The Telly Show #16 - Interview with Buffy the Vampire Slayer's James Marsters

Fiona chats to actor James Marsters, known for his iconic role of Spike in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. They talk about everything and anything to do with Buffy including how his role went from what was supposed to be just a few episodes to being with the series until the very end, as well as his favourite episode, and his absolute worst day on set.
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[@lastjuliet41]

Thank you James for not getting bored or annoyed with this kind of interviews because truly it give us LIFE. I am rewatching Buffy and i am grateful that you still honor the show this way.

[@ashleighrose8115]

I love that James still loves and respects Buffy that he still talks about it with the same passion he did 15+ years ago... He's such an underrated actor! I miss spike!

[@evie9732]

Buffy & Angel would not have been the same without Spike. James is so gracious. I really enjoy listening to his stories.

[@betaomega8724]

I love hearing anybody give kudos to Anthony Stewart Head. Brilliant actor, nice to hear James pay homage to him.

[@Bonanzababe]

It's so refreshing to see an actor still remember the names of episodes and details all these years later and still love it so much. Plus, he is just so dang likeable! He seems like someone so easy to converse with!

[@robertcringle4865]

Spike's introduction in "School Hard" was so good there was no way they could kill him off. Also in "Halloween" when he said " this is just Neat" was so classic.

[@alliedarky]

I really wish they hadn’t burned Sarah out so much that she didn’t want to go past season 7 :( that makes me sad to finally find out about that

[@jessa9877]

Although it made season 5 of Angel great. What they shouldn't have done is cancel Angel.

[@connarkent282]

@@jessa9877 that was joss wheadons fault

[@reesewithoutaspoon]

@@connarkent282 how was that Joss Whedons fault

[@owainmcdonald1230]

@@reesewithoutaspoon He confronted the network in a bit of an aggressive way pushing for a 6th series in a better time slot and as a display of power they decided to cancel it instead. I read about it not too long ago, it's worth looking up; fred was meant to be separated from Illyria and Wesley was not meant to die. Alexis Denisof (who played Wesley) pushed for his character to be killed off in the final series as he felt he didn't have anything else to live for, after everything he'd been through. aka. killing his father, Fred dying, being ostracised by the group. All very interesting and disappointing considering how good season 5 of angel was and how anticlimactic it felt.

[@dante6985]

Though.. many of these shows have a sharp decline after their 6th or 7th-ish seasons. You could really start to see the cracks with Buffy in the last season to be honest (her job at the high school was contrived, whiny potentials). It's also one of those things... if it's about the horrors of adolescence, at a certain point you're not really an adolescent anymore.

[@jogaukrodger8168]

That's ridiculous as a British person I thought he was British unbelievable how he does the accent so well 😂

[@sylviabenson6523]

What a great interview. Suprised there are not more likes/views or comments. Lovely to see James Marsters so comfortable in an interview.

[@emilymatthews2990]

Is it weird that James is old enough to be my dad but I think he is attractive?

[@mysan2675]

Haha, probably a bit, but I totally agree 😂😂

[@traceyadixon]

Now you know how those of us who were teens when it originally aired, felt about Giles!!! 😂

[@itsgonnabeMAE_]

Same, girl, saaammmee!!

[@christino3852]

Emily Matthews NOT AT ALL. I want to eat him up every time I see him

[@lillyrgz6038]

@Tylar I loved Giles!! the accent did it for me

[@faherty87]

He's so sweet, met him at the con. I'm sure he's heard fans talk about the show so many times with all the cons but he really seemed to listen when I was gushing about my love for Spike,. Even in this interview he seems genuinely interested in talking about. Class act

[@barbararichards8421]

I've been re watching buffy in lockdown spike is still my favourite character in the show loving it all over again!

[@Scissorhead6]

An interviewer who is prepared and knows the material and so can make references and ask questions off the cuff to keep the conversation flowing like two friends talking about the show, very organic and makes for a really good interview to watch for fans.

[@dkblack3461]

Wonderful interview - that half hour felt like ten minutes, it just went by so fast. James is so candid and open about his experiences. And Fiona did a fabulous job - she asked interesting questions and didn't interrupt him, as so many interviewers are apt to do.

[@RitsychServare]

Man, the part where he talks about the infamous scene in 'Seeing Red' 😖 But James is so... someone mentioned the word 'gracious' and that's definitely fitting for the way he reacted to doing the scene and the trauma he dealt with for years. Wow. Mad respect for this actor. 👍 I love the way he talks about the other characters as if he's a huge Buffy fan himself and probably wished he could do the show again. I kind of wish he's been in more shows and movies but part of me can't let go of the 'Spike' character to see him play anther iconic figure 'cause I love the character of Spike. Anyway, great interview!!

