This is one of the funniest videos I have ever seen.  Happy
Thanksgiving!  I hope it plays outside of the U.S.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgbNymZ7vqY&feature=player_embedded

Billie
--
Billie Doux
Reviews: http://www.billiedoux.com/
TV forum: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

Joss Whedon has won the Producers Guild of America 2010 Vanguard award
for his achievements in new media and technology -- I assume for
Doctor Horrible.  It's something of a contentious article saying his
work isn't comparable to others who have gotten the award.

http://scifiwire.com/2009/11/should-joss-be-compared-t.php

Billie
--
Billie Doux
Reviews: http://www.billiedoux.com/
TV forum: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

Retreat Part 5

Written by Jane Espenson
Artwork by Georges Jeanty

Buffy: "The goddesses. They're not on our side."
Willow: "What? We – they --"
Buffy: "They're not on anyone's side, they're killers and we're not getting our
powers back. We didn't bring help. We brought death."

And this is how you make a dire situation ten times worse – summon three
unhinged goddesses who'll happily kill everything and anything in their way.
Goddesses are clearly never going to be a benevolent force on this show. Buffy
just made her outcome even worse than she already had inadvertently done.

At first it did look like everything was moving in their favour. The goddesses
arrived and started despatching most of Twilight's soldiers. Then it started in
on the slayers as well. As allies went, the goddesses were a very poor choice.

I knew there was going to be consequences for the slayers surrendering their
power to the Earth but this was just devastating. Completely powerless, they
were barely able to defend themselves from both Twilight and the goddesses and
in the end, the most predictable of outcome happened – they lost.

The last scene with the majority of them being rounded up proved that sometimes,
the villains do win. Twilight effectively just waited for the dust to settle to
snare the survivors and what he plans to do with them is something we won't be
finding out until the New Year.

Twilight's motives in this one were strange enough, I'll grant you. He was
pretty unfazed when he realised that Riley had double crossed him and while he's
probably tiring of Amy and Warren's constant bickering, he was also perfectly
happy to walk away and let them squabble amongst themselves like a bunch of
children.

Then there was sacrificing his soldiers. That didn't sit too well with the
commander guy that was begging Twilight to let him pull his men out of the
fight. But at the same time, was it shocking that Twilight was interested in
seeing what the goddesses could do to the men? Not for one second.

That might end up coming back to haunt Twilight in future issues. If he's too
willing to sacrifice his men on a whim then I can see the soldiers turning on
him. Twilight might be clever but he's also been dependent on the government as
well as Amy, Warren and Riley to pull off some of his schemes so far. What
happens when one of them decides that they don't really need Twilight in order
to best Buffy once and for all?

Speaking of someone not being needed, Warren really was made to feel like the
Zeppo of the bunch in this issue, wasn't it? I absolutely loved Amy for her
sheer belittlement of Warren, who's out and out misogyny underlines a little man
syndrome if ever there was one. He really is threatened that Amy is cleverer
than him and not mightily impressed with her constantly reminding him that she's
his skin.

I'm hoping by the end of this comic season that Warren is permanently killed off
because although there was the initial shock of his return earlier on in the
series, the writers haven't actually utilised him all that much and it's pretty
apparent in this issue alone that Twilight and Amy see him as neither use, nor
ornament as well. Plus, no-one would actually miss Warren either, so there's
another valid reason why Amy should finish what Willow started.

She already perceptively pointed out that Warren's plan of tricking Andrew at
the start of this arc was ridiculous. It was ridiculous, in the same way that
Warren attempting to undermine Twilight when the latter realised that Riley was
working for Buffy all along. I guess we should've seen that coming. I'm glad
that Riley isn't a bad guy.

That being said, Riley didn't fare all that much better in the story either.
Like Bay, he's alive but also seriously injured and at this point in time,
probably captured as well. He had some nice little moments with Buffy and the
gang but even during his time undercover, he still wasn't able to come up with
anything to help the gang stop Twilight.

However the biggest talking point of the entire story are the goddesses.
Seemingly because of them, everyone is still powerless and that's something that
Twilight is going to delight in no doubt but the strangest moment was when one
of them grabbed Buffy and then dropped her to the ground without a second
thought.

By rights, Buffy should've been dead from this. Instead she rose from the snow
and watched as the goddesses continued their rampage through Tibet. Thinking
about it, this probably means that Buffy now has everyone's powers to boot,
including Willow's. Sucks for everyone else, but will Buffy be able to mentally
handle all of that power surging through her?

