New Buffy Spin-Off under consideration - Page 2 - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

angelle myst · 17th February 2003, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Angelus Rex
Season 6 had a decent story arc, but it's individual episodes were horrible IMO. The characters just deteriorated into a bunch of selfish, whinney, shells of their former selves. Alot of the stories i felt were derivative and lacked any focus. And don't get me started on the Buffy/Spike thing. That was just wrong to me.

Season 6 was rough, raw and dark and the characters went through so much, sometimes that's life. Without season 6 being so dark, character development would have been lacking. They got over the harshness of it all and at the end of came season 7, which has been brilliant. The "Buffy/Spike thing" may have been wrong to you or for them, and we won't go into that right now, but it allowed their characters to develop into (arguably) better people, it took them into adulthood. Basically they grew up a lot because of what went on in season 6, it's one of my favourite seasons.

Quote:

New talent means new things to experience and new ideas to be presented.

I don't think a totally new selection of writers would be appropriate, but flesh blood so to speak wouldn't be bad mixed with the experience of at least one or two of the original writers.

x x x

obcooke · 17th February 2003, 10:23 PM

Hey, guys, just a moderator's note. I've merged the thread "Buffy to live on" with this one. I just want to keep the number of "spoilery" threads to a minimum and since they both cover the same basic topic it seemed logical.

I added a note to the first post in this thread to create a strong warning that this thread contains info on Season Seven and the possible Season Eight.

That way you don't have to worry about using spoiler tags in this thread.

Please don't let that interfere with the discussion though.

--
Your friendly neighborhood moderator.

obcooke · 17th February 2003, 11:54 PM

[Angelus Rex: Personally I'm surprised that Dushku actually acepted the offer, considering she's got such a big movie carreer going right now.]

Really, I hadn't noticed. But then, I'm way past the teen movie stage. Although she did have a part in that DeNiro film which is quite a feather in her cap. She could use more seasoning I think.

After all, would it interfere so much? How many movies a year does she do? Sarah did one a year during the break. But, it would limit the time of year that Eliza was available and therefore the opportunities.

[Angelus Rex: On one hand, I'm happy because Faith is my favorite all time character and I have been hoping that she gets her own show.]

On that we totally agree.

[Angelus Rex: On the other, I know it's just a sad attempt to get more milk out of an already dry cow. It's the X-Files syndrome all over again. They should have the decency to give her her own spinoff, not just make her the "replacement Buffy". Faith/Dushku deserve better.]

I know what you're saying, but it would be hard to do without creating an entirely new show. I mean, I don't see Faith moving into the Summers' house and taking care of Dawn. Almost any way they handle it, it will be a different show.

[Angelus Rex: First, bring in new writers with new, fresh ideas. I think we are all in agrement that one of the things responsible for the decline in Buffy's outstanding quality has the horrid writing...]

"Horrid", "terrible" and "second-rate" is strong language to descibe the writing. I can't go along with that. If I thought that was true, I'd stop watching - like I have almost done with Angel.

Without turning this into a re-cap of Season Seven so far... since we are supposed to be discussing Spin-offs... there have been some very enjoyable episodes, IMO. We've seen more about Anya and Willow. In at least two episodes, "Conversations..." and "Same Time, Same Place" besides being good stories, they were told in an entertaining way.

Drew Goddard was added this year and wrote "Conversations...", as well as "Selfless" and "Never Leave Me", which counts as two of my favorites this season.

Even when, (notice I said "when" not "if" because change is unavoidable) you get different writers that doesn't gaurantee a change since the guiding hand for the season is Joss'. He writes out the season's arc before it even begins and all the episodes are written to advance his story in a way that he approves.

[Angelus Rex: Second, they need to bring in new characters that fit the character of Faith.]

I could go along with that.

[Angelus Rex: Emma Caulfeild is leaving after this season...]

What a shame, cause I would get a real kick out of that. If Faith didn't put Anya in the hospital for speaking her mind. Okay, so it might get old after awhile, but I'd like to see blabbermouth Anya tweaking Faith into a slow burn.

[Angelus Rex: I also think that ditching Willow and Spike would be a smart move...]

It depends on what they were replaced with.

There is some merit to the idea that some have put forth of Spike as the physical trainer for a new Slayer. And there is still a lot of potential in his character. He has over 100 years of stories to tell and his recent changes haven't really been explored fully yet.

I could even see Willow as the brains behind the outfit. She still hasn't made the transition into adulthood with a regular job and responsibilities. New Watchers have to come from somewhere, don't they?

[Angelus Rex: And again, they've pretty much done everything possible they ever could with Spike development wise.]

Don't be too sure about that.

[Angelus Rex: The only character I see having a place in a Faith show is Xander.]

Well, since this is a spoiler thread, I can say that Nick has said that he is willing to stay no matter what. He even joked in one interview that he offered to be a janitor [not a character, a real janitor], if they would let him stay.

[Angelus Rex: Of the lot he probably has the most potential to be developed and examined.]

