was Xander's lack of superpowers and dropped all his other issues. Then Joss has the nerve to say, there was nothing more to add to Xander's character... thankfully, he seemed to change his mine, looking at S8.

**Wolfie Gilmore** · 24-09-07, 11:35 PM

I don't love him without reservations...but season 8's given me a new interest in Xander. Can I come in here even if I don't love love him, but enjoy him? Seeing him as a gentle uncle figure to the new slayers, but also rather a hottie, and yet still geeky and rather fulll of shame (naked sweaty shame) and blushes. Now that many more characters have superpowers than don't, he's becoming rather a rarity in the Buffyverse (not that he wasn't moderately surrounded by the supertypes previously).

**KingofCretins** · 24-09-07, 11:39 PM

Anyone's welcome to participate -- as long as you aren't a hater, you can join, too.

I am loving the resurgence of Xander's relevance in Season 8. In a year and a half, he's finally become the man that he clearly was becoming back in Season 2 and into Season 3 before he got put off to the side by the writers.

**Wolfie Gilmore** · 24-09-07, 11:43 PM

Originally posted by KingofCretins View Post

Anyone's welcome to participate -- as long as you aren't a hater, you can join, too.

I am loving the resurgence of Xander's relevance in Season 8. In a year and a half, he's finally become the man that he clearly was becoming back in Season 2 and into Season 3 before he got put off to the side by the writers.

He's really grown a lot. He's lost some of the anger and bitterness/self loathing that he'd stored up through season 6 - and also the self-deceptions of his relationship with Anya (imo he always held himself back from her a little and didn't quite take her seriously....so I didn't believe him back in season 4 when he said he was "powerfully, painfully in love" with her). He seems to have found a way to accept himself, and his role in the world. I suppose one part of this is, with all these young 'uns around, he's getting to be the grown up, and realising he's not at all bad at it. He may still feel like a silly little boy sometimes (eg the naked sweaty shame moment) but he's also able to support the slayers and offer them guidance in a way that shows he's got more faith in himself and his ability to help.

**redrevo** · 24-09-07, 11:58 PM

Sign me up please.

What I love about Xander is that he's so subtle, and so understated, that it's at first surprising when he does something in-your-face. Think about it - His parents were such a negative example for him that he left Anya, and everyone was surprised, but we've seen little hints about that throughout the show, the dream in Restless being the most prominent. He may appear to be the shallow comic relief, but he's got about a billion layers and a fierce love for all his friends. The Xan-man is a true backstage player and I salute his character for that.

Favorite Xander moment? No doubt Grave. The man won't just fall down, he gets up, and he gets up. Plus, the way his voice cracks on "If I'm going out, it's ->here." is really heartbreaking.

**KingofCretins** · 25-09-07, 12:09 AM

What I love from that scene is actually his insistence, his *indignation* -- Willow owes it to him to take him out first if she's taking out the world. They've been that close for so long. I think framing it that way was the first step in getting through to her.

**vampmogs** · 25-09-07, 06:56 AM

Sign me up

I think Xander is a favourite character, at times he pissed me off but more often than not I loved his character and what character hasn't pissed you off at one time or another?

Xander was extremely important to the Scoobies and I must admit I'm a little tired of people saying otherwise when 'The Zeppo,' 'Grave' and the last five eps of season seven acknowledged this misconception of him and proved it was dead wrong. Season eight is Xander in his prime, it is showing his character off for the potential it has and I think it is fantastic.

I think it takes a great deal of maturity for people to look at Xander's character and see his worth, you have to look past the super power thing and really ask yourself what is important here. I especially love how Buffy states he is the reason she made it this far and she trusts him with her life.

**Sosa lola** · 25-09-07, 01:13 PM

I hate when I read that it's impossible for Xander to be in the position he is in S8. I mean, really, the guy was able to be the boss of a construction sight in 2 years. He had his own crew at the age of 21, that's really awesome.

**KingofCretins** · 25-09-07, 01:47 PM

Owned his own business less than 4 years out of high school... I thought that was part of the definition of success and professional competence. He's a natural fit to be the apparent administrative head of Buffy's organization -- he's a motivator, he's an organizer, he's a successful manager. He's the one Buffy turned to in Season 3 to plan their offensive against the Mayor.

**vampmogs** · 26-09-07, 07:17 AM

And after season seven really a natural progression for his character, on a smaller scale he already had the role. We saw in 'Dirty Girls' Xander giving the potentials lessons, boosting moral and faith in their commander, was well respected by his peers given the welcome home in 'Empty Places' and commands then in 'Chosen' upon entering the school.

Now with the happy balance Buffy has found with her leadership thus far, the smartest thing she has done of late is giving all the scoobies, most evidently Xander, leadership roles as well rather than trying to do everything herself. I always had thought that instead of putting Faith in charge in 'Empty Places' Buffy should have been given a break and have Xander, Willow and Giles lead instead. They were quite capable and I doubt Buffy would have left the house if this had been the case.

