Reviewing Firefly: Cult TV Show
Joss Whedon Browncoats' Serenity Movie Success with Fox Series
May 23, 2008
Firefly
Acclaimed writer Joss Whedon, of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame, turned his hand to sci-fi in this cult TV classic. Although failing dismally when on the FOX network, resulting in cancellation after only 14 episodes (of which just 11 were aired), there appears to be more to Firefly than originally meets the eye. Following on from the success of Family Guy, where massive DVD sales convinced network executives to authorise another series, with profitable results, Firefly’s future depended on its DVD sales. Whilst these proved to be substantial enough to encourage further investment, news emerged that there would be no second season. Instead fans (nicknamed Browncoats) were to be appeased by a movie, Serenity.
Overview
A viewer who knows the series solely through the DVD would find himself hard-pressed to explain the reasons for FOX’s distaste of the show. Witty, clever and different, Firefly features the nine-man crew of a spaceship, set 500 years in the future. Continually struggling to survive, and morally flexible, the team undertake any job, legal or otherwise. With enough action to keep casual viewers satisfied, as well as complex and detailed characters, Firefly would seem to constitute one of the stronger shows on FOX’s range. However, the series was aired out of order, thrusting the audience into the thick of the action without any introduction. Indeed the pilot episode, also named Serenity, was broadcast last, thoroughly confusing the intrepid viewers who had stuck with the show. This was coupled by FOX continually changing the timeslot of the show, making it harder for those viewers who did wish to follow the show to actually find it.
Browncoats
Firefly’s success comes mainly from the Browncoat movement, which has tirelessly worked to promote and praise the show. That is where Firefly’s great hope for either another series or a second movie comes from. As opposed to most cancelled shows’ fan bases, which start strong then die away, the Browncoats have only increased in number. A small but noisy group, they have succeeded in vastly augmenting the number of those who follow the programme.
Controversy
As the man who created the definitive powerful female in Buffy, Whedon is claimed by many to be one of the most obvious feminists around. This has led to controversy as Firefly has been attacked as being far more misogynist. The concept of having a (white) male captain (played by Nathan Fillion) command a (black) female subordinate (Gina Torres) has sparked angry protests by radical feminists. A second concern has been the character of Inara, the so-called ‘happy hooker’. Inara is a ‘companion’ (Whedon’s term for a cultured and elite prostitute who has chosen her calling), and is presented as the most civilised and socially acceptable member of the crew. However, her character becomes a tool with which to decry the show in the hands of those who dislike it.
Conclusion
Future success of Firefly is unlikely, with Whedon busy with a new project, Dollhouse, and the cast having moved on to new pastures. However, the tightly-knit crew all admit their vast respect for Joss and have all spoken of their love for the show. Should Whedon be given a second chance then it is unlikely that any of his actors would stay away. Whilst the chances seem slim, the Browncoats are holding out for their miracle.