Now, you see I just don't get that. To put it the way Xander would say it: He is facetless. Lacking in sides and surface area, not to mention depth.

The best part of his character is Anya and she's leaving.

[Angelus Rex: Also, of all the characters, he has the most potential of fitting in a Faith show, as his wise-cracking demeanor would be a great balance to her moodiness... I just don't see any of the characters having any chemistry with Faith other Xander.]

Maybe, there is that tryst they once had that's still left to deal with. But I just don't see all that many possibilites for Xander-centric shows.

[Angelus Rex: One of the problems Angel had in getting an audience was that it was so closely associated...]

I think you might be factually wrong about that one. This is one of the worst season's ever for Angel, ratings-wise.

You don't believe that WB executive that offered to let Buffy & Angel crossover this year when he said that they were doing it because it was Buffy's last season, they like Joss and wanted him to have a free-hand, as long as it was handled properly.... yada, yada, yada.

WB wouldn't allow a crossover if they thought it would hurt ratings during sweeps month. You can take that to the bank.

WB is hoping that this is Buffy's last season and they want to remind Buffy-only viewers that Angel is still on and a part of the Buffy-verse.

[Angelus Rex: FTVS needs to follow Angels lead and try and make itself as differnet from BTVS as much as possible, all the way down to it's theme song and title.]

Like I said, it can't help but be different.

[Angelus Rex: It should also try to have it's own universe and supporting characters.]

Well, why don't we call her Amanda and make her a Zombie-Slayer? Just kidding, just kidding.

It's Joss' universe. It will be different, even Joss' vision has changed in significant ways from Season One. But you can't change it too much without losing the rich history and lore of the series, which is what many of us enjoy so much.

After all, even Faith admitted that she wouldn't be the woman she is today if it hadn't been for meeting Buffy.

[Angelus Rex: So a good idea would be to not have it in Sunnydale, but rather some place dark and gritty like NYC for example.]

Well, they may still keep the Hellmouth and someone will have to keep an eye on that.

Besides, on the practical side, the episodes are already VERY expensive considering their ratings and going to NY would just make things cost more. Unless they become one of those many series that shoot in Canada and pretend to be in the US.

For Buffy, and Angel for that matter, the city they are in isn't really the story. Except for the fact that Sunnydale is small enough that you can appear to destroy the entire town without spending too much money, the locale is secondary to the story of the characters.

Angel, to me at least, makes the idea of an Apocalypse happening in LA without anyone figuring out that the cause is mystical, frankly, pretty silly.

It's much easier to cover up the truth from the Sunnydale Press [Headline from OMWF: "MAYHEM CAUSED - Monsters Certainly Not Involved, Officials Say"] than from the LA or NY Times.

It just makes it seem more unbelievable to me. Now if you want to take a small town or city and make it more dark and sinister, that might seem reasonable.

--------

You have some interesting ideas, though. I look forward to seeing which way Joss does decide to take things.

Angelus Rex · 18th February 2003, 01:12 PM

Really, I hadn't noticed. But then, I'm way past the teen movie stage. Although she did have a part in that DeNiro film which is quite a feather in her cap. She could use more seasoning I think.

-I've seen her in lots of stuff after season 3. There was Jay and Silent Bob, Bring It On, The New Guy, City By The Sea, and a I think she said on Letterman she's making a new one. And I heard she gonna be in True Lies 2. That should rule.

On that we totally agree.

-Cool.

I know what you're saying, but it would be hard to do without creating an entirely new show. I mean, I don't see Faith moving into the Summers' house and taking care of Dawn. Almost any way they handle it, it will be a different show.

-I hope you're right. Otherwise, it will just be a cheap gimmick to make more money.

"Horrid", "terrible" and "second-rate" is strong language to descibe the writing. I can't go along with that. If I thought that was true, I'd stop watching - like I have almost done with Angel.

Without turning this into a re-cap of Season Seven so far... since we are supposed to be discussing Spin-offs... there have been some very enjoyable episodes, IMO. We've seen more about Anya and Willow. In at least two episodes, "Conversations..." and "Same Time, Same Place" besides being good stories, they were told in an entertaining way.

Drew Goddard was added this year and wrote "Conversations...", as well as "Selfless" and "Never Leave Me", which counts as two of my favorites this season.

Even when, (notice I said "when" not "if" because change is unavoidable) you get different writers that doesn't gaurantee a change since the guiding hand for the season is Joss'. He writes out the season's arc before it even begins and all the episodes are written to advance his story in a way that he approves.

-This season is a step up from last, but it still isn't nearly as good as the previous seasons. I still find alot of the stories very boring and ver y derivative. And the charictarization is still pathetic.

I could go along with that.

-Preferably Andrew!

What a shame, cause I would get a real kick out of that. If Faith didn't put Anya in the hospital for speaking her mind. Okay, so it might get old after awhile, but I'd like to see blabbermouth Anya tweaking Faith into a slow burn.

