Reviews of the Firefly Series + Serenity
Firefly – The Complete Series
Produced / Directed by Joss Whedon
Development team – Mutant Enemy
Venture toward the stars – After Buffy & Angel ended, Joss and his team were sitting on the idea of creating a sci-fi western. A mixture of ideas that was part action, drama, and science fiction yet could work with telling a story mixed with adventure and suspense. Pushing a few boundaries out of the way, Firefly was a successful 14 episode series that became part of television history. (and much later a feature film)
The Crew – Helmed by a set of nine team members, some former military, others are bounty hunters, one is a mechanic, a priest, a doctor, and a mysterious lady, and a companion. None of these characters are the same, nor do they stand alone with some vendetta against some government. More like standing up for themselves against the bureaucracy of the stars that connect the intergalactic confederacy.
The Ship – Serenity, a ship composed of many parts, yet functions as a stable unit. It is the tenth member of the Firefly team. It takes its crew across the stars, on many journeys that seek to help others in time of need, or support from whatever life brings their way.
The Missions – When we are introduced to the team, it’s from each member’s perspective. From how they come together, form an alliance, and trust in one another. But when one’s past catches up with them, they work together to fix what went wrong, and to make things right. They are more than just a crew, but a family that counts on one another no matter what obstacles may come their way.
Why it ended? Honestly that call is on FOX for letting it go. Although there was a mainstream audience that found a connection with the series, it was still let go. However the crew behind the series actually wanted to continue telling even more exciting adventures about Serenity and her crew. Alas that was not meant to be, but a fourteen episode arc that winds up telling a fun and diverse story like no other.
Commentary -
First episode – Serenity (Joss and Nathan chat)
Episode one brings the series director / creator Joss Whedon, and Nathan (who plays Mal) dishing about the project. Plus they tell tales of woe, in regards to fun and goofy things they’ve experienced over the years. Why the Chinese? By mixing two cultures, and avoiding censorship, with creative use of the Mandarin language. Plus storywise, the US and China are actually the strongest foundations on Earth in Firefly’s timeline.
The Great Train Robbery (Joss and Tim)
The duo dishes on the tales behind the show, from how they composed the concepts. What they think of other titles in the same genre. And stage design for various scenes, made from fun ideas, to stuff you would least expect.
Shindig – Trio of Ladies commentary
From the intro, the fight sequence, to Zoey’s necklace (being a marriage’s gift). Lots of hidden details from those you would least expect. Plus the hidden details of how they changed the direction of Inara, and Mal’s relationship. And the dresses design, being one of the toughest shoots. (easter egg! Kaylee’s dress is in fact from the King and I!)
Last Episode – Objects in Space (Joss only)
Or the philosophy of why, then, where, and how it all ended. In a manner of speaking the ideas and concept of how it could all work out if the show were to continue. And its also based on how the characters relationships actually shaped the finale as a whole.
Produced / Directed by Joss Whedon
Development team – Mutant Enemy
Venture toward the stars – After Buffy & Angel ended, Joss and his team were sitting on the idea of creating a sci-fi western. A mixture of ideas that was part action, drama, and science fiction yet could work with telling a story mixed with adventure and suspense. Pushing a few boundaries out of the way, Firefly was a successful 14 episode series that became part of television history. (and much later a feature film)
The Crew – Helmed by a set of nine team members, some former military, others are bounty hunters, one is a mechanic, a priest, a doctor, and a mysterious lady, and a companion. None of these characters are the same, nor do they stand alone with some vendetta against some government. More like standing up for themselves against the bureaucracy of the stars that connect the intergalactic confederacy.
The Ship – Serenity, a ship composed of many parts, yet functions as a stable unit. It is the tenth member of the Firefly team. It takes its crew across the stars, on many journeys that seek to help others in time of need, or support from whatever life brings their way.
The Missions – When we are introduced to the team, it’s from each member’s perspective. From how they come together, form an alliance, and trust in one another. But when one’s past catches up with them, they work together to fix what went wrong, and to make things right. They are more than just a crew, but a family that counts on one another no matter what obstacles may come their way.
