I only started watching the show since The Gift. I had heard that the show had lesbians and I, of course, knew about the show and the characters, but never really watched. But catching "The Gift" was my point of no return.
I was amazed at the love that showed so immediately in that episode and even though I had absolutely no idea what was going on (it is NOT recommended to start watching a show during the season final - especially one as intense as that was) I still picked up on the connection both Willow and Tara had with one another.
Needless to say I came back for more, though when I tuned on to watch Bargaining, I went into it with the thought of "I'll give it a shot, but I don't see myself watching every week." Well, by the end of the two hours I was hooked and applauded the fabulous job that has been done with the relationship.
I immediately hit the net and downloaded nearly every episode (though I started with the ones where Tara appeared first and worked my way backwards - that too is not recommended... watching a show backwards - though it's really kind of fun in a way). To be able to watch how the relationship slowly yet steadily progressed in a matter of three or fours days (in a row) perhaps helped seal my fate to the show.
I have long since been annoyed (and then some) with how the biz (and society) has treated homosexuals like stray dogs. On the occassion tossing us a bone to fight over with chic kisses on TV. It has quickly become the "in thing to be out" as I like to put it. However, Joss doesn't do that. He's not there to play the game just for ratings. He cares. He's a rare find in this biz. This is one of the most natural and normal relationships I've seen on television or movies in a long time. I'm tired of the cliches (sp?). The typical bull-dyke butch and the lipstick lez, or better yet, how they're usually detectives or murderers - something bad of some sort (Bound for example).
I keep watching, through the pain of the reality that "love hurts" and I hurt with them. I'm there, cheering for them, supporting them, and most importantly, cheering and supporting Joss, Alyson, and Amber.
Okay, wow, that was WAY more of a rant than even I intended.
Point: The Gift was my first experience, but my favorite was Tabula Rasa because of the realistic arguments and *sigh* I can't say it.
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Mega Willow and Tara site:
www.kingproduction.net/buffy.html
Enlightened Member #243, BHS Member #70, Fragile member #308
"Nothing I can do, you took my soul with you." AB OMWF
"Suffer for the Tomato" Alyson (AOL)
"I love playing with Jello. I like to squish it up in my teeth and smile at people." Alyson