I’m not a TV addict, really I’m not. And I’m not a sci-fi fan – honestly!
My neighbor brought over a new-to-me TV show last night, saying that since I liked Battlestar Galactica, then I would probably like Firefly. I really want to like this show, there’s so much that’s great about it, but it falls short in so many ways. I’ve only watched the first 3 episodes, so I really can’t say how much I like it yet; it has grown on me as I want to finish it, but I’m not sure I would ever watch the whole series again.
Firefly takes place in about 500 years, after the U.S. and China have merged to form the Alliance governing the whole star system. Some of the rebels from the civil war (browncoats) gather a ragtag group of 9 on a “firefly class” spaceship named the Serenity and transport people and things through the outer reaches of the star system. It’s a space-Western, if that makes sense. In the second episode there’s a train heist; and the sets/outdoors on the planets and moons look like the California or Arizona desert. And there’s the obligatory bar brawl; and horses appear in some of the episodes as well.
The premise is great and unique. It’s neat to see the fusion of the spaceship and the Western desert. The sets are steampunk, which is a visual treat. The costumes are brilliant – each character has her/his own style, yet the styles mix well with the other characters. The characters face moral dilemmas; in the second episode, after being contracted to liberate some boxes from a train, the captain finds out the boxes contain medicine that is needed in the town the train was going to. Should he honor his contract or give the medicine to the locals?
Unfortunately, Firefly is very episodic. There has been little character development, and I do hope there is more back story for the characters as the series progresses. The only motivation for the characters seems to be wanting to live on the fringe of society, which for some characters (like the Shepard – think pastor) doesn’t quite make sense.
The show only aired 11 episodes, out of order, in 2002 and was promptly cancelled. As I don’t own a TV, I’m not sure if Firefly was really that bad, I think its pretty good, but who knows. The series was created and produced by Joss Whedon who did Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel – neither of which I’ve watched but both were supposedly great shows.
I’m heading out to meet an “on-line friend” from My Weight Loss Team for a walk around Pike Place Market. Then I’ll come home and watch a few more episodes of Firefly.
I full heartedly agree with your assessment. “Firefly” was a good show that didn’t deserve to get the axe after only half a season, but is certainly not worthy of the praise it receives from its fans. Bottom line: it doesn’t even approach the philosophical heft or gravitas of the reimagined “Battlestar Galactica.” In case you’re interested, there was a movie released based on “Firefly” – called “Serenity” I believe. I haven’t seen it yet – but I hear it’s pretty good.