Buffyfest

Whedonverse Ornament Swap 2009 Recap

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 06:56:00 PST

The 2009 Whedonverse Ornament Swap is now over. Thanks to everyone who participated in another fantastic year of Whedonish Yuletide fun! Most of the ornaments landed, but for those who still haven't sent theirs, please do so as soon as possible so that your group mates can enjoy the ornaments for next year. In the mean time, check out creative fabulosity above.

If you haven't yet posted your pictures to the Flickr group page, please do!

P.S. FYI, most, but not all of the photos show up in the group unless you're logged in to Flickr.

Twas the Night Before Christmas...in Sunnydale

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:00:04 PST

It's Christmas Eve, so why not celebrate with this awesome parody of the famous poem, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" garnished with a twist of Buffy, of course!

'Twas the night before Christmas at Sunnydale High,

The vampires were stirring and hoped for a bite,
Buffy had hung all her stakes up with care,
For a night at the Bronze and was fixing her hair.

Giles was still studying in his librarian's room,
Studying ancient writings, scrolls, books and tomes,
Cordelia and Xander were up to some frolic,
They made out in secret in the janitor's closet.

For Willow 'twas Chanukah, she was making some spells,
But could only make green flames and sickening smells,
Angel was restless, his stomach was growling,
So in the moonlight that vampire was prowling.

The zombies were restless, their bodies decaying,
With some hapless human the demons were playing,
Spike and Drusilla were plotting their plans,
And Oz played guitar at the Bronze with his band.

Down in the Hellmouth, a master vampire,
Was stalking and snarling, all lit by hell-fire,
He wanted revenge on the Sunnydale Slayer,
To maim her and rend her and make her afraid.

The rest of the poem can be found here.

Buffy, Twilight and Obama Walk Into a Bar: Update with Scott Allie

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:01:20 PST

SLIGHT SPOILERS!

Is Buffy corrupted beyond repair? Are Dawn and Xander a perverted mockery of a couple? Is Obama really putting Twilight Kool-Aid in the Swine Flu vaccine? You can find all these answers and more in the recent interview we had with Dark Horse Comic's Super Scott Allie.

Buffyfest: Last year at NYCC, I asked you a question about theme in Buffy Season 8. You weren't able to answer because the comic was in its early stages, but now, 3/4 of the way through, can you comment on what you think is/are the overall theme(s) of the story?

Scott Allie: Sorry, still a no-go! I'll start being apparent in the next few months.

Buffyfest: There's been a lot of talk on the “internets” about Buffy's corruption and how it's been sitting heavy on the Season. Do you think Buffy's been corrupted by power or is this just a girl who's stressed out and/or maybe a little jaded?

Scott Allie: I don't know that power corrupted her so much as pressure. But I do think she's made some unfortunate compromises.

Buffyfest: What do you think those compromises are?

Scott Allie: Well, I agree with fans that financing her operations with theft is not a very heroic thing. But I think Buffy is a very imperfect hero, so I don't think it's so much out of character, as some fans have suggested, but rather a not so positive bit of character development.

Buffyfest: Regarding Obama's reveal as Twilight, did he get his superpowers from a new socialist health program that helps boost people's strength in order to fight against the free market?

Scott Allie: Like all lesser deities, he got his powers from the sacrifices and devotion of his followers. So basically Season Eight ends when everyone loses faith in him, he loses his invulnerability, and becomes an easy target. I'm still talking about Twilight, right?

Buffyfest: Can you give us one personality trait that would characterize the person under the Twilight mask?

Scott Allie: I cannot.

Buffyfest: Doesn't hurt to try. Moving on. There's been a lot of nay-saying over Xander and Dawn's relationship. Why do you think people are so reluctant to embrace this pairing? Was this issue something you and Joss talked about before the story was released?

Scott Allie: We knew it was coming. We never hesitated. We knew people would hate it because of their history, but I guess we disagree. I don't think that age difference would stop many people. I think 200-year-old Angel (and slightly younger Spike) hooking up with high-school-age (or slightly older) Buffy is a lot worse, and we're all still arguing about which one of those relationships was the most True Love. Xander knew her as a child--when he was a slightly older child. Xander's pretty immature, would’ve met her when she was in 6th grade or so. He wasn't changing her diapers.

Buffyfest: Speaking of controversial relationships, we had Buffy and Satsu, Xander and Dawn and Willow's cheating scandal with the Snake Lady, Saga Vasuki. Are there any other shocking parings yet to be seen in Season 8? If so, without going in to detail, what makes it controversial in your eyes?

Scott Allie: Yes, and no, I won't say.

Buffyfest: Continuing with Willow, the One-Shot comes out soon. Besides Kennedy, will we see any other Buffy characters in the story?

Scott Allie: Ohhhhhhhh yeah.

Buffyfest: Switching gears to some of the other Whedonverse titles: With the success of the Dr. Horrible One-Shot, do you think doing a mini or an ongoing in that universe is viable?

Scott Allie: Viable, yeah, and we have specific plans, not ready fo' unveiling.

Buffyfest: What about Sugar Shock? Any chance we'll be seeing more stories there?

Scott Allie: I doubt it. Maybe. Next time he feels like doing something like that, I suspect he'll make up something new.

Buffyfest: Did you watch Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles before it was canceled? I loved it! Is there anything you can tell us about the overall time frame of Zack Whedon's Terminator story or how it links to the television show and/or any of the movies?

Scott Allie: All I'll say is that the Terminator license is a very strange thing. Unique in such properties, the original movie, T2, Salvation, and the show are all separate licenses--like Angel and Buffy are. So we only have the original movie. So we're focusing on characters from the film, and situations from the film, and nothing from the other films, or the show.

Buffyfest: With Exurbia coming to "My Space Dark Horse Presents", will it be a continuation of the story with characters like The Rat making appearances or is this a whole new story?

Scott Allie: It takes place before the graphic novel, focused on The Rat. At first we thought we'd do Gage, but while we were on that book tour where we saw you, we came up with this story. I think it's because we were listening to Patton Oswalt's “My Weakness Is Strong”, with all its rat humor...

Buffyfest: As you know, like many women, I was introduced to the comic world through Buffy Season 8. What do you think would attract readers like me to the pulp fictional character of Solomon Kane which you’ve written the next installment for (being released in January)?

Scott Allie: Ohhh, I dunno. Kane is really traditional adventure stuff. For Joss, the monsters are sort of secondary concerns. The monsters are pretty central to Kane. I'm actually surprised at how many women are fans of Conan (created by the same writer as Kane). I think those women will dig Kane, but women who come to comics through Buffy might find Exurbia or Devil's Footprints an easier next step into comics. The Kane artist really likes gore.

Buffyfest: Finally, do you have any comments on the recent cancellation of Dollhouse? Any plans to continue the story in comic form?

Scott Allie: No plans, but we talk. Right now it's just time for him to wrap things up. I loved how Season Two started, much more than Season One. I thought he'd nailed it, and it was like they played a game to see how they could screw it up. Fox %#$@ed this really nice guy.

Check out this quick preview of the Willow One-Shot being released this Wednesday.

Joss Whedon and Cast Celebrate Dollhouse...Drunk

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:59:52 PST

These and more pics from Dollhouse's wrap party from @motancharoen Twitpic Stream. Go check out the rest and RIP Dollhouse.

fanvid sunday

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:36:47 PST

Find more videos like this on BAM Vid Vault

Running, running, always running so far and so fast but there's never any escape from what's coming. The job you know you'll fail at, the friends you know you'll disappoint, the world you never feel like you're a part of. The love we find we will most certainly lose and the bonds we forge will all but inevitably be broken. No wonder when she is about to sacrifice herself, when she is finally going to die, Buffy... smiles.

David Boreanaz Is Moving Out

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:00:57 PST

The Real Estalker blog has some serious scoopage on Boreano selling his 3 bedroom Hollywood Hills home. Wonder if he will be leaving LA? Michelle will be sad.

Alyson Hannigan Freaks Us All Out

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:48:31 PST

WTF? Seriously what the fuck. @AlyDenisof tweeted the above twitpic which she accurately titled "If Eliza and Sarah were combined into one person..."

How is that real? And where did she find this mysterious hybrid person? I'd like to dream that if Buffy was still airing, that Whedon would some how write her into the story (not in that way perv!!!!)

So strange.

The 2009 Whedonverse Gift Guide

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:06:27 PST

The holiday shopping season is once again coming to a closes and if you're having trouble deciding what to get your fellow fandom friends, have no fear...we gotcha covered. Below you'll find a list of the coolest, newest Whedon-ish stuff out there.

(Make sure you check out last year's list too as most of that stuff is still available and still awesome!)

For the Casual Viewer or Newbie:

Buffy box set - Splurge on all 40 discs
Angel box set - A must to complete the full collection.
Dr. Horrible DVD
Firefly complete series and Serenity dvd (just $7.99!)
Best price on Dollhouse Season 1

The Serious fan:

Any fan would love these Dark Horse Gelaskins for laptops, iphones, etc.
Paleyfest Buffy Reunion DVD - See the whole gang on stage for this 2008 reunion.
If the fan on your list strives for horribleness, you'll want these Dr. Horrible ornaments and other licensed goods.
Adorable "Little Damn Heroes Statues" (check out Kaylee and Jayne here.)
Do a clothes dance! We have a lovely "Leaf on the Wind" T-Shirt, Wolfram and Hart Corporate Tee , and when fandoms collide, try this Buffy Staked Edward T-Shirt.
Speaking of clothes, why not check out our Buffyfest store for Yummy Sushi T-shirts, Buffyfest bags and more.

Yummy Sushi Pajama Cami by Buffyfest

Recession Specials!

Create your own Whedonverse Ornaments (See the Flickr Group from our Whedonverse Ornament Swap for some inspiration)
This "Browncoat Field Ration" soap by Geeky Clean is a mere $4.99 and $1 of each bar is going towards this year's Can't Stop The Serenity total. Clean, cheap and charitable!
The documentary "Done the Impossible" (The story of the rise and fall and rebirth of the cult TV show "Firefly,"as told from the perspective of the fans who helped save it) is not only is it a cool $9.99, but if you buy now, you get one free! Hint: keep it for yourself.
Keeping with the Browncoat theme, every Firefly fan needs their own Reaver Doll - on sale for just $11.95!

Last Minute Larry - don't even need to leave the house for these finds!

A Charitable donation to super browncoat fellowship Can't Stop The Serenity is a perfect last minute.
Download music instantly by Anthony Stewart Head and the Soundtrack to Once More With Feeling .
Buffy and Angel comic subscriptions at TFAW - the quick gift that keeps on giving!

Crazy-super-duper-hard-core-fan that has everything:

Keep that uber-fan warm with these Buffy and Angel cast blankets !
Props! Try the Orb of Thesula (Makes a perfect paperweight!) and The Gem of Amara
If you have $2,250 to throw around (or best offer!) why not give an original stake from the show. I mean it's made of balsa wood. BALSA! How could you resist?
Unlike that last item, this is a truly badass and awesome item, a promo kit from the original Buffy movie. (here's another) Rad!

Happy shopping!

Countdown to Angel #28: Bill Willingham Interview

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:07:51 PST

Tomorrow is the day of days: the release of the much anticipated Angel #28 and, as we wind down our countdown, we've saved our interview with Eisner Award winner (many times over), Bill Willingham, for last. In case you're a living under a rock demon, Bill is the man who will be writing the main story for the coming Angel arc and is probably best know for his absolutely incredible, ongoing Vertigo book (seriously, go read it), Fables. He recently took the time to answer a few of our questions. Here's what went down:

Buffyfest: What frame of mind is Connor in as we begin this story?

