What was the point of including Riley?

[Joe]

Riley appeared in 5ish issues of season 8. We see him work with Twilight and then we find out he was a triple-agent that was actually helping Buffy. Once she rescues him in #30, he gives her a couple pep talks and now it looks like he's done for the season. He didn't provide her with any useful information.

Anyone think they know what the point of including Riley was?

[hitnrun017]

This has been bugging me ever since Scott Allie said we wouldn't be getting any backstory on him. Seems like he was just used as a plot twist, mostly because everyone figured he was Twilight back in the day. He was with Twilight for a long time, and there isn't anything he can help Buffy with? Seeing him again at the end of ToYL was exciting, there were a lot of possibilities he could've been used for. Now it just seems pointless and annoying.

[Wyndam]

My guess is there were larger plans for him (re: more screen time), but all of that fell through as the later arcs were scheduled. I'd rather he not have been included in the season altogether, but we got what we got.

[AndrewCrossett]

Not entirely convinced he's not still on Twilight's side... wittingly or unwittingly. Twi obviously knew in advance that Riley was going to go over to her side, so why bring him into his team in the first place? What unique skills does Riley bring to the table that outweigh the loyalty risks posed by him being Buffy's ex-boyfriend?

Come to think of it, why have Amy and Warren on his team? Obviously he has the resources to get just about anybody in the world he wants working for him. I think Riley, Amy and Warren are here because of their connection to Buffy, not because of their skill value. What the significance of that is, I don't know.

[Hellbound Hyperion]

My guess: Joss needed a mole. Somebody who could believably be on Buffy's side but also be able to penetrate enemy lines. Sup, Riley?

[Tea - Total]

I didn't like Riley in the issue what was the point lol..
But he might be working for the military. I am not sure. (OR THE FIRST)

[Joe]

When Scott answers my first question in the current Q & A, I'll probably ask this.

[wenxina]

Feb 4, 2010 6:40:59 GMT -5 Joe said:

When Scott answers my first question in the current Q & A, I'll probably ask this.

Pretty sure that Emmie has reopened the floor after sending off the first batch of questions. If yours was included, you're more than welcome to post another.

[alex_krycek]

imho, i think that using riley as a mole was a good idea, but for him to be "sidelined" for the rest of the season does upset me. he's fought side by side with buffy before. granted, she has even greater powers now, but who's to say he couldn't whip xander's behind? not that i want that to happen.

but since riley is most likely not going to be seen during the finale (twilight arc and onward), they may as well have used clem as the mole.

[Hellbound Hyperion]

Feb 5, 2010 11:46:23 GMT -5 alex_krycek said:

imho, i think that using riley as a mole was a good idea, but for him to be "sidelined" for the rest of the season does upset me. he's fought side by side with buffy before. granted, she has even greater powers now, but who's to say he couldn't whip xander's behind? not that i want that to happen.

but since riley is most likely not going to be seen during the finale (twilight arc and onward), they may as well have used clem as the mole.

Except Clem was busy playing pet to Harmony. (re: Harmonic Divergence)

[henzINNIT]

For OMG factor. Hooray for poorly thought out reveals! lol

[Hallow Thorn]

There is still more of season 8 to come and then there is season 9. Still lots of time for him to shine.

[henzINNIT]

I'm more bothered by the lack of Sam tbh.

[Hallow Thorn]

Feb 7, 2010 16:48:45 GMT -5 henzINNIT said:

I'm more bothered by the lack of Sam tbh.

I would love for them to bring her back, or say that they are over or she is dead or somthing

[Paul]

Meh. He's been pretty pointless but Scott Allie's explanation was understandable. If he hadn't been included somehow, everyone would be whining "Where's Riley? Why isn't Riley involved?"

His appearance has been no more superfluous than Gwen, Nina, and Groo in After the Fall and I don't hear anyone complaining about them.

[Hallow Thorn]

Ha, his right I guess. I'm as much as a Riley fan as a Groo fan so I'm happy that they both returned. (Gwen and Nina= Meh, Gwen had a cool death scene, maybe they will do the same with Riley dying for the greater good and making his death mean something???

[henzINNIT]

Feb 7, 2010 17:11:15 GMT -5 Paul said:

His appearance has been no more superfluous than Gwen, Nina, and Groo in After the Fall and I don't hear anyone complaining about them.

Then you weren't listening hard enough lol

[Hellbound Hyperion]

Upon reading Scott's response to the question, I am satisfied with the reason why they chose to use Riley.

[Hallow Thorn]

I hope Riley ends up killing someone like General Voll or Warren.

[sire]

...just to make his appearance MATTER, i agree. I hated Nina, Gwen and Groo being featuresd in ATF as well, i think adding in all of these characters that dont contribute much to the plot really cheapens the story and comes off as way-to-obvious fan service