Also in "Retreat Part 5"

Adam Hughes cover for this issue is gorgeous. Buffy in a blizzard, which got
added into the issue itself for good measure.

Warren: "It didn't have to get to this point. I was working on Andrew. He was
buying it. If you'd let me continue -"
Amy: "Your whole plan didn't even make sense – The First tempted him before, not
you, and you are no The First."
Warren: "But the whole we-are-as-gods thing was totally getting to him! I mean,
just look out there! Gods are a big deal."

The fact that Amy knows that The First tempted Andrew as Warren was a good
indicator that she did have ties to it in Season Seven.

Bayaarma: "They shouldn't have come here."
Oz: "Who? Buffy and everyone? Or the goddesses?"
Bayaarma: "We gave them everything."

Amy: "Buffy's in that jeep. Where's she going?"
Warren: "Why don't I have binoculars?"
Twilight: "The goddesses almost killed them."

Maybe it was due to the severity of what was going on, but Buffy was less
agitated with Xander in this issue.

Bayaarma (re goddesses): "It's been too long since we shared the surface with
them. They don't recognise the ones who feed them."
Kennedy: "Are we going to get our powers back?"
Faith: "No."

Buffy: "Hang on."
Riley: "People always say that when someone's hurt really badly, but I don't
think it helps."

Dark Horses are doing some one shots with Dr Horrible and Sugar Shock for all
you Joss Whedon fans out there.

Amy: "Shut up, Warren."
Warren: "Stop cutting me down!"
Twilight: "We can't trust anyone anymore. Tell me -"
Warren: "You're the least supportive girlfriend ever!"
Amy: "I'm your skin."
Warren: "Oh, you always have to go there!"

Buffy (re being able to fly): "What the hell?!"

Next issue, a one shot called "Willow" is due out on December 23rd.

As arcs end, this one is definitely something of a traditional cliff hanger.
"Retreat Part 5" does move beautifully and it's certainly the best issue from
the entire arc. But I'm hoping that by this time 2010, all of the events leading
up to this will pay off spectacularly.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

We knew it was coming, but apparently, it's official: Fox has canceled
Dollhouse.

http://scifiwire.com/2009/11/fox-cancels-dollhouse-but.php

Billie
--
Billie Doux
Reviews: http://www.billiedoux.com/
TV forum: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

Funny. No spoilers.

http://www.tvguidemagazine.com/news/joss-whedon-is-filled-with-glee-3102.html

Billie
--
Billie Doux
Reviews: http://www.billiedoux.com/
TV forum: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

http://scifiwire.com/2009/11/seekers-sexy-season-2-wit.php

--
Billie Doux
Reviews: http://www.billiedoux.com/
TV forum: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

http://capricatv.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-caprica-trailer-with-james-marsters.ht\
ml


--
Billie Doux
Reviews: http://www.billiedoux.com/
TV forum: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

Retreat Part 4

Written by Jane Espenson
Artwork by Georges Jeanty

Bayaarma: "You don't need me. If you have any anger in you, use it. See if you
can call them."
Buffy: "Oh, I have some anger."

I've got to apologise for the delay in this review. Computer problems mainly
factored into things but also, I can't help but feel a little underwhelmed with
this issue as well. It's not that it's an awful one, it's just that very little
feels like its happening. I can't be the only one who felt that when reading
this, yes?

Picking up from where mostly the previous one left off, we had the gang
discussing what they were planning to do next. Being powerless meant relying
primarily on military weaponry. The opening two pages set up a doom and gloom
lecture not unlike anything we've seen or heard on the series itself. Lives are
going to be lost. I don't think there's anyone reading this that doesn't get
that already.

Buffy, Giles, Faith, Andrew and Satsu more or less told the girls to fight with
every readily available weapon they had. Willow interrupted the lectures by
lamenting on their chances being slim. Yeah, way to boost morale there, Willow.

Although to be fair to Willow, it's not like she isn't vocalising the various
thoughts that are running through the rest of the gang's heads. The consequences
of redirecting all of that ancient magicks was going to make the gang at their
most vulnerable. Even Buffy seems to be realising that it might not have been
such a bright idea upon reflection.

Of course Willow's blow up didn't sit that well with either Oz or Bayaarma. Both
of them had a reasonably quiet little community. Buffy and the gang seeking
sanctuary has thrown that one out of the window. However it's not too surprising
that some of Willow's anger is directed at herself as well as the current
predicament her and the Scoobies are in.

There was also some continual angst over what Buffy disclosed to her as well.
Willow really seems to be fixated with having normality now more than ever. I
guess it does make sense to a good degree.