Bill Willingham: He’s feeling the guilt that we all feel when we reach a certain age in our maturity and realize what a complete shit we’ve been to our parents at times. We thought of them as stupid and mean and unfair, when we didn’t get our way, only to realize later that they were smart and loving and fair, acting in our best interests all along, but in ways a childish mind couldn’t grasp. Connor has more excuses than most in being a vindictive brat. He got a dealt a bad turn, and so it was understandable that he lashed out at his father the first time – and then the second time – but by the third or fourth betrayal it was getting a bit much. Connor had some growing up to do, and like everyone else, he eventually matured enough to wonder at how smart the old man has gotten lately.

Buffyfest: Who does he trust and who is he wary of?

Bill Willingham: He trusts his dad – finally – which makes him distrust himself. His own instincts are still to strike out and fight and undermine. That’s the residue of his basic immaturity. But a certain amount of wisdom comes from age, whether we seek it or not. Connor has realized that his instincts have been 100% off practically all of the time. So maybe it’s time to follow his father’s guidance, even when (or especially when) he doesn’t fully understand the reasoning behind it.

Buffyfest: What about Angel? Where’s his head at?

Bill Willingham: Angel’s head is spinning. He’s not built to be famous. In his long past life (and unlife) he was most famous when he was doing the most terrible things imaginable. Anonymity has been his greatest asset in his ages-long struggle to redeem himself. But he doesn’t get to be anonymous any longer. He has some adjustments to make and needs to do so quickly. Unfortunately, a guy who’s been around as long as he has forgets how to do anything quickly.

Buffyfest: And the rest of the team?

Bill Willingham: Spike is more or less still the same old Spike. He’s a contrarian by nature and the one who will always ask, “Why do we have to do it that way? Who says, and why listen to him?” We’ve seen this before and it’s a strong streak in him. Why can’t he be the great love of Buffy’s life? Why can’t he be the vampire-with-a-soul that is featured in the Shanshu Prophecy. Of course questions lead to actions. Spike is about to do some things to really test the system. Who decides who gets to write prophecy, and why can’t I do it? And so on. Needless to say, it will cause some ripples.

Gunn is a mess. He’s screwed up and he knows it. The fact that his betrayals never actually happened, in the great Reality Reset, doesn’t help much when everyone can still “remember” what he did. He’s got a lot to make up for.

Illyria is perplexed. For better or worse she’s thrown her lot in with these people, to fight the good fight against evil. Now all she needs to do is learn what differentiates good and evil. It isn’t part of her mental makeup. She only looks human, but her mind is pure demon and her natural value system is as alien to ours as it can be. But she has an impressive intellect, which will lead her to work the problem and come up with a solution. The solution she comes up with will add (one hopes) a very Whedonesque mix of dark humor and terrible jeopardy to our story.

And since this answer is rambling on so long, I’ll just add that the other regulars each have their own concerns that will lead to interesting story possibilities.

Buffyfest: Connor was born from prophecy and his father is in several prophecies. How do you think Connor sees his own predestination versus free will?

Bill Willingham: I don’t see prophecy and destiny as absolute or perfectly synonymous. In my mind prophecy is what could happen, provided the central players step up and do their duty when the storm comes. Not to get all Biblical on you, but this is too good an example not to use: According to the New Testament, Jesus was the messiah of prophecy, but his ordeal on the mount, the night before he was arrested, heavily implies (if it doesn’t outright state – my biblical reading is tardy of late) that he had a choice in the events to come. He could agree to be sacrificed and fulfill his mission, or he could have opted out to save himself.

So, with that said, Connor is confused about his place in the grand scheme of things. No one likes to be confused and uncertain about the important stuff, so he’s going to want to look into the nuts and bolts of the various prophecies concerning him and his father. Spike, as we’ve seen above, will play a part in this, and hilarity, or tragedy, or both, will ensue.

Buffyfest: The upcoming story seems to involve Angel being kidnapped and forced to turn celebrities into vampires.

Bill Willingham: Yes.

Buffyfest: Are we actually going to see other vampires with souls in "Immortality for Dummies"?

Bill Willingham: No comment. Seriously, that’s the crux of the entire story arc, so it’s the one thing I really shouldn’t give away. But we are definitely going to meet an interesting new vampire or two. Fun times.

Buffyfest: How would that affect the Shanshu Prophecy?

Bill Willingham: I suspect it would add to the already overwhelming confusion.

Buffyfest: Kelley Armstrong's Aftermath arc began with Angel saying, in so many words, that he's redeemed himself.

Bill Willingham: Yes.

Buffyfest: Do you think he's redeemed?

Bill Willingham: That’s the vital question, isn’t it? I think, despite his supernatural alteration, Angel is fundamentally human – at least as far as his psychology – and every single human who has lived or will ever live has this much in common: We think one thing one day and think something else the next day. One day I might believe I’m a greatest living writer in the English language, while the next day I can suddenly look at the same material and conclude that I should be arrested for crimes against locution and syntax. Does that make me a hypocrite? Nope. It just makes me human. So, Angel may have truly meant it when he said his redemption is complete. He was enjoying a rare moment in the heights. But we’ve also seen that Angel can suffer the lowest of lows. Therefore I believe the question is still outstanding. We’ll see.

And this brings up another interesting question, one that Spike might ask, for instance: Who gets to decide? Who’s the redemption authority? It might make an interesting story to try to find that out in the Angel/Buffyverse.

Buffyfest: Can any of the Angel characters ever truly be redeemed without losing a necessary part of the narrative?

Bill Willingham: I hope so, because I have to hope there is at least the possibility of a light at the end of this very long, dark tunnel. But we’ll just have to wait and see.

Buffyfest: While rewatching the Angel series, were there any episodes or story arcs that struck you as being really exceptional?

Bill Willingham: Of course. The best of the best of course has to be the final scene of the final episode, where one fight has been won, at a terrible cost, only to find out that the war continues. That’s where Angel showed his true character: “We still have a job to do, so let’s get to work.” It may be the best ending to any bit of serial fiction ever, so much so in fact that, had I been offered the helm of the Angel comic book then, I would have had to turn it down. I’m not so arrogant or suicidal as to think I could have followed up on that.

Buffyfest: Are there any characters from Angel that you find yourself feeling especially connected to, that you really identify with?

Bill Willingham: Connor. It’s time for him to stop being a brat and grow up a little. It won’t be smooth sailing, but it’s time. I like Spike, of course, because how can you not love the rogue? Illyria has tons of interesting potential, provided I not yield to the temptation to try to bring Fred back. Illyria only works as a character (for my skills at least – maybe a better writer could do what I can’t) if Fred is irretrievably gone. Then the sacrifice and drama actually has meaning. Wesley had the best character arc of the entire series, so I’m almost happy he isn’t available to me, because there’s nothing there that needs fixing or improving, so I could only do damage.

Buffyfest: If you could tell a story anywhere in the continuity other than what's happening now, where would it be?

Bill Willingham: It would be the Last Angel Story of course. Who could resist the challenge of telling the story’s end, whether happy or otherwise? And yes, a certain you-know-who would have to have a significant part in such a tale.

Buffyfest: Chris Ryall said in our last interview that he wanted to steer clear of telling too many crossover stories but, if you could take Angel (or any other character in his universe) and team him up with/pit him against any other established character, who would they be and why?

Bill Willingham: I love crossovers. In the trade we’re calling them mashups now. They’re tough to do well and easy to screw up. Once again, who can resist that kind of challenge? Hell, let’s make some news here and make it official. I’m right this minute seriously proposing that we do an Angel/Bigby Wolf (Fables) crossover. Two tough bastards fighting the good fight, side by side. Guest starring their two sons of course, Connor and Ghost. I know exactly how we can get Bigby into Angel’s fictional universe. Chris, Mariah, I assume one or both of you’ll pick up the phone to DC/Vertigo and make this happen, please?

Buffyfest: You’re in a demon karaoke bar seeking guidance: what song do you sing and what are you drinking to build up your courage to get on stage?

Bill Willingham: An easy question at last: Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner (from the merely magnificent Warren Zevon), fueled by three strong mixed drinks: vodka with fresh-squeezed (don’t you dare come near me with anything out of a can) grapefruit juice. Tall glass. Lots of ice. Did you know Williams used to be a bartender? Damn good one too. How do you think he got this gig?

And that, my friends, is that. A huge thanks to the entire team for taking the time to answer our questions. If you're as curious as I was about the chances of an acutal Fables/Angel mash up I can only say that, yes, there is a serious desire to make that happen but, as with all things, it's gonna take some work. I'm hopeful though, as are Mariah and Chris, that it's possible.

I'll try and have a review up for Angel #28 as soon as it drops but, honestly, don't wait for my opinion. Just go get it. This team is truly amazing and there's no doubt that they are all huge fans of these characters. Our fandom is in very, very good hands.

Countdown to Angel #28: Bill Williams Interview

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:13:01 PST

Continuing right along with our countdown to the release of Angel #28, we're proud to roll out the interview we conducted with Bill Williams, the writer who will be handling the secondary story arc involving new character, Eddie Hope. Let's dive right in and see what we have time to see!

Buffyfest: Eddie Hope is a man on a mission, what is that mission and how far is he willing to go to complete it?

Bill Williams: Eddie's life was fundamentally changed in the events of After The Fall and he thinks that his life was destroyed. He wants to get even for what happened to him and to others. Now it just so happens that he has his devil powers and he knows the very worst people in Los Angeles. So Eddie sets out to make the world a better place by removing these terrible people from the Land of the Living. When the series starts, Eddie is willing to do just about anything to punish LA's wicked. He sees himself as a lost soul tidying up his part of the world. I think he realizes that like any gunfighter he might run into someone who might out-quick him and he is fine with that. That is Eddie's starting point, but it starts to change in small ways from the first few stories on. Writing in Joss Whedon's world practically demands that you have the reversals and twists that he used so effectively on the various television series.

Buffyfest: Kelley Armstrong's Aftermath arc began with Angel saying, in so many words, that he's redeemed himself. Do you think he's redeemed? Can any of the Angel characters ever truly be redeemed without losing a necessary part of the narrative?

Bill Williams: Redemption for a character like Angel or Spike means that you move to a slightly different kind of story similar to the shift between the Buffy and Angel TV series. Buffy had one type of story thread running through it and Angel had another kind of story in play. The Whedon characters are more interesting because they have these monumental flaws. Wesley has a tremendous arc as a character. I think that you can have a character that has redeemed himself or herself and done something to wipe a slate clean. That does not necessarily mean that they have to get boring. There will always be someone out there who will stand up and tell you that you still owe a little.

Buffyfest: While rewatching the Angel series, were there any episodes or story arcs that struck you as being really exceptional?

Bill Williams: I loved the Fifth Season of Angel. It had excellent episodes like Harm's Way and Time Bomb, but the best of that season had to be the finale, Not Fade Away. That episode tied together long-running sub-plots, gave a few characters a graceful way off of the stage and wrapped the series up in grand fashion with a big bold statement. I did a podcast recently and the same question came up about Buffy. People picked the low-hanging fruit naming 'The Body' or the musical or 'Hush', which are all fine episodes. I picked the episode that starts Season 3, 'Anne' where Buffy is miserable because she has cut out her friends and family and because she is denying her basic nature. Thankfully in that episode, events conspire to get Buffy back in the game in that Hell Factory in a tremendous kick ass action sequence. By fully accepting the role of the Slayer, it sets the tone for the next few seasons.

Buffyfest: Are there any characters from Angel that you find yourself feeling especially connected to, that you really identify with?

Bill Williams: I love Electric Gwen Raiden and managed to work her into the Eddie stories as soon as I could. When it comes to the writing, I'm a crime guy so I love Gwen because she is always playing some sort of angle. She's always running a scam. Gwen is not as squeaky clean as the rest of Team Angel. She's more fun to bounce off of the more heroic, honest characters.

