When I first saw that casting for The Thing I was really doubtful, having only seen Chiklis in The Shield but it did really work. Julian McMahon, even though I like him in other things, just was not the person for Dr. Doom. I haven't minded the writing too much but it is a little bit linear without much angst - as with everything else, it could with a touch of Joss! Actually, on second thoughts, Stephen De Knight would be great for it too - Apocalypse Nowish anyone?