-I was never really a big fan of Anya personally. She always annoyed the hell outa me, and not in the good way like Cordie did. That's basicly what I always thought of her - that she's a second rate Cordiellia. I also found her lack of remorse about her past actions to be disturbing.

It depends on what they were replaced with.

There is some merit to the idea that some have put forth of Spike as the physical trainer for a new Slayer. And there is still a lot of potential in his character. He has over 100 years of stories to tell and his recent changes haven't really been explored fully yet.

-I disagree. Spike is just a second-rate Angel now. He's been neutured beyond redemtion. His character was always more or less one-dimensional, but it was the good kind of one-dimensional like Captain Kirk or Superman. That's whats been killing his character - they've been trying to make him more multi-dimensional by using the Angel model and it isn't working. Spike is best as a dastardly, evil villian, not some goody-two-shoes do gooder. If they had just left him as he was in season 4, him trying to get the chip outa his head and what not, then I'd have no problem. I was so stoked when I thought he was going back to his killing ways, but alas that was not to be. And despite having a soul, he still hasn't even come close to the amount of remorse or sorrow over his actions that Angel has. That just disturbs me too. Spike is a character that has been going long past his due date, and he serves as nothing more then for something for the chicks to look at. You may enjoy looking at Marsters topless in every stinking episode, but I certainly don't.

I could even see Willow as the brains behind the outfit. She still hasn't made the transition into adulthood with a regular job and responsibilities. New Watchers have to come from somewhere, don't they?

--I'm just not positive that the Willow character would have as much or any chemistry with Faith the same way she did with Buffy.

Don't be too sure about that.

-Oh, I'm sure.

Well, since this is a spoiler thread, I can say that Nick has said that he is willing to stay no matter what. He even joked in one interview that he offered to be a janitor [not a character, a real janitor], if they would let him stay.

-Yea.

Now, you see I just don't get that. To put it the way Xander would say it: He is facetless. Lacking in sides and surface area, not to mention depth.

The best part of his character is Anya and she's leaving.

-That's where you are wrong. Xander is a ver deep character, you just don't see it because he's more or less just pulling comic relief duty. Trust me there is alot more to examine. Case in point: Why do think he has such hostility towards Spike and Angel? On the surface, one might think he's just being protective. But if you look at what he said to Angel in Prophecy Girl "At the end of the day, I pretty much just think you're a vampire.". This whole "fighting the good fight" nonsense is sham. He doesn't fight evil to help his friends or to do what is right. He does it becuase he wants revenge because vampires killed his best friend. You notice that he doesn't have as much hostility towards regular demons, but he does for lowly vamps. You see there is a genuie deep, dark side to the guy he tries to mask and hide with all of his one liners.

Maybe, there is that tryst they once had that's still left to deal with. But I just don't see all that many possibilites for Xander-centric shows.

-Oh come on. Any Xander centered show has always been classic in both story, character, and humor. Of course they'd have to develop his character a bit more, make him a bit more tough. Kinda like Bruce Campbell in Army of Darkness. Hey if they can make Wesley into a badass, they can do it with anyone.

I think you might be factually wrong about that one. This is one of the worst season's ever for Angel, ratings-wise.

You don't believe that WB executive that offered to let Buffy & Angel crossover this year when he said that they were doing it because it was Buffy's last season, they like Joss and wanted him to have a free-hand, as long as it was handled properly.... yada, yada, yada.

WB wouldn't allow a crossover if they thought it would hurt ratings during sweeps month. You can take that to the bank.

WB is hoping that this is Buffy's last season and they want to remind Buffy-only viewers that Angel is still on and a part of the Buffy-verse.

-Same could be said about Buffy. This season is also just as bad ratings wise for them. So I think most people agree with me about the bad writing aspect of the show. But basicly ratings are down really for all Sci-Fi/Fantasy shows in general. The 90's Sci-Fi boom that began with Star Trek:TNG seems to coming to an abrupt halt sadly.

Like I said, it can't help but be different.

-I hope so. Otherwise it will fail.

Well, why don't we call her Amanda and make her a Zombie-Slayer? Just kidding, just kidding.

It's Joss' universe. It will be different, even Joss' vision has changed in significant ways from Season One. But you can't change it too much without losing the rich history and lore of the series, which is what many of us enjoy so much.

-I agree.

After all, even Faith admitted that she wouldn't be the woman she is today if it hadn't been for meeting Buffy.

-She was being fecisious.

Well, they may still keep the Hellmouth and someone will have to keep an eye on that.

Besides, on the practical side, the episodes are already VERY expensive considering their ratings and going to NY would just make things cost more. Unless they become one of those many series that shoot in Canada and pretend to be in the US.

For Buffy, and Angel for that matter, the city they are in isn't really the story. Except for the fact that Sunnydale is small enough that you can appear to destroy the entire town without spending too much money, the locale is secondary to the story of the characters.

Angel, to me at least, makes the idea of an Apocalypse happening in LA without anyone figuring out that the cause is mystical, frankly, pretty silly.

