Welcome back to Wynonna Wednesday, Earpers! If you’re like me you eat, sleep and breathe all things Wynonna Earp. Each week we’ll delve deeper into our favorite s**tshow. I suggest you stockpile on whiskey and doughnuts. Perhaps some tasty tacos?
Now, for this column I’m going to explore the connections between the immortal Doc Holliday and the equally immortal Spike. Wynonna Earp was most certainly inspired by Joss Whedon cult classic Buffy the Vampire Slayer. So, besides being supernaturally gifted fighters (and drinkers), what else do these bad boys have in common? Join me for some Grade A analyzing below. Let us Earp!
The Supernatural Abilities
Now, let’s start with Doc (portrayed by Tim Rozon). Doc is, of course, heavily based on the real-life John Henry Holliday. During his human lifespan in the 19th century, he was a dentist and the best gunslinger alive. Constance Clootie, witch extraordinaire and wife of Bulshar, granted Doc immortality while he was on his death bed. She cured his tuberculosis and made him impervious to future illnesses. Unfortunately, Constance sentenced Doc to spend the remainder of eternity trapped in a well. 130 years later, Earp heir Wynonna (Melanie Scrofano) released him from his prison.
After seeking vengeance against Constance and turning a new leaf as a certifiable good guy, Doc reunited with his wife Kate (Chantel Riley), who is a vampire. In Season 3 of Wynonna Earp Doc transformed into a creature of the night courtesy of his wife. Of course, this was after he was forced to relent the ring that kept him immortal – Bulshar’s ring. Now Doc skulks about Purgatory all vampire-like and bloody. Honestly, vampire life suits him.
Next, we’ve got Spike (portrayed by James Marsters). Born William Pratt in the United Kingdom, Spike was turned by fellow vamp and lover Drusilla (Juliet Landau) in 1880. His moniker was William the Bloody, initially for his “bloody awful” poetry, but said moniker changed once Spike became a vampire. He was William the Bloody due to his extremely violent and bloody crimes. Spike first arrived in Sunnydale in 1997 alongside Drusilla, and he immediately became a menace to current Chosen One Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar). The two remained at odds for several years, until they eventually fell in love. Spike even regained his soul for Buffy.
Of course, Spike is your typical bad boy vampire. Although he’s younger than Drusilla, Angel (David Boreanaz) and Darla (Julie Benz) he’s still a formidable force to be reckoned with. They don’t call him William the Bloody for nothing.
So, I think it’s safe to say that right off the bat Doc and Spike share common ground. For one, they both gained immortality from vampires (well, Doc took the long way around). Secondly, they initially started out as enemies to our protagonists but eventually turned good themselves. Good vampires are the best vampires.
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The Relationships
Next, let’s explore Doc’s relationships. Doc, the immortal “grey area” character, engaged in romantic relations with heroine Wynonna. Of course, she also possessed feelings for Black Badge agent Xavier Dolls (Shamier Anderson), which complicated her burgeoning relationship with Doc. Later on, we learned that he is married to a vampire named Kate. He temporarily reunites with her, but realizes that he still loves Wynonna. In fact, he became a vampire specifically for her, so that he could remain strong enough to protect and fight alongside her. What this tells me is that Doc is inherently drawn to the light, and Wynonna provides said light for him. Kate represents the darker side to Doc, the duality that exists in us all. I know, Earpers, I’m so deep.
Now, we have Spike. Spike spent centuries intertwined with vampire lover Drusilla. Although they weren’t legally married, they might as well have been. However, once he met Buffy he instantly became obsessed over her. Of course, there’s a fine line between love and hate. Inevitably, that deep-seated hatred morphed into a powerful love. Spike changed for good, obtaining his soul and ultimately sacrificing himself to save Sunnydale. Buffy’s love made him a better man. It made him want to help the helpless and fight the good fight. Drusilla popped in and out during his tenure on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but Spike’s heart still belonged to Buffy through it all.
Doc and Spike’s relationships are almost identical in how they develop. Their interactions with their partners started as purely sexual, then developing into loving relationships that transcended the physical. Wynonna and Buffy made Doc and Spike better individuals. They made our bad boys good guys. Well, good guys who are still rough around the edges. Multifaceted anti-heroes are just my speed.
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The Attitude
Alright, time to delve into Doc’s quirks. Doc Holliday is charming as all get out, with a stubbornness akin to a mule to match. He’s immensely loyal to his loved ones, and will fight tooth and nail to protect them. Doc’s wit is as quick as his draw. Not to mention, he possesses a vast intellect and a fiery spirit. Doc is an incredibly skilled marksman and fighter. He doesn’t go anywhere without his hat. Or his gun. Or signature mustache. Oh, and he’s quite keen on using dynamite to weasel out of sticky situations.
Next, we have Spike, our William the Bloody. Prior to immortality, Spike was genteel and passionate. He was a bit of an introvert with a sensitive side. Being a vampire emphasized the darker side tucked away in William. Spike is also a charmer. His stubbornness is unparalleled (except when in comparison with Doc’s). He’s snarky, whip-smart and unfiltered. Spike will do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. He’s a terrible poet. Spike is also a skilled fighter a la Doc, using his supernatural strength and speed to reign supreme in battle. Oh, and the fangs. Can’t forget those. Spike is loyal to his friends, especially Buffy. He loves unconditionally.
Of course, Doc and Spike share a lot in common when it comes to their personalities. They appear to be your stereotypical bad boys with hearts of gold beating underneath all that leather. Both are quick-witted, filled to the brim with snarky one-liners and a sharp intellect. They’re loyal to a fault. They love their heroines with a fierce passion. Doc and Spike have both been changed for the better because of them. They will do whatever it takes to survive. Doc survived living in a well for 130 years, while Spike survived being a bloody vampire. They’re fang brothers for life.
Now, I think Doc and Spike would get along swimmingly. After fighting a foe using their vampire strength in tandem, they would head over to Shorty’s for shots of whiskey. They would lament over inadvertently falling in love with demon slayers. Spike would give new fledgling vampire Doc some tips on how to manage being a creature of the night. Doc would pretend to like Spike’s poetry. Spike would compliment Doc on his masterful facial hair. Both would debate over the merits of living in the 19th century versus the 21st century. Okay, this is a crossover I desperately crave. Time for me to fall down the Tumblr rabbit hole in search of Doc/Spike fan fiction…
Well, that’s all I wrote, Earpers. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled, your whiskey bottles full and doughnuts at the ready for next week’s Wynonna Wednesday! Wherein I may or may not be comparing Nicole Haught vs. Tara Maclay. You’ll have to tune in Wednesday to find out. I promise that every Wednesday will be no chill, Earpers. All the no chill.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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