Few characters in the Buffyverse annoy me much. But least favorite male character has both Riley and Xander in the running.
Riley I actually loved in Season 4. It was his inability to deal with weakness in Season 5 that got to me. I don't think he was ever quite able to be okay with the fact that Buffy was stronger than him. I also think that he dealt well with Buffy's inability to lean on him emotionally at toward the beginning of Season 5. While I understand that in a relationship, both parties should be able to lean on each other emotionally. But I think that Buffy literally felt that she couldn't lean on anyone emotionally or show any sign of emotional weakness when dealing with her mom's illness or Dawn's true identity. That's something Riley should have worked through with her rather than judging her for. And while the relationship was clearly over, I never appreciated the way he left. Or the way he reappeared in Season 6 for that matter. And it's left me with a distaste for the character.
Xander annoys me for seeing things in black-and-white. There is no gray in Xander-vision. Xander's hatred for Angel drives me crazy, especially prior to Innocence. Then Xander's unwillingness to forgive most other characters for any wrongdoing drives me crazy as well. I think the only girls he ever lets off easily are Cordelia and Anya, who he dated, and Willow whom he'd known most of his life. But no one else was ever allowed to make mistakes. Perhaps it's the forgiving side of me that can't stand Xander's unwillingness to forgive, but it seriously irritates me.
That being said... I'll narrow my least favorite male character down to Riley. At least Xander has some ultra-redeeming moments and adds humor. Beyond love interest, Riley brings nothing.
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