(Cracks knuckles).... Ok, let's do this. Firefly is a 14 episode series that is defined
as a "space western drama," as well as one of the greatest shows
EVER! This might be one of the most
confusing descriptions you have ever heard; aside from that list bit, I think that
was fairly self-explanatory. The image
conjured is of space ships and cowboys.
Well, that's all true, so get used to it now if you plan on giving it a
watch. This comes off as pure and utter
nonsense, but this works out brilliantly.
The "central" planets of the Alliance are the home of the
government, as well as all the fancy sci-fi tech you would expect for this
future era. However, there are the
"border" planets that are technically considered part of the
Alliance, but are essentially left to fend for (and govern) themselves. The story follows the crew of the Serenity,
which is captained by Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds and his crew, as they
take odd jobs and try to protect a couple of new passengers from being taken in
by the Alliance.
Malcolm isn't incredibly fond of the Alliance, seeing as he
used to be a Sergeant in the Independent Army that unsuccessfully fought the
Alliance 6 years prior. This results in
some mixed feelings and occasional conflict in the show. This is a major issue that comes up
throughout the show, but not constantly. However, since the crew all live right on the
ship and can just pack up and go once things get too unpleasant. None of these characters want to settle down
(for various reasons), so they "live on the road," and by road I mean
space (since this is a show set in space, duh).
The crew takes on a multitude of jobs, and some are even legal (but
mostly not). This results in the makings
of your regular group of misfits taking unsavory jobs from unsavory people just
so they can put food on the table and keep fuel in the tank.
The Serenity itself is a transport ship ("Firefly"
class) that has a very "Millennium Falcon" feel to it. This ship is the biggest piece of junk on the
show, and at first glance you start to realize the whole "western"
aspect this show works with: Not everyone can afford a freaking Star Destroyer
or Death Star. You will fall in love
with this piece of junk, though. Indeed,
you might love the Serenity like you loved your first car; trying to wash the
stain off the back seats (that you pray is the result of some grocery mishap of
the previous owner), wondering if that
last "thud" was your muffler falling off, or trying to just get the
thing started.... Ah, the memories. But
anywho, the Serenity has that homey feel to it, and early on it's shown to the
viewers as the one piece of freedom the crew truly has, for as long as they
have that ship, no world or government can hold them.
The crew themselves are your general mix of unwanted,
untamed, rough-looking group of outlaws.
The result is a lot of tense moments, but even more hilarious ones. This mix-up keeps the viewer engaged and
prevents the atmosphere in the show from ever getting stale. There are some downright hilarious scenes
that you'll laugh about for 10 minutes, and there are serious moments that
leave you thinking for even longer. Somewhere between the frantic rush to survive,
and the tension-breaking comedy, this show has its' moments of wisdom to share
as well. With the inspiration from some
of the old Westerns, "Firefly" carries a lot of that down-to-earth
wisdom that really makes you put that Guinea Pig powering your brain on a
double shift. Joss Whedon really
intended for this show to have a strong impact on the audience, the only
shortcoming rests on the part of Fox for cancelling the show well before its'
time, and never selling the rights so somebody else could go back and make new
episodes.
The short version, for those of you who didn't come here to
read half a book (can't blame you), is this is a fantastic show. The description is confusing until you
actually start watching, then it at all starts to come together. The ship may make the show seem cramped
sometimes with all the time you spend aboard Serenity, but you'll make yourself
right at home in no time at all. The
characters will keep the pacing and atmosphere lively and entertaining, while maybe
helping you learn a little something.
Overall, you can get as much (or as little) out of this show as you
want. There's a lot here to enjoy and to
experience, and Joss Whedon masterfully makes this world and its' characters
come to life in ways only greats like Joss Whedon can do.
Good:
-Unique and interesting setting, with a solid story, and
strong themes.
-Great characters that will keep you laughing and learning.
-That feeling of greatness Joss Whedon brings to all his
works.
Bad:
-It ends far too soon and without any proper conclusion,
unless you watch the film "Serenity." Not Joss Whedon's fault, but I still have to
say it's a problem for the show.
Scully
Rating: 9.8 out of 10