I’m still leaning towards the theory that these are all just wacky AU versions of our beloved characters that Joss came across in a drawer and thought he'd play with. In short: Great story, shame about the characters.

Yup, pretty much sums up S8.

I always come back to this: If Joss hadn't been booted from Wonder Woman, there would be no BtVS Season 8. I really think he is just trying to expand the franchise into new characters because 1)it is the only paycheck he gets these daysand 2)the old characters aren't all his anymore and won't be coming to television ever again.