Would W/T have happened if Amber hadnt been cast?

[dazey(d)]

There's been some talk going on, particularly in the Town Meeting thread, about the extent to which we ought to be discussing Amber and Alyson, the actors, as opposed to Tara and Willow, the characters they play. I won't continue that debate here, but it reminded me of a topic that I'd been meaning to bring up.

We all realize that actors and their characters are separate entities. Yet they are not completely separate, because an actor must always bring parts of her- or himself to the character. As I see it, a character is an amalgam, a product of the ideas of her/his creator, those who write her/him, and the actor who plays her/him. The contributions of each will certainly vary, but I think the basic formula is the same, and a substitution in any of the elements can produce a drastically different result. Anyone who's ever seen the original BtVS pilot knows that Alyson Hannigan's effect on both the role of Willow and the course of the show itself is inestimable.

Inevitably, the character of Tara would be different if someone other than Amber Benson played her. I often wonder if Tara would have had the same effect on me if that were so, and I'm hard-pressed to imagine that she would. But anyway, that's not my question. My question, as stated in the subject header, is: Would the Willow/Tara relationship have happened if Amber Benson had not been cast as Tara?

There are a few things that we know. We know that Joss intended to bring Tara on before Seth Green said he wanted to leave the show. She was supposed to be simply a witch who would befriend Willow and help her develop her powers. We know that, even after the Willow/Oz relationship ended, Tara was not intended specifically as a romantic interest for Willow, and that the subject was not broached to the actors until "The I in Team," Tara's third appearance. (OTOH, Joss has been quoted as saying that the characters fell in love the first time he put them together in his head...but this is confusing. Does he mean the first time that he conceived the character of Tara and imagined her interacting with Willow? Or does he mean the first time that he "put them together" as a romantic couple, which would have been later? There's enough confusion there that I think my general question is valid.)

I've always been of the opinion that W/T happened largely as a result of the explosive chemistry that the characters shared onscreen. Most of us were electrified by the laundry room scene in "Hush"--I for one was inspired to make my first internet post ever the next day--and the producers and writers of the show had to have realized that they had something special on their hands at that moment. The characters simply took over, bulldozing past any previous notions of what was "supposed" to happen and forging their own destiny. And the further things went, the more natural and right it felt, and the more undeniable their love became.

As I said before, characters are a unique product of various elements, including the actors. What if, heaven help us, another actor had been cast as Tara? Could that same chemistry possibly have existed? My answer would be no. Especially when you consider the fact that this particular moment, the scene in "Hush," was silent, and thus very much actor-driven. It was all about physicality--look, touches, the awkwardness and elegance of movement. You can't write that stuff. No, the chemistry so wildly evinced in that scene--and in every W/T scene since--was very much an Aly + Amber thing.

And if this chemistry hadn't existed, would the W/T relationship be what it is today? Again, I think not. I think the relationship would likely have followed the original course set out by Joss, and that Tara would only have been around for a few eps.

MAN THAT WOULD SUCK.

Anyway, that's just my opinion. What's yours?

[This message has been edited by Dazey (edited June 30, 2001).]

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[Tara Maclay]

I have to agree with you Dazey, I know Joss had originally intended for Tara to simply be a 'witch' partner for Willow, but I think even though his hand may have been forced a little by Seth's departure, I honestly believe that it was Aly and Amber's chemistry that really sealed it. I've often wondered if things would have gotten so far so quickly if they hadn't had that kind of chemistry, by quickly I mean that although they weren't a confirmed couple until NMR, it was pretty obvious to anyone with eyes that there was something seriously emotional going on with them. I'm sure it was the fact that Aly and Amber were friends before that made all the difference, I remember reading interviews with both girls in which they said that things were made much easier because they were friends before.

I wonder sometimes when I read stuff about other shows and movies where they say that X has great chemistry with Z and I think about Amber and Aly and I honestly believe they have have as strong a chemistry as anyone I've ever seen on screen. Which is why I also believe that if another actress had played Tara, things would have been very different, it's the chemistry that really makes them Willow and Tara, Joss and co write the words, but it's Aly and Amber who bring them to life!

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I am in thunderous agreement, oh glittering, glistening Glorificus! : Jinx in Tough Love

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[Tara Maclay]

Dazey, what a question!!! I remember someone asking that about the casting of Xena as well.