Xander has earned it, and it feels very organic to me to have him in this role.

**EndersWrath** · 27-09-07, 02:49 AM

Nothing can defeat the penis! Or the Xander!

Sign me up!

I think Xander is probably one of, if not my top favorite character(s). I love that he can do all that he does, yet he is the one member without and single ounce of magics around him. Xander Harris. My Hero since 1997.

Originally posted by Sosa lola View Post

Sign me in. I love Xander. "DUH!" everyone who knows me inside and outside the Buffyverse screamed.

Sometimes I feel bad for the character, Xander has so much layers and issues and the writers just dropped them because of his lack of superpowers, it sucks that all they focused on was Xander's lack of superpowers and dropped all his other issues. Then Joss has the nerve to say, there was nothing more to add to Xander's character... thankfully, he seemed to change his mine, looking at S8.

You love Xander?

When did this happen?!

I kid.

Originally posted by KingofCretins View Post

Anyone's welcome to participate -- as long as you aren't a hater, you can join, too.

I am loving the resurgence of Xander's relevance in Season 8. In a year and a half, he's finally become the man that he clearly was becoming back in Season 2 and into Season 3 before he got put off to the side by the writers.

Haters may not be able to join, but I would love for them to come in a try to knock down Xander, he is one of my all time favorite characters to defend

Originally posted by Sosa lola View Post

I hate when I read that it's impossible for Xander to be in the position he is in S8. I mean, really, the guy was able to be the boss of a construction sight in 2 years. He had his own crew at the age of 21, that's really awesome.

I don't think I could have seen Season 8 where it is without Xander being in that role. He was created for that role... well not really, but he fits in it so so well. And the kid needs a bit of an ego boost every now and then, and I think this is the perfect job for that.

Originally posted by KingofCretins View Post

Owned his own business less than 4 years out of high school... I thought that was part of the definition of success and professional competence. He's a natural fit to be the apparent administrative head of Buffy's organization -- he's a motivator, he's an organizer, he's a successful manager. He's the one Buffy turned to in Season 3 to plan their offensive against the Mayor.

These are all extremely valid point as to why Xander should have and did get the role he did in Season 8. Its about time that stuff is focused on him, he has gotten the boot too many times from the writers, but now that Joss is at the wheel again, I think we're gonna see quite a bit more of him.

*squee*

**KingofCretins** · 27-09-07, 03:13 AM

Nothing can defeat the penis!

This was almost the title quote of the club

Your banner is awesome... Xander and Faith look cozy

If you're promising some Xander/Faith content there, I will give the VS a look. That's one of my favorite Xander 'ships.

Speaking of Xander 'ships... I don't think there is anyone in here who wouldn't dig Buffy/Xander on some level, but what else works for you?

Are you Xander/Anya fans?

Wish Xander/Faith had gone further?

Still wonder about Xander/Willow?

In that school of thought that supported Xander/Dawn, even?

Share your thoughts on who is worthy for Xander to wear on his arm

**vampmogs** · 27-09-07, 08:53 AM

Quite frankly there wasn't a Xander ship I didn't like, other than Dawn because I would feel a little weird about that. Xander and Faith were great and I would have really liked it if the writers had bothered to explore it more in season seven, the two didn't even share a scene together really.

Bander is another one of my favourites, anyone who states there wasn't signs it could happen throughout the series musn't have watched very hard! Espenson states that in 'I was made to love you' the scene between Buffy and Xander was done on purpose to keep Bander hope alive. I'm very much enjoying whatever it is Buffy and Xander are doing right now, is it just a friendship, is there something else there developing? I'm really not sure but whatever it is I'm loving it.

Willow/Xander- well it appears that Joss will not be returning her to boy's town anytime soon and if that did happen, with the planned arrival of Oz in season eight, it would be him if anyone. Xander and Willow were great in their little fling in a cute way, though I wish they hadn't been so selfish and cheated on Cordy and Oz. I like them better as old friends though.

Xander and Cordy were great. I loved the way they played off eachother and love towards the end of their relationship when Xander becomes locker material, or when Cordy tells Buffy that she loves Xander and that he kind of grew on her. It was a bitter sweet episode in 'Lover's Walk' because on the one hand we have that great moment when Xander sees the picture of him in her locker, only to have their relationship ruined when Cordy and Oz see Xander and Willow macking on eachother. It was really a pity, I almost wished their relationship had never ended. Though one of the best moments between them was after their relationship had ended when Xander buys Cordy the dress.

Xander and Anya were also really great for eachother. I do think they really loved eachother but in some ways I have to question the relationship or at the least the foundations of it, how Anya didn't deny she clung onto Xander. However, it ended great, too bad Anya had to die! But the relationship ended in a good place for them, they didn't need to be married or even boyfriend and girlfriend to be together, it was odd but very nice to see.

**Wolfie Gilmore** · 27-09-07, 10:32 AM

Originally posted by KingofCretins View Post

Speaking of Xander 'ships... I don't think there is anyone in here who wouldn't dig Buffy/Xander on some level, but what else works for you?