[@alexman378]

Interesting how there was a real story behind it where the genders were reversed.

[@mainie_videoediting]

it's so terrible to know that he needed therapy after that scene and now he has to retell that story and his feelings about it in every interview :/

[@novembercrust]

I warms my punk rock heart to know my high school crush schooled Whedon on an accurate punk reference.

[@midnightchannel111]

I think I likes the Spike - Dawn episodes the best, Spike looking after her like a big brother. And the episode where Buffy's mom and Dawn hide out in Spikes crypt, and Spike and Buffy's mom watch soap operas together. And the funny episodes (... Anya's fear of bunnies, etc).

[@aidanmcgrath911]

Met James in 2019. A gentleman! Very nice, answered all questions. Very approachable. Even said are there any other questions you want. It was an unreal moment! He’s well worth meeting. He’s a real idol!

[@ravenyangluciferinfinite536]

james marsters aka spike just perfect!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Kammitoes]

That was fabulous! Best interview. I too loved Spike, so any time I see James Masters name even mentioned I sit up and take notice. You asked excellent questions and I'm sure he appreciated that. Thanks so much. I'm going to share this vid with some friends because I'm a little insulted that there aren't more thumbs up for this interview.

[@tigerpriestess6117]

incredible interview with and incredible actor. omg James Marsters is a hottie. Spike is my favourite character, he was Buffy's truest ally.

[@Kate123488]

Buffy the series would’ve been nothing without Spike I think. He made it outstanding!

[@threethymes]

What a brilliant interview. James is so thoughtful and insightful and generous with his comments. Makes watching Spike even better!

[@missnwo9563]

He's such a sweetheart always treats everyone great love him and he was my favorite to spike is everything James is such a talented actor

[@starinaxoxo5233]

Can we talk about haw great it would be to see Spike and Buffy's daughter as a half Slayer half vampire with her own Scoobies!!😍😂

[@bipstymcbipste5641]

If vampires could make babies

[@louisejohnson6767]

@@bipstymcbipste5641 Angle and Darla made a baby.

[@louisejohnson6767]

Autocorrect, Angel

[@bipstymcbipste5641]

@@louisejohnson6767 That's different. It's supposed to be impossible. Only a one off. AND Connor's kinda annoying

[@ryatsgirlie]

If so it would be a Dhampir

[@alanacrichton8917]

This may be the best interview I've seen x

[@lisaellis2593]

Yeeees!

[@Vampire-666.]

Such a good actor he is actually American and from watching Buffy we thought he was actually English!!!!!! He did a great job of being English!!!!!!!!

[@russellward4624]

He always seemed to play English. He was on Torchwood... so when I heard him talk for the first time I was like who the hell is this guy?

[@lisaellis2593]

Same!

[@salbro5985]

Its usually the opposite. Half the cast of the Walking Dead are British/Australian, and you'd never otherwise if you only knew them from the show.

[@philadelphiawhovian5641]

@@salbro5985 for the longest time, it went both ways. Brits/Australians played Americans, and Americans played Brits. but over the years, the tide has turned, not bc Americans don't want to play Brits, bc they do and can. i don't know what has occurred to cause the dramatic shift.

[@shycurves82]

@@russellward4624 I had the same experience tonight when I watched a episode of ncsi 😆 I was so confused that I started searching on KZbin to find a interview 😅

[@OoxB505]

Spike is the best Buffy character. He had the best lines, the best character arc, and he was gorgeous. I'm such a Spuffy fan!

[@dotti4224]

Spuffy forever 🔥

[@ronyorobio7096]

Spyke is in my opinion the coolest character of the series.

[@ryatsgirlie]

I agree

[@lillyhuchinson5276]

No one could replace spike and he is still sexy

[@jaycievictory8461]

What a fantastic interview! Interviewer was wonderful, but oh my goodness, I've just become the biggest James Masters fan. Which is weird cos I've been a huge Buffy fan for decades - just never really seen him in interview. But he is wonderfully articulate, open and humble. Just a delight to listen to. I've learned things I never knew about the show! Which is rare and such a treat 😊 Thank you so much!

[@rise_of_the_footsoldier]

Best character in the whole of Buffyverse , the show just went next level once Spike and Dru entered the equation , and to think that Joss told James he would only be around for no more than ten episodes ! That is a testament to how good James Marsters is in Buffy the vampire slayer . And when he entered Angel , that show felt reborn , I will still never forgive Joss for pushing for an early renewal 😭

[@Amileo350]

Found this by accident and so glad I did. It was so interesting. I was in my early 40s watching Buffy and Angel. I was also very fortunate to nearly walk right into james at Milton Keynes collector mania. I was stunned and just said hello. Best moment. Great in Torchwood too.