In my love for the incredibly talented Amber, I would love to think that she is a huge reason for this relationship. I know that she is too but at the same time, I tend to think that the W/T relationship would have happened without Amber. As for the fame and fandom that the relationship has received and the length to which it has been pursued..well that's whole other question.

I think that for the following reasons:

1. I assume that when they were casting the role of "Tara" they would have to be looking out to see if the actress could have chemistry with Aly (since Tara's character was developed to develop Willow's character in a large sense.) So chemistry is kind of a given. How much chemistry is kind of another question because there's chemistry and then there's chemistry.

2. As much as I adore Amber (and god do I ever adore her), there are so many great actresses out there that I think they could have found someone to do a good job with Tara in "Hush."

3. Joss already kind of hand an inkling for taking Willow and Tara that way so I'm sure it was in the back of his head when it came to casting.

No matter what and all that, I'm super glad that Amber Benson got the job. She's a dynamite actress and I for one just adore her to death.

[This message has been edited by willtara120 (edited June 30, 2001).]

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[Tara Maclay]

Oh very interesting Dazey!

Editing: Bah, I type too slow, Minion you said it the same as I basically. But it's late and I'm bummed, so I am not deleting this.

Dazey, I agree with you, *again*, heh. Of course I am completely unobjective, and I cannot conceive of another actress playing Tara. I shall try to objectify my reasoning as well as I can.

I do not believe the W/T relationship would have affected me the same way had another woman been cast as Tara. For I do not think we would have a romantic relationship then.

Like you said Joss did not intent for it. He saw it when he saw Amber and Aly together. They have a chemistry that is undeniable to me. I think one of the reasons, which they have stated themselves at times, is that they were friends already, so they were more comfortable together. I am not saying that pre-exisitng friendship is a pre-requisite for chemistry, but I believe in this case it is one of the reasons this relationship works so well.

Aside from that they are both phenomenal actresses. I cannot state that enough either. I know they are not the same as their characters, but they do bring part of themselves into the role. I don't think anybody else could have done it the way they did. Not because other actresses might be 'less' but because they are different. Therefore Willow and Tara would have been different.

Conclusion: read Dazey's post and that is what I think as well.

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Call me Garfield, I'm a freak with a shampoo fetish.

[This message has been edited by Dr.G (edited July 01, 2001).]

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[Tara Maclay]

When I hear the Joss quote that Dazey mentioned, it made me think about how my own characters behave sometimes when I write.. I mean for them to do one thing, but sometimes they have other ideas. I imagine once he started thinking through the character of Tara and set her next to Willow, they just went together. And once he set them about doing magic together, they started doing, well, magic.

I imagine the actresses involved had a hand in that they embody the characters, but, the essence of the characters comes from their creator, and Tara imo is made for Willow. Tara's very first appearance was quite romantic as many of us noticed. They must have had it in mind from the start. That Amber and Alyson have such great chemistry, well, that's some very good luck. And good casting of course.

[This message has been edited by Kabuki (edited July 01, 2001).]

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[Tara Maclay]

Kabuki, I think you said it perfectly when you mentioned magic. Sometimes onscreen relationships just have that special something that works. And I think the chemistry between Aly and Amber as actresses makes the relationship between Willow and Tara so believable.

Now I'm sure another talented actress would have been able to bring life to the role of Tara, but I suppose it's Amber's own take on who Tara is that typifies the character for us, per se.

I suppose talking about 'what ifs' is kind of a moot point in some ways, as we are so lucky to have such a great pairing onscreen. And we're lucky to have such positive role models offscreen as well.

And Joss indicated that the W/T arc occurred to him after the character of Tara was introduced. Although taking into account the scene in 'Hush', the connection between them was undeniable. And it made my heart stop.

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"Tara had never felt as good about herself in her life. Willow gave her that gift. And another gift. Tara couldn't quite bring herself to call it love. Not yet. But there was time." ~ Unseen: The Burning

[This message has been edited by tommo (edited July 01, 2001).]

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[Tara Maclay]

I think W/T would have happened regardless of who was cast as her. Amber is just the icing on the cake.

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[Tara Maclay]

I am going to respond without reading, I'll read it after I post cause I want my thoughts to not be influenced yet.

I think this is a great question Dazey.

