Categories: Season 1, Alternate Reality, Episode Rewrite
Characters: Buffy, Ensemble, Jonathan Levinson
Summary:
Browsing through TV tropes, I saw something very interesting that I didn’t know before. The actor who played Jonathan originally auditioned for the role of Xander, but as we all know didn’t get it. Considering how Jonathan’s character would go on to develop in the show, you have to wonder what might have been.
So here’s the challenge for you: Instead of Xander, Jonathan becomes Buffy’s male best friend. Not that Xander doesn’t exist anymore, but to Buffy he’s just Willow’s friend that she’s crushing on. So more like causal acquaintances. Meanwhile, Jonathan takes his place in S1, and for the rest of the show. It’s up to you how they meet, but it has to take place in Welcome to the Hellmouth.
Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean that things will be the same. Jonathan is a completely different person than Xander, and this should be reflected on how he interacts with the cast on the show. Does he have a crush on Buffy? How do he and Willow interact? Through getting to know Giles and Jenny Calendar, does he learn about his skills in magic earlier than before? What does he think of Angel, or Spike? These are just a few small questions, and there’s seven whole seasons to go through if you choose.
The only must haves are no character bashing, and everyone being in-character. Have fun!