Dear Joss Whedon,

My letters have had to be delayed this past month. Preparations needed to made. Plans needed to be set!

We are coming to Los Angeles! 
WOOOOHOOOOOO! I have talked about this for sooooo long. And it is finally happening. It IS only for a week but I just don't care. I will be there joining the fight against Wolfram and Hart. If you don't mind contacting Angel so he can meet me at the airport, that would be fantastic.

Yes, I know Angel is a fictitious character and that I will not an literally evil Law Firm while I am there. Doesn't mean a girl can't have a few day dreams about teaming up with an ensouled vampire to kick some tail. 
Do I not look like I should be an ass whooping vigilant?

That is certainly one reason I want to be an actress. Myself performing action scenes is something I would thoroughly love seeing on screen.

Come on Joss what do you say? You and me. Director and actor creating some really great action scenes. There HAS to be something in the next Avengers movie that you need me for. 

Do not forget I just got my new LA phone number so make sure to call me on it. 

Looking forward to visiting LA and hopefully getting inspired to begin the work that will get me dubbed 'The Next Joss Whedon'

Sincerely,

Erin Michele

So I hear you are making another TV show

Picture chosen primarily for the Johanssoness.

Dear Joss Whedon,
Yes, I am very happy you are directing The Avengers 2 but that is not what I am writing to you about today. You are returning to TV? Yay! You are returning to TV after a huge success which means you have power to basically do whatever you want and keep the show going until you say stop? AWESOME! EXPLETIVEing AWESOME!

If only it was always this way.

I am sure you have a general idea of the Marvel property you would like to make into a new and great television program but I still wanted to toss in my opinion of the top 3 Marvel properties I would love to see you work on.

3. The Runaways

Just look at these covers for The Runaways and tell me you don't think of Buffy. Of course part of that association might be because the artist, Jo Chen, has done quite a few Buffy covers.

And when I say quite a few, I mean it.

Runaways is about a group of misfit teenagers with various powers who team up to do good. They form probably less of a team and more of dysfunctional but loving family. Just going by the description I think perhaps maybe they should already be paying you royalties.

Make check payable to...

You could write this in your sleep. Funny enough writing in your sleep is something I have been meaning to talk to you about...

Twice the noggin size for twice the ideas.

Also been meaning to talk to you about how to Photoshop better. Not my fault. There needs to be more images of you sleeping online! Not creepy.  Moving on.

2. Damage Control

It is probably the least known property on this list but I feel it is the one you could have the most fun with. In fact I personally have been wanting to make a movie of it for a long time.

The basic premise of Damage Control is, a business that gets hired to fix the destruction caused by super hero battles. The company is jointly owned by Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Wilson Fisk (The Kingpin). One of the owners being a superhero and the other being a villain could be interesting in its own right.

It has potential for strong female characters (which you love) in Ms. Ann-Marie Hoag who founded the company and Robin Chapel who is chosen to replace her when she leaves.

Robin Chapel

Ms.Hoag

There is also room to expand the concept as they could have ongoing relationships with several minor Marvel superheros and villains. The best part about the property is that it is so under most comic book fans radars that you could pretty much do whatever you wanted with it and nerds would not scream "foul."

How dare you besmirch the great character of uh...construction guy.

1. The Thunderbolts

A group of supervillians pose as a superhero team. They do this to gain the public's trust and use their new found status and power to really do some evil. Their plan works but along the way some of them start to think of themselves as heroes and no longer want to return to their former evil life.

Along the way a young hero joins their team that has no idea that they were ever actually villains, which gives the story an even more interesting twist. Imagine the old spy versus spy idea but everyone is on the same team but no one is for sure what exactly that team is anymore. It is a really good concept and it figures right into one of your favorite topics, redemption.

Favorite, right behind brooding.

So those are my ideas for you Mr.Whedon. I stuck to suggesting teams as that is what you do best. I could see you handling an individual superhero just as well but figured if you started with a team it would decrease the nerdy conversations of what popular superhero is going to guest star. But it doesn't really matter what show you do, get ready for the questions of "when will Iron Man show up?"

Get ready!

Let me know what you decide on so I can set my DVR. Take care. -Josh Flowers

p.s. If you need a co-creator for that Damage Control movie, just let me know.

With Nicholas Brendon as construction guy!

Dear Joss Whedon,
Recently I grew up.


I guess. Sort of.
 Well maybe I just learned a small lesson in one of the many that are sure to fill my life.
I was a bridesmaid in a wedding and had one of those moments where reality replaces fiction and things get a little too shiny.

Me on the left with Lauren (the Bride) and Mallory(The Maid of Honor)

I watched  some good friends of mine walk down the aisle, say their vows, and then commit to spending the rest of their lives with one another.
And that is not the end of the story! After they made this commitment in front of all their friends and family and the marriage license had been signed, CREDITS DID NOT START ROLLING.
Their reception didn't flash before my eyes in short clips filled with all the cutest moments and no other couples connected eyes as they danced and realized something special about the other person.
I WAS carried into the reception in a duffle bag, which was wonderful but it was hardly a scene from your typical Rom-Com.


