Right? It was extremely upsetting. =D

And he still had his injuries in the next episode. The only other time (save for when Buffy snapped his spine dropping an organ on him) that we see Spike carry injuries from episode to episode is when Glory tortured him. That attack was brutal. She never apologizes for it. She never tells anyone else about it. They…

At the risk of spoilering everyone, they're together in the comics.

She never could fool Spike. Never.

I think Spike was able to be more similar because he was able to absolve himself, to recognize where he'd changed and where he hadn't. As in, "I can't say sorry. Can't use forgive me. All I can say is: Buffy, I've changed." (S07E2) Note the I statement. It's a continuity of identity that Angel/Angelus doesn't admit…

The Watchers Council has been wrong about a great many things, including Spike's age, which they have as "barely two hundred." (S02E03) He was turned in 1880. Not to mention this exchange:

Soooo much slash was caused by that line.

I liked the TV show, too. Until I read the books. =D

He took care of Dawn when Buffy was dead. He had no chance with her. He didn't know the gang was planning the resurrection (as I can see that others have said, now that I'm replying in context instead of from the notification).

I think it's because he was, is, and always will be Spike.