In 6.07 Once More, With Feeling, when he notices the strength of one of Sweet’s henchmen, Spike says:
“Strong. Someday, he’ll be a real boy.”
This is a reference to Italian author Carlo Collodi’s children’s novel The Adventures of Pinocchio which features an animated marionette whose dream is to become human. The story was made famous by Walt Disney’s film Pinocchio.
In 1.22 To Shanshu In L.A., Wesley realises that the Shanshu prophecy means that Angel will become human after fulfilling his destiny. The gang have the following conversation:
Wesley: “Well, it’s saying that it won’t happen tomorrow or the next day. He has to survive the coming darkness, the apocalyptic battles, a few plagues, and some - uh, several, - not that many - fiends that will be unleashed.”
Angel: “So don’t break out the champagne just yet.”
Cordy: “Yeah, break out the champagne, Pinocchio. This is a big deal!”
In 5.04 Hell Bound, Spike says, “To making me a real boy again?” - an echo of the comment he made in the Buffy musical. It’s also a Pinocchio reference.
In 5.10 Soul Purpose, Freds says that Spike, “Deserves to become a real boy.”
In 5.14 Smile Time, Lorne says of the injured puppet-Angel:
“Medic! Doctor! Is there a Gepetto in the house?”
Gepetto was Pinocchio’s wood-carver father.
Related episodes: 1.22 To Shanshu in L.A., 5.04 Hell Bound, 5.10 Soul Purpose, 5.14 Smile Time, 6.07 Once More, With Feeling
Comments on this trivia
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Shirty Girl on August 20th, 2005 at 3:22 pm
The original story was written by Carlo Collodi.
Matt1997 on December 12th, 2005 at 1:54 am
I knew that, but I thought of Walt Disney’s animated feature because it is my favorite.
MagicBone on December 12th, 2005 at 3:12 am
I like when they’re in the whale. That’s random…
beagle on December 12th, 2005 at 4:44 pm
Clearly a presage to Spike gaining his soul at the end of the season.
MagicBone on December 13th, 2005 at 2:07 am
That or a presage to Spike becoming a puppet. No wait…that was Angel.
Meghann on May 18th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Soul Purpose also has the Blue Fairy changing Spike. :o)