10 Best Character Arcs In Buffy The Vampire Slayer & Angel

Spike's arc remains the best from either show. Initially introduced as Buffy's new big bad before the return of Angelus, Spike managed to escape Sunnydale unscathed with his love, Drusilla, in tow. But, following Dru leaving him, he became bitter and kept returning to town to wreak havoc in the lives of Buffy and her friends.

But then came the twist. In season four, the Initiative fit him with a chip that prevented him from harming any humans, and through reluctance, convenience and misunderstanding, he became an ally of the Scooby Gang. During season five, he realised he'd fallen in love with Buffy, despite not having a soul, and the two formed a twisted relationship in season six.

After assaulting Buffy, Spike went out to get his soul back, so he be a good man, and with his soul intact he became a full-fledged member of the team, training the Potential Slayers, having his chip removed, and reconciling with Buffy. In the final fight, he gave his life to destroy the First's armies, and was resurrected in L.A, where he started working with his old nemesis Angel.

Spike was everything from big bad to comic relief, love interest to hero, monster to champion, and there's no development better than his in the entire series.