Buffyfest: If you could tell a story anywhere in the continuity other than what's happening now, where would it be?

Bill Williams: I would love to write an Angel story that is a pulpy bit of Chandler-era LA demon noir. They used that approach on the Angel stories with some luck in the first season or two of the television series. Angel was established in LA in the Hotel Hyperion- centric episode titled 'Are You Now or Have You Ever Been.' Maybe the story of Angel's 100 years in Hell after Buffy ran him through with a sword and kicked him into a gate might be a fun challenge too.

Buffyfest: Chris Ryall said in our last interview that he wanted to steer clear of telling too many crossover stories but, if you could take Angel (or any other character in his universe) and team him up with/pit him against any other established character, who would they be and why?

Bill Williams: How much fun would a Spike/ Blade the Vampire Slayer buddy road-trip project be? It would be like the movie Midnight Run but with way more stabbing. Maybe a zombie-fighting Angel/ Lone Ranger western in old New Orleans would be entertaining. The nice thing about Whedon's creations is that they are strong enough to stand in almost any genre and any era.

Buffyfest: You’re in a demon karaoke bar seeking guidance: what song do you sing and what are you drinking to build up your courage to get on stage?
Bill Williams: Hurm. If I wanted to maintain my geek cred, I would say "We Used to be Friends" by The Dandy Warhols which was used as the theme to TV's Veronica Mars, but it would more probably be something by Dean Martin. Last night, I was at a place called The HiBall in Austin and I had a few ripping good Old Fashioneds. I think that maybe the bourbon would make me sing better. It would certainly help if the audience had a few.

Our thanks to Bill Williams for taking the time to talk with us. The more I hear from this new creative team, the more excited I get. Stay tuned for tomorrow when Bill Willingham will join us.

Countdown to Angel #28: Mariah Huehner Interview Part Two

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:30:01 PST

Welcome to part 2 of our interview with IDW editor, Mariah Huehner. In this scond installment, Mariah and I trade thoughts on the changing comic books industry, what she'll be working on with Angel and other books as well, and we launch courageously right into the most polarizing of all Buffy related discussions. Enjoy!

Buffyfest: How about this industry of ours, huh?

Mariah Huehner: Ha!

Buffyfest: How do you think IDW will change in the coming decade? It seems, more than ever, that smaller publisher's have to really think ahead of the curve.

Mariah Huehner: I think everyone is going to have to adjust to a more digital push which IDW is already doing a lot of, thankfully, with making our comics accessible online, etc. I don't think actual print is dead, but it's definitely shifting.

Buffyfest: Well I think trades are safe but what about floppies? Do you think they are going to die out?

Mariah Huehner: I don't know. So much of how comics does things is based on the floppies model but TPB's have become increasingly important, and if you're going to reach an audience outside the comics shops, you can't rely on floppies. People who aren't already familiar with them don't know what to do with them. I think they'll likely become more of a collectible

Buffyfest: Now that we're living in a Disney/Warner Bros. world

Mariah Huehner: Yeah, I'm really curious about both of those. I know people at both companies, and I worked for DC/Vertigo for 4 years, so, it's certainly some interesting times.

Buffyfest: How do you think the industry's push towards the mainstream will affect the content itself? Do you think it'll be good for feminism in comics?

Mariah Huehner: I do, actually. I think having to cater to a wider audience will have a definitive impact. Not that prose is immune to sexism or anything, but you get more variety.

Buffyfest: Do you think IDW has any books on the shelves now or coming out in the future that will appeal to a feminist audience?

Mariah Huehner: I think so. Obviously none of them have an overt feminist "agenda" or anything, but I tend to see feminist stories as those that treat characters equally. Locke and Key is a book I'm continually impressed with. Angel, obviously.

Buffyfest: Joe Hill really outdid himself with the most recent issue of Locke & Key. That was a book and a half.

Mariah Huehner: That book gives me actual chills. Sometimes something just...clicks and I think that book manages something really hard, which is real visceral horror. Which is hard in any format, but I think it's a particular challenge in comics because of how the form tells a story.

Buffyfest: To do a battle between two ghosts and make it really intense is no mean feat.

Mariah Huehner: We're also adapting The Last Unicorn, which I think should appeal to a lot of different readers. I'm working on that one, and just the sketches so far are amazing.

Buffyfest: Who is drawing it and who is adapting it?

Mariah Huehner: Peter B. Gillis is doing the adaptation from the book, and Renae De Liz is doing the art. She's done a few things for us before, but her work is just PERFECT for this. You can see a promo image here. I'd forgotten we'd put this up this week.

Buffyfest: I can't believe I didn't catch this. Peter S. Beagle is an AMAZING novelist.

Mariah Huehner: I'd forgotten how wonderful the novel is.

Buffyfest: Do you have any other projects that are in the early stages you can tell me about without getting into trouble?

Mariah Huehner: At this stage, probably not, although I can say I'm working on another Angel mini which will revolve around him at a much earlier time.

Buffyfest: Is this a John Byrne/Franco Urru project perchance?

Mariah Huehner: It's not, actually. But it's in that vein of the "Angel in Time" stories. They're a lot of fun.

Buffyfest: I'll be very curious to see who you've got to write it.

Mariah Huehner: It's a writer I've worked with before who is not stranger to vampire stories. But that's all I say. I think we'll be announcing it relatively soon.

Buffyfest: Alright. That's enough to get the fandom buzzing so it satisfies me. If you could write a story for IDW, though, do you know what it would be? Would you want to do an Angel book or something original?

Mariah Huehner: That's a tough call. I'd kind of love to do an Illyria story... The character really does fascinate me. If I could tell any story, though, I'd want to do a horror tale. I was really impressed with Jennifer's Body, which will probably be polarizing to some folks, but I love that genre something fierce. I'm personally just a total Diablo Cody fan which I've noticed can be controversial for whatever reason. The longer I'm in this industry, the more I realize how much my opinions could get me in trouble.

Buffyfest: It's true. So... Angel or Spike?

Mariah Huehner: Spike. Without a doubt. Well, not with Buffy. Just Spike overall. The Spike relationship [with Buffy], as it ends up, is way different than the beginning but I don't know that you can get past that level of screwed up.

Buffyfest: The bathroom scene in "Seeing Red". I just don't think there's any way of coming back from that.

Mariah Huehner: Ugh, yeah, I can't watch that.

Buffyfest: I just never thought Buffy should ever be that helpless. I hate the idea of Buffy as a victim because it goes against everything she is for me. It physically pained me watching that arc unfold.

Mariah Huehner: It's a pretty dark place to take those characteres. Dealing with the consequences of her resurrection was fine. Getting dark even, was fine. Season 6 is actually my favorite, weirdly, because of that.

Buffyfest: Season Six is your favorite?

Mariah Huehner: Yeah, I like tragedy.

Buffyfest: What about Angel?

Mariah Huehner: Season 5, definitely. Probably because Fred dies and it upsets me so much. I like Season 5 of Buffy a lot too and 7 is exactly what you want out of a "grrrl power" story.

Buffyfest: What about the earlier seasons?

Mariah Huehner: Three [of Buffy] is great. The Mayor is the best villain, flat out. Buffy and Angel are sort of weird in that I love them no matter what season, but there are ones I go back to again and again. Angel Season 3 I like a lot, and the noir feel of 1 is a great way to open.

And that, a little abruptly, ends part two. We literally talked for over three hours and, at that point, the IDW offices were experiencing a mass exodus. I was really lucky to get to sit down and talk with Mariah and I know we'll be hearing from her a lot more in the future.

Keep an eye out next week, folks, when we'll be rolling out our interviews with Bill Williams and Bill Willingham just in time for Angel #28.

Angel #28 Countdown: Mariah Huehner Interview Part One

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:30:00 PST

As we count down the days to December 16th and the relaunch of the Angel series at IDW, I had the good fortune to do a host of interviews with the creative team behind it. While I love talking about what's to come, my favorite thing to do is really dig in deep and find out what people love about the characters and the stories before they get creative control. Mariah Huehner, editor for the upcoming arc, and I had an epic IM interview where we talked about everything we love about Angel and co. We talked so much that I've split the interview in two just so you don't get overwhelmed. Enough of my yammering. To the interview!

Buffyfest: Fancy meeting you here.

Mariah Huehner: Hi!

Buffyfest: How goes it?

Mariah Huehner: Not too bad. Looking at a proof of Angel #29, actually.

Buffyfest: Nice! How's it look?

Mariah Huehner: Pretty fantastic. Getting in the bigger narrative, fun character moments, etc. I'm enjoying working on it. Partly out of a very fannish "squee!" factor, but also because, obviously, I love a good story.

Buffyfest: I can't even imagine. Brian [Lynch] and I used to talk about how exciting but daunting it is to write for a character you've been a fan of.

Mariah Huehner: Well, there's definitely more anxiety around it and I tend to be concerned with maintaining with continuity and character integrity, without stifling the team. Editors generally get the lion's share of the blame if someone doesn't like something, so, I've learned to live with that.

Buffyfest: I think fans have a tendency to spread the blame around but, you're right, as an editor I think the buck does ultimately stop with you. I sometimes wondered how Chris [Ryall] dealt with the continuity and canon related backlash that came from the whole Dark Horse vs. IDW situation. Do you find yourself thinking about that now that you're taking charge at all?

Mariah Huehner: I honestly try not to think about it. I mean, like it or not, the editor is responsible for greenlighting any content in a book. So, while I certainly don't want to upset fans, I also want to make sure we tell the best story possible.

Buffyfest: Was there anything either of the Bills [Williams or Willingham] proposed that you rejected?

Mariah Huehner: Thankfully, they both came into it knowing the show, and already having a really great sense of the characters and where they needed to go. We've had a lot of awesomely nerdy conversations about why so and so does what, where they're going, what would be funny, what needs to be explored, etc. By the time we were talking about the details of the story lines, it was more about making everything fit than needing to throw anything out.

Buffyfest: Did you ever consider starting the numbering of the comics over again since you had a whole new team involved?

Mariah Huehner: I'm not sure if that was discussed before I came on board, but I think we wanted to make sure the fans knew this was on-going. So they could feel safe getting invested.

Buffyfest: Tell me the story of how you took over for Chris.

Mariah Huehner: Well, I'd been here for awhile, working on collected editions. I'd let it slip a few times that I'm a Whedon fan, and that I was really interested in how they were handling "Season 6" in the comics. It may or may not have involved some really geeky conversations about themes in Angel, and commiserating on the galvanizing episode, "A Hole in the World". Chris asked if I had any interest in assistant editing on some of the Angel books, which of course I said yes to. Then Bill Willingham came up as a potential writer for the new storyline, and Chris knew I'd worked with him on "Fables". That was pretty much it. When Bill came on board, it was like we hadn't stopped working together, and I just sort of transitioned into being the editor for this series. Chris still works on plenty of Angel titles, of course, and he's a huge help on this one too.

Buffyfest: That's awesome. So you'll be handling the main Angel ongoing, you have been editing Scott Lobdell's Only Human mini, and Brian mentioned you'd be editing his Spike book next year. Is that everything you're working on?

Mariah Huehner: That I can announce, yeah. Although working on Brian's Spike series is something that hasn't been made official. I hope to, though. Brian's so much fun.

Buffyfest: He really is and he's passionate about telling a story that will satisfy fans. He's kind of happened into becoming the voice of Spike.

Mariah Huehner: Well, he really "gets" Spike, I think, on a fundamental level which is harder than people might think. Spike isn't as broody as Angel, but he's got some interesting layers going on.

Buffyfest: I think getting his own story was way overdue. It always felt like he was vying for attention in someone else's series

Mariah Huehner: Which he sort of is, really. He's always second fiddle to Angel, because of the Shanshu. Although Spike's motives as a "hero" are less ambivalent than Angel's, which I find interesting.

