Well, I don't really agree. I think that Spike became even more interesting in season 5 when we found out the truth about William the Bloody...suddenly he got layers and wasn't simply reduced to the comic relief (whether he had funny lines or was pathetic like in Lover's Walk), the snark and the Bad Boy's sex appeal that was him in season 3 and season 4 (I love them but the depth he got with FFL turned him into an icon).

Season 4 is my favourite season though, because it has terrific episodes, some of the best ever (Hush, Restless, SB, A New Man)and season 4 Giles is great, and Spike had to adjust indeed. The chip was a fantastic plot device. Both are very interesting (I love when they lived together )while the youngsters didn't progress much.

Damn the marking is boring...hence my constant replying to your comments! LOL