Crossovers through different Networks

Last post I covered crossovers on the same network and same night, now I am covering crossovers that happened between different networks. This rarely has happens as networks compete but mostly happens as they are from the same producer.

 

Fox's Ally McBeal/ABC's The Practice (1998)

Since David E. Kelley ran these two shows and they were both hits, ABC and FOX agreed to cross them over. On the night of April 27, 1998, Ally McBeal‘s episode "The Inmates,” Dylan McDermott appeared and an hour later on ABC, Calista Flockheart and Gil Bellows appeared on "The Practice" episode "Axe Murderer."

 

WB's Angel/UPN's Buffy (2003)

Buffy was on the WB but then UPN for Seasons 6 and 7 in 2001-2003. Season 3 of Angel and Season 6 of Buffy had no on-screen crossovers but off-screen, which was played with in the comic books (Dawn, Anya and Xander wondered about the Buffy/Angel encounter). While it did NOT happen on the same night and not crossover many characters, the characters did crossover and bridge a recurring character over. Season 4 of Angel episode "Orpheus" aired March 19, 2003 where Alyson Hannigan (Willow) guest starred and took Eliza Dushku (Faith) with her. Faith reappeared on Buffy on Season Seven's episode "Dirty Girls" which aired on April 15, 2003. Though Willow did get a phone call from Fred in the episode "The Lies My Parents Told Me" which aired March 25, six days after "Orpheus" aired so if Buffy fans didn't know about the crossover and found out through the Buffy show itself, then they would've missed the episode. David Boreanaz (Angel) later appeared on "End of Days" and "Chosen" of Buffy on UPN while his show was still airing on the WB.

 

 John Munch

This character has crossed over networks and genres. He has originated on NBC's "Homicide: Life on the Street," (1993-1999) and when that show was canceled, he later moved on to NBC's "Law & Order: SVU." While he was on Homicide he guest starred on Law & Order in 1996 four times. John Munch has been on SVU since it started in 1999. While he was on "Homicide," he appeared in FOX's sci-fi classic "The X-Files" in 1997 with the Lone Gunmen. In 2000, he appeared on UPN's "The Beat", which was canceled in months. In 2005, he appeared on "Law & Order: Trial by Jury" on NBC. He then appeared on FOX's comedy Arrested Development's season three episode "Exit Strategy" in 2006. In 2008, he appeared on HBO's The Wire's episode "Took." He has also made guest appearances on other types of programs like "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and "30 Rock" (but as the actor himself Richard Belzer).

 

 

Sources:

http://decider.com/2014/09/18/ally-mcbeal-the-practice-crossover/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Munch

Same Network Same Night Crossovers

What I am talking about here is crossovers between shows that happened on the same night and same network. This mostly happened on ABC and NBC. I am referring to crossovers that had a story plot or gimmick that went through the episodes through the night, not an isolated crossover in one episode (like the recent Simpsons/Family Guy episode that was just a Family Guy episode). Also not counting little crossover cameos without a story thread on the same ep. This was mostly done with shows hat had the same producers.

 

NBC's Hurricane Sunday (1991)

Susan Harris had three shows on Saturday night in 1991: "Golden Girls", "Empty Nest" and "Nurses." All shows were set in Miami and a Hurricane occurred. "Golden Girls" was a two-parter and Carol appears in one of the two episodes dating Stan's therapist. Sophia Petrillo was featured in the "Empty Next" episode. On "Nurses," Rose Nylund and Laverne Todd from Empty Nest were featured.

NBC's Blackout Thursday (1994)
On the night of November 3, 1994, 'Friends,' 'Mad About You' and 'Madman of the People' all had a blackout in New York but none of the characters crossover on the show, just the blackout. This was the first season of Friends and Madman lasted one show. Though characters of Mad About You did appear on Friends and confusing Phoebe for her sister Ursula as Lisa Kudrow played both characters. These shows had different producers.

NBC's Law & Order and Homicide: Life on the Street (1996-1997)
On Feb 2, 1996 Law and Order's "Charm City" season 6, episode 13 and Homicide's "For God and Country" season 4, episode 12 were interconnected. Then on November 12, 1997, Law & Order's "Baby, It's You" season eight, episode 6 and Homicide: "Baby, It's You (2)" season 6, episode 5. Finally, February 17th, 1999 saw Law & Order's "Sideshow" season nine, episode 14 & Homicide: "Sideshow (2)" season 7, episode 15

 

 ABC'S TGIF Time Event (1997)

The night of November 7, the four shows "Boy Meets World," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," and two sitcoms that newly premiered that season and were canceled the next--the 'I dream of Jeannie' gender-swap "You Wish" and the 'male' Sabrina "Teen Angel." The thread was that Salem the cat ate a 'time ball' and took the different sitcoms through different times. The last show of the night "Teen Angel" actually had Melissa Joan Hart in it and guest star. Many people are confused when seeing "Boy Meets World" in syndication and see Salem and not understand why. Sabrina the Teenage Witch went to the 60's. Boy Meets World was swept into the 40's, You Wish to the 60's and Teen Angel to the 70's. Some of these shows had different producers.

