I Just Read About That…

I’m very late to this show, I know.  But then I have an excuse: I don’t like watching TV/movies/etc on my computer.  So, even when I watched the awesome Dr Horrible, and the commentary  told me all about Felicia Day’s online show, I didn’t investigate.

It took our friend Megan telling us that we could Instant Watch it on TiVo before we decided to check it out.   And the only reason I’m glad it took so long to watch is because we were able to watch all three seasons back to back (to back).The Guild is a series of 5 minute webisodes.  Seasons 1-3 are available on DVD (Season 4 has just been commissioned, huzzah!).

The premise is that Codex (Felicia Day) plays an online RPG (role-playing game), with several other members of the Guild The Knights of Good.  Each season sees a fascinating event in the life of Codex, from the stalking by a fellow Guildie to the defection of an original member, to the lust for a neighbor.

The rest of the cast is a delightful blend of unknown actors (except for Vork who I recognize but don’t know where from).  And, although there is some stereotyping (mostly about gamers) the different characters are fresh and interesting.

Season 3 finds an unexpected guest star (who is rapidly becoming the B-list Neil Patrick Harris in terms of career resurrection).

The plots are hilarious and compelling, and the fact that an entire series is over in an hour is pretty amazing.  Since the shows are online there is no censorship.  But they don’t flaunt the curses too much (except in Season 3 when the other team’s member is quite vulgar).

But clearly the highlight is Felicia Day (who was also in Buffy the Vampire Slayer).  Much of the episodes are given over to her facial expressions.  And she has masterful control over her face.  She also has an incredible gift for humor.  She conveys so much with a look or an expression that the mind boggles that she’s not a bigger star.  Oh, and did I mention that she wrote the show, too?

It’s a great series whether you care about gaming or not.  Just check out the website!