Not only did he win and make every comic fan in the State of Texas proud by winning, he did it by being himself. Very often those heroes we see on the television fall short in real life. I am happy to report that Jarrett is every bit the hero he portrayed on the television show.
Sheryl:
I think each of us who read comics as a kid were looking for role models in one form or another. What superhero or superheroes inspired you and how?
The Defuser:
I was mostly fond of Batman and Captain America, their sense of fair play and leadership inspired me to emulate them. I also, really liked Robin, when he was leading the Teen Titans, I felt that if a teenager could be act responsible and get things done, why couldn't I? I would be remiss if I didn't mention Wolverine; we all have that animal inside trying to get out, anyone who wants to step forward needs to learn to harness that animal without letting it take control.
Sheryl:
What comics did you read as a kid? Do you still read comics and if so, which ones do you enjoy?
The Defuser:
Wow, it's a long list; Teen Titans, New Teen Titans, Batman (all), X-Men (plus the many and varied mini-series/related series), Warlord, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Spawn, Spiderwoman, Spiderman, Punisher, Justice League, Iron Man, Kung-Fu . . . the list goes on and on.
And yes, I still read comics, but oddly enough, since I returned from filming the show, I haven't had hardly any time to sit down with a big glass of milk, a bag of chocolate chip cookies and catch us on my books. 
Batman and his many related titles are still some of my faves. Some X-Men, Thor and JLA round out my latest reads.
Sheryl:
Not to ruin you secret identity, but you had some adventures in your flaming youth that were exposed on the show. Did you find that these negative experiences helped make you into the hero you are today?
The Defuser:
Oh sure. I try to never look at a life experience as a negative, even if it does have a positive outcome. Even when I was younger, I tried really hard when I screwed up to look at myself and see; "What did this experience get me?" It's only those things that can't be 'undone' that tend to stay with me. Not being able to walk across the stage with my friends was something I couldn't undo. It had a profound effect on how I looked at things from that point on. I try to learn from everyone thing and everyone. Luckily, those pictures of me in the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders outfit have never surfaced . . .
Sheryl:
What motivated you to go into police work? Do you like it? Being a nurse, I know it's sort of a thankless job, requiring a certain type of person to deal with the public when the public isn't at its best. What motivates you to keep on keeping on?
The Defuser:
I have to say I have the best job on the planet. I'll never get rich being a cop, but I have wealth in so many other ways. I got into police work because once I figured out I wasn't going to be bit by a radioactive spider, or develop regenerative powers, being a cop was the closest thing to being a superhero I could find. My desire to be an example to others, to improve the lives of others, and to show people that life if good, motivates me to keep going. Besides, like I said, I LOVE MY JOB! :
Sheryl:
Now that you have won "Who Wants to be a Superhero?" are you ever going back to your secret identity in law enforcement?
The Defuser:
Winning WWTBASH2 didn't come with a million dollar prize. Like anyone else, I have bills to pay, a son to get through college, and of course I need money for my comics. I've received a few offers to do commercials and things like that . . . but other than doing comic Con appearances, I don't plan becoming an actor or anything. I can't act for one, but again, I love my job. I'm just a cop and I'm happy with that.
Sheryl:
What motivated you to try out for the show? Where did you try out? What do you think you did to impress Stan Lee enough to select you?
The Defuser:
My friends and family pretty much talked me into doing the show. I didn't want to at first, I didn't think they'd like me because I wasn't an actor or anything. But they persisted and here we are.
I tried out in person in San Antonio, Texas. After that, they called and asked me to make a video to send in. You can still find that video in 3 parts on Youtube. Just search Takedown Defuser and superhero. My original name was Takedown.
I honestly think Stan picked me to be on the show because I was real. I mean, The Defuser is essentially me. Just a bit exaggerated. I'm also, as you see in the show, not a very quiet guy. I'm pretty much loud and crazy guy. And at 6'4" 250 lbs I tend to stand out in a crowd. I also think, he saw just how much of a comic geek I really am. We talked about my collection (about 10,000) and my favorite heroes. Not all of which were Marvel or his creations.
Sheryl:
How long did the actual filming of the show take? Did you actually live in the lair, or did you sleep somewhere else and then hang around there during the day? Was filming going on 24/7 or did you get any private time? Not being familiar with how reality shows actually work, hearing about your daily schedule while it was filming would be interesting.
The Defuser:
Sheryl:
Did you actually know what you were getting into prior to arriving on the show?
The Defuser:
Didn't have a clue, but I knew I would do my best to have fun and keep it real.
Sheryl:
I understand that you were pretty good friends with Parthenon on the show. Are the two of you going to stay in touch? Who else did you develop friendships with?