[@LadyhawksLairDotCom]

James, I *LOVED* Spike, my favorite character on my all-time favorite show. I'm glad you still love your character, but you're one of the very few celebrities I actually think about occasionally, wondering what you're up to.

[@swsjr1]

He is so well-spoken and honest and the interviewer is great. This is such an amazing interview.

[@estebancastanedaclavijo9283]

there is never going to be a better Spike then James

[@Laudon1228]

You were a really good interviewer.

[@kalliemorton5435]

Love how he goes into such detail

[@MissBaghira]

What a great interview, thank you very much for that. I've watched so many interviews of him, but I've learned many new things about him and Spike. You are a very good interviewer.

[@CiaoCiaoMyMeowMeow]

What a lovely interview!

[@betaomega8724]

Fantastic! This is an absolute must for any James fan.

[@lessismore8533]

There’s a reason why Spike was loved by so many! Nice work James!

[@Dannielle247]

Incredible interview! Caught me by surprise.

[@zaramukhtar2796]

Spuffy forever.

[@ryatsgirlie]

Yes

[@melissaramato2237]

He's only so honest, & great actor, & persona really Cocky tho, bleed'n fun. Spike is the best Punk Vampyre ever. 🤟🏼🥀💀🥀❤️🔥💔🔥

[@ybergik]

23:00 I find it's exactly the same in the "real world". When you change jobs, you form new bonds with people at the new company and rarely have anything to do with people from the old company, but then when you do run across them every few years, it's like running into an old buddy and you are right back to when you saw them every day so it's not gone as such, but circumstances or "life" just kind of comes in the way of maintaining that close bond with everyone from your past.

[@jennyhayes2243]

I always have so much fun watching James interviews! The spirit, passion, energy and the love he has for Buffy is amazing 👏

[@whssy]

Really enjoyed this. Thanks for doing it. Didn't realise Marsters was so cool IRL.

[@yaoifunfun4094]

T T That was Brilliant! Thank you Fiona, THank YOU James! Truly, Fiona, you are one of the BEST Interviewers I have ever seen! You actually did a wonderful job Fiona. And James, you always give kick ass interviews. Your Talents on and off screen are Legendary! I have to say, at the personal part of the worst day of filming, Fiona, THANK you for NOT pressing for more about what he had said. That is private and you could tell it was still painful. However, be it: Acting, writing, music, is there nothing this man cannot do? All in all, this Interview is a 100% one.

[@johnnynielensted]

Fav char in buffy! So Dark, yet so fun. Thanks James.

[@carlbode666]

Brilliant & incredibly honest interview

[@kristagretczenteodoro2828]

His character as Spike gave different feels kn the show. And Spike is my favorite on the show. He has the most character development together with Willow.

[@notofworld2513]

Spike was my fav❤️

[@JollyGoblin666]

This was really great! Thank you! Kind regards: a fellow Buffy-fan.

[@LadyVenomWay]

7:06 is eye opening when he talks about Sarah, i remember back then we it was announce that Sarah wanted to leave and she got a ton of backlash from fans and cast members ec (so it was reported, no idea if it was true), glad he mentioned she was over worked and burnt out. She needed to take time to build her family.

[@ozlem73]

I will watch you again and again till i die...Thank you for those moments...

[@babytristansmom]

Spike has always been my favorite! I cried SO HARD when he died 🥲😩💔

[@annamercer4398]

I did too. By the way, brilliant interview, but then it's Irish, so..!

[@katerinalongoria9750]

NOPE nobody could ever do Spike like James Marsters! James all the way 😍❤️😘

[@halfmoon308]

It breaks my heart listening to him talk about the rape scene ;(

[@philadelphiawhovian5641]

Great Interview! James is one of the most incredibly underrated actors that i have ever seen. thank u so much for this! Spike forever!

[@caro1ns]

James Marsters: Being in shape for the camera is just a whole other level. Hugh Jackman: I hear you mate.

[@beatemartinussen7588]

There can never be a better Spike than you. It's only you ❤️

[@anitahargreaves9526]

What a fabulous interview, you asked all the right questions.

[@mtucker7814]

great interview. Buffy and Angel were my all time most loved TV shows.

[@TheNordicharps]

Great interview with a great actor and lovely man ❤

[@freedomlover9560]

XANDER HARRIS: C'mon guys, the anticipation is KILLING Angel. No Xander, it's killing ME.

