Question Love her, hate her, don't care, or should have been a different Actress

[Washburne]

Alyson's a decent example since we actually have seen Willow portrayed by another actress. And if Riff was the 2nd best, I'd say, no, the show would not have made 7 seasons without Alyson. Though in fairness, I'd imagine Amy Acker could have done a fair job as Willow.

But what's to say that Riff was second best? If you can imagine an actress you know doing a good job there's a chance there's someone you don't know or didn't think about, or was too "big" to even be considered for the part that could have done a good job as Willow as well. But if we for some reason state the fact that Riff was second best of course I agree that no one could done the job as good or better than Alyson. The problem is that you'll never get me to agree to that statement. You never know how good an actor/actress will be in a part until later.

Spike is a good example of that. If they'd known how good and popular he's going to be they had never thought of him as just monster of the week. The same goes for Angel. He was never intended to stay for long, be a vampire and definitely get his own show.

 

[Buffyverse Fan]

But what's to say that Riff was second best? If you can imagine an actress you know doing a good job there's a chance there's someone you don't know or didn't think about, or was too "big" to even be considered for the part that could have done a good job as Willow as well. But if we for some reason state the fact that Riff was second best of course I agree that no one could done the job as good or better than Alyson. The problem is that you'll never get me to agree to that statement. You never know how good an actor/actress will be in a part until later.

That's fair, and like I said, I think Amy Acker could have done a decent job as well.

Spike is a good example of that. If they'd known how good and popular he's going to be they had never thought of him as just monster of the week. The same goes for Angel. He was never intended to stay for long, be a vampire and definitely get his own show.

I did think about Angel too, but as much as I love DB's portrayal of him, I think the writing stood out more than the acting early on. I'd say many actors could have taken Angel as far as DB did (and I'm a huge fan all around).

With Emma/Anya, I feel the same way. I loved the actress and the character, but do I think someone else could have taken her out of obscurity with the same writing? Sure.

The difference to me is, those characters really followed the story's direction (like almost all of them did). Where I believe that James' and J August's standout acting abilities changed the course of the characters to accommodate their unexpected talent.

 

[dan k]

In regard to Angel i think DB came into his own as the seasons progressed. His portrayal of Angelus was just brillant in my view whilst the same could be said of how he played Angel in LA. Suddenly the character got a sense of humour and DB was able to portray that really well and have me laugh on several occasions. He grew more into the part which makes me glad that he landed the character.

 

[Jojo3000]

Hannigan was the best actress of the Scooby gang... How did she end up doing Date Movie though? :/

 

[Fake Shemp]

i thought everyone loved Willow and Aly, how can someone not?

 

[ApesFindShapes]

I've come to the conclusion that I love Willow because of the way Aly portrayed her. Alyson Hannigan is indeed Willow. It's hard for me to watch American Pie, etc. because I feel like it's Willow in all those silly and absurd scenes. To put it plain and simple, she's adorable. I don't think I could've even pictured Amy Acker doing as fantastic a job. Aly is a talented actress, able to switch from comedy to tragedy in a heartbeat. Plus she has the best facial expressions.

 

[Buffyverse Fan]

I've come to the conclusion that I love Willow because of the way Aly portrayed her. Alyson Hannigan is indeed Willow. It's hard for me to watch American Pie, etc. because I feel like it's Willow in all those silly and absurd scenes. To put it plain and simple, she's adorable. I don't think I could've even pictured Amy Acker doing as fantastic a job. Aly is a talented actress, able to switch from comedy to tragedy in a heartbeat. Plus she has the best facial expressions.

I actually like Alyson more as Lily, I get the impression she prefers Lily as well.

It's interesting, because I hear a lot of people say they much prefer Booth to Angel, and I think David also likes Booth more than Angel. But I still think Angel's a much better character, even though I like Bones too.

 

[dan k]

David will always primarily be Angel and believe me he knows that. :biggrin3:

 

[emmaaarr]

love her no one else would have been able to be a better willow than she was

 

[Willow My Love]

BtVS addresses the messy, directionless topic of 'becoming an adult' better than any so-called 'teen drama' I've ever seen.

I absolutely, 100% agree with this. I've identified with this show a lot as I've grown up.


As for the DB will always be Angel debate, it was his first big acting gig. He was found by walking his dog in LA. A casting director thought he looked the part and told him to come and audition, and he got the par, which is why I think his acting isn't so great at first, but becomes more natural.

And Willow, well, check my name... I adore Willow. I was that girl in high school, and I feel I've more or less come into my own now as an adult.

 

[girlonfire]

Hannigan was the best actress of the Scooby gang... How did she end up doing Date Movie though? :/

That is one question I always wanted to have answered. Here's this amazing actress who can do gritty, serious, heartwrenching scenes and then....Date Movie? I mean, I knew that she was looking to do more comedy but jeeeeez.
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[Justme]

Of the many things I appreciate more with each rewatch Alison Hannigan is one of them.

I didn't care either way at first but now I think she is just amazing, she acts the rest of the cast under the table sometimes.

 

[Tillow4ever]

Wow... I didn't know there were people out there who disliked her. I had no inkling that they existed... or deserved to exist... LOL 😉 No, seriously though. I never knew there was ANYONE who hated Willow... That seems like an impossibility...

Anyways, as you can tell so far, I absolutely LOVE her. And Alyson too. She is my HUGEST crush ever and her acting was the best on the show. Willow was hands down the BEST character. No questions. 😀

 

[Username]

Yes I think we can all agree that Date Movie was crap.

Hannigan was amazing on Buffy, I've seen the unaired pilot where they have someone else for Willow, and she was way wrong for the part. I'm sure they could have had someone other than Hannigan who was just as right but I am just happy they went with Alyson cos she made Willow. Willow is my favorite character and much of that is cos of Alyson Hannigan - for the longest time i thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world 😀

 

[Litheran]

I HATE WILLOW!!!

Wait...are we talking about that Val Kilmer movie with the fantasy stuff....or everyone's favorite wicca?

No single actress comes to mind who could have balanced Willow's jovial nerdyness with her later queen of the dark arts portrayal

I think some people should be forced to watch the un-aired pilot; there's an awkward performance.


P.S. I love the Val Kilmer movie; just needed a good intro. 😀

 

[Tillow4ever]

Yes I think we can all agree that Date Movie was crap.

Hannigan was amazing on Buffy, I've seen the unaired pilot where they have someone else for Willow, and she was way wrong for the part. I'm sure they could have had someone other than Hannigan who was just as right but I am just happy they went with Alyson cos she made Willow. Willow is my favorite character and much of that is cos of Alyson Hannigan - for the longest time i thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world 😀

Yes, Date Movie was horrible... I can't even comment.

And the unaired pilot SUCKED!!!! That other Willow scared me... She was really like the kind of nerd and outcast that are in schools. (NO Offense) But Willow/Alyson was a CUTE/BEAUTIFUL, smart, and talented nerd that made it cool to be an outcast. lol 🙂

Originally Posted by JustMe: Ha I knew I had spelled it wrong but I thought maybe I missed an L. I shant do it again!

Lol. It's cool. But you better not, 'cause then we'll have problems. Jk!