It's much easier to cover up the truth from the Sunnydale Press [Headline from OMWF: "MAYHEM CAUSED - Monsters Certainly Not Involved, Officials Say"] than from the LA or NY Times.

It just makes it seem more unbelievable to me. Now if you want to take a small town or city and make it more dark and sinister, that might seem reasonable.

-I just see Faith fitting in a big city, rather then a small town, more beleivable to me. Her character is ver dark and gritty, and there for would fit in the city much better then she would a small town.

--------

You have some interesting ideas, though. I look forward to seeing which way Joss does decide to take things.

-So long as they don't screw it up, like they have been for the past 2 seasons, I should be happy. However, judging by the lack of quality the show has had recently, I'm not counting on it. Bringing in a new star is just a cheap gimmick to get ratings and will prove pointless in the long run so long as the writing is has bad as it is now.

obcooke · 22nd February 2003, 01:23 AM

[Angelus Rex: This rumor has been going around for awhile now... So until Jossie Boy comfirms it, then I'll just take it as a rumor...]

Yeah, sorry to say, but its been over a week and no other sources have confirmed this story, so I'm afraid I would recommend putting it back into the "Possible" category.

Joss did say in response to SFX Magazines 100 Questions (keep in mind that most of his answers were jokes):

16. Is this the final season of Buffy?

God, I hope so.

43. Would you do Faith the Vampire Slayer if Eliza Dushku would commit to it?

Sure.

VAMPette · 22nd February 2003, 10:33 AM

Sounds like it could just stay a rumour - it's a pity - I think a Faith spin off could be excellent, like everyone else says here, if it's handled correctly.

''For Buffy, and Angel for that matter, the city they are in isn't really the story. Except for the fact that Sunnydale is small enough that you can appear to destroy the entire town without spending too much money, the locale is secondary to the story of the characters."

Actually, I always thought the hellmouth was a big part of Buffy. You know the way that they talk of New York being the fifth character in Sex and the City, I always thought the hellmouth kind of like that in Buffy - maybe the ultra villian. Angel now could be set anywhere - there's no sense of place at all outside of the hotel.

angelle myst · 22nd February 2003, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by VAMPette
Actually, I always thought the hellmouth was a big part of Buffy. You know the way that they talk of New York being the fifth character in Sex and the City, I always thought the hellmouth kind of like that in Buffy - maybe the ultra villian. Angel now could be set anywhere - there's no sense of place at all outside of the hotel.

I just watched the 'City Of...' commentary on the DVD (by Joss and David Greenwalt) and they made it a point to mention that LA was like another character, they treated it as such in the show. I haven't seen much s4 yet but i think it definitely used to be true about LA being another personality on the show.

x x x

Tabitha · 25th February 2003, 12:46 PM

Looks like we can probably put this rumour to bed for now:

Quote:

Dushku in Fox Drama

Tuesday, February 25, 2003 12:08 CST

Eliza Dushku has been cast as the lead in Fox's untitled John Feldman drama pilot for director Phillip Noyce

You can't star as the lead in two different tv shows at the same time, can you? I think in general, no.

Quote is from: COMING SOON

Highlander II · 25th February 2003, 03:42 PM

Well, there are still plenty of other characters they could use to make a spin-off - it doesn't have to be a Slayer, or Faith, or a vampire --- they could make a spin-off about Xander - though, don't ask me what the eps would be about ----

obcooke · 26th February 2003, 05:25 AM

If anyone was still waiting for definite news...

tv.zap2it.com is reporting that Sarah will make her departure official in the March 7 issue of Entertainment Weekly.

In the meantime, they report that unnamed UPN officials are quietly confirming the news.

Before this there were already reports, such as that in The Hollywood Reporter, that Sarah had signed to begin filming "Romantic Comedy" in August, which would conflict with taking part in Buffy.

She will film the Scooby-Doo movie sequel first and start "Romantic Comedy" when the next TV season would normally restart production.

The movie's plot is that...

Sarah's character is unaware that her long-time friend is madly in love with her until he tries to win her by recreating scenes from romantic movies.

Highlander II · 26th February 2003, 04:21 PM

Ugh - that movie plot - sounds as lame as that one she was in where she was a cook or a chef, or whatever --- ugh ----

markpud · 26th February 2003, 04:26 PM

Don't mean to be negative, but a lot of pilots never get taken up, so Eliza could still become free.. She'd be my fave choice to take up the reigns in a spin off or even continuing BtVS in some form.

As for Sarah's movies, I couldn't get into Scooby Doo, I switched it off after half an hour, and she's not really had a big sucess since Cruel Intentions has she....

PS HII - you're thinking of Simply Irresistable, which reinforces my last sentence

Highlander II · 26th February 2003, 04:28 PM

yes - that was it --- it was bad - and I only saw like 45 mins of it -

as for Scooby Doo - who's idea was that? that was the biggest load of [insert your own negative description here] I've ever seen -- my neice and nephew like it though --- but they're like 2 and 3 ---

markpud · 26th February 2003, 04:33 PM

she's wasting her talent IMO, she needs a big blockbuster action flick

Guess she's avoiding action cos she doens't want to get typecast...

