Danger! Danger, Willow Robinson!
So why did I create this thread? Because I want to discuss what the rumored Willow/Tara breakup might be like, and I don't want to put it on the spoiler-free Dark Willow thread because spoilers are involved in the discussion, and I don't want to mix it in with everything else on the mega-huge spoiler thread. If the mods think the topic should be lumped in somewhere else, that's their prerogative, but for now I'll start this thread here.
After "Flooded" it's pretty darn obvious that Willow is heading down a dark path of her own making. I feel so sorry for her, for reasons I discussed in the episode discussion so I won't repeat them here. And alas, since Willow's problem has to do with magic I think there's going to be a period of estrangement between Willow and Tara coming up.
Note that I say "estrangement," not "breakup." They're different things.
I have problems with the way events are being predicted by Ain't-It-Cool-News. The sequence is goofy - Willow makes Tara forget a fight, then another spell makes Willow reveal the truth, then another spell makes everyone forget, then Tara remembers again! What is this, a TV show or a yo-yo competition? Give me a break.
I also have problems with the idea of Tara just up and leaving because of one spell when she herself has cast a spell on Willow before, and also when she's become such a vital part of life in the Summers household. She's the best mother-figure Dawn has at the moment. Would she give that up so easily? And where would she go? Xander's couch?
Also, with the way Willow's arc is unfolding, I almost feel like the natural progression would be for Willow to be the one to move away. Not just away from Tara, but away from everyone. She's going to hang on for dear life to her belief in her own power as a witch, because that's what makes her feel like she's good and powerful and worthy of all the praise she's spent her life craving. She's going to cling to it against everyone who tries to pull her away from it, even someone like Tara who will do it lovingly.
So, that should be enough thoughts to kick some discussion off. Where do you think Willow and Tara are headed? How big a break is coming? How long will it last? And where will it end?
On that last one, by the way, I'm convinced that it will still end with Willow and Tara back together. Willow's a major star of the show. This arc must eventually end with her rehabilitated and back among the Scoobies, just like Angel eventually had to get back together with his team on Angel last year. Reuniting with Tara will be a part of Willow's restoration. It has to be.
Okay, I'm done now.
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Remember the Kitten Board Mantra: "Joss is nuts about Tara, Willow/Tara and Amber!"
To hope is to risk frustration. Therefore, make up your mind to risk frustration. Do not be one of those who, rather than risk failure, never attempts anything. - Thomas Merton
[This message has been edited by BBOvenGuy (edited October 17, 2001).]