From the over-cramped imagination of Joss Whedon, comes the genre-blending sci-fi/adventure/action/comedy/space western, Firefly, so named after the type of spaceship that acts as a transporter, a place of refuge and a getaway vehicle from many an unsmooth heist. Its crew a bunch of outlaws who do everything they can to piss-off and evade those in power, which becomes all the more important as they harbour the universe’s biggest fugitives – and whose secrets could cost them everything.
Opening with a battlefield set on a distant planet, a universe is presented where humans have stretched forth and multiplied, but the divide of rich versus poor has never been greater. The tension high, the risks stupid and the justifications oh so justly, even as our group of thieves and smugglers commit daylight robbery – but really it’s just an act of freedom and rebellion against those who seek to cement their control – the Alliance.
But not to worry, the leader of our cowboy gang Malcom “Mal” Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) loves nothing more than butting heads, and kicking the Alliance’s ass – when he can that is, although he has a healthy dose of good to bad luck and so it’s not always smooth sailing. Despite having the tough and steady Zoë (Gina Torres) – his second-in-command – pointing out the actual realism of their plans and with such brilliant wit, the jobs still go horribly wrong, to only sometimes okay. Piloting the ship (and husband to Zoë) is Wash (Alan Tudyk), his personality like the kids that never left J.M.Barrie’s Neverland, or at least his mind didn’t. Next is Jayne (Adam Baldwin) a hot-headed bull who goes about destroying the China shop, without realising he ever went in there. Keeping the ship running is the mechanic Kaylee (Jewel Staite) who’s a breath of fresh air to TV’s male-dominated engineers. Last, but by no means least, is the graceful Inara (Morena Baccarin) who’s position as a companion is highly-esteemed; providing comfort, support and well, more to their clients.
Covering their criminal tracts, the crew decide to take on passengers, for after all it makes them look legit, and with this in walks Shepherd Book (a preacher), who has a chequered past – or at least hints of it with specific skills and insight. Book is played by the spectacular Ron Glass who adds a new dimension to the crew, and, in a worthy side note, has a magnetic voice that just demands your attention. Another mentionable passenger is the quiet, but snobby Dr. Simon Tam (Sean Maher), who’s hiding a secret the Alliance is set on getting back – and at any cost. Without revealing spoilers, actress Summer Glau does a fantastic job of presenting the crew’s last character; a multi-faceted, scared, hurt girl, whose insurmountable strength is just waiting to be brought out – a must watch.
In having such a wealth of personalities crammed onto a tiny ship, no one is meek in voicing their opinions, with arguments being as common as saying hello – often escalating into a case of who can bang their fists the loudest, which Mal just about does. In this and in many ways, there is a similarity to the Guardians of the Galaxy crew; they’re a bit inept, things turn out more by chance than skill, and though they pick on each other they have a genuine feel of family.
Interestingly, an inspiration for the show was The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara, the historical novel being set around the Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War. This explains the first episode’s civil war setting, but in an interesting change of angle it explores the ramifications of those who fought for freedom but lost instead. The repercussions of such following the crew and those living in poverty as they struggle to move forward with their days, especially with the constant reminders of Alliance’s tightening net.
The characters of Firefly have many tales to tell, their adventures full and with more than enough layers to splinter off from – such as “reavers” who make cannibals look like gentlemen. Unfortunately the series was cancelled prematurely at season one, before becoming a cult classic and causing thousands upon thousands of signatures requesting a sequel. And though it’s now been too long for this, a film was produced instead; Serenity – which acts as a sequel and conclusion to the show (there’s also some graphic novels filling the gaps). This goes someway to show how good the series is, further evidenced by rave reviews and audience ratings, and no, I’m not being paid to sing their praises – I would totally do it for free.
Creator: Joss Whedon
Other notable works:
- Avengers: Age of Ultron 2015
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D 2013-2020
- Avengers Assemble 2012
- The Cabin in the Woods 2011
- Serenity 2005
- Titan A.E. 2000
- Angel 1999-2004
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer 1997-2003
- Toy Story 1995
