Editing Joss Whedon (section)

===2000s===
====''Firefly''====
Whedon followed ''Angel'' with the space western ''[[Firefly (TV series)|Firefly]]'', starring [[Nathan Fillion]], [[Gina Torres]], [[Alan Tudyk]], [[Morena Baccarin]], [[Adam Baldwin]], [[Jewel Staite]], [[Sean Maher]], [[Summer Glau]] and [[Ron Glass]].<ref name="Deseret News">{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/2002/9/19/19678181/fox-s-firefly-takes-flight/|title=Scott Pierce: Fox's 'Firefly' takes flight|first=Scott D.|last=Pierce|date=September 19, 2002|work=Deseret News|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=November 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104212318/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/937796/Foxs-Firefly-takes-flight.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Set in the year 2517,<ref name="in the year 2517">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/firefly-anniversary-reunion-comic-con-scott-188020/|title=Comic-Con 2012: Joss Whedon Gives 'Firefly' Fans A Heartfelt Thank You|first=Scott|last=Stoute|date=July 15, 2012|website=Screen Rant|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=July 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710074742/http://screenrant.com/firefly-anniversary-reunion-comic-con-scott-188020/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Firefly'' explores the lives of the people who while on the outskirts of society, make their living as the crew of ''[[Serenity (Firefly vessel)|Serenity]]'', a "Firefly-[[ship class|class]]" spaceship.<ref name="theguardian; Firefly">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/mar/27/firefly-your-next-box-set|title=Your next box set: Firefly|first=Daniel|last=Bettridge|date=March 23, 2012|work=The Guardian|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=March 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331064751/http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2012/mar/27/firefly-your-next-box-set|url-status=live|location=London}}</ref> The series' original concept progressed after Whedon read ''[[The Killer Angels]]'', a book on the [[Battle of Gettysburg]].<ref name="Deseret News" /><ref name="the killer angels">{{cite web|url=http://mentalfloss.com/uk/television/23054/23-fun-facts-about-firefly |title=23 Fun Facts About Firefly |first=Rudie |last=Obias |date=March 23, 2015 |website=[[Mental Floss|Mental Floss UK]] |access-date=May 11, 2015 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511131505/http://mentalfloss.com/uk/television/23054/23-fun-facts-about-firefly |archive-date=May 11, 2015}}</ref>

An ever-present element was Whedon's injection of [[Anti-authoritarianism|anti-totalitarianism]],<ref name="CULTURE MASS">{{cite web|url=http://culturemass.com/2013/04/11/whedons-themes-a-blueprint-for-marvels-agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d/|title=Whedon's Themes: A Blueprint for Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.|first=K. M.|last=Cone|date=April 11, 2013|website=CultureMass|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=February 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213023915/http://culturemass.com/2013/04/11/whedons-themes-a-blueprint-for-marvels-agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d/|url-status=dead}}</ref> writing into the show a historical analogy of the Battle of Gettysburg, the "Battle of Serenity Valley".{{ref|3|3}}<ref name="LAWEEKLY; firefly">{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/publicspectacle/2008/12/17/heroes-of-the-final-frontier-top-5-space-cowboys-from-tv-and-film|title=Heroes of the Final Frontier: Top 5 Space Cowboys from TV and Film|first=Liz|last=Ohanesian|date=December 17, 2008|newspaper=[[LA Weekly]]|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714221337/http://www.laweekly.com/publicspectacle/2008/12/17/heroes-of-the-final-frontier-top-5-space-cowboys-from-tv-and-film|url-status=live}}</ref> The beaten soldiers were called "[[Browncoat#Fictional meaning|Browncoats]]" after the brown [[Duster (clothing)|dusters]] they wore as their uniforms.<ref name="PCMAG.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/297197/10-extreme-cases-of-nerd-rage/2|title=10 Extreme Cases of Nerd Rage|first=Jennifer|last=Bergen|date=April 28, 2012|work=[[PC Magazine]]|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=May 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501090702/http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/297197/10-extreme-cases-of-nerd-rage/2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="San Francisco Chronicle" /> Whedon said, "I wanted to play with that classic notion of the frontier: not the people who made history, but the people history stepped on—the people for whom every act is the creation of civilization".<ref name="The New York Times">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/22/magazine/must-see-metaphysics.html|title=Must-See Metaphysics|first=Emily|last=Nussbaum|date=September 22, 2002|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=May 10, 2013}}</ref> ''Firefly'' was written as a serious character study,<ref name="The New York Times; religious and philosophical views" /> encompassing what Whedon called "life when it's hard". He went on to elaborate that it was about "nine people looking into the blackness of space and seeing nine different things".<ref name="jam! SHOWBIZ">{{cite web|url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/F/Firefly/2002/07/22/734323.html|title=Firefly series ready for liftoff|first=Bill|last=Brioux|date=July 22, 2002|publisher=canoe.ca|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=July 15, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715154524/http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/F/Firefly/2002/07/22/734323.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