NBC's The Pretender and Profiler (1999)
Five years after Susan Harris' comedies were over, Saturday night was the night for The Pretender and Profiler. On May 18, "The Pretender" Season 3 episode "End Game" and  Profiler's Season 3, ep 19 -"Grand Master". Pretender's Season 4 ep "Spin Doctor" lead to Profiler's "Clean Sweep." And Profiler's "Pianissimo" had a cameo from a Pretender character.

 

The WB's Buffy and Angel Crossovers (1999-2000)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) had various crossovers with Angel (1999-2004) like "The Harsh Light of Day" (season 4 of Buffy) and "In the Dark" (Angel season 1) on the same night of October 19, 1999. November 23rd had "Pangs" of Buffy and "I will Remember You" on Angel. Faith crossovered from Buffy episode "Who are you?" to Angel episode "Five by Five" but not on the same night. Buffy appeared on "Sanctuary" and then Angel in "The Yoko Factor" but not on the same night. The WB would not do a same night event until November 14, 2000 that had the episodes "Fool For Love" (season 5 of Buffy) and "Darla." (season 2 of Angel) Other characters like Drusilla, Harmony and Willow would crossover but it wasn't the same night nor a main storyline. Buffy moved to UPN for season 6 and there was no more crossovers until season 4 of Angel and Buffy season 7 but I will cover that in the next post. Both shows were produced by Joss Whedon.

 

ABC's 2009 Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice Crossover Event

After the success of Addison returning to Seattle for an ep, the idea of a big crossover between the 2 shows was created. Both the creative forces behind the series and the network wanted to produce. The fourth crossover was marketed as the "Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice Crossover Event" by ABC. It was the episodes : Beat Your Heart Out (GA), Acceptance (PP), Before and After (GA), Ex-Life (PP), and An Honest Mistake (GA). Both shows had the same producer.

 

Fox's Seth Macfarlane's Night of the Hurricane

The event depicts a hurricane which hits the towns of Stoolbend (The Cleveland Show), Quahog (Family Guy) and Langley Falls (American Dad). The "Night of the Hurricane" block is similar to the NBC "Hurricane Saturday" block with three series created by Susan Harris—The Golden Girls, Empty Nest and Nurses. It was originally scheduled to air on May 1, 2011, but was delayed after the April 25–28, 2011 tornado outbreak. It ultimately aired on October 2, 2011.

The CW's "The Brave and the Bold" Crossover Event
Even though Barry/The Flash has originated on "Arrow" (two episodes), there was recently a crossover between the two shows. Also Felicity has guest starred in 2 episodes so far. On December 3, 2014, The Flash's "Flash Vs Arrow" and Arrow's "The Brave and the Bold." Also Grant Gustin appeared on "The Calm" in October.

 



Possible New Heroes to join for Avengers 2

Avengers 2 has been confirmed and so has new heroes. Joss Whedon has said there are too little women so we might get more girls. But we don't know if Joss will be doing the sequel. Most likely he will because it would be mistake for that not to happen. Next up are Iron Man 3 and Thor 2 for 2013, Captain America 2 most likely for 2014 and an Ant Man movie. There is no word yet for a Hawkeye, Black Widow or Hulk movie. I don't think they should have any. Hulk movies don't work, the reason Hulk works here is because less of him is good and with an ensemble, he can shine more. Here are some of my 'dream casting' ideas, I put three actors as possible candidates I think fit the bill either visually or acting wise. Usually one will be a Joss-nite, an actor or actress frequently in Joss' works.

Ant Man

He will have his own movie, but no actors have been mentioned yet. The first Ant Man, Hank Pym got exposed to particles and could shrink. He is best known for beating his wife.

Potential Actors: Nathan Fillion, Phil Winchester, and Sean Maher

My reasons: Nathan Fillion is best known for 'Castle' and Joss Whedon's 'Firefly'/Serenity. Nathan Fillion's name has been going around by fans but I don't want him to be Ant Man, neither does my best friend Cyn who HATES Ant Man and doesn't think he should have a movie. Phil Winchester is a cutie, he is also a fan favorite. He is best known for 'Camelot', 'Crusoe', and Flyboys. Sean Maher is also from 'Firefly'/Serenity, I think he has  a brilliance in his eyes and also a quiet anger in him.

 Wasp

Wife of Ant Man, she was exposed to his Pym particles and sprouted wings. In the comics, she was the victim of domestic abuse by her husband. I am sure if Joss is in charge, she will be empowered.

Potential actresses: Morena Baccarin, Milla Jovovich and Elizabeth Moss

My reasons: Lots of fans already like Morena for the role. She is best known for the recent "V" remake and Joss' series "Firefly." Sure Milla has been in crappy superheronie movies like Resident Evil, Ultraviolet, Joan of Arc and Fifth Element, but I think under Whedon's 'wing,' she can be spectacular. Elizabeth Moss of "Mad Men" also packs a punch.

Ms. Marvel

One of my favorites. She was the source of the powers of Rogue from X-Men. Her powers were also connected to Captain Marvel. It might be hard to adapt her. She can fly and has super strength. I liked her in her first self-titled comic was that Carol Danvers wasn't even aware of her own super identity.

