As I recently contemplated starting a BtVS marathon of all the seasons, I reflected on when I first got into the show and when I didn’t know much about it or the actors - particularly the fact that I didn’t know anything about James Marsters.

I had assumed he was British, and when I was told he was actually American, and from from California too, I was surprised.

I obviously thought his accent was good.

But I’m not British – I’m from Southern California.

So these questions go out mainly to those who are British:

What do you think of James Marsters’ accent in terms of authenticity? - for both his “William accent” and his “Spike accent.” And if his accent was worse and, say, like a certain faked Irish one, would you feel the same way you do now about the character – even if the quality of acting was the same?

I’m interested in hearing from those people who are British - whose accents JM had to imitate, but I’d also be very interested in hearing opinions from anyone else.


Also, I'd be interested to hear if anyone had a similar experience like mine, or if anyone could spot that faked accent from the start.


What say you?