Buffy and Whedon - the power of talented writing.

When I was much younger, my sister and I really enjoyed Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The movie. I'll pause a moment for you to unleash a comedic snort, because whenever I tell that to people in person they need a moment to recover.

After all these years, I'm finally watching the series.

Willow is telling the world for me. Source.

Full disclosure: it makes me cry. I start to tear up almost every time Buffy cries about Angel, and whenever Willow cries. Also, I love Willow far too much. This show makes me insanely emotional and exhausted. I've watched through Season three and when all that nonsense with Faith and Angel happened I wanted to scream and stop watching the show.

Whedon yanks around the audience so hard that I want to write him a stern letter regarding the consequences of playing with my heart. And in the moments where I feel so fed up with all of the emotion that I want to rage-quit the show, I have to take a moment to appreciate just how brilliant the writing is.

I wouldn't be nearly so wound up if it weren't for the amazing character development and the writing. Whenever the opening credits say that Whedon wrote the story, then I know I am in for some seriously crazy happenings.

This, for example. Are you looking at it? You'd better be, because this image

was terrifying to look at during my Google image search. *shudder* Source.

As I become introduced to more of Joss Whedon's work I am faced with irrefutable proof of incredibly intelligent storytelling. Whenever I've tried to write my own stories I run into a pretty serious problem: I cannot hurt my characters. I want nothing more than for them to be happy, content imagined beings. I'm sure it's easy to realize that this makes for uninteresting characters and a non-existent story.

Whedon tortures me though. He tortures me as he tortures his characters and I want to thank him for that. He has opened my eyes to a better world of storytelling and I feel so disgusted with all of the poorly written books I've read and movies I've watched.

Once I'm finished with Buffy I'll be excitedly moving on to Dollhouse and Firefly. I incur shame from all of my Whedonite friends whenever I admit that I haven't watched Firefly, but I believe it'll make things that much more exciting when I finally watch the series and then Serenity! Gosh I'm so pumped just thinking about it. His predilection for strong female characters is a huge draw as well.

The lady on the left looks pretty strong. I hope I won't be disappointed! Source.

This world has a serious shortage of brilliant writing. What's more is that when brilliant writing comes along it is so often cut short. It makes me incredibly sad and frustrated that true creativity is stifled in the mainstream because it's not, well, mainstream enough. Damn the mainstream; creativity and boldness is important!

As a final note to this completely all over the place write-up on how fantastic Joss Whedon is, I want to say that The Avengers was -amazing-. So many comic book movies completely tank because whoever is in charge of translating them from print to screen doesn't understand how to take the hyperbole of comic books and make the movie both slightly realistic and incredibly interesting.

Aside from Whedon, does anyone out there have any writers whose work they really love?

-MJ

P.S. I want to note that although I love his writing, it can sometimes be too smart for its own good. Most people simply aren't that snappy, smart, or fast when they're talking. I continue to be amused by it though! Maybe one day I'll have an amazing back and forth with someone the way Cordelia and Xandre do.

Someday...

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50 years of Spider-man.

I didn't realize it, but this August Spider-man turns fifty! While I was at WonderCon I attended a Marvel presentation about upcoming projects and story arcs, and there was a brief interlude where audience members asked tons of questions regarding Spider-man's half-a-century celebration.

He looks great for his age, don't you think?

The panel members couldn't give out any specifics, but they heavily hinted at many exciting projects. They did show off some intriguing teaser posters for Spider-men, though! My mind was definitely reeling. Who would the other spider-man be? Would it involve Peter Parker? Would it be set in the Amazing or the Ultimate universe? Was the use of "men" a trick, meaning the second person would be female? Would we all be completely blown away and discover that the second spider-man was a real spider?!

Fortunately for me, the announcement didn't include giant spiders. Spider-men will feature Peter Parker and Miles Morales teaming up together! Color me pleased about a universe cross-over! Spider-men will be a five issue mini-series starting this summer. It looks as though there will be a few other special releases as well. Time to celebrate!

Those costumes look great together. Source.

Is anyone planning their own Spider-man parties?

Should I should plan a Spider-man party?!

What kind of things could I do to make it decidedly Spider-man-y? Could I make cupcakes with the Spider-man mask? Maybe buy a lot of silly string? How about a marathon reading of Ultimate Spider-man?!

This sounds like a great party so far. Does anyone want to come? No? Well, I understand, you're all pretty far away, I wouldn't want to drive that far either! And with gas prices so high? No no, we'll just webcam instead. Make sure you have something Spider-man related going on on your end, though.

The planning has started.

In the meantime, I'll be figuring out where I left off in Ultimate Spider-man, looking up cupcake decorating tips (because there's no way I could pull off my wicked awesome ideas), and counting down the days until Amazing Spider-man is released in theatres. Who else is excited?!

-MJ

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Archery - the baddest of asses.