Potentials: Ali Latner, Meaghan Martin, and Elizabeth Banks

My reasons: Ali Latner would be a perfect choice in my eyes. She is best known for "Heroes." She can be both funny and serious. Meghan Martin because she's younger and also a Disney-nite, having done "Camp Rock 2" and "10 Things I hate about you" short-lived TV sitcom based on the movie. Elizabeth Banks ('30 Rock,' Hunter Games and 'Scrubs') can be funny and strong.

 Scarlet Witch

I've been wanting her because for me, she is one of those iconic images of the Avengers. She is the daughter of Magneto, the twin sister of Quicksilver, The Scarlet Witch is a mutant who had the ability to manipulate probability via her "hexes".

Potentials: Eliza Dushku, Indian Eisley, and Sarah Hyland

My reasons: Some fans have mentioned Eliza, even though I love her, I am not sure if she fits the bill but stranger things have happened. Eliza is a Whedonite doing Faith in both 'Angel' and 'Buffy' and also in 'Dollhouse' for Whedon. Indian Eisley is young if they choose to go young and best known for 'Secret Life of the American Teenager'. Sarah Hyland is best known for 'Modern Family' and Disney Channel's "Geek Charming." I would also vote for Mila Kunis ("That's 70's Show", "Family Guy") or Lea Michele ("Glee").

Quicksilver

I don't know much of him. He is the son of Magneto, the twin brother of the Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver is a mutant capable of moving and thinking at superhuman speeds.  Both Fox and Marvel own him and Scarlet Witch because they were both part of X-Men and the Avengers. If Fox choose to use them first, it is possible Marvel and Disney can't. It is a strange middle area.

Potentials: Cam Gigandet, Alexander Skarsgard, and James Marsters

My reasons: You don't have to be a blonde to be Quicksilver but it helps (plus all 3 of my choices have played vampires). Michael Fassbender could also be a choice but he was Magento in X-Men Origins: First Class. Cam Gigandet (Never Back Down, Twilight) is much more for youth and looks. Alexander Skarsgard and James Marsters may not look like it but they are a bit long in the tooth. All three are super hot. Alexander is a big deal in his home of Sweden, he plays Eric in 'True Blood'. James Marsters is a Whedonite, best known as Spike in 'Buffy' and 'Angel' and Brainaic in 'Smallville'.

Namor

Namor is the sea prince, Marvel's equivalent to Aquaman but more snarky and powerful. He is a stuck-up snob and also a badass fighter. He is another of my favorites.

Potentials: Adrien Brody, Jason Behr and Ed Westwick

My reasons: Adrien Brody hasn't done anything substantial since The Pianist and King Kong and recently he did the snore-bore Predators. He has this skinny lanky-ness of him and I am a sucker for big noses. Also, he is a good actor. Jason Behr is best known for 'Roswell' and recently was in 'Breakout Kings.' I think he'd be good at snarkness. Ed Westwick is king of snarkiness and stuck-up-ness, he is best known for 'Gossip Girl.'

The Vision

The robot Ultron is the creator of the Vision, a type of android he calls a "synthezoid", for use against Ultron's own creator, Dr. Henry Pym. he can fire beams of infrared and microwave radiation.

Potentials: Clark Gregg, Michael Duncan Clark, Benedict Cumberbatch

My Reasons: Clark Gregg played Phil Coulson who got killed in Avengers movie and appeared in Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor and also in the animated "Ultimate Spider-Man." But rumors are that he can come back and be brought back as an android. Benedict Cumberbatch of BBC's Sherlock has been a fan favorite, my friend Doug might not agree.

Black Panther

The Black Panther's name predates the October 1966 founding of the Black Panther Party, The Black Panther is the ceremonial title given to the chief of the Panther Tribe of the advanced African nation of Wakanda. He eats a heart-shaped herb which grants him superhuman senses and increases his strength, speed, and agility to the peak of human development. In some versions, he has a resistance to magic.

Potentials: Robert Ri'chard, Lee Thompson Young, and Tristan Wilds

My Reasons: Robert Ri'chard is best known for 'Meet the Browns,' 'Cousin Skeeter' and Coach Carter. Lee Thompson Young is known for 'The Famous Jett Jackson,' 'Smallville' and 'Rizzoli & Isles.' Tristan Wilds is known for "90210."

She-Hulk

Her cousin Bruce Banner gave her blood through a transfusion after an accident and she became the She-Hulk. Jennifer was also part of the S.H.E.I.L.D. She also broke the fourth wall like Deadpool. Also, since we already have the Hulk, do we really want another? And Hollywood skimped on green women... remember the Star Trek remake movie in which Kirk's green woman was just an Earthling with makeup on?

Potentials: Eliza Dushku, Olivia Wilde, Abby Elliott

My Reasons: I think Eliza would be better for She-Hulk, that's why I have her here. Olivia Wilde is best known for Cowboys and Aliens, Tron Legacy and 'The O.C.' and Abby Elliott is from 'Saturday Night Live' and daughter of Chris Elliott, sure she is comedian but I wouldn't thought of Anne Hathaway for Catwoman. I also think She-Hulk needs a razor sharp wit and I think Abby has it.

