I just watched the last half of AtS Season 5 and here's two heroic standout moments for Spike:
Shells ANGEL (sits up, surprised) You're not leaving?
SPIKE This is what she would have wanted. (looks at Angel) It's what I want. I don't really like you. Suppose I never will. But this is important, what's happening here. Fred gave her life for it. The least I can do is give what's left of mine. (looks out the window) The fight's comin', Angel. We both feel it... and it's gonna be a hell of a lot bigger than Illyria. Things are gonna get ugly. That's where I live.
Spike stayed in order to help Angel and the good fight. Angel offered him a carefree life as a roving agent, but he stayed to help because he realized the import of the situation.
Power Play Another moment that's sticking out in my mind is at the end of Power Play as Angel lays the plan on the line and tells everyone this is the kind of fight they're not going to walk away from. Spike is the first one to raise his hand, knowing that their plan will most likely lead to his permanent demise.
OT: If I had more time on my hands I'd count how many times Season 5 plays with jokes about men kissing men or holding hands. Watching the last 9 episodes in the past few days, I can tell you that men joking they might have to "kiss" each other happened three times. The joke even got carried over into AtF #16 when Spike mocks Angel for his gooey goodbye to Wesley.
no subject
Shells
ANGEL
(sits up, surprised)
You're not leaving?
SPIKE
This is what she would have wanted.
(looks at Angel)
It's what I want. I don't really like you. Suppose I never will. But this is important, what's happening here. Fred gave her life for it. The least I can do is give what's left of mine.
(looks out the window)
The fight's comin', Angel. We both feel it... and it's gonna be a hell of a lot bigger than Illyria. Things are gonna get ugly. That's where I live.
Spike stayed in order to help Angel and the good fight. Angel offered him a carefree life as a roving agent, but he stayed to help because he realized the import of the situation.
Power Play
Another moment that's sticking out in my mind is at the end of Power Play as Angel lays the plan on the line and tells everyone this is the kind of fight they're not going to walk away from. Spike is the first one to raise his hand, knowing that their plan will most likely lead to his permanent demise.
OT: If I had more time on my hands I'd count how many times Season 5 plays with jokes about men kissing men or holding hands. Watching the last 9 episodes in the past few days, I can tell you that men joking they might have to "kiss" each other happened three times. The joke even got carried over into AtF #16 when Spike mocks Angel for his gooey goodbye to Wesley.