Marti Noxon for Season Eight

[dane5by5]

Greetings.

As a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the current "Season Eight" and also a big fan of Marti Noxon. I've been somewhat disappointed since the writers have been announced for the series and Marti's name is nowhere to be seen.

Back in February, another forum I frequent submitted questions to Scott Allie (the editor). I asked if there was a possibility of getting Marti Noxon to write a story for the series. Scott Allie said that there were no plans yet, but he would love to work with her and see her name in the mix. Since then I've been thinking about it and how disappointing it would be if a writer and producer that was responsible for giving us so much Buffy-goodness didn't contribute a story to the continuation of the series that gave her a name in the industry.

I decided to start a petition to get Marti to write for "Season Eight". She has recently left her position as show runner and executive producer/writer of Private Practice. So this could be the perfect opportunity for her to contribute something to the series.

Marti Noxon wrote classic episodes like; What's My Line, Surprise, I Only Have Eyes For You, Bewitched, Botherered and Bewildered, The Wish, Consequences, The Prom, Living Conditions, Wild At Heart, Buffy Vs. Dracula, Forever, Bargaining, Villains and Bring On The Night.

She would be a fantastic edition to the list of already impressive writers slated for "Season Eight"

http://www.gopetition.com/online/19585.html

Please pass the petition on to anyone you know who might be interested.

Thank you.

[Enisy]

Welcome to the forum!

Has Marti Noxon written any comics? I like her writing okay, but I don't know if she'd be suited to the medium.

[vampmogs]

Personally I'm glad she's not writing as I've never been a fan of her later stuff. I liked most of her earlier episodes but as the series went on I began to dislike her episodes.

Good luck though

[DigitalLeonardo]

I agree with what is said above, I like her early stuff and I really enjoyed "What's My Line" Part 1 & 2, an amazing 2 parter of hers. I didn't like her later stuff, I think she just used Spike way to much and from what I read was the biggest Spike supporter. I feel with season 8 being Spike-free, she won't fit in as well as she did on the series.

I personally wouldn't miss her from the comics, I just don't think her style fits in as well as Jane Espenson and others do.

[dane5by5]

I completely understand what each of you have said. I can see why some people grew tired of her and think she was the reason Spike's role in the series continued to grow into such a large part.

I think other than Spike, the character that Marti really nailed was Buffy. She has said on several occasions that the character she most identified with was Buffy. Especially when she was conflicted and in relationship trouble.

I just think with this seasons theme, with Buffy being morally conflicted, it would be perfect for Marti to write a part of it.

[KingofCretins]

Brother, are you barking up the wrong tree with me I was actually pleased to see she's not in on it, in favor of three Buffy writers I all thought did more and interesting things with the story, and an array of acclaimed comic writers like Vaughan and Loeb. Marti is attractive and has many nice qualities, I've no doubt, but I always found her something of a one-trick pony. Well, two tricks -- Spike is hot, men are horrible. Season 8 is the best season since Season 5, maybe since Season 3 in large part due to the lack of focus on those two themes.

[Sosa lola]

I'd love to see her write one issue, a stand alone at least. Just to see how she is in writing comics. I think she's a good writer and since Spike isn't around, I don't see the problem with having her for one issue. (I wish for Spike to arrive at least in one arc, that would have been interesting. Especially if he interacted with others and not just Buffy.)

[Wolfie Gilmore]

I agree with what is said above, I like her early stuff and I really enjoyed "What's My Line" Part 1 & 2, an amazing 2 parter of hers. I didn't like her later stuff, I think she just used Spike way to much and from what I read was the biggest Spike supporter. I feel with season 8 being Spike-free, she won't fit in as well as she did on the series.

I personally wouldn't miss her from the comics, I just don't think her style fits in as well as Jane Espenson and others do.

Maybe she'd benefit from the absence of Spike? Once her favourite dolly's taken away, she may well explore new things? Actually, I've got nothing against Marti really cos I'm not sure what she wrote, I'm just basing the Spike stuff on what other fans have said.

I'd rather have people who are used to writing comics rather than people used to writing Buffy though. Mind you, some people come into the medium running... Jodi Picoult's Wonder Woman is ace, imo, and as far as I know she'd only ever written novels before.

[Koos]

I completely understand what each of you have said. I can see why some people grew tired of her and think she was the reason Spike's role in the series continued to grow into such a large part.

Perhaps, I think this was ultimately Joss' decision. He decides the arclines for the characters. But the way she fleshed him out was in a way I really didn't like.

I really liked her earlier episodes. What's My Line, BBBW, The Wish are episodes I enjoyed very much. Also Into the Woods is very good.

Though to me she pretty much destroyed Buffy in the last two seasons. If she writes a standalone issue than that fine. But her contribution shouldn't be more than that.