Fox chose to play the episodes of the series out of order, running "[[The Train Job]]" first, and not airing the [[Serenity (Firefly episode)|pilot]] until a dozen episodes later, resulting in some confusion from viewers. The series was also promoted as a comedy, not a science fiction drama, and placed in the infamous "[[Friday night death slot]]". The show was praised by critics overall, but some objected to the fusion of [[American frontier]] and [[outer space]] motifs.<ref name="San Francisco Chronicle; Firefly">{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Sci-fi-Firefly-is-a-bonanza-of-miscues-from-2768434.php|title=Sci-fi 'Firefly' is a bonanza of miscues from 'Buffy' creator|first=Tim|last=Goodman|date=September 20, 2002|work=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=August 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824005454/http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Sci-fi-Firefly-is-a-bonanza-of-miscues-from-2768434.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The New York Times; Firefly">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/21/arts/television/21NUSS.html|title=A DVD Face-Off Between the Official and the Homemade|first=Emily|last=Nussbaum|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 21, 2003|access-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref><ref name="other respects">{{cite web|url=http://www.teevee.org/archive/2002/12/13/index.html |title=Firefly vs. the Firing Squad |first=Jason |last=Snell |date=December 13, 2002 |publisher=TeeVee.org |access-date=May 5, 2015 |archive-date=August 14, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060814235449/http://www.teevee.org/archive/2002/12/13/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> Faced with these hurdles, the show had an average of 4.7&nbsp;million viewers at the time and was ranked 98th in [[Nielsen ratings]]. The series was cancelled by Fox before all of the episodes had aired.<ref name="E; Firefly">{{cite web|url=http://uk.eonline.com/news/44314/fox-squashes-firefly|title=Fox Squashes "Firefly"|first=Lia|last=Haberman|date=December 13, 2002|publisher=E!|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=February 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213043210/http://www.eonline.com/news/44314/fox-squashes-firefly|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon took to [[Universal Pictures]] as a means of achieving a continuation of the story.<ref name="the weekly Standard">{{cite web|url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/757fhfxg.asp |title=The Browncoats Rise Again |first=M.E. |last=Russell |date=June 24, 2005 |publisher=[[The Weekly Standard]] |access-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-date=October 4, 2009 |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20091004231549/http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/757fhfxg.asp |url-status=dead}}</ref> Following ''Firefly'' was ''[[Serenity (2005 film)|Serenity]]'', a follow-up film taking place after the events of the [[Objects in Space|final episode]].<ref name="THE UNIVERSITY OBSERVER; fs">{{cite web|url=http://www.universityobserver.ie/2013/11/12/its-all-connected/|title=It's All Connected|first=Steven|last=Balbirnie|date=November 12, 2013|publisher=universityobserver.ie|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=July 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715005724/http://www.universityobserver.ie/2013/11/12/its-all-connected/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Serenity'' developed into a [[Firefly (franchise)|franchise]] that led to graphic novels, books and other media.<ref name="COMICS ALLIANCE; eu">{{cite web|url=http://comicsalliance.com/serenity-comics-recap-joss-whedon-zack-whedon-dark-horse/ |title=A Recap of Every 'Serenity' Comic (So Far) |first=John |last=Parker |date=January 28, 2014 |publisher=comicsalliance.com |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=January 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130071014/http://comicsalliance.com/serenity-comics-recap-joss-whedon-zack-whedon-dark-horse/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="books">{{cite web|url=http://www.blastr.com/2010/05/firefly_fiction.php|title=Firefly's original writers reveal what happens NEXT|work=Blastr |date=May 19, 2010|access-date=May 11, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923191926/http://www.blastr.com/2010/05/firefly_fiction.php|archive-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name="other media">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3034749/firefly-online/|title=With Firefly Cast Reuniting, Firefly Online Sounds Like the Franchise's Next Big Thing|first=Matt|last=Peckham|date=July 25, 2014|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=May 11, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504064445/http://time.com/3034749/firefly-online/|archive-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> ''[[New Scientist]]'' magazine held a poll in 2005 to find "The World's Best Space Sci-Fi Ever", and ''Firefly'' and ''Serenity'' took first and second place, respectively.<ref name="NewScientist">{{cite web|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8211 |title=The World's Best Space Sci-Fi Ever: Your verdict |first=Anna |last=Gosline |date=October 26, 2005 |work=[[New Scientist]] |access-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-date=October 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020031017/http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8211 |url-status=live}}</ref> It also received an Emmy shortly after its cancellation, as well as a number of other awards. Since being canceled, ''Firefly'' has attained cult status.<ref name="The State Press; Firefly">{{cite web|url=http://www.statepress.com/2012/09/24/fans-construct-fireflys-significance/|title=Fans construct 'Firefly's' significance|first=Esther|last=Drown|date=September 24, 2012|work=[[The State Press]]|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=September 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928020353/http://www.statepress.com/2012/09/24/fans-construct-fireflys-significance|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Marvel Comics====
