Theory about Amber Bensons Future Appearance in the Opening

[Blixxt]

Amidst all this angst and sadness over Willow and Tara's current situation, I thought I'd bring up a notion that might cheer a few people up.

I have a theory that Amber is going to be *added* to the season credits about halfway through the season. This will theoretically happen after she is gone for about 4 or so episodes, and where Willow gets darker and darker. More on this in a bit.

The reason Amber wasn't in the Season 5 credits is fairly obvious. Michelle Trachtenberg was joining the show, Marc Blucas was still there, and between Emma Caulfield and Amber Benson, Emma made the most sense. Emma had been with the show since Season 3, while Amber had just joined halfway through 4. The credits were now Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Marc Blucas, Michelle Trachtenberg, James Marsters, and Anthony Stewart Head - pretty crowded. Adding Amber would have made it even more so.

With Season 6, however, it suddenly made less sense. Anthony Stewart Head was no longer in the credits, Marc Blucas had left halfway through season 5... So why wasn't Amber there? Tara was a very prominent character in the Season Premiere, and has continued to be so throughout the season. Most people on other boards just assumed it was because Tara was leaving, or would be killed off in the future.

My theory, however, is that Amber wasn't signed as a regular this season because Joss *wanted* for Tara to be gone for a while. Though he loves her, he knows that Tara being there would dramatically change the development of the upcoming Willow storyline (be it "Dark Willow" or "Willow becomes a magic addict") Everyone else is too wrapped up with their problems right now to truly understand what is going on - Buffy with Spike, Xander with Anya, Dawn with being a fifteen year old girl... If Tara was there, she would probably everyone fully aware of what was going on, in the same way she has apparently done with Giles. With Tara and Giles gone, however, (the most likely ones to stop her initial descent), Willow can truly hit rock bottom.

In spite of this, we know that Tara isn't gone for good. Amber Benson is scheduled to star in at least 16 episodes this season (if not more), and my theory is that after a brief hiatus, Tara is going to return and then be *added* to the credits.

But she's not a season regular, you say! Well, neither were Marc Blucas or James Marsters, and *they* were added part way through Season 4. If you watch the early episodes that season, you see the credits are Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Seth Green, and Anthony Stewart Head. That's it. And while Seth Green's departure probably had something to do with one of them being added (as a new slot had opened up), I'm guessing that it was always planned that Marc Blucas would be placed in the credits. Joss had the whole Initiative storyline in his head, but didn't want for Riley to have to appear in *every* single episode from the beginning. He thus introduced him in episode one, had him appear sporadically over the next several episodes, and then finally added him to the credits halfway through, much the same then happening with James Marsters.

We now have something similar happening with Amber, but taking place in the middle rather than the beginning. It looks like Joss didn't want Tara to be there for a while in order to further the current Willow storyline, and so she wasn't signed as a regular. There are undoubtedly other reasons as well, such as this gave Amber more time to appear in movies and meant she didn't have to do as many convention appearances... but I've come to believe that this was one of the major reasons.

In any case, it seems very likely that Tara is going to be distinctly important in the second half of the season. The Willow storyline is shaping up to be a major one (even beyond Buffy/Spike), and since Tara is such an important part of Willow's life, she makes the most sense as a key character towards the eventual confrontation and resolution. My guess is that Tara is going to end up having more screen time than she's ever had with this series, and during that time will finally be added to the opening credits.

I understand now why Tara wasn't added there before, she's going to be missing for a while so things can reach an appropriate level of Buffy trauma. But Tara *is* going to return, and when she does there will be no such reason to keep her from it. Joss has stated repeatedly how much he loves Amber Benson and the character of Tara, and considering the credits are currently nowhere near as crowded as they have been in the past, that would be the perfect time.

That's my theory anyway. I really hope it's true, as it would give great hope to all the kittens out there, and grant Amber Benson the recognition she so richly deserves.

Addendum - Whoops, I forgot to add an apostrophe in the message title. Can anyone fix that?

[This message has been edited by Blixxt (edited November 13, 2001).]

[woodenstakegirl]

Ah! This theory makes so much sense. I totally hope you're right.

[Salix]

YES! That is the theory I have been cheering myself up with. Joss is torturing us by leaving her out of the regulars so we'll wonder about her fate. I for sure don't know what's going to happen, not a clue. So it worked on me!

I think she was glad to have a few episodes off to get more work done on putting her film out. And to take any other opportunities that came up. It sounds like a win-win situation for Joss and Amber.