I am going to put myself out there and say that the casting of Amber made a tremendous difference.
We start with the fact that Amber was hired to play Willow's wicca friend. A part of what made Joss go with the story being more than subtext was the chemistry between Aly and Amber. They have nice chemistry and you can't manufacture that and the person cast does affect that. With another person cast it may not be the same. It certainly affected Joss in that he decided to make the story text. That chemistry is also part of what attracts me. I mean if the chemistry wasn't there, the relationship may not be as compelling.

They look good together. I don't mean that they are lovely beautiful girls, which they are, but that they have a nice contrast and they match. It's like they go together. It's very nice to see.

The other is Amber herself. Amber has carved her place on the show by being the amazingly talented person that she is. She is well liked and multi-talented. Writing comics involving herself in the buffydom assures her place in the series.

Imagine they hire someone who didn't have much chemistry with Aly, then what do we have.. no w/t
Imagine we have someone who is difficult to work with.. no w/t

I am of the belief that things work out the way they are meant to. Aly was meant to play Willow and Amber was meant to play Tara and Tara and Willow were meant to be together.

Dazey, I don't think Joss ever said the characters fell in love in his head. I think that's Bob's theory.

willtara said 3. Joss already kind of hand an inkling for taking Willow and Tara that way so I'm sure it was in the back of his head when it came to casting.

I would have thought this was true, but it is not. Amber auditioned without Aly and I would assume that they auditioned every actress like that. They did not intend to cast this person as a Willow love interest. I am sure they were looking for a physical type but nothing more.

Kabuki, Joss has stated that the relationship for Willow and Tara had originally been started as a friendship with subtext but no real relationship.

Joss from fresh air:

Well, the arc between Willow and Tara has a long and sort of tortured history. We had thought about the idea of someone exploring their sexuality, expanding it a little bit, in college because that's something that might happen in college. Since we tend to work inside metaphor, for most of the show, we talked about Willow and her being a witch because it's a very strong female community and it gives her a very physical relationship with someone that isn't necessarily sexual. And then when we decided to go that way, part of it was because Seth Green wanted to step out and do movies and we knew that he was going to be out of the picture and someone had to be with Willow and it seemed like a good time for her to be exploring this and the question became, how much do we play in metaphor and how much do we play as her actually expanding her sexuality. You're walking a very fine line there. The network obviously has issues. They don't want any kissing -- that's one thing that they've stipulated -- and they're a little nervous about it. They haven't interfered at all with what we've tried to do and yet they've raised a caution about it. And at the same time you have people, the moment Tara appeared on the scene, saying, 'Why aren't they gay enough? They're not gay enough! You need to make them more gay.' They want to make a statement, they want to turn it into an issue right away. So you have forces buffeting you and you're trying to come up with both what is emotionally correct as a progression and what is mythically significant with the greater arc, so you know, you're trying to wield all these things and week to week, make these things progress.

From Bust:

They had great chemistry, and it seemed like a natural step for someone in college to expand their sexuality. It all made sense. And there was a great metaphorical way to play it, so it felt right for the show. And they're so romantic together.

[This message has been edited by xita (edited July 01, 2001).]

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[Unregistered(d)]

In a recent thread the idea of a Buffy/Faith subtext was explored. IMHO that failed to ignite and so the Faith character had to go.
The laundry room scene probably was meant to show two witches combining force to create a larger force (1+1=3). What happened next was chemistry that was unscripted and as Dazey said the characters have bulldozed ahead.
With the chemistry between the two characters I am of the opinion that the Willow character has been given a greater depth and more screen then originally planned. Which to me is great because I originally started watching the show because of Alys' acting ability. Somewhere at the end of one of my posts I posed the question "Would Willow speak be Willow speak without Aly"?
Congrats Dazey on a good post, the rest of us can only echo your thoughts and sing your praises for posting them.

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Angel: Are you gonna tell me that I'm jealous?
Willow: Well, you do sometimes get that way. 2/7

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[Unregistered(d)]

I think it most likely would have happened, regardless.

The question is, would it have worked as well? I think Joss got the best chemistry possible for W/T in casting Amber. I suspect that at least part of the W/T plot development over the past season came to pass because Aly and Amber work so well together to really bring that relationship to life. To me, they've got the same kind of chemistry that LL and ROC do, where I could no longer possibly conceive of anyone else taking either of their places.

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"Dawn, the hardest thing in this world is to live in it. Be brave. Live. For me." -- Buffy, "The Gift"

"If I had only thirty seconds to live, this is how I would want to live them: looking into your eyes . . . Always remember: I love you." -- Xena, "Friend in Need"

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[Unregistered(d)]

I think people are doing more than just echoing. That's what is great about the kitty, lots of intelligent people can bring their ideas and discuss. But yes Dazey always posts intelligently. Go Dazey.