In 2004, Whedon created the comic book line ''[[Astonishing X-Men]]''.<ref name="in 2004">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/15/ign-assemble-75-the-one-looking-back-on-astonishing-x-men|title=IGN Assemble! #75 – The One Looking Back on Astonishing X-Men|first=Joey|last=Esposito|website=IGN|date=March 15, 2013| access-date= May 11, 2015|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013031834/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/15/ign-assemble-75-the-one-looking-back-on-astonishing-x-men|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="New York ENTERTAINMENT; astonishing x-men">{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/9218/|title=Whedon, Ink|first=Gavin|last=Edwards|work=New York|date=May 27, 2004 |access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=March 22, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070322213851/http://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/9218/|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished a 24 issue run in 2008 and then handed over the reins as a writer to [[Warren Ellis]].<ref name="24 issue run">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/24/astonishing-x-men-24-review|title=Astonishing X-Men #24 Review|first=Daniel|last=Crown|date=January 23, 2008|website=IGN|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820062231/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/24/astonishing-x-men-24-review|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="the writing reins">{{cite news|url=http://www.newsarama.com/Comic-Con_07/Marvel/AXMEllis.html|title=SDCC '07: Ellis Does Astonishing X-Men|first=Chris|last=Arrant|year=2007|work=Newsarama|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=June 23, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623103614/http://www.newsarama.com/Comic-Con_07/Marvel/AXMEllis.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> One storyline from the comic, the notion of a cure for mutation being found, was also an element in the third X-Men film, ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]''.<ref name="CBR; astonishing x-men">{{cite web|url= https://www.cbr.com/x-men-the-last-stand-dave-gorder-the-super-associate-producer/|title='X-Men: The Last Stand' – Dave Gorder – The Super-Associate Producer|first=George A.|last=Tramountanas|date=February 23, 2006|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|access-date=June 9, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213110407/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=6498|archive-date=December 13, 2013}}</ref><ref name="COMINGSOON .NET; astonishing x-men">{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/reviewsnews.php?id=14688|title=X-Men: The Last Stand|first=Scott|last=Chitwood|date=May 24, 2006|publisher=comingsoon.net|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=December 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211094113/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/reviewsnews.php?id=14688|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2009 ''Astonishing X-Men'' #6, which depicted the return of [[Colossus (character)|Colossus]] to the title and concluded Whedon's first story arc, was named by readers as #65 in Marvel's Top 70 Comics of all time.<ref name="MARVEL; top 70">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/seventy_years/countdown/winners/comics/rank/65|archive-url=https://archive.today/20090318152002/http://marvel.com/seventy_years/countdown/winners/comics/rank/65|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 18, 2009|title=Marvel's Top 70|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]|access-date=December 6, 2013}}</ref>

Taking over after series creator [[Brian K. Vaughan]] completed his run on the series, Whedon became the second writer of the Marvel comic ''[[Runaways (comics)|Runaways]]''.<ref name="Rolling Stone; runaways">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/pictures/from-buffy-to-the-avengers-joss-whedons-best-and-worst-projects-20120502/18-runaways-0359743|title=From 'Buffy' to 'The Avengers': Joss Whedon's Best and Worst Projects|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 2, 2012|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=May 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525022417/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/pictures/from-buffy-to-the-avengers-joss-whedons-best-and-worst-projects-20120502/18-runaways-0359743|url-status=live}}</ref> Having already been a committed reader, he had a letter published in the first volume, which was included in the Volume 1 hardcover edition.<ref name="IGN; runaways">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/12/joss-whedon-escapes-with-runaways|title=Joss Whedon Escapes With Runaways|date=September 12, 2006|website=IGN|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222094815/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/12/joss-whedon-escapes-with-runaways|url-status=live}}</ref> He also wrote short pieces for ''[[Stan Lee Meets...|Stan Lee Meets Spider-Man]]'' and ''Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men'' #1,<ref name="stan lee meets spider-man">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/07/stan-lee-meets-spider-man-first-look|title=Stan Lee Meets Spider-Man First Look|date=September 7, 2006|website=IGN|access-date=May 1, 2015|archive-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820173048/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/07/stan-lee-meets-spider-man-first-look|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MARVEL; giant size x-men">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/comics/issue/20674/giant-size_astonishing_x-men_2008_1|title=Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men (2008) #1|publisher=Marvel Comics|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131206210817/http://marvel.com/comics/issue/20674/giant-size_astonishing_x-men_2008_1|archive-date=December 6, 2013}}</ref> and he was the subject of an issue of the comic book, ''[[Marvel Spotlight]]'' (alongside artist [[Michael Lark]]).<ref name="COMIC VINE; marvel spotlight">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/marvel-spotlight-joss-whedon-michael-lark/4050-25654/lists/|title=Marvel Spotlight: Joss Whedon & Michael Lark|publisher=comicvine.