When I was twelve I played Ocarina of Time for the first of many, many times. Some of my fondest memories involve Link, Epona, our trusty bow and arrow, and the shooting range in Gerudo Valley. I felt inexplicably awesome in those moments, and I daydreamed of eventually learning archery myself. Maybe even some horseback riding! But that's a different story.

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400"] I feel more inspired already.[/caption]

 

When I was fifteen I read Fellowship of the Rings, then saw the movie later that year, and fell in enamored fascination with Legolas and his unrivaled archery skills. I remembered how I felt three years prior playing Ocarina of Time, and I shoveled even more resolve into learning the ancient skill myself.

 

On a smaller scale, The Princess Diaries played a brief interlude in my ongoing interest in archery. You remember that scene where she has to shoot the flaming arrow through the hoop to represent love? Yeah, that was cool.

 

This past year has presented a huge push, and by huge push I mean my 'learn archery' buttons are being rapidly jammed on like a twelve year old with a new drum set, with the presence of Katniss and now Merida.

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400"] I hope that learning archery will make me look more intense and deranged in addition to totally awesome.[/caption]

 

So, to make sure we're all keeping count, that makes two strong male representatives, and now two strong female representatives encouraging me to go after a fourteen year long aspiration.

 

How does everyone feel about the archery push? Does it feel overplayed? Is it under-represented? Is anyone upset that I didn't bring up Hawkeye? Does anyone out there practice archery themselves?

 

A few weeks ago I saw a video from the professional archery people, I forget what they're called and I can't remember where to find the video. This is some grade A journalism, right? Anyway, the representative mentioned that there had been a huge spike in popularity and it was largely attributed to The Hunger Games. This I find pretty awesome! Katniss is, comparatively speaking, a really great role model for young women. She's strong, she has her own set of issues. She's determined and amazing with a bow and arrow. Katniss is not without fault, of course, but this is about her archery skills, not her personality.

 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400"] She just looks so intense and distorted. I hear that means she has good form![/caption]

 

It's made me wonder if the spike will continue... spiking, or if there will be an even larger spike once Brave hits theatres. Merida looks to be another phenomenal bow toting character and I am really excited to see how her story plays out. I find it fantastic that there are more and more powerful female leads to choose from. And to me I think it's even better that they use bows and not guns. Guns don't seem as badass as archery. Perhaps it's because archery is so much older... I'll think on this and get back to you.

 

It's unfortunate that I've never had lessons myself, but there weren't exactly places to learn where I grew up. But! Apparently there is an amazing archery range in Santa Monica that offers lessons, and there are even days where I can go and practice for free!

 

I've seen a few places online that are a bit grumbly toward the "hunger games/brave" crowd for mucking up their beloved archery. I can sympathize with half-hearted interests threatening to engulf a true love, but some people will develop legitimate, life-long interests from Hunger Games and Brave. I hope that, when the day comes that I finally learn archery, I will be met with bows not drawn.

 

-MJ

 

header image from here

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NBC replaces Harmon as showrunner of ‘Community’

You've all heard the news that NBC has replaced Harmon, yes? What gives NBC the right? How can they think that replacing Dan Harmon makes sense? What, they just looked at the success of Community, saw that Dan Harmon did the writing, renewed for season four and then went, "Hey, we don't need this guy. It already has a following now! WE can make the show from here on out!"

 

 

A creative asset isn't something that is easily replaced. Harmon isn't some register biscuit, desk jockey, fresh-out-of-high-school game store employee. He's a force all his own, and his unique brain is what drove Community into the hearts of the viewers.

 

Where will it go without him? What will happen to the universe and characters without his loving, eccentric hands at the helm? What's going to happen when the cocky big wigs who think that their suits give them all-encompassing powers drive the show straight into the ground? They are the replaceable ones. The world is chock full of arrogant, over-confident douche-canoes who believe that creative heads aren't necessary. It's nauseating.

 

And what is with them not even telling Harmon? Is there no such thing as consideration or courtesy in the television world? Are basic human kindnesses non-existent in there? Why are contracts written without polite clauses? The more questions that I ask, the more I want nothing to do with the business world.

 

 

OK OK, business contracts probably don't say this. And if they do, then it's that stupid tricky language. Either way, I don't like it!

 

Community is an amazing show. It's wacky, ridiculous, over-the-top, hilarious, realistic, UNrealistic, poignant, relatable, clever... so, so very clever. That all comes from the writing, which Harmon was responsible for.

 

Dear NBC,

How the hell do you think you're going to write with Harmon's brain without Harmon? You're not. You're not going to have the same show. The characters will not continue to develop. You've completely shot yourself in the foot. Congratulations, you are complete jackasses.

Dear Mr. Harmon,

You're insanely clever, and it sucks what NBC has done to you. I have my fingers crossed that you'll have Community back in your ever capable hands in the very near future.

TELEVISION STATIONS, please stop ruining everything!

 

-MJ

 

Image of Harmon from here
Community image from here

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A Bit of Geek TV Episode 6!!

