When did you learn of Season Five�s spectacular ending? (Spoilers)

We knew for quite some time. I�ve actually known the [plot of the] entire last season for about three years. There was a dream sequence that Buffy had - I think it was year three - with Faith. Faith had a riddle, and it was something like "Little Miss Muffet, sitting on her tuffet, counting down from whatever the numbers were," and I went to Joss to ask what it meant.

That�s when he explained to me that I was going to have a sister, that Dawn, the character of Dawn, would be coming on the show. I think that�s exactly when I became aware also of what the future plans were, for the big surprise that we�re not mentioning. So I think that was when I found out.