At least Xander and Dawn are trying to stay more positive. Although I'm not
doing cartwheels over them as an item, I just don't seem as bothered by the idea
of it than I think I should be. Trying to explain weapons to the other former
slayers, they were certainly more open with their body language. The other
people who don't know they're a couple at this point are probably the ones who
want to deny all knowledge.

One person unsurprisingly bothered by the relationship is Buffy. There's a
moment in the issue where she's distant with Xander and when Andrew attempted to
get her to open up, she shut him down. I can understand why Buffy feels that
way. I think I'd find it weird if one of my friends was dating a sister of mine.
Still Buffy will have to adjust to it in time even if she doesn't want to.

As for Andrew, when he isn't trying to play camp counsellor, he's put to
somewhat better use in trying to fool Twilight and company that the slayers are
still packing the magicks in a big way. Wouldn't just have sticking with the
real thing been the better choice all along? I won't be surprised if by the end
of this arc that all the gang's magic is restored. Logically there's no reason
why it shouldn't be.

Twilight's already causing carnage with the army he sent out and while the use
of a torpedo gave the Scoobies an advantage, Buffy still wanted the redirected
power. Summoning up those three goddesses at the end of the issue is not going
to end. You don't need to be a genius to see that.

Also in "Retreat Part 4"

This cover was drawn by Massimo Carnevale and featured Twilight, which would've
been nice if Twilight had actually featured in the issue.

Buffy: "We have to be ready to fight with every weapon, everything we can throw
at them."
Willow: "But it seems to me ... that we don't have the one thing that matters. A
chance in hell."

Isn't it slightly odd that in the past four issues that both Kennedy and Oz have
had not at least one interaction? You'd think that they would've by now.

Willow (to Oz/Bayaarma/Buffy, re Kelden): "No! Don't protect the baby! I'm not
mad at you! I'm mad at me. I'm so angry at me; I cannot believe these aren't
black."

Xander: "These are called manpads. No giggling, please. It means man-portable
air defence system."
Dawn: "It's a single person surface to air missile launcher. It's very heavy and
if you're not super-strong anymore, so either leave this for the huskier girls
or team up."

Apart from a few soldiers, not only was Twilight absent but there was also no
signs of Amy, Warren or Riley either.

Xander (re Buffy): "She's good."
Dawn: "Even when weak."

Monroe: "My wolves can help."
Faith: "Sounds good. Knock your furry selves out."
Oz: "You've decided to come to our side, Monroe?"
Monroe: "You're fighting on the side of the ones who keep magicks. So I do
believe ... that you've come to my side."

It'll be interesting to see how Monroe's aid of the Scoobies pans out in the
next issue. Hopefully he won't emerge as another threat for the gang to deal
with. The goddesses' names in this issue were Remati, Vajrayogini and Ekajati.

Giles: "We can't take on an army. Not like this."
Buffy: "We need the magic. But we got rid of it."
Willow: "Not `Got rid of' ... Bay said it wasn't that. She said ..."
Buffy: "Redirected. I need to talk to Oz and Bay."

There was a wonderful letter from Danny Hirschhorn blasting some of the more
homophobic letters that have plagued the letter page in light of Buffy/Satsu.
Reread "Safe" to get where he's coming from.

Bayaarma (re goddesses): "The prayers offer a trade. We give them our powers,
they protect us."
Buffy: "Okay, I want to cash in that trade. How do I get their protection?"

The next issue and the final segment of this arc comes out on November 4th.

Despite one or two interesting moments, I have to say that "Retreat Part 4" is
the weakest of the bunch. It feels too much like treading water and even with
another attack, I don't feel we're getting anywhere this issue. It could've used
some actual Twilight in it as well.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

In costume form.  Pretty funny stuff for those 'in the know.'

http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/10/captain-mal-returns-to-tv-sort-of-video.html

Also, I guess there was a reference last week that went over my head (the
shame!)

http://2.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_krhifaMYz61qa7bhko1_500.png

Bad news for Dollhouse, although it's not unexpected.  According to
Ausiello, Dollhouse won't run during November sweeps. The rest of the
thirteen will air back to back in December, instead.

So that's it.  We haven't heard officially that it won't be renewed,
but it seems inevitable.

Billie
--
Billie Doux
Review site: http://www.billiedoux.com/
Message board: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

There's a vote-a-thon on favorite vampire show heroines.  Go vote for
Buffy or Sookie!