That's the story I'm sticking to... Really... I do believe... I do believe...

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"Don't warn the tadpoles!"

[wiccie]

Good theory, Blixxt, and I hope you're right!

There are, however, other Real World factors that affect who is where in the credits such as $$$$, time (Amber may want the time away from BTVS to promote her film work, etc), and prestige (like how AH got ASH's spot).

[Wiccagrrl]

Yep, I'm thinking the same thing. Here's hoping we'll be seeing Amber in the opening credits soon.

[Anya's Necklace]

DEAR GOD YES!

It *does* make sense.... and we all know that Joss is a tricky guy, and plans things waaaaay before they happen.

Well, let me just say, if I'm sitting there watching the credits later in the season and Amber Benson pops up on the screen, I'll be coming to give several people hugs- Blixxt, Joss and Amber.

I really hope you are right!!

[Blixxt]

quote:

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Originally posted by wiccie:
Good theory, Blixxt, and I hope you're right!

There are, however, other Real World factors that affect who is where in the credits such as $$$$, time (Amber may want the time away from BTVS to promote her film work, etc), and prestige (like how AH got ASH's spot).

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In regards to Real World factors:

$$$$ - I always thought that the actor's pay was more determined by the number of episodes they appear in than whether or not they are shown in the credits. While I understand that the mere act of being in those credits results in a higher salary, Amber Benson is already getting less because she is not a 'Season Regular'. I have the distinct feeling that Joss would not mind giving Amber Benson that extra amount for the second half of the season, and daresay he even would fight for it.

Time - The time issue makes sense in regards to Amber only signing for 16 episodes (thus giving her more time to work on Chance and other movies), but really doesn't fit with Amber Benson then *not* appearing in the credits later in the season. If Tara's going to be a major part and appear in almost every second half episode (which her contract would seem to require), then she really should be there. James Marsters and Marc Blucas were added halfway through, Tara should as well.

Prestige - I have no doubt that Joss has no problem with giving Amber the prestige gained from being in the credits. The man, being such a wise and great one, adores her.

[This message has been edited by Blixxt (edited November 12, 2001).]quote:

[Utena]

Ooh! I really like this theory...especially how she's being deliberately removed to let Willow go her dark ways. Lovely.

I'm going to cling to it for dear life.

Amber in the credits would be a lovely reward for any pain. Almost any...

[shellybean]

I really love your theory, but I've read different. I've read many interviews with Amber and Joss and the reason that Amber's not in the credits is because SHE doesn't want to be. to be in the credits you must be a contracted signed on main character but Amber doesn't want to sign on 100% because she wants her freedom. she likes the freedom of being able to do films and not being completely tied down. she would get higher pay and more credits obviously, but she would rather have her freedom.

[Blixxt]

quote:

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Originally posted by shellybean:
I really love your theory, but I've read different. I've read many interviews with Amber and Joss and the reason that Amber's not in the credits is because SHE doesn't want to be. to be in the credits you must be a contracted signed on main character but Amber doesn't want to sign on 100% because she wants her freedom. she likes the freedom of being able to do films and not being completely tied down. she would get higher pay and more credits obviously, but she would rather have her freedom.

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Hmmm... That's really unfortunate. It's also different from an Amber Benson interview I read at the end of Season 4, when someone asked if she was being added to the credits and she sadly stated she was not. I understand her changing her position since then, though it really only makes sense if she also doesn't want to be in the credits *next* season. Remember: My theory was that she was going to be added after a hiatus. If there are 8-10 episodes left and Amber is scheduled to star in them (as required by her contract), then the free time issue has already passed. She's gotten that time, and it only makes sense if Amber then wants to be in just 16 episodes *next* season.

While this is possible, her earlier feelings indicate to me that she might be willing to take the plunge in the future. Chance will be completed by that point, and that really seems to me the main reason she would want more time this season. And if she thus agrees to be a regular *next season*, and is appearing in the rest of the episodes for this one, then she really should be added to the credits at that point. Here's hoping.

[This message has been edited by Blixxt (edited November 12, 2001).]quote:

[Wiccagrrl]

I've heard/read many conflicting things on this question. I remember Amber recently saying that not being a reg gives her a certain amount of freedom. I also remember her saying a while back, when asked if she wanted to be a reg/in the opening credits something to the effect of "Well, yeah. Wouldn't you?" And I remember Joss saying, when asked, that no, she wouldn't be a regular when they started back up this season and that there was "a very good reason for that." Joss' comments, and the earlier one by Amber, sorta hint that it may not have been Amber's decision. And I just don't see Joss refusing to make her a reg because of money.