A screenshot, for your pleasure.

It's video time!! Are you watching it yet? :D

-MJ

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Archery - the baddest of asses.

When I was twelve I played Ocarina of Time for the first of many, many times. Some of my fondest memories involve Link, Epona, our trusty bow and arrow, and the shooting range in Gerudo Valley. I felt inexplicably awesome in those moments, and I daydreamed of eventually learning archery myself. Maybe even some horseback riding! But that's a different story.

I feel more inspired already. Source.

When I was fifteen I read Fellowship of the Rings, then saw the movie later that year, and fell in enamored fascination with Legolas and his unrivaled archery skills. I remembered how I felt three years prior playing Ocarina of Time, and I shoveled even more resolve into learning the ancient skill myself.

On a smaller scale, The Princess Diaries played a brief interlude in my ongoing interest in archery. You remember that scene where she has to shoot the flaming arrow through the hoop to represent love? Yeah, that was cool.

This past year has presented a huge push, and by huge push I mean my 'learn archery' buttons are being rapidly jammed on like a twelve year old with a new drum set, with the presence of Katniss and now Merida.

I hope that learning archery will make me look more intense and 

deranged in addition to totally awesome. Source.

So, to make sure we're all keeping count, that makes two strong male representatives, and now two strong female representatives encouraging me to go after a fourteen year long aspiration.

How does everyone feel about the archery push? Does it feel overplayed? Is it under-represented? Is anyone upset that I didn't bring up Hawkeye? Does anyone out there practice archery themselves?

A few weeks ago I saw a video from the professional archery people, I forget what they're called and I can't remember where to find the video. This is some grade A journalism, right? Anyway, the representative mentioned that there had been a huge spike in popularity and it was largely attributed to The Hunger Games. This I find pretty awesome! Katniss is, comparatively speaking, a really great role model for young women. She's strong, she has her own set of issues. She's determined and amazing with a bow and arrow. Katniss is not without fault, of course, but this is about her archery skills, not her personality.

She just looks so intense and distorted. I hear that means she has good form! Source.

It's made me wonder if the spike will continue... spiking, or if there will be an even larger spike once Brave hits theatres. Merida looks to be another phenomenal bow toting character and I am really excited to see how her story plays out. I find it fantastic that there are more and more powerful female leads to choose from. And to me I think it's even better that they use bows and not guns. Guns don't seem as badass as archery. Perhaps it's because archery is so much older... I'll think on this and get back to you.

It's unfortunate that I've never had lessons myself, but there weren't exactly places to learn where I grew up. But! Apparently there is an amazing archery range in Santa Monica that offers lessons, and there are even days where I can go and practice for free!

I've seen a few places online that are a bit grumbly toward the "hunger games/brave" crowd for mucking up their beloved archery. I can sympathize with half-hearted interests threatening to engulf a true love, but some people will develop legitimate, life-long interests from Hunger Games and Brave. I hope that, when the day comes that I finally learn archery, I will be met with bows not drawn.

-MJ

Read More

NBC replaces Harmon as showrunner of 'Community'

You've all heard the news that NBC has replaced Harmon, yes? What gives NBC the right? How can they think that replacing Dan Harmon makes sense? What, they just looked at the success of Community, saw that Dan Harmon did the writing, renewed for season four and then went, "Hey, we don't need this guy. It already has a following now! WE can make the show from here on out!"

A creative asset isn't something that is easily replaced. Harmon isn't some register biscuit, desk jockey, fresh-out-of-high-school game store employee. He's a force all his own, and his unique brain is what drove Community into the hearts of the viewers.

Where will it go without him? What will happen to the universe and characters without his loving, eccentric hands at the helm? What's going to happen when the cocky big wigs who think that their suits give them all-encompassing powers drive the show straight into the ground? They are the replaceable ones. The world is chock full of arrogant, over-confident douche-canoes who believe that creative heads aren't necessary. It's nauseating.

And what is with them not even telling Harmon? Is there no such thing as consideration or courtesy in the television world? Are basic human kindnesses non-existent in there? Why are contracts written without polite clauses? The more questions that I ask, the more I want nothing to do with the business world.

OK OK, business contracts probably don't say this. And if they do, then

it's that stupid tricky language. Either way, I don't like it!

Community is an amazing show. It's wacky, ridiculous, over-the-top, hilarious, realistic, UNrealistic, poignant, relatable, clever... so, so very clever. That all comes from the writing, which Harmon was responsible for.

Dear NBC,

How the hell do you think you're going to write with Harmon's brain without Harmon? You're not. You're not going to have the same show. The characters will not continue to develop. You've completely shot yourself in the foot. Congratulations, you are complete jackasses.

Dear Mr. Harmon,

You're insanely clever, and it sucks what NBC has done to you. I have my fingers crossed that you'll have Community back in your ever capable hands in the very near future.

TELEVISION STATIONS, please stop ruining everything!

-MJ

Read More