Life kept happening.


They woke up the next day and were still married as they will be doing for the rest of their lives.
You have had a few wedding scenes in your work.  And they all beg the question: What is your problem with healthy, long lasting marriages?

Imprinted to be his perfect woman. 

                             

                                 Left at the alter after a demon convinced her fiancé that they would be miserable together.

 The closest you have ever come to a 'happy ending couple' is Serenity.

  and Wash (Alan Tudyk) dies in that one!

 In light of this realization I am quite surprised that you chose to do 'Much Ado' as opposed to 'Hamlet' for your Shakespeare tribute. 

Although I suppose Beatrice and Benedick didn't have the most wildly functional of relationships. Perhaps that's why you chose them. 

I'm sort of hoping that as I continue to learn those crazy life lessons that I won't have to learn them through a dozen more relationships that go up in flames. So, yea. I love your work but I won't be using the relationships you have created as models for my own life. 

I am also hoping that no matter how many lessons I learn they won't cause me to grow up anytime soon. It doesn't sound like a super fun experience.

Hoping you're well,

Erin Michele

A dream where she burned up

Buffy Season 3: The Award goes to...

Dear Joss Whedon,

Buffy The Vampire Slayer season 3 was the season that really made me a Buffy fan.

This show is about vampires, right?

Having finished the entire show it is still my favorite. Perhaps that will change when I re-watch it but for now it wins. Being that it is my favorite season, this award show is going to be the most difficult of all.

Favorite episode

 "The Wish"

Tough call. This was the episode though I thought back the most on. What happened to Buffy in this universe to make her so hardened? How did Xander and Willow become vampires? Other questions! I loved the change up of everything. It reminded me of the DC comics Elseworld books but this time it was actually in continuity. The other thing that is great is that Vampire Willow actually returns, albeit too short of a time. 

Least favorite episode

"Beauty and the Beasts"

Is Angel or Oz killing people? Nope, a mysterious third option that is made too easily hate. Even though this was my least favorite episode, it still was not that bad. Season three was just good all around.

Favorite moment

"Earshot"

I really have two. I love the scene in "The Zeppo" where Xander interrupts Angel and Buffy who are again moaning about their lives. However I slightly like a scene in "Earshot" more. The scene is when Buffy's Mom is trying to avoid Buffy. Buffy seems confused and then blurts out...

Buffy: "You had sex with Giles? You had sex with GILES?"
Joyce: "It was the candy. We were teenagers."
Buffy: "On the hood of a police-car?"
Joyce: "I'll be downstairs. You feel better."
Buffy: "Twice?!?"

That was comedy gold. I actually rewound it a couple of times. What a great bit. It was funny enough watching Joyce and Giles interact after "BandCandy" but when Buffy finally found out, it was truly hilarious.

No. No, sex happened here. Move along.

Least favorite moment

"Dopplegangland"

When Vampire Willow dies. I was really hoping she would stick around for a few episodes. I do not think she was used her to her full potential. She could have fit in with the gang fairly well. A vampire they do not trust nor can they bring themselves to kill. A sort of failed precursor to Spike's eventual inclusion in the Scoobies.

Most disturbing moment

"Helpless"

Lovable father figure Giles has been drugging Buffy to weaken her for a Watcher's ritual. Wow, I was not expecting him to be behind Buffy's lack of power. Where has BTVS gone when you cannot even trust Giles?

I do not even have a problem with needles either, unlike another certain letter writer of yours. If you have an aversion to needles then you get double whammy, disturbing points for this scene.

Sorry, Erin. Good luck sleeping tonight.

Favorite line

"Dopplegangland"

Willow: It's horrible! That's me as a vampire? I'm so evil and... skanky. And I think I'm kinda gay.
Buffy: Willow, just remember, a vampire's personality has nothing to do with the person it was.

Angel: Well, actually... 

Angel: That's a good point. 

Funny that Angel, who was never one of my favorite characters. has my favorite line from this season. He wants to correct Willow but then realizes it exposes his own terrible, vampire self being based a bit on when he was human.

So in summary, season 3 was a masterful season. It had plenty of unique and fun episodes while never losing sight of the plot. You should be very proud of it. I wish my "award show" highlighted some of the more serious moments you created Joss as they were also great, but with me, comedy always wins.

Take care. -Josh Flowers

p.s. I cannot believe The Mayor nor Faith made my list in any way. They were both great additions to this season.

 Dear Joss Whedon,
Sometimes I just want to sit at this computer and tell you all about my day. But alas the pace of my life does not allow for much leisure letter writing. Especially now while I am studying to take me state licensure exam for massage therapy!

Um yea. 4 Books in 8 days. Sounds doable.

So as you can see the topics I wish to discuss with you will have to wait for a week or so while I cram lots of knowledge into my brain. I hope you don't get too anxious while waiting for more letters to come.