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=December 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211235739/http://www.comicvine.com/marvel-spotlight-joss-whedon-michael-lark/4050-25654/lists/|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of a panel of writers, he contributed to Marvel Comics' ''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]'' crossover event lending advice on how to tell the story and also how to end it.<ref name="IGN; civil war">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/02/interview-joss-whedon?page=4|title=Interview: Joss Whedon|first=Richard|last=George|date=March 2, 2007|website=IGN|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222094853/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/02/interview-joss-whedon?page=4|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2016, Whedon contributed a story for the 75th anniversary issue of ''[[Captain America]]: [[Falcon (comics)|Sam Wilson]]'' with ''Astonishing X-Men'' collaborator [[John Cassaday]].<ref name="guardian; captain america 75">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/04/joss-whedon-captain-america-75th-anniversary-story-marvel-comics|title=Joss Whedon to write 75th-anniversary Captain America story for Marvel Comics|first=Allison|last=Flood|date=March 4, 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=August 3, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722212014/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/04/joss-whedon-captain-america-75th-anniversary-story-marvel-comics|archive-date=July 22, 2016}}</ref> He introduced several new characters into the [[Marvel Universe]] such as the villainous [[Ord (comics)|Ord]],<ref name="MARVEL; ord">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/universe/Ord|title=Ord|publisher=Marvel Comics|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216140733/http://marvel.com/universe/Ord|archive-date=December 16, 2013}}</ref> X-Men [[Blindfold (comics)|Ruth "Blindfold" Aldine]] and [[Armor (comics)|Hisako "Armor" Ichiki]],<ref name="MARVEL; blindfold">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/universe/Blindfold|title=Blindfold|publisher=Marvel Comics|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509233722/http://www.marvel.com/universe/Blindfold|archive-date=May 9, 2006}}</ref><ref name="MARVEL; armor">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/universe/Armor_%28Hisako_Ichiki%29|title=Armor|publisher=Marvel Comics|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928025901/http://marvel.com/universe/Armor_(Hisako_Ichiki)|archive-date=September 28, 2013}}</ref> Runaway [[Klara Prast]],<ref name="COMIC VINE; klara prast">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/klara-prast/4005-54555/|title=Klara Prast|publisher=comicvine.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=April 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424110129/http://www.comicvine.com/klara-prast/4005-54555|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Abigail Brand|Special Agent Abigail Brand]] along with [[S.W.O.R.D.]], the organization Brand commands.<ref name="COMIC VINE; abigail brand">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/abigail-brand/4005-4441/|title=Abigail Brand|publisher=comicvine.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=April 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404090443/http://www.comicvine.com/abigail-brand/4005-4441/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="COMIC VINE; s.w.o.r.d.">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicvine.com/sword/4060-41666/|title=S.W.O.R.D.|publisher=comicvine.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=April 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404232733/http://www.comicvine.com/sword/4060-41666/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====''Serenity''====
After Universal Pictures acquired the [[Film rights|film]] and [[Film distributor|distribution rights]] from Fox, Whedon began writing the screenplay for ''Serenity''.<ref name="film rights">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/nathan-fillion-buy-firefly-mcrid-102683/|title=Fans Unite To Help Nathan Fillion Buy 'Firefly'|first=Michael|last=Crider|date=February 23, 2011|website=Screen Rant|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=August 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805025848/http://screenrant.com/nathan-fillion-buy-firefly-mcrid-102683/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IGN; Serenity">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/04/whedons-serenity-flies-at-uni|title=Whedon's Serenity Flies at Uni|first=Brian|last=Linder|date=March 4, 2004|website=IGN|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=February 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223230643/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/04/whedons-serenity-flies-at-uni|url-status=live}}</ref> Transforming the series into a film, he says, "... was the hardest piece of writing I've ever done ... It had to be self-contained and work as a movie, which meant I had to cope with problems like introducing nine main characters who'd already met!"<ref name="FILM; Serenity">{{cite web|url=http://www.film4.com/special-features/interviews/joss-whedon-on-serenity|title=Joss Whedon on Serenity|publisher=film4.com|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222081230/http://www.film4.com/special-features/interviews/joss-whedon-on-serenity|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SFFWORLD.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.sffworld.com/mul/130p0.html|title=Interview with Joss Whedon about Serenity|date=October 2, 2005|publisher=sffworld.com|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-date=December 7, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051207022432/http://www.sffworld.com/mul/130p0.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The script was based on unused story ideas for ''Firefly''{{'}}s unfilmed second season.<ref name="THE UNIVERSITY OBSERVER; fs" /> On writing the dialogue, Whedon felt that part of it came from "getting to invent the language", which "once I had... reads like a kind of poetry".<ref name="Response; Serenity">{{cite web|url=http://www.spu.edu/depts/uc/response/summer2k5/bookfilm/serenity.asp|title='Serenity' Rewards Faithful Fans, Thrills a New Audience|first=Jeffrey|last=Overstreet|year=2005|publisher=spu.edu|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=May 9, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509050714/http://www.spu.edu/depts/uc/response/summer2k5/bookfilm/serenity.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> The narrative centered on Captain [[Malcolm Reynolds]] as the hero accompanied by [[River Tam]] acting as the catalyst for what he does.<ref name="ARCHIVE; Serenity">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/ChucktheMovieguyJossWhedonMorenaBaccarininterviewforthemovieSerenity|title=Joss Whedon, Morena Baccarin interview for the movie Serenity|access-date=May 13, 2013}}</ref>

