Follow the Leader: Lyta is an extremely powerful redhead with eyes that tend to go black when she uses all of it. In this episode, Byron, who develops romantic feelings for her, compares her to a willow tree! So, where does the analogy go, when Byron ends his parable with this compliment? Another extremely powerful redhead?
Granted this last season was shot with Buffy already being launched - this season and BTVS season 2 was aired at the same time. But the "willow" reference is almost too coincidental. Robin Atkin Downs (Byron), was also the only actor to gain a role in both shows (playing a Monster of the Week in season three).
Considering the timeframe involved, it's highly unlikely that this was a direct reference, as far as JMS was concerned. BVS Willow, during season 2, was not an all-powerful witch yet. Indeed, it was only at the end of the season when she actually pulled off any genuine magic. So at that time, there was basically no relationship between Willow and Lyta, save the fact that they were both redheads.
From the main page:
Considering the timeframe involved, it's highly unlikely that this was a direct reference, as far as JMS was concerned. BVS Willow, during season 2, was not an all-powerful witch yet. Indeed, it was only at the end of the season when she actually pulled off any genuine magic. So at that time, there was basically no relationship between Willow and Lyta, save the fact that they were both redheads.
I'm calling it coincidence.