always late to the party...

...I just heard about the new Joss Whedon show, Dollhouse, which is coming sometime this fall/winter. Sounds sort of like The Matrix meets The Fugitive meets Blade Runner meets etc., etc.

Hmmm...looks like a female Giles this time and a vampire-like crypt where all the kids hang out. This is at least worth a watch or two, if just for the possibility that Sarah Michelle Gellar's Buffy (incredibly remote) or James Marsters's Spike (not so remote, practically guaranteed) might show up. Whedon has always seemed pretty faithful to his actors - witness Dollhouse star Eliza Dushku.

The publicity blurb mentions Whedon's past shows Buffy and Firefly, but not the one I truly miss...Angel.

from the episode In the Dark [Angel has just saved Rachel from a violently abusive boyfriend, while Spike watches—and narrates—from the rooftop.]

Spike [as Rachel, falsetto]: How can I thank you, you mysterious, black-clad, hunk of a night thing?

Spike [as Angel, basso]: No need, little lady, your tears of gratitude are enough for me. You see, I was once a bad-ass vampire, but love and a pesky curse defanged me. Now I'm just a big, fluffy puppy with bad teeth. [Rachel sways closer to Angel; he steps back, warding her off with his hands.] No, not the hair! Never the hair!

Spike [as Rachel]: But there must be some way I can show my appreciation.

Spike [as Angel]: No, helping those in need's my job. And working up a load of sexual tension and prancing away like a magnificent poof is truly thanks enough!

Spike [as Rachel]: I understand. I have a nephew who's gay, so...

Spike [as Angel]: Ah. Say no more. Evil's still afoot ... and I'm almost out of that nancy-boy hair gel that I like so much. Quickly! To the Angelmobile — AWAY! [Rachel and Angel leave. Spike lights a cigarette.]

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