Buffyfest: What do you think motivates Spike to be the hero?

Mariah Huehner: Earning his soul, I think. He didn't have it forced on him, he fought for it. Even when he was evil, he sought it out.

Buffyfest: Do you think he feels that he always has to be earning it? That he has to fight for justice or else what's the point of having gotten the soul at all?

Mariah Huehner: Sometimes. But I also think Spike, once he got over the crazy basement phase, understood that he'd chosen this, so he had to live up to it. He doesn't dwell on it the way Angel does.

Buffyfest: Is he still fighting for the love of that blonde girl with the wooden, pointy thing who shall not be named?

Mariah Huehner: Probably yes and no. I'm sure some part of him will always be fighting for her, because that's Spike. He's a fighter. He doesn't know how to quit but I also don't think doing the "right" thing is all that difficult for him. Just like being evil wasn't when he had no soul.

Buffyfest: You talked a bit on your journal about the ups and downs of the Twilight fandom and one of the big downsides was the normalizing of the abusive and unhealthy relationship between the protagonists. Is there a big difference between that and the relationship that Spike had with Buffy. What about Angel and Buffy? We saw a lot of unhealthy stuff in both of those pairings. What's the difference? Is there one?

Mariah Huehner: Well, Buffy is a supe. Things that apply to "normal" or regular girl characters don't with her. Plus, it's pretty clear every time Angel or Spike do anything negative towards Buffy that's it not okay. Or vice versa, really. The Buffy/Spike relationship in particular was all about self-destruction through sex. It was sort of mutually abusive, and I never got the impression that it was supposed to seem in any way good.

Buffyfest: I agree with you but I know that many people wouldn't.

Mariah Huehner: Sure, and I can see why. A lot of what's great about the Whedonverse is that interpretation is largely encouraged. It doesn't shy away from being difficult or challenging to assumptions.

Buffyfest: Maybe that's another difference between those relationships and the ones in Twilight. There seems to be an openness and an honesty in what's happening even though there's a lot of gray area. I don't know that Edward and Bella have that kind of depth.

Mariah Huehner: I think it's also the difference between portraying something and advocating it. You can portray abusive relationships in a nuanced and gray way, but just the act of portraying it doesn't mean you're encouraging it or saying, hey, that's a great idea. With Twilight, it seems to be suggesting that this is love and that it's okay in some way.

Buffyfest: Right. I want to bring this idea of telling complicated narratives that portray choices and relationships that are very gray area back to the Angel comic. What kind of issues are our heroes going to be dealing with in this upcoming arc?

Mariah Huehner: A lot of the next arc will focus on Connor and Angel and trying to figure out their relationship. They're not the most demonstrative father/son team and Connor has a lot to learn about being a champion. During the Hell Moment was one thing, but being part of Angel Investigations is something else. We start out with Angel being mysteriously missing, so Connor steps up. And quickly learns that doing what Angel does is not easy or simple at all.

Buffyfest: The right way to handle these extraordinary situations is not so black and white.

Mariah Huehner: Nope. Angel makes it look easy, but when you're dealing with so many other personalities, you really start to see why Angel needs to be a leader and why that's such a heavy burden sometimes.

Buffyfest: Will wee see Connor make mistakes?

Mariah Huehner: Boy, will we. When you think about it, there's so much they all have to adjust to. There was something simpler about the Hell Moment. It was pretty obvious what they had to do in terms of fighting, helping, and defeating evil. Now you've got L.A. back to "normal" and everyone remembers what happened. Only it technically didn't.

Buffyfest: Seems like the lines between right and wrong came into sharp focus in Hell but, now that they're out, the lines are blurrier than ever.

Mariah Huehner: Exactly. There's the whole Super Famous Heroes thing to deal with, too. L.A. is pretty celebrity obsessed as it is.

Buffyfest: Right. And there's this subplot of Angel being forced to turn people into vampires which opens up so many issues. We've seen how people with souls can act pretty savagely. It's almost like the lines between monsters and humanity have blurred too.

Mariah Huehner: Absolutely. Which has always been an interesting concept in that world. There's also some really fun Spike/Gunn stuff coming up, and Illyria will be playing a significant role in dealing with Angel going missing.

Buffyfest: How are those relationships. Spike and Illyria had an intense relationship in the Hell Moment and, in the here and now, Gunn and Illyria have gotten close. What will those relationships look like as we begin this arc?

Mariah Huehner: Even though Illyria hs been getting closer to some of the other people in the team, she still has a fundamental disconnect about what it means to be human and she really doesn't get emotions at all.

Buffyfest: She's kind of like Evil Spock.

Mariah Huehner: A bit. And she's almost sexless, too. Or beyond it.

Buffyfest: So no more kisses between her and Spike (or anyone else for that matter)?

Mariah Huehner: Well, I won't go that far, but she's definitely not going to be the "hot chick" anytime soon.

Buffyfest: She's definitely "awkward" personified, that's for sure. Does anyone in that group not feel like the odd man out? The team isn't very team-like these days.

Mariah Huehner: I think they're all kind of struggling with that, how to get back to that place. Most of these characters have gone through some pretty traumatic stuff during AtF and it's going to take awhile for them to really get it together.

Buffyfest: Is there a way to get back to where they were or do they just have to move forward and hope for the best?

Mariah Huehner: I think they have to move forward. Too many things have happened, too many consequences. Too much loss.

Buffyfest: Angel has a line in "Aftermath" and I'm going to actually quote it since I pulled out the book. "I've redeemed my past and am coming to terms with my possibly uncertain future." More than any either part of that arc, that was the thing people zeroed in on so I'm going to ask your opinion: do you think Angel has redeemed himself?

Mariah Huehner: I would say that he can't really redeem himself. He might be able to reconcile it, and work at it, which is sort of his pathos...always striving. Being good doesn't come easily or naturally to Angel so, maybe he thought he had for awhile...but really, he can't ever be non-vigilant about that part of him. The part of him that's been evil. Plus, his story is, to me, less about redemption as it is about fighting the good fight no matter what. Even when you don't want to. Even when it's hard. Even when there are terrible sacrifices. Redemption would be nice, but I don't know that, deep down, he thinks that can happen. Being good now doesn't change anything he did. There's no, save one life, make up for killing another, equation.

Buffyfest: Do you think it's good for Angel to work with others even though anyone who gets close to him winds up being emotionally and physically damaged, dead, or irredeemable (sometimes all three)?

Mariah Huehner: I think it's the only thing that keeps him honest. Even though tragedy tends to follow him around, without other people, I suspect he'd revert back to the way he was just after he was ensoulled. Eventually, anyway.

Buffyfest: Do you think he could ever commit horrible atrocities even with his soul if ever he lost everything that ever mattered to him? Can Angel be even worse than Angelus?

Mariah Huehner: I think that's what he struggles with. He wasn't a particularly stellar human, but he wasn't evil, either. I think the whole conundrum with the Shanshu is that in the right circumstances, with the right amount of despair, Angel can do some less than great things even with a soul.

Buffyfest: Do you think you could tell a story where he totally crosses the line while still having the soul and still redeem him enough by the end of it to bring him back to hero status?

Mariah Huehner: Good question. I'm really not sure. I'd like to think it would take a lot to get him to that place. Something worse than the Apocalypse, probably.

Buffyfest: He'd have to lose everything. For a loner, he's got a lot to lose.

Mariah Huehner: He's been pushed before. Losing Cordelia and Fred were what snapped him out of the Wolfram & Hart ends justifies the means haze...and Connor's death let him see how to get out of the Hell Moment.

Buffyfest: Sometimes that loss spurns him to do the right thing against impossible odds.

Mariah Huehner: I think sometimes loss is the only way we truly see what something is costing us. Angel has a tendency to be really self-involved, and that's been disastrous at times.

Buffyfest: He's surprisingly human that way. Let's talk favorites. What were your favorite episodes of Angel?

Mariah Huehner: "A Hole in World" is, without a doubt, my favorite. Which sounds incredibly morbid, I know. "Not Fade Away" is also way up there.

Buffyfest: Was Fred one of your favorite characters?

Mariah Huehner: My favorite, really. Her character arc is really impressive.

Buffyfest: How did you feel about Illyria during that last act of Season five?
Mariah Huehner: Sort of a weird love/hate thing. She's fascinating as a character. Something that old, that vast, that completely inhuman now trapped inside this much less powerful body. Adjusting to a world that's completely and entirely alien.

Buffyfest: I want to go back to Fred. I'm curious what it was about her specifically that made you so attached to her. Did you identify with her at all?

Mariah Huehner: A lot, although we're not necessarily all that alike. Some of it is just that she's so...normal and she's the only one who retains a sense of conscience. Although she certainly deals with the W&H thing, she's not really seduced by it the same way.

Buffyfest: Do you think her connection to her own ethics and to humanity is rooted in the fact that she's the only character who still has a positive relationship with her parents?

Mariah Huehner: Definitely. Having that relationship is what kept her from being any more crazy in Lorne's world and I think it's what makes her vital to the team in a lot of ways. She had a consistency of heart.

Buffyfest: Will we see anyone take up that role in the new team?

Mariah Huehner: It's hard to say. That type of character is pretty unique, and we've come to a point where everyone is pretty damaged and unsure of themselves in certain ways. Part of the reason Fred sort of had to be the character that died, is because that kind of...uncomplicated goodness is such an easy target. Her dying mattered in a way a more "gray" character wouldn't have. So it's tough to say who could fill that role again.

Buffyfest: Does Kate have any of that in her or is she just as damaged as the rest of them?

Mariah Huehner: I think she might, but after AtF and even being a former cop, she's probably seen a lot of uglier things than even demons can manage. I don't know that that means that she doesn't have heart, but probably not in quite the "pure" way as Fred.

Buffyfest: The team is pretty big, come to think of it. Are they all going to make it out of this next arc alive?

Mariah Huehner: Ha! You know I can't give that away. But who knows? Whedon never had a problem killing folks off.

Buffyfest: Speaking of dead characters: do you think it's best to move forward and leave characters like Wes and Cordy out of the narrative from now on or can you still make them a part of the current storyline in a meaningful way without sullying what came before?

Mariah Huehner: I think it's important to know when characters are gone. Even though it's fiction, endlessly resurrecting characters feels like a cheat to me, and lessens the impact of their loss. I think this particular universe has always been really careful about that. Resurrections always come with major consequences and some deaths are final.

Buffyfest: Do you think Wes's death is final at this point?

Mariah Huehner: I do. I think he's done everything he can and he should get to rest. I loved that character a lot, another great arc, but without Fred, I don't think there's a lot for him. He helped Angel in AtF, he had his moment, but..well...like isn't the right word, but I respect the idea that some love is not diminished. Like sometimes someone really won't move on.

Buffyfest: Wes had that final moment. In a way he gets a satisfying end because he and his friend get to work hand in hand one last time to save the world before he walks off into the sunset. That's about as good as it's ever gonna get for him without Fred.

Mariah Huehner: Pretty much. I believe really strongly in endings.

Buffyfest: Me too. In an ideal world, how does Angel's story end?

Mariah Huehner: Oooh, now there's a question. Since so much of his narrative is about the good fight never really ending. I mean, he should get an ending...he deserves one but I'm not sure it's "and he lived happily ever after with the woman he loves". Because A. boring! but also B. the good fight really can't end.

Buffyfest: He has to die sometime. This was something Bill Willingham talked about when he said he wouldn't have written this story at all if someone hadn't already started it. The ending on the show was so perfect

Mariah Huehner: I feel like a bit of a cad, but I agree. Even though I think there clearly are more stories to tell, that's still the only way I can see it ending. On Angel heading out and fighting. There's something really powerful about that.

