It's over - Amber won't be back.

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



In the midst of all of this I am reminded of a sad fact. AH is still under contract to ME. After the Kittens and Amber I feel most sorry for AH. She's a trouper and she'll do her best. Sadly it's in the TV equivalent of the band on the Titanic.





J

[tyche]

But the new issue of 'Dreamwatch' came out today (Dec. 2002, SMG on the cover) and it has an interview with Amber. She is pretty non-committal when they ask her if she's coming back, but they put spin on her words anyway.

Mods, if you feel that this is more appropriate in another thread, feel free to move it.

Quote:

---

“I don’t think you ever die on Buffy.”

Shockingly killed off at the end of last season, Amber Benson may be making a surprise return to ‘Buffy’.

Words: Jenny Cooney Carillo



Dreamwatch: What’s it been like playing Tara and getting intimate with Willow (Alyson Hannigan)?

I found myself in very compromising positions with Willow! It’s been an interesting year, I tell you. ‘Modesty clothing’ with another girl in bed is definitely interesting. That’s stuff that makes you look like you’re not wearing any clothing under the blankets of a bed. We were taking it to the next level, so I think that’s kind of cool.



Do you feel the change in networks last season helped the show have more freedom to do things like that?

I guess we have less censorship. Not that the WB was really tough on us, it was just they had an idea of how they wanted the relationship to progress. I think we had a different idea. On UPN, it’s cool that they let us reach the more intimate level.



Inevitably we have to ask about the musical episode. How did you feel when you found out about it?

Well, I love singing in the shower, so I was really excited about singing. The dancing, I was a little reticent about, but we had really cool choreographers who allayed my fears. I got through that all right. Dancing in a corset in a cart with fans trying to take pictures of you while you’re doing it was definitely a new experience.                



Is that the weirdest outfit you’ve had to wear?

No, that was the modesty clothing. I got to wear a sari at the end of season four. That was really fun. They actually made that for me. It was really beautiful. I wish I could keep it, but they get to keep everything I wear. It’s not fair!



Has being an important character in ‘Buffy’ affected your life and career?

Well, it’s been interesting. The character that I play is a lesbian and I’ve never tackled that before, so it’s been interesting on that level. Really it’s like playing any other character, except I get letters from young girls instead of young guys!



Did you know about that aspect of the role when you were cast?

No, I didn’t. It kind of progressed. When I first got it, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be here for very long. I thought maybe it’d be a couple of episodes... Then, all of a sudden, they’re like: “You and Alyson have this chemistry. We were thinking maybe...” And I’m like “What are you guys talking about?” Then I started watching the episodes and I’m like: “Oh my God. She and I look like we’re about ready to visit the bedroom!”



How do you deal with ‘Buffy’ fans?

I went to the bathroom somewhere and there were these two women in there. One of them looks at me and she goes “Do I know you?” I’m like: “I don’t know”. And she’s like “You’re Amber Benson, you play Tara don’t you?” I’m like: “Yeah.” And they go, “We think that Willow should be with Spike.” She was very adamant that she was really felt that Tara should go quietly away. People are very entrenched in the ‘Buffy’ mystique.



It’s overwhelming when people know every detail. They know everything about you personally. They know everything about your character.. I’m just really amazed by the fans.



After being written out and coming back, do you know how long you might stick with the show?

They’re so tight-lipped upstairs. You never know anything in advance! It’s the kind of show where people do die on the show and go away, then they come back! They die again and then they come back and have children! Anything can happen. I don’t think you ever die on ‘Buffy’. You’re always coming back in some incarnation.



How do you stay fresh as an actor?

I’ve never done a long-term series before. I’ve done a lot of film and guest spots on TV shows where you go in and you do your thing. Then you’re done and you go home. It’s nice. Here it’s like, she is me and I am her. We cannot escape one another when we are on the set. I really try and live in the moment when we are doing the scenes. We don’t do a lot of rehearsal. We come in and we’ll do a run-through so the crew can see how we’re blocked and what we’re going to do. Then we just do it! I think that’s how we stay fresh. Because otherwise if we were rehearsing these we’d be like: “I can’t function.”

---

[Avern1]

Its not fair !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I read about this, and I shocked !!!!

Today I get Dvd of season five, and now I feel very, very bad.

Some days before Tv Guide say - Amber in episode etc.. Now I cry, because for me, is definitely over about Amber. In Czech Republic is only Buffy, where Amber is. And now ?

I hate Fox, JW. Its not fair.

[helpful information perha]

I hope we are writing/posting/calling



post cards folks post cards

[WilTaraFan]

Joss Whedon and the company he keeps are nothing more than a bunch of rotten, no good, low lives not worthy of having all of us as fans of his show.



