Firefly, the Joss Whedon-created sci-fi Western that came and went in 2002, is back on the Science Channel, its two-hour premiere on Sunday night reminding us how good the show was, and why it was pretty much doomed from the start. Nathan Fillion headed up a cast of ragtag characters, a group morally compromised in varying degrees, united in trying to avoid domination by the Alliance, oppressive victors in a war we saw being waged six years earlier in this 500-years-in-the-future series. Fillion’s Mal Reynolds is a reassuring archetype — the wry loner forced to become a leader of men and women.
Heard now, some of Mal’s pronouncements (written by a staff that included, in addition to Whedon, Jane Espenson, Ben Edlund, and Tim Minear) can sound simultaneously like John Wayne-John Ford-movie dialogue and libertarian tracts: “That’s what governments are for — to get in a man’s way,” to take one of this evening’s examples.
If Whedon borrowed some of the Firefly ship’s claustrophobic tension from sources as various as Alien and Star Trek, he added a lot of his own innovations, from the presence of a freakishly gifted, powerful, yet vulnerable character whom everyone must protect (Summer Glau’s River Tam) to dialogue with a distinctly Buffy cadence (“Can we vote on the whole murdering-people issue?” asks Alan Tudyk’s Wash).
I’m not going to bad-mouth Fillion’s current wage-paying job, Castle, except to say that it’s charming fluff compared to the increasingly tense, mordantly funny show Firefly became as it proceeded.
The two-hour episode, titled “Serenity,” was not first aired as the pilot episode — instead, the series’ original network, Fox, broadcast “The Train Job,” which followed “Serenity” on Sunday night, as its debut. Fox aired some episodes out of order and sometimes promoted the show as a larky spoof, all elements that worked against it ever finding the audience that eventually calcified into a cult big and tough enough to justify bankrolling a 2005 movie extension of the show, Serenity.
But the bottom line is, with its dusty brown hues and fiddles on its soundtrack, Firefly was a Western with fantasy and sci-fi elements that most people in 2002 just didn’t want to see; the last one of those the public had flocked to was The Wild Wild West (1965-69). Whedon was typically bold, nervy, and intelligent about wanting to create something different, and Fox was typically hapless in not knowing what to do with Whedon’s work (time-jump forward to Dollhouse).
The Science Channel segments featuring the theoretical scientist Michio Kaku didn’t add much to my appreciation of Firefly, but he seems like a charming TV personality as well as an accomplished scientist.
So, are you going to keep watching Firefly, or have you seen it too often on DVD and in TV reruns for it to sustain your interest or your nostalgia?
Twitter: @kentucker
‘Firefly’ returning to cable: Fillion says he’d play Mal again
Seen it before, have it on DVD and still watched it tonight.
I saw it when it first came out in 2002, just introduced the series to a few friends last weekend (finished all eps + Serenity), and we STILL watched it today.
I finally watched the first 3 episodes today on Hulu – WOW, this show is pure awesome, great acting, great story/universe, and the effects hold up well today. This show needs to come back, Nathan Fillion should leave Castle now.
Also Jewel Staite (plays Kaylee) is one of the prettiest women I have seen on tv – yet another reason for this good quality show to come back – those morons at FOX screw up all the time
I was only aware of the Firefly series after its cancellation but I did not buy the DVD editions until I saw the movie on HBO and it was entertaining enough for me to buy the DVD editions. Never once did I regret buying the DVDs. The series is pure magic. No wonder it is cult fave for many years now. FOX really screwed the pooch here when it failed to promote this series and help it find its audience.
Same Here + three DVD/Blu-Ray versions of Serenity.
I was too tired to multi-task like a normally do watching TV. It was a pleasure to watch every second and listen to the dialog.
What amazes me is that FOX was stupid enough to run “The Train Job” as the first episode and save the 2 hour pilot until after they had killed the show.
The first two hours might be the most perfect pilot / opening episode ever. Not a wasted shot, or line of dialog and each character was fully formed and well cared for by the cast.
The one good thing about Firefly’s short life is we never got a season of “We have to write something” or a time when the network demanded they add a blond in a silver jumpsuit, what we do have is pure. There is not a bad episode and the story line was brought to a brilliant poignantnent end in “Serenity”
This was the “Friday Night Lights” of Sci Fi.. if TV execs had grown up on the outer worlds vs playing HS football, maybe someone would have given them more time.
But what we have on DVD and Blu-Ray is a perfect instance of what can happen when talented acting meets exceptional storytelling. I have the DVDs and 3 copies of Serenity.. but will be watching each week.. just to say thank you to Science for honoring the vision.
Very eloquently put. Thank you
If Firefly were to come back, should it be retconned to ignore the feature film and bring Wash back?
There is no determined time between serenity and objects in space so they could get away with continuing with wash and book.
Unfortunately, in Serenity, the movie, Mal does state a timeline. While talking to Simon, he let’s slip that the Tams have been on Serenity eight months.
I’ve seen it all, but for those who haven’t…SPOILER ALERT!
