Ep 17. Lies My Parents Told Me

In Buffy The Vampire Slayer season 7 episode 17, entitled "Lies My Parents Told Me", viewers are taken on a journey through the relationship between Spike and his mother that goes back to his human life prior to him becoming a vampire. Led by Principal Wood, who has a deep personal vendetta against Spike, the newly formed team sets out to exploit Spike's weaknesses by using his relationship with his mother, Anne Pratt.

As the episode begins, it is revealed that Spike's mother has been institutionalized following a mental breakdown, and he has failed to visit her for over 20 years. Against his better judgment, Spike agrees to a visit with his mother after being contacted by Robin, Principal Wood's son, who has informed him of her condition.

The episode consists of a lot of flashbacks, where we see Spike's relationship with his mother, and how it has impacted his current life. We see that his mother, Anne Pratt, was an emotionally abusive parent who would often scapegoat and gaslight Spike, blaming him for things he didn't do. She would also use his insecurities and vulnerabilities to manipulate him.

However, despite all this, Spike still yearns for his mother's love and approval, which is why he agrees to visit her after all these years. He hopes to find some form of closure and possibly a way to reconnect with her before it's too late.

However, this is where Principal Wood comes in. He takes advantage of Spike's vulnerable state and recruits his mother to manipulate him. Anne Pratt tells Spike stories of his past that distort the truth and paint him as a monster. She claims that he was never a good son to her, and that he was always violent and abusive towards her. Spike, who has been struggling with his identity as a vampire, starts to believe that he is inherently evil, just like his mother has told him all his life.

Meanwhile, Buffy and the rest of the gang are trying to find a way to stop The First's plan to kill off all the potential slayers, and they realize that Spike might be the key to stopping it. They discover that Spike has a trigger in his head that The First can activate to turn him into a mindless killing machine. They know that they need to get rid of this trigger to save Spike and possibly save the world.

As the episode progresses, we see the conflicts within Spike's character start to come to a head. He is torn between his loyalty to Buffy and his desire for his mother's love and approval. He is trapped in a battle between his human and vampire sides, struggling with the guilt of his vampire past and his desire to be a better person.

In the climactic scene, we see Spike confront his mother and Principal Wood, revealing the truth about his past and their lies. He realizes that his mother has been using him all along, and that he can't keep holding onto her toxic love. He breaks down in tears, mourning the loss of the mother he never had.

Finally, Buffy and the gang manage to remove Spike's trigger, freeing him from The First's control and making him an even more valuable asset in the fight against evil. The episode ends with Spike and Buffy sharing a touching moment, as he thanks her for always seeing the good in him, even when he couldn't see it himself. He promises to always fight by her side, no matter what.

"Lies My Parents Told Me" is a poignant and emotionally charged episode that delves deep into the psyche of one of the show's most complex characters. The episode provides insight into Spike's past and explores the themes of abuse, manipulation, and the importance of self-love. It's a must-watch for any fans of the show who want to understand one of Buffy's most fascinating characters.