Are you Xander/Anya fans?

Noooo! I think he wasn't very nice to her, frankly. She didn't bring out the best in him, and I don't think he really and truly loved her...or at least, he couldn't allow himself to really let go and respect and trust her so...

Wish Xander/Faith had gone further?

I'd be v interested to see a Xander/Faith season 8 ship. Think it's unlikely, but I think now's the time they'd be ready, if ever. Mind you, I think i'd be more interested to see them as friends, with Xander showing her that not all men are after THAT...though maybe there could be a bit of THAT in the end all the same

Still wonder about Xander/Willow?

Nah.

In that school of thought that supported Xander/Dawn, even?

Share your thoughts on who is worthy for Xander to wear on his arm

I loved Xander/Cordy - so much snipey fun - and I think she was actually rather harsh on him over the Willow thing....dude thought he was going to die! Special circumstances!

In terms of long term prospects...I think Xander/Buffy could work. Not yet, but in the future perhaps? All in all though, I don't think I've seen Xander in a relationship that I'd want him in in the long term. But that's probably because he was only about 21/22 when he broke up with Anya, so it's not surprising he's not met his match.

I'd like to see Xander with someone completely new in season 8 - a "civilian", if he ever gets the chance to meet any. Again, think that's unlikely...but there's always fanfic

**Sosa lola** · 27-09-07, 05:21 PM

Xander/Spike?

Xander/Anya: I thought it was a nice ship, however, it grew more interesting after Hell's Bells. I couldn't wait to see Xander and Anya in a scene together after they broke up, man, they were just awesome. Before it was all "I washed Xander's penis with Lush products." "Anya!!!!" "What? It's true." "You shouldn't say those things *glance at his giggling, uncomfortable friends* especially not with Spike around!!!"

Xander/Cordelia was the opposite for me, loved them when they were together much more than when they broke up.

Xander/Willow. It was my first BtVS ship. Now I'm not interested at all in it.

Xander/Buffy. It was my least favorite ship. Now It's all I think about.

Xander/Faith. That's probably the most interesting Xander/female ship. Plus HOT.

Xander/Dawn. After Chosen, it's my favorite ship after Buffy/Xander.

Xander/Snyder.... well, one of their fics was actually very well written and interesting.

**Moscow Watcher** · 27-09-07, 05:27 PM

Originally posted by Sosa lola View Post

I hate when I read that it's impossible for Xander to be in the position he is in S8. I mean, really, the guy was able to be the boss of a construction sight in 2 years. He had his own crew at the age of 21, that's really awesome.

Sosa Lola, I think Xander's professional achievements in construction may be (at least, partly) due to the fact that he was in Buffy's team. He was much wiser than other boys in his age.

When I watched earlier seasons I hoped that eventually he'll become a writer and a chronicler of Buffy's journey. Xander was often making references to modern culture and I hoped that he'd end up a "storyteller" - but Joss decided to use Andrew in this role.
________
Public Train

**KingofCretins** · 27-09-07, 07:11 PM

I don't 'ship the male slash, so I'm not qualified to judge... the only one that actually tracks academically for me is Spike/Angel.

For Xander, I've always ranked them...

1. Buffy/Xander -- it was, arguably, the first possible 'ship in the Buffyverse, after all. "Can I have you?"

2. Xander/Faith -- we should start a club; this one is *canon*, they slept together. Yet another unfortunate example of writers not caring enough for Xander to let him have his own plotline, he could, maybe should, have played the role for Faith in Season 7 that Wood did.

3. Xander/Willow -- you know, regardless of Willow's sexual orientation, this would never be a tough sell to the audience. And, it's *canon*! Multiple episodes of smooching = canon 'ship!

4. Xander/Cordy -- I think they had a good influence on each other, and nobody could do cobra and mongoose like they could. They still need to acknowledge some reaction by the him and the other Scoobies to Cordy's death.

5. Xander/Anya -- I disagree that he was bad to her. I really don't know what a better approach to Anya would have been in a relationship.

6. Xander/Dawn -- Now that we're in Season 8, I could buy it, and they are a lot a like. I think they'd both be too self-conscious about their friends to pursue it. Plus, no offense to Dawn, it would always feel like Xander fell short of his mark.

**June** · 27-09-07, 08:20 PM

Sign me up please.

**ykickamoocow** · 27-09-07, 10:21 PM

Originally posted by KingofCretins View Post

2. Xander/Faith -- we should start a club; this one is *canon*, they slept together. Yet another unfortunate example of writers not caring enough for Xander to let him have his own plotline, he could, maybe should, have played the role for Faith in Season 7 that Wood did.

Wood was a completely unnecessary character in my opinion. I mean he didnt really add anything to the story which couldnt have been added with one of the already extablished characters.

Announcement

"I am a man, and I have a tool" -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Xander Club

"I am a man, and I have a tool" -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Xander Club

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