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b149692_vampire_wars_whos_bes\
t_heroine.html

Billie
--
Billie Doux
Review site: http://www.billiedoux.com/
Review blog: http://www.billiedoux.blogspot.com/
Message board: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

...and from the man himself....

http://whedonesque.com/comments/22073#345272

--- In BtVS101@yahoogroups.com, Billie Doux <billiedoux@...> wrote:
>
>
http://billiedoux.blogspot.com/2009/10/newsflash-joss-whedon-to-direct-glee.html
>
>
>
> --
> Billie Doux
> Review site: http://www.billiedoux.com/
> Review blog: http://www.billiedoux.blogspot.com/
> Message board: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/
>

http://billiedoux.blogspot.com/2009/10/newsflash-joss-whedon-to-direct-glee.html



--
Billie Doux
Review site: http://www.billiedoux.com/
Review blog: http://www.billiedoux.blogspot.com/
Message board: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

A poll we can get our teeth into!  Greatest TV vampire of them all!
Angel, Spike, Eric and Bill are all there.  Go vote!

http://paleycenter.org/tv-vampire-stakedown/

(And if you're interested, I voted for Spike.)

Billie
--
Billie Doux
Review site: http://www.billiedoux.com/
Message board: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

Sci-Fi Wire has a list of 16 hot movie and TV vamps.  Eric is at the
top.  (No Bill.)  Angel and Spike are on the list as well.

http://scifiwire.com/2009/10/16-sexy-movie-and-tv-vamp.php

Billie
--
Billie Doux
Review site: http://www.billiedoux.com/
Review blog: http://www.billiedoux.blogspot.com/
Message board: http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

Hello Fellow BTVS Peeps!! :D
Nicholas Brendon will Star in The Blank Theater's Mainstage Production
of "The Santaland Diaries" wich will run from November 20 - December 20
(limited engagement).
The Blank Theater is in Hollywood.
It has NOT been anounced yet that Nicholas will star in the play... I
wanted to let the BTVS/JossVerse peeps know first so that they can buy
their tickets before a night that they would like to go on sells out (it
happens often).
ALL Info  & to Buy tickets can be found at:
http://www.theblank.com

*Please if you know of Anywhere else (Group/Website) that they wouldn't
mind having this info... please pass along so that all people interested
in attending will not miss their chance.. thank u!* :D

ALL INFO: http://www.theblank.com

Thank You! :)

Interesting article about Joss's work in general (Buffy, Angel, Firefly) and
Dollhouse specifically. No spoilers, just an essay that brings up an interesting
thought - what kind of television we watch, and how it is much easier to watch
CSI or Grey’s Anatomy or Law and Order with their mystery per episode stories,
rather than challenging and provoking Dollhouse...

http://geekbuffet.wordpress.com/2009/10/10/dollhouse/

Olga
 
 

Hi Billie!

What a great idea! To discuss fave tv shows in easy and comfortable format.

Could I suggest if possible to maybe add Warehouse 13, Leverage and Merlin.
Maybe as "other shows" or somehow else. I quite liked W13 season 1, and Leverage
has wonderful Christian Kane and I'm just hugely addicted to Merlin at the
moment, and it would be great to discuss it with those who watch as well.


Olga
 
 

--- On Sat, 10/3/09, Billie Doux <billiedoux@...> wrote:


From: Billie Doux <billiedoux@...>
Subject: [BtVS101] Billie Doux: Fighting television idiocy one cult show at a
time
To: billiedoux@...
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 12:18 AM


 



I just created a message board. Pretty much all TV, all the time. I
hope you'll stop by, check it out, and (hopefully) join. And post.
Post often! Get in on the ground floor!

Billie Doux: Fighting television idiocy one cult show at a time

http://billiedoux. proboards. com/

I have every intention of continuing with my current Yahoo groups, but
I might not create any new ones. I have four guest writers on
BillieDoux.com now, and we're growing so quickly that it will be
easier to just add a new show to the board instead. The big advantage
is that we can discuss shows we don't review, too.

Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

Billie
--
Billie Doux
http://www.billiedo ux.com/

I just created a message board.  Pretty much all TV, all the time. I
hope you'll stop by, check it out, and (hopefully) join.  And post.
Post often!  Get in on the ground floor!

Billie Doux: Fighting television idiocy one cult show at a time

http://billiedoux.proboards.com/

I have every intention of continuing with my current Yahoo groups, but
I might not create any new ones.  I have four guest writers on
BillieDoux.com now, and we're growing so quickly that it will be
easier to just add a new show to the board instead.  The big advantage
is that we can discuss shows we don't review, too.

Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

Billie
--
Billie Doux
http://www.billiedoux.com/

I definitely would have included 'Becoming Parts 1 and 2' and 'Fool for Love.' 
I don't understand how you can have Graduation Day and not Becoming.

