I know this has been commented on muchly, but … I still can’t se myself watching/reading anything else from Joss for a while. I’ve been a fan since the first Buffy, the movie one, and have followed him ever since.

I’m not sure why, but everyting he does, while smart, sharp and funny, is tinged with tragedy. I can’t help but wonder if he’d slated Buzz Lightyear to actaully be blown up in an early draft of “Toy Story”. I’m fine with the occasional tragedic happening, as life isn’t always rosy. But to have everything have some sort of major blow out sorrowful episode - well, I don’t want to always be thinking “Who is going to die? Which character has he made me care about will kick the bucket?”

Possible spoilers allusions, for those who haven’t see/read Joss’ stuff…

Buffy, Angel, Firefly/Serenity & the Astonishing X-Men - which of these stories did NOT feature a major character sacrifice? Really, is it too much to ask to have a happy ending for once? I know, I know it’s not his style and I should look past it to embrace his brilliance (and he’’s good, I’m not denying that), but my fanboi days are waning. Even “Dollhouse” appears to be a series based in tragedy of a sort - the main characher will sort of die in every episode - at least the personality that’s been imprinted on the Dolls will no longer be in existance.

So, fo the time being, I bid the Whedonverse Adieu. No one’s gonna miss me, and i won’t let the door hit me on the way out. I may peek in every once in a while to see how things are, and I wish Joss & his followers all the best.

Heh, I was waiting for one of those responses :P. I’m only level one, so you can have all my n00b gear.

Actually, I understand where you’re coming from. It does get frusterating. However, I would suggest the following: take a break from Whedon stuff. Watch something a little happier. But after a year or so, rewatch some of his stuff and you might find it a bit more enjoyable.
Case in point: I’m a huge… huge.. huge Steven King fan, but there was this point where I was nearly ready to highlight in my library book every time a) Spiders were evil b) the state of Maine was mentioned c) someone performed an excretory function in their pants out of fear (you think I kid… but look next time, it’s in every book). A I realized it was like hanging out with same friend every single day.
No matter who much you enjoy someone or something they have repetative quirks that get annoying. So: take a break. A long one. But don’t let that wreck what is really a great writer/show for you. Just remember writers are human too, and even the best have repetative ticks.

As much as I agree with earthwulfs’ right to feel the way they do, I feel sorry for them that they can’t continue to appreciate that what Joss does is blur edges and lines (you must know that). Good/evil, comedy/tragedy, strength/weakness. All these nuances and contrasts, so subtley done, are what lifts Joss above most other writers out there. Bill Watterson, creator of the Calvin & Hobbes strips once said:

“If life is just a stage, then we are all running around ad-libbing, with absolutely no clue what the plot is. Maybe that’s why we don’t know whether it’s a comedy or tragedy.”

That seemed apropos for Joss’ work. Anyway good luck to ya ‘wulf, hope to see back at some point.

CozZaretta said:

When I first clicked on this link I expected another “I can’t believe Joss would kill off (insert character name here)! I’m never watching this again” rants that usually occur after a character death. I wasn’t going to comment, but was going to giggle a little at the ‘I’m going to hold my breath until I get what I want’ tone that usually saturates said rant.

However, what I found was an articulate and well thought out decision. Our tastes evolve over time and yours appear to be doing so. The fandom will be less for the loss of someone willing to rationally explain their viewpoint and not just flying off the handle. I hope you find what your looking for in other fandoms, and perhaps you will someday find yourself looking for a little tragedy. We’ll be here to welcome you back if you do.

Well said Sir.

You can’t escape ‘wulf. Admit it life will be easier in the long run