If there were any Hollywood writer comparible to a superhero, it would be Joss Whedon. Apparently the man doesn’t sleep, even through a writer’s strike. Back in the fall when every other writer was sitting around trying to figure out what to do with themselves, Whedon decided it was the perfect time to figure out how to break into the internet market of television. He couldn’t write anything for real TV because that would violate the strike, but he could do something for himself, something fans could see entirely for free. He got together with his brothers and dreamed up an etirely hokey, frankly insane idea about a super villain musical, and thus “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” was born. And guess what? It’s fantastic.

The film is in three acts, and the first two are already available. The final part comes out tomorrow. Although it’s free (for a limited time) it’s got absolutely everything– Whedon’s clever wit (with a script that’s on-par with his funniest Buffy and Angel episodes), a budget, albeit a small one– Whedon says in the low six figures– but enough for professional equipment, a few stunts, and celebrities. It stars Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, a super villain that’s no good at his job because he’s just too nice and preoccupied with his nervousness around a woman he’d like to ask out, and– believe it or not– Nathan Fillion as the “good guy” Captain Hammer.

It’s also got some pretty catchy songs, and I’ll agree with critics who have already stated, before we’ve even seen the entire movie, that his song writing has improved since the Buffy musical “Once More With Feeling.” The movie already has some merchandising (t-shirts and such) and a DVD will eventually be released.

Whedon has also said he’s already “sort of” thought up a possible sequel. If the fact that the site crashed on the first day because so many people wanted to see it is any indication, I imagine there’ll be plenty of interest in a second.

Personally, I think the premise is far more orginal and fun than the idea for Whedon’s new show coming in January, Dollhouse (when did he have time to develop an actual series, by the way???) I don’t know why Dr. Horrible couldn’t be a successful TV series.

LLAP

-Cap’n Logan

I write a lot of updates and reviews of the shows I follow during the year, mostly sci-fi, and here is a list of the shows I’ll be reviewing in the upcoming season. Three start in the fall and three in the spring.

 Heroes (Season 3)

NBC, Sept. 22, 2008

Catch Up On Previous Episodes

I think there’s a good chance we’ll get the big, epic season we’ve been waiting for this year. I say this both because of the “villains” premise and because creator Tim Kring realized the error of his ways with season 2. Looking forward to finally seeing another FULL season. I just hope the don’t end up making me hate any of the characters I currently like!

Chuck (Season 2)

NBC, Sept 29, 2008

Watch Some Previous Episodes

When the writer’s strike cut Chuck off last season, it was just getting into a really interesting arc– Casey was just informed that he would have to turn against Chuck. It wasn’t intended to end there, but it ended up a cliffhanger. The show was fresh, original comedy and I’m glad it’s coming back.

Smallville (Season 8 )

CW, Sept. 18, 2008

Yep, despite the fact that Smallville has lasted well beyond its time, it’s returning for another season. Without Lex. A lot of fans are worried it’s going to become Lois & Clark again, but it looks like Chloe will be back after all, which may help deflect that dynamic. Clark will finally work at the Daily Planet and start building a secret identity, though he still won’t be in costume. Oliver Queen/Green Arrow is returning as a regular (which will be the only thing to keep me tuning in, and even that may not be enough). They’re going to do Doomsday. I can’t see how they can possibly pull that off. I’ve kept up this far, so I’ll stay with it, but probaby won’t review this one weekly.

24 (Season 7)

Fox, January, 2009

Next spring, 24 FINALLY returns after a year-and-a-half hiatus. Season 6 was kind of a bore, and I for one was happy for the breather. I’m excited to get into the show again and there are a lot of rumors that Tony really ISN’T dead (he didn’t get a silent clock, if you’ll recall) and that he’ll be Jack’s nemesis this year.

Lost (Season 5)

ABC, January 2009

Catch Up On Previous Episodes

My predictions for the next season of Lost are here. Only two more seasons left, and I think after this year, the show has really found its feet again. Lost is my favorite show to write about because there’s so much to discuss and speculate about, rather than just doing regular reviews.

Dollhouse (Season 1)

Fox, January, 2009

Joss Whedon is finally returning to television. Dollhouse stars Eliza Dushku (Faith from Buffy) as a memory-wiped human, or doll, who is constantly reprogrammed by a company to be whatever they need her to be. She begins to remember pieces from her own past, and the show gets going. I think the trailer is a bit confusing, but it has potential and I’ve learned to trust Joss’ instincts– I’ve liked every series he’s produced so far (Buffy, Angel, Firefly). Angel’s Amy Acker will also be recurring character.

Termiator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles has also been signed for another season, starting in January. I enjoy this show and have written on it, but I don’t review it by episode.

It looks like a promsing year. Hopefully there won’t be a repeat of last season’s writer’s strike, but there is fear that it could happen again. All we can do is enjoy it while it lasts and pick up a good book when it goes away again.

 LLAP

-Cap’n Logan