Buffy big shot Joss Whedon tells TV Guide that Amber Benson, who played the now-shot dead Tara, will not be returning to "Buffy" this season.

He said that Benson and Fox "couldn't work out the right deal" for the actress to return to the show. At one point, it had been rumored that Benson would return in a different role. Now that shan't be happening.

But if you get a chance to see the film Benson wrote and directed, "Chance," do it, because it's good and funny. She's not Tara in it, but James Marsters isn't Spike in it, either. And they're both good.

Whedon reported that Willow, Tara's still-living girlfriend, is still gay. It wasn't just a storyline complication; it will be touched on, so to speak, now that Willow is solo.