 According to Eric Johnson, Whitney finally gets to show a side of himself that Johnson wishes the audience would have been able to see sooner, as Whitney gives Lana a private dance before the prom knowing that she will not be able to go because he is leaving town.To add further depth to his character not previously seen, Millar and Gough decided to send Whitney off to war, instead of killing the character outright.The idea of sending Whitney off to war was something that came to Millar and Gough midway through the season.