Definately!!! There should be a short intro showing Mal and Wash and them telling us they decided Wash should come back. Adn as the Captain always gets his way, Wash comes back. Now, off-screen you would hear Shepard Book say “Hey, what about me?” and Mal says “You don’t need to come back; we need to kill at least one character off or it won’t be realistic. There’s a crime drama looking for a lead. I’ll get you my agents’ number.”
… then Wash woke up and it was all a dream.
Shiny!
Dan: I really, really love your plan.
Hellz yes I’ll keep watching! Browncoats forever!
I didn’t see it when it first came on television and didn’t discover the film until AFTER it was on DVD and I am so upset to know that I am one of the ones that probably caused it to be canceled simply by not knowing it existed. Thanks FOX for your poor job of advertising a fantastic show and not giving it a chance to succeed. Way to go. I’d watch it on the Science Channel just to give it better ratings, but I don’t even get the Science Channel.
I agree completely as the same thing happened to me.
I’m an oldster, but bought all the series and movie off of iTunes. Happily watching them every once in awhile, over and over and over.
My thoughts exactly. Thank you. Bring back Wash and give us more!
I’ve had the DVD since it came out, but will still watch this whenever it shows up on TV. All time favorite TV show.
I did too. It gets better everytime I see it.
I agree! I watched it all, have the DVD with never aired episodes, have both versions of movie Serenity and yes, I will watch it! Something about the characters, how they lived and why – just gets to you. I want to know them. LOVED it, still do!
Watch it on the Science Channel and remember just how good it was. Every member of the cast seemed to fit their role perfectly and the chemistry between them was unsurpassed. The characters were flawed, jaded, and vulnerable and were actually human. The spirit of the show was infused in each scene and you could tell that the show, if given time and love by the network, could have become the next Star Trek. It had so many possibilities, and it was so hard to see it canceled. It DESERVES to be on TV again. Firefly needs to be resurrected and have its stories told.
firefly just might be the show cancelled that had the most potential…i mean this thing could have literally gone ANYWHERE, to any planet, ever. the 13 episodes supplied on the DVD give us so much variety and humor and heart that i can’t help but think this thing could’ve lasted for 10 seasons. i have no doubt characters would have died off and others would take their place, but it would still be worth it. bring it back!
I completely agree! Fox could have made SO MUCH MONEY off Firefly if they let it develop. I mean, it could have become a franchise. And Joss and company could work around a few deaths creatively, no problem, if they bring Firefly back.
Firefly had the misfortune of, first and foremost, being on Fox during the 5 year period they cancelled just about everything and coming out in a pre-Lost world. If Firefly was launched 2004 or later it would have been huge. I did not watch Firefly until it was released on Netflix streaming last year and I was completely blown away by how good it is. Battlestar Galactica owes A LOT to Firefly in the way of style (mostly silent exteriors, zoom-ins, no aliens, religion still well-entrenched unlike Star Trek). It just hurts my heart to think how ahead of its time Firefly was. Too common a story for the geniuses ahead of the curve, misunderstood by their contemporaries.
Again, I know I get it from fans but always thought this was a bit overrated. Great cast, fun stories but in no way is this one of the ten greatest sci-fi series ever. A fun series but not some watershed moment for television.
Some things just take an ability to appreciate the language and craft. If you are not a reader of literature.. you will not understand the brilliance of the dialog. If you think CSI is geat TV you will not get the depth of the acting.. anyone who does not realize that Kalie opening the box of strawberries and eating one is one of the most sensual moments of acting.. will just see cowboys in space.. so sad glad I am not you.
You kind of sound like one of those Lost fans who proclaimed to the bitter end that people who didn’t think the show was the best thing in the history of ever are brainless simpletons. I appreciated the “language and craft” and I am a “reader of literature”, but I didn’t like that Joss’s characters don’t talk like real people, that Kaylee was adorable to the point of obnoxious, and River could have served the same purpose if she was a locked briefcase. It’s a taste thing. You are not more sophisticated or enlightened. lol.
Wow, ed, get over yourself. I have a B.A. cum laude in English and a graduate degree. I think I’ve cracked a book or two in my day. I checked out the first DVD from the library and tried to watch it last week, and it just didn’t grab me. Sometimes that happens. The enjoyment of art, whether it’s cinema, paintings, photography, music or television, is subjective. There’s no need to be snotty.
Um, Joss’s characters talk like me and i’m pretty sure I’m real people.
What do real people talk like in the future? I guess you can’t deal with Shakespeare either. Kaylee is Kaylee why should she be what you want, you didn’t write her or act her. There are some really wonderful things going on below each of these characters, it is best enjoyed by people who don’t assume it should be different.
When you think about the marketing that has gone behind building Trekers and Star Wars fans, and how spontanious the support for Firefly has been.. it indicates how great the show was, canceled mid season by bad TV execs and it still affects people.
Like in “Blade Runner”, language will muddle many into one. Heck isn’t that what (American) English is anyway?
So bummed–I forgot it was on tonight. That’s all right, I’ll pull out my copies and enjoy at my leisure. Love Fillion, Love Joss, and I LOVE Firefly!
I will definitely watch while still wishing in there was more than one season!
