Excellent analysis of Kennedy. I never understood the pairing with Willow, who had previously chosen kind, warm hearted people. Her relationship with Kennedy made me think less of her.
Another thing that bothered me surrounding the character of Kennedy was reading that AH told the actress who played Kennedy (can't remember her name) not to worry about the generally negative reaction to the character. We'd get over it and accept her, just like we got over Oz and accepted Tara. I remember thinking 'Um, no. I don't like Kennedy because she's a pushy, self-important little bitch. And with only a few episodes to go, I don't see that changing.'
I think the problem was they decided to go in the opposite direction, and choose Kennedy as very loud and different from Tara. The thing was they had already failed at that, with the introduction of Riley, who was deliberately written as very straight and boring "boy next door type" to contrast with Angel's whole past and spolit personality deal.
They were obviously considering how to mix it up for the audience, but it was inconsistent with who the character would choose. Willow was not excited at the whole, "don't hog the covers" act from Kennedy. I mean Kennedy invites herself to share a bedroom with Willow, before there was any sign that Willow might be interested back. And Tara had just recently died, why should Willow have to put up with such a person and the unsubtle come-ons.
I think the problem was they decided to go in the opposite direction,
My issue with Kennedy was that they *didn't* really go in the other direction. Beneath the brash and pushy exterior, she was still head of the Go Willow! squad which really isn't something Willow needed, IMO. She needed someone to tell her what for instead of playing the backpatter all the time.
Joss talks about deliberately going for Kennedy as the opposite of Tara, and I think she very much was in terms of arrogant nasty personality, but you're right that it seems all of Willow's lovers must worship her. It's like the writers find it impossible to imagine that she might actually have to be the one chasing someone. Oz and Tara were both all over her from the first, "No you are special. Here, take this priceless articifact of my family's"
Well she never got anywhere with Xander mind you, but that was the only exception from what I remember.
Hee, when I was responding to you, I was thinking Mary Sue. But I'm not sure that's quite accurate, I think it's partly that, and a lot of Aly being Joss's pet. And the writers finding it hard to be objective about anyone not falling for her cuteness. She even manages to wriggle out of singing in the musical, when all the other terrified actors have to just suck it up and deal. (Or, in the case of Michelle, offer to dance instead). Ally didn't really have to do any extra work for that episode, yet Joss still gushes in the commentary about how she had the harder role in having to respond to Amber's singing.
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Another thing that bothered me surrounding the character of Kennedy was reading that AH told the actress who played Kennedy (can't remember her name) not to worry about the generally negative reaction to the character. We'd get over it and accept her, just like we got over Oz and accepted Tara. I remember thinking 'Um, no. I don't like Kennedy because she's a pushy, self-important little bitch. And with only a few episodes to go, I don't see that changing.'
It didn't.
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They were obviously considering how to mix it up for the audience, but it was inconsistent with who the character would choose. Willow was not excited at the whole, "don't hog the covers" act from Kennedy. I mean Kennedy invites herself to share a bedroom with Willow, before there was any sign that Willow might be interested back. And Tara had just recently died, why should Willow have to put up with such a person and the unsubtle come-ons.
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That would be split personality :P
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My issue with Kennedy was that they *didn't* really go in the other direction. Beneath the brash and pushy exterior, she was still head of the Go Willow! squad which really isn't something Willow needed, IMO. She needed someone to tell her what for instead of playing the backpatter all the time.
Also? Kite string. No.
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Well she never got anywhere with Xander mind you, but that was the only exception from what I remember.
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:D
Yeah, that's the brunt of it. I seriously think Joss had some objectivity issues when it came to Willow.
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But anyway *g*