The score was composed by [[David Newman (composer)|David Newman]], and according to Whedon was intended to "deglorify space — to feel the intimacy of being on a ship as opposed to the grandeur".<ref name="The New York Times; Serenity">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/09/arts/music/09burl.html|title=Outer Country|first=Jon|last=Burlingame|date=October 9, 2005|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=May 13, 2013}}</ref> He used two [[Long take|long]] [[steadicam]] shots for several minutes of the film's opening sequence to establish "a sense of safety in space".<ref name="STEADIVISION">{{cite web|url=http://steadivision.com/acm/mtf/steadicam.html|title=STEADICAM|publisher=steadivision.com|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205429/http://steadivision.com/acm/mtf/steadicam.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PAJIBA">{{cite web|url=http://www.pajiba.com/seriously_random_lists/mindhole-blowers-20-facts-about-serenity-that-might-make-you-crave-a-fruity-oaty-bar.php|title=Mindhole Blowers: 20 Facts About Serenity That Might Make You Crave a Fruity Oaty Bar|first=Cindy|last=Davis|date=June 4, 2012|publisher=pajiba.com|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607051227/http://www.pajiba.com/seriously_random_lists/mindhole-blowers-20-facts-about-serenity-that-might-make-you-crave-a-fruity-oaty-bar.php|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, it won a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form.<ref name="LOCUSonline; Serenity">{{cite web|url=http://www.locusmag.com/2006/News/08_HugoCampbellWinners.html|title=Hugo and Campbell Awards Winners|publisher=locusmag.com|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=September 3, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060903090237/http://www.locusmag.com/2006/News/08_HugoCampbellWinners.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The elements of science fiction that Whedon wanted to convey were essentially different in kind, and held "a sort of grittiness" and "realism", which he said, together, "get the most exciting kind of film-making".<ref name="BBC; Serenity">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6517155.stm|title=Serenity named top sci-fi movie|publisher=BBC|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=April 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070416101011/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6517155.stm|url-status=live|date=April 2, 2007}}</ref> Critic [[Roger Ebert]] observed, "Like ''[[Brave New World]]'' and ''[[Nineteen Eighty-Four|1984]]'', the movie plays like a critique of contemporary society, with the Alliance as Big Brother, enemy of discontent".<ref name="Roger Ebert.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/serenity-2005|title=Serenity|first=Roger|last=Ebert|date=September 29, 2005|publisher=rogerebert.com|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=April 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421032608/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/serenity-2005|url-status=live}}</ref> The film received the 2005 [[Nebula Award for Best Script]], the 2006 [[Prometheus Award|Prometheus Special Award]],<ref name="SFWA; Serenity">{{cite web|url=http://www.sfwa.org/nebula-awards/|title=Nebula Awards|date=November 25, 2009|publisher=sfwa.org|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=April 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424181909/http://www.sfwa.org/nebula-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Libertarian Futurist Society">{{cite web|url=http://lfs.org/releases/2006Winners.shtml|title=Prometheus 2006 Awards Winners Announced|website=lfs.org|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=April 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414031146/http://www.lfs.org/releases/2006Winners.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and was voted the best sci-fi movie of all time in a poll set up by ''[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]]'' magazine.<ref name="BBC; Serenity" /> There have since been multiple rumors regarding sequel possibilities.<ref name="ZDNet News">{{cite web|url=http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-6085564.html|title=Fans of sci-fi 'Serenity' follow their bliss|first=Daniel|last=Terdiman|date=June 19, 2006|publisher=ZDNet|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=June 21, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060621222119/http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-6085564.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="About.com; Serenity">{{cite web|url=http://movies.about.com/od/serenity/a/serentynf120604.htm|title=Nathan Fillion Talks About 'Serenity'|first=Rebecca|last=Murray|work=About.com Entertainment |publisher=about.com|access-date=May 13, 2013|archive-date=September 25, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050925163209/http://movies.about.com/od/serenity/a/serentynf120604.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The limited three-issue comic book series called ''[[Serenity: Those Left Behind]]'', the story of which was written by Whedon,<ref name="Trove; comic books">{{cite web|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/27600051?selectedversion=NBD43097375|title=Serenity : those left behind / story by Joss Whedon & Brett Matthews; script by Brett Matthews; art by Will Conrad.