[DigitalLeonardo]

Maybe she'd benefit from the absence of Spike? Once her favourite dolly's taken away, she may well explore new things? Actually, I've got nothing against Marti really cos I'm not sure what she wrote, I'm just basing the Spike stuff on what other fans have said.

I'd rather have people who are used to writing comics rather than people used to writing Buffy though. Mind you, some people come into the medium running... Jodi Picoult's Wonder Woman is ace, imo, and as far as I know she'd only ever written novels before.

That's a good point on Spike not being there. But I still rather see other writers pop up first, I'd even like to see Amber Benson take a swing. I enjoyed her previous work on the Buffy comics and I think it'd be interesting to see her write a non-Tara issue or two of the series. Being around the actors and in-character I think she brings an entirly new aspect to the writing that alot of others can't.

[Wolfie Gilmore]

That's a good point on Spike not being there. But I still rather see other writers pop up first, I'd even like to see Amber Benson take a swing. I enjoyed her previous work on the Buffy comics and I think it'd be interesting to see her write a non-Tara issue or two of the series. Being around the actors and in-character I think she brings an entirly new aspect to the writing that alot of others can't.

Amber B would be interesting, yes! I see what you mean about actors bringing something fresh to the mix.

My personal fantasy is that Alan Moore will be so tickled by his inclusion that he'll offer to write an issue

[sueworld]

I think she just used Spike way to much and from what I read was the biggest Spike supporter.

I know that on this forum many seem to dislike Spike, so after what you've said she sounds like the perfect women for the job to me!

[stormwreath]

Actually, I've got nothing against Marti really cos I'm not sure what she wrote, I'm just basing the Spike stuff on what other fans have said.

Where's my list? Right...

She actually ties with Joss and Jane Espenson for writing the most episodes - 23 of them (including collaborations). Most of her earlier works were big Buffy/Angel romantic stories.

What's My Line? 1 (with Howard Gordon) - Buffy meets Kendra and the Order of Taraka.
What's My Line? 2 - Shirtless Angel is tortured by Dru until rescued by Buffy.
Bad Eggs - an Aliens meets Invasion of the Bodysnatchers homage with more Buffy/Angel snogging.
Surprise - Buffy and Angel have sex. And there's a big blue guy burning people.
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered - everyone female falls in love with Xander.
I Only Have Eyes For You - Buffy and Angel are possessed by ghosts.
Dead Man's Party - Buffy's friends throw an awkward party. Zombies attack.
Beauty and the Beasts - man drinks magic potion, turns into monster, abuses girlfriend.
The Wish - Vampire Willow! And Anya, and the return of the Master.
Consequences - Faith goes into denial, gets kidnapped and changes teams.
The Prom - Andrew's brother, hellhounds, and Buffy gets the last dance with Angel.
Living Conditions - Buffy has the roommate from hell.
Wild At Heart - Oz meets another werewolf and walks out on Willow
Doomed (with David Fury and Jane Espenson) - Riley shares his first apocalypse with Buffy
Goodbye Iowa - Adam makes his entrance, Riley's world falls apart.
New Moon Rising - Oz comes back, Willow comes out.
Buffy vs Dracula - the Dark Master brings everyone under his thrall.
Into the Woods - Buffy and Riley break up.
Forever - Dawn tries to bring her mother back from the dead.
Bargaining 1 - the Scoobies are suffering while Buffy's dead, but Willow has a plan.
Wrecked - Willow gets out of her head on magic and crashes a car.
Villains - Bored now.
Bring On the Night (with Doug Petrie) - the first Potentials arrive and Buffy fights the Ubervamp.

It's possible she also contributed to other episodes without being credited (pretty sure she wrote some of the scenes in 'Conversations With Dead People', for example) plus she was Executive Producer in season 6 and 7. People who dislike those seasons tend to make her the scapegoat for them. Since I loved them, I'm a big fan of her involvement in the show... but I agree, I don't know what she's like as a comics writer.

[dane5by5]

Where's my list? Right...

She actually ties with Joss and Jane Espenson for writing the most episodes - 23 of them (including collaborations). Most of her earlier works were big Buffy/Angel romantic stories.