Buffy Season 5 reference in Daily Show

Jon Stewart was mentioning Big Brother as the government last night's episode (December 14) and then decided they don't need a Big Brother but a Big Sister... in comes footage of the episode "Blood Ties" of Season 5 of Joss Whedon's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" where Buffy beats up Glory for bothering her sister Dawn. 'Big Brother' is a reference to the novel 1984 (written in 1949 by the way) by "George Orwell" also known as Eric Arthur Blair. For those to young to know, 1984 is about the future as it was written 1949 where the government, or Big Brother would gave the public no privacy at all or freedom. Kudos to Jon and crew to reference Joss' Buffy.

Toy Story Trilogy Review

Toy Story

In 1995, the first computer-animated movie was released. I can see this movie over and over again, it is the most original movie to be related to Disney. Pixar, by no question, are better storytellers than the current Disney brood. We all know the story behind the scenes, of Black Friday where they had a badass Woody and the movie almost got canceled (partly because Katenzberg asked for 'more edge') and how it began with the short film "Tin Toy" and it was going to be a TV movie but then get upgraded to movie by Disney. Woody originally was a ventriloquist dummy and Buzz was to be red and more theatrical. In the final project, Woody indeed had some edge. The Plot: Woody is Andy's favorite toy and Buzz Lightyear becomes the new favorite toy. Andy is jealous of Buzz, who isn't aware he is a toy and thinks he is an actual hero. Andy gets Buzz knocked out the window, Andy has no choice to take Woody out with him and Buzz follows them. They end up getting lost and kidnapped by Sid, who threatens to blow them up.

At the point where Buzz is accidentally dropped out of the window, the movie felt a bit alienating but the movie did get pretty good with the emotional stuff where the toys end up in Sid's House. One of my favorite writers Joss Whedon helped with the structure of the movie, the only thing he can remember writing was "Wind the Frog." So they added the frog toy. One idea Joss had was to have Barbie, but Mattel didn't allow it. I liked their reason, that little girls have a vision for how Barbie should be and didn't want to give one solid vision. Joss wanted Barbie to be tough and hero and be like Sarah Connor. The humans do get kind of creepy looking and seeing it 15 years later, the movie does look old, the computer graphics are great but they do look outdated. But I still like the design and style. I saw the movie in the theaters, had the tape and recently got the DVD.

Toy Story 2
Released in 1999, I was already 17 and didn't see the movie in theaters. I did rent the movie and having no expectations, I was pleasantly surprised. I thought having Jesse was a bit too tacked on, like adding a female character that looks like the male protagonist but it was a clever story. Woody was from his own franchise, like the Buzz franchise, three toys from the franchise had different stories. Jesse had abandonment issues, Stinky Pete was a jerk--haven't be rejected and never been bought and the horse Bullseye, who is like a dog--loyal and caring. We also got the villain Al (Wayne Knight). Another stroke of genius was to have Kelsey Grammer as the voice of Stinky Pete. Andy had grown up a bit and Woody was convinced to be a collectible because he knew Andy would soon abandon him like Jesse was. I liked how Jesse had some edge, she wasn't easily pushed over. Buzz leads a group of our favorite characters: Potato Head, Hamm and Rex and have a heck of an adventure to get Woody.

I did like how they got to all be outside and far from their house for once, the movie was a bit like the first one where Woody saved Buzz and now Buzz saved Woody, but I think it was different conceptually and structurally. It does make me wonder if the creators had in purpose that the villains of the first two movies: Sid and Al, both male, abuse or do things to toys in different ways. Sid was creative with his toys, he abused some (blowing up a Commander Carl) and mutated some (the Spider Baby). Al was a collector, he left his toys on shelves to collect dust. The only character flaws they had was Sid didn't respect his toys and Al was just greedy (money). The other villain Stinky Pete was conniving, smart and vengeful. One flaw in the movie is how Buzz quickly scoffed at Woody wanting to be a collectible so quickly, it would have helpef to have more context or lines about it.

Toy Story 3
11 years after the sequel and 15 years after the first one, we all know the story how Disney threatened to make their own 3rd movie without Pixar. Pixar blew them out of the water with their concept. A fully realized concept that fits right in with the other two movies with plenty of references to the movies. The beginning dream sequence is a more bloated and elaborate opening where Andy played with his toys in the first movie, with the additions of Buzz, Jesse, Bullseye, Mrs. Potato Head, and three Aliens. Andy has grown up and is plenty cute, he is off to college and hasn't played with his toys for years. He has only kept 11 toys: Woody, Buzz, Jesse, Bullseye, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Hamm, and the three aliens (for some reason). I am sure lots of people have seen the movie, and you haven't, you should see because it's great, so I'm going spoil anyway.

