I don't think ruthless and emotionless are quite the same thing or that S8 Buffy is emotionless but I understand your position. I guess the academic in me just wishes you'd put in a few more caveats to show that you understand mine. My interpretation of the TV series including the characterisation is very different from yours but I think (well I would, wouldn't I) still consistent with what we saw and heard. For *me* the S8 story including the characterisations may be surprising but once I get over the surprise those characters are still completely recognisable, are indeed a logical evolution from the people *I* knew on the TV show. AtF characterisations, apart from Illyria being dumbed down to a non too bright barbarian princess, are consistent but not surprising. However, I'll admit to being no great judge of them because Angel the series was always more like brain candy and the comics are like less tasty candy.