Buffy star James Marsters reveals controversial scene ‘sent him to therapy’
As a longtime fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I’ve always admired the show’s ability to tackle complex and thought-provoking themes while still maintaining its unique charm. However, one episode from season six, “Seeing Red,” left a lasting impact on me that goes beyond the usual emotional rollercoaster the series often provides. This is because of the controversial scene featuring James Marsters’ character, Spike, attempting to rape Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar).
Note: The following article contains discussion of rape and sexual assault.
Actor James Marsters, known for his role in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” recently disclosed a particularly contentious sequence that prompted him to seek counseling.
In a chat on the “Inside of You” podcast, the actor, known for his role as vampire Spike in the supernatural show, shared the reasons behind his decision to seek assistance following the shooting of a challenging scene in season six.
In the heart-wrenching episode ‘Seeing Red’, I found myself facing a chilling moment where I, Spike, tried to cross a line with Buffy, our leading lady. This happened after we broke up, and it was a terrible mistake on my part. Thankfully, Buffy was strong enough to fight me off. That incident left an indelible mark on me, filling me with regret and haunting my thoughts ever since.
“Buffy sent me into therapy, actually. Buffy crushed me,” Marsters told host Michael Rosenbaum.
In this particular episode, I shared a moment with Buffy, during which she ended our relationship, and in an unfortunate turn of events, I reacted impulsively, making her feel uncomfortable. This sequence was quite distressing for many fans of the series. It remains the most challenging day of my acting career.
The actor disclosed that the violent encounter portrayed in the scene was inspired by a real-life incident one female scriptwriter had experienced while studying in college.
He stated that she had ended things and subsequently visited her former partner’s residence, hoping that by sharing one final intimate moment together, they could mend their relationship.
In simpler terms, during that period of her life, she found it hard to leave a situation and he ultimately needed to forcibly escort her off the property, leaving a deeply painful impression on her memory.
He added: “Given that Buffy is a superheroine, they believed they could swap genders in the scenario, as Buffy can effortlessly protect herself against such situations. They supposed that if a male character took the role of the attacker towards a female, it would essentially be the same.
Later, Marsters shared his dissenting opinion regarding the writers’ concept, expressing concern about how audiences might interpret the attack scene from Buffy’s viewpoint.
He shared, “I visited them and expressed, ‘You understand, right? We’re giving the spectators a substitute or simulated experience.’
For each person tuning into Buffy, they embody Buffy themselves, yet they aren’t actual superheroes. Consequently, my actions are aimed at every viewer, and they will experience a distinctly unique response.
“We got the scene in the can, and it was hell. I was in a personal hell. I was doing a take and going to the corner of the set and going into the fetal position on the cement.”
Previously, Gellar shared with The Hollywood Reporter that it’s hard for her to rewatch the episode, more so in the presence of her kids.
She mentioned that she found season six difficult to handle, feeling it was inappropriate for them during that period, and she prefers not to watch it again.
For seven seasons spanning from 1997 to 2003, Buffy aired, focusing on its namesake character’s battles against vampires, demons, and various supernatural entities. Throughout this journey, she was supported by her loyal friends.
The show’s cast also included Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter and Nicholas Brendon.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is available to stream on Disney+.
For those impacted by the topics discussed in this article, further details can be found on the Rape Crisis England and Wales website (
American readers are invited to reach out to RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
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2024-09-07 01:49