|publisher=nla.gov.au|access-date=September 25, 2013|archive-date=December 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212070055/http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/27600051?selectedversion=NBD43097375|url-status=live}}</ref> was released in 2005 as a tie-in to ''Serenity''. Set between ''Firefly'' and the film, it was intended to connect the two storylines.<ref name="tie in">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/old-friends-matthews-talks-serenity-better-days/|title=Old Friends: Matthews talks 'Serenity: Better Days'|first=Emmett|last=Furey|date=March 7, 2008|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|access-date=June 10, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213113658/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=12825|archive-date=December 13, 2013}}</ref> ''[[Serenity: Better Days]]'' also spanned three issues<ref name="Dark Horse; comic books #3">{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/15-190/Serenity-Better-Days-1-of-3|title=Serenity: Better Days #1 (of 3)|publisher=darkhorse.com|access-date=September 25, 2013|archive-date=April 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421082939/http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/15-190/Serenity-Better-Days-1-of-3|url-status=live}}</ref> and was written by Whedon and [[Brett Matthews]].<ref name="CBR; comic books #2">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/exclusive-serenity-better-days-2-preview/|title=Exclusive: 'Serenity: Better Days' #2 Preview|date=March 11, 2008|website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213113406/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=12855|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon later co-wrote ''[[Serenity (comics)#The Shepherd's Tale|The Shepherd's Tale]]'' with his half-brother [[Zack Whedon|Zack]].<ref name="COMICMIX; the shepherd's tale">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/06/13/interview-scott-allie-on-shepherd-books-serenity-spin-off-and-solomon-kane/|title=Interview: Scott Allie on Shepherd Book's 'Serenity' Spin-Off and 'Solomon Kane'|first=Chris|last=Ullrich|date=June 13, 2008|publisher=comicmix.com|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=June 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614122227/http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/06/13/interview-scott-allie-on-shepherd-books-serenity-spin-off-and-solomon-kane/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Freelance directing and ''Sugarshock!''====
As a guest director, he contributed two 2007 episodes of ''[[The Office (American TV series)|The Office]]'' ("[[Business School (The Office)|Business School]]" and "[[Branch Wars]]")<ref name="IF MAGAZINE; television">{{cite web|url=http://www.ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=4720|title=Exclusive: Joss Whedon to direct another episode of 'The Office'|first=Carl|last=Cortez|date=July 16, 2007|publisher=ifmagazine.com|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-date=May 29, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070529040206/http://ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=4720|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="branch wars">{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/Office-Convention-07-The-Writers-Talk-About-Whedon-And-Branch-Wars-6994.html|title=Office Convention 07: The Writers Talk About Whedon And Branch Wars|first=Kelly|last=West|year=2007|publisher=Cinemablend.com|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127225549/http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Office-Convention-07-The-Writers-Talk-About-Whedon-And-Branch-Wars-6994.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a 2010 episode of ''[[Glee (TV series)|Glee]]'' ("[[Dream On (Glee)|Dream On]]").<ref name="Entertainment WEEKLY; television">{{cite magazine|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2009/10/19/glee-exclusive-joss-whedon-to-direct/|title='Glee' exclusive: Joss Whedon to direct!|first=Michael|last=Ausiello|date=October 19, 2009|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-date=February 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219014300/http://insidetv.ew.com/2009/10/19/glee-exclusive-joss-whedon-to-direct/|url-status=live}}</ref> Denoting this period, Whedon has said, "I had free time, but I'm pretty sure I mean my career was on the skids".<ref name="PopMatters; further work">{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/post/173510-joss-whedon-film-society-of-lincoln-center/|title=An Evening of Joss Whedon with the Film Society of Lincoln Center (video)|first=Sachyn|last=Mital|date=July 15, 2013|work=PopMatters|access-date=August 16, 2014|archive-date=September 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926230927/http://www.popmatters.com/post/173510-joss-whedon-film-society-of-lincoln-center|url-status=live}}</ref>

In collaboration with [[Fábio Moon]], Whedon created the free webcomic titled ''[[Sugarshock!]]'', as part of the revival of ''[[Dark Horse Presents]]'', which was launched on [[Myspace]].<ref name="AFTERELLEN; online media">{{cite web|url=http://www.afterellen.com/sugarshock-a-free-whedon-comic-book-to-brighten-your-monday/08/2007/|title='Sugarshock': A free Whedon comic book to brighten your Monday|date=August 13, 2007|publisher=afterellen.com|access-date=September 17, 2013|archive-date=October 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060341/http://www.afterellen.com/sugarshock-a-free-whedon-comic-book-to-brighten-your-monday/08/2007/|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon later executive produced another free comic book on the Internet, ''Serenity: The Other Half''.<ref name="DARK HORSE; online media">{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/158/serenity-other-half|title=Serenity: The Other Half|date=November 3, 2010|publisher=darkhorse.com|access-date=September 17, 2013|archive-date=November 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106174510/http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/158/serenity-other-half|url-status=live}}</ref>