Buffyfest: Part of me will always imagine Angel and Buffy together in the end though but that's a personal preference. Maybe that would be fair: another ending where he's fighting but she's at his side. Too cheesy?

Mariah Huehner: No, I think both those characters deserve that. I don't know that heroes always get what they actually deserve, but they should.

Buffyfest: What do you think it is about Angel and his story that is so universal that it continues to connect with people in such a deep and powerful way? Is it just the tragedy of it all or is there something more?

Mariah Huehner: Oh, there's definitely more.Redemption stories are, I think, universally appealing, surmounting great odds. Plus, I think we have a deep fascination with immortality.

Buffyfest: We do. I've heard it argued that we need the reminder of our own inevitable death to make life worth living but I wonder, if we were immortal, wouldn't we keep finding a reason to keep going? Angel has.

Mariah Huehner: Well, I think we're sort of intrigued/horrified/envious of the idea of immortality because imagining it is as close as we're going to get to it. So we project. It would be a terrible burden. It would be worthwhile. We could do so much good. We'd lose everyone we love.

Buffyfest: If you could take Angel (or any other character in his universe) and team him up with/pit him against any other established character, who would they be and why? Bonus points if you choose another immortal

Mariah Huehner: Any other established character ever? Hm. Well, I'm a Tolkien dork, so I'd probably love to see Angel team up with Gandalf sometimes. The conversations alone would be worth it. Angel could be broody, Gandalf could be bristly.

Buffyfest: Will there be hobbits?

Mariah Huehner: Though I love some hobbits, probably not. But maybe Death from the Discworld novels.

Buffyfest: Here, I was just going to team Angel up with the titular immortal from Doctor Who because, if there's anything more dangerous than immortality, it's time travel.

Mariah Huehner: That's a pretty swell team up, too: Angel in Space.

Buffyfest: Now, for the most important question of all. You’re in a demon karaoke bar seeking guidance: what song do you sing and what are you drinking to build up your courage to get on stage?

Mariah Huehner: Well, I'm a light weight...so probably something really boring like red wine. Although lately I've wanted to try an Old Fashioned. As for singing, that's a tough one. I nearly checked my ipod. "Feelin' Good" by Nina Simone, I think. You know who'd be great in a Whedonverse karaoke off? Lorne and Sweet.

Buffyfest: Oh my God. I think a million fanfictions were just born.

Mariah Huehner: They probably already exist. I doubt I could think of any combo that someone else hasn't first. And probably slashed.

Buffyfest: Oh, for pete's sake. Yes, and furries are probably involved. Also: some dude gets impregnated somehow. Oh, internet...

Mariah Huehner: It's a fun, fun, fun place.

aaaaaaand that's it for part one! Stay tuned right here for more details on what's to come and more of Mariah and I obsessing over Angel, Spike, and the rest of the gang.

Buffy To Air Daily On MTV/Logo

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:22:04 PST

Ever since FX abandoned the Buffy ship, we've been waiting to see BTVS on TV again. Starting in January MTV and Logo networks will be airing reruns of our favorite show!

Logo will kick things off by airing an all day marathon (A Buffyfest!) on New Year's Day, after which it will air 4 times daily at 6pm, 7pm, 2 am and 3 am in addition to extra weekend hours, starting January 4th.

I guess MTV has totally abandoned playing music altogether at this point, but bonus for us...at least in this respect. They also start with a Buffyfest at 11 am on Sunday, January 10th. Then it will air regularly on MTV at 11 am on weekdays. Check your local listings!

Jayne Hat Contest!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:26:26 PST

I think these photos detail how each of us feel about the infamous Jayne Hat. Send us pics at Buffyfest@aim.com modeling your own Jayne Hat (or Jayne Hat equivalent) to convey your true feelings about this iconic Whedonverse fashion statement. We'll send an awesome Buffyfest prize to our favorite one!

This Boreanaz Scandal Keeps Getting Weirder

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:33:56 PST

I've been trying to stay away from the ALLEGED Boreano cheaty scandal since we first posted about it, even after it recently came out that the woman he ALLEGEDLY cheated on his wife with is also the same woman in the now famous Tiger Woods cheaty scandal. Girl gets around! I can't stay away from it today, though, because not only is the following Us Weekly article seriously incriminating, it's totally strange. Lookit:

A boastful [Rachel] Uchitel allegedly forwarded along a bizarre, extremely private email from [Tiger] Woods, 33, in which he referenced her famous flings.

Woods' email, Uchitel's friend tells Us , details the athlete's "disturbing dream."

"I had a dream we were married and I was leading the tournament," Woods reportedly wrote. "I came home, excited to see you, and there you were in the bedroom getting f--ked by Derek [Jeter] and David [Boreanaz]. Some part of me thinks you would like that."

Uh. Ohhhhkay.

And ugh...well, at least cheating scandals (ALLEGED or otherwise) and sex tapes usually boost careers.

Read the full story, if you care, here.

Wiccapedia loves Buffy

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:43:00 PST

On Sunday's episode of "The Simpsons", Lisa considers the idea of joining a Wiccan coven. Whilst doing her research, Lisa happens upon the "official Wicca homepage", Wiccapedia. You'll never guess what the most popular link is...

If there be a Buffy fan on the staff of "The Simpsons" let's see more shout outs!

Alyson Hannigan says "Oh Hell No"

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:38:00 PST

Well...in so many words. When asked about appearing in the Whedonless Buffy movie for a cameo, Alyson Hannigan told CinemaBlend.com the following:

"Not without Joss. Joss is the only reason that we would go back."

Hmm. "We." Notice the big little word in that statement. Is she talking about "we" in the sense of "my smoldering rogue demon hunter of a husband and I"? Does she mean "we" in the sense of "My old friend Smidgie and I"? Does she mean to say "The full cast have all had the discussion many-a-time and 'we' all agree that the collective 'we' would all totally go back for a movie"?

That statement drives me crazy with curiosity!

More here at CinemaBlend.com (Michelle - "the cinema" hee!):
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Alyson-Hannigan-Says-No-Thanks-To-The-Buffy-The-Vampire-Slayer-Remake-15952.html

Are you there Joss, It's Me Dean? Supernatural Spoilers

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:46:51 PST

It's no secret over here that Bitsy and I are huge fans of the show Supernatural (Dammit Bobby!), so when I saw an article that fused the world of Dean and Sam (Dammit Sammy!) with that of the Whedonverse, I couldn't help but get excited.

*Spoilers Below*
If you're following the show, you know all too well that the themes of good and evil are being played out in the murky grayness of angels and demons in this year's season of Supernatural. We've finally met the scorned face of Lucifer, but who, if anyone, will play the face of God?

Scifiwire took a stab at answering just that and came up with this list that includes a bunch of Whedonverse alum, including the PTB himself. I personally like the idea of it being a woman, ala Dogma, so I would choose Summer Glau if I had to pick off this list. Of course, they'd save a lot of money in merchandising if they'd just go with Joss.

Whedonverse Ornament Swap Deadline Today!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:59:34 PST

**Reminder** Today, Dec 1st was the deadline to send out your ornaments for the 2009 Whedonverse Ornament Swap! So, umm, I hope you all did that....like good swappers. If not, make sure you get your hiney in gear for tomorrow so your group receives their Whedonverse cheer in time for Yule/Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa/Ramadan/Whatever.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email us at buffyfest[at]aim[dot]com

Also, don't forget, as you receive the ornies please post pics to the Flickr group so we can all see the fun! That can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/buffyfestholidayswap

A Closer Look at Darla, Part II: “Do you even know what I am?”

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:06:15 PST

When we last left off, Darla had been staked by Angel in Buffy season one, and then at the end of season two we were treated to a fascinating flashback to when Darla sired Angel. That was the last we would see Darla on Buffy, except for the marvelous crossover episode “Fool for Love” in season five, which I will discuss further on. However, this was only the beginning for Darla’s character, as she would become a continuous fixture in the Buffy-spin-off Angel. During her run on Angel, Darla was resurrected by Wolfram & Hart in human form, haunted Angel into sleeplessness and pseudo-insanity, was an object of affection for Lindsay McDonald, was sired by her granddaughter Drusilla and lost her soul, went on city-wide vamp rager with Drusilla, ate a roomful of lawyers (perhaps my favorite moment), was almost burned to death by Angel, slept with Angel, gave him a NOT perfectly happy moment causing him to return to his destiny, got pregnant, shared a soul with her miracle child, staked herself to give birth to said child, and finally came back and haunted her emotionally damaged son. We also learned quite a bit about her past via flashbacks. Phew, that is quite a story.

Let’s begin with Darla’s centuries-long vampire past. The first way in which Darla is presented in Angel was via flashbacks. I must admit that I am a sucker for flashbacks, and they are often my favorite part of series such as Buffy, Angel, Firefly (oh, wasn’t “Out of Gas” fun?), Veronica Mars (I lived for the Lilly flashbacks), Lost (oh, flashbacks in the early seasons were just so revelatory), How I Met Your Mother (learning about when Barney first suited up was beyond awesome, and going back in time to see college aged Ted, Marshall, and Lily is hilarious), and most recently The Vampire Diaries (the Civil War era flashbacks in “Lost Girls” were just fabulous). Thus, Angel was a special treat for me, what with the abundance of flashbacks featuring people in period dress. Loved it.

In Angel 1x15, “The Prodigal,” we pick up right before we left off in “Becoming, Part I,” in Galway, 1753. Via a series of flashbacks, we learn what attracted Darla to Liam/ Angel in the first place (well the attraction might still not be too apparent to some of us, but oh well). The episode opens on a very human Liam getting pushed around by his father. It turns out that like all the best TV characters, Angel had daddy issues during his human years, which inspired him to drink and carouse and prove his father’s disappointment right. Reeling from his father’s criticism, Liam rough-houses in a local tavern, while Darla (wearing the fabulous cream dress from “Becoming,” or at least one that looks very similar) looks on admiringly. Darla talks to ~~Joan~~ ~~Saffron~~ ~~Bridget~~ ~~Yolanda~~ a bar maid about Liam, exclaiming, “He’s magnificent.” Whatever you say, Darla. Personally, I can’t get beyond the unflattering wig in that scene, and the fact that Angel looks too old to be playing his younger self, but I guess time and bad hair happen, so I shouldn’t complain. YoSaffBridge sarcastically quips, “Oh yeah, God’s gift all right.” Darla’s classic response? “Really? I’ve never known God to be so generous.” Ha! But more about her relationship with God later. YoSaffBridge says, “Oh his lies sound pretty when the stars are out, but he forgets every promise he’s made when the sun comes up.” Darla: “That wouldn’t really be a problem for me, actually.” Basically any criticism that might turn a living girl off is a turn on for Darla.

The next night, Liam has some fun with the bar maid, and then we cut to the flashback footage from “Becoming, Part I.” We see a quick mesh of the scenes in which Liam is turned by Darla, and hear her saying: “Darling boy … I could show you … things you’ve never seen.” Cut to Liam’s funeral (in case anyone is curious, his tombstone reads 1727-1753), and then to his grave site later that night. We see Darla approach his grave in the darkness, and watch as Angelus arises. I can’t help but note that the breath of these two is super visible, despite the fact that vampires supposedly don’t breathe, but I guess it was cold that night and they couldn’t afford to CGI it out. Oh, now I’m thinking about vampire smoking (yes, I’m looking at you, Spike). Sigh. Darla tells her new protégée, “Birth is always painful.” She is very much the proud mommy, all smiles, and when some guy approaches thinking that they are grave robbers, Darla encourages Angelus to make his first kill: “You know what to do.” Darla assures him, “You can do anything, have anyone.” Angelus is not one for subtlety, or baby steps: “Anyone? I thought I’d take the village.”

