Here, they had an opportunity to tell a new story.
We just wanted to show it in a way where its not super weird.
Rardin adds, Its one of those things where you never plan on that happening.
Credit: Colin Bentley/The CW
Its not that you planned on not having sex, but you want a boyfriend first.
I was surprised at first, she notes.
It made total sense for the character though.
Its only a big deal because of the perception of outside voices.
Theres always value in telling stories or sides of stories we dont usually hear.
Our audience picked up on that, and I felt really proud for trying to protect that choice.
But ultimately, they felt Macys character and upbringing made more sense.
Macy, as a character, doesnt access her emotions very easily, adds Rardin.
While Macy is more of a closed book, empath Maggie is sexually adventurous and overtly passionate.
Maggie, who is a teenager, does have sex and is very open about it.
So its not wanting to say that one way is right, stresses OToole.
Its wanting to depict a healthy female sexuality [no matter your choice].
She just needed it to be the right time with the right person, and there it was.
Macys a pragmatist and she knew it was time.
It doesnt mean she doesnt have feelings and fears.
It was never that drama, angsty version.
I like to think that Macy gained an experience, not that she lost something.
What made this the right time to make that gain?
In this moment, Macy feels closer to him than she ever has before.
As OToole puts it, Prioritizing consent doesnt need to be a big buzz kill.
The moment is far more closed door than most of Maggie and Mels sexual encounters on the series.
The creators say that was purposeful, in keeping with Macys more private personality.
We like to think the characters would want it portrayed that way, laughs OToole.
Any time we tackle something like that even in a small way, muses OToole.
Its really gratifying to see that it does reach people and move them.
That they feel seen.
And maybe thats something akin to magic.