The Defuser:
I talk to Dan (Parthenon) usually at least once a week or so. I also talk to Ms. Limelight (Trish) and Hygena (Melody) quite often. I've talked to Mindset, Whipsnap, Basura, well heck, pretty much all the heroes since we got back. I can say that each of them are my friends and will continue to be so.
Sheryl:
What challenge did you dislike the most? What was your favorite? Which one did you think you could have done better on?
The Defuser:
I didn't really like the spelling bee. Nothing against bees, it was just uncomfortable having those little guys crawling on you and taking a stroll down your back.
My favorite was either the wind tunnel or the dog fight . . . both got my adrenaline pumping!
I think I could have done better on the rollercoaster challenge. I should have helped Whipsnap overcome her fear of the rollercoaster, I still think that was the key to that challenge. I didn't encourage her enough. I gave my all at each challenge . . . what more is there?
Sheryl:
What did you learn about yourself during the challenges? I think the most amazing thing about "Who Wants to Be a Superhero?" is that it transcends its cheesy premise and really demonstrates the hidden hero in all of us.
The Defuser:
I learned that I don't always have to be in charge. I need to hang back sometimes and be patient. I need to give others time to develop and only step in when direction or motivation is lacking.
Sheryl:
Did anything funny happen on the set that we didn't get to see, for lack of time?
The Defuser:
Oh man . . . funny stuff happened all the time. Like us being sore after a few days of filming, so we all sat in the middle of the living room and Hyperstrike and I led the heroes in stretching exercises. Another time, after eating crappy food for a couple of days, we wake up and Whipsnap has fixed an awesome southern breakfast . . . man it was good.
Sheryl:
Rumor has it that Mindset sort of got screwed in the elimination process. Can you elaborate on that?
The Defuser:
Mindset's biggest problem, was he's honest . . . but lacked tact. I felt if he had admitted to Stan that maybe there could have been a better way to handle it, he could have saved face and not been eliminated. This is just my opinion. I felt his defense was lacking.
I felt Mindset had a lot more to give in the show and didn't have time to shine as the hero he is.
Regardless, I didn't feel it was his time to go. But it's not my show.
Sheryl:
Did you have any inkling that you were going to win before Stan announced it? I can't speak for all of the viewers at home, but I had no clue who was going to win this season because the competition was so tough. You certainly have made the comic fans of Texas extremely proud. What was that moment like when you discovered that you had won?
The Defuser:
I really couldn't be sure. I knew I had given it my all, done my best, and did my best to support the other heroes in the overall competition. I knew that if I didn't win, there would be no shame in coming in second to either Hygena or Hyperstrike.
I really can't describe it. Incredibly fulfilling . . . but that doesn't do the feeling justice.
I just don't have the words.
Sheryl:
In what ways has winning changed your life? Has it affected your life with your family, friends and co-workers?
The Defuser:
I've done my best to stay grounded. I'm much busier. I get about 100 emails a night and I make a point to answer each one. But now it also the time of year my charity haunted house gets rolling. But starting in Nov, I'll be doing a lot of traveling, hitting various comic-cons and such. It's going to be a lot of fun!
Sheryl:
Can you tell us anything about your forthcoming TV movie? Do you have any acting experience, aside from the competition on "Who Wants to be a Superhero?"
The Defuser:
I haven't heard a word about the movie, comic or action figure. I've never done any acting other than WWTBASH related stuff. Although, being a cop, I did my share of acting on the job.
Sheryl:
Is Dark Horse publishing your comic? Are any creators assigned to the project yet and when can we expect to see your comic in the comic shops?
The Defuser:
I haven't heard a word . . . 
Sheryl:
What other important duties do you have to perform as The Defuser?
The Defuser:
I plan on setting up a series of elementary school visits to talk about 911, avoiding gangs, drugs and guns, etc . . . for 1st - 4th graders. I will of course also be going to the numerous Comic-Cons and such around the country.
Sheryl:
I understand that you are running a Haunted House to raise money for breast cancer in Austin. Can you tell us what motivated you to run it, and some of the details about the project?
The Defuser:
Sheryl:
I'm sure that there are plenty of hopefuls that will try out for season 3. What advice can you give to them?
The Defuser:
Stand out. Trying to be "cool" will not get you anywhere. Avoid too much black in a costume, it may look cool, but everyone wears black. STAND OUT! Oh . . . and get used to speaking in public. The best story and the coolest powers are squat if you can't entertain the crowd.
Sheryl:
Some of my writers want to know if Stan Lee has any plans for "Who Wants to Be a Supervillain?"
The Defuser:
I don't ever see that happening. Can't say much more than that, NDA.
Sheryl:
Is there anything else that you would like to share with the many fans who watched you strive to become Stan Lee's next superhero?
The Defuser:
Keep it real, strive to be heroic in everyday life and soon, look in the mirror, you'll find that hero you were looking for. Find passion in everyday life . . . it truly is amazing!
And thank you!
-The Defuser!