====''Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog''====
[[Image:Dr Horribles Singalong Blog cast.jpg|thumb|Whedon with the cast and crew of ''Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog'' at its [[Creative Artists Agency]] theater screening]]
As a response to the [[2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike]],<ref name="The New York Times; Dr. Horrible">{{cite news|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/18/once-more-with-feeling-joss-whedon-revisits-dr-horribles-sing-along-blog/?_php=true&_type=blogs|title=Once More, With Feeling: Joss Whedon Revisits 'Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog'|first=Dave|last=Itzkoff|date=April 18, 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=September 28, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208120819/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/18/once-more-with-feeling-joss-whedon-revisits-dr-horribles-sing-along-blog/?_php=true&_type=blogs|archive-date=February 8, 2015}}</ref> Whedon directed, co-wrote and produced ''[[Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog]]''.<ref name="horrible credits">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2008/07/25/dr-horrible-oral-history|title='Dr. Horrible': An oral history|first=Adam B.|last=Vary|date=January 17, 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 11, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510111252/http://www.ew.com/article/2008/07/25/dr-horrible-oral-history|archive-date=May 10, 2015}}</ref> It tells the story of Dr. Horrible, an aspiring supervillain, who shares a love interest in a girl named Penny with his nemesis, Captain Hammer.<ref name="Written By.; Dr. Horrible">{{cite web|url=http://www.wga.org/writtenby/writtenbysub.aspx?id=3438 |title=Meet Joss Whedon the Web Slayer. |first=Lisa |last=Rosen |date=January 2009 |publisher=wga.org |access-date=September 28, 2014 |archive-date=February 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202204912/http://www.wga.org/writtenby/writtenbysub.aspx?id=3438 |url-status=dead}}</ref> To Whedon the miniseries was "a project of love", an accomplishment that from their excitement would be embellished with passion and "ridiculousness".<ref name="tubefilter; Dr. Horrible">{{cite web|url=http://www.tubefilter.com/2008/07/14/joss-whedon-interview-the-web-has-been-wonderful-for-horrible-2/|title=Joss Whedon Interview: The Web Has Been Wonderful For 'Horrible'|first=Drew|last=Baldwin|date=July 14, 2008|publisher=tubefilter.com|access-date=May 14, 2013|archive-date=May 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515221757/http://www.tubefilter.com/2008/07/14/joss-whedon-interview-the-web-has-been-wonderful-for-horrible-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> His half-brothers Zack and [[Jed Whedon|Jed]] and sister-in-law [[Maurissa Tancharoen]] share the other writing credits.<ref name="other horrible credits">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2014/02/14/dr-horrible-sing-along-blog-sequel|title='Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog' sequel 'will exist'|first=James|last=Hibberd|date=January 17, 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-date=March 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320053906/http://www.ew.com/article/2014/02/14/dr-horrible-sing-along-blog-sequel|url-status=live}}</ref> Whedon said it was a "glorious surprise" to him to discover how well they worked together.<ref name="The Washington Post; Dr. Horrible">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/07/18/DI2008071801208.html|title=Joss Whedon Talks 'Dr. Horrible', 'Dollhouse' and More|date=July 21, 2008|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=September 28, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119020338/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/07/18/DI2008071801208.html|archive-date=January 19, 2015}}</ref>

After having attended meetings with companies discussing the prospect of producing something for the Internet and faced with negative feedback on his ideas, he realized that as long as the strike was still in progress, acquiring corporate funding was an unlikely prospect.<ref name="The New York Times; Dr. Horrible" /> Whedon himself funded the project investing just over $200,000<ref name="Written By.; Dr. Horrible" /> and earned more from it than he did directing ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]''.<ref name="earned more">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/avengers-age-of-ultron-kicks-off-the-summer-1429801731|title='Avengers: Age of Ultron' Kicks Off the Summer|first=Ben|last=Fritz|date=April 23, 2015|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=April 24, 2015|archive-date=April 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424043355/http://www.wsj.com/articles/avengers-age-of-ultron-kicks-off-the-summer-1429801731|url-status=live}}</ref> He enjoyed the independence he gained from ''Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog'' as it provided him the freedom to include content without the expectancy of lessening it on behalf of the runtime.<ref name="tubefilter; Dr. Horrible" /> He and Jed composed the music, parts of which were influenced by [[Stephen Sondheim]].<ref name="VULTURE; Dr. Horrible">{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2008/07/joss_whedon_on_dr_horrible_ste.html|title=Joss Whedon on 'Dr. Horrible', Stephen Sondheim, and Bad Horse|first=Emily|last=Nussbaum|date=July 21, 2008|publisher=vulture.com|access-date=May 14, 2013|archive-date=October 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013175835/http://www.vulture.com/2008/07/joss_whedon_on_dr_horrible_ste.