I don't think any of the other Scooby SO's had to wait quite this long. It's odd, and I'm believing Joss when he says there is a reason. And my gut says plot-driven and not "She hasn't earned it" or "We're not gonna pony up the bucks." That just doesn't feel right.

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Tracy

Hear that Baby? You're my always.

[Zahir]

I like your theory.

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"O let my name be in the Book of Love.
If it be there, I care not of
That other book Above...
Strike it out! Or write it in anew.
But let it be in the Book of Love!"
--Omar Kyam

[TL983]

O yay for this theory!! I read this and it made me quite cheery again

[scylla]

This message may be slightly spoilery re: episodes up to Tabula Rasa (S6E8) with a little post-Tabula Rasa speculation...

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Great theory!

First, allowing Willow and Tara to have different Scooby skills will pave the way for Tara to be a valuable member of the gang in her own right. As it is now, she would always be eclipsed by Willow in the magic deparment.

Second, playing up the romance while making Willow into the at-least-semi-baddie seems to have made anti-Willow/Tara fans into pro-Willow/Tara fans who root for Tara because Willow isn't treating her right.

Third, I don't remember exactly, but I don't really think Joss planned from the start for Willow and Tara to be a long-term thing. They were so great together, though, Amber/Tara became more and more important. But the groundwork wasn't really there for her to be a full-fledged Scooby. Now there is an interesting plot that takes care of all the obstacles for Tara/Amber in terms of being a regular. People like her, they want Willow to treat her better, they want them together, they will see her as valuable as an individual and not just as a side-kick...

All in all, I think this is a master plan to make Tara into a full-fledged Scooby!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[This message has been edited by scylla (edited November 12, 2001).]

[shellybean]

No matter what I would love it if she is put into the credits. I feel like she's already a full fledged scooby! I love amber but in all the interviews I've read she say's that she prefer's movies and being behind the camera and doesn't want to be tied down to a tv show. That sucks but I guess if its what she wants, what can we do. I'm just going to hope for the best.

[Blixxt]

For what it's worth, here's a snippet from an an interview (August 2000) where Amber seems to want to become a regular:

Priyanki: Are you becoming a permanent cast member?
Amber: I am not going to be a regular cast member this season (sigh of sadness).

Yes, I know it's not much, but gives me hope that at least *in the past* she's wanted to be up there with the others. You can read the rest of Little Willow's excellent interview here.

[This message has been edited by Blixxt (edited November 13, 2001).]

[morgan1707]

Good theory... I hope you're right!

[Blixxt]

Woot! Here's another positive indication! This comes from a July 2001 interview (i.e. just a few months ago):

Victor Infante: I guess it's best to get the Buffy stuff out of the way. Is it true you're going to be a series regular on the show next season, with your name in the credits and everything? How do you feel about that?

Amber Benson: At this point, I'm still a recurring character in the Buffyverse, but someday I hope to ascend to the opening credits stratosphere. I just hope they'd use the kiss from the body in my opening stuff. Hehe.

I'm starting to feel better here! That was only four months ago, and is pretty clear on her preference.

[This message has been edited by Blixxt (edited November 13, 2001).]

[Dr.G]

Nice theory Blixxt, hope you're right.

Anyway, another quote for ya to prove Amber wanted to be in the credits in the not so distant past (this comes from our Nocturnal thingie from june this year):

quote:

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Ruth: Do you want to be in the credits for Season 6?
Amber: Wouldn’t you wanna be in the credits for Season 6?
Ruth: Yeah.
Amber: But…I’m just happy to be on Buffy, one way or the other. And I am in the opening credits, I’m in Willow’s stuff.

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The rest of the interview is posted in this thread.

[This message has been edited by Dr.G (edited November 13, 2001).]quote:

[Wolfix]

Ugh. I'm not closed to the idea that Joss might kill off Tara. He's good at finding new ways to do old things, so it's not like it'd be repeating anything... people die.

Unfortunately this discussion just makes me think even more that she might leave for good. I could be optimistic, but that makes the future less pleasing.

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Pen: Will work for money.

[Blixxt]

quote:

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Originally posted by Wolfix:
Ugh. I'm not closed to the idea that Joss might kill off Tara. He's good at finding new ways to do old things, so it's not like it'd be repeating anything... people die.