After terrorizing the town, Angelus eventually goes back and kills his dad. Darla comes into the house after he has killed his father and quips, “This contest is ended, is it?” Angelus says that he has won. Darla: “Are you sure?” Oh, she’s a troublemaker, that one. Angelus: “Of course. I proved who had the power here.” Darla: “You think?” Angelus: “What?” Darla: “Your victory over him took but moments. But his defeat of you will last lifetimes.” Way to rub it in, Darla. Angelus: “What are you talking about? He can’t defeat me now.” Darla: “Nor can he ever approve of you, in this world or any other. What we once were informs all that we have become. The same love will infect our hearts, even if they no longer beat. Simple death won’t change that.” Angelus: “Love? Is this the work of love?” [Gesturing to the dead bodies of his family.] Darla: “Darling boy, so young. Still so very young.” This conversation is worth transcribing in full, as it demonstrates the way that Darla challenges Angelus’ view of the world, and his understanding of what it means to be a vampire. It also helps explain the twisted vampiric manifestation of love. Finally, the scene provides a hint about the significance of who Darla was before she was turned, and how that informs her later journey.

So, who was Darla before she was turned? We learn the answer in my very favorite Darla-centric episode, fittingly named after her. Angel 2x07, “Darla,” opens on 1609, Virginia Colony, with a very human Darla, slowing dying in bed. The Master (yes, The frakin’ Master!) comes in, and says that she will leave this life before the sun sets. She says that she didn't ask for a priest, as he is dressed as one. The better to hide his creepy demon face, I suppose. Plus, there was probably some real enjoyment of the irony in that costume choice. Darla asks, "Do you even know what I am?" Well that is the question, isn’t it? The Master: "A woman of some property. No husband. No inheritance. Yes, I know what you are." Darla is not one to tiptoe around the truth: "I'm a whore." The Master: "Well, yes, that too. You should have asked for a priest long ago, child. Your life might have been the better for it." Darla: "You should have paid me a visit before today, father. Your life might have been more interesting because of it." Ha! Seriously, this is one of my favorite scenes on Angel, ever. The Master: "Are you prepared now to renounce Satan and beg God his forgiveness?" Darla: "God never did anything for me." After the servants leave, Darla tells her fake priest: "My soul is well past saving. Let the devil take me if he'll have me. Either way, I die." The Master: "No, you will not die. You will be reborn." He says that he came to her last night, and sang to her from that window. He says that he is her savior: "God never did anything for you, but I will." Honestly, I don’t think we could have asked for a better back story for Darla, as this fits perfectly. I doubt anyone was surprised at the truth about Darla’s human past, which is why it suits her character so well.

Personally, I don’t really see this reveal as showing her as a bad person pre-vampire, but rather it makes her more complicated and tragic. Regardless of the fact that she was a prostitute, to be an independently wealthy women in early seventeenth century colonial America was a real rarity. Darla decided (or perhaps was forced by circumstances) to reject the strictures of society, and do things on her own, to take her own universally decried path in life. Thus her view of herself and the world is both pessimistic and jaded. She was no empty-headed innocent, waiting to be married and live out a dull and uneventful life. She was not planning to spend her life making babies, before she was tragically turned into a vampire. She had already seen the darkness and tragedy of life, and had already reaped the fatal consequence of her reckless youth, i.e. Syphilis. In some ways, The Master was right when he said that he would save her—her vampire un-life was an improvement for Darla, which only adds to our understanding of her embrace of said life.

Another illuminating flashback is featured in Angel 1x18, “Five by Five.” In this episode we learn more about what really happened in Romania in 1898, when Angelus was cursed with a soul. In fact, Angelus’s most touted crime, the one for which he lost his soul, was all Darla’s idea. The gypsy girl whose death would later cause the soulful Angel eternal torment was in fact a birthday present from Darla. Angelus loves the gift and asks Darla, "What would I do without you?" Darla replies, "Wither and die." As she explains, "She's not just for you. I get to watch." Hmmm. So why is it that only Angelus is punished? Those gypsies are not to good at the vengeance thing (and kind of sexist!). Yes, I know that may sound ridiculous, but seriously, why does Angelus get all the fame, notoriety, and punishment, while Darla is basically ignored and tolerated. Is she not villainous enough? If those gypsies were so vengeful and angry, why didn’t they go after Darla too? Hello! It was her idea, and she was the one who procured the girl. Not that this absolves Angelus, but I just find it very odd.

Later when Darla returns home and calls for Angelus she hears him muttering in the shadows: "Not everyone screams." Except for the children of course, and Darla amusedly replies, "Yes, they sound just like little pigs." As Angel continues to mumble disturbed musings—I guess he is Angel now, so that is what I’ll call him—Darla begins to worry. "What is this? Have you met someone else?" she asks. She can sense that something is wrong, and asks, "What happened to you? Angelus? What happened?" He does not reply, but Darla realizes the truth: "A soul. They gave you a soul. A filthy soul. You're disgusting—get out of here!" Priceless reaction. Oh, Darla. He tries to argue, and says that he’s like her. Darla will have none of it: "You’re not like anything. Get away from me. Get out, I'll kill you."

In fact, however, we learn that Darla does not give up on Angelus so quickly. In another flashback, we see Darla plead with the gypsies: "You took him from me. You stole him away. You gave him a soul." Why in the world Darla thinks this pleading will work, and why in the world they don’t just perform the same curse on her, I cannot tell you. Darla argues on Angelus’ behalf, saying that the soul will cause him to suffer for the rest of eternity. Um, I’m pretty sure that is THE WHOLE POINT, so probably not the best argument, but OK. Darla still continues to plead: "Remove that filthy soul so my boy can come back to me." I find Darla’s intercession here fascinating, and not just for the insane troll logic mentioned above. In fact, this scene really shows how important Angelus was to her, and how much she does not want to lose him.

Angel seems to feel the same way, and two years later, in China, he reunites with Darla. In more superficial news, she wears a fabulous updo during the Boxer Rebellion that is worthy of note. But back to the drama, Darla wonders how Angel found her and he explains: "You could never resist a religious war, and you always talked about China." Of course. Things get violent, and she gets the upper hand on him. She questions whether he came there because he wants her to kill him, and notes: "I can still smell it you know [i.e. the soul]. That's not all. You reek of vermin. Is that what you've been living off of?" He wants a second chance. You can tell that she wants to give him that second chance, and that she wants thing to go back to what they were, but she is doubtful. She tells him that it's impossible because he has a soul. He begs. Darla: "You almost make believe you." Angel: "We can do this. We can do anything." Sigh.

Unfortunately—or fortunately, depending on your perspective—Angel underestimates the power of his soul. While he is out with Darla amidst the Boxer Rebellion, he manages to save a missionary family in an alley. Darla, of course, wants to find missionaries and "drain the piety right out of them." Hehe. Sorry, not funny. Then Drusilla and Spike appear, fresh from the events of the Spike-centric crossover Buffy episode “Fool for Love,” and they brag about Spike killing a slayer. Angel responds to this news very awkwardly and tries to move the group farther away from the cowering missionary couple. Darla is suspicious, and she can smell the fear nearby. Eventually Darla confronts Angel. He tries to make excuses, pointing out that she has seen him kill men. Darla is not satisfied, as Angel is only killing guilty men: "Rapists and murderers. Thieves and scoundrels. Do you think I wouldn't notice? Only evildoers. That's all you hunt now." How dare he? She uncovers a baby, the one Angel tried to save in the alley, and tells him that she won't be made a fool. Then she delivers one of my favorite lines: "While Spike—Spike!—was out killing a slayer, you were saving missionaries … from me!" That is the last straw and she kicks him out. Presumably that is the last that the two see each other until 1997, in Buffy season one.

All that, and I still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of Darla’s character. Beyond the flashbacks, Darla had a very rich story arc on Angel, in "present" time. At the end of Angel season one, Darla was resurrected in human form by Wolfram & Hart. This event is a catalyst for most of the events in seasons two and three. In early season two, there are a series of episodes in which Angel is sleeping too much, and keeps on dreaming about Darla. Cordelia and Wesley think that he is off his rocker, but eventually it is revealed that human Darla is in league with Wolfram and Hart to take Angel down. As Lindsay explains, "We don't want him dead. We want him dark.” At first it seems that this might be accomplished via sex, with Darla giving Angel a moment of perfect happiness. However, Angel puts the kibosh on any chance of that. He tells Darla: "You took me places. Showed me things. You blew the top off my head. But you never made me happy." Darla, "But that … that teenager did? We were together 150 years. We shared everything. You're saying never?" Angel: "You couldn't understand." Darla: "I understand alright. A guy gets a taste of something fresh, and he thinks he's touching God." Angel: "It wasn't about ...." "Oh you bet your ass it was. There was a time, in the early years, when you would have said that I was the definition of bliss. Buffy wasn't happiness, she was just new." Angel explains that he didn’t have a soul then, so that was never possible, but she is not appeased. She reminds him that he is still a vampire: "See, no matter how good a boy you are, God doesn't want you. But I still do.”

Of course Darla has bigger problems than Angel’s happiness, as she is dying. It turns out that in her human form she retains the syphilis that she was already dying from in 1609. Tough break. She wants Angel to make her a vamp, arguing that she gave him eternal life, and now it’s time for him to return the favor. Angel makes her feel guilty about turning him instead, and refuses. That said, he doesn’t give up on her, and tries to find a way to save her. In 2x09, "The Trial," Angel stops her from letting some loser vamp in a Metallica shirt try to turn her, and finds an alternate way. He discovers some supernatural “trial,” in which he can compete as her champion. It involves fighting a demon, getting staked, and walking on crosses. Angel is willing to accept death, just so that Darla may live on as a human with a soul. However, after all this (duh, he survives), it turns out that the deal had fine print. Because Darla has already been given new life before, by Wolfram & Hart, she is already living her second chance and doesn’t get another. Tragic, I know. It gets worse (again, it all depends on perspective), however, when Drusilla is called in by Wolfram & Hart, and sires Darla herself. Goodbye, soulful Darla.

Despite the tragedy of Darla losing her soul, there is a major silver lining in her reunion with Drusilla. In 2x10, “Reunion,” Darla and Drusilla tear up the town, and much fun is had. The combination of wacky Drusilla and straight-woman Darla is gold. Despite the maneuvering by Wolfram & Hart, the ladies are not to be pinned down, and turn the tables on the bossy lawyers. As Darla explains to Holland Manners, “I believe you said something about … a massacre." The duo manages to get into Manners’ home, and they savor the fun. In one of the more shocking moments of the series, Angel interrupts at the last moment, but instead of helping all the humans, he tells Manners that he “just can’t seem to care.” He closes the doors behind him, as we hear Darla and Drusilla feast on all the lawyers in the cellar. Wow.

After this, Angel becomes obsessed with killing Darla, and turns away from all his friends. The solitary period of broody pseudo-evil Angel is perhaps to blame for some of the Darla hate, as Angel is super-annoying, and it’s hard to see him mistreat the Angel Investigations team. Angel is obsessed with Darla, as he feels guilty for not being able to save her. In fact, as we will learn later, he sees his own fate tied to Darla’s, and hopes to save himself as well. Eventually, Angel tries to burn Darla and Drusilla to a crisp, but they survive. However, Drusilla leaves town, so Darla is left with Lindsay, recovering from the burns. In "Reprise," episode 2x15, there is a hullabaloo over a Review at W&H, and a visit by one of the Senior Partners. There is a whole chase for a special ring, the Band of Blacnil, and the glove that can do something special—it doesn’t really matter, as it is just a MacGuffin. The real reveal is that the apocalypse has totally already started, and the good guys are losing. In fact, the good guys pretty much have NO hope. Yes, Angel is a depressing show. I happen to like it that way.

