He gets a pass for the first time - but he made the decision to have Veruca with him in his cage whilst still a human, and that's where the infidelity occurred.

Seth even points this out in the commentary for the episode. Oz is the initiatior at every step, he calls Veruca, He invites her to the cage, he pulls her inside...

Though I see what Hec is getting at, too.

Right. He could have had the Scoobies waiting with a second cage and a tranq gun. Or a net. Lots of other ways he could have handled it.

I didn't say Oz didn't bear responsibility - just that his sin was more defensible and less of a betrayal than Willow's actions with Xander. Willow knowingly and consciously played footsie and stole kisses.

As for not calling in the Scoobies with nets and guns - that's a crime all of them are guilty of. They've each gone off on things solo that they shouldn't have with murky motivations.

Mostly though I just like watching Elena defend Willow.

Mostly though I just like watching Elena defend Willow.

I was about to comment on this very thing. LOL!

Elena =/= Free pass for anyone.

I'm all about the personal responsibility, baby. And what Willow and Xander did was wrong, yes, but what Oz and Veruca did was worse, in my book.

but what Oz and Veruca did was worse, in my book

Different book than I've got. Which is fine - just noting the distinction. I respect the thoroughness of your ethical stance.

I would still plead altered consciousness for O/V. Maybe he was taking advantage of it a little, but I don't suppose wolves are known for superego.

I see merit in both arguments. Relationships have never been easy or uncomplicated on this show.

That's true. I guess that leaves us lots to talk about.

I see merit in both arguments.

You wuss! Quit straddling the fence, you moral relativist!