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The miniseries was nominated and won numerous awards. Whedon was awarded Best Directing and Best Writing for a Comedy Web Series at the [[Streamy Awards]],<ref name="STREAMY AWARDS; Dr. Horrible">{{cite web|url=http://www.streamys.org/nominees-winners/2009-nominees/|title=1st Annual Nominees & Winners|publisher=streamys.org|access-date=June 5, 2013|archive-date=October 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019130945/http://www.streamys.org/nominees-winners/2009-nominees/|url-status=live}}</ref> a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form,<ref name="best dramatic presentation">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2009-hugo-awards/ |title=2009 Hugo Awards |publisher=The Hugo Awards |access-date=May 1, 2015 |archive-date=August 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830061036/http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2009-hugo-awards |url-status=dead}}</ref> and a [[Creative Arts Emmy Award]] in 2009.<ref name="npr; Dr. Horrible">{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112983657&ps=cprs|title='Buffy' Creator Snags Emmy For 'Horrible' Idea|first=Richard|last=Drew|date=September 19, 2009|publisher=NPR|access-date=June 5, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305171146/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112983657&ps=cprs|archive-date=March 5, 2013}}</ref>

====''Dollhouse''====
In 2009, Whedon created his fourth television series, ''[[Dollhouse (TV series)|Dollhouse]]'', and explored themes throughout the show that were initially present in an unproduced [[spec script]] of his called ''Afterlife''.<ref name="io9; Dollhouse">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/the-mind-transplant-script-whedon-wrote-before-dollhous-5374621 |title=The Mind-Transplant Script Whedon Wrote Before Dollhouse |first=Lauren |last=Davis |date=October 5, 2009 |publisher=Gizmodo |access-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-date=February 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208203712/http://io9.com/5374621/the-mind%2Btransplant-script-whedon-wrote-before-dollhouse |url-status=live}}</ref> The series follows Echo, whose brain is programmed to accomplish various assignments, on her journey towards self-awareness.<ref name="active">{{cite news|url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/monkeys-as-critics/posts/recap-dollhouse-echoes|title=Recap: 'Dollhouse' – 'Echoes'|first=Chris|last=Farnsworth|date=March 28, 2009|work=HitFix|access-date=May 11, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001134956/http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/monkeys-as-critics/posts/recap-dollhouse-echoes|archive-date=October 1, 2015}}</ref><ref name="IGN; Dollhouse">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/01/new-joss-whedon-eliza-dushku-series|title=New Joss Whedon / Eliza Dushku Series!|date=November 1, 2007|website=IGN|access-date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006071721/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/01/new-joss-whedon-eliza-dushku-series|url-status=live}}</ref> As stated by Whedon, ''Dollhouse'' was about "the sides of us that we don't want people to see", [[Human sexuality|sexuality]]<ref name="Chicago Tribune; Dollhouse">{{cite news|url=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2009/12/dollhouse-fox-joss-whedon.html|title=Sex, secrets and 'Dollhouse': Joss Whedon talks about the end of his Fox show|first=Maureen|last=Ryan|date=December 3, 2009|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=December 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205235311/http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2009/12/dollhouse-fox-joss-whedon.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and, on some level, a celebration of [[perversion]],<ref name="SciFiNow; Dollhouse">{{cite web|url=http://www.scifinow.co.uk/news/joss-whedon-talks-firefly-dollhouse-and-leaving-television/|title=Joss Whedon talks Firefly, Dollhouse and leaving television|first=Edward|last=Gross|date=November 25, 2010|publisher=scifinow.co.uk|access-date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=April 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428062015/http://www.scifinow.co.uk/news/joss-whedon-talks-firefly-dollhouse-and-leaving-television/|url-status=live}}</ref> which he equates to [[Fixation (psychology)|obsession]], "the thing that makes people passionate and interesting and worthy".<ref name="W I R E D; Dollhouse">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/05/joss-whedon/all/|title=Joss Whedon on Comic Books, Abusing Language and the Joys of Genre|first=Adam|last=Rogers|date=May 3, 2012|magazine=Wired|access-date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006125202/http://www.wired.com/2012/05/joss-whedon/all/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite low ratings in its first season, the series was renewed for a second and final season. The reason for the renewal given by Fox's president of entertainment was to avoid any backlash that would have resulted from its cancelation.<ref name="THE Hollywood REPORTER; Dollhouse">{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/surprise-fox-renews-dollhouse-51624|title=Surprise: Fox RENEWS 'Dollhouse'|first=James|last=Hibberd|date=May 15, 2009|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-date=March 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323052733/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/surprise-fox-renews-dollhouse-51624|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="blastr; Dollhouse">{{cite web|url=http://www.blastr.com/2009/05/fox-execs-explain-why-the.php|title=Fox execs explain why they kept Dollhouse and killed Sarah Connor|first=Kathie|last=Huddleston|date=May 18, 2009|publisher=blastr.com|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-date=March 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313184631/http://www.blastr.com/2009/05/fox-execs-explain-why-the.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> In reflection of Fox's disruptive involvement, Whedon lamented the loss of ideas with [[Identity (philosophy)|identity]] and [[Morality|moral]] [[culpability]], saying they were dancing around them in the process<ref name="W I R E D; Dollhouse" /> which then devolved the series into a [[Procedural drama|procedural]] show.<ref name="Chicago Tribune; Dollhouse" />