And for Firefly I would have dropped 'Jaynestown' and added 'Ariel' or 'Objects
in Space.'

-- Jess


--- In BtVS101@yahoogroups.com, Olga <olly_sol@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for the link! Interesting list - though I'd arrange it completely
differently. I'd move Epitaph One to top 10 for sure as well as You're Welcome,
Chosen and I will Remember You. Zeppo wouldn't be in my list at all. The Body
wouldn't be the number one. Hero must have made it to the list as well as a
number of eps from other Angel's seasons. And some of my all time favorite eps
were not on the list at all.... Doppelgangland, Fool for Love, Darla and
Something Blue...
>
> But I guess if everyone would make their own list with few exceptions they
will be totally different....
>
> Olga
>  
>  
>
> --- On Sat, 9/26/09, jlshick3 <jlshick3@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: jlshick3 <jlshick3@...>
> Subject: [BtVS101] EW's Whedonverse Top 25
> To: BtVS101@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009, 2:14 AM
>
>
>  
>
>
>
> Over at Entertainment Weekly's website, they've done a list of their picks for
the top 25 episodes in the Whedonverse. They've covered Buffy, Angel, Firefly,
Dollhouse, and even Dr. Horrible. It is an interesting list.
>
> http://www.ew. com/ew/gallery/ 0,,20302134_ 20307632, 00.html
>
> Some good choices, some not so good choices. In my opinion they left off some
of the best Buffy episodes, and I didn't care for their #1 pick. I'd say it
deserved a place on the list, but not the top spot.
>
> Still, a fun exercise.
>
> -- Jess
>

Thanks for the link! Interesting list - though I'd arrange it completely
differently. I'd move Epitaph One to top 10 for sure as well as You're Welcome,
Chosen and I will Remember You. Zeppo wouldn't be in my list at all. The Body
wouldn't be the number one. Hero must have made it to the list as well as a
number of eps from other Angel's seasons. And some of my all time favorite eps
were not on the list at all.... Doppelgangland, Fool for Love, Darla and
Something Blue...

But I guess if everyone would make their own list with few exceptions they will
be totally different....

Olga
 
 

--- On Sat, 9/26/09, jlshick3 <jlshick3@...> wrote:


From: jlshick3 <jlshick3@...>
Subject: [BtVS101] EW's Whedonverse Top 25
To: BtVS101@yahoogroups.com
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009, 2:14 AM


 



Over at Entertainment Weekly's website, they've done a list of their picks for
the top 25 episodes in the Whedonverse. They've covered Buffy, Angel, Firefly,
Dollhouse, and even Dr. Horrible. It is an interesting list.

http://www.ew. com/ew/gallery/ 0,,20302134_ 20307632, 00.html

Some good choices, some not so good choices. In my opinion they left off some of
the best Buffy episodes, and I didn't care for their #1 pick. I'd say it
deserved a place on the list, but not the top spot.

Still, a fun exercise.

-- Jess

Over at Entertainment Weekly's website, they've done a list of their picks for
the top 25 episodes in the Whedonverse.  They've covered Buffy, Angel, Firefly,
Dollhouse, and even Dr. Horrible.  It is an interesting list.

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20302134_20307632,00.html

Some good choices, some not so good choices.  In my opinion they left off some
of the best Buffy episodes, and I didn't care for their #1 pick.  I'd say it
deserved a place on the list, but not the top spot.

Still, a fun exercise.

-- Jess

It's a girl.  Charlotte Grace Prinze.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20307514,00.html

--
Billie Doux
http://www.billiedoux.com/

http://scifiwire.com/2009/09/emmy-snubs-andy-hallett-o.php


--
Billie Doux
http://www.billiedoux.com/

That was great!

Keyboard cat mentioned on TV.  Hilarious.

And Zima.

--- In BtVS101@yahoogroups.com, Michael Colvin <colvinsf@...> wrote:
>
> I think that I fell in love with Joss all over again. The "Buffering" bit was
just GENIUS!.
>
> - Michael
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Billie Doux <billiedoux@...>
> To: buffy <btvs101@yahoogroups.com>; dollhousereviews
<dollhousereviews@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Monday, September 21, 2009 7:03:55 AM
> Subject: [BtVS101] Dr. Horrible
>
>
> Bit at the Emmys.
>
> http://scifiwire. com/2009/ 09/miss-the- dr-horrible- bit.php
>
> Billie
> --
> Billie Doux
> http://www.billiedoux.com/
>