Tabitha · 27th February 2003, 09:43 AM

[Image from www.smgfan.com]

From Yahoo:

Quote:

Buffy' Series to End After Seven Seasons

Wed Feb 26, 3:47 PM ET

NEW YORK - Stick a stake in it: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer (news - Y! TV)" is done.

After seven years, the series will be over at the end of this season, said its star, Sarah Michelle Gellar (news).

"'Buffy,' in this incarnation, is over," Gellar told Entertainment Weekly magazine for its March 7 issue, her eyes welling with tears.

The series will wrap up with a five-part story, which will include the return of Faith, the bad-girl slayer, and Buffy's first love, Angel.

"We're gearing up to tell a fabulous, huge, great arc," Gellar said. "It's going to be pretty spectacular."

But the show may come back to life in some form: Its creator, Joss Whedon, is planning a spin-off that may include some "Buffy" cast members. It will be pitched first to UPN, "Buffy's" home for the past two seasons; for five seasons before that, it was on the WB.

Gellar, 25, gained fame on the cult hit as Buffy Summers, a perky high school student burdened with the responsibility of killing vampires in the seemingly idyllic town of Sunnydale, Calif.

[guess you might want to split this off into a new thread OB, but couldn't think of a thread title that got the point across without being far too spoilery]

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

17th February 2003, 10:23 PM	#17 (permalink)
obcooke OB-Wan Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 1,357	Hey, guys, just a moderator's note. I've merged the thread "Buffy to live on" with this one. I just want to keep the number of "spoilery" threads to a minimum and since they both cover the same basic topic it seemed logical. I added a note to the first post in this thread to create a strong warning that this thread contains info on Season Seven and the possible Season Eight. That way you don't have to worry about using spoiler tags in this thread. Please don't let that interfere with the discussion though. -- Your friendly neighborhood moderator.