Before folks start begging more for a “Firefly” revival, I point out how disastrous Joss’ “Buffy Season 8″ comic book series was and maybe it’s better off left alone.
Is that why season 8 is still being made?
Season 8 wasn’t disastrous. They’re making a season 9. You shouldn’t make up facts.
disastrous means only the faithful are still buying. most casual fans jumped ship. but, season 9 looks promising and might fix many of the problems people had with season 9.
Own it on DVD but will still be turning in. I am loving all this Firefly resurgence! Yay!
I actually think both Firefly and Castle qualify as “charming fluff”, to use Tucker’s words.
Best episode of Castle is the one where Fillion dresses up as a ‘space cowboy’ for Halloween.
Firefly is fluff? Perhaps, but do keep watching – you may change your mind!
Personally I have found FF holds up very well in repeated viewings while Castle – not so much.
Seems like Firefly is getting some great PR – On Community, there was a Firefly mention and now this! Fingers crossed!
Too bad it’s a decade too late.
Decade too late? Really?
No, really?
You must be too young to remember Star Trek, TOS…in syndication for 10 years before finally making the jump to the big screen, which in turn inspired its return to TV…and the rest, as they say, is history.
This is the second ew article in a couple of weeks that teases fans with headlines implying the show is somehow being returned to the air, brought back. Please stop this kind of misleading stuff.
I knew it was misleading but others who are less up on TV stuff and may perhaps be unaware of Fillion’s new gig could be fooled.
It’s obvious you lack the capacity to be a “possibility thinker”.
EW, KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB OF SPREADING THE MEME!
Actually, “Serenity” *was* filmed as the 2-hour pilot, but didn’t air as such. Fox aired The Train Job as the pilot instead. They actually aired “Serenity” as 2 separate episodes 11th and 12th in the series. Complete idiots.
Actually they didn’t air “Serenity”(the pilot ep.) as a two parter. It was aired after the cancellation and was aired as a full two hour episode.
I recorded it and I held on to that tape for months before I finally let it go.
Didn’t know about the Browncoat community at all until a couple of years later. Didn’t know anyone else that was a fan back then.
I have the series on shiny Blu-Ray. I’m good.
I love it but would rather watch the DVDS without the commercials
I have only ever bought 2 television series for DVD: “Dead Like Me” (Utterly brilliant) and “Firefly” (Equally brilliant).
It would be really nice to think that something of such depth was actually coming back. Alas, it’s not to be.
Two fantastic series! Its too bad about that Dead Like Me movie they made, though. It just wasn’t the same without Rube.
Never say never. Fillion floating the idea that he’d be willing to play Mal again was but one of the bricks falling into place. There will be others. All that’s required is persistence of vision…Something Whedon is particularly good at.
That, and finding a way to bring Wash back. I can’t imagine the show without him.
lol Me too! And I believe Firefly may be the greatest thing ever written for TV, great characters, wonderfull stories, and awsume premise. It was smart too, episodes like objects in space where riddeled with layers of hidden genius.
“Whedon was typically bold, nervy, and intelligent about wanting to create something different,” + he added a lot of his own “innovations, from the presence of a freakishly gifted, powerful, yet vulnerable character”
Oh please, he cribbed a lot of this from the TV show Outlaw Star. Rain’s introduction is a scene by scene recreation of Melfina’s introduction. Nothing innovative about what Joss did, except ripping of a Japanese cartoon most people in the US don’t know exist. Firefly is possibly the most overrated show at EW and the on the internet.
Yes, that’s all Joss does: cribs from other sources. LOL. While I don’t it was innovating and groundbreaking, Firefly was much more than you take it for. You didn’t like it, move on.
“Firefly is possibly the most overrated show at EW and the on the interent.”
Nothing like a little hyperbole to make your point, right Jake? I think you could really bring it home if you edit it to read: “Firefly is possibly the most overrated show that has ever been or will ever be created on this or any other world.”
If you’re going to make angry, over-the-top statements, why not shoot for the stars!!
Better yet, if you don’t like the show, don’t say anything at all!
BETTER still, if you don’t like the show, shoot yourself in the head!
Educated people know that there are only a few REAL original story lines. That most of what we watch can be said to be cribbed from Shakespear or the Bible etc. Star Wars is Cribbed from 1950′s Sci-Fi and The Wizard of OZ Its always funny to see someone who discover this reality and get upset. There are some simularities to Outlaw Star, this is the point where a mature person appreciates the respect that comes from taking a good idea and making it take life in a new form for more people to enjoy, vs throwing a hissy fit.
Aaaand cue the joyless contrarian nerdboy to scoff at things people like.
“and the on the internet.”
You lapsed into some sort of stroke there, pally.
I’ve always thought that one of Whedon’s main inspiration’s for Firefly was Robert A. Heinlein’s classic YA SF novels of the 50′s and 60′s. I recently re-read a couple of them and it’s amazing how many of Firefly’s concepts and ideas can be traced back to those unassuming books.
I disagree. Go back and rewatch Outlaw Star. Yes, there are simularities but there are different underlying themes.