Andy is told to put garbage in black garbage bags and stuff to go to college in college box. He puts Woody in his college box and the others in a garbage bag, planning to put it in the attic. He goes to help his little sister and leaves the bag. The attic ladder is closed by accident. The toys are insulted and disappointed they are in the garbage and have no idea he meant to put them in the attic. Mom finds the bag and puts it on the curb. Sid makes a cameo as a garbageman. The toys escape the garbage and go in a box that will go to Sunnyside daycare, Woody tries to deter them but ends up going with them. The daycare seems like paradise, Woody escapes but ends up being taken by a cute little creative girl by the name of Bonnie. The toys soon find out that the daycare is no heaven, they are trashed and abused by pre-school babies and it was all engineered by the Care Bear-like Lotso, who was originally supposed to be in the Tin Toy TV Movie. Lotso has an interesting backstory and is much like Stinky Pete as they are evil toys. Ken doll is a interesting character, as he initially is Lotso's soldier but slowly becomes one of the good guys.

Barbie, even though being Andy's sister Molly's old toy, does stick with the other toys and come through for them. Ken's initial outfit is based on Safari Ken, the producers had found him in Keeping Ken but have not credited the webmaster for it. The webmaster was hoping for tickets to the premiere but who knows if it happened. The movie gets pretty dark and I like it, it is deliciously dark. There is a creepy symbol monkey, which I covered before that I was scared of. The eyes are the freakiest part. Anyway, my 23-year-old nephew told me the movie would make me cry as he did. I started crying at the part where after the toys escape the daycare, end up in a garbage dump and are about to be incinerated in big fire. They all have been through so much and I see these toys, that we have grown to love for 15 years, as a set, inseparable. Lots of people identify with Andy and toys because when the first movie came out, those kids that saw it, are now college age, much like the real life voice actor, John Morris, was 8 when the first movie was recorded and is now 25, he has provided the voice for all 3 movies. The ending is very touching as Andy says goodbye to his toys and there is a happy ending, albeit bittersweet.

Glee Dream On Episode Review

"Dream On"

I had to review this episode directed by Joss Whedon! He said he wanted it to be seamless in with the rest of the Glee episodes and not seem too much like 'his episode.' When he directed The Office, I could tell he directed it... only for one scene where Pam is all alone at her Art Show, except for of course when Michael comes in. Anyway, I usually watch Lost and record Glee because Glee is happier and I want to watch happy after serious. But tonight, I watched Glee in HD for Neil Patrick. Neil Patrick is tour-de-force giving the whole complexity of his character who appears in just this one episode. His duet with Will on "Dream On" is awesome. Neil plays an ex-rival of Will in High School and is bitter, and wants to cut the program. Will is able to convince Bryan Ryan to change his mind and they audition for a role in a play. Sue doesn't play a part until the Third Act. Bryan and Sue even have sexual chemistry, they actually have sex (off-screen). But they actually have chemistry. Also, Jesse is back and he is pretty sexy. Artie and Tina's romance continues as Artie's dream to be a dancer is revealed.

SPOILERS ABOUND
Recently there was controversy about a writer saying gay men can't pull off playing straight. Even though Sue and Bryan are both played by openly-gay actors, the chemistry is still there. You are convinced they will have naughty yucky sex. And in a SHOCKER, the coach of New Directions turns out to be Rachel's real mom. Jesse's true intentions are revealed. I originally thought it was that he was in love with his coach, since she looked like Rachel and kissed her, like he was kissing his coach. But in reality, his coach got him to 'befriend' Rachel in order to get her to look for her because she can't legally reach out for her. Rachel's emotional duet in the end, which is a bit Buffy musical-ish, unfortunately and fortunately. It is done beautiful. Kevin Mchale's boybander skills are also seen in a dream sequence. Whedon knows how to get to the heart, but not too mushy.

Joss Whedon to Direct Avengers Movie!

Variety and E! Online confirmed that Joss Whedon ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Firefly") will direct the Avengers movie featuring Iron Man, Captain America, the Incredible Hulk and Thor. It is to be released in theaters May 4, 2012. The above picture is inaccurate because it has Venom and Wolverine, but they were Avengers once. I am happy for Whedon. He didn't get to do Wonder Woman, but he has written for the X-Men comics, so directing this is natural. People should have no fear in his movie directing skills, that he only directed Serenity, but he has directed many Buffy and Angel episodes and studied film-making. And he knows comics very well. SO this is the best move the powers that be have ever done since Singer and X-Men and Raimi and Spider-Man.

Source:
E! Online

Dollhouse Series Finale Tonight

Don't forget! The Series Finale of Dollhouse airs tonight at 8pm on FOX! It is a continuation of the special DVD episode "Epitaph One." Yes, the show has been canceled but at least FOX has aired all the episodes, well except for Epitaph One of course.

Alert Buffy fans! If You haven't read the comics, don't look online!

There is a big Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer spoiler is coming issues of the comic books so if you haven't read the Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 8 comics, read them! And don't search anything online! Definitely DON'T READ WIKIPEDIA! Because that's what I did and that's how I was spoiled. The #24 issue cover was released earlier this week and fans have been spoiled to the identity of Twilight, the Big Bad villain of Season 8.