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[Unregistered(d)]

Dazey, your posts are always interesting, eloquent and considerate.

And might I add those sassy eggs look good on you sunny side up.

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Amber Benson has really nice hair and I want her shampoo.

[This message has been edited by Dr.G (edited July 01, 2001).]

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[Unregistered(d)]

I think Aly and Amber have wonderful chemistry, I'm not sure the character of Tara would have interacted so well with Willow if it had not been for some wonderful casting.

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"Oh you guys are just so sweet...group hug" Amber Benson

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[Unregistered(d)]

I also believe that Amber and Aly's acting abilities and chemistry on-screen were fundamental to the W/T success.

However, my opinion is that Joss meant Tara and Willow to be together from the start. In one of the episodes before Hush (maybe the one immediately before), we see Riley helping some women organizing a lesbian meeting. That was not pure coincidence, was it? Besides that, their scenes in Hush hinted to the fact that Tara was not going to be only a spell companion for Willow; the stares, the touches, the smiles...

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[Unregistered(d)]

I certainly agree with Dazey about the importance of the "personality" that individual actors bring to a given part. After all, the best proof of this is Joss's own statement in his Philadelphia NPR interview that he essentially "writes Willow the way Aly does her."

"Chemistry" between actors is a difficult thing to define. To use the famous metaphor, it's like trying to nail Jello to a wall. No one ever knows when or if it will happen. No one ever dreamed that pairing a famous dancer with little film experience and a relatively unknown musical comedy actress would produce one of the great "screen teams" of all time, yet a mediocre film suddenly sparked to life when they danced together (just watch the Astaire/Rogers "Carioca" scene in "Flying Down To Rio" if you don't believe me!). OTOH, Irving Thalberg was CERTAIN that pairing Jimmy Durante with Buster Keaton would cause a sensation. It never worked out. While I'm sure that the Aly/Amber friendship is a factor in their "chemistry", it may not be the most important element. No one can deny the "chemistry" generated by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson in "The X-Files". Yet, from what I've heard (and, of course, it's all second/third-hand info ), they barely even LIKE each other! It's just one of those odd things.

[This message has been edited by Hemiola (edited July 01, 2001).]

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[Unregistered(d)]

But that points to the whole success of the show as well doesn't it? And how great Joss is at selecting actors who will blend in with not only the show itself, but also the characters in it.

I think that we've seen Amber grow in her role. Certainly she's not as awkward playing Tara anymore, and that comfort has made its way over to the relationship she helps portray.

I'm really impressed at how far this has come and how relaxed both Aly and Amber seem in their respective roles. I can't imagine anyone else ever doing them. And I'm sure that Joss does write for them both, as do some of the other writers. You sense a certain 'sympatico' in some eps.

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"Tara had never felt as good about herself in her life. Willow gave her that gift. And another gift. Tara couldn't quite bring herself to call it love. Not yet. But there was time." ~ Unseen: The Burning

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[Unregistered(d)]

While I was writing my post earlier I was actually thinking about the X-Files Hemiola, next to Buffy it's my favourite show and I was thinking about GA + DD and the chemistry they have, which is incredible given that they seem to only tolerate each other off screen, it's like Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepherd on Moonlighting, they didn't like each other either, yet their chemistry sparkled.

Given all that, I have to say that watching Aly + Amber together on screen I honestly think they surpass practically everyone as far as their chemistry goes. For me, once the show starts they are Willow + Tara, and I completely believe in them and I completely believe that they are in love with one another, sappy I know, but it's what keeps me coming back week after week!

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I am in thunderous agreement, oh glittering, glistening Glorificus! : Jinx in Tough Love

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[Unregistered(d)]

I think the relationship would have happened regardless, but we'll never know how it would have worked out if someone other than Amber had been chosen. I think issues that helped the situation were the fact that Aly and Amber were friends before their pairing and the fact that they seem to have a natural chemistry on screen. It also helps tremendously that they are both very talented actresses and open-minded women who saw this relationship as valid and worthy.

Of course, now that we've grown to love Aly and Amber as W/T, it's hard to imagine anyone else in the roles. I'm just glad that Joss decided to make the most of the situation and turn them into the cutest couple on BtVS.