17th February 2003, 11:54 PM	#18 (permalink)
obcooke OB-Wan Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 1,357	[Angelus Rex: Personally I'm surprised that Dushku actually acepted the offer, considering she's got such a big movie carreer going right now.] Really, I hadn't noticed. But then, I'm way past the teen movie stage. Although she did have a part in that DeNiro film which is quite a feather in her cap. She could use more seasoning I think. After all, would it interfere so much? How many movies a year does she do? Sarah did one a year during the break. But, it would limit the time of year that Eliza was available and therefore the opportunities. [Angelus Rex: On one hand, I'm happy because Faith is my favorite all time character and I have been hoping that she gets her own show.] On that we totally agree. [Angelus Rex: On the other, I know it's just a sad attempt to get more milk out of an already dry cow. It's the X-Files syndrome all over again. They should have the decency to give her her own spinoff, not just make her the "replacement Buffy". Faith/Dushku deserve better.] I know what you're saying, but it would be hard to do without creating an entirely new show. I mean, I don't see Faith moving into the Summers' house and taking care of Dawn. Almost any way they handle it, it will be a different show. [Angelus Rex: First, bring in new writers with new, fresh ideas. I think we are all in agrement that one of the things responsible for the decline in Buffy's outstanding quality has the horrid writing...] "Horrid", "terrible" and "second-rate" is strong language to descibe the writing. I can't go along with that. If I thought that was true, I'd stop watching - like I have almost done with Angel. Without turning this into a re-cap of Season Seven so far... since we are supposed to be discussing Spin-offs... there have been some very enjoyable episodes, IMO. We've seen more about Anya and Willow. In at least two episodes, "Conversations..." and "Same Time, Same Place" besides being good stories, they were told in an entertaining way. Drew Goddard was added this year and wrote "Conversations...", as well as "Selfless" and "Never Leave Me", which counts as two of my favorites this season. Even when, (notice I said "when" not "if" because change is unavoidable) you get different writers that doesn't gaurantee a change since the guiding hand for the season is Joss'. He writes out the season's arc before it even begins and all the episodes are written to advance his story in a way that he approves. [Angelus Rex: Second, they need to bring in new characters that fit the character of Faith.] I could go along with that. [Angelus Rex: Emma Caulfeild is leaving after this season...] What a shame, cause I would get a real kick out of that. If Faith didn't put Anya in the hospital for speaking her mind. Okay, so it might get old after awhile, but I'd like to see blabbermouth Anya tweaking Faith into a slow burn. [Angelus Rex: I also think that ditching Willow and Spike would be a smart move...] It depends on what they were replaced with. There is some merit to the idea that some have put forth of Spike as the physical trainer for a new Slayer. And there is still a lot of potential in his character. He has over 100 years of stories to tell and his recent changes haven't really been explored fully yet. I could even see Willow as the brains behind the outfit. She still hasn't made the transition into adulthood with a regular job and responsibilities. New Watchers have to come from somewhere, don't they? [Angelus Rex: And again, they've pretty much done everything possible they ever could with Spike development wise.] Don't be too sure about that. [Angelus Rex: The only character I see having a place in a Faith show is Xander.] Well, since this is a spoiler thread, I can say that Nick has said that he is willing to stay no matter what. He even joked in one interview that he offered to be a janitor [not a character, a real janitor], if they would let him stay. [Angelus Rex: Of the lot he probably has the most potential to be developed and examined.] Now, you see I just don't get that. To put it the way Xander would say it: He is facetless. Lacking in sides and surface area, not to mention depth. The best part of his character is Anya and she's leaving. [Angelus Rex: Also, of all the characters, he has the most potential of fitting in a Faith show, as his wise-cracking demeanor would be a great balance to her moodiness... I just don't see any of the characters having any chemistry with Faith other Xander.] Maybe, there is that tryst they once had that's still left to deal with. But I just don't see all that many possibilites for Xander-centric shows. [Angelus Rex: One of the problems Angel had in getting an audience was that it was so closely associated...] I think you might be factually wrong about that one. This is one of the worst season's ever for Angel, ratings-wise. You don't believe that WB executive that offered to let Buffy & Angel crossover this year when he said that they were doing it because it was Buffy's last season, they like Joss and wanted him to have a free-hand, as long as it was handled properly.... yada, yada, yada. WB wouldn't allow a crossover if they thought it would hurt ratings during sweeps month. You can take that to the bank. WB is hoping that this is Buffy's last season and they want to remind Buffy-only viewers that Angel is still on and a part of the Buffy-verse. [Angelus Rex: FTVS needs to follow Angels lead and try and make itself as differnet from BTVS as much as possible, all the way down to it's theme song and title.] Like I said, it can't help but be different. [Angelus Rex: It should also try to have it's own universe and supporting characters.] Well, why don't we call her Amanda and make her a Zombie-Slayer? Just kidding, just kidding. It's Joss' universe. It will be different, even Joss' vision has changed in significant ways from Season One. But you can't change it too much without losing the rich history and lore of the series, which is what many of us enjoy so much. After all, even Faith admitted that she wouldn't be the woman she is today if it hadn't been for meeting Buffy. [Angelus Rex: So a good idea would be to not have it in Sunnydale, but rather some place dark and gritty like NYC for example.] Well, they may still keep the Hellmouth and someone will have to keep an eye on that. Besides, on the practical side, the episodes are already VERY expensive considering their ratings and going to NY would just make things cost more. Unless they become one of those many series that shoot in Canada and pretend to be in the US. For Buffy, and Angel for that matter, the city they are in isn't really the story. Except for the fact that Sunnydale is small enough that you can appear to destroy the entire town without spending too much money, the locale is secondary to the story of the characters. Angel, to me at least, makes the idea of an Apocalypse happening in LA without anyone figuring out that the cause is mystical, frankly, pretty silly. It's much easier to cover up the truth from the Sunnydale Press [Headline from OMWF: "MAYHEM CAUSED - Monsters Certainly Not Involved, Officials Say"] than from the LA or NY Times. It just makes it seem more unbelievable to me. Now if you want to take a small town or city and make it more dark and sinister, that might seem reasonable. -------- You have some interesting ideas, though. I look forward to seeing which way Joss does decide to take things.