Why it ended? Honestly that call is on FOX for letting it go. Although there was a mainstream audience that found a connection with the series, it was still let go. However the crew behind the series actually wanted to continue telling even more exciting adventures about Serenity and her crew. Alas that was not meant to be, but a fourteen episode arc that winds up telling a fun and diverse story like no other.
Commentary -
First episode – Serenity (Joss and Nathan chat)
Episode one brings the series director / creator Joss Whedon, and Nathan (who plays Mal) dishing about the project. Plus they tell tales of woe, in regards to fun and goofy things they’ve experienced over the years. Why the Chinese? By mixing two cultures, and avoiding censorship, with creative use of the Mandarin language. Plus storywise, the US and China are actually the strongest foundations on Earth in Firefly’s timeline.
The Great Train Robbery (Joss and Tim)
The duo dishes on the tales behind the show, from how they composed the concepts. What they think of other titles in the same genre. And stage design for various scenes, made from fun ideas, to stuff you would least expect.
Shindig – Trio of Ladies commentary
From the intro, the fight sequence, to Zoey’s necklace (being a marriage’s gift). Lots of hidden details from those you would least expect. Plus the hidden details of how they changed the direction of Inara, and Mal’s relationship. And the dresses design, being one of the toughest shoots. (easter egg! Kaylee’s dress is in fact from the King and I!)
Last Episode – Objects in Space (Joss only)
Or the philosophy of why, then, where, and how it all ended. In a manner of speaking the ideas and concept of how it could all work out if the show were to continue. And its also based on how the characters relationships actually shaped the finale as a whole.
Serenity
A Joss Whedon & Browncoats Production
2005
Intro
Some years back, there was a sci-fi series that mixed several genres together. And changed the way many viewed what the meaning of science fiction truly defined. But only ran for 11 episodes and was lost after such a short time. Fans beckoned, the message was heard, and a movie was made.
Long Time No See
Serenity takes place a short while after the television series. With all of the gang boarded together on a humble ship that’s crossed dozens of stars. But some of their friends went their separate ways, and the rest on the craft still trying their place amongst so many planets. With recurring nightmares, River begins to change into someone else, and is more alert to her environment. Mel and the gang put some pieces together, along with reuniting friends, and avoiding various perils along the way.
How unpleasant to meet you
One of the major aspects in the series that wasn’t explored was the characters only known as “Reavers”. Finally at long last, this menacing foes origin is finally told, and with some dark consequences.
Reconnecting
I missed out on seeing this exciting film when it hit theaters several years ago. That aside, its fun to actually see it on dvd, and seeing where things end up for an adventurous series. On the plus side, there is a ton of goodies on this 2 DVD set (Collectors Edition). So its well worth any Firefly fans time to indulge their fandom of a fantastic show and film.
For a catch up on all things related to the short lived series. Here's a handy guide @ http://still-flying.net/
A Joss Whedon & Browncoats Production
2005
Intro
Some years back, there was a sci-fi series that mixed several genres together. And changed the way many viewed what the meaning of science fiction truly defined. But only ran for 11 episodes and was lost after such a short time. Fans beckoned, the message was heard, and a movie was made.
Long Time No See
Serenity takes place a short while after the television series. With all of the gang boarded together on a humble ship that’s crossed dozens of stars. But some of their friends went their separate ways, and the rest on the craft still trying their place amongst so many planets. With recurring nightmares, River begins to change into someone else, and is more alert to her environment. Mel and the gang put some pieces together, along with reuniting friends, and avoiding various perils along the way.
How unpleasant to meet you
One of the major aspects in the series that wasn’t explored was the characters only known as “Reavers”. Finally at long last, this menacing foes origin is finally told, and with some dark consequences.
Reconnecting
I missed out on seeing this exciting film when it hit theaters several years ago. That aside, its fun to actually see it on dvd, and seeing where things end up for an adventurous series. On the plus side, there is a ton of goodies on this 2 DVD set (Collectors Edition). So its well worth any Firefly fans time to indulge their fandom of a fantastic show and film.
For a catch up on all things related to the short lived series. Here's a handy guide @ http://still-flying.net/
