First with Buffy the Vampire Slayer and then the spin-off Angel. I have watched every episode of both of these shows numerous times… which at a total of 254 episodes (144 Buffy and 110 Angel) running at about roughly 45 minutes each episode (minus commercials) is roughly about 190 hours (feel free to correct my probably horribly math) which is over 7 days straight just watching these shows! And that’s not including any extras/bonus material. I am a sucker for the good (and I mean, good… dodgy, unrealistic doesn’t cut it) supernatural theme as it is, but the character depth and story lines in these shows just drew me in. I love the way each episode tells a story but its part of a bigger story that takes the whole show or season to pan out. I love the seriousness and then humor, and the ability to relate to it in one way or another… basically, every aspect of these shows wooed me.
With such a healthy respect for Whedon and being a bit of fan of Eliza Dushku (Faith from Buffy) I was naturally very intrigued when I heard that Joss had been working on a new show “Dollhouse” with Eliza as the star. I immediately jumped on eBay and purchased the first season. When it arrived I was far from disappointed. It was amazing! I watched the whole season within a week (ie after work, EVERY night) and am currently waiting for season two so I can get another fix. Unfortunately, unlike Buffy’s seven season run (and continuation in comic books) Dollhouse was dropped after the second season.
I have noticed that Whedon did another show, called "Firefly", which I am yet to watch… Have any of you seen this? Does it live up to standards?
Buffy
Angel
Dollhouse
I only discovered Dead Like Me last year after a recommendation from a friend but from the very first episode I was so hypnotized. I had never watched anything like it. Modern day reapers who specialize in tragic/accidental deaths and frequent a local coffee shop to get there “jobs” for the day… what’s not to love? Although I suppose it has some similar supernatural themes to Whedons epic shows; the dialogue and story lines were so creative and jovial, especially for a rather morbid theme. Rules were well thought out for the supernatural side of things, much like in the Buffyverse and I think that sticking to these rules and not changing them really keeps the faith of the viewers. Doing my usual IMDB search, I quickly realized that the marvelous brain behind Dead Like Me had worked on writing for two other shows. Wonderfalls and Pushing Daisies.
I first found Pushing Daises at JB Hifi and finished two seasons over a week (I didn’t even go anywhere on the weekend, I was glued to screen). It was just as magnificent, if not better then Dead Like Me… The whole show was a like a colour soaked fairy tale for adults, with (again) a supernatural theme, and some sarcastic humor for good measure. This only cemented my new found love of Bryan Fullers stories, and after a lovely blogger comment from Amber of Nostomanic reminded me, I began the hunt for Wonderfalls. It didn’t take me long to realize that this, like Pushing Daises and Dead Like Me; it too had been short lived. Wonderfalls only had a few episode actually go to air and was never released in Australia. My good friend eBay however, does not discriminate and I found a US copy of Wonderfalls on my door step within a week (last Friday to be exact). And can I just say… Wonderfalls = Wonderfull. It is such a pity when such an amazing show is cut down in its prime, it didn’t even have a chance… From what I have heard was planned for future season, it would have only continued to amaze further.
Dead Like Me
Pushing Daisies
Wonderfalls
These shows are just mind blowing, and if you have never seen them I suggest you do. Even if you are not a supernatural fan you will still enjoy these… My Mum is currently being forced to watch Pushing Daisies so she knows what I have been banging on about lol and she isn’t a huge supernatural fan but she is really enjoying it.
What is your favourite television series? Are you a Fuller/Whedon worshipper like me? Is there a show I should watch? I’d love to know :)
Favourite TV series? Don't know if I could pick just one. I also love Buffy/Angel/Firefly (haven't seen Dollhouse) and Pushing Daisies.
ReplyDeleteOther favourites (because I like making lists):
I Love Lucy
Queer as Folk (US)
Midsomer Murders
Poirot
Miss Marple
Life on Mars + Ashes to Ashes
Blackadder
Xena: Warrior Princess
Foyle's War
Peep Show
Press Gang
...I like a LOT of TV. Mainly British. ;]
-Andi x
Firefly should not take you too long to get through as it was cancelled after about 10 episodes. It had its faults, but the show lives on in Geek fandom as one of the best shows that was never given a proper chance to find its footing. As a consolation prize, the studios DID make a feature film spin-off of the series called Serenity. And at the end of the day, as long as Nathan Fillion is on our television screens, I'm a happy camper!
ReplyDeletei'm more of a comedy fan. LOVE
ReplyDeletethe office
parks and recreation
30 rock
seinfeld
great post :)
Andi B - Wow, thanks for that. I am glad you like making lists, you have certainly giving me some new shows to keep my eye out for. :) You should definitely watch Dollhouse, if you are a Buffy/Angel fan i think its safe to say you will enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteEmma Louise - I had heard of Serenity but I didnt know it was a spin off from Firefly. I think I will have to add it to my collection, anything that has the staying power to live on in Geek fandom usually turns out to be good.
Bailey Morrison - The Bryan Fuller shows are pretty comedic aswell as fantasy, you may enjoy them. Although, from the looks of your list you seem to be a fan of American humor... I think although Fuller is American, the humor in his shows is more dry and British. I have watched a bit of 30 rock and laughed though :)
xo
Firefly is AMAZING, and I almost cried when I found out it was dropped after the 1st season :(
ReplyDeleteMiss Meiow - I know how you feel... I have felt that way about several shows... Dollhouse for instance. Its always sad to see them go :(
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