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[Unregistered(d)]

my question is... i think willow exploration of her sexuality would have happened anyway, but i wonder how long would it last if tara was played by somebody else. i do believe there would be people talented and doing a great job and all, but the chemestry between alyson hannigan and amber benson is very strong, and it made the romance so amazing.

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[Unregistered(d)]

quote:

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Originally posted by Hemiola:
To use the famous metaphor, it's like trying to nail Jello to a wall.

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You obviously have never seen MY attempts at Jello.

D

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[Unregistered(d)]

Would W/T have happened if not for the casting? To me, it was rather obvious that there was intention to develop a relationship between the two, right from the start.(Well, actually I thought Tara was going to have a crush on Willow, and there might be an angsty ep for Willow. Heh.)

We know that Joss had not broached the subject till Taras third appearance but the way he had written Hush, he must have been thinking about it, subconsciously or otherwise, and hence that "quote" by Dazey.

As for those who say that the interaction between the two, those looks, touches and all was not scripted. I'd have to remind them that Joss directed the episode.

Essentially, the characters are brought to life by the individuality/personality that each actor puts into their interpretation. That there is chemistry between Aly and Amber is undeniable though there were moments in earlier eps that felt awkward to me for some unknown reason.

The dynamics in the relationship is very much affected by the interaction between the two actors. Im not sure if other actors in the same roles would generate the same response from fans even if they do put up a bloody good performance. But I do think that the relationship would have happened. How long it would have lasted and how it would end is another matter altogether. *grin *

[This message has been edited by Halcyon (edited July 02, 2001).]

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[Unregistered(d)]

yup, yup with what everyone has written.

i just wanted to point out a thing i read on a site the other day: ms. benson wasn't the first choice for joss. i kinda freaked out about that because i thought of this same question dazey posed. i kept wondering who would have been cast, and if the chemistry and magick would still be there. whether tara and willow would have gotten together, whether there would be a w/t on tv. and i got all confused and nauseous that i had to stop thinking.

edited to add: i'm sassy eggs!

[This message has been edited by Rane (edited July 01, 2001).]

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[Unregistered(d)]

I won't be making many words 'cause I'm a bit late in this thread and everything has been said already .....

.... I agree that the relationship would most likely have happened anyway - but it got hugely enhanced by the great chemistry Aly and Amber have - sometimes I see people on other boards posting stuff like: "Willow and Tara don't have any chemistry" (those are not boards I post at ) and it always makes me think: Are you watching the same show as I do ? Seems like a certain opinion against gay relationships could be clouding their judgement, doesn't it ?

Anyway, Aly and Amber really have given the relationship between Willow and Tara life, so to speak - without Amber it wopuldn't have worked out as perfect as it did - IMHO her development is very similar to Willows development in earlier seasons (losing the shyness, occasionally acting as giver of advice for the gang) and - like Aly (remember Riff Reegan in the unaired pilot?) she has made the role her own and influenced how Tara is today really quite a bit !

OK, that's it - way too long and quite uncoordinated - as always ....

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[Unregistered(d)]

no W/T? that would be awful... i think i trust joss to make the right choices and he definitely did...

i think that maybe the fans of the show would have reacted differently if it was a different actress...

although, i say that now because i don't know what tara would be like if she was played by a different actress, so maybe if amber benson hadn't been cast... we wouldn't have known any different and this board would be saying "oh no - they couldn't have cast anyone other than XXX to play the part of tara!"

and oh boy does my head hurt now... i'm gonna go away now...

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[Unregistered(d)]

Im pretty much of the same mind as everyone else but Ill post my drivel anyway! I think Joss wanted Willow to explore her sexuality in college. Tara was first brought in as a Wicca friend that would have lead to Willows exploration. Im not sure how out all that would have been though. The impression I get is that is would have been all subtext and metaphor. Seths leaving, and the way Aly and Amber interact together, I believe, pretty much sealed, and perhaps totally changed, the way Joss was going to take the two characters. I have no understanding as to why there is chemistry between some actors and not with others, but its definitely there between those two. If Tara would have been played by another actress, I think the metaphoric exploration would have definitely happened, but I dont think it would have lasted, and I do not think it would have been as large a part of the show as Willow and Tara have been and on a personal note, IT WOULDA SUCKED WITHOUT AMBER!!!!