Up until today, when I was browsing through the Buffy sites, more Willow and Tara stuff than anything, I had at least a small fraction of a glimpse of hope that we could see Amber Benson still on Buffy. Whether it was the Willow/Tara reunion we all hope for, or just as a new character, I had that hope and I clung to it more than I should have. Then, I come across a TV Guide article that pretty much destroys my hopes, even as small as they were.



And everyone here is right, Whedon is a hateful and sniteful man not worthy of owning the goddess that is Tara. I hope Whedon visits this Board one day and sees the devastation he's caused us.



Once again, he's a no good, rotten, low life and if he was here in person, I'd say it again to his face!



Kudos!!!

[BBOvenGuy]

Quote:

---

I hope Whedon visits this Board one day and sees the devastation he's caused us.

---

Actually, I hope he visits the Board one day and sees how much we've come together and fought back against the garbage he's been spewing.

------------------------------------------------
"A man who fails well is greater than one who succeeds badly. - Thomas Merton

[stereo33]

Helpful Information Perhaps



Yes I'm sending emails / writing postcards, pursuading anyone I know that is even a little bit interested in that programme to do so as well. Who knows what it will do? but it's sure making me feel better. Thanks for the info you provided. (thanks to WW and Lisa too).

[cesario21]

Ms Amber Benson, I applaud thee! I have so much respect for this lady, and I hope realises one day just how much he lost through this whole debaucle.



Good luck to Amber, and my heart goes out to Aly... I will always support these two terrific actresses and wonderful human beings. They brought me joy.



I miss sooo much though...Bargaining was on BBC2 here tonight, and I could only watch up to the kiss after 'Pancakes could go in bellies'; it was just too painful.



Thank the Goddess for Aly/Amber, Pens and the Kitten!



Snuggles,

Pillows xxx

...there was a table set for six and five were there;I stood outside and kept my eyes upon that empty chair;there was steam on the windows from the kitchen;and laughter like a language I once spoke with ease...

Edited by: cesario21 at: 10/31/02 1:21:07 pm

[Scout]

Yes, HIP - I sent emails yesterday and I did letters today.



Interesting bit - right after S7 started, I wrote my usual round to let them know I wasn't watching and why. The one for Marti at UPN came back as undeliverable. I know she had the baby and all, but I thought that was weird.



Anyway, I've written and I plan to keep writing throughout S7. They keep spewing and I keep writing. Geez, I don't write my family this much.

[fontaine13]

I guess this is closure (or at least some form of it) at last. You know if I didn't know any better I'd swear this was some kind of publicity stunt. But I do know better and ME wouldn't be that clever - if they were none of this would have happened in the first place.

"I'm insane, what's his
excuse?" - Spike about crayon boy Xander - STSP

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



HIP-I'm getting the last of the e-mails out now and mailing in the morning.



If the question below is out of bounds, please edit.



This is the last BtVS board I visit and I am way not a computer person. Is the counter spin about Amber's decision getting posted? I don't want someone to get away with this in chat rooms or boards but I'm not the person to fight this battle. Sorry.







Below is my message to the newcassie@yahoo.com Edit it if needed.



Hello-



I'm an 18-49 year old male who isn't watching Buffy or Firefly. Why? Tara is gone from Buffy and will not return. I will not be back without Ms. Benson playing a living character. Yes, I've read the reports but neither Fox nor Ms. Benson is to blame.



The blame lays firmly with Mutant Enemy and an indulgent, overwrought adolescent "vision".



"I watched the episode 'Family' again recently and to see the show where the Scooby gang really take her in and she really gains strength and to know that she was going to have to die is very beautiful."

Joss Whedon, Interview, Starburst issue #292



You never escape high school as a theme.



What can we learn about ME from this and the Willow and Tara storyline?



A good businessman would have realized a loyal core following him to new projects would have helped ensure success.



An artist would have realized when he produced something of value worth nurturing.



A genius would have seen the possibilities for growth.



A man would have realized death is never beautiful. It may be noble or brave in defense of others or in the valiant try in the rescue of life, but it is never beautiful.



A spoiled boy would break his toy and then demand another and more praise for his artistic brilliance.





It turns out we can learn quite a lot.



Thank you for your time,



End





Thanks for the fight Kittens.









