One of the dream assignments that would have me swinging from chandeliers would be the chance to be part of a Joss Whedon-helmed TV show. I enjoy Joss’ vibe and his storytelling structure and rhythm is used and mimicked by other creators as diverse as Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who took Season Five cues from Whedon on when to kill off Clark’s dad, as well as a Season Six cue on when to do an episode in which Clark wakes up to find himself a “normal boy” in an insane asylum; as well as Bill Lawrence, who took a Season Six cue from Whedon on when to do a musical episode; and even new Doctor Who series show runner Russell T. Davies, who, rather than aping specific episodes, simply structures his seasons with a continuity that is similar to how Whedon structured his television dramas, most notably Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Whedon’s mind works sharply and efficiently, yet is still brimming with humor and creativity; working on his team would be an education and inspiration. Of course, Buffy, Angel and Firefly are all long-dead; but it now appears Whedon is headed back to television after pouring several years into trying to get a Wonder Woman movie off the ground, with no success.
The new series, which is slated to star Buffy alumn Eliza Dushku, is currently called Dollhouse and is a completely new intellectual property for Whedon. That would provide an interesting opportunity, although the likelihood of a blogger/writer like me being invited to join the show’s script crew with no Hollywood credits to my name? Well, fat chance.
Another new Joss project is Ripper, a proposed 2008 TV movie to air this summer on the BBC, centered around Anthony Stewart Head’s Rupert Giles character from the Buffy-verse. Not to mention he’s involved writing a lot of movies. But TV would be the best way to work with and learn from the man. Ever happen? Not likely.