Unfortunately this discussion just makes me think even more that she might leave for good. I could be optimistic, but that makes the future less pleasing.

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I'm surprised this discussion has depressed you, as it's really done the exact opposite for me. While I do believe it is possible that Tara will leave the show, Amber Benson's positive words towards being on it make me think this would only happen if Joss decided to do so. Though this *could* happen, the Kitten board mantra of "Joss is nuts about Tara, Willow/Tara and Amber!" is really more than just our hopes and dreams. Joss has stated his love of Tara and the Willow/Tara relationship on many separate occasions, as well as exhibited a great deal of pride in creating one of the first non-sensationalistic lesbian relationships on television. If your reason for concern is the Joss post where he says "there is a very good reason" for Tara not being added to the credits this season, a four episode or so absence of her character (thus allowing the Willow storyline to progress a certain way) honestly fits that.

For these reasons and many others (I go into them in another one of the threads), I truly doubt he's going to kill her off. I wasn't as sure back during the summer when the rumors originally started, but as things have increasingly been revealed (Tara always knows how to find me, etc.) I've grown much more confident towards this. Willow isn't going anywhere, as Alyson Hannigan has a contract for next season. She's going to have to be redeemed, not just in the character's eyes but also in the viewers, and Tara is truly the way I see this happening.

Joss has masterfully manipulated the scene at the moment to create an unprecedented amount of support for Tara. If you go to other boards right now Tara is *amazingly* popular, which sadly *wasn't* the case back when she first appeared. Many people resented her for taking Oz's place, being a lesbian, etc. Joss saw her beauty, however, and has now written the story in such a manner to make everyone else see it as well (only to rip it away). To then kill her off and destroy all the ground he's broken, just to further a "Dark Willow" storyline... I really don't see it happening. There are other ways to advance the story, and while Willow being responsible for Tara's death is one such way, so would her killing Xander, Anya, or Dawn. I do see Tara being very vital in the Willow takedown/redemption, however, and when that comes it will truly be a happy day.

[This message has been edited by Blixxt (edited November 13, 2001).]quote:

[Fluffies]

From Steppin' Out, October 2001:

Q: I heard that when Buffy switched over from the WB Network to UPN that the people at UPN bought the whole cast lavish gifts. True or false?

A: Well I chose not to be a series regular, so I don't get the gifts or the big salary. But I also have the ability to go out and do movies in the middle of the season, which is really nice. If you give your heart and soul to Buffy, then you give your heart and soul to Buffy. But I didn't want to be in that place because my real love is film.

Q: So you're not really into television?

A: No, in fact I wouldn't have done television except that Buffy is such a cool show. You have to decide what you want in this life and I'm glad to be a part of Buffy, but I also have to be able to do other things. Life is short and I'd rather be sitting in the poor house and doing what I love doing then making a lot of money and being miserable. Life is very short.

[bothered]

AHA!!

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Aw, you got butterflies baby?
More like bats.

[namaste]

I do agree with Blixxt's theory, and not just because it gives me hope that any absence of Amber is temporary.

I think the reason why the comments of both Joss and Amber regarding the question of why she isn't a regular yet have seemed vague and sometimes contradictory (considering how much he loves her, and come on, how ridiculous did it seem - at least to me - that she was still labelled a "guest star" in "Once More, With Feeling"?) is that Joss has indeed had a plan that had to do with the season's storyline that would have made it necessary for Tara to be gone for a few episodes.

I also believe that Amber wasn't informed in detail about what the plan was until relatively recently, which is why her comments on the subject have also changed since her initial remarks in May and June. We all know, and Joss himself has said this, that he he likes to keep everyone, including his actors, guessing. I get the impression from his (and Aly's, and Sarah's) interviews that his actors aren't told that much in advance about where their own characters are going - maybe only 3-4 episodes ahead. Remember that Amber didn't even know that Joss planned for Tara and Willow to fall in love when she first signed on for the part, and Aly wasn't told much either.

So I think that in this case, Joss has done something similar. As far back as the press being done for the 100th episode, Joss had already been hinting about these developments in Tara and the W/T relationship. He said he "has no plans of sending Tara anywhere," that "even if she weren't dating Willow," he thinks "she has become a big part of the heart of the show." (paraphrasing - this is from E! Online's 100th episode special, I believe.)

