Why did Oz change?

[Enemies]

After chatting to everyone during last weeks BBTV rewatch I thought I'd start this thread about the change in Oz's character from season 2 into season 3 and beyond. The main topic I wanted to discuss was how much Oz speaks in season two. He's quite the opposite of his more introvert, calm self in season 3. Why do you think that is? Howcome Joss and the crew decided to turn Oz into a quiet, 'monosyllabic' character from the young, fresh character he was in season two?

 

[Taake]

Hm, I think they kind of liked him as the laid-back, monosyllabic guy, it made him seem cool I guess... though honestly I can't remember him being ever particularly chatty 🙂 He more seemed like the type of person that if he had something to say, would say it, and if he didn't then he'd keep quiet. Maybe he was more quiet because he was adjusting to everything in his world (failing to graduate, demons and vampires, being a werewolf) at the time in season 3?

 

[Ripper666]

The writters wanted Willow to break up with Oz because Seth Green wanted to work for his Hollywood-carrier. Don't know why he thought he has to do that but he did. And I think the writters didn't want to come too surprisely(?) with Oz disappearing. There should be an atmosphare like: "Ohoho, I see it coming"" and then this sad top, the seperation. So they decide to let one of the two characters change. Willow was needed for further season so she couldn't change. Oz had to to give us an impression what comes next. Next: A"nother great character who leaves the show!" 🙁

 

[RogueDemonHunter]

I usually catch subtle things like this... I've never noticed any changes in Oz over the seasons, so all I have to add is that I think the writers had asense of where they were going with him, and they did a great job with him.

---------- Post added at 06:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:21 PM ----------

Also, I want to add that Joss loved the character Oz and wanted to keep him much longer than he did, possibly until the end of the series.

 

[ashleigh]

Well I guess in his earlier episodes he didn't really have a lot to worry about, so he could afford to be laid back. Then he has everything thrown at him e.g. discovering vampires are real; becoming a werewolf. I get the feeling that way too much is going on in Oz's brain, and he has no idea how to express himself.

 

[Sweet J]

Also, I want to add that Joss loved the character Oz and wanted to keep him much longer than he did, possibly until the end of the series.

I've never heard that before, could you point me in the direction of where to find this quote?

Back on thread,

I never noticed a change in Oz's character, I think he just got less air time, and less Oz centred episodes in Season 3 in comparison to 2 & 4.