Dollhouse Episode 6: Damn Good

Dollhouse has been good but it has gotten Whendon-good, supposedly this is the last epiosde that the FOX network has tampered with. Thank god it hasn't been canceled yet, "Wonderfalls" only lasted 4 episodes. It has the Whedon-ian twists. The detective in search of the Dollhouse has finally fond Echo face to face, but she is programmed to be Patton Oswalt's wife. He is always delightful to watch and the go-to guy to be a prick. Anyhoo, the trail goes cold and Ballard hooks up with his plus-size neighbor Mellie who has been flirting with him. In the Dollhouse, while Victor has been getting boners for Sierra, there is suspicion she has been raped. Echo's father-like keeper finds out it is Sierra's jackass protector and he is punished... by being assigned to kill Tahmod's neighbor... SPOILER ALERT in white

So in a turn of events, while Echo is sent to distract Agent Ballard while Sierra's handler is sent to kill Mellie but the catch is that Mellie is actually an active and is activated to kill the rapist employee. Just like Victor's actor Enver Gjokaj was originally said to be hired as Victor, then then revealed to be Lubov, but then hired to be Victor. Joss Whedon has stated about Miracle Laurie (Mellie) that "the show simply moves too fast now for me to do what I wanted with her". He has hinted, however, that the character November may emerge later in the series.

Cool Show.

Dollhouse Episode One Review

When I first heard Eliza Dushku (the only woman I lusted for, Faith the Vampire Slayer is my favorite) was teaming up with Joss Whedon, who hasn't been on television since 2004, I was worried. Worried that television network execs would stiffle the brilliant Whedon once again and cancel the show. Re-shooting the pilot and having it on dead-slot Friday with the walking dead show "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" were not good signs. Even during the two shows on the premiere night, they had Whedonian women Summer Glau (River from "Firefly") and Eliza Dushku host the night and promise to be 'strong' and 'sexy' women and that Friday would be 'date night.' Felt very transparent and cheesy. The show itself had multiple commercial breaks that either lasted 60 or 90 seconds with Eliza nude in the bumpers.

The show itself, I felt like I wanted more when it was over. The show was worth the re-shoots, even though there is Whedonian dialouge, especially when it comes to the character of Topher (Fran Kranz) but it slowly starts to feel like a completely different universe. Topher might seem like a geek but there is always more than meets the eye in the Whedon universe, he seems creepy and evil to me, even by the first episode. According to Joss, he made the decision to do the re-shoots because he was imnersing himself in the world, which he always does and decided to serve more of a template. "Dollhouse" is about a secret underground organization that takes people they call "Actives" and erase all their personality and imprint them with a new one depending on a case on case basis for their cilents, such as a negotiator, bounty hunter, sexy date, etc. This show is to meant to show Eliza's talents as an actress but some are concerned if the audience will tune in every week to see a new character but I don't think that will be a problem.

Amy Adams (Fred on "Angel") is also in the show, in a much more serious role and different voice tone than Fred Burkle but seeing her with Eliza still felt like Faith and Fred. Of course, this show has to have a male romantic interest for Echo and it is the form of dectective Paul Ballard (Battlestar Galacta's Tahmoh Penikett), who is a hopeless hero whose bosses don't believe about the Dollhouse but he won't give up. And Echo has a father-figure who cares about him like Boyd Langdon (Harry Lennix from "24"). On VH1's "Best Week Ever," Joss Whedon came on with Eliza Dushku and were pushed to spill spoilers for "Dollhouse" and did reveal that, "Buffy and Angel crossover with the Terminator." And then said something else impossible. It was hiliarious. The host then got 're-programmed.'

Vampire Shows Post-Buffy and Angel

I was watching one of my favorite shows "Angel" and thought about how after "Angel" and "Buffy" ended, how there now has been a surge of vampire shows. I am referring to "Blood Ties," "Moonlight" and the new "True Blood." Three shows is not much of a surge but it is really curious. Even though vampire fans have complained about how "Angel" and "Buffy" weren't all about vampires, the two shows really change things for the vampire genre. Great special effects and the shows were higher brow that anything else could muster. "Forever Knight" was great but it is less in the cult totem-pole than the aforementioned shows. "Moonlight" is the only show out of the three that was on a network and it got canceled. "Moonlight" was also produced by David Greenwalt, who spear-headed "Angel." But it had different vampire rules than "Angel" and most vampire lore. "Blood Ties" is on Lifetime and I think it is coming back, but is overall unknown. It has lasted two seasons. "True Blood" is on HBO, recently started and much more dark and sexual and gory than anything. I am not saying these shows came up because of "Angel" and "Buffy," plus that "Angel" ended in 2005. Before "Buffy," there was a long lull of vampire shows, not many, so it is curious to me that they are attractive now. I just hope they push the envelope, I am sure "True Blood" is going to do that. But I don't want them to ruin the lore, play with and use it like the other two shows did.