18th February 2003, 01:12 PM	#19 (permalink)
Angelus Rex Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 18	Really, I hadn't noticed. But then, I'm way past the teen movie stage. Although she did have a part in that DeNiro film which is quite a feather in her cap. She could use more seasoning I think. -I've seen her in lots of stuff after season 3. There was Jay and Silent Bob, Bring It On, The New Guy, City By The Sea, and a I think she said on Letterman she's making a new one. And I heard she gonna be in True Lies 2. That should rule. On that we totally agree. -Cool. I know what you're saying, but it would be hard to do without creating an entirely new show. I mean, I don't see Faith moving into the Summers' house and taking care of Dawn. Almost any way they handle it, it will be a different show. -I hope you're right. Otherwise, it will just be a cheap gimmick to make more money. "Horrid", "terrible" and "second-rate" is strong language to descibe the writing. I can't go along with that. If I thought that was true, I'd stop watching - like I have almost done with Angel. Without turning this into a re-cap of Season Seven so far... since we are supposed to be discussing Spin-offs... there have been some very enjoyable episodes, IMO. We've seen more about Anya and Willow. In at least two episodes, "Conversations..." and "Same Time, Same Place" besides being good stories, they were told in an entertaining way. Drew Goddard was added this year and wrote "Conversations...", as well as "Selfless" and "Never Leave Me", which counts as two of my favorites this season. Even when, (notice I said "when" not "if" because change is unavoidable) you get different writers that doesn't gaurantee a change since the guiding hand for the season is Joss'. He writes out the season's arc before it even begins and all the episodes are written to advance his story in a way that he approves. -This season is a step up from last, but it still isn't nearly as good as the previous seasons. I still find alot of the stories very boring and ver y derivative. And the charictarization is still pathetic. I could go along with that. -Preferably Andrew! What a shame, cause I would get a real kick out of that. If Faith didn't put Anya in the hospital for speaking her mind. Okay, so it might get old after awhile, but I'd like to see blabbermouth Anya tweaking Faith into a slow burn. -I was never really a big fan of Anya personally. She always annoyed the hell outa me, and not in the good way like Cordie did. That's basicly what I always thought of her - that she's a second rate Cordiellia. I also found her lack of remorse about her past actions to be disturbing. It depends on what they were replaced with. There is some merit to the idea that some have put forth of Spike as the physical trainer for a new Slayer. And there is still a lot of potential in his character. He has over 100 years of stories to tell and his recent changes haven't really been explored fully yet. -I disagree. Spike is just a second-rate Angel now. He's been neutured beyond redemtion. His character was always more or less one-dimensional, but it was the good kind of one-dimensional like Captain Kirk or Superman. That's whats been killing his character - they've been trying to make him more multi-dimensional by using the Angel model and it isn't working. Spike is best as a dastardly, evil villian, not some goody-two-shoes do gooder. If they had just left him as he was in season 4, him trying to get the chip outa his head and what not, then I'd have no problem. I was so stoked when I thought he was going back to his killing ways, but alas that was not to be. And despite having a soul, he still hasn't even come close to the amount of remorse or sorrow over his actions that Angel has. That just disturbs me too. Spike is a character that has been going long past his due date, and he serves as nothing more then for something for the chicks to look at. You may enjoy looking at Marsters topless in every stinking episode, but I certainly don't. I could even see Willow as the brains behind the outfit. She still hasn't made the transition into adulthood with a regular job and responsibilities. New Watchers have to come from somewhere, don't they? --I'm just not positive that the Willow character would have as much or any chemistry with Faith the same way she did with Buffy. Don't be too sure about that. -Oh, I'm sure. Well, since this is a spoiler thread, I can say that Nick has said that he is willing to stay no matter what. He even joked in one interview that he offered to be a janitor [not a character, a real janitor], if they would let him stay. -Yea. Now, you see I just don't get that. To put it the way Xander would say it: He is facetless. Lacking in sides and surface area, not to mention depth. The best part of his character is Anya and she's leaving. -That's where you are wrong. Xander is a ver deep character, you just don't see it because he's more or less just pulling comic relief duty. Trust me there is alot more to examine. Case in point: Why do think he has such hostility towards Spike and Angel? On the surface, one might think he's just being protective. But if you look at what he said to Angel in Prophecy Girl "At the end of the day, I pretty much just think you're a vampire.". This whole "fighting the good fight" nonsense is sham. He doesn't fight evil to help his friends or to do what is right. He does it becuase he wants revenge because vampires killed his best friend. You notice that he doesn't have as much hostility towards regular demons, but he does for lowly vamps. You see there is a genuie deep, dark side to the guy he tries to mask and hide with all of his one liners. Maybe, there is that tryst they once had that's still left to deal with. But I just don't see all that many possibilites for Xander-centric shows. -Oh come on. Any Xander centered show has always been classic in both story, character, and humor. Of course they'd have to develop his character a bit more, make him a bit more tough. Kinda like Bruce Campbell in Army of Darkness. Hey if they can make Wesley into a badass, they can do it with anyone. I think you might be factually wrong about that one. This is one of the worst season's ever for Angel, ratings-wise. You don't believe that WB executive that offered to let Buffy & Angel crossover this year when he said that they were doing it because it was Buffy's last season, they like Joss and wanted him to have a free-hand, as long as it was handled properly.... yada, yada, yada. WB wouldn't allow a crossover if they thought it would hurt ratings during sweeps month. You can take that to the bank. WB is hoping that this is Buffy's last season and they want to remind Buffy-only viewers that Angel is still on and a part of the Buffy-verse. -Same could be said about Buffy. This season is also just as bad ratings wise for them. So I think most people agree with me about the bad writing aspect of the show. But basicly ratings are down really for all Sci-Fi/Fantasy shows in general. The 90's Sci-Fi boom that began with Star Trek:TNG seems to coming to an abrupt halt sadly. Like I said, it can't help but be different. -I hope so. Otherwise it will fail. Well, why don't we call her Amanda and make her a Zombie-Slayer? Just kidding, just kidding. It's Joss' universe. It will be different, even Joss' vision has changed in significant ways from Season One. But you can't change it too much without losing the rich history and lore of the series, which is what many of us enjoy so much. -I agree. After all, even Faith admitted that she wouldn't be the woman she is today if it hadn't been for meeting Buffy. -She was being fecisious. Well, they may still keep the Hellmouth and someone will have to keep an eye on that. Besides, on the practical side, the episodes are already VERY expensive considering their ratings and going to NY would just make things cost more. Unless they become one of those many series that shoot in Canada and pretend to be in the US. For Buffy, and Angel for that matter, the city they are in isn't really the story. Except for the fact that Sunnydale is small enough that you can appear to destroy the entire town without spending too much money, the locale is secondary to the story of the characters. Angel, to me at least, makes the idea of an Apocalypse happening in LA without anyone figuring out that the cause is mystical, frankly, pretty silly. It's much easier to cover up the truth from the Sunnydale Press [Headline from OMWF: "MAYHEM CAUSED - Monsters Certainly Not Involved, Officials Say"] than from the LA or NY Times. It just makes it seem more unbelievable to me. Now if you want to take a small town or city and make it more dark and sinister, that might seem reasonable. -I just see Faith fitting in a big city, rather then a small town, more beleivable to me. Her character is ver dark and gritty, and there for would fit in the city much better then she would a small town. -------- You have some interesting ideas, though. I look forward to seeing which way Joss does decide to take things. -So long as they don't screw it up, like they have been for the past 2 seasons, I should be happy. However, judging by the lack of quality the show has had recently, I'm not counting on it. Bringing in a new star is just a cheap gimmick to get ratings and will prove pointless in the long run so long as the writing is has bad as it is now.

