What a marvelous essay, Jane!! I think you really do the pairing justice, and you pointed up so much that I'd never thought about, especially that Henry V thing (which, since Joss wrote that ep, and is such a Shakespeare freak, could very well be intentional).

Spike might initially think Giles is weak, because he’s ‘good’, but Giles keeps on proving that he might be merciful but he’s not going to be a pushover. Spike needs that reassurance of strength; it’s what he’s used to from Angel.

Great point.

We then cut to Spike, bare-chested and bent over a chair while Giles stands behind him, probing him gently - look, he is, O.K. Would I make this up?

Hee!

I really enjoyed reading this, Jane!