My Moonlight Review
My Blood Ties Review

Angel: After the Fall 1-10 Review

Angel: After the Fall started November 21, 2007 and I think it is a good series. Like some critics have said, that the first issue is a bit confusing to new readers. For years, fans have been crazy mad to find out what happened to our friends at the end of season five where they met an army from Wolfram & Hart in a rainy alley. The series doesn't start at the same moment but some time after it. Los Angeles has been sucked into hell and unbeknownst to the rest of the world. There is a giant magical wall holding everyone prison. And our friends have changed significantly since we last saw them. Wesley is a ghost, Illyria is shifting back and forth to Fred, Connor is a hero, and Spike is helping him, when not trying to protect people from Illyria, who can also make time loopy again. Also in for the fun is Angel's ex-girlfriend Nina the werewolf from Season Five, Gwen the lighting lass from Season Four, Groosalugg from Season 2-3, and former cop Kate, from Season 1 & 2--but she hasn't seen Angel yet. Nor does Angel know she has interacted with Connor. And Angel and Gunn? Um... Gunn is a vampire out for revenge on Angel... who is now human.

It is not called Season Six like the Buffy continuation because Joss Whedon wished to separate the two. He said he was used elements he was planning to use for Season Six in this, but it isn't exactly what he was meant to be for Season Six. The dragon Angel wanted to 'get' has become his friend and a character from the comics has joined the canon--Beta George, a psychic fish. The overall plot of 'After the Fall' is Angel trying to challenge the 'Lords of L.A.,' who are all in control of LA and are demons. Two of the lords are Illyria and Lorne--who has made a safe haven. Meanwhile, Gunn plots his revenge. Illyria doesnt appear until the end of Issue 2 and Spike until Issue 3. Spike lives with Illyria in Beverly Hills with a group of warrior women, one is called Spider.

Spoilers:
Issues 6-8 are called 'First Night,' which details the adventures of most of our characters after everything went to hell like Lorne, Connor, Spike, Illyria/Fred, Kate (her only appearance is in Issue 7) Wesley, Gwen and Gunn. So because they are sent to hell and both the sun and moon are out, everyone's powers are wonky such as Illyria, Gwen (she got a cure in season 4 which is now defunct), and Nina (who is between werewolf and human). Also, Connor has feelings for Gwen. And Spider, who might have had sex with Spike (not so clear), was seen flirting with Groo. Angel is revealed not to be a vampire at the end of Issue 3, Illyria reveals she can turn into a 'real' Fred to Wesley at the end of Issue 5. Illyria revealed to Wesley, who still has his corpse in case there is a loophole out of his contract with Wolfram & Hart, that Fred is still inside her in Issue 9. It still hasn't been explained how Angel became human but it did show Gunn finding out he was turned into a vampire, and the night in the rain in the alley hasn't been shown yet.


After Issue 10, there is a spin-off 4-issue comic called Spike: After the Fall, only the first issue has been revealed so far. Spike is seen taking care of a group of people, along with Illyria, which kills anything in her path and then suddenly turns into Fred. Also, it seems it is showing the beginning of how Spike and Illyria met the women (and Spider) to take over Beverly Hills.

The art is beautiful in all the comics, even though they stray away from it in different styles for "First Night," which gets a bit questionable. The writing is just as great as the show. Even though the mood is pretty low in Issue 1, the momentum picks up.

Dr. Horribe's Sing-Along Blog Review

Each act starts with Neil Patrick Harris' puppy-eye face. In th first act, he answer questions to supposed readers of his blog. The first half establishes the story of Dr. Horrible being a regular guy Billy who wanted to be part of a villain league and the leader is so horse guy (Bad Horse--could be a cowboy). His sidekick is a sweaty guy played by comedian Simon Helberg. The story is pretty cut and dry, heroes vs. villain and boy likes girl (Felicia Day) and other guy gets girl. His plan is to make a freeze ray to conquer the world and win the heart of a girl he is in love with and hasn't ever spoke to her. Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion) is Dr. Horrible's rival superhero, who is stuck-up one-dimensional dense guy. When you think the songs won't come, they do, 3 minutes into the first act. Whedon hasn't let go his musical M.O. from "Once More With Feeling" of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." The lyrics are still witty and thoughtful, there are overlapping codas and characters sing their songs together with similar music but not the same lyrics. The songs aren't very sing-along-y because we don't know the songs and sometimes the lyrics aren't so audible. I guess if he wanted to have people singing-along to the songs, he would have added lyric subtitles. But I think that would be garish and annoying.

Quotes: "How is cheesy on the outside?" "Oh goodness, would you look at my wrist?"

[Cast and Crew (from L to R): Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, Joss Whedon, Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, Felicia Day, Zack Whedon]
In Act Two, Billy/Horrible contemplates killing Mr. Horrible and doesn't he can do it. But, when Captain Hammer discovers that Penny's friend Billy is really Dr. Horrible and that he loves Penny, so Hammer threatens that he will have sex with Penny because she is in love with him. This opens up a great song "It's a Brand New Day." As for the performances, Niel has a great singing voice and he is just plain adorable, very cute in many scenes. Those eyes, swoon. He makes you feel for this pathetic, delusional and complicated schlub. He has good timing but sometimes when being 'romantic' with Penny, it comes up more disinterested. Nathan Fillion is just hamming it up, he is a formidable opponent in Act 2, personally, more than fighting-wise--which is classic Whedon, hit them where it hurts. Felicia Day as Penny has a great wardrobe and enforces her place as cute and sweet leading lady. I have loved her since she was Vi in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." At least one song of each act is memorable and catchy. The directing and cinematography are good. Some shots are victim of bad daylighting and seem to be doctored digitally.

