Talk:Spike/@comment-29017069-20161228001202/@comment-27161581-20161228224722

Scrappy and Courage fulfill entirely different niches with regards to their shows, and provoke entirely different responses. They might be very loosely similar personality wise but their role in their shows are entirely different.

Spike is arguably too developed to be considered a Scrappy type character, and as indicated by his sizable, and very vocal fan-base, is well liked. I personally disagree with how his late development was handled, but that's over and done with.

To respond to Cuddlefan's comment, characters are designed in layers, not only with clearly defined traits and archetypes, but also with clearly designed purposes and character development tracks. While Scrappy and Courage might share a few character traits, their purposes within their shows are entirely different, due to the significant stylistic and atmospheric differences between Courage the Cowardly Dog and Scooby Doo. Good entertainment is like an onion, with many levels of entertainment for different tiers of viewers, while not alienating any individual group.

I'm going to disagree with Smv since any connection between the two is very loose at best, and while I do agree that Spike's sudden development between Season 5 and 6 was handled poorly, it had to be done, due to the repetitive nature of Spike episodes. He might be a little too snarky now, but that can be refined and toned back as needed. There is a distinct shift towards male characters throughout season 6 but I think that is due to the writing and audience shift; a different discussion for a different time.