J

Edited by: jixer at: 10/31/02 6:02:43 pm

[Coma123]

From Darkhorizons.com

Buffy (TV): TV Guide reports that Amber Benson (aka. Tara) will NOT be returning for an appearance in Season Seven of "Buffy". Whedon hoped to get her back but she and FOX could not organise a working deal for her to return: "It was a question of negotiations, as it sometimes is. It's sad, because I love Amber. But that's between her and Fox" says Whedon. Willow will also return to the dating scene with another woman - "we do have somebody in mind that Willow will meet in the future who might shake up her world just a little bit -- and it'll be a girl". Meanwhile Sarah Michelle Gellar talked with "Access Hollywood" about all the rumours that this current season will be the last: "I read that this morning in the paper. It was the first I'd read about that as well. There have been absolutely no decisions made. Conversations haven't even begun". Finally, the animated series also will not get off the ground so its officially off the cards. Thanks to 'Mike' & 'Jim'



Herc also has a link to the article.

I really wish that this spin wasn't there its shitting me.





Nice one Joss....found this in the talk back at AICN.

Quote:

---

What else is she doing? Is she waiting for "BYE, BYE LOVE 2"? BUFFY put her on the map, and now she repays the favor with greed?

---

See thats what the fuckwit has done, his made Amber look bad. What a fucking tosser. Absolute asshole. Can someone please get the REAL story out there. This aint fair.



*instead of double posting, edit your first post and add anything new to that one.

Edited by: Warduke at: 10/31/02 10:08:36 pm

[urnofosiris]

Well normally we don't want to bring crap from other places here, but that one quote illustrates exactly what Whedon has accomplished with his filthy innuendo. Of course some people needed no reason to jump on Amber Benson, as past events have proven, no doubt that was one of those nice 'fans' who replied ever so eloquently after NMR.



Having said that, please don't bring any more outside negative comments here. We know they exist and we know they are based on lies. I hope Amber won't have to read or listen to such comments and I hope that Whedon will. In fact I would like to print that and shove it in his face if I could. Though I doubt he'd care. He feigns ignorance whenever it suits him, but I am sure he knows perfectly well what his words implied and how certain people would respond. Nice way to treat the person sent from the heavens. The people who are "loved" by Joss Whedon have my deepest sympathy.

[tommo]

Ooh, that's a harsh comment. This is why I don't visit other boards. I find that people generally have a very poor understanding of what's going on with ME and with the show as a whole. In which case, I can laugh comments like that off, because you know, there's always going to be a small group of people who are misguided and ignorant. Thankfully, they don't have purchase over the Kitten and what we think or say here.



I agree with Bob, I do hope that if/when Joss visits here, he sees what a strong and connected group of people we really are. See, we have morals. I'm sure he'll find that simply baffling. Heh.

You exquisite little tart!" ~ Diana Letharby

[xita]

Don't for a second be fooled. That's the kind of person that hates Amber, Tara and w/t. They know exactly what happened but don't care and took the opportunity to turn it around. He/she acts like he cared and wanted Amber back on the show when in fact they don't. So the Anger is not that Amber won't be back, that's a person who is angry Amber won't suck up to ME. We do a greater diservice to Amber by spreading that around. And to fight it? Amber's quote to Wanda for me is the true reason. It clearly states she wants to do right by Tara and W/T.

-------------------------------

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.

[urnofosiris]

For people who have no idea who Amber Benson is or what goes on behind the scenes that Whedon quote does make it sound like this was a money issue *and* he has given new ammunition for those who are out to slander and hurt Amber Benson, like whoever wrote that piece of crap that Coma quoted. I am sure as well that that person knows very well that it wasn't about money but this was a golden opportunity to vilify Amber. Courtesy of Mr Joss Whedon.

[jixer]

Hello Kittens



HEY MODS!

Sorry for the shouting text but I have a question that pertains very much to this slander.



Is there anyway we can send our thanks for her work and courage to Amber as a group? I am still not successful in finding an e-address not connected to ME/Buffy and I think a 21 Kitten salute might be much more uplifting. Let her know we got it.



On a secondary note how about a charity or individual acts of charity in her name. Is there a charity she supports? Every bit of good publicity we can get her should help, right?



If I am off base here please tell me.





J

[emma peel]

I was thinking of sending a contribution to Trevor in Tara/Amber's name in honor of Tara's birthday on November 7.

Janice

[helpful information perha]

J. wrote:





On a secondary note how about a charity or individual acts of charity in her name. Is there a charity she supports? Every bit of good publicity we can get her should help, right?



**** the board just ran the trevor project charity drive

which got a bit of PR (see sci fi wire under fandom)



but I for one would be happy to kick in for a 21 kitten salute via an AD in the Hollywood Reporter thanking Amber for her portrayal of Tara

[xita]

We just ran a charity drive for Trevor project in the name of W/T that Amber was aware of and supported. So the odds of us running another one so soon are pretty much 0.