What's My Line? 1 (with Howard Gordon) - Buffy meets Kendra and the Order of Taraka.
What's My Line? 2 - Shirtless Angel is tortured by Dru until rescued by Buffy.
Bad Eggs - an Aliens meets Invasion of the Bodysnatchers homage with more Buffy/Angel snogging.
Surprise - Buffy and Angel have sex. And there's a big blue guy burning people.
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered - everyone female falls in love with Xander.
I Only Have Eyes For You - Buffy and Angel are possessed by ghosts.
Dead Man's Party - Buffy's friends throw an awkward party. Zombies attack.
Beauty and the Beasts - man drinks magic potion, turns into monster, abuses girlfriend.
The Wish - Vampire Willow! And Anya, and the return of the Master.
Consequences - Faith goes into denial, gets kidnapped and changes teams.
The Prom - Andrew's brother, hellhounds, and Buffy gets the last dance with Angel.
Living Conditions - Buffy has the roommate from hell.
Wild At Heart - Oz meets another werewolf and walks out on Willow
Doomed (with David Fury and Jane Espenson) - Riley shares his first apocalypse with Buffy
Goodbye Iowa - Adam makes his entrance, Riley's world falls apart.
New Moon Rising - Oz comes back, Willow comes out.
Buffy vs Dracula - the Dark Master brings everyone under his thrall.
Into the Woods - Buffy and Riley break up.
Forever - Dawn tries to bring her mother back from the dead.
Bargaining 1 - the Scoobies are suffering while Buffy's dead, but Willow has a plan.
Wrecked - Willow gets out of her head on magic and crashes a car.
Villains - Bored now.
Bring On the Night (with Doug Petrie) - the first Potentials arrive and Buffy fights the Ubervamp.

It's possible she also contributed to other episodes without being credited (pretty sure she wrote some of the scenes in 'Conversations With Dead People', for example) plus she was Executive Producer in season 6 and 7. People who dislike those seasons tend to make her the scapegoat for them. Since I loved them, I'm a big fan of her involvement in the show... but I agree, I don't know what she's like as a comics writer.

Marti wrote the Willow and Cassie (The First) scenes from Conversations with Dead People. Pretty touching stuff.

I think a talented writer should be able to write for many mediums. She at least deserves a chance.

[vampmogs]

Personally I'm a little worried about Jane Espenson's upcoming standalone. I read her comic about Buffy/Angel's off-screen reunion a while back and found the thing hideous and really amateur. So I hope this time around it's up to par with her work on the televised seasons. I suspect with Joss looking over them in his Executive Producer role they will be, because damn I thought that comic was awful.

I have faith in her though, even with her weird ?Trio' fixation which I personally can't understand.

[Enisy]

stormwreath's list makes me wonder what people base her overuse of Spike on, aside from the exec. producer credits those seasons, which don't really say much (Marti herself was surprised that people thought of her as a "showrunner", given that she was doing the same stuff she had been doing in earlier seasons).

Anyway, I'm not particularly bothered whether she joins the group or not. The only writers I really really wanted were DeKnight and Espenson, and I got them both.

[sueworld]

stormwreath's list makes me wonder what people base her overuse of Spike on,

I could be wrong, but I think it seems to come mainly comes from those who loathed season 6/7 really, as well as seeing it as something else to knock both her as a writer, and Spikes changing role in the show.

[Wolfie Gilmore]

Where's my list? Right...

Thanks for posting this, excellent! Nice for me to use some actual facts rather than me recycling everyone else's complaints. Surveying her list of episodes, she's written some great ones. Bring on the Night sucks imo, but Buffy vs Dracula is a classic (also imo, realising that many disagree) ep, as is the Wish, I only Have Eyes For You, Surprise, both What's My Lines?oh, I won't list all the good ?uns, there are some peaches in here.

I think people's objections were in her extra-episodic role though wasn't it? IE pushing for too much Spike and S&M misery, is that right? Where does all that come from? Interviews? Just that she was exec producer in the offending seasons? I'm not a fan of season 7, but I'd say that season's problems were nothing to do with too much Spike (though I didn't like the way he was written necessarily, but it was a quality issue more than a quantity one), and everything to do with a) a shit Big Bad b) too many new characters with not much to do and c) not enough jokes. But, I really should stop myself before I get on a season 7 rant. Suffice to say, I'm not really in a place to say what was MN's fault and what wasn't, but I'm certainly curious to see what BtVS writers do on the comics?though there are other people I'd like to see first.

Ooh, new thread thought?

[Enisy]

I think people’s objections were in her extra-episodic role though wasn’t it? IE pushing for too much Spike and S&M misery, is that right? Where does all that come from? Interviews?

Not any that I've seen, and I doubt anyone has read more writer interviews than me. The only extra-episodic Spike stuff Marti is responsible for, that we know of, is the bathroom scene in Seeing Red. Spike/Buffy in Smashed and Dead Things was all Joss.

[vampmogs]

I think it's because people don't see it as a coincidence that when she gets a Executive Producer role the tonal shit of the series suddenly changes. Especially when some of that tone is very similar to her episodes like 'Beauty and the Beasts' with the attempted rape scene and later the pack rape metaphor in 'Get It Done.'

She had to play a part in the tonal shift, I don't believe that she just got the Executive Producer role and nothing changed for her whatsoever in terms of what she was doing on the show. Because there was a shift, Spike was focused on a lot more, Xander wasn’t, there was those “men are beasts” issues creeping up now and then and a lot of the characters seemed different. And yeah not all Marti’s fault, but she must have played her part I don’t think so many people just imagined it.