Te he

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[Unregistered(d)]

Joss is very good at finding the right person for the right role. Without Amber, I think there still might have been W/T in some capacity, maybe just friends, maybe they still woulda taken the story in a romantic direction. Hard to say. What I will say is that when he got Amber, he found precisely the right actress for this role, and without Amber and Aly, I have a hard time imagining the relationship developing as successfully. The chemistry is a big part of it. Perhaps an even bigger part of it is that the Joss, Amber, and Aly all seem to be true believers in this ship. Without that, it'd go nowhere. Could Joss have found someelse else with the right mix to pull it off? Possibly. But what we know is that with Amber, he certainly did.
[b:b6e71a431d]
Edited to Add: Whoo Hoo to Sassy Eggs. Love this level name.
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Tracy

Hear that Baby? You're my always.

[This message has been edited by Wiccagrrl (edited July 01, 2001).]

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[Unregistered(d)]

W/T without Amber? Hmmmm...I really can not imagine that. As everyone said so eloquently, Amber and Aly have a magic and a chemistry that can not be described with mere words. The very first time that we got to see Amber in "Hush", I was so completely floored by the undercurrent of onscreen magic and potentially sexual attraction that I almost stopped breathing. Here was a man who, seemingly oblivious to the consequences, had created characters that seemed to much more real to me. If anyone else but Amber had been cast as Tara, I really doubt that I would feel the way I do about the W/T relationship presently.

Amber brings such a dichotomy of characteristics to Tara: she gives Tara innocence and shyness, while communicating her worldliness and experience in the realm of magicks; she lends Tara the insecurities and uncertainties that people go through every day while maintaining that sweetness that makes you want to reach through the screen and hug her cares away; she makes one [i:bb482f7e32]feel[/i:bb482f7e32] for Tara, makes you wish Tara all the happiness in the world and she makes you feel that Tara deserves all that and more.

Willow needed all the sensitivity, gentleness and security that Tara had to give. I really doubt that any other actress could pull off the coup that Amber has. She's managed to capture the respect, admiration and love for herself as an incredibly professional, talented actress as well as for the character she portrays. I think, with Amber added to the cast, BTVS will reach even greater heights than it has this past season. She lends that special something that makes BTVS worth watching time and time again.

Peace.

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"Sometimes, we just can't make it on our own. We all need someone to love us, to help remind us that there's good in the world, to keep us from going crazy."

Willow from Dacia's The Dreamer Awakes

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[Unregistered(d)]

I concur Kieli.
Most actress people think of are strong and self confident and it is difficult to imagine them as being insecure.
Amber has produced a movie and wants to do more, Tara would never dare attempt anything like that.

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Angel: Are you gonna tell me that I'm jealous?
Willow: Well, you do sometimes get that way. 2/7

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[Unregistered(d)]

xita wrote: "That's what is great about the kitty, lots of intelligent people can bring their ideas and discuss. But yes Dazey always posts intelligently."

Well, I don't know about always...but thank you, and thank you Garfield, for your very nice compliments; I certainly try to post intelligently. But as xita said, there are lots of kitties who do the same--witness the thoughtful and eloquent posts in this thread--and that inspires me.

Thespia wrote: "In one of the episodes before Hush (maybe the one immediately before), we see Riley helping some women organizing a lesbian meeting. That was not pure coincidence, was it?"

Ah, very good point. That sure feels like foreshadowing, doesn't it? And then of course there's the infamous "I think I'm kinda gay" bit from "Doppelgngland," which may or may not be foreshadowing. I'd like to refine what I said in my original post...when I say that I don't think W/T would have happened without Amber, I mean that I don't think the relationship would be where it is today. I don't think we'd be discussing a real, honest-to-goodness lesbian relationship. I don't think we'd be discussing anything at all, because I don't think the Kitten board would exist.

I do think that Joss intended for Willow to explore her sexuality in college, but as SciFiAcid wrote, "...it would have been all subtext and metaphor. Seths leaving, and the way Aly and Amber interact together, I believe, pretty much sealed, and perhaps totally changed, the way Joss was going to take the two characters." I agree with this. We know that the Oz/Veruca storyline was originally supposed to be an extended arc, that probably would have included a Willow/Oz breakup even if Seth had stayed with the show. As much as it pains me to even think it, Willow could have had
a metaphorical flirtation with lesbianism, and ended up back with Oz again. I can't stress enough the amount of suckage that would entail. Instead we have Big Gay Willow! And as xita said, that's how it was meant to be.

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