Topics that I need your feedback on:

1. Why on earth can't every show be as good as Buffy: The Vampire Slayer?  Specifically Fringe.

                                                                                                      VS

They set it up to be awesome and then no follow through. They probably should have come to you. 

2. Weddings. Your aversion to happy couples.

3. Massage and the Whedonverse. How some of your characters could have benefited from a good hour of relaxation.

4. My adventures at Fan Con. That is right. I am going to Fan Con this weekend and I fully intend to forward you the letters I will be giving to James Marsters and Nicholas Brendan. 

Never Been more excited!

I hope you are doing well, but more importantly I hope that you are writing something wonderful! Next letter will include happy tidings of passing my licensure exam.

Yours Truly,

Erin Michele

Happy Birthday!

Dear Joss Whedon,
Happy Birthday!

Totally not Photoshopped.

You have totaled 48 years of awesome as of today. We didn't get you a gift because we could not think of anything to get you that would outshine the gift of The Avenger's success. Keep on being awesome! -Josh Flowers and Erin Michele Gabbard

p.s. We hope you had a better birthday party than the ones had by your characters.

Great, Whedon gave me another demon. Happy Birthday?

Buffy Season 2: My Opinion

Dear Joss Whedon,

I have finished Buffy the Vampire Slayer season two.

I love if you know nothing of BTVS, how weird Giles looks. Creepster.

I liked it. Duh. The first season was good but the second season really seemed a bit more solid. It had more continuity and a little less of the monster of the week feel. So Mr. Whedon, I hope you do not mind me judging your creation. Let's consider it an award show, but instead of one of those Emmys you deserved but did not attain, you get a Josh's nod of approval.

I even dress up for the occasion.

Favorite episode

"Halloween"

There were so many good episodes I debated on from "School Hard" to "Innocence" to "Becoming." It was a good season. I decided to go with "Halloween" because out of all the episodes it is the one I most want to watch again right now.  It was fun. I am a big fan of episodes that change the playing field. Seeing Xander as a soldier and Buffy as a scared 18th-century noble woman.

Also it highlights one of my favorite things about the series, BTVS does not forget details. 

Who would have thought anything from this episode would carry on once the credits rolled? Yet Xander becoming a solider became an important part of several future episodes. 

So good job Mr. Whedon. Your attention to detail ruins other shows for me just a little bit more.

Least favorite episode

"Go Fish"

I just wasn't digging the high school kids turned into creatures from the black lagoon. Reminded me more of a Are You Afraid of the Dark episode than Buffy, well except for more implied rape, I'll talk about that in a minute.

Favorite moment

"Innocence" 

A rocket launcher!

Yes, it is obvious but how can you have a different favorite moment than Buffy using a rocket launcher on a demon? After countless hand to hand combats it was kind of cathartic to just see her blow the new all powerful baddie apart.

Least favorite moment

"Ted"

Wow, that Three's Company finale really had a twist.

I just disliked when Ted is found out to be a robot. Not that I wanted Buffy to kill someone but I was really interested in seeing the show tackle such a complicated topic.  Does she have the right to use her powers to kill a human even if they are evil? I felt the air go out of the episode when it was revealed he was a robot. All the possibilities were gone when it turned out just to be another "monster" that she should be fine with killing. 

Most disturbing moment

"Go Fish"

In the episode the coach throws Buffy down a hole where his former team who are now water monsters are so they can take care of their other needs AKA rape her. They are already full from eating someone else so this was implied to be Buffy's purpose. Buffy escapes and then the coach gets knocked in and we get this scene.

COACH MARTIN 

Boys! Boys, uh, now, now, boys! No! I... 

They attack him.

COACH MARTIN

No, boys!

He screams and struggles as they pull him 

under. Buffy pulls her arm back up.

BUFFY

Those boys really love their coach.

I can never look at fish sticks the same way. You can? Remind me to 

turn down your next invite to Red Lobster, pervert. Heh.

Favorite line

"Surprise"

So many choices. This was the hardest thing to decide. Even when a episode was a bit off you could always count on some good dialogue. I am sure when I rewatch this season my choice will change for now my favorite quote belongs to Xander and his mocking of the possible end of the Angel/Buffy relationship.

Xander: 

Hmm, it's sad, granted. But let's look at the upside for a moment. I 

mean, what kind of a future would she've really had with him? She's 

got 2 jobs -- Denny's waitress by day, Slayer by night -- and Angel's 

always in front of the TV with a big blood belly, and he's dreamin' 

of the glory days when Buffy still thought this whole creature of the 

night routine was a big turn-on.

Classic Xander. So thanks for season two of Buffy, Mr. Whedon. I will save you a seat up front for season 3's award show. That is if I ever can stop watching long enough to write about it. I am so addicted. I am just glad you can't fit in a syringe or I might really be in some trouble. 

Take care. -Josh Flowers