Which is also why they initially took a little bit longer than usual in figuring out what kind of contract to give Amber. I think they were working out the mechanics of Season Six's major story arcs, and it was only when they had mapped those out that they finalized the offer. I remember at that time Amber talked about how she had been a little bit worried because they hadn't offered her anything yet, and then was relieved when they did.

I do believe that Joss will give Amber the spot in the opening credits that she so obviously deserves once this crucial story arc involving Willow, W/T, and Tara plays out. A month or so ago, Amber gave an interview in which she said, in response to the recurring "why aren't you a regular?" question, that she wanted whatever's good for the show. I think by this time Joss had already told her about the overall plan, and in keeping with his desire to try to surprise the audience, she has willingly kept mum about the real reasons why.

All the other reasons - that it's too crowded in the opening credits, that it's a financial decision, that she wants freedom to do other projects - can also be true, but I think they are secondary ones. I think the primary one really has to do with the evolving story.

[mollyig]

I trust I'm not the only one who when she sees the word "theory" starts singing "I've got a theory"?

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Willow: And I happen to think mine is the level head, and yours is the one things would roll off of.

[Ed Wood]

Blixxt, your theory rocks!
I believe every word of it!
Thanks

[Salix]

Here's the thing - being considered a series regular is based on number of episodes. Amber wasn't signed for all of them. There are all kind of union rules on this.

However, if she were to get signed for the full 22 episodes (she hasn't missed any yet, and I believe she's listed for at least the next two...), then the theory (I've got a theory...) of Joss playing with our heads with the credits still holds. He knows that are a lot of fans like us who keep track of these things and he makes these nods to us.

At any point Amber could get signed to the rest of the episodes and be put in as a regular in the credits. The way the new credits run this season it would be very easy to edit her in.

And it all boils to down to: it doesn't really matter why it is like it is - we want Tara in every episode and the customer is always right! But it sure is fun to speculate...

[Blixxt]

Here's the thing: As far as I can tell, you *don't* have to be a Season Regular to be placed in the credits. You just have to star in the rest of the episodes that season (and from that point on forward).

Marc Blucas wasn't in every Season 4 episode, he was missing from several in the beginning. But halfway through he showed up in the credits, and was in every episode since. The same thing happened with James Marster that season as well.

The point of my theory isn't that Amber Benson is going to suddenly appear in all 22 episodes. It's that after she's gone for a hiatus to advance the current storyline, she's going to appear in the rest and *then* be placed in the credits. Now, in order for this to work Amber would then have to want to be in all 22 episodes *next* season, and true, she has stated that she chose not to be a Season Regular (which is strange, as she has also stated it was Joss's decision this year, not hers). Despite this, she has also strongly indicated that she would like to be in the *future* opening credits, and that she really loves Buffy (and thus is unlikely to leave it). My hope is that Joss will come to her after her short absence, offer her a place in the credits for the rest of the season, and that she will accept. Though she has stated how much she enjoys the freedom being a non-season regular allows, Chance will be done by that point, and her past comments on the matter seem to indicate she might be willing to do this.

[This message has been edited by Blixxt (edited November 13, 2001).]

[Shaniezak]

No, mollyig, you're not! In fact, an AIM chat room I hang out in (which is actually the chat room for a Xena-based list, but 95% of the convo seems to be Buffy and it's all my fault ) has taken to adding "(It could be bunnies!)" after every use of the word "theory."

As for this discussion . . . I think Blixxt's theory is highly plausible. I've noticed and been disturbed by all the contradicting comments by both Joss and Amber on the subject, and my guess is that it's meant to confuse us . . . or keep us guessing, or something.

It makes lots of sense to me. I like it.

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"But if I weren't leaving you, I don't know what I would do. But the more I go, the less I know: will the fire still burn on my return? To keep the path lit on the only road I know, honey, all I know to do is go . . ." -- Indigo Girls

"I know we're dying and there's no sign of a parachute in this chapel, little chapel of love, can't we get a little grace and some elegance? Why can't it be beautiful? Why does there gotta be a sacrifice?" -- Tori Amos

[Hemiola]

Well, here's a thought...

Has anyone noticed the "bumper-promos" that are occasionally shown during repeat episodes on FX? One them starts with Joss Whedon, and ends with SMG. And who is featured in between these two? AMBER BENSON!!!

Now, it just seems highly unlikely to me that she would be positioned betwixt these two titans if it were not for the fact that she is destined for a MAJOR role in the future of the show .
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"Not much for the timber myself."
Tara in "All The Way"