Act 3 has cameos from Marti Noxon and David Fury, who sung in "Once More With a Feeling." Fury was the Mustard Guy and Noxon was the Parking Meter Lady, which they reprise in the episode "Selfless" in voice-over when Anya sang. They cameoed as newcasters here. Act 3 is much more hilarious, with plenty of what I call good gay jokes, positive I mean. Captain Hammer does a speech that slowly transforms from a speech to a poem to a song, real cool. Do you get the feeling that the Dr. Horrible will win? Not really. But there is a good twist. When the good guy doesn't turn out to be so good. It's not about the win. And of course, Whedon always goes for the hurt. And hurt is good. It is expected but it's good, it's Whedon.

Each Act is approx. 13 minutes long, the last one is almost 16 minutes. The entire 42-minute show will stay up through July 20. The first act got so many visits, that the server crashed and they had to get a new one. It was written with Maurissa Tanchareon, Jed and Zack Whedon; Joss wrote and directed.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

"The story of a low-rent super-villain, the hero who keeps beating him up, and the cute girl from the laundromat he’s too shy to talk to. Featuring Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) as Dr. Horrible, Nathan Fillion (Serenity, Desperate Housewives) as Captain Hammer, Felicia Day (Vi from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as Penny and a cast of dozens. Written by Joss Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon, and Zack Whedon. Directed by Joss Whedon. Produced by David Burns, Michael Boretz, and Joss Whedon. Music by Joss Whedon and Jed Whedon. Lyrics by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen. Score and Orchestration by Jed Whedon."

It was written during the strike, Jed is Joss' brother.

Check out Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

Angel After the Fall: Cover Mystery Man discovered!

Maybe I am a bit late, probably since this issue came out last month but anyway, I have been reading both the Buffy and Angel official continuity comics and both are gorgeously written and drawn but Issue #5 of "Angel: After the Fall" features a group shot but one mystery man character that was left undefined. Writer Brian Lynch clears it up on his myspace page (link below). It is Groo, who appears in the issue and the last issue. Just so happens the cover was drawn before the issue was finished because of publicity reasons. They were planning to show the Groo we saw when we last saw him with his hair cut (in Season 3) but Lynch figured it was lame and it was better to have old Groo instead of new Groo.

For those who know haven't read the books but have seen the show, these are characters above:

Top: Angel's Dragon (the one he said he would slay but ended up befriending) and Beta George (a psychic fish from Lynch's other comics that joined the continuity)

Clockwise: Gunn, Connor, Nina the werewolf (Season 5), Lorne, Spike, Angel, Illyria, Gwen (the lightning lass from Season 4), Wesley (with the glasses of course), and Groosalugg.


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25th William S. Paley Television's - Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Media's 25th annual Paley Television Festival at the Arclight Cinema was at the Paley Center on March 20. Most of the cast of my favorite show ever, got along fine Thursday when they reunited for a panel discussion at the William S. Paley Television Festival. Sarah Michelle Gellar said she was surprised to find out moments before the reunion that her character recently had her first sexual tryst with a woman in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight," a comic book series that picks up where the show ended. Gellar also reminisced about auditioning 11 times before landing the role of Buffy Summers. -The Associated Press

Amber Benson ("Tara") just sold a series of fantasy books to Penguin.

Emma Caulfield ("Anya") just got back from doing charity work in Africa. She also has two movies coming out: TiMER and Why Am I doing this?.

Charisma Carpenter doesn't seem to have any immediate projects at the time. James Marsters just finished shooting Dragonball and is working on Torchwood.

Up next for Nicholas Brendon ("Xander") is the movies The Portal and Blood on the Highway.

Seth and Sarah seemed very chummy in a variety of pictures. Sarah Michelle Gellar also just returned from Africa where she did work for CARE. Up for Seth is Old Dogs and The Brazilian Job. Fans really want Oz back in the comics, here is hoping Whedon keeps it in mind.

Michelle Trachtenberg just wrapped Seventeen Again and Kids in America with Topher Grace. She will also guest star on Gossip Girl, which Entertainment Weekly recently reported they were still looking for a girl to cast as a villain... they wanted Mischa Barton, but thankfully she said no. Trachtenberg played a bitch before, on "Six Feet Under."

digitalspy reorts: Whedon suggested that a musical outing might be a future possibility: "I would love to take Buffy to Broadway... you would have to start from scratch. I've spent some time daydreaming about it, because I'm me."

Alyson Hannigan ("Willow") was also there but for "How I Met Your Mother." Eliza Dushku ("Faith") and Hannigan's names were both in the program and on the press releases, but weren't present for the Buffy reunion. Anthony Stewart Head was not present either. Whedon said he would love to do a Buffy musical but with no desire to revisit the previous plot, indicated he would have to start from scratch.

The Associated Press
Hollywood Tonight
TV Squad -- play by play
TV Tonight