The Formal Letters...Part II

I just want to thank all those who wrote to me and have helped make The formal Letters such a joy to produce. Here are some of the best from the last year. They aren't in any real order and some are a bit dated, but they are worth putting out there:

The formal Letters...

fL: J Paul, saw your recent tweet and blog post on the Green Lantern. You have him ranked as the #3 male super hero of all time. Have you always been a Green Lantern fan? - Comic Fan., New York, NY.

JP: Growing up, the big three in my mind were Superman, Batman, and Spiderman. I loved those characters. But, recent portrayals of Spiderman in the comics and on the big screen have left me feeling very "blah" about Peter Parker and his plight. But, Hal Jordan's stock has consistently been rising in my mind. His story is just so interesting. Chosen to be a hero, Hal rivals Clark Kent in both honesty and integrity as well as power. To be honest, I had written an article recently clamoring for a studio to cast Zac Efron in the role of Hal Jordan and build a movie franchise on his back. My unique vision actually would be that movie 1 focus on Hal Jordan as a person. Tell his story before he becomes the Lantern so we understand why. Then, much like Darth Vader only shows up in the last frames of Revenge of the Sith, have Hal turn into the Green Lantern at the movie's end. This would Give Zac a wide birth to show off his acting chops. (I think he's in the mold of Depp and DiCaprio). Trust me, this is a winner. I am very serious about this. It's a shame nobody consulted me.

fL: J Paul, read your recent post on Felicity. You made a brilliant point about Kerri Russell's work on MI:3. Thinking back, had timing been different, could KR have pulled off the role of Sydney Bristow made famous by Jennifer Garner on 'Alias'? - Patrick N., Greensboro, NC.

JP: Patrick, watching KR, as you so eloquently called her, steal the opening scene of MI:3 I think there is no doubt she could have pulled it off. Her acting chops can never be called into question. The only issue is her height. Garner has about 4inches on her, which gives her a huge edge in terms of physical presence and appeal. But, for my taste, just based on acting ability, KR may have been the better choice .

Note: In this television abyss known as the summer, I have just begun watching Felicity: Season 2. Although not as groundbreaking as the first season, by disc 3, the stories actually begin to unfold with a great deal of the strident brilliance that one would associate with this groundbreaking series. Also, add Julie to the list of characters we would like to have seen disappear. Car wreck, overdose, yellow fever...we aren't picky!

fL: J Paul, whose the better house elf, Dobby or Kreacher? - Amy M., Kernersville, NC.

JP: Amy, much like a young Tom Riddle, I think very little about house elves. But, seeing that in the end that attitude led to his eventual downfall, I am going on record as saying that Kreacher was misunderstood and mistreated. He was fiercly loyal and would have been a great companion under different circumstances. That being said, Dobby is probably the greatest house elf to ever live.

fL: J Paul, I heard your wife has become addicted to Gossip Girl. I heard you both swore that show off. What happened? - N. Neighbor, Greensboro, NC.

JP: Television shows rich in drama and layered with insightful character development and intricate storylines are like a drug to my wife. She can't stay away. I didn't see this coming though and I am just disappointed I couldn't tag along for the ride. However, my commtiments and baseball watching schedule have prevented me from succombing to the lure of GG's XOXO. Luckily, we have 'Dark Blue' on TNT. "Characters Wanted".

fL: J Paul, if you were to turn on the "way back" machine and bring back a face from television past to star alongside Patrick Dempsey on 'Grey's Anatomy', who would it be? - Sarah A., High Point, NC.

JP: Sarah, no doubt the nod would go to Alexis Denisof. With his wife Alyson Hannigan home with their new baby, its time for him to get back into the game. He made his mark as Wesley Wyndam-Pryce in the Buffy Universe, but his abilities are suited for any role. I picture him as the latest heart surgeon to loom large over the halls of Seattle Grace!

fL: J Paul, "New Moon" hits theatres on the 20th. Are you in? - Meredith K., Charlotte, NC.

JP: No doubt. Actually I am hoping for a double feature that includes Ninja Assasin as well. It would be a long night, but nothing would be better than a night of ninja's and vampires! Speaking of vampires, I want to lock Angel, Edward, Stefan and Damon in a room and give each of them a sword. Then see who can make it out alive! My money is on the vampire with a soul.

fL: J Paul, the rumor is that The Vampire Diaries have become your favorite show on T.V. Can you really enjoy watching it more than Lost or 24? Inquiring minds want to know. - Tiffany Squall, Nashville, TN.

JP: Tiffany, The Vampire Diaries have taken it to the next level with Elena's mother possibly being a vampire, sired by Damon, who may have been sent to him by Katherine. The threads are there for an amazing climax to the season. I am guessing, based on the books, that for one episode at least, there will be 3 generations of vampire women from Katherine's line on screen for Season 2.

fL: So, now that Lost and 24 have come to an end. Does that change your pantheon of 'Greatest Shows of All Time' list? - Texan., Austin, TX.

JP: Texan, my man. Great question. I should probably have an entire blog dedicated to my favorite shows of all time. But, if I answer this honestly, 24 has no impact on my list whatsoever. I never saw the first 3 seasons and the last few have been short on the "Wow Factor" for me. Lost is a bit different. Although it peaked in Season 2, the following seasons were strong enough to maintain lofty expectations and deliver. Never once would I have dared to leave the room duing an episode for fear of missing some key moment. I would get up to grab a bag of chips, a coke or cookies throughout 24's run and not miss a beat

fL: Mischa Barton's The Beautiful Life seems to lack any real compelling story lines. What do you think the chances are that this show makes it? - Tessa K., Austin, TX.

JP: TBL won't make it. Too many strong shows this Fall to compete with. However, Mischa Barton will spring board into something much more lasting soon. Her performance in the Pilot were spot on, and she has a very compelling presence. One of the best young actresses in town. All she needs is to stay focused and hungry. But not hungry and skinny!

fL: J Paul, was 'The Half Blood Prince' all you thought it would be? - H.Granger, England.

JP: THBP is one of the best stories of all time. The book is a must read. The movie though, falls a bit flat. The acting lacked emotion and the additions and subtractions made to bring it to the big screen left me frustrated. I could debate its shortfalls for hours, but probably need to get back to this bagel.

fL: J Paul, my wife and I are big 'Smallville' fans. Throughout the years, there have been a number of interesting heroes that have been paraded through the series. Which one do you think most deserves his/her own television show? - Chris S., Greensboro, NC.

JP: This is actually a "no-brainer". Oliver Queen, aka the Green Arrow needs his own show. Now, if it is going to be done right, they need to probably recast in order to go "young", but whoever lands the lead role should be required to watch hours of Justin Hartley's portrayel of the avenging archer to capture the magic. Let me also go on record by saying that this show should also include the Black Canary character as a burgeoning love interest. She could even live next door! I am very serious about this. A sort of Dawson's Creek meets Smallville.