Why is this relevant for Darla? I’m getting there. Basically, this Apocalypse-now news is so soul-crushing, showing that everything that Angel has been doing is for naught, that Angel reaches his lowest point. When he goes back to the Hyperion, Darla shows up, and he throws the ring at her. Blah blah blah … he pushes her around (violently) and they have sex. He takes a page out of season six Buffy, and tells Darla, “I just want to feel something besides the cold.” Afterward, in a scene very much mirroring the one at the end of the Buffy episode “Surprise,” Angel wakes up in bed, and there is thunder and his face is all :O (that is my rendering of an open mouthed Angel losing his soul). They are totally trying to trick the audience into thinking that Angel lost his soul. We pick up this dangling cliffhanger in the aptly named episode "Epiphany," 2x16, in turn very reminiscent of the Buffy episode “Innocence,” but in this version Angel goes through a very different sort of change.

It turns out that Darla is either incredibly optimistic, or she wasn’t paying attention to the first half of the season in which Angel told her over and over again that he didn’t love her, as she is full of delight that Angel has lost his filthy soul. Perhaps she thinks that since then he has fallen for her? Angel apologizes to her, and she is confused. Angel explains: "I am sorry. You saved me. I'm sorry that I couldn't do the same for you." Darla: "What?" She realizes and steps away: "You still have a soul." Awkward. Like, really awkward. Darla: "But we … and you… then I ... you're not evil? I … I don't understand. Was I … was it not good? Well, I do not accept that. You cannot tell me that that was not perfect. Not only have I been around for 400 years, I used to do this professionally. And that was perfect. We’ll go again." He says no, and that they're finished. Darla: "Finished? Why? Because you suddenly decide? You know, an hour ago, you wanted this. You weren't tricked into anything. I didn't seduce you. You wanted this?" He says that it was perfect: "And you were the reason. You've always been the reason. You were the thing that made me what I am. And I thought that if I could save you, I would somehow save myself. But I was wrong. And when I failed … when I failed, you saved me. There's nothing I can do for you Darla. I can't even hate you." Darla is deservedly pissed: "You knew this would happen, didn't you? You made me trust you. You made me believe." I doubt Angel planned this, but wow. It sucks to be Darla. The end.

OK, except not really the end, because not only does Darla get kicked out of bed on threat of death by Angel, she gets pregnant. She is really on the wrong end of karma, isn’t she? Not that I’m saying that pregnancy is terrible, but it is when you’re a vampire and it’s supposed to be impossible, and all you want to do is go around being evil. In season three, we learn that the impossible has happened—for the first time in history the union between two vampires produced offspring, a term fitting because it is the name of the episode in which Angel learns about his NOT love-child. The Angel Investigations gang is not thrilled with this news, particularly Cordelia. This also leads to one of my favorite exchanges on the show. Fred: "Who's Darla?" Gunn: "Angel's old flame, from way back." Fred: "Not the one who died?" Gunn: "No, not that one. The other one who died and came back to life." Fred: "Do you have a chart or something?” Gunn: "Yeah, it's in the files somewhere. I'll get it for you later." Ha! As Darla sarcastically sums it up: "Gosh, I'm the luckiest vampire girl in all the world." Sigh.

Darla’s pregnancy is rocky to say the least, and there is a vampire hunter and crazy vampire cult (amongst others) after her. Plus, it turns out that since Darla is dead, and her pregnancy was impossible to begin with, she can’t really give birth the normal way, and the baby is stuck inside. Eventually, in "Lullaby," episode 3x09, Darla reveals that she is sharing a soul with the baby. She tells Angel: “I love it completely. I don't think I've ever loved anything as much as this life that's inside me." Angel: "You've never loved anything, Darla." Darla: "True. 400 years, and I never did, until now." She dreads giving birth, as she will no longer share the soul: "I won't be able to love it. I won't be able to remember that I love it. I won't remember." She has really been transformed by her love of her unborn child. She also says thanks to the Angel Investigations gang, which is probably the first time in her entire life and un-life that she has uttered such a word. Now that her redemption is complete, sadly, it is time for her to die. In fact, her death itself is a form of redemption. She ends up going into labor in an alley, and the scene is visually very reminiscent of the Nativity, and there is also rain to heighten the drama. She reminds Angel: "You died in an alley, remember?" There is very much a parallel here between Darla taking away Angel’s life and soul back in 1753, and now, in 2001, bringing a child with a soul into the world. She apologizes to Angel for making him what he was, and then delivers her final words: "We did so many terrible things together. So much destruction. So much pain. We can't make up for any of it, you know that don't you? This child, Angel, it's the one good thing we did together. The only good thing. You make sure to tell him that." Then she stakes herself, and as the dust falls, a baby boy born. It is quite a death scene. I mean, as dramatic exits go, you really cannot get more dramatic than that, right? Well, maybe Buffy jumping on the tower in “The Gift,” but that is stiff competition.

So, once Darla has died, for a fourth time, that is still not the end of her. I know, right? You are ready for this post to end, and it will … soon. In 4x17, "Inside Out," The Powers That Be send Darla (or some simulacrum of her) to try to stop Connor from going to the dark side. Yes, little baby Connor went a bit crazy, due to his childhood in a hell dimension, and his twisted love for NOT-Cordelia and their baby-who-is-really-a-goddess-played-by-Zoe-from-Firefly. Darla tries to convince her son not to sacrifice a virgin, telling him how much she loves him, and how she will always be part of him. Connor wonders why she left him then. Darla explains that she did what she had to, offering her life for his. Connor, when your mother dies to give you life, maybe you should be a bit more grateful. Darla continues: “I did so many terrible things, Connor. So much destruction. So much pain. You were the one good thing I ever did. The only good thing. I'd die every day for the rest of eternity for you. And this [motioning to frightened girl about to be sacrificed] is how you repay me?" Good point, Darla. Connor was so not worth dying over (sorry Connor fans, just my biased opinion). Sigh. She begs him: "Don't let this happen, Connor. Don't let my death mean nothing. […] As a vampire I killed without mercy or remorse, because I didn't have a soul. What's your excuse? […] It has to be your choice. You can stop this. […] This isn't you, Connor." It almost works, but then NOT-Cordelia interrupts and warps his mind further. Connor is won over by the threat to his unborn child, and drags away the innocent girl, ignoring his mother’s pleas. Suddenly, the innocent girl turns into Darla, and we see Darla killed by evil Cordy. Then Darla's body turns back into the random innocent girl again. So, do we count that as Darla dying for a fifth time? Sigh. She really is the luckiest vampire in all the world.

OK, so after this exhaustive discussion of Darla, we can see that she has really had a roller coaster of a storyline, and provided a lot of entertainment. What do you think? Is she inspiring? Or does she make you want to turn off your TV? Has she been underappreciated? Or are you still annoyed that she got so much screen time in season two? Do you resent Angel’s destructive obsession with her? Or perhaps, the fact that she stood in the way of Angel and Cordelia in season three? Or do you find her a joy to watch? I would love to read what you all think.

You can read more by Lucia on her blog, Heroine TV, where she recaps shows such as Dollhouse, The Vampire Diaries, Mad Men, and Lost. You can also follow her on Twitter, where she never tires of talking about TV.

fanvid sunday: black weekend edition

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:33:24 PST

Hey there, kids. It's been a long and busy weekend but that doesn't mean we can't make time for a little fanvid love. I hope I won't appear as too much of a debbie downer but laurashapiro put together a truly beautiful tribute to Lorne a few days ago and I just had to share it with you in case you hadn't seen it already.

Find more videos like this on BAM Vid Vault

Yeah... I liked it a bunch even though it made me super sad. Hope you all enjoy it too. How was your Thanksgiving? Were you forced to endure political dissonance with family like I was? Good times. Happy Sunday, everybody.

A Closer Look at Darla, Part I: “I don’t get to have any fun.”

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:20:28 PST

Vampires are all the rage these days. You can’t go very far without reading, hearing, or seeing some reference to the pale, brooding, dangerous, and above all “hot” undead. Personally, I’m rather sick of how “hot” vampires are, despite my love for the vampire genre. But amidst the blood, the sparkles, the abs, and the violence, where are the female vampires? On E!’s latest list of “10 Vampires We Love,” a TV special aired earlier this month, only 3 out of the 10 oddly-chosen vampires were female, and the discussion of these ladies was anything but complex. Angel made the list at #8, but none of his fellow Whedonverse vamps placed on the countdown. This is only the latest of such lists, and I have repeatedly found myself thinking that the lady vamps of the Whedonverse are underappreciated. Of course such things are subjective, but I cannot help but wonder about the larger trend. For example, despite Alice Cullen making it to #9 on the E! list, no one was wearing Alice shirts to the recent screenings of Twilight Saga: New Moon. Instead, most of the moviegoers identified themselves as Team Jacob or Team Edward. The tendency to read books and watch shows and movies purely for relationships leaves many of these female vampires with little fanfare. The predominantly female audience plays into this, which I find rather odd. You might think that with so many women watching things like True Blood, Twilight, and The Vampire Diaries (or reading the book versions), there would be more attention to the kick ass vampire chicks. Sadly, no.

Even within the Whedonverse, fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel often seem much more fixated on Angel and Spike, and the battle for Buffy’s heart. No female vampire was ever included in the Buffy or Angel credits, though Angel and Spike were regulars on both shows. In particular, I find that Darla, and her role in the larger mythology, is underappreciated. In an interview with Julie Benz, found on the special features of the Angel season three dvds, she talks about how the fans didn’t really like her, until finally at the end of her run in season 3, when she sacrificed herself to give birth to Connor. I was shocked to hear this, as Darla was one of my favorites since she first bit what’s-his-name in the opening to “Welcome to the Hellmouth.” In contrast, Spike and Drusilla seem to have been embraced by the fandom right away, following their entrance in the season 2 Buffy episode “School Hard,” and their popularity is referenced in the commentaries as a reason for keeping those characters around for so long. I should note that I did not watch Buffy or Angel when they first aired, and instead caught it all on dvd in 2007 (since then, of course, I have re-watched it all multiple times), so my experience is rather different from those who have been taking part in the fandom since the beginning. Nevertheless, I’m sure that there are others who feel like me, and want to see Darla given a bit more attention and credit. Or perhaps, if you have underestimated her in the past, you might reconsider after reading this post.

Darla was the first vampire to be featured on Buffy—the first to bite anyone, and the first to walk the halls of Sunnydale High School. The opening teaser for "Welcome to the Hellmouth," begins with spooky music, as the camera pans through a high school science classroom, featuring an absurd number of skeletons. The arm of a teenage boy breaks through the window, and we see Darla's face behind. Julie Benz played the role with pure innocence and fear, as Darla stammers to her companion, " I I I I don't want to go up there." At this point, I assumed that the boy was a vampire, and that the sweet blonde girl was soon to be dead meat. Darla was visibly frightened and worries that she heard someone. Her date tries to spook her further, but she is not amused. He mockingly calls “hello,” and when no one answers, he assures her that no one is there. Then, suddenly, the pretty blonde vamps out and bites the boy’s neck. Hello, unconventional vampire. Goodbye, random teenage boy. In the commentary for the pilot, and the interviews on the dvds, Joss Whedon talks about the choice to open the show this way, and the significance of this for the overall message of the show. In this opening scene, Joss manages to play upon the expectations of the audience, and then suddenly to subvert them. As Joss says over and over again, part of the impetus in creating the character Buffy was that he was tired of watching horror movie after horror movie in which the pretty blonde was killed by monsters in an alley. Buffy was an opportunity for the pretty blonde to fight back, and fight back she did. Overall, the message was empowering, at least for me, and Darla was part of this. While Darla was not the heroine of the story, the fact that she turned out to be the scary one, not the powerless victim as I would have supposed, was a sign that this show would challenge traditional gender roles.

