Joss Whedon’s Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog introduces us, via the medium of song, to Billy a.k.a. Dr. Horrible (Neil Patrick Harris), a wannabe super-villain. Billy’s goal is to be admitted to the ultimate fraternity of criminals, the Evil League of Evil. Along with his henchman Moist, (Simon Helberg), Dr. Horrible is motivated to plan and perpetrate a large scale, newsworthy crime in order to gain the attention of the League and their leader Bad Horse.

Two things stand in Billy’s way. First, there’s his nemesis Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion), an arrogant, pompous, and overblown superhero figure without even an ounce of modesty or tact. Secondly, Billy might not be quite as horrible as his title suggests, especially once he meets and falls for Penny (Felicia Day) –  the girl he’s seen around the neighborhood but has been too shy to approach. Of course, these two stories come together pretty quickly, as Hammer steps in to save Penny’s life, and turns her head in the process. Will Billy get into the Evil League of Evil? Is that what he really wants? Maybe, despite his protestations, he’s not as evil as we thought.

Look for trademark Whedon word play throughout the lyrics. “It’s not enough to bash in heads, you’ve got to bash in minds” sums up Hammer’s single-minded approach to crime fighting. The Hammer groupies (including co-writer Maurissa Tancharoen) pop up to steal the show with the best line in track 10, “So They Say.” I won’t spoil it for you.

While you have this DVD checked out, take a look at all the extras and easter eggs that are hidden on the disc. The musical takes a routine DVD extra to the next level and gives the cast an opportunity to sing about the making of the show. There are additional goodies to find and enjoy.

Based on his takeover of the Emmy telecast, we can assume that we haven’t heard the last of Dr. Horrible, so acquaint yourself with his effort to gain admission to the Evil League of Evil today!

John Jewitt – Savage Branch