22nd February 2003, 01:23 AM	#20 (permalink)
obcooke OB-Wan Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 1,357	[Angelus Rex: This rumor has been going around for awhile now... So until Jossie Boy comfirms it, then I'll just take it as a rumor...] Yeah, sorry to say, but its been over a week and no other sources have confirmed this story, so I'm afraid I would recommend putting it back into the "Possible" category. Joss did say in response to SFX Magazines 100 Questions (keep in mind that most of his answers were jokes): 16. Is this the final season of Buffy? God, I hope so. 43. Would you do Faith the Vampire Slayer if Eliza Dushku would commit to it? Sure.

22nd February 2003, 10:33 AM	#21 (permalink)
VAMPette To the Angel- Mobile! Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 419	Sounds like it could just stay a rumour - it's a pity - I think a Faith spin off could be excellent, like everyone else says here, if it's handled correctly. ''For Buffy, and Angel for that matter, the city they are in isn't really the story. Except for the fact that Sunnydale is small enough that you can appear to destroy the entire town without spending too much money, the locale is secondary to the story of the characters." Actually, I always thought the hellmouth was a big part of Buffy. You know the way that they talk of New York being the fifth character in Sex and the City, I always thought the hellmouth kind of like that in Buffy - maybe the ultra villian. Angel now could be set anywhere - there's no sense of place at all outside of the hotel.

25th February 2003, 03:42 PM	#24 (permalink)
Highlander II There can be only one!! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 9,408	Well, there are still plenty of other characters they could use to make a spin-off - it doesn't have to be a Slayer, or Faith, or a vampire --- they could make a spin-off about Xander - though, don't ask me what the eps would be about ----

26th February 2003, 05:25 AM	#25 (permalink)
obcooke OB-Wan Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 1,357	If anyone was still waiting for definite news... tv.zap2it.com is reporting that Sarah will make her departure official in the March 7 issue of Entertainment Weekly. In the meantime, they report that unnamed UPN officials are quietly confirming the news. Before this there were already reports, such as that in The Hollywood Reporter, that Sarah had signed to begin filming "Romantic Comedy" in August, which would conflict with taking part in Buffy. She will film the Scooby-Doo movie sequel first and start "Romantic Comedy" when the next TV season would normally restart production. The movie's plot is that... Sarah's character is unaware that her long-time friend is madly in love with her until he tries to win her by recreating scenes from romantic movies.

26th February 2003, 04:21 PM	#26 (permalink)
Highlander II There can be only one!! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 9,408	Ugh - that movie plot - sounds as lame as that one she was in where she was a cook or a chef, or whatever --- ugh ----

26th February 2003, 04:26 PM	#27 (permalink)
markpud Super-Mod to the gods Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: with Buffy, in Manchester, England... Posts: 4,732	Don't mean to be negative, but a lot of pilots never get taken up, so Eliza could still become free.. She'd be my fave choice to take up the reigns in a spin off or even continuing BtVS in some form. As for Sarah's movies, I couldn't get into Scooby Doo, I switched it off after half an hour, and she's not really had a big sucess since Cruel Intentions has she.... PS HII - you're thinking of Simply Irresistable, which reinforces my last sentence

26th February 2003, 04:28 PM	#28 (permalink)
Highlander II There can be only one!! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 9,408	yes - that was it --- it was bad - and I only saw like 45 mins of it - as for Scooby Doo - who's idea was that? that was the biggest load of [insert your own negative description here] I've ever seen -- my neice and nephew like it though --- but they're like 2 and 3 ---

26th February 2003, 04:33 PM	#29 (permalink)
markpud Super-Mod to the gods Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: with Buffy, in Manchester, England... Posts: 4,732	she's wasting her talent IMO, she needs a big blockbuster action flick Guess she's avoiding action cos she doens't want to get typecast...