[@michw3755]

Angel Smangel, Spike was a way more interesting character, my only disappointment was learning that he wasn't English. Great interview 😁👍

[@eeeeeeeeeevonne3897]

Love him. Spike was my favorite character.

[@agent_ninety9]

My favorite character and what a incredible human being to boot!❤❤❤

[@shawnmurray50]

Great interview. One of the best I've seen, his answers were really well thought out but like he said when actors feel eachother out and form this connection that allows them both to perform very well together you can tell. Seemed to be somewhat present here as well, good questions leading to good answers. Props

[@lorenagagamonster]

He's such a sweet guy, I may be more in love with him than I ever was with Spike. And I adore Spike.

[@marblnka]

Fiona is such a great host/interviewer! So empathic and comfortable and involved in the show. A very nice interview to watch as a result.

[@rickmartin8626]

What a wonderful interview. Thank you so much.

[@Margot1704]

LOVE THIS INTERVIEW!!! ♥️

[@sandeedee5308]

I always watched episodes when it was on but never got into it until this year. And I was sad in the last episode for him. I loved him in the show.

[@crimsonsmirk]

Beautiful interview. Thank you!

[@ankicat3425]

I loved Buffy in my late teens/early 20s and now my kids love the show, so I get to watch the series as well. I'm trying to find Angel as well. He's such a sweetheart. Still got a crush on him ;) and David ;)

[@rosesnewbeginning3547]

After more then a decade i stil rewatched once more with feelings i listen to all his audiobooks he reads for jim butcher he makes the dresden files come to life in a way its magic in itself. Also his music isn't bad !

[@Bud_Mulligan]

What a great interview, from both of you! Loved the stuff about Giles and the exposition. Never really thought about that!

[@saratappy5177]

You know what..... this is the best adult moment of being a Buffy fan. Missed this moments. This interview set me ready for more. Bring it on reboot. Thanks for Spike´s (contemporary) time

[@greatwhiteshark7395]

He is definitely the reason to watch btvs. Spike is my fav character in the show. ps: love spike and angel were fighting together in the last battle on Angel.

[@ryatsgirlie]

My absolutely fave character is spike other than buffy ofc I just started watching buffy two weeks ago for the first time and I’m already hooked I love it so much I’m obsessed with it now I’m a Spuffy shipper too (season 7 definitely more than season 6 definitely ) i have yet to read the comics because I’m new to buffy but I have a feeling I ship them in the comics too I love how James is still so enthusiastic about his spike days it’s so nice to see that in actors

[@MakingDisciples4Jesus]

Spike made the show spectacular!!

[@qwahaxahn]

I LOVE HIM

[@giuliapicchiotti]

Spike is not and is never been between my favourite characters but i loved this interview !!!, i love James

[@MissyMagoo87]

Ooof James Marsters is still 🔥 he also is the voice of Harry Dresden... I absolutely adore him.

[@jilljoemolly]

I love the character of Spike and James seems like a wonderful and kind man

[@adrianh332]

Respect because he does a very passable British accent which isn't easy.

[@SuperExtraSheep]

Wow, a really good interview. Great questions from Fiona and beautiful insight from James.

[@skipskiperton4992]

this was lovely

[@terrymcginnis7919]

Great interview, you can really see how much pain seeing red came from it

[@Crystal76282]

One thing I think they forget - is the prophecy about a vampire with a soul becoming human. They could easily bring him back as a human

[@emilymccabe94]

Such a good interview

[@evanparker]

such a great james interview! you really nailed it

[@Disabledguywatching]

Fantastic interview

[@lessismore8533]

Besides Spike, Giles was my fav! I love how James loves him too!

[@DeusVlad-qg5ni]

He's not British but he pulled off a Brilliant British accent back in Buffy If I remember correct. I once walked the streets of London with a friend on the day he was at a convention for a comic store that was popular forbidden planet I believe, I was close to seeing him in real life, walked right passed the store was so busy, didn't stick around I hate queues, at the time was a big deal I was just a kid looking upto a cool actor, but nowadays I'm like meh I walked passed many celebrities in my time doesn't effect me anymore must be when you mature you get what I mean right?

[@bhoqeem1975]

Too bad ye didn't nudge him a bit to talk about his Dresden Files series narrations for Audible. I love James' works in this series. Effin spot on!

[@elizabethm6657]

I FUCKING LOVE Spike. Best tv character ever.

[@kaitlin4753]

Such an amazing interview

[@kurtsnyder4752]

Spike . 7 years, Highlanders' Duncan McCleod, "Immortal".