Happy Birthday, Dr. Horrible

To most people, this is the day we see the latest Harry Potter movie, and some people say it is the best one yet.

However, this day is important for one less magical reason....
it was the day the world met Dr. Horrible, and sang along with his blog.

A lot has happened since the first part of the legendary musical was broadcast on the internet on July 15th, 2008. It became it hit on the Internet, iTunes, and DVD. Its first big-screen showing at Comic-Con last year was a big triumph. The soundtrack charted on the Billboard Hot 200 Albums. It won a People's Choice Award, and lots of Streamy Awards. Even today, it does brisk business at Amazon, and can be found at the local Best Buy.

That's impressive for a little musical where we root for the bad guy for a change. After all, he just wants to join the cool Evil League of Evil and the heart of a crusading girl named Penny. However, he has to battle Captain Hammer, the finest hero and the perfect role model. Just ask him.
But this is also a Joss Whedon production. Thus, expect catchy tunes, a chuckle here and there, and a very sad ending that turns into a dark beginning.

The cast is surprising, too: Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. H, Nathan Fillion as Capt. Hammer, and Felicia Day, the gal behind the Guild, as Penny.

Joss made this project because he wanted to prove that it's possible to produce entertaining shows that exist on the internet rather than traditional TV, and also make money. Dr. Horrible is an ambitious effort that proves his point.

While Dr. Horrible hasn't led to more internet musicals, except maybe that Prop. 8 musical sketch from funnyordie.com, it did draw attention to other web shows. Many fans are enjoying shows like The Guild, Web Therapy, created by Lisa Kudrow, and Angel of Death, a ten-part film noir that is about to become a DVD. It also helps if you have sponsors like Sprint, Lexus and Sony Pictures.

This year, fans of Dr. Horrible and the ELE are preparing for the return of Dr. Horrible to Comic-Con. Some will be dressed as the Doc, while others will be Captain Hammers. No matter what, they'll be singing the same tune, and it's one that will last a long time.

Besides, Dr. Horrible should get a gift for his "birthday". I can think of the perfect gift, something that pleases a Slayer, or a Vampire with a soul.

It's called an Emmy.

Now, I admit that's a real long shot, unless the TV Academy has found religion, and creates a special category for web series. That also means Codex and the Gang would have a chance.

But if not Dr. Horrible or Codex, then the future stars of Web TV should be recognized sooner or later. It took years for the Emmys to admit cable TV is just as important as the traditional networks. They have to give the same respect to web TV shows, or as Kevin Pollack calls it, "intervision"

So Happy Birthday, Dr. Horrible. Remember, today the Emmys, tomorrow the world...or maybe the Grammys.