Written by: Kevin Berge
This show just screams Syfy channel so of course it was aired on Fox who destroyed it before it aired its first episode. (Image Courtesy of: georgespigot.wordpress.com)
Quick Take: Firefly is a series that is both touching and comedic with a strong concept and fantastic characters. However, it only lasted 14 episodes (plus a movie Serenity), making for an incomplete view of its world with many story threads left wildly unexplored. Only through its excellent construction does it overshadow its incompleteness.
***The following is a complete review of the series Firefly that will not touch on plot points but explore the meaning and motives of the series as well as first episode reveals of characters. Those uninitiated should not be spoiled but may be introduced to concepts best viewed first before explained.***
The first time I ever tried to write a television script for class, I basically wrote an opening to an episode of Firefly. Of all the entertainment I have ever watched, few series have affected me more than Firefly which has everything I look for in TV.
I say this though of a series that lasted a mere 14 episodes. Luckily, those episodes are all excellent with even the weakest among them an easy-flowing rewatchable hour. I can't easily recall just how many times I have watched the whole single season from start to finish.
Following a mishmash group of travelers all aboard the Firefly-class Serenity, Firefly particularly focuses on the adventures of captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion), his second-in-command Zoe Washburne (Gina Torres), and the mercenary Jane Cobb (Adam Baldwin).
As they work to make a living, they are joined by Dr. Simon Tam (Sean Maher) and his mysterious sister River (Summer Glau) as well as the Shepard Derrial Book (Ron Glass) alongside constant crew members: the mechanic Kaylee Frye (Jewel Staite), the pilot Wash Washburne (Alan Tudyk), and the Companion Inara Serra (Morena Baccarin).
The story is set in 2517 after the end of a civil war where humanity has seemed to fall into a careful peace. Much of the political situation with the United States and China ruling as The Alliance has an uneasiness that is never truly explained. All that matters is how the world affects the characters as everyone's past is as important as their present actions.
This is science fiction with an overt western influence where the world is a sandbox of gritty but humorous gun slinging. Rarely does the sci-fi take hold of the series with no spaceship battles or laser guns. It is a fantastical atmosphere but rarely due to the futuristic world which is often underplayed.
The first time I ever tried to write a television script for class, I basically wrote an opening to an episode of Firefly. Of all the entertainment I have ever watched, few series have affected me more than Firefly which has everything I look for in TV.
I say this though of a series that lasted a mere 14 episodes. Luckily, those episodes are all excellent with even the weakest among them an easy-flowing rewatchable hour. I can't easily recall just how many times I have watched the whole single season from start to finish.
Following a mishmash group of travelers all aboard the Firefly-class Serenity, Firefly particularly focuses on the adventures of captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion), his second-in-command Zoe Washburne (Gina Torres), and the mercenary Jane Cobb (Adam Baldwin).
As they work to make a living, they are joined by Dr. Simon Tam (Sean Maher) and his mysterious sister River (Summer Glau) as well as the Shepard Derrial Book (Ron Glass) alongside constant crew members: the mechanic Kaylee Frye (Jewel Staite), the pilot Wash Washburne (Alan Tudyk), and the Companion Inara Serra (Morena Baccarin).
The story is set in 2517 after the end of a civil war where humanity has seemed to fall into a careful peace. Much of the political situation with the United States and China ruling as The Alliance has an uneasiness that is never truly explained. All that matters is how the world affects the characters as everyone's past is as important as their present actions.
This is science fiction with an overt western influence where the world is a sandbox of gritty but humorous gun slinging. Rarely does the sci-fi take hold of the series with no spaceship battles or laser guns. It is a fantastical atmosphere but rarely due to the futuristic world which is often underplayed.
Still one of the top characters on my "wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley" list. (Image Courtesy of: firefly.wikia.com)
Where this show truly shines is its writing. This series carries Joss Whedon's (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) fingerprints all over it with his trademark witty dialogue defining the mood of the series. He wrote five episodes and directed three with the other executive producer Tim Minear, a pairing that began with Angel, also heavily involved.
They crafted a season that did not quite have a universal whole but was defined by common themes of loyalty (particularly Mal's sense of duty to those in his crew) and how history both causes long time effects and is always prone to recur.
Throughout his career, Whedon has shown a loyalty to a cast of actors, relying upon a growing group of talented actors to lead his work. Firefly has some of the best he has worked with particularly the fantastic Nathan Fillion (Castle) who adds a new spin to the Han Solo rogue role and Gina Torres (Suits) who could not deliver her often sarcastic dialogue better.
Summer Glau (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) has never been better in what was basically a debut role, playing a character with far more dimensions than most actors ever have to face. Alan Tudyk (I, Robot) played the most over the top and comedic role in the series and outshined everyone in that department even if he rarely played the dramatic side.
The series created a host of great and memorable characters in a short time, and it is because the episodes and characters were so great that the lack of follow up is so disappointing. While Whedon did write and direct Serenity as a closing chapter, nothing could quite wrap up this world in a satisfying manner.
If Firefly had continued, it likely would have become my favorite television series to ever air. However, even at one abbreviated season in length, there is no TV series I return to more often than Firefly. Every episode is delightful and different with a group of actors I still seek out in any entertainment.
They crafted a season that did not quite have a universal whole but was defined by common themes of loyalty (particularly Mal's sense of duty to those in his crew) and how history both causes long time effects and is always prone to recur.
Throughout his career, Whedon has shown a loyalty to a cast of actors, relying upon a growing group of talented actors to lead his work. Firefly has some of the best he has worked with particularly the fantastic Nathan Fillion (Castle) who adds a new spin to the Han Solo rogue role and Gina Torres (Suits) who could not deliver her often sarcastic dialogue better.
Summer Glau (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) has never been better in what was basically a debut role, playing a character with far more dimensions than most actors ever have to face. Alan Tudyk (I, Robot) played the most over the top and comedic role in the series and outshined everyone in that department even if he rarely played the dramatic side.
The series created a host of great and memorable characters in a short time, and it is because the episodes and characters were so great that the lack of follow up is so disappointing. While Whedon did write and direct Serenity as a closing chapter, nothing could quite wrap up this world in a satisfying manner.
If Firefly had continued, it likely would have become my favorite television series to ever air. However, even at one abbreviated season in length, there is no TV series I return to more often than Firefly. Every episode is delightful and different with a group of actors I still seek out in any entertainment.