The next time we see Darla, she is flirting with Jesse (remember him?) in The Bronze (while sitting in a chair that looks like a bird cage, but that’s neither here nor there), and he is thrilled to have the attention. Jesse eats up every word, but in his defense Darla is way cooler than the vamp that was seducing Willow in that episode. Willow goes off with the loser vamp in the 70s garb, and is led into a mausoleum. Darla arrives shortly thereafter, and the loser vamp asks why she didn't bring her own. She wipes her mouth and says, "I did." There is a pause and then a bitten Jesse stumbles in. Darla explains, "I got hungry on the way." See? That is the Darla I know and love. This was the first episode, however, so the vamp-face-change is rather awkward, and Julie Benz was sporting unfortunate bangs and makeup. Additionally, she, along with most others in the early seasons, had a hard time speaking with the fangs, but she still conveyed awesomeness. Then Buffy comes in and there is a confrontation. Darla is a bit more fearful and ignorant than I would imagine her character to be (based on the flashbacks we see later), but this was the first episode, so the writers hadn’t figured out all the mythology yet. Darla and Buffy even fight in this scene, but it is rather pathetic as the oafish Luke comes in and totally cuts-in on the fight. Darla runs off to tell the Master. Fail. I would have preferred to see Darla take lead here.

In the second part of the premiere, "The Harvest," Darla and Luke bring Jesse to the Master. The Master is not so happy with Darla, as Jesse is totally leftovers, but she makes excuses. The relationship at this point doesn’t seem as close as it seems in later episodes, but I guess the fact that he doesn’t kill Darla over this is proof of his affection. For the rest of the scene, however, Luke gets all the lines, and all Darla does is light some candles. While Luke is anointed as “The Vessel,” Darla looks on with this odd ecstatic expression, and it's kind of hilarious. Then Darla leads the gang of vamps to the Bronze, but does nothing once she gets there. Disappointing.

After this, we really don’t see Darla until “Angel,” episode seven. Buffy has increasingly become a problem for the Master, so Darla offers to kill her. The Master refuses her request, saying that she has a "personal interest in this." Darla’s response? "I don't get to have any fun." Word. The Master is totally keeping her down. When The Three (clever name) inevitably fail, they offer their lives in penance. The Master: "I am weary, and their deaths will bring me little joy. [Cue Darla happily staking The Three.] Of course sometimes a little is enough." Ha! The happiness on her face while staking the vamps really just made me adore her even more in that moment. Is that wrong?

Later in the episode, Angel arrives home to his apartment to find Darla waiting, and this is when we begin to learn about the past relationship between these two—a history that will continue to be developed in Buffy and, to a much great extent, in Angel. There is much history between the two, involving rampaging across Europe and Asia for over a century. Darla tries to convince him to embrace his vampire nature, and insinuates that Buffy will never accept him for what he is. It is left unclear whether she succeeds, and after this conversation, Darla goes back to The Master with a plan: "Angel kills her and comes back to the fold." The Master likes this, and says of Angel: "He was the most vicious creature I ever met." The way they talk, it seems like Angel actually was part of the Order of Aurelius, and had a relationship with The Master, but they retcon that later. Oh well. Darla sets her plan into motion by going to see Joyce. Through a conversation between the two, there is a hint that Darla’s family dates back to the War of Independence, but in fact we will later learn that she was turned over a century before that. Darla manages to frame Angel for biting Joyce, hoping to make Buffy try to kill Angel, and thus force Angel to fight back and kill Buffy.

After Buffy starts making preparations to hunt Angel down, Darla confronts Angel again: "She's out hunting you right now. She wants to kill you. What did you think? Did you think she would understand? That she'd look at your face—your true face—and give you a kiss? For 100 years you have not had a moment's peace because you will not accept who you are. That's all you have to do—accept it. Don't let her hunt you down. Don't whimper and mewl like a mangy human being. Kill, feed, live." Darla is very much representative of the demon aspect of the vampire, and is an advocate of the easy, and above all the fun, way of un-life. She wants Angel to let go and embrace his inner demon. As we will learn later, Darla was the one who made Angelus the monster that he was, both literally and metaphorically.

Eventually, Buffy and Angel have a showdown in the Bronze. He tells her about the gypsy girl whom he killed, and the resulting curse. At first Buffy is not very impressed at the hardship this curse presents, but Angel explains: "When you become a vampire, the demon takes your body, but it doesn't get your soul. No conscience, no remorse. It's an easy way to live." As he points out, “You have no idea what it feels like to have done the things that I’ve done … and to care.” This is relevant for Darla because it explains her persona, in contrast to Angel’s. She is in the no-cares camp, and has no remorse for her evil deeds. She also has a real spirit of fun and enjoyment.

When Darla arrives on the scene, she is still mocking Angel’s teenage love choice by wearing a red plaid school-girl outfit. She is also in vamp face and sporting the resultant lisp, but I’ll let her slide on the latter. Darla asks Buffy, "Do you know what the saddest thing in the world is?" Buffy: "That hair, on top of that outfit?" Hehe. Darla: "To love someone who used to love you." Buffy is not thrilled to learn that Darla and Angel were involved, but puts on a brave face: "Well, when you've been around since Columbus, you are bound to pile up a few exes. You're older than him, right? Just between us girls, you're looking a little worn around the eyes." Well, she’s not that old, but Buffy is only about 100 years off. Darla explains: "I made him. And there was a time when we shared everything, wasn't there Angelus? You had a chance to come home, to rule with me in the Master's court for a thousand years. But you threw that away because of her. You love someone who hates us. You're sick. And you'll always be sick. And you'll always remember what it was like to watch her die.” This really captures Darla’s role in the Whedonverse in a nutshell. She misses her play-time companion Angelus, and desires more than anything that he would return to who he was. She has a very clear idea of what it means to be a vampire, and it is a rather tempting lifestyle for Angel. She will never succeed in turning Angel, which makes her almost tragic in a way. She is fighting a losing battle and won’t accept that the past is over.

Darla quips, “You don't think I came alone did you?" Buffy didn’t either, and pulls out a crossbow. Darla: "Ooh, scary. [She pulls out two guns, one of the rare moments when guns are featured on this show.] Scarier." Even with the vamp-teeth-lisp that scene is awesome-sauce. She shoots Angel, for fun, telling Buffy: "Oh, don't worry, bullets can't kill vampires. They can hurt them like hell, but … so many body parts, so few bullets. Let's start with the knee caps. No fun dancing without them.” Really, when does Buffy have an adversary more fun in the first season? At this point, Xander and Willow try to distract Darla, and Willow tells Buffy the truth about who bit Joyce. Angel takes this opportunity to stake his former lover, and she features a look of shock, turning and saying Angel’s name, before turning into vamp dust. I have to admit, despite the fact that she is a cold-hearted killer, Darla’s death makes me sad. I can’t help but pity her—at that point no one ever gave her a second chance, or tried to save her, and it just seemed rather sudden and final. Luckily, however, this would not be the last time we would see Darla.

When The Master hears about Darla’s death, he is visibly upset, and smashes things. At least someone cares. The Annoying One (copyright some fabulous podcast I listened to, but there are so many that I can’t quite recall) tells him, "Forget her." The Master is as annoyed at this advice as me, and tells the boy: "How dare you. She was my favorite, for 400 years." The Annoying One says that she was weak, and that he doesn't need her. Shut up, Annoying One. The Master continues: "But to lose her to Angel. He was to have sat at my right hand, come the day. And now …" Again, they kind of retcon this later, as Angel turns down The Master’s invitation to join him right away. But I guess everything has to come back to Angel, since he is the tragic hero of the piece. Sigh.

We next see Darla via flashback, in the season two finale, "Becoming Part I." The episode open on Galway, 1753, and we see a young and bewigged (oh, that awful wig) Angel, or rather Liam, carousing in the streets, complete with a terrible Irish accent. He catches sight of a gorgeous and mysterious woman in the alley across the way, and it must be noted that Julie Benz rocks the period-look beyond all others on the show. Darla looks a million times better without those awful bangs and overdone makeup, and is wearing a fabulous dress and sporting a wig as lovely as Angel’s is awful. Angel asks: "So I ask myself—what's a lady of your station doing alone in an alley with a reputation like this one has?" Darla replies, "Maybe she's lonely." There is some back and forth flirting, and Darla wonders if he is up to the challenge. Angel asks where she’s from, and she says "Around. Everywhere." Angel had never been anywhere, and Darla offers to show him her world, "Things you've never seen, never even heard of." Angel: "Sounds exciting." Darla: "It is. And frightening." Angel: "I'm not afraid. Show me. Show me your world." Darla tells him to close his eyes and grants him his request. The scene is at once sexual and maternal, and we can see the beginnings of their unhealthy relationship. Especially interesting to me was the fact that Angel asked for it. He certainly didn’t know what he was getting himself into, but he was game for adventure, frightening or not. Before this fatal encounter, Liam's life was rather pointless and narrow. Darla opens up a whole new world for him, and is very much his guide and mentor. In Angel we are able to further explore the ways in which Darla shaped Angelus, and consequently Angel. Look forward to Part II of this post to come, discussing Darla’s character growth on Angel.

You can read more by Lucia on her blog, Heroine TV, where she recaps TV series such as Dollhouse, Mad Men, The Vampire Diaries, and Lost. You can also follow her on Twitter, where she never tires of talking about TV.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:11:47 PST

Willow: At least we all worked together. It was like old times.

Xander : Yeah, especially with Angel being here and everything.

For your reading pleasure between servings of mashed potatoes, here's a few more Thanksgiving quotes from the Gang:

Willow: Thanksgiving isn't about blending of 2 cultures. It's about one culture wiping out another. And then they make animated specials about the part where, with the maize and the big, big belt buckles. They don't show you the next scene, where all the bison die and squanto takes a musket ball in the stomach.

Anya: It's a ritual sacrifice, with pie.

Buffy: Pretty darn scary. It more like a riot than a Ralph's…I thought I was going to have to use slayer moves on this one woman who was completely hoarding the pumpkin pie filling.

Buffy: We don't say "indian."

Giles: Oh, right. Yes, yes. Um, always behind on the terms. Still trying not to refer to you lot as "bloody colonials."

Welcome Guest Blogger Heroine_TV!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:21:22 PST

I'm stepping away from Buffyfest (for the first time ever!) to take a Thanksgiving trip to the magical place that is the World of Disney. In my stead, we're happy to announce that blogger Lucia a.k.a Heroine_TV will be over to fill in! She runs a kick-ass blog: HeroineTV.com. If you haven't visited it before, you've missed a self-proclaimed TV addict dish about all of the female driven shows and characters. Go check that fabulosity out! You can also follow her on twitter @heroine_tv.

We're very excited to have her over for a visit and would like to extend a cozy holiday Buffyfest welcome!

Drug Scandal in the "Other" Vampire Fandom!

buffyfest@aim.com (Buffyfest.Blogspot.com) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:54:51 PST

Seriously, they are peddling Twilight brand heroin on the streets of our city via this crafty villain in Long Island. The dime bags are "branded" with Edward Cullen's face on them. So wrong! First with the sparkling, cold-like-a-dead-man's-penis sex toy, now this. Joking aside, it's really not anything like throwing an appendage in a freezer. I'd feel terrible if it was a Buffy logo or Blue Sun type situation. Capitalizing on someone's fandom addiction is one thing, but substance addiction is another. I can just hear someone OMGing "Look how cool my Twi-hard dope baggie is!" This really is too far.

And don't forget...then Buffy slayed Edward, the end.

P.S. the guy on the bag actually kind of looks like Spike, no?