#TBT Firefly Review

First watched in: 2014

Firefly is one of the best examples of a show cancelled way before its time. It's a Western set in space inspired by the Civil War. That might be a little confusing as to how it all works out, but it does. The cast is top notch, it is funny but also dramatic, and of course, it was created by Joss Whedon.

The show takes place in the far future, long after Earth has been rendered uninhabitable and the remaining superpowers, the U. S. and China, seek out a new galaxy. They form a government and set to terraforming as many planets as possible. Some thrive, others don't, and there was eventually a civil war between the rich inner planets (Core) and the poor outer planets (Rim). The aftermath of the war has led those of the losing side to resent the government and turn to lives of crime to get by.

Firefly follows around a group of smugglers (first mate, pilot, engineer, and weapons expert) led by fearless Captain Mal in their Firefly-class ship Serenity, along with their passengers: a genius sister and brother on the run from the government, a preacher called a Shepherd, and a high class prostitute. I can't really speak much as to character development or centric stories, since there is so little to pull from, but what I did see was really good with much potential for what could happen in the future. I wanted to know more. The characters are funny, with almost all of them having an oft-quoted line attached to them (“curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal” “big damn heroes” “the special hell” and “no power in the 'verse can stop me”).

Surprisingly, they never come across any aliens. However, that doesn't keep it from being a good sci-fi show. The production value is pretty high. The music is really good. A lot of it has that Western feel to it, twanging strings and the like that sets you immediately in the Wild West and is perfect for the dusty plains and gun-toting scenes that happen juxtaposed to a spaceship getaway and lasers (the genre-bending really does work). It also lays the groundwork for future commentary about the government, like any good sci-fi show.

The fans ended up funding a movie, called Serenity, which wrapped up the story for the characters and is a must-watch for anyone who has finished the show. I didn't know about it when I first watched Firefly and was really sad at the very open ending the show left. Luckily, many fans felt the same and only a couple years later did this movie happen. (Another fun fact: I researched this heavily for a research paper on fandoms I wrote a couple years ago). Watch it, and add your voice to those still angry at Fox over twelve years later.

  

Would I watch again? Yes