-------------------------------

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.

[emma peel]

xita, would it be feasible or appropriate to come up with another certificate like you and maudmac did for Amber at Sidewalk? But this time, sort of a "Kitten Appreciation" certificate,with the names (nics and/or otherwise) of those kittens who would want to participate. Then you (if you would be so kind) could give it to her at Metro when you see her. I mean, she certainly knows you.

Also, we could send you some money to help defray costs.

I wasn't thinking of anything elaborate, just simple and to the point, from us with names listed. I have no earthly idea what that could cost.

Just a suggestion.Any thoughts?

Janice

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



HIP I really like the ad idea. I'd leave it to Xita to find the perfect Kitten motif, or lack thereof. Just let entertainment people wonder about the brillance of JW for letting go such an evidently popular actress in a sterling role.



I would love to start conversations like the one below.



"I don't know, Biff. If this Benson/Tara combo was so good why didn't he keep it?"



"Gee Brad, maybe he's not a genius? Could it be he's just a lucky hack?"



"Let's see the numbers for Firefly or whatever it is."







"Yep. He's a hack."



"Yeah, but this Benson has a fanbase. Let's get her."





Thanks for your time,



J

Edited by: jixer at: 11/1/02 10:36:41 am

[BytrSuite]

The certificate that was given to Amber at Sidewalk was to let her know we appreciated what she did on that show. She knows we appreciate her. Many, many kittens continue to show their support by going to her signings and conventions. We let her know in dozens of other ways. She knows.



If you want to do something on your own, that's your own business, but xita just said organizing something else so soon has a chance of 0.

————––

"There's a whole lot of singing that's never gonna be heard

Disappearing everyday without so much as a word somehow"

Edited by: BytrSuite at: 11/1/02 10:54:38 am

[emma peel]

Ouch, BytrSuite. I know "she knows." I already said I was going to send a donation to Trevor in memory of Tara's birthday, even though I've already sent money for us for Trevor as well as sending money for the the tickets that were donated to WebWarlock as well as winning something from Rally on e-Bay.

I guess I was thinking it would be nice for Amber to get something with hundreds of names on it from us. I've only been able to meet Amber once thus far and that was Sidewalk. It's not as easy seeing her and telling her individually what she means to me (us, whomever) if you don't live on the West Coast and have no way of communicating that to her.

I just thought it would be nice for us to give her something for recent events of the last couple of days and for her being such a nice person.

However, as Roseanne Roseannadanna would say, "Never mind."

Janice

[xita]

Janice , Bytrsuite was just restating what I had said right before you posted. I said the odds us organizing something at this time are 0. Sometimes things seem like they aren't a lot of work but they are. We are drained both monetarily and energy-wise. I can't do it anymore, I am still busy with the board, so I haven't even actually taken a real break. I have toyed around with an annual trevor project drive, but you see the key word is annual. I am exhausted.



I think it's a great idea, and you should go ahead and do it if you feel strongly about it.

-------------------------------

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.

[emma peel]

I appreciate everything you do xita, believe me I do. I you. , Just before your response I wrote a check to Trevor in memory of Tara for November 7, which would have been her birthday had Joss not murdered her. (Don't worry, my accompanying note was very tactful. I didn't even mention s name ).

I know you're exhausted. That's why you need to see Amber on November 16, for Amber to enthusiastically shout "xita!!!!" then to give you Amberhugs and Amberhappiness. (I have never seen such a happy individual in my life).

xita, you and the mods rock!

I'm grateful to you for giving us this space. Thanks.

Janice

PS. I'm sending you a question via yahoo shortly. Doesn't require immediate response.

Edited by: emma peel at: 11/1/02 11:57:25 am

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



I second the "mods rock" motion. I can't imagine how much work this takes to keep going.



Thank you very much doesn't come close. How about the mods are the very Heart of Kitteness?





Thank you all,



J

[helpful information perha]

Hope we are all sending post cards!



we need to keep reminding them why they are down 18% from last year!

[Avern1]

Hey. I dont know about relationship between FOX and UPN, but when I read about Ambers troubles with FOX I think that BUFFY is on UPN isnt it ?

And about Joss ,Killer of DREAMS, Whedon - He is leader, creator etc. of Buffy its for him too heavy ask Fox (or anybody) to join Amber ? He say how much he loves Amber but in reality he only say bla, bla.

[BBOvenGuy]

Fox Television - the company, not the network - hires Mutant Enemy to produce the show. Fox Television then sells the show to the UPN network. That's how TV works in the USA.

------------------------------------------------
"A man who fails well is greater than one who succeeds badly. - Thomas Merton